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  Therapeutic Recreation Wire -April 2016 

Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation 

Therapeutic Recreation Section 

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 

Jana McMullen 

TR Specialist 

Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

980-314-1305 

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

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Contact Information 

Staff Spotlight!! Meet Shannon!

Shannon has been with the department since May

2012! Here are some fun facts about her!! 

As a gift to myself after just having had knee surgery,I’m training to run my first half marathon in

 November of this year! 

I love to play and watch sports and pull for theCarolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves, Ohio State

Buckeyes and the Duke Blue Devils! 

http://tr.charmeck.org/http://tr.charmeck.org/

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Challenger Soccer 

 For youth and teens, ages 6 -21, with disabilities 

 Marion Diehl Adaptive Field  2229 Tyvola Road (Queens Sports Complex) 

 April 14th – May 19th (Thursdays) 

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

$40.00 

Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Participants will learn to dribble the ball,

offensive and defensive play, proper ballhandling, goalie skills, shooting techniques and

good sportsmanship.

Registration Deadline: April 11, 2016 

TR: Bowling  For adults, ages 18 and up, with disabilities 

10 Park Lanes 1700 Montford Drive 

 April 11th– May 16th (Mondays) 

3:30pm-5:00pm 

$60.00 

 Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

 Need a night out full of fun? Join us for 6 weeksof bowling! Improve your bowling skills while

having fun with friends!

Registration Deadline: April 6, 2016 

Adaptive Lacrosse 

 For persons ages 10-25, with disabilities 

 Marion Diehl Adaptive Field  

2229 Tyvola Road (Queens Sports Complex) 

 April 12th – May 17th (Tuesdays) 

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

$40.00 

Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Participants will learn the basics of lacrosse including

scooping, cradling, shooting and scoring! All equipmis provided!

Registration Deadline: April 7, 2016 

The Grub Club

 For teens and adults, ages 16 and up, with disabilitie

South Park Mall Food Court4400 Sharon Road

 April 14th (Thursday)

5:30 pm-7:00 pm

$10.00 (does not include dinner)

 Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

 Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Come hang out with your friends, enjoy a good dinner a

the food court, and engage in a facilitated group discuss

This new social program provides the opportunity for participants to improve social skills, and engage with th

 peers. 

Registration Deadline: March 14th, 2016

Programs

mailto:Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

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3  Therapeutic Recreation Wire -April 2016 

Robotics 

 For youth, ages 7 -12, with disabilities.

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center,2219 Tyvola Road  

 Multipurpose Room 1 

 April 6th - May 25th (Wednesdays) 5:30 pm-6:30 pm 

$35.00  Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Using K’Nex/Lego, we will learn Science,Technology, Education, and Math concepts in a

social setting. We will build a variety of kits that

explore and encourage creative thinking while

having fun.

Registration Deadline: April 4, 2016 

Young Adults on the Go!

 For young adults, ages 21(out of high school)-40,

with disabilities

 Marion Diehl Rec Center, 2219 Tyvola Road April 16th (Saturday) – Scottish Highland Games

at Rural Hill

10:00 am-4:00 pm

$15.00 

Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

 Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Get ready to be on the GO with our Young Adults

on the Go Program! You’re sure to enjoy the wide

variety of attractions and events we’ll take in…

hang out with people you know, and make new

friends, too! Participants must be independent in

self -care. 

Registration Deadline-April 13  2016 

VIP Travel Club For adults and seniors, ages 35 and up,

with a visual impairment   Pick -up/Drop-off locations: 

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center (MDRC),

2219 Tyvola Road  

 Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB),

704 Louise Avenue 

 April 20 (Wednesday) – UNCC Botanical Gardens 

 Pick -up: MDRC @ 9:00 am, MAB @ 9:30 am 

 Drop-

off: MAB @ 3:30 pm, MDRC @4:00 pm 

$15.00  Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Enjoy a social day with friends, while building

independence in the community. Learn about historic

educational and recreational attractions in the Charlo

area. Please bring money for lunch.

Registration deadline: April 15, 2016 

Sports & More

 For adults, ages 18 and up with disabilities

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center

2219 Tyvola Road

 April 8th – May 13 (Fridays)

10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

$60.00

Shannon.Maxwell@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Come one, come all! Join us for this exciting program

focusing on building basketball skills, soccer skills an

more! 

Registration Deadline-April 6, 2016 

Programs

mailto:Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Shannon.Maxwell@mecklenburgcountync.govmailto:Shannon.Maxwell@mecklenburgcountync.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

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**NEW PROGRAM**Adapted Kayaking 

 For teens and adults, ages 13 and up, with

 physical disabilities 

 Latta Plantation Accessible Kayak launch 

6211 Sample Road, Huntersville, 28078 

 April 12th and 26th (Tuesdays) 

4:00 pm-6:00pm 

$10.00 per session

 Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

This program is for individuals with physicaldisabilities who are interested in learning about

kayaking.  Kayak instruction will take place on

land and in the water.  All gear and kayaks will

 be provided. 

Registration Deadline: April 8th (for April

12th date), April 22nd (for April 26th date) 

**NEW PROGRAM** Geocache Club 

 For teens and young adults, ages 16 -35,

with disabilities 

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center  

2219 Tyvola Road  

 April 14th-28th (Thursdays) 

5:30pm-7:00pm 

$20.00

 Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Come enjoy a modern day treasure hunting

club! 

We will learn about geocaching, hunt forgeocaches all over Charlotte, and even create our

own!  All equipment and materials are

 provided.  We will meet on the second and fourth

Thursday of the month (except during Summer);

the fee covers both sessions for the month. 

Registration Deadline: April 11, 2016 

**NEW PROGRAM**Adapted Rock Climbing 

 For teens and adults, ages 16 and up, with physicaldisabilities 

UNC Charlotte Student Activity Center  

9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte 

 April 19th (Tuesday) 

5:00pm-8:00pm 

$20.00

 Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Enjoy a night of rock climbing on UNC Charlotte's

climbing wall! 

This is for new or experienced climbe

who have a physical disability.  Adaptive equipment

instruction will be provided.  More details TBD. 

Registration Deadline: April 14th, 2016 

**NEW PROGRAM**Tiny Tots

 For children, ages 2-5, with disabilities 

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center  

2219 Tyvola Road   April 6th-27th (Wednesdays) 

1:30pm-2:45pm 

$25.00

 Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Enjoy an afternoon with your young child as we eng

in different craft and sensory activities, games, music

story time.  During this 4 week program, we will wor

social skills, fine and gross motor skills in a fun

environment! 

Parents will stay with their child duringthe entire program.  This is a great opportunity for oth

 parents to meet each other and a fun environment to b

with your child! 

Registration Deadline: April 1, 2016

Programs

mailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

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5  Therapeutic Recreation Wire -April 2016 

Sensational Teen Science Club 

 For teens, ages 13 to 21 (in high school), with 

developmental disabilities  Atomz Lab, 9608 Longstone Lane,

Charlotte, 28277  

 April 5th -26th (Tuesdays) 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm 

$60.00  Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Join us at Atomz Lab for this NEW hands-on

science program for teens! This exciting 4-week

session will focus on 2 topics:

 Jurassic World  (2 weeks) - Explore what

our   planet was like when dinosaurs

ruled!  Investigate volcanoes, geysers, earth

quakes and other geologic phenomena!  Learn

how scientists study the dinosaurs’ fossilized

remains, including bones, footprints, claw marks,

and more! 

 Animal Survival (2 weeks) – Learn how some

interesting critters have adapted to two of the

most extreme locations on earth: the scorching

desert and the icy Antarctic!

Registration deadline: March 28, 2016

TR Dance: Superhero Dance!

 For teens and adults, ages 13 and up, with disabilitie

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center

2219 Tyvola Road

 April 15th (Friday)

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$10.00

TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Holy dance party Batman! Take a break from those lonights of crime fighting and get ready for a night of

dancing, fun, and friends. Dress up as your favorite

superhero and showoff your best dance moves. 

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. 

TR Dance – North: Spring Fling  For teens to adults, ages 13 and up, with disabilities 

 Robert B. Blythe Building,

102 Gilead Road, Huntersville 

 April 8th (Friday) 

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm 

$10.00 

TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Join us for an evening of Spring-time fun, food and

dancing - hang out with old friends and meet some ne

ones as well! You may pre-register or pay at the door

Programs

mailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:TRinfo@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

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Programs

Adult Cooking Class  For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up, 

with developmental disabilities 

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center,

2219 Tyvola Road   April 4th- May 16th (Mondays)

10:00 am.– 12:00 pm 

$70.00

 Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Start your week in the kitchen! In addition tolearning 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 30, 2016 

Artsy Crafts

 For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up

with developmental disabilities 

 Marion Diehl Recreation Center,

2219 Tyvola Road  

 April 6th - May 18th (Wednesdays)

10:00 am – 12:00 pm $70.00

 Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Express yourself through a wide variety of art

and craft projects! Activities may include: sand

casting; watercolor painting; weaving; wearable

art and more! All materials for this 7-week class

are included in the program fee.

Registration deadline: April 1st, 2016 

Gifted Gardeners For adults, ages 18 and up, with

developmental disabilities  Marion Diehl Recreation Center,

2219 Tyvola Road   April 5th- May 24th (Tuesdays) 

10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

$80.00

 Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

Spring has sprung for the Gifted Gardeners! Wespend plenty of time filling our raised tables and

 beds with spring season vegetables and flowers;

caring for permanent plantings at the Marion Di

Center; harvesting produce to take home; and

crafting items using plant materials. Please dress

for the weather, as we spend part of each class 

outdoors, weather permitting. 

Registration deadline: March 31, 2016 

Crafts and Cooking-

 North 

 For adults and seniors, ages 18 and upwith disabilities

 

Torrence Lytle Center,

508 Dellwood Drive, Huntersville 

 April 8th - May 20th (Fridays)

10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

$70.00

 Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 

As warm weather approaches, we’ll be bringing

out your creative side! Join us for a variety of ar

craft and cooking projects with a festive, season

theme. Healthy food choices and creative

expression are always part of the fun! All materi

are included in the program fee.

Registration deadline: April 5, 2016 

mailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.govmailto:Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov