COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTER SERVICES
Ø NACo Awards: Park and Recreation won seven of Mecklenburg County's 12 NACo awards this year for innovative programs that can serve as models for other counties. Five of the awards came form the Community and Recreation Center Services Division. Our winners this year will be recognized at the Mecklenburg County Commission meeting on August 5. The five from CRCS are:
§ VIP Travel Club
VIP Travel Club provides opportunities for adults and seniors with visual impairments (VI) to travel throughout their community with a group of persons with similar challenges and interests. These monthly day trips were developed after many requests by members of existing programs offered by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Division and partnering agencies. The program is led by licensed Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, knowledgeable in the adaptations needed to assist people with visual impairments. (Kerri Good and Karen Howard, Therapeutic Recreation Section)
§ “With These Hands Mix” DJ Academy
“With These Hands Mix” DJ Academy” was a two week camp for teens, ages 13 to 17, which teaches how to be a disc jockey. Each student received hands-on training by industry professionals that allowed them to develop their talents and interests in music, mainly focusing on use of the turntable as an instrument. Instructors also provided lessons on how to conduct entertainment events, and they provided a step-by–step approach for managing such events as a profitable business. (Terri Stowers, Recreation Center Section)
§ TR Spirit Squad
TR Spirit Squad is a community cheerleading group for girls, ages 8 and older, with developmental disabilities. The squad also was formed as a result of Park and Recreation’s partnership with the Carolina Panthers NFL team. Park and Recreation and the Panthers sponsor a Challenger Football Program for young men with disabilities. The TR Spirit Squad gives young women the opportunity to develop confidence and self worth while participating in an activity they cherish and benefit from. (Monica Best, Therapeutic Recreation Section)
§ Battle Slam Jam
“Battle Slam Jam” was developed to bring different urban cultures together for a day of peace and an opportunity to show off their skills in wholesome competition. The program was developed by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Donnel Stines, of CreateDontHate Productions. Its first year was 2006, with categories in skate boarding, DJ battle, and hip hop dance. In 2007 it grew with new entries in skating (best trick, and bowl skating), DJ battle, hip hop dance, tap off (tap dance), 3 on 3 basketball, and t-shirt design. This program continues as a celebration in which different groups come together, celebrate their diversity and enjoy each others’ talents. (Carla Hoover, Recreation Center Section)
§ Imagination Station
Imagination Station is a summer day camp for children, ages 2-6, with disabilities, first offered in 2007 for six weeks. In 2008 it will expand to eight weeks. Children participate in sports, exercise, art, music, dance, and games. They also attend field trips, all centered on the theme of a “Discovery Train” traveling to a different destination each week. Activities follow weekly themes, such as Animal World, Over the Rainbow, Four Seasons Way, and Helping Hands Boulevard. These help the children to learn and improve play skills, social interaction, coping, sharing, physical activity, and motor skills. (Angela Conti, Therapeutic Recreation Section)
Ø 4-H Trains Greater Enrichment Summer Staff: Mecklenburg County 4-H staff trained over 40 Greater Enrichment summer day camp staff on June 19. The four Greater Enrichment day camp sites will implement 4-H curriculum during their summer day camps, reaching over 400 youth. The training provided by the 4-H staff covered teambuilding games, health and fitness programming, arts and crafts programming, and agricultural education programming. Each week throughout the summer, the young people at these day camps will experience quality, hands-on 4-H activities that increase both knowledge and necessary life skills.
Ø Therapeutic Recreation's Lights, Camera, Action Summer Day Camp has been awarded a Cultural Project Grant through the Arts and Science Council. This summer day camp provides teens that have developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience a performing arts programs. The teens learn about set design, costume design, script writing, and all other aspects of producing and performing in a theatrical production. This grant will enable the expansion of the existing program and will provide support for set design and costume design workshops during the 8 week camp.
Ø Therapeutic Recreation/TR Summer Day Camp Orientation: Therapeutic Recreation hosted a week long orientation for TR Summer Day Camp staff. This is the preparation for 8 weeks of camps for pre-school, youth, teens and young adults who have disabilities. Camp staff learn about inclusion, working with people who have specific disabilities, planning for age appropriateness and most importantly how to help the participants have fun at camp. This year, TR is hosting 9 camps across the county. Camps begin Monday, June 23 and end Friday, August, 15.
