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PRPS Fall Office Phone Hours
8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
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From the Executive Director
Dear PRPS Members & Friends,
I really did not think things could get worse after Hurricane Irene but the flooding left by Tropical Storm Lee has put this state on the map - and not in a good way! We experienced having to postpone our Greenways & Trails Summit, which was not an easy decision to make. However, we felt it was a necessity in light of the road closures and the "unknown" of the flooding conditions. Fortunately, we were able to postpone to October 23 - 25, 2011 in York. If these new dates work for you or a staff member to attend, you can still register! As far as the state of our agencies and the flooding, it appears that most damage was limited to mud and the rescheduling of field use, some damage to trails and a few instances where sewage backup created a big mess. If you experienced damage due to any of these storms we'd like an update sent to our office, including pictures if you have them.
Send it to prpsinfo@prps.org.
In this issue of our e-newsletter we are trying to make some of the recommendations that you gave us in the membership survey. We thank you for your feedback and will continue to strive to make this a truly newsworthy and informational piece. One new addition is a column titled, Leadership Living, authored by Tim Herd, PRPS Treasurer and Executive Director of the Stroud Region Open Space & Recreation Commission. Tim does a great job with this and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Other items of interest this month - Fall Mini-Conference in Carlisle, Fall Membership Meeting, Annual Conference news, NRPA Congress news and much more! As you know, it takes registrations to drive the success of an event and we need you to send yours in for the Mini-Conference. There are some amazing sessions, all of which you requested you needed...so we are offering. Contact Jeremy if you have any questions about it. Jbean@prps.org or 814-234-4272.
In conclusion I'll share a little tidbit of exciting news at least from my family and me! We are getting chickens! Why chickens you ask? Well, we have been thinking about it for awhile and since we have the space, thought it would be a great way to engage our family in something we could do outdoors together. This past weekend we spent building a chicken tractor and are anxiously waiting for the arrival of our little chicks. Since we have small children, the chicken breeds are of the calm and docile nature (so they say!). We are looking forward to this new adventure as hobby farmers! I'll share some pictures in next month's newsletter with an update - wish us luck!
Hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming events.
Regards,
Kim
Kimberly Woodward, CPRP
Executive Director |
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PA Greenways & Trails Summit 
Postponed!
NEW DATES
October 23rd-25th
Yorktowne Hotel, York PA
Click here for the new registration guide!
Summit Online Registration:
https://netforum.avectra.com/eWeb/Shopping/Shopping.aspx?Site=PRPS&WebCode=Shopping |
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The Great Ideas Mini-Conference
Register Now!
October 12th-13th, 2011
Hotel Carlisle and Embers Convention Center, Carlisle, PA
- Transformational Leadership Experience (Limited spaces available)
- Connect Youth to Nature through Trail Activities
- Growing for the Common Good: Municipal Partnerships in Small Scale Agriculture
- Swimming Pool Management 101
- Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Exams
- A Practical Guide for Planning & Programming for Persons with Dementia
- The Importance of Civility Training in Your Recreation Program
- Effective Training of Seasonal Staff
- Friends-How to and Why, an Interactive Session
- Playground Maintenance
The brochure is available on the PRPS website and online registration is available. Click here!
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Annual Conference
March 17th -21st, 2012
65th Annual PRPS Conference
"Recreation Powers Unite"
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, PA
For your Budget's!
Full Conference Member Rate: $199
Full Conference Non-member: $229
Daily Member: $99
Daily Non-member: $115
Overnight Rate at Seven Springs:
$157 plus tax, double
$194 plus tax, single
If you would like to exhibit at the conference, please contact Jeremy Bean, at (814) 234-4272 or email jbean@prps.org. The exhibit brochure is available, click here.
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Starting things
Full disclosure: I never went to kindergarten. It didn't exist in my rural township in those dark, early days soon after the ice sheet had receded from North America.
