August 2014 VRPS Presidents Newsletter by Jim Stutts

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 Around Virginia See what’s going on around the Commonwealth!

AUGUST 2014 Annual Conference

CPSI

It’s the 60th Annual Conference and it’s going to be a diamond event for sure! Check out what’s planned for The Homestead!

It’s not too late to sign up for the September Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course!

Management Conference Planning has begun for the 2015 Management Conference in Suffolk. Mark your calendar!

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Central Service Area Gets Active at Meetings

VRPS is Social! The CSA has made it a mission to include some type of recreational activity after each service area meeting. Previous meetings have featured activities such as disc golf and archery. Members of the CSA enjoyed a guided kayaking trip on the Appomattox River immediately following the April quarterly meeting. The meeting was held in the City of Hopewell and also included a tour of the newly renovated City Marina. Brent Reid and Scott Sheffield from Eco Trek Adventures, a kayaking guide and rental company in the Richmond area, volunteered their time and equipment for the outing. The next quarterly meeting will take place at the newly opened Powhatan State Park. A nature hike and tour of the park facilities is planned immediately following the business meeting. The CSA looks forward to seeing you at their next quarterly meeting!

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!

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2014

Henrico Opens New Park! Twin Hickory Park opened in July 2014. Park features include walking trails, open play areas, multi-purpose field, landscaping, irrigation, a picnic shelter with restrooms, a playground for ages 2-5 and one for ages 6-12. The most unique characteristic of the park is the “sprayground,” a small, whimsical, zero-depth water play feature intended for children 12 or under with adult supervision. The “sprayground” water jets alternate patterns and sequencing every fifteen minutes. This feature has proven to be a popular attraction for both the surrounding community and beyond. The newly opened park sits in the heart of the Twin Hickory neighborhood just behind the Twin Hickory Recreation Center, Twin Hickory Library, and Deep Run High School.

Awards & Citations for programs, facilities, publications, etc. that occurred Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2013 DEADLINE: August 29th Submit your nomination online today! Fellows Award Distinguished Service Distinguished Volunteer Service Outstanding New Professional Distinguished Private Sector Best New Program Best New Special Event Best New Facility (Bricks & Mortar) Best New Facility (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways & Trails) Best New Renovation/Addition (Bricks & Mortar) Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways & Trails)

Best New Environmental Sustainability Best Promotional Effort - Traditional Best Promotional Effort - Specialty 2

PRESIDENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2014

Colonial Heights Recreation All-star team reaches Dixie Youth World Series The Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Department is excited to announce that their 11-12 year old all-star team has advanced to the Dixie Youth World Series to be played in Lexington, South Carolina August 8-14, 2014. The team advanced out of District and State Tournaments to qualify for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Series and will take part in Opening Ceremonies at University of South Carolina Gamecock Stadium on Friday August 8 and play their first game against Tennessee on Saturday August 9 at 3:30pm.

Congratulations and good luck to the team in the World Series.

Want to get involved? Central Service Area Aaron Reidmiller - Chair Eastern Service Area Lakita Watson - Chair Northern Service Area Lesley Stuler - Chair Southwestern Service Area Maggie Mace - Chair Western Service Area Lynn Turner - Chair Aquatics Resource Group Nicole Marko - Chair Senior Resource Group Jennifer Collins - Chair

Therapeutic Recreation Resource Group Julie Saum

VRPS14 Celebrating Our Past, Charting Our Future

60th Annual Conference at the Omni Homestead

VRPS achieves a milestone event at a signature venue; Hot Springs offers southern charm, history and hospitality 60 years. That’s a milestone alright. VRPS has been presenting quality educational networking opportunities for its members and parks and recreation professionals throughout the state since 1954. This year’s conference won’t disappoint. The committee has assembled a slate of presenters that combines the best in the state with leaders in our field from across the country. You will hear the latest on building a culture that supports innovation from Barbara Heller and talk about our legal liability with James Kowlowski. Social events are going to raise the bar dramatically thanks to Natural Retreats and Devil’s Backbone’s partnership with this dynamic committee. Dig around your closet for that Ugly Sweater, and then pack your best outfit for the Swanky social on Monday night. Sponsors have gone above and beyond this year – thanks to Cunningham Recreation and Field Turf. This is the conference you won’t want to miss. Bring your spouse, bring the kids! I’ll see you there. Art Thatcher, President’ 14

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Awards ‘14

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The Annual Awards Banquet showcases the best of the best with new ideas for your community. Monday, 7 p.m.

