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From the Executive Director
Are you ready for the conference? The PRPS office and the conference committee have been finalizing the details for the 64th annual event! We are excited with the sessions, networking, mobile workshops and tours and of course the exhibit hall and brand new Greenway. With key sponsorship from DCNR we were able to bring in top notch presenters and create an atmosphere that you will talk about for months to come. If you haven't registered yet for the conference you may do so either online or by mailing or faxing your form to the office. Don't forget to include the session preference sheet. This is vital as you indicate which mobile workshops and sessions you plan to attend. Please utilize the online form as it is the most up-to-date.
I'd like to apologize to everyone for the volume of Webnews that we have been sending. We feel it's important to maintain good communication with our members especially concerning resources, funding and training. Every Webnews may not impact you, but it is important for someone else! Don't hesitate in sharing our news with community members, board members and anyone else who may find it useful. There are also a number of updates for the conference that we have been sharing. Please just discard if you do not find it pertinent to you or your job.
Recently I submitted written testimony on behalf of PRPS to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in response to a public hearing titled, Improving and Reforming our Nation's Surface Transportation Programs, in Philadelphia. These hearings were held in several states to discuss, inform and bring back relevant information on the necessity of the funding to parks and recreation. We will be continuing to support the Recreational Trails Program, Safe Routes to School and the Transportation Enhancements Program this month at the NRPA Mid-Year Meeting in Washington, D.C. March 16 - 17. If you would be interested in assisting the Governmental Affairs Committee with making visits (specifically on March 17) please contact Greg Weitzel. Greg's email is Weitzel@allentowncity.org. Greg has been appointed by the PRPS Executive Committee as the new chair of the Governmental Affairs committee. Congrats Greg and many thanks to outgoing chair Bill Forrey. Bill provided key leadership and allowed us to stay on top of the issues facing parks and recreation across our state.
The conference and advocacy are not the only items on our plate in the office. With key support from Emily Gates our Special Projects Coordinator, PRPS for the first time put out a request for a host committee for the Greenway & Trails Summit. We are pleased to announce that the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau has been awarded the RFP and we will be working closely with them and our main partner, DCNR, in selecting the location within York County to hold the event. For those of you who plan to attend we are looking into mid-September and hope to have the date announced by the end of March.
I certainly don't want to miss an opportunity to say how excited PRPS is to be involved in the continuation of the 2010 PRPS/DCNR Leadership Summit. We just had a meeting with our team and there are many initiatives and ideas that we will need your help in implementing. If you are attending the conference in March be sure to attend the session on Monday at 10:45 a.m. titled, "DCNR - Leadership & Resources: Shaping the Future of Recreation and Conservation in Pennsylvania". We'll be going in depth on action steps for each of the five topic areas, Funding for Community Parks & Recreation, Positioning Recreation/Parks as an Essential Community Service, Green, Healthy & Playful Parks: Reconnecting with Nature and the Outdoors, Making the Health and Recreation Connection and Urban Park Trends. I think you'll find it stimulating and truly amazing to hear what we plan to do! In addition, we will have an overview of the action steps as we move forward on the summit results during the Society Luncheon on Tuesday, March 22. We hope you will walk away ready to help!
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in King of Prussia March 19-23. As always, should you need anything from us, please give us a call.
Sincerely,
Kim
Kimberly M. Woodward, CPRP
Executive Director |
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PRPS 64th Annual Conference
submitted by Suzanne Guirate, Conference Publicity Chair 
Attention all Directors, Administrators and Managers - Are you looking for ways to make your office more effective and efficient? Check out these sessions; "Computer Skills & Ethics for the 21 Century" on Sunday, "Avoiding Culture Shock in Your Agency: Mentoring the Next Generation of College Interns and New Graduates" on Monday, and "Humor in the Workplace" on Tuesday.
On-Site Tours
Get out of the classroom and take advantage of the On-Site Tours.
- Discover Phoenixville Pub Crawl - $15.00, Sunday, March 20 - 8:00-11:00pm. Hosted by the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce, visit 3 establishments for drinks and appetizers.
- Lincoln Financial/Citizen's Bank Ballpark - free & .15 CEUs, Monday, March 21 - 9:00-10:30am. Tour and hear from 2of the top sports turf managers in the majors.
- Guided Trolley Tour through Historic Valley Forge - $14.00, Monday, March 21 - 5:00-6:30pm. Enjoy a 90 minute tour of Valley Forge Park with stops including Washington's Headquarters and General Muhlenberg's Brigade.
Click here to register for the conference!
