NYSRPS The Voice Fall-Winter 2017-18

Voice FALL/WINTER 2017-18

The

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY

EXTRAordinary Downstate Conference in White Plains Planned Honoring Parks Who Honor Vets

Syracuse 2018: Annual Conference Preview

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Our Mission: The New York State Recreation & Park Society (NYSRPS) is the principal organization advancing the value of parks, recreation, and leisure services through professional development of its members and citizen engagement.

NYSRPS has served the leisure service industry for more than 75 years as an independent, nonprofit, public interest, professional membership association dedicated to the following: • To function in such a manner as will further the interests of the leisure service movement, its professionals and leaders in voluntary, public, private, and commercial agencies.

• To promote principles and standards for the improvement of leisure services and to encourage studies and research in professional relations.

• To affiliate for our mutual benefit and cooperation on local, state, and national levels, and with those organizations in similar or related fields.

• To educate the public in regard to the principles and goals of the leisure service industry.

• To assist in the advancement of the leisure services, recreation and parks, and environmental conservation fields.

• To study legislation pertaining to the leisure services and further that legislation which is in the public’s best interest.

• To provide opportunities for professional growth of individuals employed in the leisure service industry.

• To develop a public awareness of the necessity of recreation as a vital part of life.

• To stimulate a widening interest in leisure services in local communities and statewide through conservation and development of leisure resources.

CONTENTS President’s Message................................................................... 3 Executive Board, Regional Representatives, Committee Chairs..... 4 Executive Director’s Message..................................................... 5 2017 Downstate Recreation Conference......................... 6 NYSRPS Regions, Regional Partners, Affiliates.............................. 8-10 2017 Annual Conference in Review........................................... 12-13 2017 Award Winners................................................................... 13 Get to Know US Lacrosse............................................................. 14 2018 Annual Conference Preview.............................................16-17 NPRA Legislative News............................................................18-19 U.S. Communities … Here for U!................................................. 20 Honor Flights........................................................................22-23 Commercial Membership Guide.............................................26-27

Executive Office Staff Executive Director: Lisa Morahan Director of Communications: Beth DellaRocco Accounting: Ann Marie Pendergast Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising: Spring/Summer 2018: January 15, 2018 Fall/Winter 2018: July 15, 2018 All members of NYSRPS receive The Voice, reduced registration rates to the NYSRPS Annual Conference and One Day Seminars, as well as discounts on the Continuing Education Unit Program. NYSRPS areas of involvement and service include Legislation, Workshops and Seminars, Conferences, Membership Publications, Continuing Education Units, and the Discount Ticket Program. The information and articles contained within this publication are for your consideration and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NYSRPS.

On the cover: Two young Lacrosse players compete in a fast-paced game.

Photo: US Lacrosse

NYSRPS reserves the right to approve all material in The Voice.

All requests for articles, photos, and advertising should be made to the Director of Communications at 518.584.0321, ext. 12 or to pr@nysrps.org.

The Voice is printed bi-annually. This is issue #2 of 2017 .

This issue of The Voice was designed and produced by Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc., Minneapolis/Los Angeles

2 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc. Saratoga Spa State Park • 19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.nysrps.org (518) 584-0321

President’s Message Dear NYSRPS Members: While I write my first President’s message, I sit in my office and listen to the office phone ringing off the hook as well as hear my smartphone making a variety of sounds some of which I know what they mean while others I have no clue. It is summer time in a Parks and Recreation office and I like to refer to it as “controlled chaos” or would at least like to believe it is “controlled” most of the time! ☺ As someone who has been in the field for 20+ years and worked for multiple agencies, I am guessing this is a story that most of you can relate too as well. It’s kinda of fun though, isn’t it?

