Not only is it a new year....make it a "new you" by investing in your professional development.  These trainings are all now open for registration.  Learn, grow, and meet new people.  Visit our registration page for more information.

• THIS IS IT - Summer Planning Extravaganza - Jan 11 Federal Way
• People Parks & Politics "How to Infiltrate Your Government" - Jan 25-26 Olympia
• Aquatic Facility Operator Course - Feb 2-4 Everett
• Athletic/Fitness Section Retreat, February 3-4 Cheney
• National Playground Safety Institute, March 9-11 Mercer Island
• WRPA Annual Conference & Trade Show, April 26-29 Wenatchee

Carrie Hite, Deputy Director, Parks & Community Services, City of Kirkland has accepted a new opportunity as the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director with the City of Edmonds.  "I am very excited for this step in my career, and a bit sad to be leaving Kirkland.  The City of Kirkland has been a great employer, and Jenny has been a great boss!  I will be starting in Edmonds on January 10th, and hope to continue some great work with all of you!"

Terri Arnold, Director, South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District recently passed the CPRP exam. Congratulations Terri!

Congratulationst our Mid Year Conference & Trade Show - post conference survey winners:  Nicole Wiebe, Redmond Parks & Recreation and Melanie Gregory, FunRent who were randomly selected from our pool of survey respondents.  Both received $25 Starubcks gift cards in appreciation of their responses.

Tim Gallagher will not be moving to Canada.  After much deliberation and a change of heart... he has declined an employment offer with the Greater Vancouver Regional District, Metro Vancouver.

The City of Aberdeen is in the progress of changing thier email system.  The old emails will still be usable for a bit, but will disappear soon.  Please use this email address if you need to contact me: dfarmer@aberdeenwa.gov  Doug Farmer of the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department.

You are invite to review the proposal and participate in a teleconference with senior representatives from the Governor's Office to discuss this proposal in more detail.  The conference call is scheduled Friday, December 17th, from 12:00 to 12:30.  Conference call instructions - This will be a web-based conference call.  Q&A will be allowed, so if you have a question during the call you can press *6 and we will be notified through the Q&A queue that there is a question. 

If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to call the Governor's policy and budget staff, John Mankowski (360-902-0551) or Kirstan Arestad (360-902-0569). 

Conference dial-in number: (323) 843-0075
Participant access code: 757557

As a SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT from NAYS, they are offering a $50 discount on registration for the Online Academy to earn the CYSA credential.  REGISTER TODAY.  Once you input your personal information, just add GIFT50 in the discount field and your registration will be reduced by $50 - it's that simple.  This special offer valid through Jan. 31, 2011.

WRPA has seven primary awards to recognize organizations and individuals (volunteers and professionals) for their contributions to the Park and Recreation field.  WRPA also offers a variety of Spotlight Awards to recognize excellence in park and recreation projects, services and media.  Nominations are due by February 11, 2011.   More

OLYMPIA - The deadline is approaching quickly for those who want to apply for state grants to build or improve outdoor recreational facilities, the Recreation and Conservation Office announced today.
Applications are due Jan. 10 for three state programs that award grants for boating facilities, trails and shooting and archery ranges.  For more information on who's eligible to apply and what projects can compete, visit the Recreation and Conservation Office Web site.  This year, the office is offering grants in the following categories:

• Boating - Funding to acquire, develop or renovate public boating facilities, including boat launches and ramps, guest moorage and support facilities.
• Firearm and Archery Ranges - Funding to acquire, develop and renovate firearm range and archery training and practice facilities.
• Trails - Funding to maintain and develop backcountry trails and off-road vehicle areas. Environmental education and trail safety programs also are eligible.

NRPA is accepting grant applications for the Parks: Return & Restore program which creates and expands adaptive recreation programs for injured service members and veterans. Grants in the amount of $5,000 to $20,000 will be given and may be used for equipment, training, staffing, and program development. Applications are due on Tuesday, January 4th. More