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Grants
Sprite To Invest $2 Million In Parks Nationwide
By The Associated Press
Atlanta - Sprite says it will invest $2 million in the coming year to build and refurbish more than 150 parks, athletic fields, playgrounds and basketball courts this year.
The soda brand, owned by Coca-Cola Co., is working with basketball star LeBron James on the project.
The program relies on consumers to drive the program. They collect bottle tops to help raise funds, nominate and vote on which parks will be selected and can also enter a sweepstakes for a new playground or athletic field for a school under the program.
The company said its goal is to improve communities in "inspired" ways.
http://www.sprite.com/?WT.srch=1#/home
"Sprite is certainly going to get lots of free marketing off of this ($2mill seems hardly enough when you think about it!) but our parks could reap the benefits. If you have a project don't hesitate in getting your community involved - feature this on your website's, newsletter's, and through the school's. It will catch on fast!
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LERN/PRPS Courses
PRPS is excited to announce a new partnership with Learning Resources Network (LERN) involving online training and education courses. LERN offers a variety of training classes for professionals on many different topics. Most courses can be taken as part of a certificate program or individually. The unique online courses allow you to choose when you participate! Lectures, lessons, and comments are all done online by you at your own convenience. Courses are taught by highly qualified professionals and professors from around the globe. Ever wanted to take a class on Social Media? How about Greening your workplace? Or wanted to take some business courses, but just can't fit it into your schedule? Well now is your chance to learn valuable information all on your own timetable. LERN also offers 1.0 CEU per month long course taken and completed! So you might be asking yourself how PRPS fits into this equation. Well it's pretty simple really; PRPS has contracted to handle advertising of the courses and course registration in return for half the amount of each registration. So not only will you be learning new valuable information from respected instructors and possibly earning 1.0 CEU, you'll also be supporting PRPS who in turn supports you! Sounds like a win, win situation all around to me. So click on the link below to see the different course offerings and register today! Any questions please contact Jeremy Bean, Training Coordinator at jbean@prps.org or call 814-234-4272. Click here for more information! "The collaboration with LERN is a wonderful opportunity for PRPS members. Over the past 20 years as a college continuing educator, I have been a proponent of this excellent organization as well as had my 3 colleges become LERN members. I find this membership to be very valuable. Whether a week-long training institute (best training I ever attanded) or their written materials, this organization is top-notch. Staff are extremely easy to work with. I completed their online business certificate in social media last month and am waiting for my 3 c.e.u.s to apply to my certifification renewal in March. I'm also enrolled in their Certified Program Planner certificate to complete this winter." Reid Smalley, Dean of Workforce Development, Continuing Education, & Community Services Middlesex Community College CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! |
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Member News
New Baby!
Ken & Margie Earnest are proud new grandparents to
their first grandson, Camden Lee Bahn, born on February 10th.
Sympathies
Bob Hufman unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2011. Bob was the former Park Operations Manager at the Laurel Hill State Park Complex and a great friend. He served the Commonwealth and the citizens for 38 years and will be dearly missed by his family and our State Park family. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in memory of Bob, to the Somerset Alliance Church Building Fund, 708 Stoystown Road, Somerset, PA 15501.
Cards of sympathy and support for Bob's family can be mailed to his wife Karen at their home address: 118 Cambridge Place, Somerset, PA 15501.
Monica Newcomb's sister passed away on January 22, 2011.
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Tips of the Trade
Yours in Training, Jeremy Bean PRPS Training Coordinator 
Spring is here!!! Okay well maybe not really, but this past weekend it sure felt like it here in State College. It got me outside for a nice long walk and Frisbee session with my wife and Doggy. It also made me start to think about the coming planting season and to get excited. One of the things that I've been involved with in the past and what some of you may already do is Community Gardens. These are great local gardens that can bring communities together and make for healthier people! Below are some links that you might find useful on existing community gardens and some funding sources. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or you just want to chat.
http://communitygarden.org/
http://crpr.centreconnect.org/parks/GardenPlots/Garden-Plot-Index.html
http://communitygarden.org/learn/resources/funding-opportunities.php
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 43rd Annual PA Therapeutic Recreation Institute
June 8-10, 2011
Harrisburg-Hershey Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
"Inspiring to become LEGENDS"
Registration Fees:
Full Package
Member - $325
Non-member - $375
Students/Retiree/Spouse - $225
Commuter
Member - $225
Non-member - $245
The Registration Guide will be available soon! |
Other News
From the Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion
Monday, March 14 the Center will launch its 8th annual nrgBalance Zone Campaign - a program that aims to make it easier for schools to engage youth and families and build excitement for healthy eating and physical activity.