Ø Skate & Music Festival at Grayson SkatePark: On Saturday June 21 Grayson SkatePark will play host to the third annual Charlotte Skate and Music Festival. Come join in the family fun with a day of music from live bands and a skateboard competition. Registration is at 8 a.m. with the event kicking off at 9 a.m. June 21 is also recognized as Go Skateboarding Day across the country.
Ø Summer Day Camp Program Kick-offs: Numerous summer day camp programs kicked off last week and more will be starting Monday at various recreation centers. The 2008 Mallard Creek Recreation Center’s Summer Camp has gotten off to a great start. Seventy-two children, ages 6 to 12, have participated in fitness activities, nutrition education, sport challenges, trips to the parks and bowling alley, art activities and nature exploration. Seven summer day camp programs are involved with a literacy initiative by incorporating fun literacy oriented projects and activities on a daily basis.
NATURE PRESERVES AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Ø International Speaker & Explorer Helen Thayer: On Sunday, June 29, McDowell Nature Preserve will host a program featuring the famous female explorer, Helen Thayer. Helen Thayer was the first woman to travel alone to the North Pole and the first woman to walk across both the Gobi and the Sahara Deserts. She is a best selling author, international speaker, and has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and in National Geographic. Helen will also be hosting a meet and greet immediately after the program. Her website is http://www.helenthayer.com/. Helen's visit and a pizza dinner are provided free, courtesy of CORDURA fabrics, however, pre-registration is required. Call (704) 588-5224. Program starts at 5 p.m.
Ø Survivor Copperhead Island: In cooperation with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s Steele Creek Youth Network, staff will be conducting the 3rd Annual Survivor Copperhead Island Camp. Four weeks of camp begin on Monday. Forty at-risk youth campers will participate in a variety of outdoor events focused on leadership and team building skills. Since 2006 Park and Recreation staff have partnered with CMPD to provide a wilderness camp experience for youth through the Copperhead Island program. This year the program has been expanded to serve youth in North Charlotte. This program has received national recognition through the NACo Award program and is recognized as an innovative partnership to promote long-term solutions to youth violence prevention.
Ø LUESA Helps at McDowell Prairie: Over the years, Natural Resources have been working on one of the largest Piedmont Prairie restoration projects in the greater region. The McDowell prairie protects federally endangered species as well as provides critical habitat for rare grassland birds. Piles of woody debris have been stacked and stored on site for years, but with the help of Mr. Elliot, LUESA Yard Waste Manager, we will now compost these debris piles on site. Solid Waste delivered nine 18-wheeler loads and twenty dump truck loads of yard waste, covering the debris piles which will speed decomposition. This was a great partnership that benefits both departments. Thank you LUESA!
Ø Environmental Book Study: Reedy Creek Nature Center will host an environmental Book Study on June 21. This month’s book is Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken. The program begins at 10 a.m. at Reedy Creek Nature Center.
ENTERPRISE SERVICES
Ø Track & Field: The USATF Youth Championship Local Organizing Committee held its final meeting at UNCC on June 18. More than two thousand (2,000) athletes from around the world have registered to participate in the event which starts June 24 and continues through June 29. More than 300 officials and volunteers will assist with the event at UNCC.
Ø Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center: Staff is hosting the Country Club Swim Championships on Sunday, June 22 after normal operations from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Approximately two hundred fifty (250) local youth swimmers will compete in the special event.
Ø Grady Cole Center: Staff is hosting Pro-Am Basketball games from June 23-26, starting at 6:30 p.m. each day. Former and active professional players from the National Basketball Association and the Continental Basketball Association will be in action. Admission is free.
CAPITAL PLANNING AND ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT
Ø Trust for Public Land Quarterly Meeting: Staff attended the Trust for Public Land Quarterly meeting to discuss the Parks for People Initiative and how the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department can play a significant role in this endeavor.
Ø Friendship Sportsplex: A tentative schedule for the Community Workshop for the Friendship Sportsplex project has been set for either July 10 or 14. This date will be confirmed by early next week.