As Parks and Recreation professionals, most of us understand and appreciate the programs, services and parks that each of us provide. What we do matters and makes a difference in people’s lives. As someone who believes strongly in this message, I decided when I first became President that I wanted to share this and promote NYSRPS and what we do to the general public. As an easy and inexpensive way to accomplish this, I drafted a letter that briefly spoke of the benefits that our profession provides and forwarded it to as many newspapers and online publications as I could find across the state. I am aware that there were several outlets that published my letter and allowed our positive message and work to be promoted. While I had my chance as President, I wanted to be able to tell as many people as possible how valuable and important our work is. I hope your local publication carried my letter and you felt good knowing that someone was “tooting your horn” for the great work you do in your communities.

Over the last 10 years, NYSRPS has gone through a number of changes and faced many challenges. These challenges included the Great Recession that hit our field hard and saw large reductions in department’s budgets which resulted in decreased staffing and resulted in fewer dollars for professional development opportunities. This combination led to a decrease in the number of NYSRPS members and had a direct effect on the revenue generated by the Society. About the same time, another major revenue source was eliminated as the large grant that had previously been supplied by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services was eliminated. The combination of lower membership and the elimination of grant funding presented financial challenges for the Society. If that weren’t enough, the

Society also went through a period of staff turnover where it became difficult for the Society to develop any consistent continuity and make advances forward. Fortunately, the organization had many people who stepped forward and worked hard to weather the storm. As a result, the Society managed to survive and I believe is ready to turn a corner and enter a new chapter of our history.

In my opinion, the future is bright for NYSRPS and hopefully the future is now. Presently the Executive Board is working with our Treasurer Nate Nagle to review our finances and develop a financial/investment policy that will allow our money to grow and work for us. We have also begun the preliminary discussions to determine in which ways our money can be best allocated in order to benefit our membership. It is an exciting time as we have not been in a position to have these discussions in our recent past. Although we are not back to our financial standing of the early 2000’s we are at least heading in this direction and are taking the steps needed in order to insure our financial stability and putting us on a path to enjoy future prosperity.

In addition to the continued improvement of our financial situation, the leadership of the Society is strong. I am very excited to announce our newest members of the Executive Board. Jason Marra from the Great Neck Park District and Tom Meyering from the Town of Poughkeepsie are each representing different areas of Region I (Hudson Valley, Long Island, Metro and Westchester) and Joseph Menter from Grand Island Recreation is representing Region III (Niagara Frontier).

Each of these members comes to the Board with a wealth of knowledge and tremendous energy. When we combine our new members with current board members, we have a strong board that is firing on all cylinders!

In addition to our Executive Board, we now have experience and stability amongst our Executive Office Staff. With our Executive Director Lisa Morahan, Communications Director Beth DellaRocco and Bookkeeper Ann Marie Pendergast we have an excellent team assembled that combines experience, enthusiasm and an eagerness to meet the needs of our membership. In my time on the Board, I have been impressed with their professionalism and their desire to continue improving the Society. If you don’t know them already, I would encourage you to reach out and see how you can work together to benefit one another. I think you’ll be glad that you did.

I would like to give a big shout out to Gregg Goodman, Vice-President of Programs &

Services, who has been working tirelessly with his committee to update the Constitution, By-Laws and Manual of Policies/Procedures.

Although it is not a terribly “sexy” project, it is an extremely important process that sets the foundation to effectively operate the society on a daily basis. Once the committee has finished their work and the Executive Board has reviewed the draft Constitution, membership will be notified so a vote can take place to approve any changes that have been made. I would like to thank Gregg and his committee for tackling this labor intensive project.

Finally, please mark your calendars now for our annual conference which will take place April 15-17, 2018 in Syracuse at the newly restored historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown hotel.

I know the conference committee is working hard to put together a fantastic conference and I hope you can join us. I would like to extend a personal invitation to our Downstate members to make the trip Upstate. The conference is an excellent opportunity to attend educational sessions, meet with vendors to see the latest products and services in our field, network with fellow professionals and most of all have FUN! In addition to these benefits, the hotel is absolutely beautiful. The Destiny USA Mall/ Entertainment Center is one of the biggest in the country. Armory Square has many outstanding restaurants and bars. Casinos are nearby and Niagara Falls is only a little bit further down the road if you would like to extend your stay. Yes, Syracuse is actually part of New York State. I would love to see people from all across the state. I hope you can join us.

