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PTRS E-Newsletter
The newsletter of the PA Therapeutic Recreation Society |
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| Greetings! | |
We are no longer printing the PTRS Newsletter. It will now be online only and you can still print your own copy. Enjoy your new PTRS E-newsletter!
Don't forget to register today for the TR Institute! It is only a few weeks away.
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| PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE |
HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED...AND HOW THEY HAVE STAYED THE SAME!!
I recently received an email from a student asking the annual question," What do you perceive to be the most important skills needed for a recreation therapist to possess?" I remember when I asked that question. I called someone in the field, made an appointment to meet with him or her, got dressed up, and actually went to the facility to talk face to face with a person. I had many questions (10 - 12 if I remember right) to ask: how are you funded, what is your schedule, what is your pay range, etc. I had a tour of the facility, went home, and wrote a paper that was submitted for a grade. I remember working hard and methodically to get my answers.
I wonder why students can just send an email to ask the question. Are we that busy with school and work that we can't get away to visit a facility and "pick the brain" of someone who has experience in the field? What about the experience of actually seeing a recreation therapy or activities department in a facility and witnessing the cooperation needed to provide a holistic approach to the well being of our patient?
Don't get me wrong...I enjoy my email, my facebook, and the immediate connection to my friends and family, but what about that face to face connection? Where is the handshake or the smile in the email? ";)" doesn't count!!
When those of us, who are the last of the Baby Boomers, choose our room in the LCF, will the men and women joining our profession know how to talk to us, listen to us, or even encourage us: or will they send us an email?
Don't forget to register for this year's Therapeutic Recreation Institute. The committee, headed up by Karen Hammond and Kirk Rakos, have been working hard to give you a variety of speakers, vendors, and networking time. Sign up now
on the website, www.PRPS.org.
Stay safe, enjoy the warm weather, and I look forward to seeing you in June.
BJ ;)
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| TRI CO-CHAIRS CORNER |
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The "Community Circle Labyrinth Surround" is a design by Peter W. Michael |
We listened, we planned and now it is your turn! Start making plans to attend the 44th Annual TRI from June 6th to June 8th. There will be a Pre-Conference session on Tuesday, June 5th titled Evidence-based Practice in Therapeutic Recreation: The Why and How, presented by Norma Stumbo, Ph.D., CTRS. Dr. Stumbo is a retired professor from Illinois State University who has written and edited numerous professional books and articles. She has presented over 300 research and educational sessions at state, national and international conferences so we are thrilled that Dr. Stumbo has accepted our invitation to be a presenter at our state conference.
The Education Committee has created an outstanding slate of sessions with so many new speakers for you to learn from over three days. We have created four topic categories (long term care, rehabilitation/developmental/mental health, programming/activity and professional developmental) to assure the TRI covers the diverse areas which we work in as recreation therapists and activity directors, as they say something for everyone.
Our Keynote speaker will be Greg Forbes Siegman. Greg is the real-life grandkid upon whom The Silhouette Man by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson is based. The book received the Wisdom Speaks honor in 2009 -- given to a book that celebrates the wisdom of seniors. A former educator, Greg has served as Scholar-in-Residence for schools and programs in the US, Canada and Africa. On the civic side, he has focused on issues like education, diversity, cancer and the elderly. For his efforts, he has received honors like the Jefferson Award for Public Service. In 2005, he was honored at Princeton University as one of America's top social entrepreneurs under 40. He has been featured by media like Senior News, Good Morning America and The Washington Post. His website is www.GregForbes.com - He can be joined on Twitter at @aplacetosit. We're excited to have him joining us in Grantville.
New: an evening session on each night because you suggested the idea.
Wednesday, June 6th Survivor Team Building
Thursday, June 7th Walk the Labyrinth a Therapeutic Journey
We will continue the tradition of celebrating our profession and those who deliver TR services during the Annual Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Society Awards which will be at our luncheon on Thursday where 100+ TR professionals will be in attendance to honor the award winners. Visit www.PTRS.org to view the various awards and then begin to write and submit nominations for individuals and programs who deserve recognition for their contributions to the field.
The Vendor Committee is diligently constructing the a-'Maze"-ing Vendor Day which will be part of the conference on June 7th. There are 10 confirmed vendors many who will feature cash and carry items per your request. It is only early March so keeping watching the list grow.
Thursday, June 7th will conclude with an A-"Maze"-ing Vendor Social from 3:30 - 5:30pm with drawings for the $10 vendor prize (1 prize per vendor); and the annual Silent Auction baskets are back by popular demand. What is a social without some appetizers and we have selected some of your favorites!
The Holiday Inn has renovated their rooms with new furniture, carpeting and now feature flat screen televisions for your viewing pleasure along with wireless Wifi, room service, indoor/outdoor pools and the famous Winner's Circle Saloon.
New: For the first time all TRI attendees will be responsible for reserving their own room at the pre-arranged TRI rate (double or single) by directly contacting the Hershey-Grantville Holiday Inn. Should you need to include the cost of the hotel with the TRI registration cost for payment by your community contact the PRPS office (814) 234-4272 and the staff will assist you.
To stay connected and learn what is happening with the TRI between now and June become a friend of the Therapeutic Recreation Institute on Facebook, read your web blasts from PRPS/PTRS. Maybe we will begin to tweet for our new generation of recreation therapists.
See you in Grantville!!!
Kirk Rakos & Karen Hammond
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
David Reifsnyder, CTRS
What do the color red, beekeeping, Hawaiian shirts, "A Fish Called Wanda" and Dr. Ira Shapiro have in common? Give up? The answer is: David Reifsnyder, CTRS and a long standing member of PTRS.
David graduated from Coe College with a BA in Business, but a meeting with Dr. Shapiro introduced him to the world of Therapeutic Recreation. David received his Master's Degree in TR from Temple University. David began his TR career at Temple University's Woodhaven Center under Lynn Thompson working with maladaptive intellectually challenged children and adults. He has also treated children and adults with psychiatric and addiction problems at Charter Fairmount Institute and Northwestern Human Services of Philadelphia. When David's wife, Laura, got a job near Washington, D.C., they moved; and David continued his work in Maryland. David created a Therapeutic Recreation summer camp for youth whom were not able to attend mainstream camps while working at Alternatives for Youth and Families in Southern Maryland. Now David is working in Long Term Care for Genesis Laplata Health Care. For the past ten years, David has also worked part-time for Calvert County Parks and Recreation facilitating a TR social co-ed adult group.
Those "a-ha moments" are what David likes best about working in TR. "Where you see a successful outcome related to the intervention you have implemented. Being able to make positive changes in people's lives. It's a field where I enjoy what I am doing. I have fun, but I am serious about what I am trying to implement."
David, Laura and their son, Alex, live in Maryland with two cats, a dog and a whole bunch of honeybees. You may find them sea kayaking, camping or backpacking on any given weekend.
If you see David at this year's TRI (you'll be able to recognize him by his Scottish kilt and outrageous hat), be sure to stop and say hello.
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| PTRS AWARDS |
2012 Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Society Awards
will be presented at the
44th Annual PA Therapeutic Recreation Institute
on
June 7, 2012
Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday Inn
Grantville, PA
Visit www.ptrs.org for award nomination forms, qualifications, and information on the various award categories: Distinguished Member, Outstanding New Professional, Professional Service, Outstanding Program, Special Event of the Year, Student Honor, Society Citation, Joseph M. Foley Award, Organization/Agency plus our Volunteer of the Year.
Submit award nominations to
Allyson Finkle, CTRS
Woodland Retirement Community
18889 Croghan Pike
Orbisonia, PA 17243
afinkle@presbyterianseniorliving.org
814-447-0328
814-447-5486 fax
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| THE "A-MAZE-ing AUCTION" |
The "Generation 2 Generation"
"A-MAZE-ing Auction"
Hello, Members and Supporters of PTRS! The 44th Annual TRI is quickly approaching, and every year it just keeps getting better and better. Annually, we raise money to support PRPS through a basket auction. This year, all monies raised through the auction will be placed in the PTRS Memorial Scholarship fund, to help future generations enjoy the great educational opportunity that the TRI has to offer.
Last year, we were able to raise just under $1000 to support the building fund. Can we beat this amount?
The TRI committee needs items to be donated to the "A-MAZE-ing Auction." (Yes- we re-named the auction, because as many of you know it was not too Silent!) We are asking for your help to amaze our participants with your creativity in creating a "Theme Basket." Please consider donating a theme basket or new prize that can become part of the A-MAZE-ing Auction. Many of the great prizes from previous years have been: Chocolate baskets; Steelers, Eagles and Penn State baskets; Picnic baskets; and wine baskets. FOR BUSINESSES: this makes a great advertisement throughout the conference.
Many of you know that I have been running the auction for several years, and I have accumulated many returned, empty baskets to refill. However, due to the historic flooding that occurred in September of 2011, all those baskets became part of the Swatara Creek! This year your help is needed even more through basket donations and/or prize donations. Please help make this auction the best for generations to come.
If you would be willing and able to help in our mission or have questions, please contact Becky Kandrac at bkandrac@masonicvillagespa.org.
Remember - to bring along your address labels. It makes purchasing tickets much easier. And this year, you have the opportunity to purchase tickets from our own PRPS "celebrity"! |
| PTRS MISSION STATEMENT | |
Unite individuals associated with therapeutic recreation and interested consumers by providing opportunities for education and training that promote leadership and advocacy of the field, thereby enhancing the health and wellness of Pennsylvanians. |
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This E-Newsletter is published quarterly. The editor is Rachel Guiher, you may submit articles to Rachel at rachelguiher@hotmail.com.
Graphic Design by Emily Schnellbaugh, Communications Coordinator, PRPS.
PTRS is a branch of the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society, Inc.
Sent by Emily Schnellbaugh, Communications Coordinator PA Recreation & Park Society |
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