And so I never learned all those things that people learn in kindergarten: Things like... like...
Hmm. Maybe that's the problem right there.
In the late 1950s, educational progress in our locale consolidated a dozen one-room schoolhouses into a "modern" elementary building. So a few days after I turned six years old, I started First Grade. My teacher, Mrs. Sham, wore what used to be called "coke-bottle glasses" (because the lenses were so thick), and what I called "teacher's perfume." (I have never met anyone else so distinctively scented in my life.)
I was an impressionable kid, and I learned many life lessons from Mrs. Sham: How to Raise Your Hand; How To Carry a Chair; How To Set Down Your Glasses (even though not a single first-grader wore them); When to Hang Up Your Wraps (poor Cindy E. didn't know she was a girl on the first day of school because she hung up her jacket during the boys' turn. She flunked that year.); How Not To Run Out To Recess Riding On Donald L's Back While He Whinnies Like a Horse; How To Stay In For Recess For A Week, and so on...
...the invaluable trait of persistence... pulls you through the quicksand pits, muck-filled troughs, and inevitable round-about detours of life. |
But the most lasting and profound lesson Mrs. Sham taught me was When You Start Something, Finish It. It speaks of the invaluable trait of persistence, which, when practiced, pulls you through the quicksand pits, muck-filled troughs, and inevitable round-about detours of life. Although we may not always be consistent, it is with persistence that we reach our goals.
I once witnessed a yearling black bear cub-a first-grader, you might say-with her heart and appetite set on a well-stocked birdfeeder, practice both persistence and ingenuity as she literally clung to her dream pursuing it. Because the feeder was suspended by ropes between trees, she quickly discovered that her goal was unreachable if she did not leave her comfort zone in one of the trees. Attempting and failing to step across tightrope-style, she also tried: hanging by her front claws; dangling upside-down sloth-style; failing and falling repeatedly; reaching and missing and stretching and grasping; and awkwardly holding and swaying and inching along between two bouncing and dancing ropes until she achieved what she had so persistently aimed for.
In this monthly column, I will be interpreting proven concepts of personal, corporate, nonprofit, and community leadership for both the aspiring and the seasoned professional. I'll extend principles and parables-drawn from the worlds of nature, culture, business, and everyday living-for personal and professional growth, along with "MasterPoints" of essential concepts to master and maximize your leadership impact. Welcome to this new beginning! Join me in the journey, won't you?
MasterPoint 55
Never stop learning, never stop striving: practicing persistence pays off!
ŠTim Herd
follow at www.scene-herd.blogspot.com
herd.tim@gmail.com
Tim Herd is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional and the Executive Director of the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission, East Stroudsburg, PA. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society. |
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Fall Membership Meeting
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Stuart Community Center, Carlisle, PA
For more information and the flyer click here!
New Reduced Rates this year!
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Therapeutic Recreation Institute
Circle Your Calendar!
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The "Community Circle of Labyrinth Surround" is designed by Peter W. Michael |
44th Annual
June 6th-8th, 2012
Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday Inn
Grantville, PA
Generation 2 Generation: People are What Matter
We have Listened...We are Planning...We Look Forward to Seeing you
Keynote Speaker: Greg Forbes Siegman, Real-Life Subject of the Silhouette Man
For the TRI Flyer click here! |
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Training Corner 
by Jeremy Bean, PRPS Training Coordinator
In Tough Economic Times
What's the First Budget Item to Fall Under the Ax?
Yup, you guessed it, training and professional development, which of course means conferences, seminars, and workshops. This only seems logical right, as all of these things relate not at all to the bottom line. Well, that's what for a long time we've been told and a lot of us have bought into. However, I'm here to tell you that research shows that those organizations that continue to invest in training and development during down times come out much better during recovery's then those who chose to cut.
I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here on this, so why talk about these things then? Well because I believe it's all of our jobs to sell the importance of training and development to our superiors. How can make them see the light that every dollar spent on a conference, seminar, or workshop, even now in touch economic times, will result in future dollars.
