The Friday Letter | November 10, 2017

The

Accounting Tip for the week:

Please review your time before Manager’s approval

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Adaptive Paddling Workshop This past month, Outdoor Recreation Specialists Chad Moore and Max Duggins participated in a 3-day Adaptive Paddling Workshop in Cullowhee, NC. The training was provided by Adaptive Expeditions out of Charleston, SC, and drew participants from across the United States, Canada, and even China. They practiced essential safety techniques and learned ways to adapt kayaking programs for people with physical disabilities. Chad and Max will use this training to provide adaptive kayak programs through McDowell and Latta Plantation Nature Centers.

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Natural Resources Section: Herbarium Contributions Recently, the Mecklenburg County Herbarium enjoyed a visit from Rebekah Reid of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rebekah is responsible for the listing and recovery of endangered plants and lichens, including species found in Mecklenburg County. To assist with decisions about funding and protection for local species, Rebekah visited the herbarium to compile records for Georgia aster, Schweinitz’s sunflower, and other rare plants. Rebekah also spoke with staff about current monitoring efforts and data trends in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area. We were happy to contribute to the ongoing efforts of USFWS to preserve and protect rare plants in our area. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation – Natural Resources Section continues to be an important partner in plant conservation for our county and the southern Piedmont .

Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), one of the species that occurs in Mecklenburg County, currently being studied by the USFWS.

Mecklenburg County Herbarium • Part of the James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies, located at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.

• Home to over 45,000 dried, pressed plant specimens, including many important records of past and present plant life in the southern Piedmont.

• A hub of volunteer activity from Central Carolinas Master Naturalists, two retired UNC Charlotte professors, several UNC Charlotte alumni, and Western Carolina University students.

• An important resource for plant identification, planting plan and seed mix recommendations for both the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services.

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Get girls outdoors at Latta Plantation Nature Center!

After noticing a distinct lack of girls in their outdoor programming, the staff at Latta Plantation Nature Center decided to take action and formed the Girls’ Outdoor Adventure Club. The club, which meets every Tuesday from 3:305:30pm, is a safe space for young girls to come together and explore the great outdoors at their own pace. Each week, the club members decide which activities they’d like to try that day, from fishing to hiking or even kayaking on Mt. Island Lake! The girls are given opportunities to explore the entire nature preserve and are even given special access behind the scenes of the nature center.

So far, they’ve tumbled through an outdoor obstacle course, splashed around in the lake, and even taken selfies with a box turtle! If you know a girl who would benefit from and enjoy this chance for an outdoor adventure, you can sign up by calling the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 980-314-1129 or check us out online at www.ParkandRec.com .

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Protecting the Georgia Aster: A Partnership in Conservation When the purple blooms of Georgia Aster appear each October, Natural Resources staff are there to count them. Georgia Aster is listed as a threatened species in North Carolina. It is also a candidate for listing on the federal endangered species list. With numerous other high priority species in need of federal listing, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked to establish a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) that would formalize a cooperative effort to monitor and protect this species throughout its range. In May 2014, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation signed on as a partner in the CCA. In this third year of the CCA, the use of standardized federal monitoring protocol was initiated to ensure that data collection is consist among each of the partner agencies and organizations.

The fall blooms of the Georgia Aster can be found only in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. It occurs mostly in the piedmont region, where it once thrived in meadow and prairie-like habitats, as well as in open sun-lit forests that were widespread at the time of European settlement.

Development and landscape changes have greatly reduced the amount of suitable habitat and it now occurs mostly along roadside edges and in power line rights-of-way. Populations of this rare species occur in five of our Mecklenburg County nature preserves.

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program The Central Carolinas Master Naturalist (CCMN) Program is now accepting applications for the 2018 Basic Training Course! Classes will be on Thursday each week from March 8 – May 31, 2018. Participants will learn about local birds, insects, plants, geology, and many more natural resource related topics. Park and Recreation employees are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is December 8, 2017. To apply, complete and submit the CCMN Application Form located on the CCMN Program web page at https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/GetInvolved/Pages/ CCMN.aspx.

Community & Recreation Centers Revolution Park Sports Academy: Home School Fitness Home School Fitness has resumed at Revolution Park Sports Academy. Movement and play are the key to maintaining an active childhood. This program incorporates a brief exercise routine, along with games and activities that will keep your child moving for a full 60 minutes! Class meets every Monday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, and it only costs $1.00!!

For more information, contact Revolution Park Sports Academy at 980-314-1116, or visit www.parkandrec.com to register.

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Recreation Center—Senior Nutrition Monday through Friday, Senior Nutrition meets from 10am-12pm at Mallard Creek Recreation Center- always eager to catch up with friends and get active with their community. In honor of Veterans day, our seniors decided to give back to their community in a way that has touched our hearts. They hand knitted scarfs and hats for our fellow veterans to prepare for this colder weather coming in. Great job ladies, thank you for giving back to our community. Happy Veterans Day! For more information: CALL 980-314-1121 or email mallardcreekrecreationcenter@Mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Arbor Glen Outreach Center: 25th Annual Career and Health Fair On Thursday November 2nd, The Arbor Glen Outreach Center hosted the Charlotte Area Fund’s 25th Annual Career and Health Fair. With local employers ready to hire qualified candidates, this was a special opportunity for residents to bring their resume, and come dressed to impress for onsite interviews. The event hosted fifty vendors to include educational workshops for background checks / expungements, financial planning, job readiness, nutrition, health screenings, a community resource station, food demonstrations, free giveaways and door prizes.

For additional information about this and other programs, email ArborGlenOutreachCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov, or call 980-314-1110.

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Northeast Middle School Health & Wellness Fair On Friday October 20, 2017 Albemarle Road Recreation Center was a featured vendor at Northeast Middle School Health & Wellness Fair. With the current epidemic of inactivity and the associated epidemic of obesity, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Albemarle Road Recreation Center are committed to providing programs and platforms to combat these challenges. Staff was able to provide detailed information about ARRC’s location, hours of operation, and programs offered that promote health, wellness, & fitness. Staff was also on hand to demonstrate fun & easy games that students and teachers could engage in that contribute and foster health & wellbeing. ARRC was honored to participate in this event and looks forward to continuing the cooperation between ARRC and Northeast MS. For more information about programs at Albemarle Road Recreation Center Contact 980-314-1101 or email AlbermarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Family Fall Festival A joyful gym of family fun took place on Thursday, October 19th during the annual Fall Festival at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center. The event featured face painting, bowling, bike riding, basketball shooting, corn hole toss, arts & crafts, NFL Experience football run, photo session, table tennis, refreshments and treat bags. Several participants enjoyed the costume contests and winning prizes. A special thanks to Ebenezer Baptist Church Cub Pack 67 and the Sugaw Creek YWCA for their ongoing support.

For upcoming programs and activities contact Sugaw Creek Recreation Center at 980-314-1124 or email us at SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Seniors Attend the Bette Rae Panthers Pep Rally On Tuesday October 24th, twenty-one of the Mallard Creek Seniors attended the Panthers Pep Rally at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center. The seniors where able to join in on cheers with the Silver Fox Senior Cheerleaders as well as meet two of the Carolina Panthers Defensive Players, Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Adams. The Seniors sported their Panther pride by wearing their Panther gear and cheering for their team. After the pep rally the seniors enjoyed participating in the Senior Nutrition Program at Bette Rae and even got a few autographs from the visiting players.

For more information about programs like this and other programs at Mallard Creek Recreation Center pleased call 980-314-1121 or email us at MallardCreekRecreationCenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center- 2nd Annual Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat are here!

On October 30th, Hickory Grove hosted its 2nd Annual Fall Fest from 5-7pm for the community to enjoy some fun games, crafts and of course some good music to celebrate the season and all that it might bring. Last year’s turnout was well over 100 people and we are expecting to have hundreds more for our second go round! We will of course have our special guest like SpongeBob, Minions and of course Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come out and play with us.

And after all that fun on the 30th of October, we had our Trunk and Treat on October 31st in the parking lot from 6-7:30pm. Our surrounding Home Owner Associations have been very receptive and wanting to help in any capacity. So, if you are free and have nothing to do, you should definitely stop by the Grove next week and have some fun with us!

