JCL Good for the Heart 5K Run/Walk

The Junior Charity League of Concord will host the JCL Good for the Heart 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run presented by Fifth Third Bank, Saturday, Feb. 25, at Les Myers Park on Lawndale Avenue. The race route follows the McEachern Greenway to McGee Park.

Registration for this chipped event is now open at www.jclofconcord.com. Cost to register through Feb. 21 is $25 for the 5K; on race day, $30. Cost to register for the Fun Run is $10. The registration fee is tax-deductible. All proceeds from the event will benefit in-need children who receive new school clothes and uniforms from the League’s Mariam C. Schramm Clothing Room.

Families and children are encouraged to participate in the event which will feature games with the Chick-fil-A cow, Smoothie King smoothies, Great Harvest Bread Company bread, cookie decorating sponsored by Dough bakery, obstacle course/exercises, heartbeat comparisons, face painting, raffle drawing and First Responder trucks and cars.

There will be prizes for the top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K Run, and age group winners will receive medals. There will be prizes for the top 3 finishers in the Fun Run. All Fun Run participants will receive a medal.

Join us for a morning of heart-healthy exercise while raising money to clothe local children!

For more information: Call 704-652-0669.  Like us on Facebook at JCL Good for the Heart 5K.

The Mariam Coltrane Schramm Clothing Room

The Mariam Coltrane Schramm Clothing Room, established in 1973, provides new, stylish school clothes to economically disadvantaged students in the Cabarrus County Schools and the Kannapolis City Schools. The League has responded as the need for assistance in the community has increased through the years, improving both the quality and quantity of clothing that the children receive ~ from the Junior Charity League Website

This event is sponsored in part by 5/3 Bank.  A community organization that supports the community.

Start planning now for spring activities

I know I know it’s cold outside and the weather this past weekend was rainy! This is all the more reason to start making plans to get the family outside (and off the video games) at the first hint of warm weather. Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

The family camping trip: Tents have come a long way baby! Now they come with built with lighting and hinged doors that make it easy to run in and out. Add a built-in screened in front porch and you’ve got an instant cabin in the woods. Check out www.coleman.com, oh, and by the way, some new models can set up in under 60 seconds! And to make sure you’rer not forgetting anything, visit www.checklistforcamping.com and print off a checklist. There are many camping sites are available near (and far from) Kannapolis, however, Dan Nicholas Park is close by and offers not only camping, but  many other activities for families.

The fishing trip: Take a walk through Village Park (mid April through May) and you’ll see the dogwood trees in bloom. These are my “indicator” trees to let me know that the water is warm enough for some good fishing. The absolute easiest way to catch fish is with live bait (I always use minnows) A simple rod and reel with a hook, sinker and bobber is all the equipment you need, plus a bucket for the minnows of course. Visit www.takemefishing.org, a great site loaded with information. Lake Fisher in Concord is a good place for families to start fishing.

Geocaching: It’s a high tech game of hide and seek where you use a GPS unit to find hidden containers left behind by other players. Once you get started it’s very addicting and really fun for the kids when they find one. You can purchase a starter GPS unit at www.garmin.com for around $100.00, or if you have a smart phone, download a GPS app for free. For more information on geocaching, visit www.geocaching.com.  Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation even offers geocaching classes for beginners.  Check them out here.

I have two boys, Brody and Andrew, and these are some of the things that we like to do. I hope this helps shake those winter blues and remember to start planning now, because spring is right around the corner. ~ James Irvin, Parks and Recreation

Family Connection Day ~ Read Yourself Silly

Family Connection Day – Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 am for all ages  

Flow Circus presents Read Yourself Silly.  Paul Miller uses magic and juggling to entertain families, and show us all how much fun learning through books and play can be! Bring the whole family, all ages are welcome. This program is presented in collaboration with Kannapolis Parks and Recreation.  No registration is required.

Take your kids to the library.  Have fun & connect as a family, that’s what Family Connection Day is all about.  The Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department and Kannapolis Branch Library are presenting The Flow Circus program with Paul Miller to Read Yourself Silly.  Join us this Saturday at 11:00 at the Kannapolis Library!

This 45 minute juggling & magic show in which Paul tells the story of how a trip to the circus inspired him to visit his library to learn more about juggling which led to balloons, magic, and the history of the circus. Throughout the performance he models how learning through books can be fun and leads you to discover new interests.

  ~ From the Flow Circus Website – www.flowcircus.com

The Flow Circus program is a unique blend of magic and juggling that engaged our young readers in a way that fills their hearts with passion and their heads with dreams. Most importantly, the children were inspired to READ and they were an active part of the 2011 summer reading program.

~ Reitha Morrison, Iredell County Public Library, Statesville NC

January, where are you going?!

The Christmas season was gone in a flash and January is going just as fast. The City of Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department had a successful December helping their community celebrate the Christmas season.  It all started with A Kannapolis Christmas Festival.  The weather cooperated with us and we saw between 6,000 and 7,000 people through Village Park for the festival and opening of the Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express.  As kids enjoyed the rides and petting zoo, parents mingled about the craft booths looking for that special Christmas gift.  The smell of the different food, from bar-b-que to chicken wings to pizza to donuts to funnel cakes, attracted many to food booths for a tasty snack.  As night approached many continued to enjoy the festival as others headed to the amphitheater lawn for the tree lighting ceremony.  The anticipation of the tree lighting grew as performers on the stage spread the Christmas Spirit with their songs, dances, and readings. Then a five minute barrage of fireworks signaled the lighting of the 34 foot Christmas tree.  The rest of the park then started to glow with over 200,000 lights and the Winterland Express chugged around the track. See the photo album to get a feel for what this event was like!

The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express also had a successful season with close to 11,000 people visiting the park and 9,600 of those people riding the train through the lights.  Families and friends were also able to enjoy the light show on the amphitheater, the singing bears, and visit with Santa.  Many people then took the opportunity to go inside and warm up and see the Atlantic Coast S Guager’s interactive model train display. A hot chocolate and a s’mores seemed to be good way to top off an enjoyable night.

Entrance to the Bakers Creek Greenway

Now that the Christmas season has passed and a new year is well under way, many have made New Year’s resolutions to be healthier and more active.  As January is speeding by, we have continued to have nice weather.  This is the perfect opportunity to get out, enjoy the outdoors, visit the parks and walk the greenways.  Safrit Park offers a ½ mile greenway and the greenway loop that connects Village Park and Bakers Creek Park is about 2 miles in total length.  Even taking the kids outside and playing on the playground is a great way to connect with the family & be active!

To find out more about where the greenways are, download the Greenway Brochure!

So get out there and keep those resolutions and look for other ideas to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends in the coming months!

The Celebration of Lights Continues

Enjoy the light display of more than 175,000 lights!

The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express are open at the park from 6:00-9:30 p.m. every night now through December 30  (except 12/24 & 12/25).

• Ride the Train  **Click to download your buy-one-get-one-free ticket!**
• See the Lights
• Watch the Singing Bears
• Visit with Santa
• Roast Marshmallows
• Listen to the Music & Watch the dancing lights
• Play with the interactive train display
• Enjoy a cup of hot coco from the concession stand

For more information, visit the Kannapolis Christmas website or contact the Parks & Rec Department at 704-920-4343.

The Winterland Express leaving the station

LIGHTS! SANTA! ACTION!

Only one more day until Village Park comes to life & to light!  On Saturday, December 3 the park transforms with lights, laughter and holiday cheer.

The Kannapolis Christmas Festival kicks off at 2:00 p.m. with carnival rides (merry-go-round, ferris wheel, giant slide and a scrambler-like ride), craft and holiday display vendors, food vendors, a petting zoo, model train display, kids crafts and more.

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will begin at 6:00 p.m.  with a pre-show dance performance from Kannapolis’ own Dance Dreams Studio.  At 6:30 soloist Amie Irvin, bluegrass and gospel quartet Strings of Victory, and dancers of all ages from K.S.D. Dancers will perform for the tree lighting ceremony.  A special guest will be on hand to help us light the 40′ Christmas Tree.  Fireworks will follow as the park lights up and transforms to the Winter Wonderland.

Kannapolis Singing Bears

The Winterland Express will run every day from December 4 – 31 (excluding 12/24 & 12/25) from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.  Ride the train and see the light displays each night.  The Village Park amphitheater will also come to life with an automated light show synced to some great upbeat Christmas tunes.  Speaking of tunes, the Kannapolis singing bears have joined us in the park again this year and will be performing each night as well.  And even though it’s tough for him to leave the workshop this time of year, Santa will be here every night from 6:00 – 9:30 ready to visit with kids of all ages.  So write your letters to Santa and be sure to bring them with.  Moms & Dads, bring your camera to get pictures, too!

There are lots of exciting things to do at Village Park during the month of December ~ the Winterland Express and Celebration of Lights holds some fun for each member of the family.  Come join us!

Visit www.kannapolischristmas.com for more information and directions!

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

…..Christmas?  Maybe? Most Definitely!

You can’t avoid it.  Take a look around – in the stores, on the internet, on tv – everyone is getting ready for the holiday season.  Kannapolis Parks and Recreation and Village Park are no exception.

We hope you will embrace the Christmas and Holiday season with us.  Lights are going up and we are on a count down to one of the most exciting times in Kannapolis….the Kannapolis Christmas Festival and month-long Celebration of Lights.

Each year, the park lights up with wonderment and joy.  Over 150,000 lights, displays, trees, music, and festive activities fill Village Park during the month of December.  Families can enjoy a ride on the Winterland express through the light displays, watch the automated light show synced to holiday favorites, visit with Santa, roast marshmallows, and more. Check out the website at www.kannapolischristmas.com for more information and we’ll keep you posted on the progress!

Busy Summer Gives Way to Fall Transition Period at Village Park

It has been a busy summer in Village Park!

It all started in May with the completion of the parking lot improvements and stormwater construction project.  The parking lot improvements included a new parking layout, traffic pattern, sidewalks, landscaping and the addition of much-needed lighting.  The stormwater project, which handles more than half of the stormwater runoff from the NC Research Campus runs under Village Park.  The 84″ pipe was buried this spring under the concert lawn.  With the parking lot improvements finished and the stormwater line construction complete it was time to kick off the Waste Management 2011 Summer Entertainment Series.

Charlotte Symphony Concert - July 2, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Patrick Trombly

This year’s Summer Entertainment Series was our biggest and best yet attracting over 45,000 visitors.  It included concerts by Jason Michael Carroll, the Band of Oz and a beach music festival.  It also included the Charlotte Symphony, which attracted a whopping estimated 16,000 people to Village Park on July 2^nd.  Also as part of the summer entertainment series, we showed several movies in the park including: Jaws, The Blind Side, and Tangled.

Rotary Express at Village Park

Village Park’s other attractions, the Rotary Express Train and Village Park Splash Pad, had very successful summers as well.  Each of these stayed busy throughout the summer months attracting almost 27,000 visitors each.  The train had its biggest day to date with 1,054 riders on July 2^nd.  The splash pad may be closed for the season, but there is one last opportunity to ride the train  as it will continue to run through this weekend, Sunday October 9^th.

Shelter C at Village Park

The shelters at the park continue to stay full as well.  Over the summer months, there were over 528 shelter reservations in Village Park.  The shelters were booked full almost every weekend this summer and we expect the same this fall.  Village Park is a great venue to host a birthday party, family gathering, baby shower, church picnic or any type of event!  Fall and winter hours will start the weekend of the daylight savings time change.  Be sure to contact us early to make your reservations for next spring! You can email Park Manager, George Hall or call 704-920-4343 to get more information about shelter reservations.  You can also check out the City website by clicking here.

After this weekend, the train will close for the regular season and the park will start its transition from an active daytime park to a park filled with magical Christmas lights as we prepare for the Kannapolis Christmas Season.  The train will receive its routine maintenance and then emerge from the station, as the Winterland Express on December 3^rd.  It will carry passengers through more than 175,000 lights that adorn the park from December 3^rd through December 31^st.  We will also welcome back for the Christmas season, The Kannapolis Singing Bears and of course that jolly old man in the red suit, Santa Claus.

We hope you had as good of a summer as we did and that you can come out and visit us this fall and Christmas season to enjoy the many sights, sounds, and activities at Village Park.

Busy weekend ahead

If you are looking for something to do this Saturday, there are some local events you might be interested in attending and/or participating in.

The American Cancer Society is hosting Bark for Life – a Canine Event to Fight Cancer.  Dogs and their owners are invited to join the American Cancer Society at Bakers Creek Park from 10am – noon for this first annual event.  The registration is $10.00 per dog prior to the event and $15 day of.   For more information, email rflkannapolis@gmail.com.

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a fundraising event honoring the life-long contributions of our Canine Caregivers.  It presents an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine companion partnerships and to contribute to cancer cures through the mission of the American Cancer Society….Canine companions demonstrate unconditional love, joy, security, compassion, and no judgments of cancer survivors abilities or appearances.  The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is an irresistible way to partner with your canine best friend, smile, and make new friends – canine & human. – From the Relay for Life Website

The last installment of Waste Management Summer Entertainment Series Stories Under the Stars is happening on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.  John Fowler will be telling stories at the Kannapolis Branch Library.  His mixture of folk tales and mountain tales are can’t miss. Check out his video below:

Check out the  COMMUNITY MARKET  Arts & Crafts – Yard Sale – Flea Market
September 24th, 9am-3pm

Set up a booth and sell your craft or yard sale items at The Habitat Cabarrus ReStore (2902 South Cannon Blvd) A great location that attracts hundreds of shoppers each week!  Guests will include individuals, local churches, businesses and charities. Come support this great community event! The ReStore donation truck will be in the parking lot to take your remaining items if you would like to donate them. The First Assembly Clothing Closet will also be on site to accept clothing donations.  Spaces are $20 each. Registration deadline is September 20th. Registration forms are also available at the Habitat Cabarrus ReStore. If you have any questions or would like more information, call the ReStore at 704-786-4000, or e-mail restore@habitatcabarrus.org.

If you are into mud, adventure and a little competition, check out the Town of Landis Down and Dirty Adventure Run & Events at their new Lake Corriher Wilderness Park, which is directly across from the South Rowan YMCA.  You can download the flyer and registration form Down-and-Dirty-Flier to participate or follow this link for directions to join in the fun and just watch.

In addition to the fun family events happening all day, the Town of Landis is hosting  a Movie in the Park night on Saturday starting at 8:00 p.m.!  If you’ve been missing Kannapolis’ Summer Event Series, you can catch a free outdoor movie.  Call 704.857.2411 or email parks and recreation director, Andrew Morgan at andrew@townoflandis.com for more information.

Events in Kannapolis to help raise awareness of Alzheimers disease

The Kannapolis Parks and Recreation is helping to present a series of events this month, in cooperation with Home Instead Senior Care and the Gem Theater, to help benefit and raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

I attended a lunch & learn last week where Margaret Moody of the Western North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association presented information on the disease, the organization and the upcoming events to raise funding and awareness for this terrible and debilitating disease.

One point of information shared were 10 signs of Alzheimer’s.  The signs include memory loss which affects daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks among others. You can click here for a complete list.

People with memory loss or other possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem and may resist following up on their symptoms. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. – from the National Alzheimer’s Association Website.  www.alz.org

There are still two events you can participate in.

Movie – “Lovely Still”
When: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:00pm
Where: Gem Theatre (map)
Donation: $5.00 (purchased in advance) – $6.00 (purchased at the door)
Presentation: Margaret Moody, Alzheimer’s Association
“True love doesn’t need to be remembered” – Florida Film Fest
Lovely Still is a captivating film starring Academy Award Winners Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn, as well as Adam Scott and Elizabeth Banks.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Rowan Cabarrus
When: Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 9:00am
Where: NC Research Campus (map)
Donation: Personal donation of your choice and/or collect contributions from friends and family to donate toward this great cause!
Join Our Team to create awareness and raise contributions!

Thanks to Home Instead Senior Care for bringing the community such important information.