But hey I'm the training coordinator so you'd expect that from me right? Well take a look at this information from a recent article on the recession:
"Even in the hardest times, those companies that have kept spending money on employee training, those companies have been the most successful companies and have come out of those hard times with a more engaged and satisfied work force," says Tom McGuire, program director, Business & Management, UC Berkley Extension.
And even though those needs will vary from business to business, from industry to industry, there are a number of common training areas on which almost all businesses should focus. Leadership development, project management and team building are all increasingly important because of the changing demographics and economy and because general communication and technology skills are as important now as always.
So I guess in the short, don't give up on getting to the professional development trainings you want and need. Be creative about how you sell things to your superiors or look for funding from other organizations that may benefit from your attendance. If you are the superior making the decision then please by all means understand the benefits of sending your employees to good trainings.
As always want to chat or brainstorm, give me a shout!
Jeremy |
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Staff Profile
Maria Meyer, Bookkeeper
Maria is the newest member of PRPS, joining in June 2011. She has been working in the Accounting field for over 15 years. Maria and her family moved from King of Prussia to State College in April of 2009, when her husband left corporate life for higher education with PSU. It's been quite an adjustment for her (the city girl), but the rest of the family has taken to country living quite nicely.
Maria has jumped into the roll as the PRPS Bookkeeper quickly: learning Peachtree, understanding all the nuances of PRPS, muddling through transactions handled by several hands for the past year and a half, and handling the FY '10/'11 audit at the end of August. She looks forward to smooth sailing for the rest of the year. HA!
Maria really enjoys her time at PRPS. All her co-workers are wonderful to work with. She is the only one who doesn't have any quirks (as you will soon find out from reading these bios). Maria is actually pretty boring. She thanks her co-workers for helping her learn all about the great outdoors and exposing her to words like "going green" and "sustainable landscape". She hopes that in return, she can share with them her love for shoes, handbags and accessories.
Last but not least, in self-promotion, Maria does rent her 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath house out for PSU home football games and/or any other gathering in State College. If interested, feel free to email her at mmeyer@prps.org.
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Member News
Member Request
Please respond to Beth Lee at blee@crcog.net
Centre Region Parks & Recreation is in the process of creating a Social Media Policy and we are wondering if anyone else has one, what did they include/cover, how did they disburse it, and would be willing to share?
Sympathy
Charles R. Bauerlein Sr., 84, of Mount Airy, a civil engineer, peace activist, and father of 11, died of Burkitt's lymphoma Monday, Sept. 12, at the home of his daughter Lisa Troncale in New Holland, Pa.
For 40 years as owner of Recreation Consultants, Mr. Bauerlein designed community swimming pools and parks in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, and developed plans and supervised pool-repair work for clubs, high schools, and municipalities.
Daphne Sebelist-Klahr's grandmother passed away recently.
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PRPS Internship
PRPS is actively seeking interns for our internship program. We will be taking one intern in the fall, winter/spring, and summer to assist with various office initiatives and most importantly learn about Parks and Recreation from the society side of things. . . Please encourage any possible applicants to apply today. The internship description and application and be found here.
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Therapeutic Recreation News
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Second Call-In Day for Medicare and Medicaid Advocacy
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Last week, we encouraged all of our members to participate in LeadingAge's (national) call-in day for members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to tell them "enough is enough". We had a great response from our members who delivered the message to Sen. Toomey that the government cannot expect more out of Long-term care providers by increasing regulatory mandates while at the same time decreasing provider reimbursement. Thank you to all who participated. However, the job of telling our story has only just begun.
Yesterday, LeadingAge (national) sent a message to all members urging a 'Call In Day' for ALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS for tomorrow, September 28, 2011. LeadingAge PA encourages our members to take part in this important advocacy effort. We are asking that members to use the same script as that used for Sen. Toomey last week.
