Nevada Recreation & Park Society Creating Communities Through People, Parks and Programs!
NRPS Newsletter August 2015
President’s Message Service is Who We Are
Inside this issue:
NRPS Mission
2
Upcoming Socials
2
Job Postings
3
Aquatics Commit-
3
Grant Opportunities
8
NRPS Membership 9
Throughout my career I have come to realize that success in our profession can be measured in ma ny different ways. However, I believe that true success is about service to others - whether they be constituents, employers, employees, colleagues, or to our professional organizations. We each have to choose where we want to give our service. Robert Greenleaf, the founder of the serva nt lea dership move ment, said “Good lea ders must first become good servants.” We are all lea ders! In today’s fast paced highly measured society we measure service based on “how people feel” rather than on how our progra ms impact individuals and groups. We have begun to erode the core of what service is about. It is our responsibility as park and recreation professionals to reme mber our core values are and emulate those values. Our roots are as a social service profession and we continue in that role, even though the complexity of what we do has expande d. I reme mber as a young playground leader my focus was on the child and children I was working with. As a director that personal focus dimme d as the mayor and city council ha d ma nagement, budgetary, and operational considerations they expected me to focus on. I ha d to force myself to leave my desk and go out into the field: To see aquatics progra ms, sports progra ms, youth progra ms, and most importantly to observe the interaction between recreation and park professionals and those we serve - our participants, and by extension, our community.
In a textbook written by myself and Amy Hurd (Illinois State University) we identified 10 7 criteria for a profession. Criteria 1 is “Social Value and Purposes.” We state the goals, Executive Board value and purpose of organized community service include, “improving the quality of life, contributing to personal development and social cohesion, helping to prevent socially destructive leisure pursuits and protecting the environment” (p. 363). We can say this in ma ny ways, but it always comes back to serving others. I challenge you to take a few minutes and ma ke your list of how you serve others (both at work and in your perSpecial points of insonal life). Then ask yourself, “Do my efforts enrich my community?” If not, take some terest: time to think about what you do because most of us do more good than we are willing Check out updated to a dmit. Try the list a second time. This is for your personal benefit. I’m not asking you grant information. to do more or to cha nge who you are, but to reme mber who we are as a profession: A Keep an open eye for service based profession. socials. Be sure to submit photos and articles. Recruit new members!
From my perspective I see great opportunity, great service on your part, caring about the profession, and those we serve. As I have come to know ma ny of you better I feel that the parks and recreation profession is in good hands. Just reme mber, on those frustrating days, why you are in this profession. That balance and vision gives us hope and opportunity.
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Nevada Parks and Recreation Society Mission Our mission is to support and recognize members of the Society and to promote Recreation and Parks as an essential service in Nevada. NRPS Vision Statement We support the National Recreation & Park Association and the benefits of Recreation and Parks for citizens of the State of Nevada. We serve with pride, leadership and professionalism. Letting our old logo fade off into the sunset!
We Believe in creativity and innovative problem solving. We Believe in encouraging and promoting diversity in our membership. We Believe in recognizing the accomplishments of members and agencies. We Believe in members’ input to shape our vision through strategic planning. We Believe in cooperation, communications, teamwork and consensus building for the citizens, the Society and the agencies we serve.
Upcoming North/South Socials and Events If you are interested in setting up a social event for the north or south, contact your executive board representatives.
For the North contact: Andy Bass, North VP NO EVENTS SCHEDULED For the South contact: , South VP NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
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Agency Job Announcements Here are some of the current openings within the state of Nevada. Office Assistant—Bilingual City of Sparks, NV Minimum Salary—$31,012 per year Apply by 8/24/2015
More jobs will be posted on the website at www.NRPS.org/jobs
Aquatics Committee The NRPS Aquatic Committee is made up of aquatic professionals throughout the southern Nevada area. Members meet the 2nd Wednesday every other month to discuss aquatic trends, programming, staffing, operations and hot topics. In addition, the committee organizes several events throughout the year; Health & Safety Expo, Southern Nevada Lifeguard Games and a Recreational Swim Meet. Please visit our contact page on NRPS.org if you would like to contact our board members to receive additional information on any of our events, attending a meeting or becoming a member. Did you know… Scholarships are available for Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training Instructor, Lifeguard Management, Lifeguard Training and CPR/AED classes? Contact 702-595-0010 for more information.
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New Faces in Clark County! New Recreation Specialist Kristin Greene was hired to work at Hollywood Recreation Center, Clark County Parks and Recreation. Kristin worked as a manager, instructor, and director of curriculum at Child's Play indoor play center in Las Vegas since early 2014. Previously, Kristin worked for the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department in California from 2007-2013 in various capacities at day camp and afterschool program sites. She was also previously employed by the City of Mountain View Recreation Division as a recreation leader and instructor from 1998-2008. Kristin attended San Jose State University and her major was Creative Arts. She will be assisting with Classes, Early Childhood Enrichment and Summer Day Camp.