Ø Bradford Park: Staff attended a construction meeting at the Bradford Park site to assess the project's level of completion. The general contractor has hired a new project manager in an effort to resolve the remaining outstanding issues to complete the project.
Ø Berewick Project Schedule: Staff met with Peter Pappas and Marty Davis of Pappas Properties to discuss the Berewick Project schedule and a possible land swap opportunity to enable the Charlotte Housing Partnership to build apartments. It is felt that this would offer more rounded housing opportunities and complement the owned options.
Ø Planning Commission Meeting: Staff attended the Planning Commission meeting to discuss and respond to any questions regarding the proposed land donation for Pine Valley from the HOA to Park and Recreation to facilitate the construction of a playground for this threatened community.
Ø Accessible Playground: A meeting was held with Architect Troy Luttman to discuss his role in the permitting and construction document development for the accessible playground community build project.
Ø Bryant Park: The division received an update from Merrifield Partners on the long range plan for the educational, residential and commercial development initiatives near Bryant Park.
Ø Regional Sports Complex: A meeting was held with Woolpert Inc. and project stakeholders to discuss the current status and progress of the Mecklenburg County Regional Sports Complex (formerly Matthews Sportsplex).
PARK OPERATIONS AND ATHLETIC SERVICES
Ø Ray's Black History Quiz Bowl Soars to New Heights: For the past 3 years we have sponsored a Quiz Bowl for 8th grade students in honor and memory of Black History Month. The purpose of this quiz bowl is to provide a spirited competition between schools that would allow both the participants and the audience to gain more knowledge of Black History.
Last year 12 middle schools participated in the bowl. The elimination tournament was held during the week of February 11-15, 2008 at Mahlon Adams and on "Super" Saturday its finale was at the Imaginon Theater. At the conclusion of the Bowl, Northeast Middle School stood out in front. Unknown to the committee, Jacquelin Peters with 100 Black Men of Charlotte was in the audience. Ms Peters contacted Isaac Applewhite to get some additional information about our event. She and Jackie Hemingway worked together to ensure that the top three schools from our tournament participated in their local Black History Challenge Tournament. The winners of this tournament advanced to the National Black History Challenge in Orlando, Florida. Luck had it that the winners of our tournament (Northeast Middle) advanced to the national challenge and finished second.
History was made at the annual convention of the 100 Black Men of America, sponsors of the National Black History Challenge. No Charlotte team in prior years has reached the finals of this competition. Because of our quiz bowl we were able to grant this opportunity for students to do something they have never done. This type of leisure recreation is very important and needed for our children to stimulate personal growth.
If there is anyone that would like to be a part of our quiz bowl committee please feel free to contact Jackie Hemingway. Your help is welcome. Special thanks to our partner, the Public Library. This year's department committee members were: Regina Devers(Knox), Hellen Tolber, Jocelyn Anthony, Cheri Hamilton, Shakeita Maloye, Jackie Hemingway and Karla Thornhill. John McClelland, Travis Landrum, Aaron Cheeks and Isaac Applewhite helped initiate the event the first year.
Ø 11th Annual Juneteenth Festival: The Juneteenth Festival is alive with culture, food and fun. The festival is free and open to everyone. Friday, June 20 is a drumming circle. Bring your drum or borrow one when you come! On Saturday the festival highlights are music, drama, storytelling, a health fair, fashion show, African ballet and much more. On Sunday the festival concludes with a youth seminar, talent show, health fair, gospel explosion and Sunday service at 11 a.m. Come early for good parking. For additional information about the festival call the sponsor office at 704-376-6160. Event hours are: Friday 6 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ø Hornet’s Nest Park: The Northwest Park District will be hosting a Crystal Carolina's Sports youth baseball tournament at Hornets Nest Park on Saturday and Sunday. Thirteen teams ages 10 - 13 are scheduled to play in the two day tournament.
Ø Lake Norman Tennis Association: The Lake Norman Tennis Association Southern Cities Qualifier tennis tournament will also be held at Hornet's Nest Park Saturday and Sunday. Approximately 70 women participants are expected to compete for an opportunity to advance to the tournament in Atlanta.