Please use the number (855) 218-2109 to be connected to your Congressional representative, and use the following sample script to share this message:
1. As you and the rest of Congress consider how to address the country's financial deficit, I urge you to look for savings from sources other than additional cuts to Medicare and Medicaid funding.
2. The time has come to stop pretending that we can bring about fiscal stability in these programs simply by cutting reimbursement to providers.
3. Savings can also be achieved by eliminating burdensome and costly regulations which do nothing to enhance quality care in nursing facilities. This would save both the facilities and the federal government money.
Members can also send a message via LeadingAge PA's CapWiz site via www.capwiz.com/panpha.
If you have questions, please can contact Nick Luciano, Legislative Counsel, at nick@leadingagepa.org. |
Email Sample by Kirk Rakos
I have worked in long term care for 20 years as a Recreation Therapist. I want to tell you "enough is enough" when it comes to the government expecting more from long term care providers by increasing regulatory mandates while at the same time decreasing provider reimbursement.
As you and the rest of the Senate consider how to address the country's financial debt, I urge you to look for savings from sources other than additional cuts to Medicare and Medicaid funding.
The time has come to stop pretending that we can bring about fiscal stability in these programs simply by cutting reimbursement to providers
Savings can also be achieved by eliminating burdensome and costly regulations which do nothing to enhance quality care in nursing facilities. This would save both the facilities and the federal government money.
As you represent me as a Pennsylvanian please remember to keep our elders in the forefront of your decisions. They deserve the best quality of care and more importantly a quality of life that is not jeopardized because of politician's political party.
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DCNR News
The Pennsylvania State Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is offering a webinar and workshop in November to prepare applicants to meet the requirements of our Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) grants. (The 2012 C2P2 grant program will open January 11 and close on April 4.)These training opportunities will assist community leaders, consultants, board members, and park and recreation professionals interested in learning about resources available to plan, acquire and construct public recreation and conservation areas in their communities.
Pre-registration is required for these educational sessions. To register, go to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/calendar. Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing further instructions. For additional information, contact Linda Manning at linmanning@pa.gov or 717-783-4736. Note: DCNR will also host six statewide Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) Grant workshops in February and March of 2012.
WEBINAR: Funding Opportunities with Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) Grants and PENNVEST grant and loan program:
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
This webinar is designed for potential applicants who plan to apply to the 2012 C2P2 grant program and or would like to learn about resources available for funding "green" infrastructure in their park and open spaces. What types of projects does the DCNR's C2P2 grant program fund and who is eligible to apply? What are the requirements of the C2P2 grant program and how much time is typically involved in obtaining them? How can I incorporate "Best Management Practices" (BMP's) into the public parks, trails, and open spaces of my community to address stormwater issues? Participants of this training will gain an understanding of the types of projects, eligible applicants and requirements of the C2P2 grant program and PENNVEST grant/loan program. They will also learn about practical and cost saving BMP's to create green and sustainable park systems.
WORKSHOP: Obtaining resources for public parks, conservation areas, and trail systems:
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Stuart Community Center, 415 Franklin Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
DCNR's C2P2 grants provide funding for the planning, construction, and acquisition of public parks, trails, and conservation areas. C2P2 applications require submission of documents and forms that in many cases may take significant lead time to prepare. Workshop participants will gain an understanding of eligible projects, eligible applicants, application requirements, and a general overview of the eGrants application process. If you're just exploring how to plan, acquire, construct and or fund public parks, trails and conservation areas or you're not familiar with the C2P2 Grant program; then you should attend this workshop. This workshop is being held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society's (PRPS) Fall Membership Meeting. Feel free to attend the grant workshop by registering on DCNR's calendar listed above. (However, if you are interested in attending the other educational sessions at the PRPS Membership meeting, please contact PRPS at 814-234-4272 or visit their website at www.prps.org for additional information.) |
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Other News
The Center for Public Recreation and Parks periodically compiles information important to shaping the future of parks and recreation. Click here to find information related to the latest Census.
