2009 P.R.P.S. 62nd Annual State Conference "Recreation: How Sweet It Is!"

Season's Greetings! While you are enjoying some well-deserved time off over the holidays, why not take the 2009 PRPS Conference Registration Guide home to peruse. What a great opportunity to read over the Conference Schedule, and to make plans for the educational sessions you would like to attend in March. This may be a challenging task, because the Education committee did a great job lining up topics to inspire you, and speakers you won't want to miss!

Attending the conference can also help fulfill some New Year Resolutions.
1. Connect with friends.....at the Conference.
2. Learn about new trends in Recreation.....at the Conference.
3. Inspire yourself, and the programs you present.....at the Conference.
4. Network with Industry Professionals.....at the Conference.
5. Socialize, and have a little fun......at the Conference.

Don't delay, and sign up today!!! We look forward to seeing you at the 62nd annual PRPS Conference in Hershey. Meanwhile, get out and have some fun today and enjoy that "Sweet Recreation" life.

Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Hotel Room Rates: $160.95 per night, Single or Double; this price includes taxes.

PRPS Conference Registration Rates

• Full Conference (Best Value) $385 members, $400 non-members
• Student/Retired: $99members, $109 non- members
• Spouses: $250
• Daily Rates: $120 member, $129 non-member

Registration is underway for the 3rd Annual PA Youth Sports Summit sponsored by the PA Recreation & Park Society, PA DCNR, Ready Set Go Sports in PA and the PA Youth Sports Task Force!

Join us on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at the Willow Valley Resort & Conference Center in Lancaster. Be mesmerized, engaged and motivated by our keynote speaker, Mr. Pat Williams, Senior VP for the Orlando Magic. Pat, who hails originally from Delaware, started his sports career with the Philadelphia Phillies and eventually worked for the Philadelphia 76'ers and was part of their 1983 Championship Season. Through his lifelong dedication to sports and youth (Pat and his wife have 19 children!) Pat has gained some invaluable tips and tricks to being a winner at everything you do -- he is truly a role model for all of us!

If you are a PRPS member, the entire summit is only $49 per person! That includes lunch, Ceu's, breakout sessions, and hearing Pat Williams as the keynote. Consider sending your youth sports administrators as well as your key staff. This is a great opportunity to get great training, networking and be refreshed as you start the new year! As a reminder, anyone who will require lodging should reserve their room directly with Willow Valley. Just mention that you are with the PA Recreation & Park Society Summit and you will get our group rate!

Join your friends from PRPS for some winter networking and some fun. Enjoy skiing and boarding along with your fellow co-workers and friends. This weekday trip will give you a chance to learn about the area Mts. and experience them before you send your township groups.

Lifts open at 9:00 am. Lift, Rental and lunch tickets are to be picked up on site between 8:30 and 10:30 am at the following locations:

Jack Frost - Middle Cafeteria
Round Top - Cantina
Blue Mountain - Club Room
Shawnee - Hickory Licks

***PLEASE RSVP AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO EACH EVENT***
1. Jack Frost Mountain - Tuesday, January 13, 2009
2. Blue Mountain - Thursday, January 29, 2009
3. Round Top Mountain - Wednesday, February 18, 2009
4. Shawnee Mountain - Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Questions? email Sarah Prebis
sprebis@warwick- township.org

Workshop Locations
March 7, 2009
Hershey Lodge & Convention Center

March 23, 2009
Lower Southampton Township

March 23, 2009
Cranberry Township

September 14, 2009
Cranberry Township Municipal Center

September 21, 2009
Lower Southampton Township

Central PA Location: TBA

PA Department of Agriculture Exam Locations
March 11, 2009
Granada Avenue Gym & Fitness Center, Hershey

March 24, 2009
Lower Southampton Township

March 24, 2009
PA Dept of Ag Region IV, Gibsonia

September 15, 2009
Cranberry Township Municipal Center

September 22, 2009
Lower Southampton Township

This workshop has been designed to provide in-depth pool management instruction as well as the information needed to sit for the PA Department of Agriculture Pesticide exam. To become a Certified Pesticide applicator, one must take and pass a core written examination and a category - specific exam ( ie., swimming pools, lawn and turf etc.). This two day workshop will focus its attention to the core information including but not limited to; Introduction to Pesticides, Federal and State Laws, Pesticide Safety, Toxicity, Health Issues and Emergencies along with Pesticide Formulations, Label Content and Environmental effects. The content of the class will also discuss information specific to Swimming Pools, category 24, such as pool calculations, water balance and testing, Sanitation/Oxidation, Filtration, and Pool and Hot Tub safety.

Recertification credits have been approved for these workshops. If you need more information please call Wendy Jo at the PRPS Office (814) 234-4272.

Congratulations!
Karl Lukens, is now the Director of Parks & Recreation at Lower Providence Township. New email is klukens@LowerProvidence.org.

Mark Arbogast retired from PPL after 36 years! Email is marbogast1@verizon.net.

Sympathies
Wayne Johnson, 59 passed away on October 27, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trust for Ashlynn E. Johnson, c/o PNC Bank, Route 30 and Lowry Avenue, Jeannette, PA 15644.

Dr. Betty van der Smissen, 80, of Fayetteville passed away on November 6, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AEE van der Smissen Research Endowment, 3775 Iris Ave., Suite 4, Boulder, CO 80301-2043.

Kim Thompson mother Rose Mary Sweeney passed away on December 12, 2008.