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

http://tr.charmeck.org

Welcome to our Spring Interns!

-Kelly Semon, ECU
-Jada Leslie, WSSU
-Brittany Moran, WCU
-Kaitlyn Peterson, ECU
-Tynasia Miles, ECU
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

ProgramsYouth
Brick Builders
For youth, ages 7-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 2February 23 (Thursdays)
4:30 pm5:30 pm
$20.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Fast Food & Flicks-Youth

For youth, ages 6-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 3 (Friday)
4:00 pm8:00 pm
$35.00
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: January 27

Come join us for a fun evening of movies and

food! Participants will be dropped off and picked
up from Marion Diehl. We will be headed to
AMC 22 Carolina Pavilion to see Nickelodeons
Monster Trucks on February 3! After the movie,
we will head to Chick-Fil-A for dinner. The cost
of the program covers 1 ticket, Kids pack
(popcorn/drink/candy) and a participant meal!
Participants should be independent in self-care
and be able to sit through a two-hour movie.
Registration deadline: February 10

Saturday Fun
For youth, ages 6-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 18 (Saturday)
10:00 am2:00 pm
$20.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Enjoy a Saturday out with friends! This month
we will go bowling and another fun activity
TBD. Participants will work on social skills
with peers while having fun. Please pack a
bagged lunch; drop off and pick up will be at
Marion Diehl.
Registration Deadline: February 15

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

Programs Teens/Young Adults

Fast Food & Flicks-North
For ages 16 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
Saturday, February 18
1:00 pm5:00 pm
$35.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

The Social Grub Club

For teens and adults ages 16 and up with
disabilities
South Park Mall Food Court, 4400 Sharon Road
February 7 and 21 (Tuesdays)
5:30 pm-7:00 pm
$20.00 (does not include dinner)
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Come join us for a fun day of movies and food!

We will be headed to AMC 12 Northlake to see
The Space Between Us on February 18! After the
movie, we will head to the food court to eat an
early dinner. The cost of the program covers 1
ticket, popcorn and a participant meal!
Participants should be independent in self-care
and be able to sit through a two-hour movie.
Registration deadline: February 10

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: February 1

Zumba
For ages 16 and up with disabilities
Rays Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore St.
February 6February 20 (Mondays)
4:30 pm5:30 pm
$15.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
This Latin-infused workout with get you moving,
energized and dancing! Participants will improve
their balance, coordination and fitness by
participating in this program.
Registration deadline: February 1

Schools Out Club Teens

For individuals ages 13-21 with disabilities, still
in high school
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 20 (Monday)
$50.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come spend your school break having fun and
learning new games with your friends! All
activities used to promote peer interaction &
appropriate social skills, physical activity, and
independence.
Registration Deadline: February 14

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

Programs Teens/Young Adults

Teens on the Town
For individuals ages 13-21 with disabilities, still in
high school
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 11 (Saturday)
$20.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Calling all teens! Do you need a morning out to
socialize with friends, participate in new activities,
and enjoy a delicious breakfast? Come hang out at
Teens on the Town. You can practice social skills,
meet new people, and enjoy being out in the
community!
Registration Deadline: February 8

TR Dance Club
For individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 4-25 (Saturdays)
$20.00
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: February 1

Young Adults on the Go! February Outing

For teens ages 21 (out of high school)-40 with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
Saturday, February 18
10:00 am-2:00 pm
$20.00
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join us as we venture to the Mint Museum
Randolph to take in the sites of History. We will
get lunch in the area after weve visited the
Museum. Lunch is not included in registration fee.
Must be independent in self care.
Registration Deadline: February 15

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

Programs-Adults
Sittercise
For ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
February 1 February 22 (Wednesdays)
9:00 am10:00 am
$20.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Sittercise is a low impact chair exercise program
that will get you moving in your seat!
Registration deadline: January 26

Adult Cooking
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 6, 13 and 20 (Mondays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$30.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Adult cooking is the place to learn various cooking

skills and to learn how to prepare healthy recipes!
We will discuss healthy eating habits and prepare
Outdoor Club
a different meal each class. Well focus on
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
hygiene, healthy alternatives to unhealthy foods,
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road and more!
February 25 (Saturday)
Registration Deadline: February 2
9:30 am3:30 pm
$30.00
Creative Arts
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Do you like doing outdoor activities? Get outside Road
with us! Well explore different outdoor activities February 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Wednesdays)
including hiking, geocaching, and more! For the
10:00 am12:00 pm
February trip, well explore local nature preserves $40.00
and nature centers. Participants will need to bring a Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
bagged lunch and dress to be outside the majority of
the day. Hot chocolate will be provided.
Come express yourself in Creative Arts! We will
Registration Deadline: February 22
create several different art pieces in each class
while learning about different artists and different
artistic styles. We will have a field trip during one
class!
Registration Deadline: January 27

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

ProgramsAdults
TR: Big Time Bowlers
For adults ages 18 and up with a disability
10 Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Drive
February 2-23 (Thursdays)
3:30 pm-5:00 pm
$40.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Need an afternoon full of fun? Join us for
bowling! Improve your bowling skills while
having fun with friends!
Registration Deadline: January 30
Total Wellness Club - North
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
February 1-22 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$40.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come out for fitness and FUN! Improve your
Total Wellness through a variety of activities that
may include sport skills, line dance, chair
exercise, nutrition information, music &
movement and active games.
Registration deadline: January 27

Adapted Tango
For adults with Parkinsons or limited movement
Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road
February 7- 21 (Tuesdays)
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
$15.00
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: February 1
Crafts & Cooking North
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
February 324 (Fridays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$40.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Bring out your creative side! Join us for a variety of
art, craft and cooking projects with a festive,
seasonal theme. Healthy food choices and creative
expression are always part of the fun! All materials
are included in the program fee.
Registration deadline: January 31

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

ProgramsAdults
Gifted Gardeners
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 7-21 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$30.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

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
February 21 (Tuesday) Catawba Cultural Center
Winter doesnt stop the Gifted Gardeners! Well and Museum of York County
have plenty to do: harvesting delicious
in Rock Hill, SC
vegetables; caring for permanent plantings and
Pick-up: MDRC @ 8:30 am, MAB @ 9:00 am
houseplants at the Marion Diehl Center; and
Drop-off: MAB @ 4:00 pm, MDRC @ 4:30 pm
crafting items using plant materials. Please dress $40.00 lunch included
for the weather, as we spend part of each class
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
outdoors, weather permitting.
Registration deadline: February 3
Enjoy a FUN social day with friends, while building
independence in the community. Learn about historic,
educational and recreation attractions in Charlotte and
*NEW* Game Night North
For adults, ages 18 and up (out of high school) surrounding areas. Please bring money for any extra
purchases.
with disabilities
Registration deadline: February 16
Robert B. Blythe Building, 102 Gilead Road,
Huntersville
February 8, 15 and 22 (Wednesdays)
5:30 pm6:30 pm
$15.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
ITS GAME NIGHT! Each week we will learn
and play card games, bingo, dominoes, classic
board games and more. There will also be fun
Minute to Win It style games. Gather with your
friends for this FUN social and recreational
opportunity!
Registration deadline: February 3

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

ProgramsAdults
Adult Game Night
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road
January 31February 21, 2017 (Tuesdays)
6:00 pm7:30 pm
$30.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

VIP Fun Club

For adults and seniors, ages 30 and up, with a visual
impairment
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
February 6 and 13 (Mondays)
1:00 pm3:00 pm
$10.00 per month
Karen.Howard@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: January 26

Come out on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month

for this FUN activity club! We will try out a wide
variety of activities, including crafts, cooking,
gardening, art, games and moreall in a casual social
setting.
Registration deadline: February 2

Gifted Gardeners-North
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
February 7-21 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$30.00
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Are you interested in learning more about
gardening and plants? If so, this program is for
you! Well learn about planting seasons and
plant many plants of our own!
Registration deadline: February 3

Drillz N Skillz on Wheels

For all ages, with physical disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road
February 1st February 22nd (Wednesdays)
6:00 pm 7:00 pm
Free
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Take your game to the next level with fundamental
drills to improve your wheelchair basketball skills.
This program is designed to increase your physical
health in a FUN and motivational atmosphere!
Registration deadline: January 27, 2016

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

ProgramsParalympic
Para Archery
For ages 18 and up with physical disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
February 1February 22 (Wednesdays)
5:00 pm6:00 pm
$20.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Take Aim! Increase your hand/eye coordination,
strength and concentration through learning or
relearning the skills to be an Archer.
No Experience Necessary!
Registration deadline: January 26
Paralympic Air Rifle Clinic
For adult disabled Veterans and injured/service
members with a physical disability
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
February 3 (Friday)
6:00 pm-8:00 pm
FREE
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Paralympic Boccia Club

For teens and adults, ages 13 and older, with a
physical disability, CP, SCI or stroke
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
February 6, 13 and 20 (Mondays)
5:00 pm6:00 pm
$15.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Test your strategy! The object of Boccia is to roll/
throw a game ball closest to the target ball. During
the ongoing Boccia Club program, players will
develop or improve sport skills while learning the
rules of the game. This program is part of
Paralympic Sport Metrolina.
Registration deadline: February 2

The TR Section is excited to offer Paralympic Air

Rifle. The program focuses on accuracy, control
and marksmanship. The program will cover safety,
overview of equipment and rounds of shooting. All
equipment is provided.

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017

ProgramsDances
Dance: Sweethearts Ball
For teens & adults, ages 13 and up with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
February 24 (Friday)
6:00 pm9:00 pm
$10.00
TRINFO@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come join us for a Valentines Day dance. We
will have dinner, dancing and will be doing a
craft activity!

10

TR Party North: Super Bowl Party!

For teens to adults, ages 13 and up with disabilities
Robert B. Blythe Building, 102 Gilead Road,
Huntersville
February 3 (Friday)
6:00 pm 9:00 pm
$10.00
TRINFO@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join us for good times, great tailgate-style food, dancing
and more! Dress in your favorite teams gear, and get
ready for a FUN time!
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-February 2017