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From the Executive Director
As the year comes to a close, a new era is emerging within your society. I've formally assumed the role of Executive Director, replacing Bob Griffith who retired on November 17th. If you didn't get a chance to send Bob your farewell wishes, he'll be in the office through the end of the year helping close out some projects. In between some fishing trips, he will also be stopping by periodically as a "volunteer" assisting us with various projects. I'll be quite honest that I'm not ready for him to step out the door, but excited with the prospects that this new role brings for the society and myself professionally. Its liberating to know that 4+ years of schooling, volunteer work, continuing education and my various work experiences within community parks and recreation, therapeutic recreation and military recreation over the last 20 years have prepared me for this endeavor. Thank you seems such a trivial phrase to say to Bob for his leading the way and leaving me with a financially stable, growing and exciting organization to manage, but thank you it is. Enjoy your fishing trips and your new grandson Aaron, Bob!
I have a feeling you'll be getting a little tired of hearing me say the following but I am thrilled with the new direction PRPS is taking! This is a result of our new full-time staff, Jeremy Bean and Emily Gates (yes, there are two Emily's in the office now!!!). If you attended the Fall Meeting or Bob's Retirement Celebration, you may have met them. If not, I urge you to contact them at the office. Jeremy is the Training Coordinator and is responsible for training such as the Youth Sports Summit, Swimming Pool Management and NPSI, the annual conference and vendors (exhibits, advertising, etc.). Emily is the Special Projects Coordinator, responsible for the RecTAP Grant Program, trails training, the Power of Persuasion Workshops and other grant-related projects. Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas are an inspiration to me and I truly look forward to the creativity that they will be generating!
Our other two new staff members, Wynn Meyers (Bookkeeper) and Anne Thomas (Grant Financial Administrator) have a great rapport with the rest of our team and are settling in to their new roles and helping us streamline our process. We appreciate their hard work, new ideas, and team approach to our finances. With more activity on our online registration system, such as new memberships via PSECU and workshop registrations, there is quite a bit of financial trail to track. As many of you know with your own registration software, the layers and planning that go into having a system is not quick. All of the staff (special thanks to Tracy and Emily s. here) have been spending countless hours learning NetForum and making it work for you. Don't forget you can update your own membership record and renew your membership online. Take a moment and explore this by going through our website and clicking on the link on the top right for interactive website. Should you have any questions about the system or issues with using it, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
We are continuing to monitor closely the transition of the new governor and working proactively with the Renew Growing Greener coalition as we see what changes come our way. Everyone should also continue to communicate with your local congressmen and state representative's to share with them the value of recreation and how the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources have assisted your community. We are also looking for your success stories related to funding you have received for your local projects. These stories will be shared in future e-newsletters, magazine's and website's. The more you share, the better chance that your representative or congressman will help save Growing Greener and the legacy of parks and recreation can thrive. Please email those to either myself at kwoodward@prps.org or Emily Gates, egates@prps.org.
We just finished a lengthy process of finalizing our financial records from Fiscal year 09-10 for our annual audit. Everyone in the office provided support for this and it is greatly appreciated. Without the team effort and Bob's extra hours the last few weeks, we wouldn't be in the position we are in and it looks like we'll be several thousand dollars more in the black then we first reported. What a wonderful way to end the year!
In this issue of our e-newsletter, you'll find standard member news, upcoming training information and a link to our new Annual Conference Registration Guide. I urge you to review the guide and get a jump start on getting approval to attend. With conference rates to meet anyone's financial situation, a large array of educational sessions and new Trail Mobile Workshops, you and your staff will reap countless benefits at the conference and for future years to come.
From all of us in the office, we wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Respectfully,
Kim
Kimberly M. Woodward, CPRP
Executive Director |
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PRPS 64th Annual Conference
submitted by Suzanne Guirate, Conference Publicity Chair
64 Reasons to attend the 64th Annual PRPS Conference
Bob Griffith-Prize Pool-Minutemen to Win it-Bitting Recreation, Inc.- Valley Forge National Historic Park-Kim Woodward-The GREENWAY-Bill Clement-Networking-DCNR-Youth League Issues-Doug Knauss-Ice Night Club-Computer Ethics-Give Aways-Trail Building 101-Tammy Echevarria-Risk Management-Joe Seltzer-Wig Party-Programming 101-Awards Banquet-Karen Franck-Strategic Interviewing-Dueling Pianos-Mobile Trail Workshops-Scott Cope-Barry Weiss-A.C.H.I.E.V.E-George Ely Associates-Geocaching-PRPS-Community Recreation Programming-Dan Russel-Hershey Entertainment Group-Get Outdoors PA-Katie Kollar-Transforming Stormwater-Citizen Symposium-Jon Walker-Equipment Maintenance-Go Green & Save Money-Colleen Dominick-Jeremy Bean-Preparing for your Financial Future-Karl Lukens-Green & Playful Parks-Carolyn Hanel-Black Rock Sanctuary-Mark Hudson-All Hazards Preparedness-Suzanne Guirate-The Waterford-Leadership-Daphne Sebelist-Assertive Communication-The Business of Aquatics-Kathi Muller-We Will Rock You-Getting Along with Difficult People-Derek Dureka-Exhibit Hall Game-Tom O'Rourke-Bob Griffith
64th PRPS State Conference Registration Guide is on its way to your mailbox!If you can't wait that long, you can view the entire Conference guide online at www.prps.org. Check out page 3 for the "Conference at a Glance", and you can read up on our Keynote speakers on page 6. Be sure to read the important conference and registration information on pages 25 & 29.
Be budget conscious with some new fee options for the conference
Full Conference (meals included) - Member Rate: $385.00/Non-Member Rate: $400.00
Commuter (does not include dinners) - Member Rate: $325.00/Non-Member Rate: $340.00
NEW!!! No Frills (regular educational sessions only) - Member Rate: $250.00 This is an offer just for PRPS Members!
Daily (includes lunch and breaks) - Member Rate: $120.00/Non-Member: $129.00
Overnight Lodging at the Convention Center - $132.00 per room (single/double)
The Valley Forge Convention Center is attached to the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge and the Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center, offering a total of 488 guestrooms. With three restaurants and a nightclub on site, you're guaranteed to have a splendid stay.
Radisson Hotel Valley Forge Reservations number (800) 395-7046 or (610) 337-2000
Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center Reservations number (610) 265-1500.
Don't forget to join us on Facebook and become a FAN!!
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Member News
New Job! Chris Lessig, formerly of Berks County Parks & Recreation is now at S&S Processing. Congratulations Chris! New Baby! Congratulations to Anne Emmer from Moreys Piers. She had a baby girl, Teagan Elizabeth on November 22, 2010. Teagan weighed 9 pounds, 7 ounces, and 20.5 inches long.
Sympathies Dr. Fred Coombs passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Arrangements are being made and PRPS will share that with you as it becomes available.
On November 4, 2010, the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State lost a colleague and friend, Dr. Patricia Farrell. Pat served as department chair from 1976 through 1983.
The mother of Geoff Geesey passed away in November.
Alice Hoehn, wife of former park manager Doug Hoehn, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2010.
Member Email Requests A few of our members have some questions and they would like your input.
Question #1 - Julie Redding
Employee vs Independent Contractors
Are your program instructors viewed as independent contractors or employees?
Do your instructors seek out your department and propose a class he or she would like to teach, OR, does your department seek out individuals to instruct your classes?
Are your instructors required to provide any proof of liability insurance; if not, how do you approach the risk of liability if he or she is viewed as an independent contractor?
Do your contractors invoice your department, or does your dept. simply cut a check based on a pre-determined amount.
Do you offer leagues that utlize non-PIAA officials? (ex. youth leagues not necessarily requiring certified officials.) If so, how do you handle these employees? Employee or Independent Contractor.
Pool Supply / Maintenance Company Recommendation
We utilize Aqua Specialists in Mechanicsburg for most of our pool servicing needs. However, we need the names of at least two additional commercial pool companies to provide a quote for inspection and filling our sand tanks with new material. Can anyone recommend another company to whom we could provide an opportunity to bid this project?
Email Julie at jredding@chbgboro.com
Question #2 - John Spencer
Does anyone know the standard for calculating the visitor count obtained from a traffic counter? We know to divide the count by two, but are unsure of the number of visitors to assume for each car. We are looking for a professional "standard" to base our calculation on.
The park is a passive park with an educational trail in southeastern PA. The trail is primarily used for walking, dog walking, and hiking.
Email John at jspencer@chesco.org
Question #3 - Brian Foster
Looking to talk with someone about overall field / facility management.
