Nominations and Elections Chair Cindy Roeder, announces the three VRPS Professional Board Members and one Lay Board Member whose three year terms begin January 1, 2014 and ends December 31, 2016. Congratulations to:

• Michael Kalvort, CPRE, Director, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation
• Katey Legg, CPRP, Recreation Superintendent, Gloucester County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
• Margaret Thorne, Director, Portsmouth Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services
• Rita Miller, Cessation Coordinator, Division of Prevention and Health Promotion, Virginia Department of Health

This $2,000 scholarship towards the cost of undergraduate and graduate education honors the memory of James K. Cole, a Parks and Recreation Professional from the City of Virginia Beach, who was dedicated to the profession.  As a memorial to his life's work, an academic scholarship was established in his name and is designed to assist junior, senior, and graduate students who are majoring in the Leisure Services field and who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

To apply, please submit the online application by COB October 11, 2013.

The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Advisory Committee is accepting grant applications to conduct Chesapeake Bay-related education and restoration activities.  The grants are funded with monies from the sale of the special Chesapeake Bay license plate "Friend of the Chesapeake".  This year $254,000 in grant monies will be awarded to eltibile applicants .  Since 1996, nearly $6.6 million has been awarded as a result of the sale of the "Bay plate".

The deadline for submitting a proposal for 2014 support grants is October 1, 2013.  Grant funds will be awarded in May-June 2014.  To be eligible for receiving a grant, applicants should submit proposals emphasizing:

1. environmental education:  projects should increase public awareness and knowledge about the Bay, or
2. action-oriented projects focusing on restoration and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay.

More information, including the application, grant guidelines, and a catalog of past projects can be found on the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee website.

Following a nationwide search, with more than 193 applicants, Jennifer Jones has been appointed to head the Winchester Parks and Recreation Department. 

"During the selection process, Ms. Jones impressed both staff and Advisory Board members assisting with the interview process with the depth of her experience, creativity and passion for parks and recreation," said Dale Iman, City Manager.  "Her vast knowledge of the Shenandoah Valley and creativity with program development will be a tremendous asset to community."

Ms. Jones, currently the Superintendent of Recreation for the City of Staunton, Virginia, comes to Winchester with 23 years of parks and recreation management experience.  She also served as interim Assistant City Manager and Public Information Officer at various times throughout her tenure in Staunton.

A West Virginia native, Jones earned her Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of West Virginia and a Master's of Recreation Resources Administration from NC State.  She succeeds Brad Veach who resigned in May to pursue opportunities in the private sector.  She will begin her service with the City of Winchester on September 3, 2013.