Galleries and Exhibits
Davidson Town Hall
• Atrium Gallery exhibit: Local Art for Christmas, a group exhibit on display at Town Hall, features paintings and photographs by Lake Norman area artists Sandie Bell, Kathie Kemp, Lori Neill and Mary Luke as well as photography by Rachel Goldstein and David Boraks, will be on display through Dec. 31. The exhibit is available for viewing in the Town Hall Rotunda during regular business hours. Town Hall is at 216 S. Main St.
Kemp is a painter, illustrator and designer who lives in Troutman. Her husband Chris Kemp has an accounting firm in Davidson. She paints still life and landscapes, often of Lake Norman area scenes. Neill lives on Lake Norman, where she paints in oils and egg tempera. After a career in business, she took up painting several years ago and has since shown her work in local and national exhibits. Besides larger works, she paints what she calls "daily oils" — small paintings of people and small objects they use.
Luke paints watercolors, finding beauty in unusual places. A Mooresville resident, she loves old farm buildings, rough stones and decaying wood, as well as sunsets and water. Bell has lived in the Lake Norman area since 1993. She draws her inspiration from the colors of sunrises and the ever-changing views of the Lake. She also paints where she travels, including a recent trip to New Mexico. Her work has been exhibited and won awards throughout the area.
Goldstein is a Davidson native and emerging artist whose photographs have won awards at shows throughout the region, including Davidson's Art on the Green. She has a master's of fine arts in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design. Boraks is a lifelong photographer and journalist whose work ranges from photographs of local people and events to landscapes, still lifes and architectural images. He is the founder and executive editor of DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.
Boraks also is the new coordinator for the gallery. Artists who would like to inquire about exhibits in the space by may send him an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Huntersville Parks
and Recreation
For program registration or more information, call 704-766-2220 or visit www.huntersville.org.
Adults
• Sign Language Workshop: Designed for parents of young children, preschool teachers, therapists, health-care professionals or anyone working around young children. All children from typically developing to special needs children can benefit from learning sign language. Class will touch on tips for success and show some helpful resources to get started. Learn basic signs that will be incorporated into childhood favorite books and songs. Individual classes will be held Monday, Jan. 9 and Feb. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Huntersville Town Center. Cost is $40 for Huntersville residents, $45 for all others for one session.
• Better Bodies Boot Camp: Better Bodies 4 Us offers a four-week physical conditioning class for men and women. This class is designed to increase participant's energy and strength by challenging them to complete circuit training drills, relays, calisthenics, plyometrics and more. Equipment required are a mat, set of dumbbells appropriate for 12 to 15 reps, towel and water bottle. Classes are held at Lake Norman Charter Middle School Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:15-8:15 p.m. Next session is Jan. 16-Feb. 8. Cost is $60.
For more information or to register, call 704-766-2220 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Daytime Open Studio: Ongoing class for oil/acrylic artists Wednesdays at Huntersville Arts and Cultural Center. Sessions are held 1-4 p.m. One-time registration fee of $5 and monthly fee of $18. Students should bring their own inspiration photos, stand-up or table easel, paints, canvas and other supplies, including cleaning supplies. Class is taught by Colette Dorais. For more information, call 704-458-8282 or send an e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Huntersville Arts and Cultural Center is at 109 S. Old Statesville Road.
Youth
• Sign Language for Toddlers: Signing Time Classes allow parents and children ages 1-3 to play, sing and sign together. It's a fun and interactive way to introduce young children to American Sign Language. "Terrible two's" aren't so terrible when your toddler can communicate his/her wants and needs. Four-session classes are held Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Huntersville Town Center. Cost is $60 for Huntersville residents, $66 for all others plus $45 for siblings. Sessions are held Jan. 4-25 and Feb. 8-29.
• Start Smart Basketball: Winter Start Smart begins in January. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy learning the basic fundamental skills required for the sport of basketball. Programs fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. Tuesday sessions will be held Jan. 10-Feb. 14 and Wednesdays, Jan. 11-Feb. 15. All sessions will be held 5:45-6:30 p.m. Cost is $55 for Huntersville residents, $65 for all others. Registration will close Jan. 3.
Davidson Parks
and Recreation
Register for programs online at www.d-Recs.org or by calling 704-892-3349. All classes are held at the Parks and Recreation office at 416 Armour St., unless otherwise noted.