Ø Park Watch Operations-Youth Helmet Program: Park Watch and Carolinas Center for Injury Prevention at Carolinas Health Care kicked off it's Youth Helmet Program on June 17. The kick off campaign was covered by four media stations and featured youth on bicycles, Division Director Julie Clark and PWC Reggie Covington. Youth found wearing their helmets while riding bicycles will be given a voucher for any Charlotte Knights home game. Youth without helmets will receive a voucher for a new helmet at participating bike shops. It is a win-win scenario for youth bicycle safety.
Ø Athletic Services: Offered in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Charlotte Health and Fitness Magazine directed the first of three summer 5K trail runs on the evening of Tuesday, June 17 at Reedy Creek Park. Over 100 runners participated. The next run in the series will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at Col. Beatty Park.
Ø Youth Baseball Tournaments: County-wide youth baseball tournament for center-based teams in the 8&U, 10&U, and 12&U age divisions is currently in progress. Games are held on weeknights and Saturdays at Revolution and Nevin.
GEENWAY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Ø Creek Coordination Meeting: Greenway planning staff attended the quarterly creek coordination committee (composed of CMU, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater, MCPR, and RES staff) hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. Topics on the agenda included an overview of the post construction ordinance, an update on the Park and Recreation Master Plan, a brief discussion on the CIP projects for the various departments, and an overview of the purpose and role of the Joint Use Task Force. Charlotte Mecklenburg Stormwater Services will host next quarter’s meeting.
Ø McAlpine Creek Greenway, Sardis Road to Providence Road: Staff met on site with residents along the proposed section of McAlpine Creek Greenway, Sardis Road to Providence Road. The greenway will be designed as part of a larger stream restoration project led by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services who will be restoring McAlpine Creek and many tributaries and ponds. This section will have a different character than the existing greenway with a focus on preserving as much of the woods as possible.
Ø Four Mile Creek Greenway: Staff met with property owners adjacent to the Radner Lane neighborhood entrance to the greenway last Friday. Staff discussed the typical greenway neighborhood entrance design and will continue to work with the property owners as construction wraps up on the greenway.
Ø NACo Awards: Park and Recreation won seven of Mecklenburg County's 12 NACo awards this year for innovative programs that can serve as models for other counties. Five of the awards came form the Community and Recreation Center Services Division. Our winners this year will be recognized at the Mecklenburg County Commission meeting on August 5. The five from CRCS are:
§ VIP Travel Club
VIP Travel Club provides opportunities for adults and seniors with visual impairments (VI) to travel throughout their community with a group of persons with similar challenges and interests. These monthly day trips were developed after many requests by members of existing programs offered by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Division and partnering agencies. The program is led by licensed Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, knowledgeable in the adaptations needed to assist people with visual impairments. (Kerri Good and Karen Howard, Therapeutic Recreation Section)
§ “With These Hands Mix” DJ Academy
“With These Hands Mix” DJ Academy” was a two week camp for teens, ages 13 to 17, which teaches how to be a disc jockey. Each student received hands-on training by industry professionals that allowed them to develop their talents and interests in music, mainly focusing on use of the turntable as an instrument. Instructors also provided lessons on how to conduct entertainment events, and they provided a step-by–step approach for managing such events as a profitable business. (Terri Stowers, Recreation Center Section)
§ TR Spirit Squad
TR Spirit Squad is a community cheerleading group for girls, ages 8 and older, with developmental disabilities. The squad also was formed as a result of Park and Recreation’s partnership with the Carolina Panthers NFL team. Park and Recreation and the Panthers sponsor a Challenger Football Program for young men with disabilities. The TR Spirit Squad gives young women the opportunity to develop confidence and self worth while participating in an activity they cherish and benefit from. (Monica Best, Therapeutic Recreation Section)
§ Battle Slam Jam
“Battle Slam Jam” was developed to bring different urban cultures together for a day of peace and an opportunity to show off their skills in wholesome competition. The program was developed by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Donnel Stines, of CreateDontHate Productions. Its first year was 2006, with categories in skate boarding, DJ battle, and hip hop dance. In 2007 it grew with new entries in skating (best trick, and bowl skating), DJ battle, hip hop dance, tap off (tap dance), 3 on 3 basketball, and t-shirt design. This program continues as a celebration in which different groups come together, celebrate their diversity and enjoy each others’ talents. (Carla Hoover, Recreation Center Section)
§ Imagination Station
Imagination Station is a summer day camp for children, ages 2-6, with disabilities, first offered in 2007 for six weeks. In 2008 it will expand to eight weeks. Children participate in sports, exercise, art, music, dance, and games. They also attend field trips, all centered on the theme of a “Discovery Train” traveling to a different destination each week. Activities follow weekly themes, such as Animal World, Over the Rainbow, Four Seasons Way, and Helping Hands Boulevard. These help the children to learn and improve play skills, social interaction, coping, sharing, physical activity, and motor skills. (Angela Conti, Therapeutic Recreation Section)
Ø 4-H Trains Greater Enrichment Summer Staff: Mecklenburg County 4-H staff trained over 40 Greater Enrichment summer day camp staff on June 19. The four Greater Enrichment day camp sites will implement 4-H curriculum during their summer day camps, reaching over 400 youth. The training provided by the 4-H staff covered teambuilding games, health and fitness programming, arts and crafts programming, and agricultural education programming. Each week throughout the summer, the young people at these day camps will experience quality, hands-on 4-H activities that increase both knowledge and necessary life skills.
Ø Therapeutic Recreation's Lights, Camera, Action Summer Day Camp has been awarded a Cultural Project Grant through the Arts and Science Council. This summer day camp provides teens that have developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience a performing arts programs. The teens learn about set design, costume design, script writing, and all other aspects of producing and performing in a theatrical production. This grant will enable the expansion of the existing program and will provide support for set design and costume design workshops during the 8 week camp.
Ø Therapeutic Recreation/TR Summer Day Camp Orientation: Therapeutic Recreation hosted a week long orientation for TR Summer Day Camp staff. This is the preparation for 8 weeks of camps for pre-school, youth, teens and young adults who have disabilities. Camp staff learn about inclusion, working with people who have specific disabilities, planning for age appropriateness and most importantly how to help the participants have fun at camp. This year, TR is hosting 9 camps across the county. Camps begin Monday, June 23 and end Friday, August, 15.
Ø Skate & Music Festival at Grayson SkatePark: On Saturday June 21 Grayson SkatePark will play host to the third annual Charlotte Skate and Music Festival. Come join in the family fun with a day of music from live bands and a skateboard competition. Registration is at 8 a.m. with the event kicking off at 9 a.m. June 21 is also recognized as Go Skateboarding Day across the country.
Ø Summer Day Camp Program Kick-offs: Numerous summer day camp programs kicked off last week and more will be starting Monday at various recreation centers. The 2008 Mallard Creek Recreation Center’s Summer Camp has gotten off to a great start. Seventy-two children, ages 6 to 12, have participated in fitness activities, nutrition education, sport challenges, trips to the parks and bowling alley, art activities and nature exploration. Seven summer day camp programs are involved with a literacy initiative by incorporating fun literacy oriented projects and activities on a daily basis.
NATURE PRESERVES AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Ø International Speaker & Explorer Helen Thayer: On Sunday, June 29, McDowell Nature Preserve will host a program featuring the famous female explorer, Helen Thayer. Helen Thayer was the first woman to travel alone to the North Pole and the first woman to walk across both the Gobi and the Sahara Deserts. She is a best selling author, international speaker, and has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and in National Geographic. Helen will also be hosting a meet and greet immediately after the program. Her website is http://www.helenthayer.com/. Helen's visit and a pizza dinner are provided free, courtesy of CORDURA fabrics, however, pre-registration is required. Call (704) 588-5224. Program starts at 5 p.m.
Ø Survivor Copperhead Island: In cooperation with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s Steele Creek Youth Network, staff will be conducting the 3rd Annual Survivor Copperhead Island Camp. Four weeks of camp begin on Monday. Forty at-risk youth campers will participate in a variety of outdoor events focused on leadership and team building skills. Since 2006 Park and Recreation staff have partnered with CMPD to provide a wilderness camp experience for youth through the Copperhead Island program. This year the program has been expanded to serve youth in North Charlotte. This program has received national recognition through the NACo Award program and is recognized as an innovative partnership to promote long-term solutions to youth violence prevention.
