The Friday Letter | October 5, 2018

The

Accounting Tip for the week:

Check ID for credit card customers and make sure the names match.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Park Staff Received National Recognition For Book-Style Report The recent book-style report, Birds of the Central Carolinas, written and illustrated by park staff Don Seriff and Leigh-Anne Carter respectively, received national recognition by winning the award for Outstanding Educational Materials at the 2018 Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP) Annual Conference in New Orleans! Attendees at the conference absolutely loved the book. Conference participants are always amazed at what Mecklenburg County has accomplished and is accomplishing at the local level. Accepting the award on behalf of Mecklenburg County is the Master Naturalist Program Coordinator, Erin Hall.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center and McDowell Nature Center Presents Nature Investigators Over the summer, Tyvola Senior Center had the opportunity to implement a new and unique program in partnership with McDowell Nature Center. Together, Tyvola Senior Center and McDowell Nature Center designed a three-week intergenerational program called Nature Investigators. During this program, older adult participants and youth from the Urban Outdoor Connections camp came together to learn about three nature topics: Herbs, Animals, and Birds.

Sessions consisted of learning new information about the specific course material, investigation projects and presentations, art and planting activities, Games, and more. This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out for next summer!

For more information contact Tyvola Senior Center at TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980.314.1320.

Community & Recreation Centers Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services - Sensory Tiny House at Open Streets 704 During Open Streets 704 on September 30, 2018, we opened the doors to our sensory tiny house! Parents and kids both enjoyed the colorful house with its sensory tables that are filled with water beads, bubbles, rice, and kinetic sand.

The kids had a blast swinging on our spider web swing and hanging out in the loft of the tiny house.

For more dates and locations for the Fall and Spring season, follow us on Facebook (Therapeutic Recreation – Meck County)!

TRInfo@MeckNC.Gov

Community & Recreation Centers Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services – Carnival Dance On September 21, 2018, Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services held our first dance of the year. On the third Friday of the Month, we hold a dance with different themes for individuals with a disability ages 13 and up. Participants enjoy time with friends, eat dinner, dance, and do crafts or play games. September’s theme was Carnival and the gym was decorated to look like the big tent, along with other carnival themed decorations throughout Marion Diehl.

For dinner, the participants enjoyed burgers and chips and played carnival games for prizes.

For more information about Dances Mistie.Williams@MeckNC.Gov or Stephanie at Stephanie.Myers@MeckNC.Gov

contact

Mistie

at

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: SENIOR BOWLING TRIP!!!

On Wednesday, September 26 Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center traveled to AMF University Bowling Center for the second time this year! There was a lot of flair and sportsmanship from this group of active adults. Strikes, spares, and a lot of fun was had by all! A special thanks to the AMF University Bowling Center for their outstanding hospitality and customer service. For more information about programs and events, email BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1111.

Community & Recreation Centers Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center: Clayworks Saturday September 29, 2018, Wallace Pruitt hosted a Clayworks workshop.

With over 30 people in attendance, the program was a major success. Children as well as parents were able to design their own pumpkin out of clay. Clayworks offers specialized workshops as a part of Culture Blocks. Clayworks has established relationships with a number of groups and organizations that collaborate on outreach-based programs. The result of its outreach is a broader base of enthusiasm for the ceramic arts in Charlotte, and ultimately, an increase in the self -confidence, motivation, and creative skill of its participants.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Parent’s Night Out is BACK! Marion Diehl Recreation Center gave parents the evening off with our ‘Parents Night Out’ this past Friday. MDRC staff had a blast for several hours with kids from ages 6 to 12 enjoying board games, teambuilding, table tennis and gym time. After some fun swimming in the pool, the participants feasted on pizza and juice. The night was a great success and parents showed their appreciation by asking when the next ‘Parents Night Out’ will be! The cost of the program is $10 per participant and the upcoming dates are October 12th, November 9th, December 7th and December 21st.

For more information please contact Recreation Specialist Jeremy Auker at 980-314-1311 or email Jeremy.Auker@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Developing “Chess Masters” Each Friday from 4:00pm-5:00pm ARRC offers a beginner’s chess program called “Chess Masters”. Chess Masters is designed especially for youth starting chess for the first time. Participants learn the movement of the pieces and basic chess strategy.

While playing chess, planning is important, which can become a part of your personality. One of the most important aspects in Chess is the skills that are being taught through this game go far from the board, and prepare the person for life difficulties, and problems, teach them how to solve those obstacles in a creative way. As a result, teaching your children how to play chess, can be one of the greatest things that you will do for them.

Let’s play chess together, maybe your child will conquer the chess world and will become a “Chess Master”, you never know till you try.

For more information about programs at Albemarle Road Recreation Center Contact 980-314-1101 or email AlbermarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers West Charlotte 2018 Fall Job Fair and Steppin’ into Health West Charlotte recreation center partnered with the Housing and Neighborhood services to host the 2018 Fall Job Fair. With over 30 employers including Carowinds, Aldo, UPS and more, there was plenty of opportunity for career advancement. Over 230 people came with resumes in hand and 25 were hired on the spot! The WCRC staff is also excited to welcome back the Steppin’ into Health Line dancing and Ball room dancing program! This program was a huge success the first time around and we are pumped for another incredible experience. We hope to see you out there!