Fitness
• Line Dance with Mary: Tuesdays, Jan 3-31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Mary for this fun, low- impact, aerobic dance class for all. Dances are choreographed to funk, country, and Broadway hits. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Zumba with Tonya Reber: Tuesdays, Jan. 3-31. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Combines calorie-burning. easy-to-follow dance moves like the merengue, salsa, cumbia and mambo as well as other styles including hip-hop and belly dancing. Zumba incorporates Latin inspired music with body sculpting, fat burning and total body toning that will help burn calories while improving flexibility and muscle tone. No prior dance skills are required. Cost is $50 for Davidson residents, $55 for all others.
• Pilates with Stacey Barnet: Wednesdays, Jan. 4-25, 6:45-7:45 p.m. Focus on core stability and flexibility while strengthening and lengthening muscles. Pilates is the ultimate core strengthening workout. Bring your own mat to class. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Pilates with Props with Sandra McQueen: Wednesdays, Jan. 4-25, 8:45-9:45 a.m. Improve core strength and back discomfort with a traditional Pilates mat class enhanced by bender balls, therabands and magic circles. Individual attention provided to all participants with certified Pilates instructor Sandra McQueen. Modifications provided for all levels of students, beginners through advanced. Students should bring personal yoga mats, however instructor can provide several to beginners. Costs is $36 for Davidson residents, $39 for all others.
• Zumba Gold with Sandra McQueen: Zumba Gold provides all the fitness benefits and fun of a regular Zumba class but at low impact and a slightly slower pace. Join Sandra McQueen for all the Latin flavors plus other exotic rhythms while burning calories and fat. Class is appropriate for beginning Zumba students, those needing low impact and older active adults 55 and older. Cost is $32 for Davidson residents, $35 for all others.
• Zumba/Zumba Toning with Karren: Wednesdays, Jan. 4-25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. An exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired fitness dance. Instructor will provide toning sticks, which add extra dimension. Karren is an official Zumba Instructor with certifications in Basic Levels I, II and Zumba toning. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Yoga with Stacey Barnet: Thursdays, Jan. 6-27, 6-7 p.m Integrate mind, body and spirit with an invigorating and challenging blend of balance, strength and flexibility. Yoga will relax your mind, rejuvenate your spirit and strengthen your body. Bring yoga mat to class. Blocks and straps are optional but encouraged. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Cardio Dance with Tonya: Fridays, Jan. 6027, 8:45-9:45 a.m. An exhilarating, heart-pumping workout that combines cardio moves, dance and body sculpting for a slimmer, trimmer body. No dance experience is required. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Functional Stretch and Strengthen: Wednesdays, Jan. 4-25. Whether a senior, boomer, new to exercise or recovering from injury or surgery, this class will improve balance, flexibility and functional mobility for everyday tasks and ease back pain. Add safe strength training with light weights, bands and yoga balls for the confidence you need to be successful in fitness. A chair component may be included for participants who have some limited mobility. Bring your own mat. Cost is $32 for Davidson residents, $35 for all others.
• Restorative Yoga with Jennifer Phelps: Thursdays, Jan. 5-26, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Class is designed for the individual looking to improve their health and wellness as well as work on flexibility, stability and balance while discovering the transformative power of deep relaxation. Class centers on the use of breathing, while moving through a series of poses designed to heal both mind and body. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Boot camp with Frank Giancarli: Saturdays, Jan. 7-28, 9-10 a.m. on the Town Green. From core work, body weight training to high intensity intervals, this program will tax every major muscle group. For ages 16 and older. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Kettle Bell Training with SNAP Fitness: Thursdays, Jan. 12-Feb. 16, 5-5:45 p.m. at SNAP Fitness. Kettle Bell Training is a hot new fitness trend but has been around for years. Every exercise uses multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. The benefits are full body conditioning, overall increased strength and endurance and better coordination. Cost is $80 for Davidson residents, $88 for all others.
• Hooping Fun-damentals: Saturday, Jan 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For ages 12 and older, get fit and have fun in this new hula hoop fitness class. Class includes hooping basics on and off the body, balance and movement. Loaner hoops available as well as hoops for sale. Cost is $15 for Davidson residents, $17 for all others.
Preschool
• Preschool Music, Movement and Story Time: Fridays, Jan. 6-27, 10-10:45 a.m. For ages 3-5, each class will incorporate movement, counting, singing, make believe and story time. Overall emphasis is placed on having fun while developing coordination, balance, rhythm, and musical expression. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Theatre Play for Preschoolers: Wednesdays, Jan. 25-March 28, 3-4 p.m. For ages 4-5, classes focus on working together, storytelling and basic theatre games. Children have opportunities to work together as well as solo, building self-confidence in a fun and creative manner. Each session culminates with a sharing for parents and friends. Cost is $105 for Davidson residents, $115 for all others. Class meets 10 times.
