by Heather Wood

The month of February is often associated with cold, dreary, rainy, snowy weather.  Although the shortest month of the calendar year, February can feel as if it drags on forever as we anticipate the arrival of spring.  Most people are familiar with celebrating Valentine’s Day, but what else is there to celebrate in the month of February?

Kernersville Parks and Recreation will celebrate the Annual Father/Daughter Dance the weekend before Valentine’s Day.  Father/daughter dances are common, and emphasize the special relationship between girls and their dads (or another significant male figure like a grandad or an uncle).  Fathers, bring your little sweetie for a night full of fun, laughter, and dancing.  Light refreshments will be served at the dance.  Father’s and daughters of all ages are welcome!  Have your picture taken by a professional photographer and experience a night of making memories.  The dance will take place at the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Community Center on Saturday, February 8 from 6:00-8:30p.m.  Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.toknc.com/pr.   Parking is available at Town Hall (134 E. Mountain St.) and transportation is provided to the Community Center.

If you are starting to get cabin fever, KPRD has several ways to get out and forget the cold winter days.  Here is a list of ways for parents and kids to get involved and have a little fun beating the winter blues.

Kernersville Cannons Lacrosse
Play the “Fastest Game on Two Feet” by joining the Kernersville Cannons Youth Lacrosse team!  Players are responsible for their own stick, mouth guard, cleats, and personal protective cup.  First year players will be provided with a helmet and pads.  Experienced players must provide all of their own equipment.  Practices will be held at Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex on Saturday, February 8, 15, 22, and March 1st. They will be held on Monday’s and Wednesday’s beginning February 17th.  Games will be played on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons at various locations.  Age Control Dates:  U15- 9/1/98, U13- 9/1/00, U11- 9/1/02, U9- 9/1/04.

KPRD is also excited to partner with LB3 North Carolina and East Forsyth High School Girls Lacrosse team to offer a girls clinic in Kernersville for all skill levels on February 22.  Whether you have been playing for years or are the true beginner and just want to give lacrosse a try, we will teach you on your level.  If you are new to lacrosse and do not have a stick, one will be provided.  The girls game is new to the Kernersville area and we want to offer all young ladies who are interested a chance to learn the great game of Lacrosse.

After the clinic, all participants are invited to attend the “Sling into Spring” play day with the area high schools, which will also be at Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex.  For the beginners, this is a great way to be introduced and see what it looks like during a game.  Join us Saturday, February 22 from 9:00-11:00a.m. at Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex.  This event is open to girls ages 8-15 and the fee is $35.  For more information visit our website at www.toknc.com/pr.

Youth Kickball Tournament
Bring a team of friends, youth group, or sports team and see if you have what it takes to win the ultimate playground sport of kickball.  This tournament is open to 6th-10th graders with a maximum of 12 players on a team.  The tournament will take place on Saturday, February 22 at the Kernersville Community Center beginning at 1:30p.m.  Please bring something to donate to a local homeless shelter the day of the event.  For more information visit our website at www.toknc.com/pr.

Basic Digital Photography
Have you ever wondered what your camera can really do?  Bring your camera, manual, spare batteries, and a memory card and join us Saturday, February 1 from 12:00-3:00p.m., for a one day workshop.  If time is of the essence, try our three week class starting on February 3 or March 3.

Adult Softball Leagues
Join us at Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex for one of the Triad’s largest NSA sanctioned leagues.  Leagues are offered for men, women, and co-ed teams of multiple skill levels.  The deadline to register teams is February 21 and league will begin March 10 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights).

Cane Fu
This class provides an effective form of self-defense for seniors, along with the disciplined workout of a Martial Arts class.  Classes begin February 4-25 & March 6-27 on Tuesday’s or Thursday’s from 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.  This class is open to anyone who uses a cane and is $35 for 4 classes.

Aquatic Classes
KPRD and the Kernersville YMCA have teamed up to offer community water classes for everyone.   Register for Aqua Zumba or Water Worx for $25 per month without member fees.  To register visit our website at www.toknc.com/pr.

2014 Summer Camp Registration
This full day camp offers daily excursions to the local parks, games, crafts, swimming, field trips, and lots of fun!  Check out the new camp schedule online starting February 17.

The Kernersville Sister City will celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 22 from 6:00-8:00p.m., at the Kernersville Moravian Church.  This year celebrates the Year of the Horse and the continued relationship between the Town of Kernersville and Dashi, Taiwan.  Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased from any Sister City member or by calling 336-993-3062.  The night will be filled with unique entertainment, food, and door prizes.  If you are interested in joining the Kernersville Sister City call Town Hall at 336-996-3121 for more information.

Kernersville Parks and Recreation wants to keep the public informed on the recent change in gun signage in reference to concealed carry permit holders and updated Town Ordinances to comply with State Law. The Kernersville Board of Alderman voted last month to change the wording of the current signs in our parks to make all parties aware of the laws. The current changes are underway and new signs will be posted in our parks soon. What does this mean?

Weapons are not allowed in parks with the exception of concealed carry permit holders of hand guns. A permit holder can carry a concealed handgun in the following parks: Fourth of July Park, Harmon Park, Civitan Park, Old Lake Park, Century Lake, and Rotary Park. Ivey M. Redmon Sports complex allows a concealed carry in the parking lots and Cross Country course. The only restrictions are on the athletic fields, concession stands, side lines, and court yard during any scheduled athletic event. The newly posted signage refers to Town Ordinances and can be found online with more detailed information.