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April 2012
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In this issue ... 
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ARPA & AABRD Awards
 It's time to celebrate and share our successes! Recreation and parks services add great value to the quality of life for all Albertans, and help create many healthy and thriving citizens and communities throughout Alberta...
Let's not allow these contributors go unnoticed!
The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association's awards celebrate the innovative and successful endeavours in the recreation and parks industry.
Applications for this year's awards are now live on the ARPA website, with nominations open in the following categories:
Wildrose Award
Awarded to an individual who has made a significant or outstanding contribution for long service, professional or personal involvement in support of recreation, culture, or parks endeavours. Local and regional contributions are recognized, however, impact at the provincial level is required.
ARPA Merit Award
Awarded to a current member of ARPA that has made outstanding contributions towards furthering the goals of the Association.
Parks Excellence Award
Awarded to a municipality, private enterprise, not-for-profit group, educational and healthcare institution, or golf course.
Achievements and innovations will be judged utilizing the "Benefits of Recreation: Personal, Social, Economic, Environmental" as evaluation tools.
A.V. Pettigrew Award
Awarded to a community that has made a significant impact on improving the quality of citizens' lives through recreation and parks.
AABRD Legacy Award
Awarded to a Community, community organization, school, health care facility, or individual in Alberta that has been instrumental in the development of a project, program, or facility contributing to recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Excellence in Youth Development Award
Awarded to an initiative that reflects of the principles of youth development (youth ages 12 to 18) and recreation, and must meet the following requirements: - the project's focus must be youth recreation;
- the project must be a partnership or involve a collaboration of organizations and agencies involved with youth;
- one member of the partnership must be an ARPA member; and
- youth, themselves, must be directly involved in the planning/decision making of the project.
Nomination forms will be available in the near future. Visit (back to top) |
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| June is Recreation and Parks Month
 The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) encourages you, your community, and your municipality to participate in June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM).
The purpose of observing June as Recreation & Parks Month is to draw public attention to the important and varied benefits of recreation and parks to individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities and the province as a whole!
ARPA has developed resources to help you celebrate recreation and parks. Resources include activity suggestions, media releases, posters, and newspaper ad templates. All of these are either available now on the JRPM website, or will be in the very near future.
ARPA will also be hosting a webinar, entitled Celebrating June is Recreation and Parks Month - bringing it to life in your community. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 9 from 10:00 until 11:30 AM, MST. For more information, or to register, click here.
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Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence announces Keynote Speaker and Master of Ceremonies
 Ruth Kelly, President and CEO of Venture Publishing Inc. and the publisher and editor-in-chief of the award winning Alberta Venture and Alberta Oil Magazines will deliver the keynote address at this year's awards gala. Ruth is well connected within the business community and will address the important role corporations contribute to the "Quality of Life" piece that connects; employees, communities and citizens to recreation and leisure throughout Alberta.
Mellisa Hollingsworth will be stepping up to the podium at the Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence as master of ceremonies. This Olympic Bronze Medallist, Canadian Champion and Overall World Cup Champion is one of Canada's most decorated Skeleton Athletes. The awards will recognize and honour recipients for their overall contributions to making Alberta communities great places to live by exemplifying the very best in development of recreation, parks, and community building.
Event Details:
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Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012
Location: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
169 Canada Olympic Road SW
Calgary, AB
Time: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Program: 5:30 p.m.
Registration: $75/person... or purchase
Group Booking: $525/8 registrants
Brochure: Awards
Book your registration to attend now for what will undoubtedly be a most memorable event!
*Seating is limited*
Methods of registration:
* Register using the Registration Form
* Email: awards@recreationforlife.org
* Phone: 780-644-8440
* Dress Code: Business
The Recreation for Life Foundation (RFLF), its allied partner, the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), and their many sponsors and supporters will present the Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence gala.
The Awards will recognize and celebrate individuals or working groups within Alberta's corporate and business sector for their creativity, innovation, excellence and overall contribution in designing, building, and providing services to support recreation, parks and wellness in our province and its communities.
A few sponsorship opportunities remain and your sponsorship would be acknowledged throughout Alberta.
For more information on the awards or to download a registration form or sponsorship package, please visit www.Awards.RecreationforLife.org.
For more information contact:
Kathleen Badry
780-422-8103
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Increased Funding Available for Energy Efficient Municipal Buildings
 The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) is excited to announce an increase in funding available to municipalities under the Taking Action to Manage Energy (TAME) Buildings Initiative. Municipalities can now get up to $75,000 toward the implementation of energy efficiency retrofits of municipal buildings.
TAME Buildings Initiative funding consists of: 1) A base rebate of 50% of retrofit implementation costs, up to a maximum of $25,000 2) A Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Bonus of up to $50,000 The MCCAC expects about 20 projects can be funded through the TAME Buildings Initiative and several municipalities have already signed on. Funding is available on a first-come first-served basis and the MCCAC is encouraging municipalities to submit their expression of interest (EOI) as soon as possible. The TAME Buildings Initiative offers more than just increased funding - municipalities also benefit from MCCAC assistance at each step of the process, from benchmarking the efficiency of their facilities to monitoring project success. Is your municipality considering an energy efficiency project? Contact the MCCAC today and get involved in the TAME Buildings Initiative. Email them at contact@mccac.ca.
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Gateway To Nature Apple iTunes App Channel Launch Announcement
 The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and Alberta Parks are happy to announce the launch of an Apple iTunes App Channel called 'Gateway to Nature'.
The app channel was inspired by author Rich Louv's books 'Last Child in the Woods' and 'The Nature Principle' which brought attention to the fact that modern society is more and more disconnected from the natural world, and further that we are negatively effected by this.
We, at Gateway to Nature, believe that both children and adults are healthier and happier for spending time in nature.
However, it seems that both children and adults are spending more and more time behind screens inside, and not in nature outside.
So the Gateway to Nature iTunes App Channel is about fighting fire with fire, that is through the online sale of nature inspired content, we raise money to support children in nature activities that actually get them out in nature!
With the launch of the Gateway to Nature iTunes App Channel we are releasing a music album, music video, and short films on the topic of Willmore Wilderness Park. All profits from the sale of this digital content go to support children and nature activities.
Some titles will be released for free to help promote the channel, while the for fee titles will sell for 99 cents.
We sincerely hope you enjoy this content, and will tell your friends and family about it, and in so doing help raise funds for children and nature activities!
So tell your friends to check it out at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gatewaytonature/id511061370?ls=1&mt=8
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Building Leadership Capacity Course
Building on the success of the inaugural Building Leadership Capacity Workshop held in Red Deer, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie, the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) will offer another workshop in 2012.
The course will be running:
May 9-10, 2012 - Calgary, Alberta
Cliff Bungalow Arts Centre, 2105 Cliff St. SW, Calgary, AB
Register: www.regonline.ca/1058202
The course will run from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM on the 9th and from 8:00 AM until 3:00pm on the 10th.
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.
Registration Fee:
- $495 (+GST) for ARPA members (member municipalities and organizations)
- $595 (+GST) for non-members
Price includes the cost of all meals and instructional materials, along with a copy of "The Leadership Challenge."
Facilitators: The course will facilitated by Dr. Barry Mitchelson. Dr. Mitchelson currently teaches in the School of Business at the University of Alberta. He was formerly in the U of A's Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation and served for 8 years as a Deputy Minister in the Provincial Government. For more information please contact Doug Brimacombe, Senior Liaison, Leadership & Professional Development at doug.brimacombe@ualberta.ca or 780-492-1019.
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| Get to Know Contest
 The Canadian Wildlife Federation has challenged Canadian children to get outside in an effort to reconnect them with nature.
The Contest invites Canadians 19 and under to get outside and create original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music inspired by nature. This year's theme is "Get to Know Your Wild Neighbours". The goal is to be as creative as possible - so have fun and let the natural world inspire you!
Providing young people with opportunities to spend more time outdoors is a priority of the Get to Know Program. This is particularly important in this day and age, as children continue to abandon outdoor experiences for those they can participate in from within the home. This detachment from nature, and resulting sedentary lifestyle, can have a negative effect on the development of children.
The motto of the Get to Know Program is "Connect. Create. Celebrate." These words articulate our mission to foster connections to nature through the creative arts - and to celebrate the fantastic work being done by youth in response to the environment and the need to understand and value nature.
The deadline for submissions is July 16th, 2012. For more information on the contest or the program, click here.
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| ARPA Welcomes Allison Pratley as New Children & Youth Programs Coordinator
 It is with excitement that we welcome Allison Pratley to ARPA.
As the new Children and Youth Programs Coordinator Allison will be providing support and strategic direction to the children and youth programs and initiatives.
Allison is a graduate from the University of Alberta with degrees in Education and Physical Education. She has been working as the Aboriginal Coordinator with KidSport Alberta for the past year and is currently a member of the University of Alberta's Play Around the World (PAW) Program Management and Aboriginal Expansion Committee. Allison's experience and extensive knowledge will be an asset to our children and youth portfolio. Welcome Allison!
Connect with Allison by email apratley@arpaonline.ca or phone 780 638-2915.
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2012 Energize Workshop and Recreation Volunteer Awards
 Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation (ASRPWF) are working in partnership with the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) to bring Alberta's recreation and parks community Energize 2012. The Energize workshop is being held in conjunction with the ARPA annual conference, which takes place October 18 to 20, 2012 at the Jasper Park Lodge.
The Energize workshop provides a forum for everyone from local community volunteers to elected officials to exchange ideas and knowledge related to recreation development and its contribution to healthy communities. For more details regarding the conference check the ARPA website at www.arpaonline.ca.
The Recreation Volunteer Recognition Awards are presented at the Energize Workshop to four Albertans, who have, through their involvement and dedication, advanced the development of recreation in Alberta. The Awards are sponsored by Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and the ASRPWF and the selections are made by the volunteer Energize Advisory Committee from the nominations that are received.
We are encouraging communities and organizations to nominate worthy volunteers from the recreation and parks area for one of the Recreation Volunteer Recognition Awards. Nomination forms have been distributed to all communities and are also available on the web site www.asrpwf.ca. Simply print off the form and fill it in and sign it and fax or send it in to us by the June 22, 2012 deadline. Don't miss this opportunity to ensure that our recreation volunteers are recognized for the essential work that they do. Nominate someone from your community!
View the Recreation Volunteer Recognition Awards criteria here.
Download the nomination form here.
For a list of past winners, click here.
Completed and signed nomination forms can be faxed or mailed to:
Chris Szabo, Consultant
Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation
Sport and Recreation Branch
903, Standard Life Center
10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4R7
Fax: (780) 427-5140
Email: chris.szabo@gov.ab.ca
Recreation Volunteer Recognition Awards Nomination Deadline: June 22, 2012
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HIGH FIVE® Provincial Exchange
JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL HIGH FIVE® PROVINCIAL EXCHANGE!
Participants will learn about new HIGH FIVE® training, participate in professional development, networking and learn about promising practices across Alberta.
When: May 24, 2012
Where: Red Deer's Collicutt Centre (3031 30 ave)
Who: Anyone who has taken the Becoming a HIGH FIVE®
Trainer Workshop
Cost: FREE
Register for the Provincial Exchange
For more information contact:
Jennifer Gristwood: jen.gristwood@calgary.ca or
Allison Pratley: apratley@arpaonline.ca
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Recreation for Life Foundation - 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Recreation for Life Foundation (RFLF) is busily preparing for the 10th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament 2012. Please mark your calendars now and get your requests in earlier so we may secure your participation.
Tournament Details:
3500 - 119 Street, Edmonton, AB
Date: Monday, June 11th, 2012
Format: Texas Scramble
Lunch & Registration: 11:00 a.m.
Shot Gun Start: 1:00 p.m.
Banquet Dinner: 7:00 p.m. (includes program & silent auction)
Registration Fee: $300 / golfer ($50 eligible for tax receipt)
Banquet Only: $55 / person
Luncheon Only: $25 / person
How to Register:
You can also view the golf brochure and view a list of sponsorship opportunities.
Last year we sold out by the end of April and anticipate to be sold out again.
2012 Title Sponsor.....
 This year, we are very pleased to announce CenturyVallen has come on board as our Naming Title Sponsor. CenturyVallen is also celebrating their 75th Anniversary in 2012 and is proud to commemorate this by supporting the Recreation for Life Foundation's 10th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament.
Identified by their longevity and established presence within the Canadian business community, CenturyVallen has been, and continues to be, one of the most respected and reliable industrial goods and service suppliers in the country.
Unrivalled proficiency in the business-to-business supply of safety, janitorial and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) products and related technical services has contributed to over seventy years of sustained growth and prosperity.
In addition to an extensive supply business, CenturyVallen offers comprehensive commodity related service programs, vending solutions, mobile project trailers, professional application assistance and product related training. CenturyVallen is a member of the Sonepar Canada family, which in turn is a member of the Sonepar Group, the world's largest privately-held electrical distributor. Global resources and reach, combined with credible local market experience, allow CenturyVallen to provide customer service excellence, sophisticated cost-saving programs, and inventory management mastery.
If you have any questions please contact:
Kathleen Badry
Recreation for Life Foundation
Suite 202, 15023 - 123 Avenue SW
Edmonton, AB T5V 1J7
Email:
Phone: 780-422-8103
Fax: 780-643-1776
Thank-you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the tournament! (back to top)
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Register Now for the 2012 Physical Activity Forum!
 The Alberta Centre for Active Living will be hosting their 2012 Physical Activity forums in Edmonton and Calgary in early May.
The Edmonton event will be held on May 1st, from 8:30 AM until Noon in the Maple Leaf Room at the Lister Conference Centre at the University of Alberta. The Calgary event will be held May 3rd, also from 8:30 AM until Noon in Lincoln Park Room J301, Lincoln Park Campus, Mount Royal University.
This year, the forum offers a dynamic presentation by a renowned researcher and engaging speaker, Dr. Grant Schofield, who will outline some fresh, exciting ways to see the world and get it moving again! The main focus will be looking at new ways to get adults moving in their workplaces and children moving in our neighbourhoods. Drawing upon his knowledge of positive psychology and positive health, Dr. Schofield will outline different ideas and approaches that can help people flourish. Dr. Schofield is Professor of Public Health at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in Auckland, New Zealand. He founded and directs the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition at AUT.
For more information on the Forums, click here.
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Manasc Isaac's Blue Sky Architecture Award
 Manasc Issac is proud to present their second annual Blue Sky Award.
This award seeks to enable Albertan not-for-profit organizations to realize their dream projects! If you are part of an organization that could use $10,000 of consulting time from Manasc Isaac, we encourage you to submit your organization for this award, using the attached submission guidelines.
Last year, they chose three winners: CASA (Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health in Edmonton), Vecova of Calgary and finally, Artists' Urban Village of Edmonton.
If you know of an organization that could benefit from this award, please pass on this information and the submission guidelines.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, using the contact information below.
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Upcoming Events
Recreation Industry Awards of ExcellenceDate: May 11, 2012 Time: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, Calgary, AB CenturyVallen Recreation for Life Charity Golf Tournament Date: June 11, 2012 Location: The Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Edmonton, AB
S.A.F.E. Youth Conference
Date: April 13-15, 2012
Location: Camp Warwa (45 min. West of Edmonton)
2012 Senior Services Conference
Date: September 13-14, 2012
Location: Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton
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REConnect is a monthly e-newsletter published by the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association. For more information, please contact arpa@arpaonline.ca.
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