Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Services
December 2021 Newsletter
Winter program online registration for county residents opened December 1st at 6pm! View our winter activity guide here. Therapeutic Recreation programs are on pages 89-91.

Please note that programs are subject to change pending the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warm Wishes!
The Therapeutic Recreation team wishes you a joyous holiday season spent with those you love.

Thank you so much for your support throughout 2021. We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Sincerely,
Susan, Tori, Anastasia & Rachel
Last Month's Highlights
No Boundaries
Our Therapeutic Recreation drama program said "That's a wrap!" on their fall production of Oklahoma this November. The performance was recorded for distribution to friends and families of the performers.
Photography Club
The TR Photography Club finished up in November. The group met online weekly and also had an in-person photo shoot at the Belmont Manor in Elkridge.

Many of the group's photos will be featured in the No Boundaries Art Exhibit at the Howard County Arts Council in February.
Spotlight on...Sarah!
A contagious smile and love for theatre arts!
This December we are shining our participant spotlight on Sarah! Sarah’s favorite Therapeutic Recreation programs are Walking Crew, No Boundaries, and Music Bingo. Sarah says she enjoys the programs because they are “relaxing, calming, and fun!”

Rachel from Walking Crew shares, “Sarah always comes to Walking Crew with a smile on her face. She is friendly and upbeat, and she usually ends up leading the way at the front of the group as we walk the trails."

In addition to participating in Therapeutic Recreation programs, Sarah loves watching her favorite movies performed on Broadway, attending math class, reading and hanging out. She loves acting and is involved with other theater groups in the community.

Therapeutic Recreation Manager Susan Potts says, "Sarah brings 150% to everything she does! Always positive and encouraging to everyone. Her smile is so contagious you can’t help but smile back and likely breakout into a song at some point."

Sarah is looking forward to visiting with her aunts and uncles over the holidays! Thanks, Sarah, for taking the spotlight!
New Accessible Playgrounds
Howard County Recreation & Parks opened 2 new accessible playgrounds in November. Both playgrounds are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. Be sure to check them out when you visit our parks!
Savage Park
The new playground at Savage Park was designed to increase interaction, encourage conversation, and promote language skills for children ages 2 to 12. A Nonverbal Communication Board sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society is located at the entrance to this playground that has Braille; words and symbols to allow those with limited or no verbal skills and those that are visually impaired communicate with others. The boards also encourage those that speak different languages to interact with one another. Other highlights of the new playground include musical stations, a sensory panel, imagination tables and graduated play options.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park North’s new Sensory-Friendly Play Experience playground has inclusive amenities ready to be used including a lower overhead ladder, two expression swings, a Zero-G swing chair, a Merry-Go-All, a nonverbal communication board and musical instruments. The second phase of Centennial Park’s North side renovation, which includes a sensory trail, is set to open next summer.
December Special Events
Saturday, December 11 | $5

Now virtual! Teens and adults with developmental disabilities enjoy dancing, socializing, and music by our DJ. Start planning your sweater now for a chance to win one of 3 prizes: Ugliest Sweater, Best Homemade Sweater, and the Cheermeister Award (most holiday spirit)!
Partner Happenings
Autism Society's New Brand Launch
Autism Society has recently announced a new brand that reflects and enhances their mission to "create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully."
Holiday Maker-Mart
The Howard County Arts Council is hosting a Holiday Marker-Mart December 2-12 featuring handcrafted items by local artisans. Shop local and support the artists in our community.
Help Us Help You
Do you have program feedback and suggestions? Want to provide a testimonial about your experience or your family member's experience? Fill out our survey!
The Inside Scoop
Stumped at trivia? Looking for a leg up on the competition?

Each newsletter contains a fun fact that you may find helpful at Themed Trivia, V.I.P. Club, or Pot Luck.

December's Fact:
The first gingerbread houses were made popular in Germany by the fairytale Hansel and Gretel.
410-313-7275 | www.howardcountymd.gov/rap | 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046
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