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From the Executive Director
Dear PRPS Members & Friends,
Whew! What a whirlwind the month of March was for us. With the conference, unpacking from the conference, and getting right back into the daily grind, there hasn't been much time for reflection. I'm taking a few minutes today and hope that you'll be able to utilize the information and resources in this edition.
I may be repeating myself, but what a great conference!!!!! I'm sorry that not all of you could join us - some of the best educational sessions, the best exhibit hall, and incredible networking opportunities. For those of you who signed up your county or municipality to Renew Growing Greener, great job! That support will go a long way in saving the grant money that comes to you. I have heard nothing but good things from attendees about the overall conference and it certainly makes me proud. This was a hard working committee and I give them most of the credit. The rest goes to the staff here at PRPS. Jeremy was really thrown into the fire when he started back in November and I'd say he did better than I ever did managing the speakers and exhibits. Everyone else really chipped in ahead of time and at the event - Emily S. and Emily G., Tracy, Wynn, Pat, Anne, Rita and Susie. A complete TEAM effort! You don't see the behind the scenes...maybe one day we'll do a PRPS-mentary. Up until the moment we are leaving its non-stop preparation. Thank you to everyone here in the office for contributing to the success!
I'd like to officially welcome the new DCNR Secretary, Richard Allan. Since 1991, Allan has served as executive director for the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware members of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, the national trade association that represents the recycling industry. Since 2005, he has also been a consultant to energy producers in the electric, wind, solar and coal sectors. We wish him much success!
Now that the conference is done, we're getting into the nitty-gritty with the Therapeutic Recreation Institute...Inspiring to Become Legends! Even if you are not in a therapeutic setting I think there are many sessions you would find interesting and could use in your own workplace. The registration guide is getting its final tweaks but will be up on the PTRS and PRPS website's by the close of business today. I urge you to take an opportunity to review and forward along to others. The event will be held June 8-10, 2011 at the Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday Inn, Grantville.
April is looking to be a very busy month as well here in State College. There's a retirement celebration for Bill Rosevear and Bruce McFate on Wednesday evening at Toftrees, the PTRS Board of Directors Meeting on April 15th at the PRPS office and the same day is the work day for the Park Resource Branch, same location! If anyone is interested in volunteering that day, contact us and we'll give you the details. That weekend is the Blue/White game (what's that? J) at PSU for those of you who may be interested. You'll note further in our newsletter a picture and details on the statue that was purchased for Bob's retirement celebration in November. That's been installed and looks great!
Finally, April 8th is Visit a Park Day....we should be encouraging others to visit our own local and state parks and try to do it yourself. Not for work, but for your own mental and physical well-being. We all need the refresher! Enjoy the spring weather we are finally getting!
Sincerely,
Kim
Kimberly M. Woodward, CPRP
Executive Director |
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PRPS 64th Annual Conference
 Special Thanks to the following conference sponsors:
AMI Graphics, Asher's Chocolate, Bitting Recreation, Inc., Boyce Associates, Bucks County Recreation Council, Delaware Valley Insurance Trust, District 3, General Recreation, Inc., George Ely Associates, Hershey Entertainment Group, Jack Links Beef Jerky, Landscape Structures, Lock Haven University Recreation Management Department, Musco Sports Lighting, Watershed Association of PA, Pashek Associates, Limited, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Pennsylvania State University, Sharp's Landscaping, Temple University School of Tourism & Hospitality Management, Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau, Westmoreland County Recreation Alliance, YSM, Zeager Bros., Inc.
We appreciate your support!
CONFERENCE EVALUATION
Please complete the 2011 Conference Evaluation at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011PRPSConferenceEVALUATION
SESSION HANDOUTS
The educational session material for this year's conference is AVAILABLE ONLINE! The material consists of presentations, handouts and other resources. To access the material at any time, first visit the following web address, http://www.prps.org/2011conference/.
Next, you will be prompted for a username and password, use the following:
USERNAME: prps
PASSWORD: king
Lastly, enjoy the materials provided by the conference speakers! Please note that this material is for conference attendees only. |
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Conference Vendors
Thank you to all our vendors this year!
