By Heather Chapman

November is typically the month that is most associated as the season of gratitude and thankfulness. This season when we are posed with the question of what we are truly thankful for, it is pretty evident that a major, long overdue, accomplishment is coming to fruition.

We are in the final stretch of opening our new Recreation + Event Center to the public in January 2025! The Grand Opening has been scheduled for Friday, December 1. In the meantime, staff is prepping for the big day by working on events, programs and travel tournament calendars, staff training, equipment installation, and organization of room space. We are thrilled to kick off the new year and welcome the community through our doors.

Before we join our families and gather around the table for a Thanksgiving meal, there is another holiday worth recognizing. On November 11, we will celebrate Veteran’s Day. To honor those who have served, we have planned a special event for our Veterans.

Veterans Archery is for those with and without disabilities, please join us for a FREE one-day archery clinic! This event will take place on Thursday, November 7 from 4-5:30pm at Kernersville Community Recreation Center. Trained staff and all adaptive equipment will be on site. This event is FREE for all veterans, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.kvparks.com.

If you do not mind a little friendly competition, give it your best shot and join us for an Adaptive Archery Competition “Bad to the Bow,” on Wednesday, December 11 from 5:30-7pm at Morehead Recreation Center. This event is a partnered event with our friends at High Point Parks and Recreation. It is free, but registration is required. Participants will have time to practice beforehand, all adaptive equipment is provided, and prizes will be awarded! To register and receive additional information, please contact Timpani Troxler at timpani.troxler@highpointnc.gov.

One thing to be thankful for is the friendships that endure the seasons. Celebrate those relationships with a Friendsgiving Paint Night! Join us on Wednesday, November 6 from 6-8PM, as we spend a fun evening with friends and create a fall masterpiece. When registering, pick any painting shown on the linked page at www.toknc.com. The image you select will be pre-traced on a 16×20 canvas. The paint brushes, paints, palettes, aprons, and everything you will need is included in the cost once you have reserved your spot. A local artist will be guiding the way and providing one-on-one guidance all evening long. Just bring yourself and friends, since we have got everything else covered! Whether you are an experienced painter or a complete beginner, our event provides a no-judgement and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Unleash your inner creative side and leave with a masterpiece of which you can be proud!

As the weather starts to get a little chilly, find hobbies indoors to keep you busy. The Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden offers classes of fellowship and creativity.

Botanical Watercolor Workshop
November 9, 9:30 – 11:30AM
Discover the beauty of the Garden’s flora and botanical art through watercolor. This introductory course, taught by local artist Jennifer Edwards, will cover the basic watercolor techniques and guide you through the steps to painting plant life with color and texture. Join us and nurture your artistic talent in an inspiring environment. This class is $35 per person and registration is limited. All materials are included in cost.

Stitch & *Itch
November 16, 9:30 – 11:30AM
Stitch & *Itch with fellow cross-stitch enthusiasts amidst the scenic beauty of Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. Bring your coffee and join us for a delightful morning of stitching and conversation! A limited number of kits featuring the pattern “Abuzz at Midnight” are available for purchase in the gift shop. Kits are $25 and include the pattern, threads, aida, and needle. There is no registration fee for this class, however, please register and let us know you are coming. The purchase of a kit is not required to participate. Participants who are not purchasing a kit should bring a new project or current work in progress.

Spectacular Holiday Blooms
Preparations for the Spectacular Holiday Blooms are underway. Visit their website at cienerbotanicalgarden.org for dates, times, and pricing.

We are ending this season on a high note and want to thank those who made it possible from our community leaders, partnerships, citizens, and staff. Thank you for all that you do for our town and the continued support that keeps us coming to work every day to a job that we love!