For more information, please contact the Hickory Grove Recreation Center at 980-314-1122 or send us a email at HickoryGroveRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov And don’t forget to check out www.ParkAndRec.com for other more fun activities county wide!

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Basketball Camp Fifteen youth ranging in ages from 6-17 attended basketball camp this past week at Ivory/Baker. The campers enjoyed Coach Ali’s instructional drills and conditioning. Even a couple of our regular student visitors to the center participated in the camp when they normally opt out of basketball programs. Coach Ali is awesome at engaging the youth! The camp is free and the last session is next Thursday. Come learn some basic fundamentals of basketball and improve your game!

For more information about our programs, please call 980-314-1112 or email: IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center Day Trip to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: Chinese Lantern Festival Participants attended the Chinese Lantern Festival. They entered the world of “Wild� life as they toured the life size animals from the seven continents. Participants were marveled as they watched the Kung Fu shows. Additionally, there were food trucks where participants were able to enjoy an assortment of foods.

They finished up the tour by purchasing souvenirs.

For more information about upcoming programs at Tyvola Senior Center contact us at 980.314.1320 or TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Ray’s Splash Planet Ray’s Splash Planet kicked off Halloween Weekend with its annual Carnival and Haunted Tour this past Saturday. The gymnasium housed a fun and festive carnival for the heroes, princesses and even dinosaurs of all ages with Boo-ling, Graveyard Golf, Face-Painting and much more! To add to the fun, Irwin Academic School halls were filled with ghosts and ghouls leading the way for 20+ Haunted Tours with freaks and frights around every corner.

With the facility’s Splash Park and Fitness Areas temporarily closed for maintenance, this event could not have happened without a great CMS partnership, support from other CRCS facilities and the help of wonderful volunteers!

The Splash Park and Fitness areas are set to re-open Spring 2018, but the Gymnasium is still open for programs. The Free Swim Lessons program will also continue at West Charlotte High School. The next registration event will take place Tuesday, November 7th from 5:30-7:00pm at West Charlotte Recreation Center.

For progress updates and program information, visit www.rayssplashplanet.com or email rayssplashplanet@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: Carolina Panthers Senior Pep Rally On Tuesday October 24, 2017, the Carolina Panthers along with Riley Fields, Director of Community Relations, players Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Adams treated the Senior Participants in the SCNP programs to an exciting Pep Rally!

SCNP program sites from the County (Bette Rae Thomas, Southview, Tyvola, Shamrock, Mallard Creek and West Charlotte), all had their participants attend the event, that was held at the Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center. There were more than 200 people that attended and the crowd was treated to performances by the Silver Foxes (Senior Cheerleading Squad), Sir Purr himself, as well as a demonstration by the Senior Pickleball Club. The players spent a few hours with the groups while joining them in table games such as Spades, Dominoes and even some competitive Pickleball. The Pep Rally was a huge success and was enjoyed by all involved!

For more information about programs and activities at the Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, contact us at 980-314-1111 or email BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers Halloween Costume Bingo Night Sponsored by Waltonwood Cotswold Participants came together for fun and fellowship as they engaged in the social game bingo. They were able to take home cozy prizes all sponsored through Waltonwood Cotswold. It was an exciting evening as the participant impressed their peers with their amazing costumes.

For more information about upcoming programs at Tyvola Senior Center contact us at 980.314.1320 or TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers TR: Monster Mash Dance On Friday October 20th, the Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services hosted their annual Monster Mash dance. The competition was fierce for the costume contest this year, and it was difficult to pick the best! Thanks to the help of some wonderful volunteers, everyone had a frightfully good time in the haunted house and we look forward to doing it again next year!!

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Wellness Experience Health Fair It was a lively day at Shamrock Senior Center last Wednesday as we hosted our first annual Wellness Experience Health Fair. This health fair brought agencies together in one room all for the sole purpose to enhance senior’s lives in our community. This educational and interactive event allowed agencies to provided free screenings and educational tools on all aspects of health, wellness, fitness and lifestyle improvements. The event was a great opportunity for the participants to learn about different types of assistance and help that they may or may not have known about before. We would like to thank all the agencies for participating, volunteers for helping and the over 80 seniors in the community for coming and learning more about the health options in the Charlotte area!

For more information about upcoming programs and events contact us at 704.531.9101 or ShamrockSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Start Smart Flag Football Berewick Recreation Center staff concluded another exciting program of Start Smart Flag Football last week. The children, ages 3-5 years, went through 6 weeks of learning the football fundamentals such as: catching, throwing or passing the football, as well as pulling the flag off their opponent in order to stop the play. The children and parents really seemed to enjoy themselves over the course of the program. Participants received a medal at the end of their 6 weeks.

For more information about our programs, contact staff by coming to the office or at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: 6 and Under Soccer Concludes The Berwick Recreation Center 6 and under soccer team will complete their season this Saturday. This young group had an amazing season learning team work and the basic fundamentals of soccer. All of them are looking forward to basketball which starts Nov.1st. All soccer participates received a trophy at the end of the program.

For more information on youth sports and other program please contact staff at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Partners with Learn to Ride Event This past Saturday, Berewick Rec. Center partnered with Learn to Ride and provided an event that was fun and educational for all those who attended. Learn to Ride was a free program for children of all ages to learn the skills of riding a bicycle. Hundreds attended from the community, some bringing their own bikes as others borrowed bicycles from the vendor. Plus, with the many children, who were playing their last soccer games, also attended this enjoyable program.

For more information about our programs, contact staff by coming to the office or at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Afterschool Gets Active October at Berewick Rec. Center offered a new afterschool program called Be Active for children ages 5-12 years to get moving and “be active.” This program was led by our Recreation Assistant, David Santos as he presented the children to play non-traditional activities such as pickleball, table tennis, and badminton, plus some traditional activities like relay races, volleyball, soccer, tag, basketball, and much more for the 3 weeks. Not only did this program get the children to “Be Active,” but it also taught them teamwork, cooperation skills, no matter what activity you are doing, you are still being active and having fun!

For more information about our upcoming afterschool programs, contact staff by coming to the office or at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: PumpkinFest & StoryWalk® This past weekend MHRC held its first annual PumpkinFest & StoryWalk® program for youth ages 2-12. We were proud to have 30 enrolled participants for this first time program and not only were the kids in for a surprise but so were we! This was our second StoryWalk® and this time around, we featured Room on the Broom. To go along with the great story telling and walking adventure, the kids were provided with cosplay materials. Arts & crafts activities included monster popsicle stick characters such as ghosts, Frankenstein and scarecrows as well as pumpkin painting. Along with the arts & crafts, there were several carnival games including our “Ghost Shooters” game where we had to pull a couple dads away from, who seemed to be re-living their youth. Between the “Punch-A-Pumpkin” mystery prize pumpkin, the candy corn guessing scarecrow jars and best costume contest, tons of prizes were given away including a Crayola gift basket and Charlotte Hornets game tickets. The highlight of the event had to be our best costume contest winner who literally transformed and rolled out with his one-of-a-kind homemade Optimus Prime costume. We look forward to another great turnout at the Holiday “Treat Tree” Ornament Making preschool program in December.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact MethodistHomeRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1123.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: 6U Soccer Banquet The NRDC Fury Soccer Team got together to celebrate the season as a family.

The parents provided the team with a light snack: pizza, chips, juice, and cupcakes; a meal for champions. Rec. Specialist, Kevin George, presented the team with their trophies for their accomplishments thus far and we had a great time honoring Coach Brandon Hargrove of our team for a job well done this season.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1100.

Community & Recreation Centers “Kylie” the Therapy Dog Visits Shamrock Senior Center Last Friday, the participants at Shamrock had the pleasure of meeting Kylie the therapy dog. Kylie is a five year old White Shepherd mix. Her prior family had an unfortunate set of events take place that required them to relinquish her, which Kylie was entered into the Echo Dogs White Shepherd rescue program. This program finds White Shepherd dogs who are in need of rescue, transports them to foster families who then vet and train the dogs so they can be adopted into new permanent families. After Kylie’s adoption, her current owner had her certified as a therapy dog, where she is able to go out in the community and volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and recreation centers. The main goal of therapy dogs is to improve the lives of other people. Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. Service dogs are specially trained to preform specific tasks to help a person with a disability. Kylie brought excitement and joy into the senior center this week. Typically, as individuals grow older, their needs change and it is harder to care for an animal the way they would like to. Having opportunities like these for our seniors to engage with animals really does improve their moods which in return makes the senior center a more enjoyable place for them to be.

For more information about upcoming programs and events contact us at 704.531.9101 or ShamrockSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Into The Wild Afterschool Program The Tom Sykes Into the Wild afterschool program had a special visit from some friends this week. Our kids were introduced to turtles, snakes and other critters as they learned about habitats, food and other exciting animal topics! This program is every Thursday at 2:30pm thru November 9th. We would like to thank McDowell Nature Center for taking the time to partner with us and our kids.

For more information about our programs here at Tom Sykes, call us at 980-314-1113 or email us at TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Boo Bash Camp Tom Sykes Recreation Center hosted its first Boo Bash Camp on Monday, October 30th to keep kids having a blast while out of school during this spooky time of year. Pictured below are photos from Hunter Family Farm where we traveled to during the day! Participants received an education in corn products and processing of items from the farm, got to feed and pet a variety of farm animals, and also a cow milking demonstration! Later on in the day the kids who wore costumes strutted down a “bloody runway� to show off their outfits. Everyone had a great time and were ready for the next out of school day with us!

For more information about our programs here at Tom Sykes, call us at 980-314-1113 or email us at TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Winget Recreation Center: Basketball Season Kickoff The Winget Recreation Site kicked off its first week of team Basketball practices.

Team Winget is off to a good start this basketball season, as of this week Winget became the home of 8 teams ranging from ages 5-12 years. Winget staff and Volunteer Coach Kevin Scott lead a host of drills with the players during practice. Parents expressed excitement about engaging in Youth Sports activities in their community and look forward to supporting their young athletes this season. Let’s Go Winget!

For more information regarding Winget Programs and Youth Sports registration please contact Winget Recreation Center at (980) 314-1103 or email us @ WingetRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Elonween October Fest Elon Recreation Center’s October Fest, was a huge success. Families, from the surrounding neighborhood, spent their Halloween evening in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Elon staff created a haunted escape room for the parents and children to enjoy. Participants who dared to enter the room, were given five minutes to collect puzzle pieces and put them together before the ghost of Elon came to life. Needless to say, not very many participants were able to escape the room in time. Parents and children also enjoyed the many different games and relays, such as spooky walk (standing version of musical chairs) and Candy Corn Ring toss. Prizes were awarded to the best costumes. Those costumes were definitely a sight to see. Elon staff had an amazing time with the community and the community enjoyed their time with Elon staff.

For more information regarding programming and events, please contact us at ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or call 980-314-1103.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Elon has Something to Cheer About We got spirit yes we do, we got spirit how about you? Elon Recreation Center hosted a four week cheerleading clinic for youth ages five through thirteen.

During the clinic, participants learned the basic motions, cheers and chants that would make them successful. Participants not only learned that cheerleading is a team sport but a way to build long lasting friendships through adversity.

For more information regarding youth athletics and programming contact Elon Recreation Center 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Tennis Plus Fun Tennis is back at Elon Recreation Center! This time in a new after school program presented by Coach Juliana of Tennis Plus Fun. Come out and have a full hour of instructional learning the basics of tennis. Program days are split between Mondays K-2nd grades and Wednesdays 3rd – 5th grade.

For more information regarding youth athletics and programming, contact Elon Recreation Center 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Funky Fresh Fall Festival Fall came in with a Blast during our Funky Fresh Fall Festival. Our friends from Radio Station 92.7 dropped in and judged our costume contest. Kids, ages 3-12 years who came out from the community, were treated to music, games, face painting, 3-point contest and refreshments. There were also activities for the parents which included winning prizes along with obtaining valuable information on Health & Wellness and Credit Repair. This well-rounded event was enjoyed by all.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1100.

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek: Rec Mentee End of Year Project November marks the beginning of the Winter Holiday season. The weather is not the only thing that’s changing. It’s also time for our Rec Mentees to graduate from the Mecklenburg County Recreation Mentee program. Over the past 8 months, we’ve watched our mentees grow and evolve into young leaders who are already making a positive impact on our community. Last week, Sugaw Creek’s own Christian Reid completed his “Help The Homeless Project”, which is an initiative he’s been passionate about since day one of the Rec Mentee program. The goal of the Help the Homeless Project is to collect toiletries and warming items such as blankets, coats, sweaters and socks and pass them out to the less fortunate members of our community. Christian was able to gather over 7 giant bags of clothes and toiletries and donate them to local motels as well as the Men’s Shelter. What a great way to culminate his Rec Mentee experience!

The Rec Mentees will be graduating on Wednesday November 15, 2017.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities please contact SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1124

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Fall Festival Halloween is a day filled with costumes, fun, and goodies which happens every year on October 31st. If you didn’t attend our Fall Festival this past Halloween, you missed out! Ivory/Baker Recreation Center and First Baptist Church teamed up for this event for the community which consisted of free food, music, and fun! Children enjoyed getting their faces painted by our artistic staff. The festival was full of vampires, ghosts, ghouls, princesses, and superheroes! Throughout the night, everyone enjoyed the festivities, despite the chilly weather.

For more information about our programs, please call 980-314-1112 or email: IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Albermarle Road Recreation Center Partners with Trips for Kids Charlotte The woods of Mecklenburg County’s Colonel Francis Beatty Park in Matthews, NC was buzzing with the sounds of joyful youth riding the trails. Local kids were guided down the biking trails by instructors from Trip for Kids Charlotte along staff from both Albemarle Road and Sugaw Creek Recreation Centers this past Saturday. ARRC staff connected with the local non-profit, Trips for Kids Charlotte to bring some exciting and fun mountain biking outings to community members. Trip location, bikes, helmets, guides and transportation are provided by Trips for Kids Charlotte and Albemarle Road Recreation Center staff. With one monthly ride already completed, ARRC is seeking interested riders ages 9-15 to join us on future rides beginning in January 2018.

Want to ride with us? Contact Albemarle Road Recreation Center at (980) 314-1101 or email AlbemarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov for more information on this and other programs and activities.

Community & Recreation Centers Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center: The Bruns Playroom The participants of the Bruns Playroom program at Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center brought in the Fall season with a Fall Festival celebration! Bruns Playroom is a morning program at Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center where students from Bruns Academy (K-1st graders) spend their recess time with Recreation Specialist Akwari Roberson, Tuesday’s through Friday’s in the playroom. Students are introduced to new recreational activities followed by free play in the indoor playground. On Tuesday October 31st, 2017, participants enjoyed arts & crafts, music, popcorn, and several games along with their free play. Over 100 students were able to come celebrate the Fall season with us, and we’re looking forward to our winter celebration in December!

For more information about our programs, contact Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center at 980-314-1114, or email WallacePruittRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Adult Softball After posting a perfect 8-0 record during the regular season, top-seeded Straight Pimpin stormed through the double elimination bracket to face DB’s Tavern in the title game of the Men’s Div. II Championship at Berewick. After losing 17-7 in the 1st game, Straight Pimpin was doubled-up 24-12 in the rubber match giving second-seeded DB’s Tavern the crown.

For more information on our Adult Leagues, visit www.parkandrec.com or connect with us by email at AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or phone at 980-314-1117.

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Youth Sports - Flag Football: The 2017 youth flag football season ended Saturday, November 4th, at Veterans Park. Players in the 9-10 age group finished the season while competing in a single elimination tournament. Mallard Creek finished as undefeated league Champions, holding off the competitive Tom Sykes Wolfpack in a nail-biter. All season, spectators were encouraged to see great bonding, sportsmanship, and skill development within all age groups. Sign-ups for the 2018 season will take place next July.

For more information, email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (980) 314-1116.

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Youth Sports - Soccer: Saturday, November 4th brought conclusion to an exciting Fall 2017 youth soccer season. In the 10U Championship game, Marion Diehl proved to be too much in finishing an undefeated season, defeating Mallard Creek 4-0, in a game that played closer than the score indicates. Around the league, all of the coaches received great praise for their efforts, with noticeable growth being seen by all players and teams as a whole. We look forward to another great season next Fall, and would like to thank everyone involved.

For more information, email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (980) 314-1116.