Your Board

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Sunday’s Opening session includes the induction of the 2015 Board.

December 6-9, 2014

Visit http://tinyurl.com/VRPSconf

Sponsors contribute to conference success Whether their contribution is large or small, each year our sponsors make a difference in the quality of the conference. Annually, the Sponsorship and Exhibits committee works closely with our Executive Director to persuade vendors in our industry to do a little bit more for our members at conference.

Exhibitors (as of 8/1) To find out the latest on products and services look for these vendors and many more in the Exhibit Hall Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. We count on you to make our vendors feel welcome!

Cunningham Recreation Field Turf Musco Sports Lighting, LLC Water Technology, Inc. BSN Sports Score Sports ACTIVE Network Piedmont ASA Mateflex Modular Surfaces Electro-Mech Scoreboard Company USTA/Virginia Tennis American Ramp Company Smith-Midland Corp Donec Spohn Ranch non metus Harper and Company, Inc. Land Planning & Design Associates Bliss Products & Services, Inc. Pioneer Athletics Vermont Systems, Inc.

Because the Society relies heavily on income from events like the annual conference to meet our general operating expenses and support member services, it is critical that our return on the dollar from conference is stretched as much as possible. Securing sponsors who share our passion for the parks and recreation profession and the people we serve is a tremendous benefit to the organization. Each year the committee culls the list of potential donors and makes their pitch. This year, both the exhibit committee, and the social committee have found ways to provide sponsors enhanced return on their investments. We won’t spoil the surprise, but look for an upgraded premium in your goodie bag and visit the Exhibit Hall Sunday and Monday to give thanks to these folks for their commitment and loyalty to VRPS.

Thanks to our Premier sponsors, Cunningham Recreation and Field Turf, and our Platinum Exhibit Hall sponsor, Musco Sports Lighting, LLC. We couldn’t do this without you!

December 6-9, 2014

Visit http://tinyurl.com/VRPSconf

The Omni Homestead, Hot Springs

Modern Conveniences. Authentic Details. Hospitality and Charm Affordable. dapibus Relaxing. Family-friendly. urna. In dictum lectus. The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia is known for many things, but perhaps above all for their Southern hospitality and elegant charm. The historic Virginia accommodations have welcomed guests, including 22 US Presidents, as early as the 18th century. Periodic renovations have provided the accommodations with modern amenities while still featuring classic Southern furnishings and feel. This is the VRPS conference destination that draws our families and spouses. While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in sessions, your family can explore the grounds, take a hike, relax at the spa, splash in the heated outdoor pool, ice skate and enjoy dozens of other activities on property. Better yet, come early and join in the fun with them!

access to the fitness room, spring fed indoor pool and afternoon tea. Tuesday checkout guaranteed till 1 p.m.! Call the Omni Homestead at 1-800-838-1766, select #1 for Group Reservations and identify yourself with the Virginia Recreation and Park Society or, click here to book your reservation online. Rates are $115/night plus 15% fee.

Each room includes a Keurig coffeemaker, wifi, 3

December 6-9, 2014

Visit http://tinyurl.com/VRPSconf

Session Sneak Peak – Monday, December 8th, 8:30 a.m.

“Networking in a Room of Strangers” Walking into a room of strangers to make connections and form relationships is daunting! You need to promote your program or your boss wants you to make new contacts – now what!? This session is great for everyone, whether you are just starting or need a refresher, to feel confident and re-energize the way you work a room! Session will focus on how to network in both professional and social settings, plus techniques for making connections as soon as you enter a room, making a great first impression, monitoring your body language, introducing yourself, feeling confident and joining groups when you do not know anyone. You will leave this fun, energy filled session with a new excitement and confidence for networking and working a room! What You’ll Learn:  Key strategies to network with ease and confidence in various business situations.  Techniques for working a room and joining groups of strangers.  Ways to bolster your confidence, look poised, and make a great first impression from the minute you enter the room. Sit in on Molly’s session Monday at 8:30 a.m. and come back for “Managing Upward” at 1 p.m.

Molly Hetrick Molly has been a freelance trainer for The Meeting Institute for six years and is a Recreation Supervisor for Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. She is known for her ability to connect with an audience, motivate people, and be realistic about the challenges facing professionals today. Her years of experience in parks and recreation, environmental education, and professional development training delivery give her a real world view of issues that face organizations today. Her sessions are interactive, motivational and highenergy. Molly has a presented at the NRPA Congress since 2008 and is an Instructor at Penn State University.

Learn more about Molly. The Meeting Institute provides training and development programs in the areas of customer service, motivation, leadership, and other areas that are perfect for conferences, associations and development functions.

Education at its Best! The 2014 Conference is sure to impress with its full complement of national presenters. Check out the full list of sessions here. is jam packed with great speakers and exciting topics. If you don’t get a chance to participate in pre-conference, or you just want more of these top notch ladies insights, check out Bonnie, Lori, and Michelle’s sessions. They will be talking about Documenting Success; Mission Schmission-Why Are We Here; Assets in Action; Purpose Based Recognition; Creating an Ownership Mentality in Those You Lead. Sunday also includes national names like James Kozlowski who regularly contributes to the NRPA magazine, John McGovern, the guru of ADA, and many more engaging sessions. Aquatic professionals, Sunday is your day with sessions all day on timely aquatic topics.

continues the trend with national speakers like Barbara Heller and Jamie Sabbach, along with a golf track including Richard Singer from the National Golf Foundation and an entire track of programming sessions. The 60th annual conference wraps up on with a full slate of speakers including Paul Gilbert, Susan Kalish and Marcy Durrer talking about, leadership, marketing programs, fitness, and so much more! And remember, late checkout is guaranteed on Tuesday so you won’t miss any sessions! 4

December 6-9, 2014

Visit http://tinyurl.com/VRPSconf

Are you Being Followed…Discovering your Leadership Style People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. Are you the leader you think you are? Have you built yourself to be a leader that is followed? As Parks and Recreation professionals we are all leaders in different capacities and it’s one of, if not the most important aspects of our jobs, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity to find out how you can increase your effectiveness and understand yourself better as a leader. All sessions we will be presented by top professionals in the field.

Session Topics Include: • Influential Leadership, 1-3:30pm, Michelle Braden Are you surprised by the number of leaders who seem to lead only in title? Many leaders assume that once they get to a certain level or receive a certain title people will respect and listen to them… in other words, they will have influence. Leadership and influence are not interchangeable. It would be nice if it were that easy; unfortunately it is not. So what is this powerful word, “influence”? It is something you cannot buy, and is not just given due to position or title. In this session you will be motivated and inspired to lead out of influence rather than control and authority. You will learn 5 questions to ask yourself to help you build your influence and how to lead with heart. • Leading with Emotional Intelligence, 4-6:30pm, Michelle

Braden Logical intelligence will set leaders and team members up for one level of success in their job. But to move to higher levels of effectiveness you must also develop your emotional intelligence (EQ). When you combine both intelligences together, you will understand yourself better, get along better with colleagues and lead more powerful and successful organizations. In this session, you will learn how to identify and handle your emotions as well as gear them towards a positive outcome. You will learn how to respond proactively, communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships and inspire others to do the same.

