Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Contact Information
Karla Gray
TR Senior Manager
Karla.Gray@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1314
Danielle Dobbs-Jackson
TR Specialist
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1309
Karen Howard
TR Specialist
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1303
Melissa Johnson
TR Specialist
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1304
Ariel Kliem
TR Specialist
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1306
Shannon Maxwell
TR Specialist
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1308
Stacey Thomas
TR Specialist
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1302
Shawn Whitman
TR Specialist
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1307

November Fun Facts:

-The birthstone for November is the Topaz.
-The Zodiac Signs for November are Scorpio
(October 23 - November 21) and Sagittarius
(November 22 - December 21).
-The birth flower for November is the
chrysanthemum.

http://tr.charmeck.org

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

ProgramsYouth
Brick Builders
For youth, ages 7-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
November 3 November 17, 2016 (Thursdays)
4:30 pm 5:30 pm
$15.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Develop the skills needed to become a Master
Builder! Themed Lego building weeks provide
opportunity for individual and group builds
designed to socialize and create. We provide all
the Lego bricks for the program and also
incorporate several different sizes of Lego type
building bricks.
Registration deadline: October 23, 2016

Little Gymsters
For pre-school and youth ages 4-10 with disabilities
MyGYM SouthPark, 5110 Park Rd #2D, Charlotte NC
28209
November 4, November 18, December 2, December 9
(Fridays)
4:00 pm 5:00 pm
$20.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
This special needs My Gym class will include dynamic
warm ups, interactive relays, big obstacle adventures,
gymnastics, sports skills and teamwork games.
Well-trained staff will lead children through the absolute
BEST of My Gym's fun skills and activities that
strengthen and challenge your child in a FUN and
uplifting atmosphere!
Registration Deadline: November 1, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

Programs Teens/Young Adults

The Social Grub Club
For teens and adults, ages 16 and up, with
disabilities
South Park Mall Food Court
4400 Sharon Road
November 1 and November 15 (Tuesdays)
5:30 pm-7:00 pm
$20. 00 (does not include dinner)
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come hang out with your friends, enjoy a good
dinner at the food court, and engage in a
facilitated group discussion. This new social
program provides the opportunity for participants
to improve social skills, and engage with their
peers.
Registration Deadline: October 26, 2016
BookD: A Reading Club for Young Adults
For young adults, ages 18 (out of high school) to
35 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
November 2, 9 and 16 (Wednesdays)
5:30 pm 6:30 pm
$15.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Lets read! Young adults will come together in a
relaxed atmosphere, to read from, listen to and
discuss popular young adult literature. Readers
of all abilities are welcome!
Registration deadline: October 28, 2016

Camera Program
For teens, ages 13-18 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Rd
November 2 November 30, 2016 (Wednesdays)
No Meeting - November 23
5:00 pm 6:00 pm
$20.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Bring a creative eye for this program! Each participant
will have the ability to borrow a camera from us or bring
his/her own to use. We will take pictures around Marion
Diehl that correspond to the theme for the week and use
them to spark group conversation.
Participants will be able to explore their thoughts and
feelings through the camera lens.
Registration deadline: October 23, 2016
TR Dance Club
For individuals, ages 15 and up, with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center,
2219 Tyvola Road
November 5, 12, and 19
12:30pm-1:30pm
$15.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come out and show your moves with the Dance Club
Program. Dance Club will provide
Individuals the opportunity to learn basic dance moves,
participate in group line dances and enjoy plenty of free
style and fun!!
Registration Deadline: November 1, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

Programs Teens/Young Adults

TR: Bowling
For adults, ages 18 and up, with a mental health
diagnosis
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive
November 4, 11 and 18 (Fridays)
9:00 am11:00 am
$30.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Super Saturday Chefs