The nrgBalance Zone Campaign acknowledges schools that commit to improving healthy eating and physical activity options for their students. Participating schools are publicly recognized as nrgBalance Zones and are equipped with free programs, resources, and outreach opportunities designed to help them implement programs and policies and promote good nutrition and active living. Enrollment in the nrgBalance Zone Campaign is free and open to all Pennsylvania schools, public and private, K-12.
As you are a long-time ally in promoting healthy eating and physical activity, we at the Center are requesting your help. Specifically, we hope that you will help us promote this opportunity among your school contacts. With an average yearly enrollment of 1,200 schools, the nrgBalance Zone Campaign has reached more than 2,650,000 youth across the state of Pennsylvania over the past seven years. With your help, this number will continue to grow, positively impacting the health and well-being of youth and families.
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Power of Persuasion Workshop Series III
Emily Gates, Special Projects Coordinator, PRPS
Power of Persuasion Workshop Cancellations
The following Power of Persuasion workshops are cancelled due to a speaker emergency:
ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA
March 1st - Series III Ross Township Municipal Center
CAMP HILL, PA
March 2nd - Series III Camp Hill Recreation Center
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA
March 3rd - Series II Plymouth Meeting Community Center
March 3rd - Series III Plymouth Meeting Community Center
The rescheduled workshop dates are as follows:
ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA
April 27th - Series III Ross Township Municipal Center
(8 AM - 12 PM)
CAMP HILL, PA
April 19th - Series III Camp Hill Recreation Center
(8 AM - 12 PM)
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA
April 13th - Series II Plymouth Meeting Community Center (8 AM - 12 PM)
April 13th - Series III Plymouth Meeting Community Center (12:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
REGISTRATION FOR THESE WORKSHOPS IS CLOSED |
Branch & District News
DISTRICT I
It is that time of year again, and we are searching for some prizes for the D-1 Poker Tournament! Any and all donations are accepted, and we will package all the donated prizes together to make some great gift packages for the tournament players. If anyone wants to donate, big or small, it will be welcome!
Please let me know via e-mail, or phone, what you can provide. Contact your vendors, or look around the office. Remember that all proceeds from the tournament go directly to PRPS. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. If anyone would like to purchase /reserve a guaranteed spot at the table, you can buy in for only $50.00. There are only 6 of those $50.00 seats available. The rest of the seats can be won by buying a hand from one of the D-1 card sellers. All details will be available at registration. The tournament will be held on Monday after the last session, and before dinner.
Right now door prizes are desperately needed. Please help.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Dave Hutner at dhutner@consolidated.net or call
724-284-5383.
DISTRICT II
RESCHEDULED 2011 DISTRICT 2 WINTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING / WORKSHOP SET FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 14The Winter Membership Meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 14 at York College. All the sessions and speakers remain the same, click here for the brochure. The Winter Membership Meeting is the annual business meeting for District 2. As members of District 2, it is the perfect opportunity for you to stay informed and become involved in District events. You may enroll online through PRPS or complete the brochure registration form and mail/fax in the information. Directions to York College are included in the brochure. If you were previously registered and can no longer make it due to the date change, please send a written refund request to Emily at eschnellbaugh@prps.org.
2011 PRPS CONFERENCE "MINUTEMEN TO WIN IT" SOCIALThe "Minutemen to Win It" Social will be held on Sunday night, March 20, at 9 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall with free admission. Tiffany Metzler from Mechanicsburg Area Parks and Recreation will be coordinating part of the event and is looking for some District 2 volunteers to help her out. If you are interested, please contact her at tmetzler@mbgsd.org to let her know you are willing to help with the event. 2011 DISTRICT 2 SKI SOCIALThe Ski Social was held on Wednesday, February 16 at Roundtop Mountain Resort. It was gorgeous weather for skiing and we had about 20 people take advantage of the great rate and weather! We hope this event will continue to grow as it is also a fundraiser for the District. INAUGURAL BOB GRIFFITH CRAPPIE GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR MAY 18It won't really be crappie, it will be great! Make plans now to join us for this golf event. The District Board is also looking for a few volunteers to assist with the planning and operation of the event. If you are interested in helping, please contact Debra Hatley at either d.hatley@yorktownship.com or 717-741-3861 x110. More information about the event will be available shortly and will be emailed out to you.
DISTRICT III
Ski & Snowboarding Socials
Shawnee Mountain - Wednesday, March 2, 2011
COMMUNITY BRANCH
Prize Pool
If you would like more information, please contact Joe Seltzer at jseltzer@exetertownship.com or call 610-406-0263.
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! |
Youth Sports Corner
Holy Family coach resigns after incident with player
If you haven't heard about this, you should read up on it!