A Fond Farewell!!! Over the past 7 years I have had the privilege to work with Sarah Johnson through NRPS. Her positive attitude and energy have been a great part of the organization. She is a great example of how recreation professionals can live the balance of work and play while maintaining their professionalism at all turns. For those who do not know, Sarah has left to a new position is Austin, Texas. She will be a great asset to her new agency down in Texas and I wish her only the best. I am fortunate that she is still only a phone call away when I have questions about the field or just want to talk. She will be missed by all of us and I clearly wish her the best of luck in her newest endeavor.
Good Luck Sarah!
By: Danny Gleich
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Unionville Exploration
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By: Darrin Price
During my travels around the great state of Nevada I always like to visit the local parks and see how they operate and perhaps garner some ideas that I can take home and use in our own operations. Recently a friend of mine and I were talking over a couple of drinks and the subject of Mark Twain came up. After trading facts and trying to outdo each other he mentioned that I should some day visit Unionville Nevada where Mark Twain had lived. The draw was that a house that Mark Twain had lived in was still standing and you could see what it was like to have lived in that era. After arriving in Unionville (population 20) and driving through the town (don’t blink) I arrived at the only park in town. As I was drawn to the historical sites I noticed a sign just to the right of where I parked. After chuckling and shaking my head I couldn’t help but take a picture to share the “rules” of this park prominently posted for all to see. If you’re ever in the area it’s worth the visit just for the sheer beauty of the surrounding mountains, small town charm, and the beautiful park with special rules:
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NRPA Conference Update The Nevada Parks and Recreation Society is the local host for the 2015 National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference. The conference is scheduled for September 15 through the 17. The conference will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. This will be the 50th anniversary of the NRPA Conferences going back with the Association was founded. The Local Host Committee host several functions during the conference including a gold tournament, fun run and several local off site institutes showcasing many of the local parks and recreation attractions such as the Wetlands Park, Springs preserve, Craig Ranch, Clark County Shooting Range and Heritage Park. A Leisure Park is also provided on site at the conference. In order for the Conference to be successful, it will require several volunteers to help the various functions or just to provide general assistance to thousands of parks and recreation professional who are at the conference as delegates. We would love to have you as a volunteer to help us make sure this event a success. In exchange for volunteering, passes to the Exhibit Hall may be available showcasing thousands of parks and recreation products. If you are interested in volunteering as part of the NRPA Local Host Committee, please contact Danielle Norris at Danielle.Norris @cityofhenderson.com.
Getting to Know Your NRPS Board! Up in Northern Nevada in the city of Fallon is the location of the Churchill County Parks and Recreation Department. While Fallon is a town of 20,000 people in the vicinity, the community is fortunate to have a pretty involved Recreation Department. The Churchill County Parks and Recreation Department is manned by many fine professionals. One professional who has been on the board for the 4 of the past 5 years is Danny Gleich. Danny has been the Recreation Supervisor for Churchill County for the past seven years. He came to Churchill County after he graduated from the University of Nevada in 2008. He obtained a Masters Degree in Recreation and Tourism is 2012 and became CPRP certified just this year in 2015. A highly motivated and recreation passionate professional, Danny keeps recreation close to his heart by competing in recreation leagues with friends and family as well as numerous half marathon races as he tries to complete one in each state. The number sits at 11 states currently.
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NRPS Committee Structure 2015 - 2016 Annual Conference Committee ✦ Adam Blackmore, President-Elect & Chair ✦ positions to be filled later Archive (Historical) Committee ✦ Kathy Burkhardt (Chair/Secretary) ✦ Sarah Johnson (resource) Audit Committee ✦ Nate Jaramillo - Chair ✦ Current Members at Large Awards Committee ✦ Mickey Sprott, Co-Chair (South) ✦ Jennifer Budge, Co-Chair (North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP Liaison) Aquatics Committees ✦ Kristy Bekiares/Mike Freeman (Chair North) ✦ Mickey Sprott (Chair - South) ✦ Detailed list to be forthcoming Communications Committee ✦ Danny Gleich, Co-Chair (North), newsletter ✦ Dave Castle, Co-Chair (South), web, email ✦ Kristy Bekiares, web (email), Katie Fese (social media), Nate Jaramillio (web) ✦ Andy Bass (VP Liaison) Constitution & Bylaws Committee ✦ Jayne Mazurkiewicz, Co-Chair (South) ✦ Darrin Price, Co-Chair (North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP Liaison)
Education Committee ✦ Andy Bass (Chair, North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (Chair, South) ✦ Shawna Nelson, Lisa Ortega, Mike Freeman Finance Committee ✦ Kristy Bekiares (Chair) ✦ Nate Jaramillo, Adam Blackmore, Dan McLean Leadership Institute - Stand alone committee ✦ Dirk Richwine (Chair) ✦ Tracy Domingues, Jayne Mazurkiewicz ✦ Shari Ferguson, Julee Conway, Roger Moellendorf ✦ Dan McLean (Board Liaison) Membership Committee ✦ Token Barnthouse, Co-Chair (North) ✦ Michelle Shaffer, Co-Chair (South) ✦ Darrin Price, Shawna Nelson, Katie Fese ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP Liaison) Professional Certification Committee ✦ Felicia Rivera-Baker, Co-Chair ✦ Shelly Gulotta, Co-Chair ✦ Andy Bass (VP-North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP-Liaison) Ways & Means Committee ✦ Shelly Gulotta (Co-Chair) ✦ Felicia Rivera-Baker (CoChair) ✦ Misty Bray, Kristy Bekiares, Nate Jaramillo, Dave Castle ✦ Andy Bass (VP Liaison)
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Join the Leadership Institute!!! Leadership Institute is the Nevada Recreation & Park Society’s new annual leadership development program for early to mid-career professionals. Leadership development is critical to public and park and recreation employees. It provides participants and agencies with skill sets, competencies, and a growing expertise that enhances their success on the job and helps build individual and organizational futures! The 1-year program will enhance individual organizational leadership skills, specifically addressing leadership styles, philosophies, and competencies. In addition, the program explores and introduces participants to emerging approaches of integrating leadership development to personal growth concentrating on participatory and collaborative leadership. The intent is to prepare leaders for today with essential skills and for a future that will increasingly see managers take on challenges that require strategic thinking, collaboration, systems thinking, leading change, and becoming comfortable with ambiguity.
Training Opportunities Southern Nevada
NO UPCOMING TRAININGS LISTED
Northern Nevada
NO UPCOMING TRAININGS LISTED
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NRPS Membership The Nevada Recreation and Parks Society (NRPS) is a non-profit, professional organization, founded in 1958. Its main purpose is to promote the growth and development of Nevada recreation and parks. NPRS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). NPRS has several levels of membership to meet the needs of all parks and recreation professionals, students, retirees, agencies, and affiliates. PROFESSIONAL This category includes persons who are or have been employed full time in an executive, leadership or supportive staff capacity within a public or private agency or department of recreation or parks or educational institution. ($30) RETIRED PROFESSIONAL This category includes any persons over 45 years of age, who has been a Professional Member of NRPS, NRPA, or an NRPA Affiliate for a minimum of ten (10) years and has officially retired from a qualified professional position. ($15) ASSOCIATE This category includes persons who are employed part time or volunteers within the recreation and parks field, and who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($15) STUDENT This category includes persons who are enrolled full time in high school, colleges or universities with an interest in parks and recreation or an allied field. ($10) AGENCY This category includes the Agency Director and members of the policy or advisory board or commission. Dues are based on full time employee (FTE) equivalent. ($250 – 20 FTE’s or more; $150 – under 20 FTE’s) ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION AND AFFILIATE This category includes national, state, and local organizations, hospitals, colleges, universities, clubs, and local, state or regional societies and organizations. ($50) COMMERCIAL This category includes all vendors, commercial and for-profit organizations who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($50) HONORARY May be bestowed upon those persons approved by this society’s Executive Board.
Future Newsletter Announcements Please send submissions for the NRPS monthly newsletter to Danny Gleich DGleich@churchillcounty.org We want to hear from you! Pictures, Articles, Announcements …..
Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS) Nevada Recreation and Park Society PO Box 97264 Las Vegas, Nevada 89054 Contact the President: E-mail: nrps@live.com
Check out our new website!!! WWW.NRPS.ORG Creating Communities Through People, Parks and Programs!
NRPS Executive Board President -Daniel McLean, Ph.D Past President - Nate Jaramillo President Elect - Adam Blackmore Vice President North - Andy Bass, MBA Vice President South VACANT Secretary - Kathy Burkhardt Treasurer - Kristy Bekiares, MBA, CPRP, CPO
Member At Large North Danny Gleich, MS, CPRP Darrin Price, BA, CPO Mike Freeman, BS, CPO Shauna Nelson Token Barnthouse, MS Member At Large South Katie Fese Lisa Ortega Michelle Shaffer Mickey Sprott PSWC - Dundee Jones