The Friday Letter | August 25, 2017

The

Accounting Tips for the week:

Make sure to use SharePoint to retrieve the most up-to-date contract templates.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Ligustrum or Privet The Ligustrum or privet that many of us have in our yards, starts out as a shrub but can become a small tree 20-30’ in height if unpruned. There are several species in this area that are invasive. We have the Chinese privet, the glossy or common privet and the Japanese privet. The glossy and Japanese have thick shiny leaves, while the Chinese has thinner rounded leaves. The Chinese privet is commonly sold in a variegated variety. These plants produce a dark juicy berry that birds find attractive adding to their distribution. They create dense infestations along roadways and in bottomland interior forests. The privet is one of our worst invaders in Mecklenburg County nature preserves. If you see it for sale, please avoid it and ask for a native alternative.

Community & Recreation Centers WorkGreen Program Congratulations to Catherine Luckenbaugh! Catherine took part in the County’s WorkGreen program and was awarded a certificate of time off for her efforts. The WorkGreen program is an employee environmental engagement program established under the BOCC’s Environmental Leadership Policy. Employees can earn time off by participating in environmentally friendly workplace behaviors and by volunteering or participating in certain county sponsored events.

When Catherine is not busy looking for opportunities to be environmentally friendly, she is active on boards for the Natural Heritage Advisory Council and Friends of Plant Conservation. She also regularly spends time at a community garden and at community events such as OpenStreets 704 and the #WalkCLT event held in FreeMoreWest.

Community & Recreation Centers Annual Swim Meet On Friday August 18th, the Annual Swim Meet between the Double Oaks Dolphins and the Cordelia Crocodiles was held at The Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center. Over 100 kids came out to the event to showcase their newly learned swimming skills from our Free Swim Lesson program that is held each summer at the outdoor pools. The kids competed by age groups in several events during the meet. After the event the kids were given medals and certificates for their hard work this summer and they were even treated to some great tasting hotdogs.

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers Summer at McDowell This summer at McDowell has been a fun one, full of adventure, camps and kayaking! McDowell hosted eleven in house summer camps as well as four Urban Outdoor Connection summer camps.

Sugaw Creek Recreation Center was very kind to allow the UOC camps to invade their space for most of the summer, Ariel and her team were always helpful and nice to the campers. The camps at McDowell were adventure, animal and nature themed, including a first time camping trip to the beach for some change of scenery and new learning topics.

Albemarle Road, Ivory Baker, Wallace Pruitt, Elon, and Therapeutic Recreation Centers all came out to kayak with McDowell Outdoor Recreation Staff. The staff really enjoyed working with campers and recreation centers staff, who had a wide range of kayaking experience. It was a great experience to be able to partner with the recreation centers to get more campers outside and on the lake. It has been a great summer so far at McDowell and with two more camps left we are busy getting ready for the fall!

Community & Recreation Centers

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek – Camp Wild About NC Outdoors Last week was the final week of summer camp at Mallard Creek Rec. Center. The theme for the week was wild about NC outdoors and the children enjoyed participating in many outdoor activities with the favorites being canoeing and biking. On Tuesday they went to Latta Nature Preserve for a great morning of hiking with GoU and finished the day with a canoe race back to shore. Then on Wednesday they enjoyed riding their bikes around the rec. center and in the gym while also learning about bicycle safety.

For more information: Call 980-314-1121 or e-mail mallardcreekrecreation@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Community & Recreation Centers West Charlotte Recreation Center: Safe Play Days @ Firestone Park Every Tuesday and Thursday morning from June 20th to August 10th West Charlotte Recreation Center staff provided Safe Play Day activities for youth from the Firestone/Garden City Park communities. Staff coordinated interactive games and group activities free of charge to provide a safe and fun environment for our youth to recreate. Youth were also able to receive free lunch through CMS’s Summer Feeding Program.

For more information about programs at West Charlotte Rec Center please call 980-314-1234 or email WestCharlotteRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Lil’ Art Adventurers Club On Thursday August 17, 2017 MHRC delivered the second week of the “Lil’ Art Adventures Club”. Our parents and students enjoyed a fun filled night making rainbows out of cereal and also creating a sun using a paper plate and yellow paint. The students identified colors, shapes, and numbers creating their rainbow. For creation of the clouds the students used cotton balls while occasionally snacking on some cereal in between. Parents left giving the staff many compliments for the activity and were anxious for the next week.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact MethodistHomeRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1123.

Community & Recreation Centers Senior Centers Journey to Total Eclipse Participants from all 3 Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department Senior Centers journeyed to the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, SC to enjoy the sight of a lifetime in the path of totality of the “Great American Eclipse.” In addition to nature’s outstanding spectacle, participants enjoyed planetarium shows, a visit and special address from Charles Duke, a South Carolina native and Apollo 11 astronaut, special exhibits from NASA, the US Postal Service, and more. The 2 minutes and 20 seconds of totality left participants unable to put into words what they had just experienced, except for a collective “Wow!” Crickets and cicadas sang their songs, the stars came out, and the hot August day became much more tolerable as the wind picked up & the temperature dropped.

For more information about upcoming senior day trips, contact your local Senior Center: North Meck Senior Center – NorthMeckSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov Shamrock Senior Center – ShamrockSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov Tyvola Senior Center – TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Solar Eclipse Takes Over Berewick This past Monday, the ladies who play Bridge at the Berewick Recreation Center, took a timeout from their game to witness the Solar Eclipse. Though Charlotte, NC only got 98% of totality of the sun being blocked by the moon, it was still a sight to take in. Not only did they take a moment to safely look at the sun, but also the teachers and administrative staff from Berewick Elementary did as well.

The next total solar eclipse that will pass over the United States will be in 2024.

For more information on our upcoming youth programs, feel free to contact staff at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Seniors Learns All About Alzheimer's At the Shamrock Senior Center there are always new and exciting programs occurring. Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Carol Lawler, from Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte, who provided an important program called Alzheimer’s Basics. Operating since 1978, Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region provides expert end-of-life care as well as community education. This program was an aid for participants to learn and explore all about Alzheimer’s, warning signs to look for, and ways to live with the disease. At a time where Alzheimer’s is at an all-time high, this program educated and enlightened participants to not be afraid of Alzheimer’s but to encouraged them to participate in prevention of the disease. The seniors at Shamrock always enjoy having guest speakers and are always willing to learn something new!

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: Suzuki Violin Camp & Special Guest For the next two weeks, Tom Sykes will be hosting the Suzuki Violin camp.

These future musicians will be learning the ins and outs of the Suzuki violin in fun and creative ways. During their camp, a special guest came to pay them a visit! None other than Winnie the Pooh! He took time away from his bowl of honey to spend time with the campers and encourage them to continue working hard. We were honored to spend time with Winnie and hope to see him again. Every day brings an adventure here at Tom Sykes and surprises lurk around every corner.

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 Elon Recreation Center: “Rays Play� Is Back Hold on to your hats parents, Rays Play is back! With such a successful winter program, Elon Recreation Center has selected to bring back open gym for kids 5 and under to come in and take part in all types of learning games and competitive competitions. The goal of this program is to give kids a fun and safe place to gain new friends and express themselves through interactive play. This year as an added twist we will incorporate special reading time with Mecklenburg County Public Library active reading programs geared towards toddler literacy.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Farewell Summer Camp!

As Camp Impact comes to an end, we reflect on what an amazing time we had.

A lot goes on in a week at Ivory Baker Recreation Center. We gained new friends and learned new things. The highlight of our week was our field trip to Latta Plantation Nature Center. The campers played with snakes, turtles, and even a salamander. An experience like this is unimaginable unless you live it! We also escaped the heat and cooled off at Nevin Community Park in the Sprayground. Lastly, we ended the week on an awesome note by having an end of camp celebration filled with all kinds of goodies! Our campers really enjoyed creating memories and having some last minute fun before the new school year begins. It has been the best summer ever and we look forward to another funfilled one next year!

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Friday Night Live Forty-Three Teenagers from across East Charlotte made their way to Albemarle Road Recreation Center on August 18th for "Friday Night Live". The center extended their operation hours for two hours so local teens could have a positive outlet on a Friday night in the Albemarle Road Recreation Center community.

Travis Jackson, the CEO of HBCU Pride, was the guest speaker. Friday Night Live will be offered the third Friday of each month at ARRC. For more information on this opportunity, please contact Albemarle Road at 980-314-1101 or AlbemarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Adult Men’s Basketball Make it a double! After defeating Black World Ballers in overtime to claim the Men’s 35 & Over Division Championship, the Blazers post a 75-66 victory over God’s Chosen at the Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center for the Men’s 30 & Over Crown. For the Blazers, that makes 3 combined titles in 4 total seasons since the start of the 2017 calendar year.

For more information on our Adult Leagues, visit www.parkandrec.com or connect with us by email (adultsports@mecklenburgcountync.gov) or phone (980314-1117).

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Senior Women’s Softball The Sassy Softball Sisters are back at it for the start of the Fall Season. Games will be played on Thursday Nights on Field 2 under the new LED lights at Park Road Park. The Grass Stainz are the team to watch. They won 7 of their 10 games during the spring season.

For more information on our Adult Leagues & Senior Leagues, visit www.parkandrec.com or connect with us by email (adultsports@mecklenburgcountync.gov) or phone (980-314-1117).

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Hole-In-One Contest Fundraiser The 2017 Hole in One Contest will be held at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course over 4 weeks beginning Thursday, August 31 and ending Saturday, September 23. The Hole in One Contest is a fun event designed to raise money for youth athletic scholarships across Mecklenburg County for the 2017-2018 athletic season.

For more information on our contest, connect with us by email (youthsports@mecklenburgcountync.gov) or phone (980-314-1117).

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS American Legion Memorial Stadium: Queen City Battle of the Bands Excitement is revving up for the 5th annual Queen City Battle of the Bands at this Saturday, August 26, 2017. This year’s showcase will feature eight of the top Historically Black Colleges & Universities’ (HBCUs’) marching bands including North Carolina Central University, Winston-Salem State University, and Bethune Cookman University. Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased at DTLR locations or online at www.queencitybattleofbands.com/

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS 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

Volunteer Services/Special Events Volunteers Take on Park Beautification!

On Saturday, August 19, 38 hard-working volunteers came out to Freedom Park, to help spruce up one of Charlotte’s favorite gathering spots! Many thanks go out to these dedicated members of our community for helping to get the Park looking it’s best for the upcoming “Festival in the Park.”

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

Volunteer Services/Special Events Volunteers at the Hummingbird Festival We couldn’t put on the many excellent annual events throughout MCPRD without a small army of volunteers! 14 adult and student volunteers joined with our Department’s staff at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve on August 19, helping to provide engaging activities for the 2100+ attendees of the Hummingbird Festival! Some of these great volunteers were Master Naturalists, bringing their special talents and knowledge to our Festival patrons at the live animal exhibits, the art show and other stations. Other volunteers assisted in the Mother Nature storytelling area; with craft projects and face painting; and with making sure that children attending the Festival had their Hummingbird Passports. We can’t thank these volunteers enough for their time, talents and energy!

Volunteer Services/Special Events We Wrap Up The Freedom Park Summer Jazz Series!

On Saturday, August 26 we welcome Nick Colionne, who energizes fans across the U.S. and Europe with his sizzling blend of jazz, R&B, funk, blues and soulful, seductive vocals. Concert-goers will also enjoy the Contemporary Smooth Jazz vibe of Freeport Jazz, with their combination of Smooth and Contemporary Jazz along with Jazz Standards. This FREE concert – complete with food trucks and local craft brewers – is sure to draw a crowd!

Volunteer Services/Special Events The Rick Strickland Band at “Party in the Park!

Summer is almost over…but we’re not done yet! In spite of afternoon rain showers, Romare Bearden Park hosted an energetic crowd for the awardwinning music and showmanship of Myrtle Beach-based singers, songwriters and entertainers Rick Strickland and Lesa Hudson. Far from the typical "beach band,” RSB’s impressive original song playlist covers the gamut in musical styles including Classic R&B Soul, Classic Rock, old school Funk, and a splash of Country. RSB was a real crowd-pleaser, bringing plenty of dancers to the “floor” and teaching everyone how to “Percolate”!

Just one more Party in the Park at Romare Bearden this summer: August 30 – The Fantastic Shakers

Volunteer Services/Special Events

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 31 • August 25, 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