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From the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, whose purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia, into one body.
A Seasonal Newsletter
Issue No. 2 Fall 2012
Membership Renewal It’s time to make sure your VRPS membership is up to date.
LTI Call for Members The Leadership Training Institute is looking for LTI graduates to serve on the planning team for 2014. Interested?
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Supporting the Foundation Are you supporting the VRPS Foundation? Help us provide scholarships, fund research, and support the Society with Capital Funds and operations including the Virginia Senior Games Page 10
Management Conference 2013 Fredericksburg invites you to join in “Unique Management Practices and Principles,” February 25-26
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Workshops Around the State Educational Opportunities abound! Registration is on line at www.vrps.com. Quality presentations, at a reasonable cost, right in your neighborhood. Pages 3-5
Rides, Rides, Rides There is still time to take advantage of the VRPS Member Ticket Programs with the Fall Fun Days.
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Virginia Is for Cyclists Although the C&O Canal Trail and W&OD Trail are great ways to relax and de-stress, they can get old quickly. Virginia, with its was the annual conference theme and inspiration foronce the unique and high quality in educational railroads as plentiful as arteries the tracts that were presented at this year’s annual conference. 450 Parks and Recreation professionals from around the state gathered human body, has replaced former freight September 8 - 11 at Wintergreen. The annual awards program included presentation of our highest honor, the Fellows Award, to paths trails. Some meander 400Cindy Jo Daniel, CPRP,Henrico County Parks and Recreation Department and Bestwith Newbike Professional to Lisa Walker by of Hanover foot cliffs and rushing rivers. Others wind County Parks and Recreation, and Scott Ramsburg of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Marcy Durrer,CPRP also throughCounty, historicArt towns and battlefields. But and of Hanover, received the Distinguished Service Award. Jennifer Snead, Henrico Thatcher, City of Norfolk all long of them makecontributions great (and free!) targets for Melida McKee, City of Roanoke were recipients of Presidential awards for their standing to the Society. weekend day trips. So shift into high gear and check out these scenic rides. [Read more]
6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109
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Mechanicsville, VA 23111
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NEWS FROM VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION/SPORTS VIRGINIA Interested in bringing sporting events and tournaments to your area? Sports Virginia can help. The Sports Virginia initiative was created in the spring of 2008 and since then has opened many doors for partnerships, business opportunities, idea sharing and education. Sports Virginia is a statewide collaboration of professionals from local convention and visitor bureaus, sports commissions, parks and recreation offices and facilities that partner with Virginia Tourism to promote Virginia as a sports tournament and event destination. The goal of this group is to promote the state as a premier sports destination and work together to refer business within our borders rather than lose it to another state. In the last year, we have toured many member facilities and destinations so that we can better promote each other. We pool our funds to market collectively at various tradeshows such as the TEAMS Conference and NASC Sports Event Symposium, client dinner events and sales missions. We meet five to six times a year to discuss upcoming projects, tradeshows, industry challenges and how we can expand and improve the program. Many parks and recreation departments across the commonwealth are already involved in sports event hosting and marketing in addition to providing a valuable community service and state of the art facilities. Read on to learn about the benefits of Sports Virginia and how to become more involved. Get Listed! Create complimentary venue listings on the SportsVirginia.org website. Go to Virginia.org/admin to get started. 2
Make your venue listing stand out with images, your website and video links and event listings. Besides traditional venues, think beyond the ball fields. If you have woodlands, a lake, or open fields – you may be able to host triathlons, adventure runs, fishing tournaments or dog agility events. Please keep in mind that if your residents fill your facilities and there isn’t an opportunity for outside events then keep up the good work but don’t list them on the site. What’s New! Don’t keep your new or renovated venues a secret. Share that information with me and I’ll promote it on our website and with our PR folks. Be in the Know! Contact me to get on my sports email distribution list at 804-545-5544 or jjohnson@virginia.org. I send periodic updates and opportunities to participate in Sports Virginia tradeshows, meetings and sales missions. I also share sports event bid opportunities. Make Friends! Build or strengthen your relationships with your local Destination Marketing Organization (DMO, CVB or Chamber). There may be opportunities to partner together on an event bid, thus pooling resources, funds and expertise. They can assist with nearby lodging, attraction and restaurant information for your existing events or partner together on a Virginia Tourism Marketing Leverage Grant application. Learn from others! Attend the upcoming ―Winning with Sports Marketing: What You Need to Know‖ workshop on November 8, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia. Don Schumacher, the Executive Director with the National Association of Sports Commissions, will be leading
this informative workshop. For more information and to register go to VATC.org/SportsVAworkshop Sports event business grew in a slow economy and brings much needed tax dollars to your local economy. Virginia with its central location, ease of accessibility, well-known historical attractions, outdoor adventure and urban cities mixed with small town charm, is an ideal destination for participants of sporting events and their families. Take advantage of the opportunities I mentioned above to get a piece of this market for your locality.
Help NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS set two Guinness World Records! Do something good for your health and the planet. Between noon ET October 26 and noon ET October 27, anyone, anywhere can help break two Guinness World Records: 1. Most people running 100 meters in 24 hours (You can walk it, too!) 2. Longest chain of shoes (They'll be recycled into athletic surfaces!)
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Virginia Tourism in partnership with our Sports Virginia partners and the National Association of Sports Commissions presents:
Winning with Sports Marketing: What You Need to Know Register Now! Why: Sports event business is growing in a slow economy and can bring much needed tax dollars to your local community. Learn how to tap into this market. When: Thursday, November 8, 2012 Where: Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown 501 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-344-4300 This workshop is based on the successful National Association of Sports Commissions Regional Workshop. The purpose is to spend time looking at the factors required for success in the rapidly changing world of amateur sporting events. We will examine the issues facing host organizations and event owners and how to successfully address them in a way in which all interests can be combined to help all concerned. Some of the core issues addressed will be: • • •
Determining potential return on investment before the bid Selecting suitable sports facilities and hotel accommodations Dealing with bid fees or guarantees
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Combining the resources of sports commissions and convention & visitor bureaus to ensure the best possible result Economic impact estimates Categories of sports travelers Hotel issues: room blocks, contracts, attrition clauses, room contribution systems, etc. Volunteers Local sports specific experts Resources available from the NASC
Speaker/Facilitator: Don Schumacher, Executive Director, National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) Don has been executive director of the NASC since 1994 where he managed the association’s growth from 15 to more than 500 members. He has served as a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association and served nine years as executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Sports & Events Commissions where he helped generate more than $45 million in visitor spending. Cost: Early Bird Registration by October 15, 2012 $40. •
After October 15, 2012- $50.
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Registration fee includes workshop, continental breakfast, lunch and beverages for one person. Space is limited to the first 100 registrants.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown November 7-8, 2012 at $112/night + tax. To reserve a room call 877-782-9444 and ask for the Sports Virginia Workshop rate by October 16, 2012. After this date, rooms and rate may not be available. Or click here to reserve your room. Parking: Hotel offers valet parking for overnight guests at $21 per car/per day and daily at $8 per car/per day. Surface and street parking is also available nearby.
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 9:30am-3pm Eastern Henrico Recreation Center 1440 N. Laburnum Avenue Henrico, VA 23223 (804) 225-2056 •
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"The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" Preston Center 3137 Preston Avenue, NW Roanoke, VA 24012 (540) 853-2770
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Central Service Area Workshop: "COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE, COOPERATE"
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Southwest Service Area Workshop: "Making Partnerships Work"
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Exciting hands-on sessions to enhance leadership skills in all situations. Improve communication, group interaction, and facilitation skills. Conference information available on the VRPS website. Scholarships available from the Foundation of VRPS provide 50% of the registration fee for the early member rate. All applications must be received at the VRPS Central Office before October 17, 2012, COB. Wear comfortable clothing for hands-on active sessions. Sessions may be outside, weather permitting. Lunch Included!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 9:30am-12pm Partnering is a key to survival during tough economic times. Take an in-depth look into the aspects of building true, long-lasting partnerships within the recreation profession. Presenters include: • • • •
Chris Ayers, CEO, Bristol Family YMCA Christine Hannen, Conservation Educational Specialist, Holston River, Soil, and Conservation District Tom Hanlon, Director, River's Way Chris Hold, Athletic Director, Virginia Intermont College
Register at regular rate until November 4. Lunch included Questions? Contact Jed Roberts, City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department
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Registration: please note Member/Non-Member fees during registration. Early: $25, deadline October 24 Regular: $30, deadline November 7 Late: $35, deadline November 9 Questions? Ask here.
Northern Service Area Workshop: "Project Management Workshop" Frying Pan Farm Park 2709 West Ox Road Herndon, VA 20171 Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 9:30am-12:30pm A case study for planning and implementing a variety of endeavors: • Staff led projects such as building interior minor renovations
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Larger scale building renovations that involve a design firm Large feature projects such as water park additions and playgrounds Focus on Virginia Procurement Laws and how they apply to you and your projects
Presenters include: • Todd Hafner, Director of Planning and Development, NVRPA • Mike Dingman, Attorney specializing in Procurement Law Register online: $25 Members/$30 Non-Members October 13-24
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VRPS Membership… …more than you asked for, at less than you expected Saving paper, saving time and doing it on line – VRPS is with you on that. The quickest way to make sure you are up to date and receiving all the benefits you’re entitled is to log in at vrps.com, go to My Transactions and make sure your dues are up to date. Need to register for a workshop in a hurry? Log in, find the one you want, register and go! Can’t find that colleague’s email address? Log in and check the online directory.
Senior Resource Group Workshop: "Dawn of a New Age" Innovative Senior Programming, Therapeutic Recreation, and Aging Friday, November 2, 2012 Deep Run Recreation Center 9910 Ridgefield Parkway Henrico, VA 23233
Snagged that promotion with the awesome title? Log in and update your profile now – email address too!
The Aging Tsunami is here! Join us as we discuss: •
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What are you Doing to Attract Boomers? Cheryl Johnson, Office of Senior Adult Programs, Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation Innovative Programming through Learning in Retirement Monica Hughes, Executive Director, Lifelong Learning Institute Active Aging through Exercise Prescription Mike Craven, Owner, Mike's Olympic Gym, the longest running health club in Virginia The Boomer Volunteer: Recruit, Retain, and Motivate Sherry Williams, Director of Volunteer Services, The Virginia Home Aging Tsunami - Sink or INNOVATE Dr. Richard Lindsay, MD, Keynote Speaker
Need to renew your membership? Don’t wait – log in, go to My Transactions and see where you stand. Your membership card is delivered to your email box.
Regular registration ends October 26. Not already a member? Go here and join today so you can start logging in too!
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Sign Me UP! The purpose of the Leadership Training Institute is to develop leadership skills in individuals; to develop future leadership for the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, leisure service professional organizations, and agencies. Membership to the board consists of nine (9) members. This team of high quality leaders is tasked with the organization and implementation of the bi-annual Leadership Training Institute. These individuals must be professional members of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society and past graduates of the Leadership Training Institute who will serve a minimum of two (2) years (1 institute) and a maximum of 6 years (3 institutes), based on a staggered structure. To be considered, you must have support of your supervisor for the following time and financial commitment: Attendance at quarterly planning meetings at the VRPS Central Office in Mechanicsville the year prior to the institute; Attendance at monthly meetings at the VRPS Central Office in Mechanicsville or the LTI location the year of the institute; Registration to and full attendance at the Institute. Board members will be asked to participate on a committee that handles one or more of the following functions for the Institute: Education, Evaluation, Site and Housing, Social Activities, Recruitment, Marketing, and Development Please be aware that all members of the planning team have a responsibility to contribute to recruiting sponsorship funding to make this Institute a success. If interested in becoming part of the Leadership Training Institute Board, please complete and return the information below to VRPS at 804-730-9455 fax, or email vrps@vrps.com by October 15, 2012.
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Name________________________________
Position_____________________________
Email________________________________
Phone_______________________________
Agency______________________________
Area(s) of Interest_____________________
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Mark your calendars for our bi-annual professional conference for directors, managers and superintendents who lead staff and guide policy development and strategic planning for their organizations and those who aspire to such positions. Featuring presentations by: • GreenPlay Research, Education and Development (GPRED), Lafayette, CO - succession planning in the public sector • Bob Bell, SPHR - managing human capital and capitalizing on diversity in the workplace • Eldon James, George Washington Regional Commission - embarking on controversial projects and planning for as well as managing the controversy. • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff - managing a social media presence and the how to’s of Linked in and Twitter • The Office of Internships, University of Mary Washington - establishing and maintaining a strong internship program • The Institute for Crisis Management, Louisville, KY - Crisis and Risk including preparing and auditing the plans, handling and debriefing on a shoestring budget • Mika Cross, USDA - balancing work and life as well as the benefits and risks of telecommuting • Megan Ryne, Virginia Coalition for Open Government - FOIA tips and pitfalls as well as the challenges of electronic records management
With thanks to our generous sponsors
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“One of the best keynote speeches ever,” was heard repeatedly after John Martin addressed us on Sunday afternoon at the annual conference. His presentation, “The Ten Transcendent Trends Shaping the Future of Parks and Recreation Societies,” was insightful, on point and very enlightening. John is the President and CEO of the Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc. (SIR), a 45 year old market research company headquartered in Richmond. He is also the co-founder and CEO of the Boomer Project (www.boomerproject.com), a national research-based marketing "think tank" that tracks major demographic and societal trends and provides strategic consultation on how to understand and effectively communicate with different generations Silent Generation, Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials. John demonstrated how parks and recreation is strategically positioned to play a significant role in the coming age wave, if we create a unified brand and unique selling point, create a BHAG, calculate and showcase our impact today, and package our future impact to get ready for the age wave. Visit the VRSP blog to find a copy of John’s power point presentation and learn more.
