The Friday Letter | March 9, 2018

The

Accounting Tips for the week:

Immediately forward invoices to your manager or accounting, if you’re not paying with your P-card

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center: The Hangout!

Our teen group got a chance to do a little team building in order to better understand each other and how to work together collectively as a team. They struggled at first but quickly learned that you can accomplish more through understanding and cooperation. After the team bonding activities, we went outside to play some good old fashion kickball!

Please be on the look out to see what new activities these teens will be doing over the course of the year each month. For more information, please contact the Hickory Grove Recreation Center at 980-314-1122 or send us an email at HickoryGroveRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov Don’t forget to check out www.ParkAndRec.com for other more fun activities county wide.

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Growing Pains Mentoring Program This week the “Growing Pains” Mentoring Program talked about black inventor Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the traffic light. In relation to Garrett Morgan, the children played the prominent “Red-Light Green-Light” game. They also played a game by the name of Traffic Light Drama, which shows kids how to maneuver when they see traffic light signals. At the end of the program, participants were given a choice to create their own stoplight. This activity gave them the opportunity to use their creative minds to come with unique stoplights.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Seniors Connecting with Nature!

For the past couple of months, the seniors at Mallard Creek Recreation Center have been connecting with nature on several occasions! Starting with our new Senior Sowers program, over 30 seniors participated in the mini greenhouse project to grow parsley from seed. The program included seeding, germination, and eventual transplanting to egg cartons. Our Senior Sowers soaked the peat pellets in water to loosen the soil and placed them into the seed starter miniature green house. Next, they placed the seeds into the pellet, buried, and watered. The following weeks we have all enjoyed watching the plants sprout while enjoying the plentiful sunshine! In addition to their green thumbs, the seniors have been enhancing their bird watching skills by making bagel bird feeders. These feeders consisted of bagels coated in Crisco, dipped in bird seed, and hung from our Senior Tree. The birds must have been hungry because in three days they were almost all gone! The craft was followed by a brief description of a common North Carolinian bird, the Eastern Towhee, and its characteristics, feeding patterns, and bird calls. Our seniors will continue to connect with nature in future bird watching programs and at our next Senior Sowers class in which we will be growing thyme.

For more information about the Senior program or to get an application for the program, please contact the Mallard Creek Recreation Center at 980-314-1121 or MallardCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: The place to be!!!

The last two weeks at Albemarle Road Recreation Center have been nothing short of amazing. The ARRC 10u Burgess Basketball team, undefeated throughout the regular season, won the countywide tournament. Also, the first ever African American head football coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference and former head coach of the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts stop by to speak to a group of teenagers at an end of season celebration. And to top it off, at large County Commissioner Trevor Fuller was a part of a Black History Program. The Albemarle Road Recreation is one of the hottest centers in the county.

For more information on upcoming youth, teens, and senior programming, contact us today at 980-314-1101.

Community & Recreation Centers West Charlotte: Free Movement Dance Artistry (FDMA) Dance is an excellent way to keep children in shape and active while engaging their creative talents. Free Movement Dance Artistry offers a variety of dance classes for boys and girls ages 2-18 years old. FMDA performed during halftime for our 6U youth basketball games here at West Charlotte Recreation Center.

The girls had 3 wonderful performances and we are very proud of all the performers!

For more information about our programs here at West Charlotte Recreation Center, call us at 980-314-1120 or email us at WestCharlotteRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Lil’ Ray Program Each Tuesday participants between the ages of 2 -4 gather at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center from 10am – 12pm. This week our Lil’ Ray Program participants enjoyed the CC2N Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt, Story time with Sugaw Creek Library, Arts & Crafts and gym time.

For additional program information call us at (980) 414-1124 or email us at SugawCreekRecreationCenter@mecknc.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Volunteers Working in the Garden As we have shared before, our volunteers are an extremely vital part of Shamrock Senior Center. Without volunteers, Shamrock would not be able to have as many different programs and activities as we have. One of our more hands on programs is our gardening club, where participants are able to tend to the garden and watch their hard work turn into something beautiful and delicious. We have volunteers that water the garden, weed out the garden, and harvest it.

