March 2023
MARA PRESIDENT LETTER
Dear MARA Families,
 
As I scroll through the park, watching our kids enjoy sports and connect with their teammates and parents/friends/family, I am reminded how sports played an important part of my life.  Organized sport has many psychological and social benefits for children, even more than physical activity during play. “Researchers think this is because children benefit from the social side of being in a team, and from the involvement of other children and adults.”

We are in full Spring swing, with baseball, softball, cheer, flag football, 7v7 football, and CPR/AED certification for coaches and team volunteers.  I will also like to congratulate all our kids and volunteers for a successful Winter season.  We have walked away with many successes and opportunities for improvement moving forward.

As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, we are committed to building this park to be utilized by our kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids so we will need your support. We can make this happen by volunteering your time and financial donations and contributions. We have great coaches and volunteers that support our youth every day. As a community organization, we cannot strive unless we have volunteers. Everyone can do something to ensure we continue to grow. In the coming month, we will have a visual display of the progress of our capital campaign.  Again, thank you again for all you do and for your much-needed support.
 
Please be safe, and we will see you at the park!
 
Hazel Williams, Jr
MARA President
REMINDER ABOUT PARKING
Reminder that towing will be enforced at all times at MARA. Please be conscious of where you park and respect the "No Parking", "Reserved for Concessions Manager" or "Reserved for Staff" parking spots. Thank you.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS
MARA NIGHT WITH THE KNIGHTS
Tickets are first-come first-serve and are limited in quantity. Don't delay and buy yours today! Thank you for supporting MARA.
OPENING DAY

Photo credit: Marc Lancaster Photography
CONCESSIONS
Bring on Spring! MARA Concessions is ready for you! 
If you're on the go and need help with dinner, we can help! Sometimes a snack after the game is all you need. We are excited for our new partnership with Batter Up Cookies! This MARA family started a SWEET small business, and we are thrilled to sell these perfect treats at both stands! Come try one! 

Due to an increase in cost of goods, we have to change the prices of a few of our items. Bagged candy and candy bars will now be $1.50, and a slice of pizza will be $2.50 (Whole pizza $15). Thank you for understanding. We are still an affordable option for dinner and snacks! 

We LOVE using the Square system, we hope it improves your wait time in line. We continue to accept a $3 minimum on cards and other payment apps like GooglePay and ApplePay. Remember to tip the staff when they give you GREAT service!

Our regular season hours are*:
Monday-Thursday 5:30-8:30pm**
Saturday 8:30am-6pm**
Friday & Sunday TBD for scheduled events. 

*Hours are subject to change based on field usage and weather conditions. 




LOST & FOUND
The Lost & Found box is next to the Coke machine near the concession stand. Please label your items so we can help you get your items back home.
PARKING UPDATE
THANK YOU
Thank you to the MANY volunteers that came out to help stuff swag bags and to hang banners before Opening Day!

Many hands make light work.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Matthews for the monetary donation from their Cash Calendar fundraiser last year. We are honored to be one of the non-profits to benefit from the charitable good works and service that they provide in the Matthews community. 
SPRING BREAK CLINIC
MARA Basketball is proudly sponsored by:
Contact Hazel Williams, MARA President, for more information about the MARA Basketball Program.
MARA COLTS FOOTBALL
Contact Deon Boswell, Football Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Colts Football Program.
CHEERLEADING
Contact Nicki Johnson, Cheer Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Colts Cheerleading program.
BASEBALL
Contact Charlie Durham, Bat & Ball Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Baseball program.
CHALLENGE BASEBALL
Contact Charles Traetto, Challenge Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Baseball Challenge program.
SOFTBALL
Contact Eddie Hernandez, Softball Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Softball program.
CHALLENGE SOFTBALL
Contact Eddie Hernandez, Softball Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Challenge Softball program.
HOME RUN HITTERS CLUB
Domino's & Dairy Queen and The Pentagon Group & Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are proud to partner with MARA and sponsor the "Domino's & DQ and The Pentagon Group & Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Home Run Hitters Club." For each player that hits an over the fence home run, Domino's will give a gift certificate for a free any large pizza, Dairy Queen will give a $5.00 gift card and The Pentagon Group/Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will give a gift certificate for a sweet treat.

Coaches will submit the player name and photo and the family will be notified of when to pick up the player's goodies at the Main Concession stand. Please do not pick-up prior to being notified.
 
*Note: each player can only earn it once during the season.
BAMBINO BUDDY-BALL
MARA Bambino-Buddy Ball is proudly sponsored by:
YOUTH BASEBALL UMPIRES NEEDED
20/20 Umpires is seeking youth baseball umpires. We provide umpire services to local youth ages 5-18 with games primarily in the Charlotte area. Spring games begin in March and typically end in June. You can work as little or as much as you would like, scheduling is very flexible. This is a great way to make extra income for people with a basic knowledge of baseball. We recruit and hire people-oriented, supportive, and fairness focused individuals to serve on our umpire team. The safety, protection and well-being of all players is our top priority.

Requirements:
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Have reliable transportation.
  • Have internet access, smart cell phone and valid email address to utilize our scheduling system.
  • Clear Background Check via National Criminal Background and Sex Offenders Registry (no felony/serious misdemeanor convictions).
  • Previous baseball and/or umpire experience (preferred), training will be provided for others.
  • Games are played mostly Monday – Thursday and all-day Saturday. We may have a few Friday & Sunday makeup games.

If you are interested in joining our team, please provide the following information to us via email:


Your contact information (name, email, home address and phone number).

Your expected availability (days/times you normally would be able to umpire).

Details of your previous baseball and/or umpiring experience.

Tom & Debbie Bowman
20/20 Umpires, LLC
2020umpires@gmail.com
(704) 763-6585
TRAVEL TEAMS
Contact Chris Nieder for more information
about the MARA Travel program.
TRACK - SOUTHSIDE STORM
Contact Lakisha Williams for more information
about the MARA Southside Storm Track program.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS
PLAYGROUND PERIMETER, PICNIC TABLES & MULCH
by William Vandergrift, BSA Troop 39 (March 2023)
MARA is always looking to partner with Boy Scouts needing a beneficiary for their Eagle Projects.

Please contact MARA's Past President, Laura Budd,
MEMBER OFFERS
Dick's Sporting Goods coupons can be used an unlimited number of times at ANY DICK's location - even out of state so please share with family & friends.
SPONSOR NEWS
HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SKINCARE IN THE WINTER

When you think of the phrase “skincare routine,” you might connect it to sunny weather and hot summer days. After all, between the heat, sweat, and extra UV rays, you’re probably well-versed in modifying your routine for those hotter months to keep your skin smooth and clear. Yet even in cold winter months, there are still ways to not only maintain your look but also improve it, one product at a time.
Save time. Shop Online.
Harris Teeter Express Lane online shopping makes it easy to shop at home anytime you like. Our personal shoppers will shop for you. For orders over $35.00, the service fee is FREE. Yearly Subscriptions are available for $99.00.
We invite MARA Families to begin shopping with us at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte and to swing by our dealership for a test drive. You can schedule one online by contacting our sales team, or by calling us and swinging by our dealership on E Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC. Visit us today!

Visit us at 7040 East Independence, or online at www.JohnsonVolvoCarsCharlotte.com

HAPPY EASTER! Easter Jam Worship Packed with Lots of Fun for the Whole Family - April 9 at 9:30 (Gym) & Butterfly Release at 10:30 (Courtyard)
More Events, Info & Registrations at Kids.MatthewsUMC.org
Its Almost Time for your Spring Tune-up from Team-Tock!
Please contact our office today to schedule your Seasonal Tune-up!

DON'T DELAY: get on our schedule NOW while all of the preferred days and hours are available!

Click: https://www.mcclintockhvac.com/schedule-maintenance OR CALL - 704-321-5207
Northline Roofing, LLC serves as a leading contractor in the Charlotte, NC, area. Fueled by our commitment to excellence, we go the extra mile to make sure clients are completely satisfied with our work. We are in the 2% of United States roofers who qualify as GAF Master Elite Installers! This allows us to offer the best warranty in the industry — The Golden Pledge. The Golden Pledge guarantees the workmanship of your roof for 25 years after installation and leaves us subject to 40-Point detailed inspections to ensure that you receive the best roof possible!

Do it RIGHT. Do it DIFFERENT. Give BACK.

Why parents should be cautious about young kids and trampoline parks

Trampoline parks are a fun and easy outlet for active kids. The huge indoor facilities give them a place to roam, jump, play dodgeball, navigate obstacle courses and practice their best ninja moves. They’re a favorite spot for birthday parties. But parents need to understand the risk they could present, especially for preschool and early elementary-age children. Dr. Christian Turner , from Novant Health Pediatric Sports Medicine, recommends limiting exposure to trampolines. Learn more.
Thinking about the benefits of a residential EV charging station?

Did you know Duke Energy is providing substantial rebates on the installation of residential EV charging stations? For more information, contact us today www.stelco-electric.com or call 980-313-8206.
INTERESTED IN 2023 SPONSORSHIP?
Looking to advertise your business at MARA with a sponsorship for 2023?

Want to sponsor your child's team?

Time is running out! Contact Monique Brooks,
Sponsorship Director at marasponsorship@gmail.com for more details.
PARK REMINDERS
Please review our park rules before coming to the Park. This is for your safety and the safety of all members.
  • NO dogs allowed in the park

  • NO inappropriate use of language

  • NO handguns or weapons of any kind

  • NO drugs allowed in the park

  • NO alcoholic beverages

  • NO tobacco use of any kind (cigarettes, e-cigs, chewing tobacco, etc.)

  • NO bicycles

  • NO motorized bikes, go carts, ATV'S or scooters

  • NO skateboards, hoverboards, roller blades, or roller skates

  • NO RC/ airplanes or model rockets 

  • NO fireworks

  • NO kicking or batting balls into fences

  • NO climbing fences or trees

  • NO climbing on buildings or roofs

  • NO parking on sidewalks or access road that connects our park with the Courtney Neighborhood (Matthews Police WILL ticket you!)

Please DO NOT park in the Concession Managers spot, she has to unload supplies and needs to park near concessions.

Park at you own risk: MARA is not responsible for your vehicle or you property.

Handicapped Parking at MARA: Please be respectful of the Handicapped parking spaces. If you do not have a placard that allows you to park there, you risk receiving a fine and having your car towed.

MARA Is A Privately Owned and Operated Complex. It Is Not A Public Park. Use of Fields Are For Association Members Only. Unauthorized Use Of This Property Will Be Viewed As Trespassing. Violators Will Be Prosecuted For Any Of The Above.
IMPORTANT: LIGHTNING SAFETY SYSTEM
The safety of the players, spectators, and officials is our main concern at MARA. No weather event is more dangerous than lightning. Because of this threat, we have installed the Thorguard Lightning Prediction System. This system can provide advance warning of a lightning hazard, allowing you the time to seek shelter. The system continually monitors and evaluates the electrostatic atmosphere and predicts the probability of a lightning hazard in the immediate area of our facility. You will be alerted by one loud horn blast that will last 15 seconds.
 
Upon hearing the horns, everyone should seek shelter immediately.
 
When this occurs, strobe lights located on the top of the horns
will activate and remain active while under a weather alert.
Every attempt should be made to seek shelter in a safe environment like a permanent building or car.
 
The Thorguard system will determine when conditions are safe to return. Three 5-second blasts will indicate that all is clear and the strobe lights will cease operation.

ALWAYS AVOID THE FOLLOWING:  

·      Athletic Fields & Bleacher
·      Open Areas
·      Field Lighting Poles
·      Isolated Trees
·      High Elevation

Questions regarding Weather and Field Conditions contact
Mara Weather Line: 704-845-6337 or your Commissioners.
WEATHER UPDATES
Follow mara_sports on Instagram to quickly and easily receive updates on weather and field conditions directly to your smart phone. Also, email communications will be sent out to the email address in the registered account. Please make sure your information is up-to-date!