The Virginia Recreation and Park Society Uniting all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, park and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia into one body. PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Navigate for Success
NOVEMBER 2014 Around Virginia
Management Conference
VRPS & Foundation
There’s so much going on at the 60th Annual Conference. From socials to education, exhibit hall to networking - it’s all at the Homestead! Don’t miss out!
Agencies making news - CAPRA re-accreditation, awards and recognition.
Now is the time to sign up for the 2015 Management Conference in Suffolk.
Service Area News, Foundation highlights and welcome to the 2015 VRPS President.
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We’re Packed & Ready…Are You?? Get the latest information inside on what to pack, how to plan your days, and what to expect in sessions, the Exhibit Hall, socials and more! Arriving at the Homestead When you arrive, you can pull up to the front door, follow the red carpet into the Great Hall and your car will be valet parked for you and your luggage will meet you in your room. There is also limited self-parking at the top of the hill. The nightly parking fee is included in your room rate. Check-In: Resort check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. If you arrive prior to 4:00 p.m., you may check your luggage with the Bell Desk and enjoy the resort until your room becomes available. Checkout on Tuesday is at 1:00 p.m. so you don’t have to skip sessions to pack! The daily Resort Charge covers high-speed wireless Internet access in guest rooms and resort public areas, in-room Keurig coffeemakers (pack your own favorite flavors!), afternoon tea, access to the fitness center, tennis 1 courts, and gratuities for housekeeping staff. Newspapers are available at the bell stand and the concierge at no charge.
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER
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Bath county community project In order to give back to the community hosting this year's conference and in the spirit of the holiday season, the conference committee has partnered with the Bath County Department of Social Services in its Christmas Mother program. The program has been a light in Bath County for 22 years, providing food baskets, fuel assistance, warm clothes and household necessities for county residents seeking assistance. In 2013, 140 families, representing more than 300 individuals were served thanks to the generous donations of others. VRPS members are asked to help. We ask that you contribute by purchasing a coat from the list below and bringing it with you to conference. You are also welcome to purchase an item (or two) on your own. Coats are needed in the following sizes and quantity: Boys: 2T (2) and Medium (1) Men: One each - Medium and Large Girls: One each - 3T, 5T and Medium Ladies: Small (3), Medium (2), Large (1), X-Large (1) Hats, gloves, scarves and warm socks are also welcome and everything donated must be unwrapped. For those who prefer, checks may be contributed to the Christmas Mother program. If you can contribute, please contact Cindy Roeder at cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov. We hope you'll join us and brighten the holidays for these families in a meaningful way.
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HUNGRY? We’ve got you covered! Delegates with the Full Inclusive Package receive a $30 voucher that can be redeemed for food or non-alcoholic beverages at any venue on the property selling food or drink. This is a one-time use and no change is provided, so just like a wish, choose wisely! The Full Inclusive Package also contains two tickets to redeem for the morning breakfast buffet in the Main Dining Room. This incredible spread includes a wide selection of fresh fruits, ham, bacon, eggs and omelets cooked to order, pancakes, pastries and much more! Additional breakfast tickets for delegates and their guests are available for $28 at the registration desk in the Mt. Vernon foyer.
NEED A BREAK? Try something different! Gourmet Safari on Monday, December 8, 1-2 p.m. Join The Homestead’s culinary team for a delicious trip through the resort’s venues. Open to VRPS delegates and their guests. The following is representative of what the tour typically includes: Wine Room Meet and greet in the wine room with introductions and explanation of the resort’s wine program and snippets of wine consumption, oldest wines, etc. Tastings: Artisan Cheese (Brie, Cheddar, Edam, Emmethaler, Dry Jack & Gouda Cheese; Crusty Bread, Crackers & Rolls, Dried Fruit, Nuts & Preserves) Main Kitchen Explore the resort’s grand main kitchen and learn about its history. Next, tour the Main Dining Room and hear fascinating culinary facts and anecdotes. Then, use some freshly baked bread to make bruschetta. Tastings: Artisan Bruschetta (Grilled Baguette with Virgin Olive Oil; Heirloom Tomato, Bocconcini Cheese with Sweet Basil Cress & Balsamic Syrup; Warm Brie Cheese, Topped with Granny Smith Apples, Honey & Candied Walnuts; Shaved Virginia Ham, Grain Mustard with Aged Cheddar & Arugula Cress) Pastry Shop Visit our Pastry Shop and learn about our signature ovens and history as well as our bread program along with interesting tidbits about of food consumption, signature dishes and how to make cheesecake. Tastings: Cheesecake Lollipops (New York, Chocolate & Fruit, Assorted Coatings) Wine and Cocktails Learn how to select the perfect wines for all occasions from dinner for two or an informal backyard barbecue to a holiday open house or special occasion. Tastings may focus on particular types of wine or particular regions. Click on the link above for the registration form. This session requires a minimum of 15 & maximum of 25. 3 Pre-registration and payment is required no later than November 24. No refunds after November 24.
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NOVEMBER 2014
What to pack Leave the denim behind - Daily attire is business casual. Don’t forget to check out the socials on the next page for special attire! Remember to bring comfortable shoes as walking may be required. This is where your packing list comes in. The Homestead has a dress code for both men and women. Main Dining Room Breakfast –resort casual attire to include collared shirt, casual slacks and shorts. No cutoffs, tank tops, spandex, pool attire or sleep attire permitted. Dinner –Business formal attire, including jackets and collared shirts for gentlemen and dresses or dress pants for ladies. No denim permitted. Ladies and gentlemen are asked to remove caps when entering the Main Dining Room and Jefferson's. Casino Restaurant, Sam Snead’s Tavern and Jefferson’s Restaurant & Bar Lunch and Dinner –resort casual attire, to include collared shirt or tee shirt, casual slacks and shorts. Jeans are permitted. No swimwear. Shirts and footwear are required. The Great Hall Resort casual attire to include collared shirt, casual slacks, jeans and shorts. No swimwear or robes. Shirts and footwear required.
For dining at any Homestead restaurant, except Jefferson’s Bar, reservations must be made in advance.
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Ugly sweaters, boas, bowties & jerseys Oh my! Ugly Sweater Welcome! - Mountain Lodge Saturday 8-10 p.m. Bring your name badge, wear your ugly holiday sweater, ride the shuttle from the Homestead main entrance to the Mountain Lodge and enjoy the outdoor or indoor fireplaces, s’mores, hot and cold beverages and catching up with peers from across the state. Free to registered delegates & non-registered guests. A cash bar will be available with Devil’s Backbone sponsoring a discounted beer option. Thank you to our sponsors The Western Service Area and Devil’s Backbone. Swanky Social - Commonwealth & Georgian Rooms Sunday 8:00-11:30pm Don your boa or bowtie and get swanky, e.g. dress as formal as you want to go. Free to registered delegates & non-registered guests. A cash bar will be available with Devil’s Backbone sponsoring a discounted beer option. Thank you to our sponsors: VRPS Service Areas, Kompan Playgrounds & Natural Retreats.
Monday Cocktail Reception 6-6:30 p.m. Awards Banquet 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Awards Banquet is business casual but don’t hesitate to wear something special and bring your name badge. This dinner is included for all fully registered delegates. Guests and non-registered members must purchase a ticket to attend (Mt. Vernon foyer Registration table). Show Your Team Spirit - Jefferson’s Bar & Downtime 9 p.m. - midnight Wear your favorite team jersey, hat or apparel or just comes as you are. Free to registered delegates & non-registered guests. A cash bar will be available with Devil’s Backbone sponsoring a discounted beer option. Thank you to our sponsor: Devil’s Backbone.
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Education & networking The Education Program is sure to please everyone! With over 60 educational sessions and the opportunity to gain 1.2 CEU’s, this year’s sessions are innovative, engaging, fun, and informative. Sessions covering management, personal development, golf, aquatics, camps and programs, marketing, sports, fitness and events, and more are included. We are pleased to have a variety of nationally recognized speakers like Michelle Braden, Dr. James Kozlowski, Lori Hoffner, Bonnie Stevens, John McGovern, Larry Newell, Molly Hetrick, and Richard Singer that have planned informative sessions for you! Be sure to Like the Annual Conference on Facebook to see program highlights and more about the conference.
Plan Your Days in Advance Be prepared before you arrive to the Homestead by planning out your daily schedule in advance. A detailed listing of conference education sessions and detailed conference schedule is now available on the VRPS website. Maximize your time at the conference by preparing before you arrive. Plan to visit the Exhibit Hall Sunday for refreshments and a look at cutting edge products and services immediately following our Keynote presentation. Come back on Monday for in-depth conversation, lunch and to bid on your favorite auction items. Look for vendors like Musco Lighting, Active Network, Sparks at Play, Game Time/Cunningham Recreation, BSN Sports, Hellas Construction, Kompan Playgrounds, Bliss Products and many more. Be Prepared Mentally and Physically Our 60th conference will be packed with valuable information for you and your department. Be prepared for education sessions with a tablet or laptop, paper or pens, or other items necessary to make the most of the sessions you attend. Read session descriptions before arriving to ensure you have everything you need. Don't forget to bring business cards in preparation for networking opportunities in the exhibit hall.
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Registration Once you’ve arrived at the Homestead, don’t forget to check in and pick up your conference badge and welcome bag. Follow the signs to the Mt. Vernon foyer.
Saturday - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Tuesday - 7:30 am - 10:00 am
SPEAKERS/ROOM HOSTS Come to the Mt. Vernon foyer during registration hours to check in and pick up your session packets. Still looking for a way to get involved? Volunteer! All registered volunteers should have received their volunteer confirmation via email. Please remember to check in at the volunteer area, next to the registration desk in the Mt Vernon foyer when you arrive. Thank you again for assisting in making this year's conference a success.
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Are you being followed? Are you the leader you think you are? Have you built yourself to be a leader that is followed? This pre-conference institute will allow you to discover what motivates and inspires you to LEAD. Don’t miss this opportunity to find out how you can increase your effectiveness, understand yourself better as a leader and kick off your 2014 conference experience feeling motivated and rejuvenated! This pre-conference experience (additional registration fee) is presented by top professionals in the field on Saturday, December 6th, beginning at 1:00 pm. Register today!
SILENT AUCTION Silent Auction supports VRPS Foundation Endowment Fund If you can contribute an item to the conference auction, give us a heads up using this form and then bring the item with you to conference. All proceeds benefit the VRPS Foundation educational endowment fund. Contact Greg Sager, Foundation President, with questions or for more information on membership or the programs of the Foundation.
Thank you to some of our generous sponsors!
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2014 VRPS PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS The Professional Connections Program is a development program for recreation professionals looking to connect with other professionals in the field in the state of Virginia. Many of our nation's most respected executives, in both the public and private sectors, cite the support, influence and encouragement of other professionals as a contributing reason for their success. VRPS is dedicated to grooming Parks and Recreation professionals for the challenges of senior management positions in the field of parks and recreation. We will be hosting a Meet & Greet during the Service Area Meetings on Tuesday, December 9 from 7:30-8:15 am, but in the meantime we are currently looking for interested professionals in an effort to establish communication throughout the conference. If you're interested please visit the 2014 Annual Conference page at www.vrps.com to fill out an application and learn more about the program. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Persons selected to participate in the Professional Connections Program must be members of VRPS and are expected to demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to developing and sustaining a mutuallysupportive professional relationship. PROGRAM BENEFITS Among the benefits of participation in the Professional Connections Program are the following: • Unique & personal access and interaction with a prominent park & recreation professional on a one-to-one basis • Sage advice and counsel from someone who's "been there" • The opportunity to develop a strategic career plan with the assistance of a successful professional • Heightened awareness of career opportunities in the field of parks and recreation • The opportunity to network with park and recreation professionals from across the state
CAPRA Recognizes Cities of Alexandria and Virginia Beach The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) recently recognized City of Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and City of Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation for achieving re-accreditation at the National Recreation and Park Association's Annual Congress in Charlotte, North Carolina. CAPRA Accreditation recognizes park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service. Charged with providing high quality services and experiences, park and recreation agencies across the United States turn to CAPRA Accreditation as a credible and efficient means of achieving these goals, while providing assurance to the public that the agency meets national standards of best practice. 9
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER
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Portsmouth Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services As a recipient of a grant from the Walmart Foundation, and a part of NRPA’s Commit to Health initiative, Portsmouth Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services was featured in the October edition of Parks & Recreation, a publication from NRPA. Justin “Farmer Jay” Bowens, a Portsmouth employee since 2008, makes a point of relaying important healthy information in a fun and entertaining way. Too see the full article, get the issue here.
HOPEWELL RECREATION & PARKS The Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) recently awarded Hopewell Recreation and Parks with a plaque for their assistance with the Paddle or Battle Canoe and Kayak Race. The race begins in the City of Petersburg and ends at the Hopewell City Marina. The route is just over 10 miles long and attracted over 60 participants this past year. Hopewell Recreation and Parks assisted by providing facilities, logistics support and transportation assistance. Additionally, Jo Turek, past Director of Hopewell Recreation and Parks, received top honors at the meeting for her continued efforts in supporting FOLAR and its mission of making the Appomattox River more accessible throughout her career. Jo was instrumental in assisting with Paddle or Battle event and the development of City Park, an abandoned riverfront site in Hopewell’s downtown area. Congratulations to Hopewell and Jo Turek!
Suffolk Parks & Recreation Out of a national contest and over 100 submissions, Suffolk Parks and Recreation was chosen as one of the five best youth sports programs in the country! The Suffolk Parks and Recreation athletic league program for preschoolers “Lil Dribblers, Lil Pom Poms and Lil Kickers” will be recognized as one of the premier youth sports programs in the country for ages 4-5! For more than a decade, the Excellence in Youth Sports Awards has recognized programs that are doing superior jobs of conducting diverse activities with a focus on providing safe and positive experiences for all participants - including children, parents and coaches. Suffolk Parks and Recreation will receive national, state and local recognition, included in the publications of Athletic Business and the National Alliance for Youth Sports. Suffolk Parks and Recreation will receive this prestigious award in November at the Athletic Business Conference in Orlando, Florida.
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November 13, 2014 Dear VRPS Friends, As 2014 winds down and you are looking at your charitable giving before the end of the year, if you haven’t yet, please consider making a contribution to the Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society and help us develop the Educational Endowment for continuing education. To close out 2014, we are offering the chance to win a $100 gift card if you make a minimum $25 donation to the Endowment fund by December 30th. Your name could be randomly selected as the winner! Your Foundation has had two very good years!
Through the Capital Campaign Fund, we paid off the building mortgage and in 2013 created the Education Endowment Fund. Over $15,000 was awarded to professional and student scholarships for VRPS educational opportunities. $2,000 was awarded as a result of the James K. Cole Scholarship for higher education in the field of Leisure Service. $1,500 was awarded as a result of the Jessie Reynolds Scholarship for graduate studies. The Foundation was pleased to support Annual Conference with over $2,000 in sponsorship funds. The VRPS Leadership Training Institute received over $3,000 in sponsorship funds as well. VRPS Management Conference was the recipient of $1000 in sponsorship.
As a Foundation Board member and Chair of the Endowment Fund, I am asking you to help us continue to support these valuable programs. Please contribute whatever you can. No gift is too small. There are two easy ways for you to donate: Complete the donation form and return to the VRPS Central Office by FAX (804-730-9455) or email (vrps@vrps.com), or
Make your donation via the VRPS Online Store (“Donate Funds”). Sincerely,
Cindy Curtis, CPRP Deputy City Manager, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and Board Member, Foundation of the V irginia Recreation and Park Society 12
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Education Endowment Donation The Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society has created the Education Endowment Fund with a goal of raising $1,000,000 in the interest of funding continuing education for parks and recreation professionals. Public funds for staff training are difficult to obtain. The Education Endowment will help talented, hardworking parks and recreation professionals stay current with continuing education. Name:
___
Agency/Company:
___
Phone #:
(______) _____ - _________
Email:
Payment Type: Check
________________________
Credit Card
Cash
PO#
Other
Make checks payable to Foundation of the VRPS. Mail payment and donation form to:
VRPS 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 If paying by credit card, please complete this information:
Type of card: MC ____ VISA ____ AMEX ____ DISCOVER____ Name on Card: Address on Statement: ________________________________________________________ _______ City
State
Zip
Credit Card #: ___________________________________________ Security Code: _____ Exp Date: _ Email Address: Telephone #: (
)
Signature:
The Foundation thanks you for your generosity and investment in continuing education.
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Northern Service Area Updates The Northern Service Area has had another successful year. Take a look at what’s happening! Formation of a new Marketing/Communications Group An informal group of like-minded marketing professionals that want to Connect, Brainstorm, and Share Best Practices. Abby Kimball of Herndon has the lead and can be reached at Abby.Kimball@herndon-va.gov The NSA Board membership is changing Sam Roberts of McLean and Lesley Stuler of Arlington will rotate off the board and newly elected Todd Brown of Fairfax County Park Authority and Stacy Chouinard of Arlington DPR will begin their term in January. Holiday Luncheon December 16th from 12-2 at Brion’s in Fairfax. Always a great event with great food and great people! CSA Fall Workshop Keep Calm and... The Central Service Area hosted its Fall Workshop titled “Keep Calm and…” on Thursday, November 13 at Dorey Recreation Center in Henrico County. This unique training opportunity included topics such as how to avoid Chicken Little syndrome, yoga, and stress management. Participants from Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Fredericksburg, Hopewell and James City County were in attendance to learn how to effectively deal with stress in the workplace and in their personal lives. Participants were treated to a scenic hayride around the 400-acre Dorey Park at the conclusion of the workshop to further promote stress relief. The Central Service Area would like to thank the planning committee consisting of Sharon Entsminger, Ryan Peters, Heather Grubb, and Justin Bullock for coordinating an excellent training opportunity.
VRPS is Social!
Like Us… Follow Us… Connect with Us… Blog with Us… Watch Us… There’s so much going on and we want you to be a part of it!
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Foundation of VRPS On the heels of an extraordinary year which saw us lead the effort to complete the Society’s Capital Campaign, the Foundation of VRPS followed up with an extremely successful 2014 which included multiple accomplishments. The Foundation supported the efforts of the 2014 Leadership Training Institute through funding for speakers and scholarships, worked with Service Areas & Resource Groups to offer a combined 38 scholarships to the 2014 Annual Conference, awarded a qualified professional the Jesse A. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, and took our first steps in the creation of an Educational Endowment designed to fund professional development for years to come. Membership in the Foundation has a deeper meaning than just writing a check. Membership supports colleagues, co-workers, future professionals and tomorrow’s leaders through providing scholarships, promoting leisure awareness, improving leisure opportunities, and strengthening the commitment to our profession. As the calendar turns to 2015 and the 30th anniversary of the Foundation’s creation, please remember that your membership continues to support the principles for which the Foundation was established. We look forward to you joining us in our mission. Sincerely, Greg Sager 2014 Foundation President
2015 VRPS President
Contact Us 2014 VRPS Board of Directors President* Art Thatcher, CPRP Vice President* Marcy Durrer, CPRP Treasurer* Margaret Thorne Lay Member* Rita Miller Board Member Michael Kalvort, CPRE Board Member Katey Legg, CPRP Board Member Michael McCarty, CPRP Board Member Cindy Messinger, CPRP Board Member LaTanya Turner Board Member Kathy Williams, CTRS Executive Director* Jim Stutts, CAE, CPRP
At a special meeting of the 2015 Board of Directors, Marcy Durrer, MS, CPRP was elected 2015 VRPS President. Marcy is the Recreation Program Director for Hanover Parks & Recreation. Congratulations Marcy!
* Executive Board
Email the full Board: board@vrps.com 15