February

2010
Dear Friends and Families of TR,

This month we have several new and exciting

programs to offer you! We think you will enjoy them and
hopefully you will continue to provide us feedback so we
can keep developing programs that you are interested in
having in our community!
U Can Bike 2 (page 5): a tandem cycling program for all
T R Wire

ages. This program is specifically for people who are blind

or have a visual impairment.
Teen Time (page 8): a weekend program focusing on social
skills and community involvement. This program is
specifically for teens, 13 – 15, who have ADHD or other
Learning Disabilities.
Spill Your Beans (page 9): a social and self esteem program
for young women that provides them with the opportunity
to discuss life (challenges and changes) with their peers.
Be on the look out for information and register forms for:
Therapeutic Recreation’s Amazing Race
This fun filled day will take you on a journey around
uptown Charlotte. This program is the primary fund raising
event for the TR Summer Day Camp Scholarship fund.
Teams of 2 will search for clues, complete challenges and test
there skills as a time!!!

Therapeutic Recreation’s Wire

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

Youth Programs (ages 6—12)

Adaptive Baseball, Page 5
Boccia, Page 4
SEALS —Afterschool program, Page 7

Teen Programs (ages 13—21)

Adaptive Baseball, Page 5
Boccia, Page 4
Fuel for Life, Page 8
Golf 4 Fun, Page 4
Teen Club, Page 3
Table of Contents

Teen Time, Page 8

Spill Your Beans, Page 9
Supper Club, Page 6
TR Dance, Page 6

Young Adult (ages 18—35)

Bocce, Page 5
Boccia, Page 4
Fuel for Life, Page 8
Golf 4 Fun, Page 4
Y-Lites, Page 10
Young Adult Day Program, Page 10
Spill Your Beans, Page 9
Star Bowlers, Page 11
Supper Club, Page 6
TR Dance, Page 6
U Can Bike 2, Page 5
VIP Travel Club, Page 3

Adult (ages 35 and up)

Bocce, Page 5
Boccia, Page 4
Spill Your Beans, Page 9
Star Bowlers, Page 11
Supper Club, Page 6
TR Dance, Page 6
TRACES, Page 11
U Can Bike 2, Page 5
VIP Travel Club, Page 3
 VIP Travel Club
for adults and seniors, ages 35 and up, who are blind or are visually impaired
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: March 24 (Wednesday) - North Carolina Aviation Museum
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
Clubs

Teen Club
for teens ages 13—21 with disabilities
Join the club! Spend your Saturdays with friends enjoying a variety of
leisure activities.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: March 6 (Saturday) - South Park Mall
Time: 6:00 PM—9:30 PM
Fee: $15.00 (does not include dinner or snacks)
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Boccia
for ages 7 and up with Cerebral Palsy or Quadriplegia
Come learn the basic skills of this Paralympic sport, team work, and fun.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: March 1—22, 2010 (Mondays)
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Fee: S35.00
Contact: Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Golf 4 Fun
for teens and adults, ages 13—35 with disabilities
Golf 4 Fun is a program that will expose participants to the world of golf
through skill development and FUN activities. Participants will learn golf
skills such as various grips, clubs, swings, and golf etiquette. The last day of
the program will consist of an exciting round of golf on our 9-hole course!
Location: Sunset Hills Golf Course, 800 Radio Road
Date: March 16, 23, 30, and April 13, 20 (Tuesdays)
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Fee: S45.00
Sports

Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov

 Adaptive Baseball
for youth and teens, ages 6—21 with disabilities
Adaptive baseball will expose participants to the basic skills of the game in a
non-competitive atmosphere. The program will also focus on promoting
sportsmanship, camaraderie, and enhancing physical/cognitive abilities.
Coaches and buddies are needed. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: Games—April 17—June 5, 2010 (Saturdays)
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (youth— Marion Diehl adaptive field)
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (teens—Clanton Park, )

Practices—April 15—June 3, 2010 (Thursday)

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (youth and teens— Marion Diehl
adaptive field)
Fee: S50.00
Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration Deadline:

Bocce For Fun

for teens and adults, ages 18 and up with disabilities
Sports

Bocce For Fun will be an exciting program that will teach participants the ins
and outs of the sport but will also give them some fitness opportunities.
Bocce can be played by persons with all ability levels. The sport utilizes gross
motor skills and some strategizing for those that are competitive. This
program will give many participants the opportunity to learn a new sport
while helping others improve their skills. It will also teach communication
skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: March 6 and 20 (Saturdays)
Time: 10:00 AM—12:00 PM
Fee: S10.00 per day
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov

U Can Bike 2
for adults, 18 and up who are blind and or visually impaired
Would you like to get fit and have fun? Then here is a program for you!
Participants are paired with a sighted volunteer to learn to ride a tandem bike
together while enjoying the park’s greenways and making new friends.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: March 6, 13, 27,and April 3 (Saturdays)
Time: 10:00 AM—11:30 AM or 12:00 PM—1:30 PM
Fee: S25.00
Contact: Vernice Gallon, Vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 Movies with a Message
A monthly opportunity to view inspirational and thought-provoking movies
and documentaries related to individuals with disabilities. See how amazing
human beings use 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: March 9 (Tuesday) - ―The Other Sister‖
Time: 6:30PM to 8:30 PM
Fee: FREE
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov

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 Division 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: March 26 (Friday) - St. Patrick’s Day
Events

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.
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Date: March 26 (Friday) - St. Patrick’s Day
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
After School

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
 Fuel for Life
for young men ages 16 and older 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: March 8 (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

Teen Time
for teens ages 13—15 with AD/HD or LD
This is a NEW seasonal weekend enrichment program. The goal is to
strengthen and improve the participant’s personal growth. Some of the
activities will include team building, communication, problem solving,
group initiatives, challenge activities, cooperative games, and trust
building. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Location: Tom Sykes Recreation Center Gym, 1501 Euclid Ave
Dates: March 13 and 27 (Saturdays)
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fee: $15.00 per date
Contact: Karen Noel, karen.noel@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Spill Your Beans

for young women ages 16 and older with disabilities
Welcome to a super-charged ladies night! Spill Your Beans provides the
opportunity for young women to talk about and gain support for issues
they are facing in their lives, such as health and safety, independent
living, relationships, friendships, and self-esteem. Participants will have
the opportunity to choose the topics to learn about. Each month we
will host a guest speaker or lead a discussion about the issues that are
important to you.
Location: Caribou Coffee, 4327 Park Road (Park Road Shopping Ctr.)
Dates: March 15 (Monday)
Time: 6:00 PM—7:30 PM
Fee: $10.00 per meeting
Contact: Angela Conti, angela.conti@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 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: March 5 (Friday) - Carolina Place Mall
Time: 6:30 PM—9:00 PM
Date: March 13 (Saturday) - St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival
Young Adult Programs

Time: 10:00 AM—3:00 PM

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

Young Adult Day Program

for young adults, ages 18—35, with disabilities
WELCOME Young Adults who have a disability and want to enrich their
lives through personal growth, service learning and community
involvement. This program will enhance and support daily skill
Development in interpersonal relationships, etiquette, personal safety and
appropriate social/personal boundaries.
Location: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 E. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Date: March 2—March 30 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Except March 9 and 11 (Spring Break)
Time: 1:00 PM—5:00 PM
Fee: $15.00 per date or $30.00 weekly
Contact: Peggy Walker, peggy.walker@mecklenburgcountync.gov
 STAR Bowlers
for adults, ages 18 and older with disabilities
Star Bowlers is a weekly program designed to improve recreation
participation and awareness of various recreation opportunities, as well as,
promote social connections and fun.
Location: George Pappas’ Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Drive
Dates: March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 (Tuesdays)
Time: 10:30 AM—12:30 PM
Fee: $8.00 per date
Contact: Vernice Gallon, vernice.gallon@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Pre-registration Required

Therapeutic Recreation Adult Community Enrichment Services (TRACES)

A day program for adults and seniors with disabilities
Adult Programs

Activities offered through the TRACES program address a variety of leisure

and life skill goals, including but not limited to: improvement of physical
well-being; enhancement of gross- and fine-motor skills; improvement of
social skills; development of creativity and leisure interests; increased
awareness of the community and the environment; and increased confidence
and self-esteem. Participants may register for one class, or for many!
Location: Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
Dates: March 29—May 28, 2010 (M, T, W, Th, F)
Times: Cooking: 10:00—Noon (Mondays)
Gardening: 10:00—Noon (Wed. OR Friday)
Creative Arts: 12:30—1:30 (Monday and Wednesday)
Dance & Fitness: 1:30—2:30 (Monday and Wednesday)
Music: 12:30—1:30 (Tuesday and Thursday)
Leisure Sports & Games: 1:30—2:30 (Tuesday and Thursday)
Fee: $90.00 for 9-week session of each class
Contact: Karen Howard, karen.howard@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Margot Howell, margot.howell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Registration deadline: March 24
 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.