Rentals, leagues and public use of a park/complex that is owned by a township/borough.
I need to talk with someone about the differences of
someone walking their dog in the park vs. some friends tossing a ball around vs. a team practice vs. a structured tournament.
How does the insurance issues and liability differ? What needs to be in writing and what needs to be posted on-site?
Email Brian at bfoster@mcrcog.com
You can also post these questions on the PRPS Facebook page.
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Tips of the Trade
Yours in Training, Jeremy Bean PRPS Training Coordinator 
In our recent leadership summit held this fall in Philadelphia one of the most common questions stemmed around the idea of leadership. With many recreation and park leaders nearing retirement, our own Bob Griffith is a fine example, who are the next batch of leaders ready to step up and lead our profession into the future. I truly believe that leaders are not born but made, made from life experiences that shape who and what we become. With so many years of experience headed off to enjoy the golden years of retirement I can see where the anxiety around leadership comes from. Rest assured though that today more than ever there are tools and trainings available to help develop our future leaders. One of the recent additions to the arsenal are webinar sessions on a myriad of topics including leadership. Many of these webinars are free and only about an hour in length. I often find I can do other work while listening to these webinars and pick up some valuable nuggets of information. I've included a free upcoming webinar that you might find of interest. I encourage you to take some time and listen in as well as keep your eye out for some upcoming trainings on leadership beginning with the popluar Power of Persuasion Workshop.
Leadership Unlimited: Removing Barriers to Your Potential
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Trails News
Emily Gates, Special Projects Coordinator, PRPS 
Regional Trail Workshops = BIG Success!
In 2010 the annual Greenways and Trails Summit was substituted with nine regional trails workshops in order to give trail organizations an opportunity to focus on important, regional topics. Seven of the nine workshops are complete and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society is receiving wonderful results. The workshops' wide distribution and low cost has provided a learning opportunity that many locals cannot pass up. The Western PA Trails Symposium in Cranberry, PA, garnered over 165 attendees, including municipal representatives and tourist agency staff. Plus, the symposium had over 20 exhibits! The workshops have represented a wide variety of topics including the economic benefits of geo-caching, off-highway vehicle trail development, trail easements, and types of trails for community linkages. Due to this success, regional workshops will be held every other year. Your organization could be a possible 2012 host, so start brainstorming!
Don't forget, there are two workshops remaining. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is holding the Northeastern Pennsylvania Trails Forum II on February 17, 2011, in Scranton, PA; learn more about the workshop at http://www.lhva.org/trails-forum.html. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is holding the Laurel Highlands Trails Workshop on April 4, 2011, in Latrobe, PA. You can learn more about the PEC workshop at http://www.pecpa.org/laurelhighlands/updates/20101217. They are two great opportunities to take advantage of before summer camp, swimming pools, and sail boating start!
2011 Greenways and Trails Summit - Request for Host
The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS), and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is currently seeking a Host for the 2011 Greenways and Trails Summit. The Summit provides trail builders, volunteers, advocates, park and recreation professionals, and motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiasts with the essential information needed to build, manage and maintain trails throughout the Commonwealth. It garners approximately 200 attendees and has been held in a number of locations including, Altoona, Grantville, Greensburg, Mechanicsburg, and Pocono Manor, PA. Previous summit themes include, "Greenways and Trails: Your Path to Active Living" and "Connecting Communities throughRecreation and Heritage." Given this knowledge, PRPS and DCNR will soon be accepting proposals from organizations that would like to host the Summit in their area. For more information, view our Request for Host on our website at www.prps.org. |
Branch & District News
DIII - Nominations for Member at Large
We are seeking nominations for four (4) Member-At-Large positions. If you are interested, please forward your name and a brief description of your experience with PRPS, NRPA and your agency to Jon Walker at jwalker@whitemarshtwp.org. Nominations need to be received by 1/14/11.
DIII-Ski & Snowboarding Socials Jack Frost Mountain - Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Blue Mountain - Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Camelback Mountain - Tuesday, February 8, 2011 Shawnee Mountain - Wednesday, March 2, 2011 DI - Bracelets fundraiser Wear it as a bracelet or a necklace!!! Great for Girls ages 5 to 95. Crystals and Magnetic Hemotite. Fundraiser for the PA Recreation & Park Society. If you would like to order one call Karen at Alameda park at (724) 284-5383. Steeler Colors, black/gold, clear, black/clear, multi-pastel & multi bold. PA State Parks Society - Clothing For Sale The Society has PA State Park jackets, fleece vests, hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts and caps available for sale and immediate delivery. Click here to view or to order! |
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 43rd Annual PA Therapeutic Recreation Institute 2011
June 8-10, 2011 Harrisburg-Hershey Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA "Inspiring to become LEGENDS"
Co-Chairs: Wendy Jo Hartsock & BJ Crownover
Dr. John Glick - "The Humor Doctor" is the featured Keynote Speaker All over the world, Dr. John Glick clowns around and shares his powerful message on the importance of caring - it's magic. Dr. John Glick likes to make you laugh and make people think. He wants to work with groups who aspire to infuse compassion, generosity and humor into their life.
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Power of Persuasion Workshop Series II
Make Every Idea "THEIR" Idea...the art, science and practice of effective questioning
Emily Gates, Special Projects Coordinator, PRPS
What?
The PA Recreation and Park Society and the Department of Conservation and National Resources discovered that many professionals feel they lack the skills needed to interact with their elected officials. This workshop series will provide you with those needed skills! Plus, you can receive .35 continuing education units by attending a Series II workshop.
Series II will specifically discuss:
- Understanding the difference between the basic needs vs. the specific needs of people with whom we interact
- How to develop a basic need into a specific need
- Probing questions: a 5 step process that allows for no objection
- How to leave your ego at the door
- How to get "buy in" to our ideas
When & Where?
The Series II workshop will be held on 3 different days at 3 different locations. Each workshop runs from 8 AM to 12 PM. Choose the workshop closest to you!
January 25, 2011 - Ross Township Building, PITTSBURGH
January 26, 2011 - Camp Hill Banquet Facility, CAMP HILL
January 27, 2011 - Greater Plymouth Community Center, PLYMOUTH MEETING
How?
For additional information, visit http://www.prps.org/ and click on "Power of Persuasion for the Recreation & Parks Professional" for a brochure or click the links below under Upcoming Workshops.
Register by sending in the application segment of the brochure or complete the online registration form at http://www.prps.org/ by choosing the "Click here to sign up online" link listed under Power of Persuasion. |
 PA Therapeutic Recreation Society News
On January 8, 2011, PRPS Member, Dr. Jeff Witman will lead a workshop "Taking the Initiative!" at Gretna Glen in Lebanon, PA . Click here for more details.
A workshop in which you will discover: - Activities to enhance effectiveness and promote fun.
- Process considerations to maximize the impact of the experiences.
- Portable versions of the activities which you can take to all kinds of places and spaces.
Caregivers are learning a better way to communicate with Alzheimer's patients
click here for the article
Now available at www.mcknights.com: continuing education for long-term care. Click here for more information.
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Regional Trails Training:
February 17, 2011
NE Trails Forum II
Scranton, PA
April 4, 2011
Laurel Highlands Trails Workshop
Latrobe, PA
For more information, contact Brad Clemenson at 814-659-3465
2011 Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshops
January 6, 2011 South Central - Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg
January 11, 2011 Southeast - Bucks County Community College, Newtown
January 14, 2011 Southeast - Montgomery County Fire Academy, Conshohocken, PA
February 1, 2011 Southwest - Franklin Park Borough Activity Center,
Franklin Park Borough, PA
February 3, 2011 Northeast - Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, PA
February 8, 2011 Northwest - Clarion University, Clarion, PA
February 10, 2011 North Central - Boalsburg Fire Company, Boalsburg, PA
The Open Application Period for DCNR C2P2 grants for all project types--planning, acquisiton and development-begins Monday, January 3, 2011 and will close at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2011.
To register, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/calendar under the Workshops-Grants Calendar. In the event of inclement weather, please contact PRPS at (814) 234-4272, and/or check the workshop status on the DCNR Calendar at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/calendar, or PRPS website: http://www.prps.org/index.htm
Also watch for more information on these workshops coming soon:
Swimming Pool Management Course
LEAD Program
Also in development- Technology for the Future and
Leadership in the 20 Teens for the Rec Park Professional
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| PA Recreation and Park Society
2131 Sandy Drive
State College, Pennsylvania 16803-2283
PA Recreation and Park Society
814-234-4272
Fax: 814-234-5276
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