Please take a moment and take a look at the Youth Sports Tool Kit created by the Youth Sports Task Force. We are in the process of updating this tool kit with the latest up to date material. If you have come across any information or have some suggestions for additions to the Tool Kit please contact Jeremy Bean at jbean@prps.org or B.J. Folk at bjfolk@bmsd.org. Please help us to continue to make Pennsylvania Youth Sports safe and enjoyable for all. |
Building Fund Contributions
Diane W. Kripas Lalanda M. Stromp Linda Dreisbach Ferrol Beth J. Helterbran Steven W. Volgstadt Genevieve Volgstadt Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation Susan Barker Joan F. Lipinski Daisy Carter Curtis Strasheim Robert Deffner
Thank you! |
Upcoming Workshops
Nature of Gardening Winter Workshop: Landscapes for Life Saturday, March 12, 2011 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Green Valleys Association at Welkinweir 1368 Prizer Road, Pottstown, PA 19465 Landscapes for Life, a new project of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden, along with American Society of Landscape Architects, shows how to work with nature to create a great-looking garden that's healthier for you, your family, your pets, and the environment-and that saves you time and money. Presenters: Ray Mims, US Botanic Gardens, Landscapes for Life - program overview; Russ Losco, Lanchester Soils, Assessing & Building Soil Resources; Victoria Laubach, Green Valleys Association, Protecting Water Resources; Margot Taylor, Land Ethics, Putting It All Together in a Residential Pilot Project $75 per person, includes handouts and lunch, by advance registration only by calling 610-469-7543 or by email at victoria@greenvalleys.org For more info see www.greenvalleys.org Regional Trails Training April 4, 2011 Laurel Highlands Trails Workshop Latrobe, PA For more information, contact Brad Clemenson at 814-659-3465. PRPS 64th Annual State Conference March 19-23, 2011 Valley Forge Convention Center King of Prussia, PA Aquatic Facility Operator Certification - Part of the PRPS Conference March 19-20, 2011 Valley Forge Convention Center King of Prussia, PA Swimming Pool Management Re-Certification class with 6 core and 4 category 24 credits will be coming in April, look for the dates and locations soon. LEAD Program May 5 & 6, 2011 State College, PA More information will be available soon! Exploring Best Practices and Partnerships for Green, Healthy and Playful Parks and Natural Areas May 19, 2011 Harrisburg, PA Join us in this session to view excerpts of the award-winning documentary Play Again and hear panelists who will share stories of collaborative efforts between park and recreation and land conservation professionals. PA Land Conservation Conference May 19-21, 2011 Harrisburg-Hilton - Downtown Harrisburg The 2011 conference agenda covers a range of topics that will benefit those working in land conservation and includes 14 half-day and full-day seminars, 35 workshops and roundtables plus 3 adventure-filled field trips. 
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NRPA News
 Have you started your Gold Medal Award Application? The March 4th deadline for the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management application is fast approaching. Have you submitted your application yet? Submit your applications by Friday, March 4, 2011! The Gold Medal Award recognizes the collective energies of citizens, staff, and elected officials who outshine others in the field with their ability to address the needs of those they serve. All state departments are also eligible for Gold Medal Award recognition in 2011. Gold Medal Award finalists and grand plaque recipients are recognized as leaders in the field and will be awarded at the NRPA Congress and Exposition, November 1-4, 2011, in Atlanta, GA. Apply Today! Network Awards Applications are now being accepted for Network Awards for 2011. Acknowledge the unsung heroes of our field! NRPA members are encouraged to apply or to nominate a member who deserves recognition for their hard work and excellence in parks and recreation. Deadline for submissions is March 25 for the NRPA Network Awards and National Awards. These awards will be presented at the 2011 Congress and Exposition, November 1-3 in Atlanta, GA. Each Network may submit an application for the following awards. The recipient of the Network Award will move forward to a National Award: Distinguished Citizen Award (all Networks) [recipients will be eligible for the National Distinguished Citizen Award] Distinguished Professional (all networks except Citizen and Young Professional) [recipients will be eligible for the National Distinguished Professional Award] Young Professional Award (dependant on wishes of individual Network, all Networks except Citizen Network) [recipients will be eligible for the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award] New Professional Award (dependant on wishes of individual Network, all Networks except Citizen Network) [recipients will be eligible for the New Professional Award] The Citizen Network hosts a Citizen Trailblazer Award (for Citizen Network only) The Student and Young Professional Network hosts three additional awards: Outstanding Graduate Student, Outstanding Undergraduate Student and Outstanding Student Club. Information and award applications are available at Network Awards. For any additional information contact awards@nrpa.org. Don't let this opportunity slip by to nominate a worthy individual or agency! |
| 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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