By Heather Wood

Summer is not officially over, but last week the school bells started ringing and the children headed back to school! If you are still trying to get the new fall routine down in your household, consider the following ideas to help create your own. Once you tweak your schedule just right, you and your family will be able to start the new school year on a bright and less hurried note. Do not wait too long to set up your back-to–school routine. The longer you wait to get the children into the habit of going to bed at a set bedtime, the harder time they will have getting up for school in the morning. Helping your children get into the routine of going to bed earlier, choosing their clothes for the next day, and being sure everything is in their book bag will help the day start much better.

While it might take some extra work Monday–Friday during fall to get the family in their new groove, consider letting off some steam and bringing your crew out to Harmon Park for an evening of games, food trucks, face painting, goodie bags and more on Friday, September 16. Our last FREE Movie in the Park for the summer will be Hotel Transylvania 2. Dracula, (Adam Sandler) has opened the Hotel Transylvania‘s doors to humans, and things are changing for the better; however, Drac is secretly worried that his half-human grandson, Dennis, is not showing his vampire side. See the adventures Dennis and friends face in the “monster-in-training” boot camp. The movie will begin at dusk, but come early to grab your favorite spot in the park to enjoy the food trucks and games, and one last summer fling!

With summer ending and a new season just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about Kernersville Parks and Recreation’s New Fall Programs. This year we have several new options for you and your family. Kernersville Parks and Recreation strives to serve everyone in our community and looks forward to offering new programs for seniors and preschool age children.

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention – Ages 18 and Up

Recommended by the CDC, these classes incorporate Tai Chi principles and some Qigong to improve health and wellness. Join us and note improvement in balance, confidence, and muscular strength through slow, gentle motion. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m., beginning August 16 – December 29. You are welcome to join us at Kernersville Community Recreation Center (125 E. Bodenhamer St., Kernersville). The class fee is $5 per class, with instructor Linda Starkey, Certified in TCAFP and ARC.

Little Hoopers Academy – 2-5 yrs. old

It is never too early to train like a pro with C. LaRue Hoops! Each 30–minute session is led by a qualified instructor. Your child will learn the fundamentals of basketball; develop coordination, balance, strength, and gain many valuable social skills that will carry on through a life time. Eight week sessions will begin Thursdays, September 8 – October 27.

JumpBunch Sports and Fitness for Kids – Ages 2–5 yrs. old

JumpBunch introduces your child to a large variety of sports and fitness activities in a non–competitive, safe, and fun environment. They strive to help build self–confidence and self–esteem, along with enhancing hand/eye and foot/eye coordination through sports skills and body control.

Session 1: Wednesdays, September 7 – October 26 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Session 2: Wednesdays, November 2 – December 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The Pumpkin Run, back by popular demand, offers a spooktacular time in the park! Gather up the family for this exciting fall event on Saturday, October 22. All ages are invited to walk or run the exciting 5K or 1–mile course in Fourth of July Park, promoting health and fitness while having fun. Participants are encouraged to come in costume for this festive event. Vendors/Exhibitors, Live Entertainment, Kid’s Activities, Costume Contest for Adults, Children and Dogs, PRIZES and PUMPKINS! Register early by October 17 (11:59 pm) and receive a discount. Registration includes a T–Shirt and goodie bag, except for 4 and under; ages 5–13 also receive a medal!

If you are interested in becoming a VENDOR or EXHIBITOR, please contact Brandi Lineberry at blineberry@toknc.com or 336–992–0806, to receive a copy of the Vendor or Exhibitor packet.

To become a SPONSOR, please contact Heather Wood at hwood@toknc.com or 336–996–6421. It is time to get ready for all things pumpkin and a GREAT school year! See you soon!