Classes
• Digital Photography for Novices to Experts: Thursdays, Jan. 5-Feb. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. For ages 12 and older, a hands-on digital photography class. Learn from a professional how to shoot better pictures; to save them; to edit them; and to share them. Learn how to transfer files to a computer. Basic editing photo software will be reviewed, including Picasa and Photoshop. Course goal is to help individuals be comfortable with their cameras and feel confident taking photos. Students should bring digital camera, camera user guide, freshly charged batteries, fresh memory cards, etc. Students can also bring some of their favorite photos to share with the class. Laptop computers may be brought along with necessary cables/card readers to download memory cards into an individual's computer. Cost is $60 for Davidson residents, $66 for all others.
• Extremely Sensible Couponing: Thursdays, Jan. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. Class will offer ideas for how to best leverage coupons in a reasonable and practical manner and still trim your grocery budget. Instructor will take into account your personality, strengths and goals to identify the best strategies. Course will also address the goal of providing healthier meals and using "greener" household products. Cost is $19 for Davidson residents, $21 for all others.
• Watercolor with Jim Kerr: Thursdays, Jan. 5-26, 9 a.m.-noon The goal of the course is to provide students with a roadmap to successful watercolor painting which will include landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits. Learn various techniques and applications. Cost is $89 for Davidson residents, $95 for all others.
Adult Trips
All trips leave from the Parks and Recreation office, which is located at 416 Armour Street.
• Charlotte Symphony Friday Morning Open Rehearsal: Friday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m-3 p.m. The sounds of a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with Christopher Warren-Green conducting and Joshua Roman on the cello. The rehearsal is 10 a.m.-noon. Lunch in downtown Charlotte fill follow. Cost is $25 for Davidson residents, $28 for all others, and includes ticket, transportation and parking. Registration ends January 9.
• Jersey Boys: At The Belk Theater: Thursday, March 8, 6 p.m. See the Tony award-winning smash hit Jersey Boys. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sound and sold 175 million records worldwide all before they were 30. The play was the winner of the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, featuring the hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What a Night" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You." Cost is $99, which includes ticket in Center Orchestra Rows N and O, and transportation. Registration ends Jan. 13.
Youth
• Let's Make a Play: Wednesdays, Jan. 25-March 28, 4:30-6 p.m. at the Armour Street Theater. Participants will learn about storytelling, story theatre, creating characters, theatre play, team work and very basic acting while creating an original production called Story Soup. The production will be performed free for the public on the stage at the Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. Final performance will be on March 28. Cost is $225 for Davidson residents, $235 for all others.
Athletics
• Fencing: Fridays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 4-5 p.m. at Community School of Davidson, 565 Griffith St. Join the Charlotte Fencing Academy to learn about the sport of fencing. Program is designed for beginner-level students and will teach the fundamentals of the fencing weapon known as the foil. Students will learn basic footwork, blade work and tactics. Proper athletic gear (jogging/sweat suits and good shoes) should be worn. Cost is $105 for Davidson residents, $120 for all others.
• Davidson Youth Baseball Association: Registration will be held in January and February for the program, which is affiliated with PONY Baseball Inc. DYBA has provided youth baseball in the Davidson community for more than 50 years. Games are played at historic McEver Fields. Registration for Davidson residents is Jan. 25-31, Feb. 1-29 for everyone. Age divisions are 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-16 as of April 30, 2012. Cost is $90-$120.
College Prep
The Davidson Parks and Recreation department is partnering with The Davidson Center to offer study skills, SAT and ACT prep, college search and college admissions workshops. Pre-registration is required. Register for programs online at www.d-Recs.org or call 704-892-3349. All classes are held at The Davidson Center, 452 S. Main St., Suite 110, in Davidson.
• The Basics of College Admission: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 7-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, Jan. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Cindy Turner and Amy Poag, college counselors at The Davidson Center, will present an overview of the college planning process for students in grades 9-11 and their parents. Topics will include finding your college match, important factors in admission decisions, activities, standardized testing, and the parents' role in the process. Cost is $45.
• A Guide To Researching Colleges: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Cindy Turner and Amy Poag, college counselors at The Davidson Center, will present a guide to researching colleges to students in grades 10-11 and their parents. Learn how to use books, Web sites, and campus visits to first identify possible college matches and then determine your best fit. Cost is $45.