KAFMO 11th Annual Cup Open
October 10th, 2011
Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Harrisburg
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2011
Questions ? email kulp1451@gmail.com
Join the PA State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (PSAHPERD), Jamba Juice & Friends in Breaking the Guinness World Record for The "Most People Jumping Jacks in 24-Hour Period"
October 11th - 12th, 2011
Jumping Jack Wave to starts at 3:00 pm EST/12 noon PST;
Then progress by Time Zone around the World!
Exercise can be fun--especially if you're breaking a Guinness World Record! Join First Lady Michelle Obama--the official "Jumper in Chief" --as she kicks off the international attempt to break the record for the "Most People Doing Jumping Jacks in a 24-Hour period," - while honoring Jack LaLanne's legacy of life long health and fitness.
Join PSAHPERD, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD), Jamba Juice, National Geographic for Kids, National PTA, National Gardening Association, and more, as kids and adults break the record by doing one minute of jumping jacks wherever they are in the world! So start practicing now! Get your friends, sports teams, afterschool groups, fitness clubs/clients --even your entire school--to participate!
For further information, please check: www.cahperd.org OR
www.psahperd.org
Sign up today: reception@cahperd.org!
Creating Sustainable Communities Conference
November 3rd, 2011
Point Park University, Lawrence Hall
To register online, go to: http://intradcnr/Calendar/view
Questions? Call Hannah Hardy at 412-481-9400
ACA Keystone Conference
November 3rd, 2011
Harrisburg Holiday Inn & Conference Center
Harrisburg, PA
Click here for more information!
The Foundation of Sports:
It Starts with Parents & Their Athletes
SPEAKER: Kevin Touhey
Best Selling Author & Hall of Fame Basketball Coach
November 6th, 2011
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Mechanicsburg Middle School
Register Online: www.mbgsd.org/recreation
or call (717) 691-4572 to Register
CPSC Changes Its Mind on Unblockable Pool Drains
Click here to read more! |
Upcoming Workshops
If you would like a brochure for the summit, mini-conference and all other workshops or to register online click here!
LERN
The fall offerings are now online and available for registration! Quite a few very interesting new courses added to the list for the fall. Please take a look and remember that by taking a class you help support PRPS who in turn helps support you. Any questions please contact Jeremy Bean, Training Coordinator at jbean@prps.org or call 814-234-4272.
http://www.yougotclass.org/courses.cfm/Prps
Swimming Pool Management 101
October 3th, 2011 - Cheltenham Township - Glenside Memorial Hall
October 12th, 2011 - Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center (part of mini-conf.)
Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Exams
October 4th, 2011 - Cheltenham Township - Glendside Memorial Hall
October 13th, 2011- Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center (part of mini-conf.)
Playground Maintenance
October 13th, 2011 - Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center (part of mini-conf.)
October 20th, 2011 - Cabela's, Hamburg (Park Resource School)
October 21st, 2011 - Gander Mountain, Pittsburgh
(Park Resource School)
Fall Mini-Conference -
"The Great Ideas Mini-Conference"
October 12th - 13th, 2011
Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, Carlisle
Resource Operations Workshops
2 Locations to Serve You!
October 20th, 2011 - Cabela's, Hamburg, PA
October 21th, 2011 - Gander Mountain, Washington, PA
Greenways & Trails Summit (New Date!)
October 23rd-25th, 2011
Yorktowne Hotel, York
Fall Membership Meeting
November 16th, 2011
Stuart Community Center, Carlisle, PA
National Playground Safety Inspector Certifcation & Exam
December 5th-7th, 2011
Best Western Premier-The Central Hotel & Conference Center
Harrisburg, PA
Save the Date!
Youth Sports Summit
April 13th - 14th, 2011
Keystone College, Towanda
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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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