On February 24, Hon. Lloyd Snelgrove, Minister of Finance and Enterprise, presented the provincial government's 2011 budget in the legislature.

Notable points related to recreation and culture include:

• 8.7% budget reduction for recreation and culture - from $379 million in 2010 to $346 million in 2011-12. Projections for the two years following show that budget reductions are also anticipated. 
• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation's 2011-12 budget declines 4.5% compared to the 2010-11 budget.

Notable points related to the Lottery Fund include:

• Net gaming and lottery revenue is projected to increase 9.7% from the 2010-11 budget figures, representing a $96.3 million increase.
• ASRPWF funding in 2011-12 remains the same as that budgeted in 2010-11.
• Culture and Community Spirit shows a slight reduction in Community Initiatives Program funding - from $25.5 million to $25.25 million.  
• The Alberta Foundation for the Arts 2011-12 budget represents a 7.8% reduction compared to 2010-11 funding.
• The Community Spirit Donation Grant Program was sustained at 2010-11 budget levels ($16 million), and CFEP Program funding was also sustained ($38 million).
• "Other Initiatives" funding within the Lottery Fund estimates has been reduced by 37% - from $6.5 million in 2010-11 to $4.1 million in 2011-12.
• Lottery Fund disbursements to Tourism, Parks and Recreation represent 1.7% of total net lottery revenue available in 2011-12.

While Lottery Fund net revenues are projected to increase by over $96 million in 2011-12, lottery funding to recreation and culture activities will once again be reduced as has been the case over the past number of years.

Additional noteworthy provincial budget highlights are:

• Alberta Municipal Affair's 2011-12 budget projects a slight increase in library grants.
• The Municipal Sustainability Initiative has received some additional funding, with a total of $836 million for core municipal infrastructure and $50 million for operating grants. 

For more information on the 2011 Provincial Budget, please visit:
http://budget2011.alberta.ca/

Do you know an individual or group who has made a transformative difference by inspiring their community to become more active? Help us recognize these achievements by nominating them for one of the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Leadership for Active Communities Awards this year.

The nomination deadline has been extended to April 8, 2011.

The biennial Lieutenant Governor's Leadership for Active Communities Award program recognizes the achievements of the individuals and groups that are leading their communities in strategic change that results in increased citizen engagement and high levels of participation in recreation, sport, and active living leading to healthier people and communities.

For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit:
http://arpaonline.ca/lieutenant-governors-awards/

Over 140 delegates attended the 2011 Parks Forum from March 10-12 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre in Canmore, AB. Participants at this biennial educational and networking event included individuals from Alberta municipalities, provincial parks, and Parks Canada, as well as representatives from non-profit organizations, representatives from post-secondary institutions, and students.

Forum participants spent two days learning about different perspectives on "visitor experience," while also hearing about related park developments occurring at the national, provincial, and local levels throughout Alberta. The Forum sessions also provided attendees the opportunity to learn about specific initiatives and related challenges, while also learning how to adapt the principles of those initiatives to their own communities and organizations.

Many thanks to all of the Parks Forum sponsors, which included our Emerald Green Sponsor Sierra Systems; our Forest Green Sponsor Yardstick Global; and our Shamrock Sponsors Earthscape Consultants and ISL Engineering and Land Services.

A sincere thank-you also goes out to all of the Parks Forum partners including Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks Canada, City of Edmonton Parks, City of Calgary Parks, and Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture.

For more information on the Parks Forum, please visit:
http://arpaonline.ca/events/parks-forum/

ARPA's ACE Communities initiative is now seeking four (4) rural Alberta communities interested in participating in a new Diversity Friendly Communities (DFC) project funded by the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism (HREM) Fund.

If selected, communities will receive two kinds of support, influenced by their needs, over a two year period:

1) Seed Funding of $10,000; and
2) In-kind support estimated at $45,000 in value.

Leaders from each partner community will participate in a variety of activities that include teleconferences, retreats, training opportunities, and (with the support of a community development coach) will develop local initiatives to engage other members in your community.

Application deadline

The deadline for expressions of interest regarding the Diversity Friendly Communities (DFC) project is Friday, April 15, 2011 at noon, and notification of conditional acceptance will take place on April 29, 2011.

View additional information and an application form here.

*Unfortunately, Calgary and Edmonton are not eligible for partnering*

For more information on this initiative, please contact Janet Naclia, ACE Communities Creative Cultural Liaison, at jnaclia@aceleaders.ca.

Don't forget that the deadline for registration in Alberta's 2011 Provincial Edition of Communities in Bloom is March 31st. Be sure to get your registration form in soon!

Download the 2011 Registration Form

Winter 2011 issue of Blooms & Bits now available

Although there's still snow as far as the eye can see outside, in the latest issue of the Communities in Bloom newsletter we're already thinking about all of the petunias and marigolds that will be blooming in just a few short months!

Download the Winter 2011 issue of Blooms & Bits

We welcome and appreciate any comments or suggestions on what you would like to see included in upcoming issues of Blooms & Bits.

For more information on Communities in Bloom, please contact Dan Chambers, Provincial Coordinator, at dchambers@arpaonline.ca.

The application deadline of March 31st, 2011 is fast approaching!

The two AABRD Legacy Scholarships (graduate: $3,000; undergraduate: $1,000) are to assist Albertans in advancing their education in the area of recreation for people with disabilities (e.g., recreation administration, adapted physical education, rehabilitation medicine or other related programs).  This scholarship intends to recognize academic achievements, contributions to, and endeavours in advancing the field of recreation for people with disabilities.

Apply for the AABRD Undergraduate or Graduate Scholarship:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/220659/79sz1

The Halladay Memorial Scholarship recognizes a student enrolled in any undergraduate program related to recreation and parks, who has contributed to recreation and/or parks services through volunteer activities, work experience, studies, and involvement in ARPA. This $1,000 scholarship is given in memory of Jacqueline Diane Halladay, 1959-1981, to honour "one who gave so much."

Apply for the Halladay Memorial Scholarship:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/442200/3tuq3

For more information and detailed selection criteria, please visit:
http://arpaonline.ca/awards/

As Communities ChooseWell wraps up its email and telephone registration campaign, the ChooseWell team is thrilled to announce that 80 communities registered prior to the early bird cut-off on February 28th, which is an impressive 86% increase over early bird registrations during the last edition of the program.

Congratulations to these three community leaders who have won the following early bird registration prizes:

1. $500 in Communities ChooseWell start-up funding: Christine McWillis, FCSS Manager, City of Cold Lake  
2. One registration for the ARPA Conference, October 27-29, 2011 at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Penny Fox, Director, Smoky Lake FCSS  
3. A hotel package from SilverBirch Hotels and Resorts: Scott Sorokoski, President, Millrise Community Association, Calgary

Register by the end of March to receive a promotional toolkit

Register by March 31st to guarantee that your community receives a toolkit. You can register your community for the 2011 initiative by visiting the Communities ChooseWell registration page at www.arpaonline.ca/choosewell/registration or by phoning 780-415-1745.

The ChooseWell toolkit will be filled with healthy eating and active living resources, social marketing templates, and promotional items to assist communities to plan, promote, and implement their healthy living initiatives.

Communities ChooseWell officially launches April 13th

The provincial launch will take place on Wednesday, April 13th in Leduc, with invitations to be mailed shortly.

For more information on Communities ChooseWell, please visit:
http://arpaonline.ca/choosewell

Dawnine (DJ) Marie Jackson of Red Deer, Alberta passed away suddenly and unexpectantly at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday March 16, 2011. Dawnine was the Aquatic Specialist at the Collicutt Centre and worked for The City of Red Deer since May of 1995.

DJ was known for her integrity, generosity, compassion for people and animals, and her great sense of humour. She will be sorely missed by her many friends, colleagues and extended family.

A service will be held in Dawnine's honour at CrossRoads Church on 32nd Street and Queen Elizabeth II, Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesay, March 23, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the CrossRoads Cafe, Red Deer.

Are you a recreation practitioner working in an Aboriginal community who is looking to connect with others to share successes and challenges?

If so, ACE Communities invites you to participate in its bi-monthly teleconference focused on forming a Community of Practice (CoP) for recreation practitioners working in Aboriginal communities.

The next toll-free conference call to discuss recreation, parks, sport, arts, culture, and heritage in Alberta Aboriginal communities will take place on Tuesday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. Please email Janet Naclia, ACE Creative Cultural Liaison, at jnaclia@aceleaders.ca if you would like to participate.

For more information, please see the Aboriginal Recreation Practitioners Teleconference Google Doc to view the last meeting's summary (which also includes a number of funding and program opportunities).

Have you connected with ARPA on our new Facebook page or Twitter profile yet? Come check us out:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Alberta-Recreation-and-Parks-Association-ARPA/133435447359

On Twitter: @arpaonline

While you're on Twitter, also be sure to check out @aceupdate for ACE Communities tweets.

Planning has already kicked into high gear for the 2011 ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop, which is scheduled to take place October 27-29, 2011 at the Chateau Lake Louise.

The Conference Committee is excited to announce this year's Conference theme is "Recreation and Parks: Bringing Quality to Life."

Stay tuned to REConnect and the ARPA listserv for even more Conference sneak peaks in the weeks and months to come.

For more information, please visit:
http://arpaonline.ca/events/arpa-annual-conference/

CFB Edmonton to become a HIGH FIVE® Registered Organization

ARPA is pleased to welcome CFB Edmonton to Alberta's list of HIGH FIVE® Registered Organizations.

In September 2010, the Canadian Forces ran successful pilots of HIGH FIVE® training at two bases in Ontario. As a result, the Canadian Forces are now rolling out HIGH FIVE® training opportunities across Canada.

HIGH FIVE® training at CFB Edmonton will start in mid-March, and members of ARPA's Children and Youth team, Lisa Tink and Joline Veitch, will be present during the workshop. ARPA is looking forward to this exciting new partnership!

If you would like to bring HIGH FIVE® into your organization, please visit http://arpaonline.ca/program/high-five/ or contact Joline Veitch, ARPA Children and Youth Program Coordinator, at  jveitch@arpaonline.ca for more information.

Building on the success of the inaugural Building Leadership Capacity Workshop held in Red Deer in 2010, ARPA will offer three more regional workshops in 2011.

Registration is now open for the following three workshops:

April 5-6, 2011 - Lethbridge, Alberta

Register: www.regonline.ca/buildingleadershipcapacitycourselethbridge

May 11-12, 2011 - Cardel Place, Calgary, Alberta

Register: www.regonline.ca/buildingleadershipcapacitycoursecardelplacecalgary

May 24-25, 2011 - Grande Prairie, Alberta

Register: www.regonline.ca/buildingleadershipcapacitycoursegrandeprairie

*Last year's offering of the course sold out, so register early!*

Building Leadership Capacity is a professional development course offered by ARPA. This intensive two-day workshop employs the leadership framework of James Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of "The Leadership Challenge."

The course has been designed for recreation and parks practitioners in Alberta who are eager to develop the leadership skills necessary to inspire and activate others within their communities, as well as to advance professionally.

For more information, please contact Doug Brimacombe, Senior Liaison, Leadership & Professional Development at doug.brimacombe@ualberta.ca.

ARPA is pleased to be a co-sponsor for the 6th Annual Youth Development Master's Institute for the Kids at Hope initiative.

This event, which takes place May 8-13 in Phoenix, AZ, attracts educators and human service professionals from all across the USA and Canada. Representatives from ARPA at the Master's Institute will include Lisa Tink, Brenda Herchmer, and four ambassadors from various Kids at Hope communities from across Alberta. US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will deliver the opening keynote address, and will also serve as the Honorary Dean.

ACE team member Brenda Herchmer, with her extensive knowledge and expertise surrounding community building, will also deliver a presentation at the Master's Institute related to building a community that supports the success of all children, no exceptions.

Congratulations to the most recent Alberta graduates of the Kids at Hope Trainer Academy

Last month ARPA welcomed Kids at Hope Founder Rick Miller back to Alberta, where he made stops in Edmonton and Smokey Lake, and also led another successful Train the Trainer Academy in Grande Prairie. 

New graduates of the Kids at Hope Trainer Academy include: Stacy Lamoureux, Shelly Badger, Janet Jean, Wendy Boyd, Carla Wells, Margot Lambert, Laurel Christensen, Janice Chalifoux, Veronica Bouvier, Florence Nabawanuka, Tahirih Wiebe, Shirley Horseman, Lisa Tink, Deborah Gregson, and Beth Zazula.

For more information on Kids at Hope, please visit:
http://arpaonline.ca/program/kids-at-hope/

Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for its second cycle of the Every Kid Every Community grant. The deadline for applications is May 16, 2011.

Hockey Alberta initiated the Every Kid Every Community project to cater to the needs of kids who don't have access to hockey. The goal of the project is to provide kids with the opportunity to try hockey in alternative ways to a full minor hockey season. Through the grants, Hockey Alberta will assist communities to break down barriers and provide every child the opportunity to try the sport.

Communities across Alberta, no matter how large or small are encouraged to submit a 1-2 page letter of intent indicating how a new hockey project in your community would get new kids playing the game. Hockey Alberta will award grants up to $5000 per community for their projects.

For more information, please visit the Hockey Alberta website, or contact Melissa Blades, Hockey Alberta Coordinator, Foundation and Events, at mblades@hockeyalberta.ca.

The Recreation for Life Foundation's 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. is filling up fast! This year's tournament will take place June 13, 2011 at the picturesque Derrick Golf and Winter Club.

The Texas Scramble-style tournament will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. for brunch and registration, followed by a shotgun start 1:00 p.m., and dinner at 7:00 p.m. The registration fee is $275 per golfer (all inclusive), $25 for those who wish to only attend the lunch, or $55 to only attend the dinner.

Register online or download a PDF registration form today.

For more information or to view a list of tournament sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.golf.recreationforlife.org.

Preregister an activity for Culture Days 2011 (September 30 - October 2)

The Children & Nature Network presents Let's G.O.! (Get Outside) [PDF]

Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines

Harper Government invests in sports and recreation injury prevention

Community Leadership Competencies (Webinar)
Date: March 25, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MST)
Registration Contact: Janet Naclia (jnaclia@aceleaders.ca)
 
Facilitation Techniques for Community Engagement (Webinar)
Date: March 30, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MST)
Registration Contact: Janet Naclia (jnaclia@aceleaders.ca)

Lieutenant Governor's Leadership for Active Community Awards
Date: May 26, 2011
URL: http://arpaonline.ca/lieutenant-governors-awards/

RFLF 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Date: June 13, 2011
URL: www.golf.recreationforlife.org

ARPA Annual Conference & Energize Workshop
Date: October 27-29, 2011
URL: http://arpaonline.ca/events/arpa-annual-conference/