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: Positive Vibes Youth Basketball Tournament On Saturday September 29th over 300 people gathered at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center to witness the Positive Vibes Youth Basketball Tournament. This was not your average basketball tournament! The theme of the event was the power of positive thinking. Six teams between the ages of 9-12 competed in the tournament; which also over 100 prize giveaways, live performances and a motivational speech by author Lashaundria Coleman. The Founder, of Positive Vibes Only Michael “Fa’ness Spearman” kept the crowd entertained and engaged throughout the entirety of the event with his hosting, while incorporating raffles, a skills competition and a 3-point contest for players and audience members.

A special thank you to event sponsors The Creative’s Council, Positive Vibes Only, Papa John’s, Little Caesars, DTLR and SpaDiva Kids!

For more information regarding programs, events and outreach opportunities; please contact us at 980.314.1124 or email SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MeckNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center & McDowell Nature Center Presents Nature Investigators Over the summer, Tyvola Senior Center had the opportunity to implement a new and unique program in partnership with McDowell Nature Center. Together, Tyvola Senior Center and McDowell Nature Center designed a three-week intergenerational program called Nature Investigators. During this program, older adult participants and youth from the Urban Outdoor Connections camp came together to learn about three nature topics: Herbs, Animals, and Birds.

Sessions consisted of learning new information about the specific course material, investigation projects and presentations, art and planting activities, games, and more. This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out for next summer!

For more information, contact the Tyvola Senior Center at TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1320.

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Lil’ Cooking Club Our Lil’ Cooking Club wrapped up another fantastic program this past week.

During the four-week program, participants made items that fell all over the spectrum including everyone’s favorite, dessert! The kids loved designing animal faces on the pancakes they prepared. Come kick off 2019 with our January sessions of Lil’ Cooking Club!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Chicken and Waffles are Served If you have ever tried the unlikely pairing of chicken and waffles, you would understand the appeal. This week was a pure treat! The Cooking Without a Kitchen club created this delicious meal! The cooking group decided they wanted to make some real soul food during their class this week, and they did not disappoint! The delightful combination of the sweet waffles with the savory chicken hit the spot for a wonderful breakfast. The group also decided to create some scrumptious homemade syrups and sauces. There was sweet and savory hot sauce, a creamy vanilla white sauce, and a Honey-Dijon mustard syrup. This cooking club has brought our participants closer together and has given them a sense of accountability every week with the responsibility of bringing in their ingredients to share with the group.

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 Football Berewick Rec. Center finished Start Smart Football Start Smart. This program was facilitated by recreation center staff every Thursday from 6:00pm-6:50pm for six weeks. In the past six weeks, children learned from staff and parent’s the proper technique of running, catching and throwing a football while having fun and learning a new sport. Next up is Start Smart Soccer starting this coming Thursday.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Afterschool Lacrosse Berewick Afterschool Lacrosse program finished up last week. We had 12 participants in all. This program was facilitated by Rec. center staff every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm-5:30pm for four weeks. Lacrosse is considered a nontraditional sport that has a combination of basketball, soccer and hockey. In the four weeks, participants learned the fundamentals of Lacrosse like: cradling, scooping, throwing, catching and scoring. There are four versions of the Lacrosse. The version the participants learned was called “Intercrosse.� Intercrosse is a mixed-gender, non-contact form of Lacrosse that uses an all-plastic stick and a softer ball. The children were able to use what they learned and scrimmaged against the staff.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Natural Explorers Who says afterschool is boring? Just ask these kids that were greeted by our surprise visitor, “Rex� the Eastern King Snake. Rex showed everyone how snakes are an integral part of the ecosystem. He also demonstrated what it meant to be a reptile, how they are cold blooded, and shed their skin to allow them to grow. He also pointed out some similarities people have with our slithery friends such as having scales made up of keratin, which is what our fingernails and hair are made up of. All in all, a great day for the kids, Rex and the staff at Tom Sykes!

For more information about our programs, events and volunteer opportunities, contact TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1113.

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Senior Pickleball Come out to Tuckaseegee Recreation Center this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 67th to see the fastest growing Adult sport in the country as we host the Senior Showdown Pickleball Tournament. This tournament will have total of six divisions between men, women and mixed doubles. Watch some of the top players in the Southeast Region go head-to-head starting at 9am. Don’t miss this one… it’s going to be a big “dill.”

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

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Grady Cole Center: Charlotte Roller Girls Come join the roller girls for the last action packed derby of the year! The Humane society of Charlotte will be hosting a donation drive at the event.

The Charlotte All-Stars will be taking part in three intersquad bouts starting at 5pm. Come out early to the CLTRG tailgate which begins at 3:30PM in the Grady Cole parking lot. Door open at 4:30.

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: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Facilities/EventFacilities/Pages/ Events.aspx

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 8 • Issue 37 • October 5, 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 Lee Jones, Director Peter Cook, Deputy Director Renea Barber, Human Resources Liz Morrell, Strategic Planning and Evaluation Lorraine Bias, Sr. Fiscal Administrator Vacant, Capital Planning Terri Stowers, Community and Recreation Center Services Vacant, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources