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 March Symbols:
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1302 Birthstone: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
Shawn Whitman Flower: Daffodil
TR Specialist
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Zodiac signs: Pisces and Aries
980-314-1307

http://tr.charmeck.org

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017

 ProgramsYouth
Brick Builders
For youth, ages 7-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 2March 23 (Thursdays)
4:30 pm5:30 pm
$20.00
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: February 23
Saturday Fun
For youth ages 6-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 18 (Saturday)
12:30 pm4:30 pm
$20.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Enjoy a Saturday out with friends! This month
we will visit the NC Transportation Museum
and go on a train ride! Participants will work
on social skills with peers while having fun.
Drop off and pick up will be at Marion Diehl.
Registration Deadline: March 15
2 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Fast Food & Flicks - Youth
For ages 6-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
Friday, March 4
11:00 pm3:00 pm
$35.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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 Rock Dog! 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 24
Little Gymsters
For pre-school and youth ages 4-10 with
disabilities
MyGYM SouthPark, 5110 Park Rd #2D, Charlotte
NC 28209
March 3May 5, 2017 (Fridays)
*No class 3/10, 3/17, and 4/14
4:00 pm5:00 pm
$35.00
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: February 28
 ProgramsYouth
Learn to Ride
For all ages with disabilities
AG Middle School Track
Saturday, March 18, 2017
10:00pm 2:00 pm
Free
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come learn the mechanics to ride a bike during
the free Learn to Ride Program. The Learn to
Ride program provides bikes and helmets dur-
ing the event, but you are welcome to bring
your own. During this time, participants will be
able to schedule a time slot to work with a
CTRS on bike riding skills. Registration is re-
quired to ensure a time slot for your partici-
pant.
Registration deadline: March 15
Adaptive Baseball
for youth and teens ages 6-21 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Adaptive Field, 2229 Tyvola
Road (Queens Sports Complex)
March 15 May 03 (Wednesdays)practices
6:00 pm 7:00 pm (youth and teens)
March 18 May 5, 2016 (Saturdays)games
*No games on April 15th*
10:00 am 11:00 am (youth)
11:00 am 12:00 pm (teens)
$50.00 includes cap, jersey, trophy and
equipment use
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Participants will learn the fundamental skills of
baseball, working as a team, and good
sportsmanship.
Registration Deadline: March 1
3 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Nature Bugs
For youth, ages 2-6, with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 7-March 28 (Tuesdays)
3:30 pm-4:30 pm
$40.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
During this 5 week, program, we will focus on a
different sense (sight, sound, touch, taste or
smell) each week. Participants will get to read a
book about the featured sense, do an engaging
activity and play a fun game! Parent assistance is
required.
Registration deadline: March 2
Tumble Tots
For children ages 2-6 with disabilities
Arts and Cultural Building
109 S. Old Statesville Rd. Huntersville, NC
March 7-28 (Tuesdays)
4:30 pm-5:30pm
$20.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Tumble Tots is a new and exciting introduction
to gross motor skills. The weekly classes will
develop confidence and build strength, balance,
and flexibility. Your child will make new friends
while enjoying pre-school and youth gymnastics
equipment, obstacle courses and various teaching
aids.
Registration Deadline: March 3
 Programs Teens/Young Adults
Pep Squad
For youth, teens and young adults, ages 8-25,
with disabilities
Marion Diehl Adaptive Field
2229 Tyvola Road (Queens Sports Complex)
March 15thMay 3rd (Wednesdays)practices
*No practice on April 12th*
6:00 pm7:00 pm
March 18thMay 6th (Saturdays)games
*No games on April 15th*
11:00 am12:00 pm
$40.00includes shirt, and equipment use
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Participants will learn the fundamental skills of
cheerleading, be an active member of the team,
and have fun with friends!
Registration Deadline: March 1
TR Dance Club
For individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 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: March 1
4 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Teens on the Town
For individuals ages 13-21 with disabilities, still
in high school
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 11th (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: March 8
Schools Out Club Teens
For individuals ages 13-21 with disabilities, still
in high school
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 31 (Friday)
$50.00 per date
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: March 28
 Programs Teens/Young Adults
Young Adults on the Go!
For teens ages 21 (out of high school)-40 with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
March 18
TIME TBD
$20.00
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join us as we venture to the AMC Carolina
Pavilion 22 with your friends to see the new
Beauty and The Beast. Well also have lunch while
we are out! Lunch is not included in registration
fee. Must be independent in self care.
Registration Deadline: March 15
5 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Super Saturday Chefs
For teens to adults, ages 13 and up with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 18-Green and Grill (Saturday)
9:30 am-12:30 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 fun and conversation! Each 1-day
class has a different focus - 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.
Registration deadline: March 15
Fast Food & Flicks-North
For ages 16 and up with disabilities
AMC 12-Northlake
Saturday, March 18
1:00 pm5:00 pm
$35.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come join us for a fun day of movies and food!
We will be headed to AMC 12 Northlake to see
Beauty & The Beast on March 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: March 10
 Programs Teens/Young Adults
TR: Big Time Bowlers Sittercise
For adults ages 18 and up with a disability For ages 18+ with disabilities
10 Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Drive Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
March 2-30 (Thursdays) March 8March 29 (Wednesdays)
3:30 pm-5:00 pm 9:00 am10:00 am
$50.00 $20.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Need an afternoon full of fun? Join us for Sittercise is a low impact chair exercise program
bowling! Improve your bowling skills while that will get you moving in your seat!
having fun with friends! Registration deadline: March 3
Registration Deadline: March 1

Zumba
For ages 16+ with disabilities
Tyvola Senior Center, 2229 Tyvola Rd
March 7March 28 (Tuesdays)
4:30 pm5:30 pm
$20.00
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: March 2

6 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017

 Programs-Adults
Total Wellness Club - North
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
March 1-29 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$50.00 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: February 24
Crafts & CookingNorth
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
March 3-31 (Fridays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$50.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Bring out your creative side! Join us for a variety of Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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: March 1
7 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Gifted Gardeners
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 7-28 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$40.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Spring is around the corner! The Gifted Gardeners
have LOTS to do: starting vegetable and flower
plants for the spring season; preparing the gardens
and caring for houseplants at the Marion Diehl
Center; and crafting items using plant materials.
Please dress for the weather, as we spend part of
each class outdoors, weather permitting.
Registration deadline: March 3
Game Night North
For adults, ages 18 and up (out of high school)
with disabilities
Robert B. Blythe Building, 102 Gilead Road,
Huntersville
March 8, 15 and 29 (Wednesdays)
5:30 pm6:30 pm
$15.00 per month
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: March 3
 ProgramsAdults
VIP Fun Club
For adults and seniors, ages 30 and up, with a
visual impairment
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 13 and 27 (Mondays)
1:00 pm3:00 pm
$10.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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: March 9
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
March 22 (Wednesday) NC Music Hall of
Fame (Kannapolis) and Concord Museum
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 FUN social day with friends, while
building independence in the community. Learn
about historic, educational and recreation
attractions in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Please bring money for any extra purchases.
Registration deadline: March 17
8 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Adult Cooking
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 6-27 (Mondays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$40.00
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 a
different meal each class. Well focus on hygiene,
healthy alternatives to unhealthy foods, and more!
Registration Deadline: March 1
Creative Arts
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 1-29 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$50.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come express yourself in Creative Arts! We will
create several different art pieces in each class while
learning about different artists and different artistic
styles. We will go on a field trip one day during the
month to see and experience different art. Come
express yourself through art work!
Registration Deadline: February 24
 ProgramsAdults
Birds of a Feather
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 6-27 (Mondays)
1:30 pm3:30 pm
$20.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Learn about different local bird species as we
explore different greenways and natural areas in
our county! Spend Monday afternoons outside
learning about different bird habitats and learn
different bird calls. No experience needed!
Drop off and pick up is at Marion Diehl;
participants need to dress for the weather as we
will be outside the entire time.
Registration Deadline: March 1
Outdoor Club
For adults ages 21 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
March 11 (Saturday)
9:30 am3:30 pm
$40.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Do you like doing outdoor activities? Get
outside with us! Well explore different outdoor
activities including hiking, geocaching, and
more! For the March trip, well explore South
Mountains State Park. Participants will need to
bring a bagged lunch and dress to be outside the
majority of the day.
Registration Deadline: March 8
9 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
Wilderness Bunch
For young adults ages 18 to 40 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 24-25 (Friday and Saturday)
4:00 pm (Friday)4:00 pm (Saturday)
$100.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Interested in learning more about the outdoors?
Already love the outdoors? Either way, Wilderness
Bunch is a fun program for you! We will learn how to
set up a tent, learn camping basics, and enjoy the great
outdoors. We will camp one night at McDowell
Nature Preserve, and spend the next day exploring.
Participants need to be independent in self-care. Drop
off and pick up will be at Marion Diehl.
Registration Deadline: March 17
Sports & More
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center,
2219 Tyvola Rd
March 3March 31 (Fridays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$50.00
Shannon.Maxwell@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Come one, come all! Join us for this exciting program
focusing on building basketball skills, soccer skills
and more!
Registration Deadline: March 1
 ProgramsAdults
TR Adult Game Night
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte NC 28210
March 627 (Mondays)
6:00 pm-7:30 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 opportuni-
ty to gather together with your friends for fun!
Registration Deadline: March 1
Adaptive Lacrosse
For persons ages 13-30 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Adaptive Field, 2229 Tyvola Road
(Queens Sports Complex)
March 16April 20, 2017 (Thursdays)
6:30 pm7:30 pm
$30.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join Therapeutic Recreation for our exciting 6
week program Adaptive Lacrosse! Participants
will learn the basics of lacrosse such as
scooping, cradling, passing, shooting, and
scoring.
Registration Deadline: March 13
10
Adult Kickball
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Adaptive Field, 2229 Tyvola Road
(Queens Sports Complex)
March 16April 20, 2017 (Thursdays)
5:30 pm6:30 pm
$30.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Who says kickball is just for kids?! Let your inner
child come out and play in our brand new kickball
league! Pitch, kick, catch and throw yourself into this
fast-growing trend of adult entertainment. No experi-
ence necessary, so come join the recess fun!
Registration Deadline: March 13
Gifted Gardeners-North
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
March 7-March 28 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$40.00
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: March 3
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017
 ProgramsParalympic
Paralympic Boccia Club
For teens and adults, ages 13 and older, with a
physical disability, CP, SCI, MS or stroke
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Mondays)
5:00 pm6:00 pm
$20.00
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: March 2
Paralympic Air Rifle Clinic
For adult disabled Veterans and injured/service
members with a physical disability
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 3 (Friday)
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
$FREE
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Para Archery
For ages 18+ with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
March 1March 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: February 24
Paralympic Track
For youth ages 6-12 with physical disabilities
Paralympic Sport Club Metrolina will begin offering
Paralympic Track this spring! For more information,
please contact Stacey at 980-314-1302 or
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

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.

11 Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017

 ProgramsDances
St. Patrick's Day Party
For individuals ages 13 and up with a
disability
Robert B. Blythe Building
102 Gilead Road, Huntersville
March 3 (Friday)
6:00 pm-9:00 pm
$10.00 (includes dinner)
TRINFO@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Put on your green and celebrate the Luck O'
The Irish! Come and hang out with old friends
and meet some new ones as well!
12
Dance: Glow in the Dark Dance!
For individuals ages 13 and up with a disability
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 17 (Friday)
6:00 pm9:00 pm
$10.00 (includes dinner)
TRINFO@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come join us for a Glow in the Dark dance and be sure to
wear neon colors! We will have dinner, dancing and a
fun activity!
Pre-Registration Deadline: March 16
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-March 2017