'Get on the Ball' Fitness Class

Nicole Bullock

Summer fun is waiting for you! So, ‘get on the ball’ and join our new fitness class.

Designed to enhance core stability and strength, this class will lead the group through a series of exercises using a fit ball, also known as a stability ball. Using the fit-ball is a great way to explore body awareness, strength, and coordination. The class will be using simple movements, stretches, and balancing to improve coordination, toning and flexibility.

Fit ball can also be used at home as a family activity. Most of us get into the same old routine. We challenge you to break out of the mold! Instead of sitting on your sofa watching television, try sitting on a fit ball to improve your posture and strengthen your torso. During commercial breaks, challenge yourself to simple movements and stretches. As you improve, you can make the movements more challenging.

We are excited to introduce the “Get on the Ball” fitness class on Tuesday evenings beginning July 8th - August 12th from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. at College Park Community Center. Classes are designed for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Registration begins May 12th. For more information, contact Rodney Scott at 301-454-1479 (voice) or 301-454-1493 (TTY).

Disabilities Programs and Services Forum Update

Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion staff from the Department of Parks and Recreation hosted a Disabilities Programs and Services Forum on March 11, 2008, at the Newton White Mansion. Thirty (30) testimonies were given by community members and disability advocates. The information gathered will be used to improve our current programs as well as for strategic planning for the Department’s future disability programs and services. A special thanks to all who came out and participated in the Forum.

Improving Site Accessibility

New and improved accessible restrooms are a welcome renovation at the Clearwater Nature Center, Bladensburg Waterfront Park and at Watkins Regional Park Train and Carousel area. Additionally, a new and exciting accessible playground is in the design phase for the Mitchellville South Neighborhood Park, located adjacent to the C.E. Rieg Regional Center. The Department of Parks and Recreation works to continuously improve accessibility throughout our parks and recreation facilities. If you have an accessibility concern, please contact Darilyn Marinelli at 301-454-1480, TTY 301-454-1493.

Family Fun for Everyone: Rent a Bicycle Program

Beginning in June, the Wells Linson Complex located at 5211 Paint Branch Parkway in College Park, Maryland, will have bicycles available to rent on the weekends. These will include the typical two-wheel bicycles, as well as tandem bikes, adult three-wheel bikes and a hand cycle. The adult three-wheel bicycles provide a wonderful opportunity for someone who may have balance problems. Riding a tandem bike is a great option for someone who may need assistance from another person for steering, braking and balance. The hand cycle provides a bicycling opportunity for someone who does not have use of the lower extremities.

Looking for some family fun, take the whole family for a bike ride on the Northwest Branch of the Hiker/Biker Trail this summer! The Hiker/Biker Trail winds from the parking lot at Wells-Linson and takes you north to Lake Artemesia and beyond. If you head south on the Trail, you will ride through Riverdale and on to Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Specific details on the bike rental program, costs, reservations, etc. will be available in May by calling 301-277-3717.

Resource Corner

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sponsoring a special “Birding for the Blind” program on Sunday, May 4th from 1–3:30 pm at the Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract. Registration is free but is required. Call 301-497-5887 for more information.

The Arc of Prince George’s County, PGCPS Department of Special Education, SECACPG, PG Infants and Toddlers Program and M-NCPPC, have partnered to provide a wonderful opportunity to hear a special presentation by Kathy Snow, author of Disability is Natural on May 30. A morning and evening session is available free of charge. Call 301-925-7050 ext. 307 for details and to register.

The One World Center for Autism Initiative is an agenda to create a non-profit organization which will address the myriad of challenges facing individuals living with Autism in Prince George’s County. A coalition comprised of parents, medical providers, educators, and therapists have been awarded a CATCH (Community Access to Child Healthcare) grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics in order to plan the establishment of the center. If you desire to play a vital role in the establishment of the One World Center for Autism please call 301-957-1400 or email worldforautism@comcast.net.

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, in collaboration with M-NCPPC, offers a water exercise class at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road in Landover, Maryland on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30–1:15 pm. The next class will be held May 13-June 5 and is designed to increase strength, flexibility and mobility for individuals with physical disabilities. Please call the MS Chapter at 202-296-5363 for more information and to register. Volunteers are needed to assist class participants. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the MS Chapter at 202-296-5363.

MetroAccess is hosting a public information session about MetroAccess Door-to-Door Service on Saturday, May 31, 1-3 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville. For more information, please contact MetroAccess at 301-562-5360 (voice) 301-588-7535 (TTY). It is important to note that under this new initiative, MetroAccess drivers will change from curb-to-curb to door-to-door service effective June 30, 2008. Under this new initiative, drivers will escort MetroAccess passengers from the first exterior door of the customer’s pick up address into the vehicle and from the vehicle to the first exterior door of the customer’s destination address.

Important Dates to Remember:

April 12 (Saturday)
Summer Camp Registration began.

May 12 (Monday)
Summer Class registration begins.

June 7 (Saturday)
2008-2009 Kids’ Care After School registration begins.

June 9 (Monday)
2008-2009 Leisure and Life Skills After School registration begins.

Registrations are accepted on a first come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited so be sure to register early!

Reminder: Register a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. This advance notification is required for before- and after-care programs, as well.

Therapeutic Recreation Interns

Tiffany Briscoe, a student from Grambling University, has been working with the Special Programs Division’s Therapeutic Recreation Section. She is completing her senior internship in Therapeutic Recreation.

David Fuller, a student from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, has been working with our Central Area Inclusion Services Office completing his Therapeutic Recreation degree.

Both David and Tiffany will be graduating in May. Congratulations to both!

Charles Smith receives Volunteer Award

Charles Smith and Stephanie Newton

The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Therapeutic Recreation Branch recognized Charles Smith by presenting him with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Charles has volunteered with the Fun Bunch Social Club for several years and has provided many hours of recreational fun for our Fun Bunch participants. We are thrilled Charles was recognized for his outstanding dedication as a volunteer with our Therapeutic Recreation programs.

Mary Bowie receives Outstanding Recognition Award

Mary Bowie

Congratulations to Mary Bowie, M-NCPPC Central Area Inclusion Coordinator, who was presented with the “Outstanding Recognition Award” by the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Therapeutic Recreation Branch for her longterm dedication and outstanding contributions to the Therapeutic Recreation profession in Maryland! We are proud to have Mary on our Inclusion Team!

M-NCPPC Contact Numbers

Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Special Programs Division
6611 Kenilworth Ave. Suite 205
Riverdale, MD 20737
301-454-1480 Voice
301-454-1493 TTY

Inclusion Services
Northern Area:
301-445-4500 Voice
301-445-4512 TTY

Central Area:
301-218-6700 Voice
301-218-6768 TTY

Southern Area:
301-203-6000 Voice
301-203-6030 TTY