For teens to adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
November 19 (Saturday) Holiday Treats
10:00 am1:00 pm
$15.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Teaching great cookingone Saturday at a time! Join us

for instructional cooking classes with a "side order" of
Need a morning full of fun? Join us for bowling! fun and conversation! Each 1-day class has a different
focus - in addition to learning or improving basic
Improve your bowling skills while having fun
cooking skills, participants will learn about kitchen
with friends!
safety and hygiene; making healthy food choices; and
Registration Deadline: November 1, 2016
proper food handling and storage practices.
Registration deadline: November 16, 2016
Movie Etiquette
For teens and adults, ages 13 and up, with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road
November 1- November 29 (Tuesdays)
3:00 pm5:00 pm
$50.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Do you love going to the movies? Join us for this
unique program which will explore the moviegoing experience and how to make the most of
spending quality time going to the movies with
friends and family. We will discuss movie etiquette, play games, and share our favorite movies
and why we love them. The cost includes two
outings to the movies.
Registration deadline: September 29, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

Programs-Adults
VIP Travel Club
For adults and seniors, ages 35 and up, with a
visual impairment
Pick-up/Drop-off locations please specify when
registering:
Marion Diehl Recreation Center (MDRC), 2219
Tyvola Road
Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB), 704
Louise Avenue
November 16 (Wednesday) NC Transportation
Museum and Salisbury Tour
Pick-up: MDRC @ 8:30 am, MAB @ 9:00 am
Drop-off: MAB @ 4:00 pm, MDRC @ 4:30 pm
$40.00 lunch included
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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 any
additional purchases.
Registration deadline: November 10, 2016

TR Adult Game Night

For adults, ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte NC 28210
November 7 28, 2016 (Mondays)
5:30 pm--7:00 pm
$30.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Its game night! We will learn and play card games, in
addition to trying our luck at some of the classic favorites
like UNO and Pictionary! This will be a social and
recreational opportunity to gather together with your
friends for fun!
Registration deadline: November 3, 2016

Gifted Gardeners
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
November 9, 16 and 30 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$30.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Late fall weather doesnt stop the Gifted Gardeners!
Well be getting ready for the holidays: harvesting
delicious fall vegetables; caring for permanent plantings
and houseplants at the Marion Diehl Center; and crafting
holiday items using plant materials.. Please dress for the
weather, as we spend part of each class outdoors, weather
permitting. *This program is now offered on a monthly
basis!
Registration deadline: November 4, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

ProgramsAdults
Adapted Tango
For adults with Parkinsons or limited movement
Tyvola Senior Center,
2225 Tyvola Road
November 1 and 15
12:00pm-1:00pm
$10.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
It takes YOU to tango!! Come join us for the
Adapted Tango Program. Adapted Tango is an
inclusive workout designed for adults with Parkinsons. These sessions will focus on increasing
balance, hand-eye coordination, initiation of
movement and will teach participants a variety of
basic tango steps.
Registration Deadline: October 26, 2016
Artsy Crafts
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
November 8, 15 and 29 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am 12:00 noon
$30.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Adult Cooking Class

For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
November 7, 14 and 28 (Mondays)
10:00 am 12:00 noon
$30.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Start your week in the kitchen! In addition to learning or
improving basic cooking skills, participants will learn
about kitchen safety and hygiene; making healthy food
choices; and proper food handling and storage practices.
*This program is now offered on a monthly basis!
Registration deadline: November 2, 2016
Gifted Gardeners
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
November 9, 16 and 30 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am 12:00 noon
$30.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Late fall weather doesnt stop the Gifted Gardeners!

Well be getting ready for the holidays: harvesting delicious fall vegetables; caring for permanent plantings and
houseplants at the Marion Diehl Center; and crafting holExpress yourself through a wide variety of art and iday items using plant materials.. Please dress for the
weather, as we spend part of each class outdoors, weather
craft projects! As we get ready for fall holidays,
activities may include: photo art; plaster casting; permitting. *This program is now offered on a monthly
basis!
wearable art; seasonal gift items and more! All
Registration deadline: November 4, 2016
materials are included in the program fee. *This
program is now offered on a monthly basis!
Registration deadline: November 3, 2016
6

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

ProgramsParalympic
Paralympic Boccia Club
For teens and adults, ages 13 and older, with a
physical disability, CP, spinal cord injury or
stroke
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
November 7, 14 and 28 (Mondays)
5:00 pm6:00 pm
$15.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Paralympic Air Rifle

For adult disabled Veterans and injured service
members with a physical disability
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Nov 1- 29, 2016 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am -12:00 pm
$50.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

The TR Section is excited to offer Paralympic Air Rifle.

Test your strategy! The object of Boccia is to roll/ The program focuses on accuracy, control and marksthrow a game ball closest to the target ball. During manship. The program will cover safety, overview of
the ongoing Boccia Club program, players will de- equipment and rounds of shooting. All equipment is provelop or improve sport skills while learning the
vided.
rules of the game. This program is part of ParaRegistration Deadline: October 27, 2016
lympic Sport Metrolina.
Registration deadline: November 2, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

ProgramsFitness
Para Fitness Boot Camp
For adults, ages 18 and up, with physical
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road
November 1 November 29 (Tuesdays)
8:30 am9:45 am
$25.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Enlist for an exciting program designed to increase balance, develop coordination, improve
flexibility, and boost strength. Participants will
learn fitness fundamentals from a certified personal trainer to improve physical health in a FUN and
motivational atmosphere!
Registration deadline: October 28, 2016
Mountain Biking
For adults, ages 18 and up, with physical
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road
November 2 November 16 (Wednesdays)
1:00 pm 3:00 pm
$30.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Adaptive Fitness Boot Camp

For teens and adults, ages 16 and up, with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road
November 5November 19 (Saturdays)
8:30 am 9:45 am
$15.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Want to get in shape and have fun doing it? Enlist for an
exciting program designed to build muscle, develop coordination, improve flexibility, and boost confidence.
Participants will learn fitness fundamentals from a certified personal trainer to improve physical health in a FUN
and encouraging atmosphere!
Registration deadline: November 2, 2016

Zumba
For teens and adults, ages 16 and up, with disabilities
TBD
November 1 November 29 (Tuesdays)
5:30 pm 6:30 pm
$25.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Zumba classes are open to participants of any skill or fitness level. They provide a fun, party-like atmosphere
with simple, easy-to-follow Latin-inspired dance moveCome enjoy the outdoors in an exciting, unique
ments designed to get you into shape fast. Led by a certiway with our mountain biking program. This profied Zumba instructor, you can dance your way to good
gram is open to all levels of experience. Topics
health and fitness.
will include riding techniques, clothing, equipment, safety, and bike maintenance. This program Registration deadline: October 27, 2016
will combine educational discussions with practical outdoor riding experiences.
Registration deadline: October 28, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

ProgramsFitness
Para Weight Training
For adults, ages 18 and up, with physical
disabilities
TBD
November 2 November 16 (Wednesdays)
6:00 pm 7:00 pm
$15.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Get ready to get pumped with our weight training
program. Led by a certified personal trainer, this
program will offer insight into effective training
techniques, equipment, supplements, gym etiquette, and practical training experience. You will
learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and see the
results you want in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
Registration deadline: October 28, 2016

Yoga
For adults, ages 18 and up, with developmental
disabilities
TBD
November 3 November 17 (Thursdays)
6:00 pm 7:00 pm
$15.00
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Our yoga classes welcome everyone, regardless of fitness
level or yoga experience. Yoga encourages movement
and the flow of blood and oxygen through the body for
improved balance, increased energy, and better
flexibility. Join our certified yoga instructor for a safe
and fun atmosphere to improve your overall health.
Registration deadline: October 31, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016

ProgramsDance
TR Party North: Fall Fling
For teens to adults, ages 13 and up with
disabilities
Robert B. Blythe Building, 102 Gilead Road,
Huntersville
November 4 (Friday)
6:00 pm 9:00 pm
$10.00
TRInfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join us for good times, good food, dancing and
fun fall activities! Come prepared to challenge
your friends to a game of cornhole or ladderball.
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

10

TR Dance: Fall Hoedown

For teens to adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
November 18 (Friday)
6:00 pm9:00 pm
$10.00
TRInfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come on down to the Fall Hoedown! Enjoy dinner,
dancing, music and fun! Come out in your best western
gear, and have fun with your friends!
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-November 2016