• Understanding You Better to Better Understand Them, 1-3:30pm, Bonnie Stevens The key to success in work, and in life, is to understanding why people do the things they do. This is true not just of others, but of ourselves as well. While we may think we know the person we see in the mirror every day, there’s still a lot to learn. Self-discovery is, and should be, a lifelong journey. Join us as we take steps down the road to understanding ourselves better, and start to get a handle on why others do the things they do. This session incorporates experiential activities (no belly button contemplation involved!), exercises and scenarios for an interactive, dynamic learning experience. • Remember Who You Are; Why You Do What You Do, 4-6:30pm, Lori Hoffner What was your path into the parks and recreation field? Was it a chosen profession or did the profession choose you? The question is, do your actions, your leadership and your agency reflect “who you are”? No matter what struggles you have in your industry, you have the power to make a difference… in your life and in the life of others around you. The challenge to you is, will you do it? The choices that you make, the activities that you engage in tells everyone around you what you believe about yourself and your role as a parks and recreation professional.

.Precon Registration Incredible Networking and Educational Opportunity. The chance to hear national presenters. Register for both sessions and save! Both Sessions

1 Session

VRPS Members

$100

$65

Non-members

$125

$90

Contact Laura McCarty or Kate Trask for more details or register now at Preconference Institutes

Each session worth 0.2 CEU’s (pending approval).

.Keynote

Kathy J. Spangler Kathy Spangler, CAE, CPRP, Ph.D. (hon) serves as Vice President, U.S. Programs for Save the Children where she manages the domestic commitment to creating immediate and lasting change for children in need. Save the Children, U.S. Programs is focused on improving educational outcomes for children living in poverty through early childhood development, literacy, physical activity and nutrition. Additionally, Save the Children is the pre-eminent organization dedicated to protecting children during emergencies and disasters and focuses on preparedness and response efforts.

Get Ready, Get Safe Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our dynamic opening session

Volunteers Needed Willing to help? Have time to spare? We could use a few extra hands to serve as room hosts, and help with social events, registration, logistics and room set ups. Contact Kerstin Severin at Kerstin.severin@herndon-va.gov or call 703-435-6800 x2128 Visit the conference website to sign up online through Sign up Genius

Get Ready, Get Safe Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Like us on Facebook for all of the latest and greatest information about the Conference!

December 6-9, 2014

Visit http://tinyurl.com/VRPSconf

VRPS Member full registration by Oct 31 includes: all education sessions*, exhibit hall admission, two breakfast buffet passes, meal voucher,** Saturday Social ticket, Sunday Lunch, Exhibitor’s Reception, Sunday Social ticket; Monday Exhibit Lunch, Awards Banquet, Monday Social ticket. $435; non-member $510 *excluding Preconference Leadership Institute. **Voucher good for up to $30 of food at any Homestead restaurant during conference dates. One use, no change.

The VRPS conference is the most affordable educational opportunity available that offers material for our program and facility staff which we can immediately apply with in our organization. As an experienced manager, I look forward to this conference for fresh ideas to reenergize my motivation. - Laura Kowalski, Deputy Director for Recreation, Reston Association

Why You Should Attend This Year New at Conference  Presenter mini-sessions in the exhibit hall  Preconference Leadership Training Institutes

Not Available Elsewhere  The combination of local and national presenters that make the education opportunity top notch  Networking with professionals who share your passion for Virginia’s parks and citizens  Best in the state awards for programming, events, facilities and marketing

Awesome Features  An amazing venue!

There are 5 easy ways to register Register online: go to www.vrps.com/conference Register by FAX: complete your registration form and fax it toll free 24/7 to 804-7309455. Register by Mail: Complete your registration form and mail it to: Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Tnpk, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Register by phone: have your completed registration form and method of payment ready and call the Central Office at 804-730-9447. The phones are open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. MondayFriday. PURCHASE ORDERS: A purchase order will reserve your place, with payment due before the conference. Please fax your registration and PO to us at (804) 730-9455 and we will email you an invoice. CEU’s You can receive up to 1.6 CEU’s for attending the full conference, including the Preconference Leadership Institutes. When you register online add them to your shopping cart or tell us you’d like to receive CEU’s. 7

December 6-9, 2014

Visit http://tinyurl.com/VRPSconf

Show YourSocial! Team Spirit Getting

Show Your Team Spirit! Wear your favorite team jersey and show off your best fan loyalty Sport your team gear while playing corn hole, giant jenga, and other yard games. Bring your A game and put on your game face for some friendly competition.

Monday, 9 p.m. – midnight