Last year, we harvested over 20 different plants, vegetables and herbs. Now that the winter is coming to an end, it is time to clean up our garden beds and get them ready for the next season. With the help of our wonderful volunteers, all four beds were cleaned up and refreshed for the spring and summer months ahead! This allows our participants a chance to get outside and work in the modified raised beds, giving them a sense of importance and duty.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center: Sports Club- Bowling It was a pleasure to see the participants engaged in an activity that they hadn't done since they were younger- Bowling! It was a fun way to end the week as participants visited the AMF Bowling Alley. Even though the level of skills varied, participants enjoyed cheering on their peers in hopes for a strike. It was humbling to hear continued laughter in the air as participants interacted with each other. This was a wonderful activity to get the participants out of their comfort zone and just have a good time.

For more information about upcoming senior programs, contact us at TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-314-1320.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: College Fair This week, Naomi Drenan hosted a college fair for local high school students and parents. Over eighteen colleges and universities including Johnson C. Smith University, Clemson University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, and Claflin University were in attendance as well as the Mecklenburg Fire Department. One local student even got accepted on-site to Winston Salem State University. Overall the college fair was a huge success and we look forward to having another in the future!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Achieve 225 Every Wednesday, the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center staff participates in Achieve 225 at Cotswold Elementary School. The program is designed to give students an opportunity to be introduced to various Park and Recreation activities. This past Wednesday, students played soccer and showcased some of their moves for their teachers and peers. Each week the students become more and more excited about Achieve 225. We can’t wait for this upcoming week!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Natural Explorers There’s always something cool happening at Tom Sykes! Or should I say, cold blooded? Last week, the kids were visited by two very special reptilian guests, Rex the King Snake and Jerome the Box Turtle. Before all the petting and holding; however, the kids learned a few things about the animal kingdom. They learned the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates. They also learned different types of vertebrates such as mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and of course… REPTILES! Hmmm… I wonder who will visit our afterschool kids next?

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 Berewick Recreation Center: Start Smart Track & Field Berewick Rec. Center is proud to bring Start Smart Track and Field. Start Smart Track and Field is the first of its kind for preschool sports programming. This program is facilitated by recreation center staff every Thursday from 6:00pm6:50pm for six weeks. In the six weeks, children will learn from staff and their parent’s the proper technique of running, standing long jump, and softball throw while having fun and learning a new sport.

For more information about our Start Smart programs, contact staff at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Little Tykes Party – Carnival/Circus Last Wednesday, Berewick Recreation Center held a Carnival/Circus themed party for preschoolers ages 3-5 years old. The participants were able to play a few of carnival games such as knock down (cans), bean bag toss, pin the tail on the zebra, running races, and even made a fun circus themed picture. The children were waiting with anticipation for the freshly popped popcorn to pop as they had that for their snack.

For more information about our upcoming preschool programs, contact staff at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: After School Program Even with the cloudy weather last week, we still managed to have a blast once we finished our school work. The kids were rewarded for great behavior by having a day with the Xbox! Unfortunately for our participants, they couldn’t keep up with Mr. Donald on the sticks. We are look forward to the warm weather and games outside in the coming weeks!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Adult Recreational Volleyball Adult Volleyball is one of many hit programs at Elon Recreation Center. Every Tuesday evening neighbors, from the community, come out to have a good time and enjoy a competitive game of volleyball. The program has grown in numbers, of participants, since the trial adult volleyball clinic run last fall. If you think you have what it takes to compete with our neighbors, come on down to Elon Recreation Center. It’s just for fitness and fun!

For more information regarding the programs and events, contact Elon Recreation Center 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers Southview Recreation Center: Lions N Tigers N Bears Oh My On Wednesday, February 28th, Even though the weather didn't cooperate. The Bethlehem Center afterschool participants, was able to get up close and personal with nature. They learned about the different species of animals that you may run across in the wilderness. Catherine Robertson, environmental educator and Becka Tait, Master Naturalist, with CC2N dropped by with their collection of furry friends. The kids got the opportunity to learn about Turtles, Coyotes, Skunks, Bobcats, Snakes as well as other wild animals that you may see if the forest. The kids got the opportunity to "pet them, well, the skins anyway, as well as learned how they survive in the wild. Afterwards, they had plenty of questions about each animal that was answered by CC2N Staff. This is just another positive example of how "The View" continues to impact lives, one program at a time.

For more information about this and other programs at The View, please e-mail the center at SouthviewRecreationCenter@MecklenburgcountyNC.gov or you can also contact staff at 980-314-1105.

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! There will also be a short outdoor skill or lesson incorporated each week! Class meets every Monday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm and only costs $1.00!!

For additional information about this and other programs please contact RevolutionParkSportsAcademy@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-314-1110.

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: LCI Certifications Methodist Home Recreation Center is proud to announce that two its staff members are on their way to becoming LCI certified. An LCI is a League Cycling Instructor, who once certified, is qualified to teach Smart Cycling 101. The Smart Cycling 101 safety class may be coming to MHRC in the near future. This will be a great opportunity and an awesome accomplishment for our recreation staff!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Wallace Pruitt: Black History Museum Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center hosted their signature Black History Museum Monday February 19 - Friday February 23, 2018. This event is a tradition here at Wallace Pruitt. We have hosted this event over the last 5 years with every year bringing something fun and new. The museum traditionally features exhibits that showcase African American inventions, art, and interesting fact about African American culture. This year our museum featured an African Americans entertainment exhibit, an African history exhibit, and an African American art exhibit. The museum also featured tributes to the Black Wall Street movement of the early 1900’s, African American fraternities and sororities, and African American men who have made Charlotte North Carolina a better place to live. Citizens of all ages came to view the museum and really enjoyed the experience of learning new and little known fact about African American culture. Over the course of the week, over 300 people were able to tour our museum. Recreation centers such as the Tyvola Senior Center, Arbor Glen, and Tuckaseegee also showed support by brining youth and seniors over to tour the museum. We would like to thank everyone who attended and hope to see you all again next year!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services: North Zumba North Mecklenburg County knows how to boogie! We’ve just finished our first session of Zumba in Cornelius! Over the course of 8 weeks, participants have worked hard on learning dance fitness moves incorporating different types of music from South America, Africa, and India. Not only does this program offer the opportunity to improve cardiovascular endurance, we get to shaky, shaky, shaky, while doing it. .

For more information about the upcoming session, contact Danielle.Dobbs@MeckNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers 2018 State Golden Gloves Tournament The Charlotte Boxing Academy (CBA) will be hosting the 2018 State Golden Gloves Tournament March 9th/10th at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center. Boxers within North Carolina will be descending into Charlotte for this annual event.

Over years past over 100 athletes Women and Men and well over 400 spectators came out for this event and we`re looking for the same turn out this year as well. If you have what it takes then show up at weigh-ins March 9th 10am SHARP, bouts begin 7pm Friday and 4pm Saturday. For information on this and our boxing programs, call 980 314-1116

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Grady Cole Center: Charlotte Roller Girls The roller girls are back! The date is March 10th at the Grady Cole Center! They will be holding a special donation drive in honor of their charity partner this season, the Humane Society of Charlotte. Doors open at 4:30 PM with the first bout of the double-header beginning at 5:00PM. Come out early to the CLTRG tailgate which begins at 3:30PM in the Grady Cole parking lot.

For more information on all things Charlotte Roller Girls, please visit: http://charlotterollergirls.com/

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: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/ county/ParkandRec/Facilities/EventFacilities/Pages/Events

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

Recreate All Year!

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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 8 • Issue 09 • March 9, 2018

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 Leslie Johnson, Interim Director Michael Kirschman, Deputy Director Renea Barber, Human Resources Lorraine Bias, Budget Administration Lee Jones, Capital Planning Terri Stowers, Community and Recreation Center Services Peter Cook, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources