Nevada Recreation & Park Society Creating Communities Through People, Parks and Programs!
NRPS Newsletter December 2015
President’s Message It is the season of Happy Holidays. We celebrate it in many ways, be it Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, or some other religious or secular term.
Inside this issue:
NRPS Mission
2
Upcoming Socials
2
Job Postings
3
Aquatics Commit-
3
Grant Opportunities
8
NRPS Membership 9
Executive Board
Special points of interest:
10
The importance is that this season following Thanksgiving allows us to give thanks again for the past year. There are always many opportunities to give thanks at this time of the year. We also use it to plan for the next year. I suggest, that as park and recreation professionals, we give thanks for our opportunity to provide programs, services, facilities, and parks to our communities, region, and state. We should feel a sense of accomplishment to work in a profession where we have the opportunity to positively impact individuals, families, and communities. Take a few minutes this season to reflect on the positive experiences you have had and more importantly, the ways – either directly or indirectly – you have helped others to feel more positive about themselves. Pat yourself on the back and the get back to work to make 2016 even a better year.
Check out updated grant information. Keep an open eye for socials. Be sure to submit photos and articles. Recruit new members!
- Daniel McLean, NRPS President
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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 Holiday Social Thursday, December 10th - 4:00pm (At Brew Brothers) RSVP with Shauna, shnelson@cityofsparks.us For the South contact: Sharon Cornell, South VP Lunch and Learn Thursday, December 10th - 11:30am - 1:00pm To sign up call Sharon at (702) 455-8508
Decemb er 2015
Agency Job Announcements Here are some of the current full-time openings within the state of Nevada. Carson City Recreation Manager - Aquatic Facility - Closes 12/16/15 FULL-TIME - $57,113.06 - $85,669.59 annually City of Las Vegas Parks Crew Leader - Closes 12/8/15 FULL-TIME - $24.25 Hourly 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; a Drowning Prevention Event, Super CPR Event and several Synchronized Swimming and Dive events. 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! Ben Jurand has been selected as the new Recreational/Cultural Program Supervisor for the Wetlands Park. Ben comes to the Wetlands Park from the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge where he was the Visitor Center Manager/Environmental Education Specialist with the Great Basin Institute. Previously he was an Interpretive Ranger at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and was also employed with the Outside Las Vegas Foundation and Southern Nevada Conservancy where he developed interpretive programs for various public lands including Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Forest Service and city parks in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas. He has experience managing visitor center and bookstore operations, supervising staff and volunteers and conducting ecological research studies and field exercises. Ben has a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada. He has a good understanding of the natural and cultural resources in the Mojave Desert as well as water resources and will make a wonderful addition to the Parks and Recreation Team.
NRPS Conference Session Proposals…. Have you thought about submitting an educational session proposal for the 2016 NRPS Annual Conference? We would love to hear your ideas for the opportunity to share your knowledge with other park and recreation professionals. The last day to submit session proposals is January 15, 2016. Submit your sessions now! If you have any questions, please email nrpsconferences@gmail.com.
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Our New Mission and Vision!! Token Barnthouse, Darrin Price, and Andy Bass were asked to develop new mission and vision statements for consideration of the NRPS Executive Board. In addition to these statements the Committee developed values for NRPS for consideration. In order to develop draft statements, the Committee searched and compared other state parks and recreation associations and societies statements. Based on this research the following proposals were created. Current Mission Statement: Our mission is to support and recognize members of the Society and to promote Recreation and Parks as an essential service in Nevada. Proposed Mission Statement: To actively provide and promote excellence in professional development, advocacy, and resources to all who enhance the quality of life through parks, open space, and recreation in the State of Nevada. Current 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. Proposed Vision Statement: The vision of the Nevada Recreation and Park Society is to create a future for Nevada park and recreation professionals and agencies where they are key community contributors to our communities' quality of life, leaders in community sustainability, and providers of professional development and recognition through a network of members serving the residents of Nevada and those who recreate in Nevada. Current Values: 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. Proposed Values: Integrity: We will be honest and ethical in providing services. Respect: We will recognize and appreciate all opinions, ideas, and contributions. Knowledge: We will continue learning, teaching, and exchanging facts, ideas, and skills. Accountability: We will build relationships through personal responsibility. Teamwork: We will cooperate in the common goal of creating a productive, efficient, and respectful environment.
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NRPS AWARDS - Apply Today!!!! Elmer Anderson Park Excellence Award - Recognizes excellence in park planning and design throughout the State of Nevada. Awards categories will be based upon community sizes with consistent measures of creativity, ingenuity, resource use and community impact as determining factors. Program Excellence Awards – Recognizes excellence and outstanding agencies and individuals that publicize, develop and manage programs, parks and facilities. Awards categories will be based upon community sizes with consistent measures of creativity, resource use efficiencies, ingenuity in marketing/technology, and community impact as determining factors. Categories - Children/Teen - an exceptional program or event that is for the senior community. - Fitness/Sports - an exceptional program or event that creates and promotes a healthy culture. A di rect tie-in with the “Let’s Move” initiative or similar approach to community change as can be found at http://www.letsmove.gov/ - Outdoor - an exceptional program or event that incorporates outdoors. - Senior - an exceptional program or event that is for the senior community. - Healthy Community - This award is granted to a program that helps the community through dis counted or free services. Examples would be free food, open rec program, a grant funded program, homeless initiative, or a direct tie-in with the “Let’s Move” initiative or similar approach to community change as can be found at http://www.letsmove.gov/ - People’s Choice Award - Single award presented to the program/facility voted upon by Recreation Professionals and their participants that best represents the NRPS mission and vision, inspires creative ity, best uses resources and has immediate/positive impact in communities in the State of Nevada. Fellowship Award – For significant service to NRPS and the profession through specific and measurable actions that promote the mission and vision of NRPS. Citation Award – For outstanding contribution to the general field of public parks and/or recreation through specific citizen action in paid and/or volunteer roles. Dundee Award – For significant service and longevity in the parks and recreation profession in Nevada and to NRPS. Honorary Membership Award - awarded to an individual upon retirement after many years of dedicated NRPS service. New Professional Award – Is open to members of the society for special significance to the recreation and park movement, is under 35 years of age, and has less than 10 years of experience. TO APPLY: CONTACT TOKEN (token.barnthouse@navy.mil) OR MICKEY (mickey1@ClarkCountyNV.gov) FOR THE APPLICATION INFORMATION!
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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) 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) Conference Operations Committee ✦ Adam Blackmore, ✦ Dave Castle, ✦ Jessica Laguna ✦ Nate Jaramillo
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
Decemb er 2015
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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 Sharon Cornell 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