Vendors:
Abacus Sports Installations, Advantage Sports & Fitness, Adventure Aquarium, American Fireworks Co., American Ramp Co., Ameron International, Anaconda, Aquatic Facility Design, Barry Isett & Associates, Bitting, Bobcat Company, Boyce Associates, BSN, Camelback/beach, Capturepoint, Carr Concrete Corp., Century Sports, Challenger Sports, Computertots and Computer Explorers, CPS Associates, LLC, CXT, Inc., Deep Run Aquatic Services, Inc., Delaware River Tubing, Designed for Fun, Inc., Dutch Wonderland, E.A. Waetjen Inc., E.H. Griffith, Inc., E.T. Techtonics, Inc., Eventive Productions, Fairmount Sports and Recreation, FieldTurf, Fisher and Son Co. Inc., General Recreation, George Ely Associates, Gilmore & Associates, Inc., Go Ape, Harris Computer Systems, Hershey Park, If It's Water, Inc., Impact Sports and Soccer, Innova Disc Golf, John Deere, Keep PA Beautiful, Kids on Wheels, Kompan, Lawn and Golf Supply Co. Inc., LDG, Leisure Services Software, Letterco, Inc., Liberty Mountain Roundtop, Liberty Parks & Playgrounds, Martin Stone Quarries, Modern PreCast Concrete, Moreys Piers, Musco Sports Lighting, MyRecDept.com, National Aquarium Baltimore, Neptune-Benson Inc., Northeast Stihl, Nova NextGen Solutions, LLC, PA DCNR, Pannier, Party Magic, Protect Youth Sports, Pump It Up of Chalfont, RecDesk, Recreation Resource, Rileighs Outdoor Décor, RTH Processing, S&S Worldwide, Safety Turf, Score Sports, Sesame Place, Six Flags, Sno Mountain Resort, Splash Zone Water Park, Spohn Ranch, State Industrial Products, Superior International, T&M Associates, Techline Sports Lighting, LLC, Temple University, The Finals, The Niemeyer Corporation, Treatment Specialties, Turf Equipment and Supply, UK Elite Soccer, UK Soccer, Urban Research & Dev. Corp., US Sports Institute, Verigreen, Vermont Systems, Vortex Aquatic Structures, Walker Supply Inc., Wade Associates, Waste Management, Zambelli Fireworks
Greenway Exhibits:
PA Fish & Boat Commission, CNAP, Bucks County River Country, PSECU, Renew Growing Greener, DCNR State Parks, Wildlands Conservancy
Educational Booths:
Batters UP, Youth Sports Task Force, Hershey Track & Field
Vendor Winners:
Best Battalion - General Recreation
Most Revolutionary - Niemeyer Corp.
Best in Show - Bitting Recreation
Most Creative - Waste Managment
Most Interactive - Advantage Sports & Fitness
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Member News
If you remember, back in November we celebrated Bob Griffith's retirement from PRPS. His gift was a sculpture and plaque commemorating his year's of service as PRPS Executive Director. Installation of the "Boy Gone Fishing" sculpture was completed on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the PRPS office. It just so happens that Bob was in doing some volunteering! We were able to capture this great photo of him with the sculpture. In the future we'll be doing some plantings to reflect the look of water. We'll keep you posted on that and other improvements to the office property.
Retirements!
We would like to wish Bill Rosevear and Bruce McFate the best of luck, on their Retirement. The Retirement party is April 8th.
Sympathy
The mother of Nancy Opalka passed away recently in March. Nancy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time! |
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Tips of the Trade
Yours in Training, Jeremy Bean PRPS Training Coordinator 
This week's tip is short and sweet. I know many of you attended our annual conference in Valley Forge and I heard a lot of great ideas that came from the educational sessions. It's amazing at conferences how there is always a buzz of energy and passion towards making changes and doing new things back at the office. However, when we walk back into that office and reality sets in such as; emails galore, problems to fix, plates overflowing with responsibilities, we forget about all the things we got so jazzed about just a few days earlier. So my challenge to all of you is to pick just one thing from the conference you wanted to implement and make it happen! As always please let me know how we can assist in making whatever you are working on a reality. Thanks for a great conference and being part of PRPS. |
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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 on the website by the end of today! |
Other News
Common Diseases of Trees and Shrubs
Diana K. Weiner, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Meadowbrook Farms
Friday, April 15, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $125 (includes lunch)
This course carries 5.5 CEU's for ISA arborists.
Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of several of the most common plant diseases in our area! Fungal and bacterial diseases of woody plants can be devastating to the landscape if left unchecked. You will learn management techniques and methods for reducing these disorders to manageable levels in an environmentally friendly manner.
Diana Weiner is the Restoration and Volunteer Manager for Friends of High School Park in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. She also coordinates the volunteer program at Meadowbrook Farm, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. She has a degree in Agronomy from the State University of New York and was Superintendent of Parks and Grounds for the Historic Hotel of America, Mohonk Mountain House. Diana served for 16 years as the Community Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension.
To register online: www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/ed_arboriculture.shtml or call the Morris Arboretum at 215-247-5777, ext. 125 or 156
Visit us on the web: www.morrisarboretum.org
Requests
Does anyone need a hand made movie screen? Cheltenham Township has such a screen for sale! This screen is in three pieces - made from 4 x 4 wood sides and white ceiling board on top. Each piece measures 4 feet wide and
10.5 feet in height - these are then bolted together to create a very large screen. We have used it in the past at our Flick N Float at the pools.
Does any department offer programs for Special Needs Children? We have 2 volunteers that ran a basketball program for these children and we are looking to see what other programs are out there for the Special Needs Children.
Please reply directly to Sue at SFries@cheltenham-township.org. |
Power of Persuasion Workshop Series III
Emily Gates, Special Projects Coordinator, PRPS
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 II
RESCHEDULED 2011 DISTRICT 2 WINTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING / WORKSHOP SET FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 14
The 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.
PTRS
Board of Directors Meeting
April 15, 2011
9:00 a.m.
PRPS Office, State College
Park Resource Branch
Spring Work Day at the PRPS Office, Friday, April 15, 2011 starting at 9 a.m. Anyone is welcome to assist with some spring cleanup and plantings. Please let Neal McNutt know if you'll be attending - nmcnutt@muhlenbergtwp.com.
INAUGURAL BOB GRIFFITH CRAPPIE GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR MAY 18
It 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.
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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Building Fund Contributions
Michael Coakley
Lynne Pomietlarz
Monica Hoffman
PA State Park Society
Thank you! |
Upcoming Workshops
PRPS/LERN Courses
Click here for more information
Swimming Pool Management Re-Certification Class
Click here for the brochure!
April 19
West Chester Parks & Recreation Department
April 20
Marshall Township
April 27
York Township Recreation Department
Click here to register online!
Mapping a Route: MDS 3.0 to "I" Care Plans
Click here for the brochure!
April 19
Masonic Villages of Sewickley
April 26
Broomall Presbyterian Village
May 3
Masonic Villages of Elizabethtown
Click here to register online!
A Practical Guide for Planning & Programming for Persons with Dementia
Click here for the brochure!
May 2
Generations of Indian Valley
May 13
Presbyterian SeniorCare
Click here to register online!
LEAD Program
May 5 & 6, 2011
State College, PA
Swimming Pool Management 101 Class
with Pesticide Applicator Exam
Click here for the brochure!
May 11 & 12
Lower Southampton Township
Click here to register online!
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.
National Playground Safety Inspector Certification & Exam
Click here for the brochure!
May 25-27, 2011
Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center
State College, PA
Click here to register online!
Coming in May!
Playground Maintenance Workshops
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NRPA News
 Increase Revenue and Retain New Golfers with the
NRPA/PGA Family Course Grant NRPA is excited to announce a new grant opportunity in partnership with The PGA of America called The NRPA/PGA Family Course Grant. This new grant is intended to provide organizations the opportunity for families in their community to enjoy outdoor activity on the golf course. The grant provides special course tees to make golf more enjoyable, accessible and affordable for families, regardless of age and ability. It also provides strategies to help retain new golfers. Last year, facilities who used the PGA Family Course Grant realized an average of $8,200 in additional revenue. To be eligible to receive the NRPA/PGA Family Course Grant, your organization must agree to: - Offer Get Golf Ready programs, both group lessons and beginner outings, and promote these as recreational opportunities for your community;
- Utilize PGA Performance Trak on a monthly basis to report and track rounds played and other key performance indicators (KPI) data for your organizations' golf course;
- Complete and return a short post program participation survey supplied by NRPA.
The application deadline is April 22, 2011. Recipients of the grant will be notified by May 6, 2011. Be A PGA Family Course-Apply Today |
| 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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