Ø LUESA Helps at McDowell Prairie: Over the years, Natural Resources have been working on one of the largest Piedmont Prairie restoration projects in the greater region. The McDowell prairie protects federally endangered species as well as provides critical habitat for rare grassland birds. Piles of woody debris have been stacked and stored on site for years, but with the help of Mr. Elliot, LUESA Yard Waste Manager, we will now compost these debris piles on site. Solid Waste delivered nine 18-wheeler loads and twenty dump truck loads of yard waste, covering the debris piles which will speed decomposition. This was a great partnership that benefits both departments. Thank you LUESA!
Ø Environmental Book Study: Reedy Creek Nature Center will host an environmental Book Study on June 21. This month’s book is Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken. The program begins at 10 a.m. at Reedy Creek Nature Center.
ENTERPRISE SERVICES
Ø Track & Field: The USATF Youth Championship Local Organizing Committee held its final meeting at UNCC on June 18. More than two thousand (2,000) athletes from around the world have registered to participate in the event which starts June 24 and continues through June 29. More than 300 officials and volunteers will assist with the event at UNCC.
Ø Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center: Staff is hosting the Country Club Swim Championships on Sunday, June 22 after normal operations from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Approximately two hundred fifty (250) local youth swimmers will compete in the special event.
Ø Grady Cole Center: Staff is hosting Pro-Am Basketball games from June 23-26, starting at 6:30 p.m. each day. Former and active professional players from the National Basketball Association and the Continental Basketball Association will be in action. Admission is free.
CAPITAL PLANNING AND ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT
Ø Trust for Public Land Quarterly Meeting: Staff attended the Trust for Public Land Quarterly meeting to discuss the Parks for People Initiative and how the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department can play a significant role in this endeavor.
Ø Friendship Sportsplex: A tentative schedule for the Community Workshop for the Friendship Sportsplex project has been set for either July 10 or 14. This date will be confirmed by early next week.
Ø Bradford Park: Staff attended a construction meeting at the Bradford Park site to assess the project's level of completion. The general contractor has hired a new project manager in an effort to resolve the remaining outstanding issues to complete the project.
Ø Berewick Project Schedule: Staff met with Peter Pappas and Marty Davis of Pappas Properties to discuss the Berewick Project schedule and a possible land swap opportunity to enable the Charlotte Housing Partnership to build apartments. It is felt that this would offer more rounded housing opportunities and complement the owned options.
Ø Planning Commission Meeting: Staff attended the Planning Commission meeting to discuss and respond to any questions regarding the proposed land donation for Pine Valley from the HOA to Park and Recreation to facilitate the construction of a playground for this threatened community.
Ø Accessible Playground: A meeting was held with Architect Troy Luttman to discuss his role in the permitting and construction document development for the accessible playground community build project.
Ø Bryant Park: The division received an update from Merrifield Partners on the long range plan for the educational, residential and commercial development initiatives near Bryant Park.
Ø Regional Sports Complex: A meeting was held with Woolpert Inc. and project stakeholders to discuss the current status and progress of the Mecklenburg County Regional Sports Complex (formerly Matthews Sportsplex).
PARK OPERATIONS AND ATHLETIC SERVICES
Ø Ray's Black History Quiz Bowl Soars to New Heights: For the past 3 years we have sponsored a Quiz Bowl for 8th grade students in honor and memory of Black History Month. The purpose of this quiz bowl is to provide a spirited competition between schools that would allow both the participants and the audience to gain more knowledge of Black History.
Last year 12 middle schools participated in the bowl. The elimination tournament was held during the week of February 11-15, 2008 at Mahlon Adams and on "Super" Saturday its finale was at the Imaginon Theater. At the conclusion of the Bowl, Northeast Middle School stood out in front. Unknown to the committee, Jacquelin Peters with 100 Black Men of Charlotte was in the audience. Ms Peters contacted Isaac Applewhite to get some additional information about our event. She and Jackie Hemingway worked together to ensure that the top three schools from our tournament participated in their local Black History Challenge Tournament. The winners of this tournament advanced to the National Black History Challenge in Orlando, Florida. Luck had it that the winners of our tournament (Northeast Middle) advanced to the national challenge and finished second.
History was made at the annual convention of the 100 Black Men of America, sponsors of the National Black History Challenge. No Charlotte team in prior years has reached the finals of this competition. Because of our quiz bowl we were able to grant this opportunity for students to do something they have never done. This type of leisure recreation is very important and needed for our children to stimulate personal growth.
If there is anyone that would like to be a part of our quiz bowl committee please feel free to contact Jackie Hemingway. Your help is welcome. Special thanks to our partner, the Public Library. This year's department committee members were: Regina Devers(Knox), Hellen Tolber, Jocelyn Anthony, Cheri Hamilton, Shakeita Maloye, Jackie Hemingway and Karla Thornhill. John McClelland, Travis Landrum, Aaron Cheeks and Isaac Applewhite helped initiate the event the first year.
Ø 11th Annual Juneteenth Festival: The Juneteenth Festival is alive with culture, food and fun. The festival is free and open to everyone. Friday, June 20 is a drumming circle. Bring your drum or borrow one when you come! On Saturday the festival highlights are music, drama, storytelling, a health fair, fashion show, African ballet and much more. On Sunday the festival concludes with a youth seminar, talent show, health fair, gospel explosion and Sunday service at 11 a.m. Come early for good parking. For additional information about the festival call the sponsor office at 704-376-6160. Event hours are: Friday 6 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ø Hornet’s Nest Park: The Northwest Park District will be hosting a Crystal Carolina's Sports youth baseball tournament at Hornets Nest Park on Saturday and Sunday. Thirteen teams ages 10 - 13 are scheduled to play in the two day tournament.
Ø Lake Norman Tennis Association: The Lake Norman Tennis Association Southern Cities Qualifier tennis tournament will also be held at Hornet's Nest Park Saturday and Sunday. Approximately 70 women participants are expected to compete for an opportunity to advance to the tournament in Atlanta.
Ø Park Watch Operations-Youth Helmet Program: Park Watch and Carolinas Center for Injury Prevention at Carolinas Health Care kicked off it's Youth Helmet Program on June 17. The kick off campaign was covered by four media stations and featured youth on bicycles, Division Director Julie Clark and PWC Reggie Covington. Youth found wearing their helmets while riding bicycles will be given a voucher for any Charlotte Knights home game. Youth without helmets will receive a voucher for a new helmet at participating bike shops. It is a win-win scenario for youth bicycle safety.
Ø Athletic Services: Offered in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Charlotte Health and Fitness Magazine directed the first of three summer 5K trail runs on the evening of Tuesday, June 17 at Reedy Creek Park. Over 100 runners participated. The next run in the series will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at Col. Beatty Park.
Ø Youth Baseball Tournaments: County-wide youth baseball tournament for center-based teams in the 8&U, 10&U, and 12&U age divisions is currently in progress. Games are held on weeknights and Saturdays at Revolution and Nevin.
GEENWAY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Ø Creek Coordination Meeting: Greenway planning staff attended the quarterly creek coordination committee (composed of CMU, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater, MCPR, and RES staff) hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. Topics on the agenda included an overview of the post construction ordinance, an update on the Park and Recreation Master Plan, a brief discussion on the CIP projects for the various departments, and an overview of the purpose and role of the Joint Use Task Force. Charlotte Mecklenburg Stormwater Services will host next quarter’s meeting.
Ø McAlpine Creek Greenway, Sardis Road to Providence Road: Staff met on site with residents along the proposed section of McAlpine Creek Greenway, Sardis Road to Providence Road. The greenway will be designed as part of a larger stream restoration project led by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services who will be restoring McAlpine Creek and many tributaries and ponds. This section will have a different character than the existing greenway with a focus on preserving as much of the woods as possible.
Ø Four Mile Creek Greenway: Staff met with property owners adjacent to the Radner Lane neighborhood entrance to the greenway last Friday. Staff discussed the typical greenway neighborhood entrance design and will continue to work with the property owners as construction wraps up on the greenway.