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Grady Cole Center: Gay Bingo 2017 This Saturday, November 11th, come out to Grady Cole Center for the annual Gay Bingo Event. This year’s theme is “Phantom of the Bingo”. Enjoy the comedy of your hosts Barbara Burning Bush and Matt Harris as they guide us through an entertaining evening of fun and bingo. Doors open at 6:30PM and tickets are limited. Gay Bingo has raised close to a million dollars over the last 16 years to support the programs and services RAIN has provided the Charlotte community.

For tickets and information, please visit: https://www.gaybingocharlotte.org/

Grady Cole Center and American Legion Memorial Stadium For information on all upcoming events at the Grady Cole Center and American Legion Memorial Stadium, please visit us at: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Facilities/EventFacilities/Pages/Events.aspx

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS

Bill Bredin has recently joined the Park & Recreation team as a Recreation Supervisor. As a former-student-athlete, coach, game official, league executive, team manager, and facility operator, Bill brings a broad range of sports administration to our Youth Sports & Fitness section, which he hopes will help enhance the user experience of all participants. Bill's professional experiences include serving the National Hockey League as Manager of Scheduling & Operations, United States Hockey League as Deputy Commissioner, NFL Network as Broadcast Operations Coordinator, and Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL as VP & General Manager. From 2004 - 2017 he officiated DI NCAA Ice Hockey in the ECAC and WCHA conferences, and was selected to work the 2008 Frozen Four Tournament. Bill was a two sport (ice hockey and lacrosse) student-athlete at Merrimack College, where he received a BS in Business Administration and later served as an Assistant Coach. He has also earned a MS in Sports Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Bill is a native of New Jersey and recently relocated to Charlotte. Bill will work out of the Revolution Park Sports Academy.

Volunteer Services/Special Events Neighborhood Partners at Latta Park The dedicated Latta Volunteer Group, made up of residents of the Dilworth neighborhood surrounding Latta Park, have been coming together regularly since February, 2016. Their long-term goals are to upgrade the Park with new benches and a new amphitheater area, perform walkway repairs, erosion control, and more. Led by residents Ruth Ann Grissom and Nancy Nicholson, this group’s main focus so far has been to remove the thousands of invasive plants from wooded areas in this 32–acre park, and replant with native plants. On Saturday, November 4, the Latta Volunteer Group planted 230 native plants, which will encourage wildlife, and especially birds, to live and thrive in beautiful Latta Park!

THANK YOU to this hard-working neighborhood group…and THANK YOU to our own Tim Turton who works tirelessly to coordinate these efforts!

Volunteer Services/Special Events Grand Opening at Flat Branch Nature Preserve next week!

On Wednesday, November 15, we will host County officials, students from Polo Ridge Elementary School and community partners for the Grand Opening of the Flat Branch Nature Preserve! The festivities will begin at 10:00AM – Here we GROW again!

Flat Branch Nature Preserve is located in the South end of Mecklenburg County at: 11833 Tom Short Road, Charlotte, NC 28277

For more information about upcoming events when volunteers can help – or for help with requesting volunteers for YOUR event, project or program! - contact Lori Saylor, Karen Howard and Janet Whitley at VolunteerServices@MeckNC.gov

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

Recreate All Year!

Subscribe to the Park and Recreation E-Newsletter to learn of new and exciting way stop continue recreating during the spring and summer months. Subscribe to the Park and Recreation E-Newsletter to stay up to date on activities that may be available to you.

www.parkandrec.com Please submit all news for the Friday Letter to your Division Director for review and routing.

Park Partners may contact The Friday Letter Team at Richard . McNeill @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 7 • Issue 40 • November 3, 2017

CHARMECK ALERTS The CharMeck Alerts Notification System relays accurate and timely emergency notifications. You control how you’re contacted— whether it’s on your cell, work or home phone, via text, email or voice message. You can receive up-to-the-minute notifications about events and emergencies that may affect your home, workplace or other points of interest—anywhere in Mecklenburg County. Sign up here or call CharMeck 311. To receive CDOT-specific alerts, you must sign up for that item in the list.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Leadership Team Jim Garges, Director Michael Kirschman, Deputy Director Renea Barber, Human Resources Mario Chang, Budget Administration Lee Jones, Capital Planning Terri Stowers, Community and Recreation Center Services Peter Cook, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources