Summer 2015

PTRS eNewsletter

The Newsletter of the PA Therapeutic Recreation Society

In This Issue

2015 TRI Wrap Up

TRI Student's Perspective

Golf for Fun Update

District Updates

TRI Fundraising

2015 TRI Sponsors

Join our Mailing List!

2015 TRI WRAP-UP

We hope those of you that attended this year's TRI had as much FUN as we did! We are so happy to have been able to put together a fulfilling conference for all. We definitely could not have done it without an amazing group of people behind the scenes. The conference committee did an outstanding job!

Thank you: Anne Wieland, Qiana Mason, Becky Kandrac, Pam Keller, BJ Crownover, Kris Buch, Carrie Chiusano, Karen Hammond, Paula Urmson, Haley Smith, Julie Fusco, Kirk Rakos, Candy Yingling, and Drew Resele.

We received the results from the online survey, and planning for next year is already in the beginning stages. Next year's conference will be held at the DoubleTree Resort in beautiful Lancaster, PA on May 31-June 3, 2016.

Thank you again for a FUN and rewarding TRI!

Some comments from the 2015 TRI participants:

You all work so hard and maintain a wonderful atmosphere for all to feel at home. Thank you so much!

Great conference and a strong TRI committee

Great TRI! Thank you for all of your hard work!

I look forward to attending every year and appreciate the hard work that goes into putting it together. I think everyone did an excellent job!

Thanks to the TRI committee for their efforts in preparing and delivering yet another quality TRI.

Grateful to have potential to earn many CEU's during the conference with a fair number of high-quality presentations.

Hope to see you next year!
Rachel Guiher and Amber Hauer

2015 TRI Co-chairs

STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE OF TRI

Written by Johanna Roque- William P. Dayton Memorial Scholarship Winner

On the week of June 2nd to the 5th I got the opportunity to attend the annual

Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Institute conference. In order for me to attend this conference I have to pay a fee. Luckily I was blessed to be qualified and awarded the William P. Dayton Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship provides a

complete registration to the Annual Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Institute. The Registration covers room, and educational sessions.

During this conference I was able to sit in on many different learning sessions. On the pre-conference day I learned a lot about dementia. I learned about the many different types of dementia, the pharmacology, behaviors and many other aspects of dementia. During the rest of the week, I listened to many great inspirational speakers. The one I enjoyed the most was on the last day, his story and his motivation was just amazing to listen to. Brian Keefer really inspired me to keep chasing my dream, which is to be a great recreational therapist to help people in many different ways, to motivate them in order to better their quality of life by doing the things they enjoy doing.

During the rest of the conference I attended other sessions about music adaptation program, making the best of an internship experience, horticulture, games with number and many others. I really enjoyed myself I got to learn so much and meet so many people from the therapeutic recreation field. I also had the opportunity to purchase tickets and participate in the raffle, that was very fun and even more exciting when I won two six flags tickets. During the conference, I offered my assistance to help with anything needed but I wasn't needed so that gave me more time to network and enjoy my time there. I wish I could have helped in any way specially since I was awarded the scholarship but hopefully next year there will be more for me to help with.

In conclusion, I would like once again express my gratitude to have been awarded with the scholarship. Without the scholarship I wouldn't of been able to attend the conference do to financial issues. Currently, I am completing my DFE at the Masonic Village which is full time so I do not have much income in order to afford the registration but thankfully with the award I was able to take full advantage of the opportunity of attending the conference. Attending the conference added more to my great experience during my DFE and also to my future goals as a Recreational Therapist.

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, sad tragic news - Johanna Roque, 24, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident, on her way to her internship at the Masonic Village. Johanna had a passion for the TR profession and inspired to work with persons with dementia. During my time working with her, she showed great determination and had a great passion for life. She will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed to know her.

She was a mother dedicated to providing the best life possible for her first and only daughter, who just celebrated her second birthday. Johanna's entire existence revolved around her daughter, Nathaliz and her fianc� . Nathan Fleming of York. Memorial Contributions in Johanna's memory may be sent to: Nathaliz Fleming Trust Fund, c/o Fulton Bank, 30 S. George St., York, PA 17401.

FRESH AIR AND FUN!

Written by Jenny Hadfield, ADC - District 3 Representative

It's that time of year! The weather is warm, the leaves are green and there's so much to do! It's a time of year when we should be taking full advantage of outdoor life, but do we always do this? What happened to the need for fresh air and community connection? It is so easy to plan those events that are within the four walls of our buildings, but what about all of the opportunities that lie outside? Sure we plan the occasional lunch outing, trip to the zoo, trip to the park and maybe go to the movies, but do we really take the time to stop and look, listen, and feel the atmosphere we are in?

GOLF FOR FUN AT THE TRI

by Kirk Rakos, M.Ed/CTRS (Golf for Fun Committee)

Golf has been a hot topic of discussion in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as the Lancaster Country Club hosted the USGA Women's United States Open (July 8-12) and set an all-time attendance record with 135,000 spectators.

Well were you aware there was a Golf for Fun mini tournament held on June 3rd during the 47th Annual TRI at the Willow Valley golf course located at the Double Tree Resort which hosted the 2015 TRI. Twenty golfers hit the links in support of PTRS and the Arch Street Center which supports the recovery of adults with serious mental illness. It was a fun-filled evening that included a putting contest, low score for male and female golfer, longest drive (male and female), and closet to the pin prizes.

The best score at the Golf for Fun was the fact that both PTRS (50th anniversary TRI fund) and the Arch Street Center raised a total of $1,600.00 so each organization has another $800.00 to promote their missions.

The success of any golf tournament are the sponsors who step up to financially support the cause. We are truly grateful for the following sponsors and of course the golfers who played at the Golf for Fun.

Tee and Holes Sponsors: Fulton Bank, Central Penn Payee Services, Hammel and Associate Architects, York College of Pennsylvania, Central Penn Aquariums, PRPS Board of Directors, Frozen Food Development, Inc. Martin Insurance Agency, PRPS District I,II and III, Aurora Films, Luthercare, Whisper Glide Swings, Community Service Group, Sager, Swisher, & Company LLP, Mike Grab, Greg and April High, Charles Simms, Susan Lilly and Mary Schreiber.

Prize Sponsors: Shawn Loose, McKonly's Garage, Sager, Swisher, and Company, LLP, Community Service Group and Overlook Golf Course (Manheim Township Parks and Recretion)

Donors: Terri Shofstal (beverage cart) and Whisper Glide Swings (signs and golf balls).

The Golf for Fun Committee (Susan Lilly, Mary Schreiber and Kirk Rakos) sends special thanks to the Willow Valley Golf Course for their support of our event.

GRACE-FULL DAYS

Article and Photo by Sherry Freels, C.T.R.S.

When was the last time you held a beautiful, silky, living butterfly? Actually held one? Have you ever? Have you ever had one of these glorious, fluttering little creatures sit on your fingertip, open its wings in your palm with not a care in the world or quintessentially tip-toe, ever so delicately up your arm? Have you ever watched its amazingly intricate proboscis unfurl before your very eyes to sip a little juice from a fresh orange section that you were holding?

When was the last time the child, teen, adult or senior in your Therapeutic Recreation setting held one?

You can take a trip to a local butterfly garden or sanctuary and hope that a beautiful Monarch or Swallowtail will land on you. Or, you can purchase a butterfly habitat from a local department store or an on-line retailer. This past spring I purchased a habitat from a catalog and within days received it along with instructions and a coupon to order butterfly larvae from a providing company.

DISTRICT UPDATES

District 1 Update: Written by Melissa Tomko, CTRS - District 1 Representative

I would like to take this time to introduce myself. My name is Melissa Tomko and I am the new District 1 representative. I currently work at Longwood at Oakmont, part of Presbyterian SeniorCare, near Pittsburgh for the last 8 years. Longwood at Oakmont is a continuing care retirement community. I serve as the Recreation Services Director, Dementia Coordinator, and Culture Change Champion. I have a background in behavioral health, acute care, and long term care. I am a graduate of Slippery Rock University. I am excited to serve in this role. One of my goals this year, is to reach out to everyone and brainstorm what barriers and challenges everyone is facing in our area and make sure we are providing education sessions to address these concerns. I would like to learn different ways that we can communicate with each other for networking. Our district has a lower number of members, and I would like to research why and create new opportunities that will engage our recreation team members to be more active. With the constant change in healthcare, networking and "being in the know" is the best form of advocacy for our field. Please feel free to contact me any time at mtomko@srcare.org with any questions, concerns, or ideas.

Getting to Know District 2 - Central PA - Written by Brian Malcarne, CTRS, Ph.D.

District 2 (Central Pennsylvania) is excited to continue their tradition of promoting fundraisers and events to increase district resources and provide opportunities for member involvement. Here are some D2 happenings to watch for and get involved with:

Hershey Park Fundraiser: PRPS members are encouraged to volunteer for a shift at Hershey Park running rides or assisting with games. In turn, Hershey Park provides wage rates to PRPS for the hours we work. Additionally, volunteers receives a free ticket to Hershey Park for a later date.

District Socials: Our fall social is held at a local winery and offers a time for members to socialize and enjoy provided entertainment. In the winter we have a ski social at Ski Roundtop. They provide discount lift passes, rentals, lessons and lunch.

Annual Winter Workshop (January/February): Held at York College, PRPS members and recreation management students meet for workshop sessions with guest speakers, a networking luncheon, and a general D2 meeting. It's a great way to start the year -- networking and earning continuing education credits.

For more information about District 2, please contact our District President, Kate King at kate_king@sgrprc.com.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN LONG TERM CARE

Written by Trey Coffman, CTRS - Long Term Care Representative

As TR professionals, we have many tools at our disposal that allow us to develop strategies for working with any individual. One important tool that we have available is Technology. It can come in many forms such as: ipods, tablets, laptops, and others that are designed specifically for older adults. With the use of these items, we can open new doors for our residents.

Technology may be scary to some, but the avenues it allows us to explore are virtually limitless and can benefit our residents in many ways. Technology can be used in any setting within long term care including our rehabilitation residents and Dementia care. Technology allows us to have music, photos, internet access, games, and more at our finger tips in a moment's notice, making it easier to program on the go, increase staff participation, and help bridge the gap in the varying generations that we serve.

TRI FUNDRAISING

by Becky Kandrac, CTRS, President Elect

"Auction Tickets ... 3 for $1, or 20 for $5... Auction Tickets!" - Familiar words often heard at the TRI every year. I would like to thank everyone who has donated baskets over the past several years or has purchased tickets to support the raffle. Due to your generosity the 2015 TRI raised a total of $1294.

The PTRS Board of Directors sponsored a special "Lottery/Gift Card Board" Raffle for the price of the tickets being $5 each, with a total of 500 sold! The monies raised from the sales of this raffle will go to the budget of the 50th TRI.

As many of you know, the monies made from the theme basket raffle, go to support two scholarships offered by the PTRS organization: the Memorial Scholarship and the William P. Dayton Memorial Scholarship. Both of these scholarships offer a FREE TRI to the person being awarded the scholarship. This year's share to the scholarship fund was $794.

Looking ahead - we are always looking for donations. If you are able to make a donation for the 2016 TRI in the form of gift baskets, ticket, or gift cards, please contact Becky at bec143tc2@aol.com, or via phone 717-367-1121 x33646.

2015 TRI Sponsors

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Creating a Therapeutic Activity: Adapt and Analyze

October 7

Masonic Village, Sewickley

Animal Therapy

October 23

9:30 am - 3:45 pm

EquiTeam Support Services

Dallastown, PA

Session 1 - Overview of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning (utilizing the Horse Boy Method)
Session 2 - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning Interactive Workshop
Session 3 - Animal Assisted Therapy: What, Why and How? Part 1
Session 4 - Animal Assisted Therapy: What, Why and How? Part 2

Creating a Positive Vision for Leadership

November 19

Masonic Village, Elizabethtown

More dates and locations to follow..

PTRS MISSION STATEMENT

To actively engage individuals committed to Therapeutic Recreation, and interested consumers, by supporting professional development, advocacy and resources.

This E-Newsletter is published quarterly. The editor is Becky Kandrac, you may submit articles to Becky at bkandrac@masonicvillages.org. 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