It’s not too late to take advantage of our ticket discount program for spooktacular fall fun at Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion or Six Flags America– find savings on individual or tickets for a group at vrps.com.
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Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Requirements submitted by Sue Rowland, Eldon James and Associates Following the Penn State revelations
youth recreation
report if you have actual knowledge
last year, members of Virginia’s
programs; and
of an event or suspect that you see
General Assembly joined with their
public or private
indicators of abuse or neglect.
colleagues across the country to
institutions of higher
Determining if actual abuse or
strengthen state laws that protect our
learning.
neglect has occurred is the job of the
children from such predatory sexual abuse. Virginia’s Child Abuse and
Without a doubt, every paid and
Child Protective Services staff.
volunteer adult associated with a
Online training course is available at
VRPS member agency should know
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/c
that, by law, their responsibility for
ps/mandated_reporters/cws5692/CW
the children in their care includes
S5692%206.21.12.htm. Manuals and
watching for signs of abuse and
other resource materials are found at
neglect.
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/c
mandated reporters was expanded to
―How do I know what to look for,
ps/index2.cgi. (Expand the
include most every adult that interacts
what to do?‖ you may ask.
with children. The penalties for
Fortunately, the Department of Social
failing to report within 24 hours of
Services is providing a number of
Your VRPS leadership is working to
suspecting that a child may be in
opportunities for training to best
develop ―train the trainer‖
harm’s way have also been increased.
understand the answer to that
opportunities. See below. In the
question.
meantime, it is recommended that all
Neglect Mandated Reporting Law expresses the intent of the General Assembly that the responsibility to protect our children rests essentially with every one of us. Effective July 1 this year, the list of responsible
So what changed? New provisions of the law expanded the mandated
An online training course is available,
reporters list to apply to adults, 18
that takes a little over an hour to
years and older, who are ―associated
complete, including a test of learning
with, employed or volunteer with‖:
and a certificate to show that you have successfully completed the
―Mandated Reporters‖ line and find these resources.)
paid staff take the online course without delay. Also, make plans now to inform your volunteers about the new provisions in the law and of training opportunities already available.
public organizations
training. In addition, local
responsible for the care,
departments of social services are
The hotline to report suspected abuse
custody, or control of
responding to requests for training to
or neglect is 1-800-552-7096.
children;
groups.
private sports organizations or teams; public or private day camps, youth centers, or
Save the Date: Remember -- it is not the responsibility of every mandated reporter to determine if, in fact, a
Wednesday, Dec 5 10-11 a.m. on line training What the reporting law says and how you
child is being abused; the
can be prepared to meet the requirements.
responsibility given is to quickly
Details soon at www.vrps.com.
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Building Fund Update: 17% away from mortgage payoff! The VRPS Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of its members and the commitment of the Resource Groups and Service Areas who contributed valuable funds to scholarships in 2011. Further, contributions to the Society’s Building Fund from Foundation and Board members and our supporter SSCI, have reduced our loan balance under $64,000. Will you join us?
Board of Trustees Cindy S. Roeder — President Katey Legg —President-elect Art Thatcher — Treasurer Ed Hamilton – Lay Trustee Jim Stutts – CEO Marlene Bresee — Secretary email: exboard@vrps.com Board Members: Lisa Cooke, Lakita Frazier, Cindy Messinger, Keith Rotzoll, Pam Sheets, Kathy Williams email: board@vrps.com
Central Office Contacts Jim Stutts- Executive Director - jim@vrps.com Marlene Bresee - Administrative Assistant - marlene@vrps.com Karen Florey-Office Assistant - karen@vrps.com Nancy Turnage-Office Assistant - nancy@vrps.com
Virginia Recreation and Park Society www.vrps.com 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-9447 Fax: 804-730-9455 Email: vrps@vrps.com
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