T R Wire * June

Therapeutic Recreation’s Wire

http://tr.charmeck.org
 TR Programming:

Summer Camp Information

Camps, Page 11

Youth Programs (ages 6—12)

SEALS —Afterschool program, Page 8
Night Owls, Page 4

Teen Programs (ages 13—21)

Fuel for Life, Page 9
Paddlers Club, Page 3
Table of Contents

Paralympic Sports Club, Page 8

Supper Club, Page 7
TR Dance, Page 7

Young Adult (ages 18—35)

Fuel for Life, Page 9
Paddlers Club, Page 3
Y-Lites, Page 10
Sports R Fun, Page 5
Young Adult Spring Fling,, Page 10
Supper Club, Page 7
TR Dance, Page 7
VIP Travel Club, Page 4

Adult (ages 35 and up)

Sports R Fun, Page 5
Supper Club, Page 7
TR Dance, Page 7
VIP Travel Club, Page 4

Community
Summit, Page 6
Movies with a Message, Page 6
Learn 2 Sign, Page 6
 Paddlers Club
for teens ages 13—21 with AD/HD or LD
This new weekend enrichment program will provide a safe and
nurturing environment that will promote a greater sense of self,
improve social interactions, leisure skills & awareness while providing
supports in developing skills in the areas of communication,
socialization, cognition, motor skills, and cooperation.
The Paddlers Club is a leisure program which will include skills and drills
in canoeing and kayaking/tandem kayaking as well as other fun activities
and games.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: June 5 and 12 (Saturdays)
Outdoor Programs

Time: 9:00 AM—3:00 PM

Fee: $40.00
Contact: Karen Noel, karen.noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Wilderness Bunch
for teens and young adults ages 13—30 with disabilities
Wilderness Bunch is designed to teach basic skills needed for tent
camping and participating in outdoor recreation. Day trips include
hiking, geocaching, nature lessons, and kayaking.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: June 11—13 (Friday—Sunday)
Time: 8:30 AM (Friday) — 4:30 PM (Sunday)
Fee: $150.00
Participants will need to bring: toiletries, towel, change of clothes,
bathing suit, a sleeping bag, and a flash light.
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 VIP Travel Club
for adults and seniors, ages 35 and up with a visual impairment
Enjoy a social day with friends, while building independence in the
community. Learn about historical, educational, and recreational
attractions in the Charlotte area—please bring money for lunch.
Location: Pick-up/Drop-off locations:
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd.
Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB), 704 Louise Ave.
Date: June 9 (Wednesday) - Transportation Day
Time: Pick-up: MDRC at 9:00 AM, MAB at 9:30 AM
Drop-off: MAB at 3:30 PM, MDRC at 4:00 PM
Fee: $15.00
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: three business days before each program date

Night Owls
for children ages 6—15 with visual impairments
Events

This month will be a Night Owls super sports instruction camp! In this
overnight adventure kids will participate in mini sports clinics, learn an
assortment of sports and games, go swimming, and just have fun! Kids will
develop a variety of new skills and gain confidence from their
experiences.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: June 11—June 13 (Friday—Sunday)
Time: 9:00 AM (Friday) —12:00 PM (Sunday)
Fee: S75.00
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: June 7
 Sports R Fun
for adults, ages 22 and up, with disabilities
Let’s play badminton, flag football, and kickball! The Sports R Fun
program is an introduction to various sports with the focus on Fun,
Fitness, Friends, and showing your Team Spirit!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: May 3—June 14 (Mondays)
Time: 6:00 PM—8:00 PM
Fee: S30.00
Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: April 19
Sports
 Summit—Parent/Caregiver Group
A monthly group for parents, guardians, and caregivers that is facilitated by a
Therapeutic Recreation staff person but is directed by the group members.
This FREE informal group will give participants the opportunity to meet and
talk with other parents and caregivers who are experiencing the challenges of
parenting a child, teen, or young adult with a disability.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: June 1 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00PM to 7:00 PM
Fee: FREE
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Community Programs

Movies with a Message

A monthly opportunity to view inspirational and thought-provoking movies
and documentaries related to individuals with disabilities. Share the
experience amazing human beings using their talents and abilities to reach
their ultimate goals: to be members of their community and live full lives.
Each FREE movie presentation is followed by time to discuss personal
experiences, and thoughts or feelings raised by the situations portrayed in the
movie.
Location: Mahlon Adams Pavilion, 2435 Cumberland Ave
Date: June 8 (Tuesday) - ―Simon Birch‖
Time: 6:30PM to 8:30 PM
Fee: FREE
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Learn 2 Sign
for adults ages 18 and up
Learn 2 Sign is a program designed to teach basic sign language skills. The
program will focus on conversational words, alphabet, numbers, and
techniques on how to interact with individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing.
Location: First Ward Recreation Center, 610 East 7th Street
Date: May 19—June 23 (Wednesdays)
Time: 7:00 PM—9:00 PM
Fee: S60.00
Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: May 13
 Supper Club
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Come start a new tradition by spending an evening out with your
friends! We will enjoy a healthy meal before each TR Dance...sign up
today! You must register at least 1 week before the program date—No
Exceptions!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: June 4 (Friday) - Hollywood Costume Ball
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Fee: S7.00
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov

TR Dance
for teens and adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Dance the night away with friends at our monthly Therapeutic
Recreation Section themed dances! Meet new people and make new
friends while having fun in a relaxed social atmosphere. Light
refreshments will be served.
Events

Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road

Date: June 4 (Friday) - Hollywood Costume Ball
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Fee: S8.00
Contact: Kerri Good, kerri.good@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 SEALS (Socialization Empowerment and Life Skills)
for children ages 6-12 with visual impairments
SEALS is an after school program for elementary aged children, offered
in partnership with the North Carolina Parents of Blind Children.
Participants spend their afternoons having fun while gaining valuable
social, recreation, & life skills, becoming more independent, and making
friends!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays during the CMS school year
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fee: $10 per week (pre-registration is required)
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
After School

Paralympic After School Sports

for youth and teens ages 11—18 with physical disabilities
Paralympic After School Sports is for middle and high school youth and
teens who have a physical disability. This program focuses on sport
development and participation while interacting with peers and goal
setting.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Dates: May 3—June 9 (Monday and Wednesday)
during the CMS school year
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Fee: $40 per week (pre-registration is required)
Contact: Jana McMullen, jana.mcmullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Fuel for Life
for young men, ages 16—35, with disabilities
Come hang out with the guys, fuel your body with a good dinner, and
fuel your life with good conversation. Fuel for Life provides the
opportunity for young men to talk about and gain support for issues
they’re facing in their lives. Each month we will host guest speakers and
discuss different topics such as employment and job skills, relationships,
life goals and values, and other topics that are important to you.
Location: Donato’s/Bojangle’s Cafeteria, 6555 Morrison Boulevard
Dates: June 7 (Monday)
Time: 6:00 PM—7:30 PM
Fee: $10.00 per meeting (does not include dinner)
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Teen Programs
 Y-Lites
for young adults, ages 18 -35 with disabilities
If you enjoy having fun and socializing with your friends, this is the group
for you. We will participate in leisure activities while socializing with your
friends. We will also learn some valuable life skills.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: June 12 (Saturday) - Light Museum
Time: 12:30 PM—3:30 PM
Date: June 18 (Friday) - Dave and Busters
Young Adult Programs

Time: 6:30 PM—9:00 PM

Fee: $15.00 per person (bring money for snacks or lunch/dinner)
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Young Adult Spring Fling

for young adults, ages 18—35, with disabilities
The Young Adult Spring Fling will be four weeks of activities, educational
instruction, outings, and fun. Participants will have the opportunity to go
swimming, socialize in the community, engage in instruction, and meet
new friends all while having the supervision of a TRS
Location: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 E. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Date: June 1, 2 & 4 (week four)
Time: 8:00 AM—4:00 PM
Fee: $65.00 per week
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Visit http;//tr.charmeck.org to download a registration form for camp.

Imagination Station
for preschool, ages 2 –6, with disabilities
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Natural Wonders
for youth, ages 6-9, with disabilities
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Summer Camp Information

World of Wonders
for youth, ages 10—12, with disabilities
Contact: Vernice Gallon, vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Teen Scene
for teens, ages 13 –21, with disabilities
Contact: Karen Noel, karen.noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Jana McMullen, jana.mcmullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov

TRue
for young adults, ages 22—35, with disabilities
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov

TRACES
for adults with disabilities
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Therapeutic Recreation Section Staff

Karla Gray Karla.Gray@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4322

Kerri Good Kerri.Good@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4323

Therapeutic Recreation Specialists

Angela Conti Angela.Conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4329

Vernice Gallon Vernice.Gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4327

Karen Howard Karen.Howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4325

Margot Howell Margot.Howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4328

Jana McMullen Jana.McMullen@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4330

Karen Noel Karen. Noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4326

Peggy Walker Peggy.Walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov 704.432.4331

Park and Recreation Department Mission Statement:

To enrich the lives of our citizens through the stewardship of the
County’s natural resources and the efficient and responsive provision
of quality leisure opportunities, experiences, and partnerships.
Therapeutic Recreation Section Mission Statement:
To provide therapeutic recreation services for individuals who have disabilities
that focus on abilities, rather than disabilities and encourage people to attain
their highest level of independent leisure functioning by increasing leisure skills,
improving social and communication skills, increasing independent living skills
and increasing their awareness of and involvement in community recreational
activities; to advocate for and ensure inclusive opportunities in all program
services; to act as advocates for individuals with disabilities by promoting
accessibility at all Department parks, facilities, programs, special events and
classes.