I hope you had a great summer and manage to find some time for some much deserved vacation. I am looking forward to our year ahead. Thank you for your continued commitment to your profession.

If you ever need to reach me, feel free to contact me at either (315) 487-3600 or ebacon@townofcamillus.com.

Sincerely, Eric Bacon, MS, CPRE, CPRP NYSRPS President

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 3

NYSRPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / COMMITTEE CHAIRS EXECUTIVE BOARD President Eric Bacon, Town of Camillus 4600 West Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13219 315-487-3600 ebacon@townofcamillus.com 1 year term - Expires 2018 President-Elect Debra Keville 2899 Skyline Drive Schenectady, NY 12306 518-506-6928 debbiefromparks@aol.com 1 year term - Expires 2018 Past President Jeff Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks 1350 Turk Hill Road Fairport, NY 14450 585-223-5050 jmyers@perinton.,org 1 year term - Expires 2018 Vice President of Programs & Services Gregg Goodman Phone:(585) 752-1980 ggoodman474@gmail.com 2 year term - Expires 2018 Vice President of Professional Development Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department 301 Brooklea Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066 Phone: 315-637-5188 kzingaro@townofmanlius.org 2 year term - Expires 2019 Treasurer Nathan Nagle, Director of Recreation Village of Horseheads 202 S. Main Street Horsehead NY 14845 Phone: 607-739-5691 nnagle@horsehead.org 2 year term - Expires 2018 Secretary Julie LaFave, Sullivan Parks and Recreation 707 Legion Drive Chittenango, NY 13037 Phone: 315-687-3471 jlafave@townofsullivan.org 2 year term - Expires 2019

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Region I Representative Jason Marra, Great Neck Parks District 65 Arrandale Avenue Great Neck, NY 11024 Phone: 516-487-7665 jmarra@greatneckparks.org 3 year term - Expires 2020 Region I Representative Thomas Meyering Town of Poughkeepsie 1 Overocker Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 Phone: 845-485-3628 tmeyering@townofpoughkeepsie-ny.gov 3 year term - Expires 2018 Region II Representative Vacant Seat Term Expires 2019 Region II Representative Leiko Benson Onondaga County Parks 106 Lake Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 Phone: 315-453-6712 leikobenson@ongov.net 3 year term - Expires 2019 Region III Representative Joseph Menter Grand Island Recreation 3278 Whitehaven Road Grand Island, NY 14072 Phone: 716-773-9680 jmenter@grand-island.ny.us 3 year term - Expires 2020 Region III Representative Linanne Conroy Town of Penfield Recreation Department 1985 Baird Road Penfield, NY 14526 Phone: 585-340-8655 conroy@penfield.org 3 year term - Expires 2019

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Annual Conference Committee: Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Julie LaFave, Sullivan Parks and Recreation Recognition and Awards Committee: Charry Lawson, Onondaga Parks and Recreation Constitution and Bylaws Committee: Gregg Goodman Vice President of Programs & Services: Gregg Goodman Vice President of Professional Development: Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department Nominations Committee: Jeff Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks Personnel Committee: Jeff Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks Eric Bacon, Town of Camillus Debra Keville Professional Ethics Committee: Linanne Conroy, Penfield Parks and Recreation Charry Lawson, Onondaga Parks and Recreation Past Presidents Committee: Jeff Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks Communications/ Social Media Committee: Beth DellaRococo, NYSRPS Staff Tom Venniro, Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation Tom McGerty, Garden City Parks and Recreation Julie LaFave, Sullivan Recreation & Parks Kristine Zingaro, Manlius Recreation Department Strategic Planning Committee: • Public Policy Development: Eric Bacon • Membership Development: Peter O’Brien • Professional Development: Kristine Zingaro • Public Awareness: Tom Venniro • Resource Development: Debra Keville

Upcoming 2017-18 Board Meetings Board meetings are at 10am and are open to all to attend. We welcome guests and encourage participation. Please contact lisa@nysrps.org for meeting room specifics and location.

October 19 – Saratoga Springs December 14 – Saratoga Springs February 22 – Saratoga Springs April TBD Annual Meeting – Syracuse May 17 – Saratoga Springs Approved minutes posted on nysrps.org.

4 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Executive Director’s Message As the page turns from summer to September, I breathe a sigh of relief for our park departments who worked tirelessly to make summer great for communities across New York.

As the page turns from summer to September, I breathe a sigh of relief for our park departments who worked tirelessly to make summer great for communities across New York. I personally enjoyed the benefit of having my own little kid at Malta Parks and Recreation and I am indebted to Audrey, Barbara and their entire crew for giving my son a day camp experience that I, as a mom, could not top. Drop off and pick up reminded me on a daily basis who our people are, how hard they work and why I come to work each day. Thank you.

Uncertainty seems to be the overarching feeling these days with unpredictable world leaders, civil unrest and unprecedented natural disasters upon us. Yet, despite the chaos that abounds we strive to live, work and play each day in our normal lives. We strive because we can, gifted with a peace we enjoy because of our service men and women at home and abroad. Thank you, to our Vets. This issue of The Voice showcases two of our park departments who do an absolutely wonderful job giving back to their local heroes.

We appreciate the many more of you who also provide special programs for your communities to thank America’s service men and women. You, like our service people, do it regardless of praise or acknowledgement.

In the pages ahead, I hope you sense certainty. NYSRPS is certainly growing and with important organizational changes has become fiscally sound. In the next few months our membership will be presented with an updated Constitution, Bylaws and Policies and Procedures manual to approve. These documents have paved the way for NYSRPS to turn 77 years old and will provide an even stronger foundation upon which we will be able to operate. With these critical operational pieces in place, it is my hope our Society will be able to fully function as the unifying force not only between

I would like to thank our President Eric Bacon and NYSRPS Executive Board, the Downstate Conference Committee led by Daryl Ann Sudlow, and the Annual NYSRPS Conference Committee cochaired by Julie LaFave and Kristine Zingaro for countless hours of voluntary service for NYSRPS. I would especially like to thank our VP of Programs and Services, Gregg Goodman, leading the Bylaws Committee with such dedication and care to update our founding documents. Through all of your effort, we are able to unify our membership and deliver excellent programs and services.

Thank you.

Lisa Morahan NYSRPS Executive Director

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The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 5

TUESDAY NOV. 14 2017

WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER | WHITE PLAINS, NY Dear Fellow Professionals,

Purple Cow

I hope you had a safe, sunny and successful summer and are ready for some fall fun!

The 2017 Downstate Committee has been working hard this spring and summer to pull together an EXTRA-ORDINARY conference to present to you in November!

Inspired by Seth Godin’s book Purple Cow that urges you to put a Purple Cow into everything you build, and everything you do, to create something truly noticeable.

This year, WRAPS will be the host affiliate.

As Past President of WRAPS and a 32+ years Recreation Professional, I have the honor of chairing the conference, however, this is not a one person job. Since early spring I have been working with a talented group of people, many with more history on the committee than I, to bring you the best conference yet! I would like to give a shout out to our committee members whose expertise and input is invaluable. From WRAPS: Kim O’Brien and Kyle Peterson; from Hudson Valley: Steve Olsen and Jeanne Scigliano; from NYSTRA: Sharon Einkorn and Shane Howze, from Metro: Jeremy Cash and Charlynn Willis and from NYSRPS: Beth DellaRocco & NYSRPS Executive Director, Lisa Morahan!

Do you have what it takes to be the Purple Cow in the field of cows?

For those who need CEU’s or whose departments no longer totally fund or fund overnight conferences, I encourage you to attend this local and very affordable conference. It will not only be filled with timely and relevant sessions, new & veteran vendors, but the networking opportunities with those in our profession are priceless! So please save the date for the 2017 Downstate Conference, Tuesday, November 14, at the Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY! Hope to see you there!

Sincerely, Daryl Ann Sudlow 2017 Downstate Chair dsudlow@bedfordny.gov

6 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Does your agency, programs, parks, and staff STAND OUT or do you just blend in?

Is your agency unique, exceptional, and unforgettable - like a Purple Cow - or are you just your basic black or brown steer?

The educational session line up will offer over 25 sessions by accomplished and enthusiastic speakers. CEUs available for attendees seeking re-certification.

EXTRAordinary session topics!

• Invasives • Volunteer Engagement • Tinkergarten Approach • Civilian Emergency Response

• Tick Borne Diseases • Building EXTRAordinary Leaders • Excellence in TR Management • And more!

*Program may be subject to change

EXTRAordinary Exhibitors at the Downstate Conference!

Exhibitors wishing to showcase EXTRAordinary Products and Services for the leisure services industry should secure their booth location by no later than October 15.

Space is limited. Register today!

Visit nysrps.org for all registration information.

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NYSRPS REGIONS, REGIONAL PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES New York State is divided into three regions (per bylaws) with the intent to provide full representation of park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across NY State on the NYSRPS Board. Two representatives from each region are asked to serve from each region, each for three-year terms. Regional representatives’ terms are staggered in an effort to ensure each region is represented at all times.

Greetings from NYSRPS Regions!

Long Island Leisure Services Association (LILSA)

y t n u o C r e t ches t s e W , n Teatow

Message from the President LILSA has been growing over the past year.

We have a five year strategic plan which guides us. We have been hard at work planning several social events for our members such as back stage tour of Jones Beach Theatre, and Sagamore Hill Tour, as well as a Golf Tournament and many more to come. We continue to provide educational opportunities such as our Half Day TR conference and our full Day Conference in conjunction with Saint Joseph’s College. We have an exciting 2018 planned, check us out at lilsa.org, https://twitter. com/LILSANews, facebook at facebook.com/ longislandleisureservicesassociation.

Anthony Martino

REGION

2017-2018 LILSA Executive Board President: Anthony Martino Vice President: Tom McGerty Treasurer: Manny Falzone

1

Photo: Westchester County Tourism

REGION 1 Hudson Valley Leisure Services Association (HVLSA) Message from the President The HVLSA has a great history of serving the recreation professionals from the Hudson Valley.

We are a group of hardworking individuals whose goals are to advance the recreation profession. We have members from the municipal, therapeutic and commercials sectors and we have created a network for our members to utilize as a resource for their communities, user groups and businesses. Each year we do our best to provide educational experiences for our members on the most important topics in our area and facing our profession. We encourage and invite all recreation professionals, students, boards and commissions from the Hudson Valley to join us.

Upcoming HVLSA Events: The 2017-2018 slate of sessions is currently a work in progress. We will have 8 meetings during the year and we offer CEUs for our members.

2017-2018 HVLSA Board President: Lou Fernandez Vice President: Chip Connington Treasurer: Tom Quinlisk Secretary: Steve Olsen Member at Large: Matt Veronesi Member at Large: Rob Petrillo Member at Large: Jeanne Scigliano Member at Large: Jessica Dickinson

Lou Fernandez Director of Recreation and Parks Town of Kent

8 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

2017-2018 LILSA Board Members George Amitrano William Brown Jack Fass Ed Fronckwicz Elizabeth Hagedorn Adrienne Hartill Kevin Kelly Gail Lamberta Don McKay Kevin Ocker Kate Schneider Robin Wexler

e r a s e i r Memo ! e r e h made

NYSRPS REGIONS, REGIONAL PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES Westchester Recreation and Park Society (WRAPS) Message from the President I was very impressed and quite proud of our society during the 60th Annual Awards and Scholarship Luncheon on June 9th. The Awards and Scholarship Committee did an amazing job organizing the event. Chairperson Sally Veltidi from Eastchester and her committee deserve a lot of credit for their time. 17 out of 18 possible award categories were fulfilled including the new Future Mentoring Fellowship which took over a year to finalize the logistics. The room at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, NY was filled with award winners, friends and family members, past presidents and many other guests. The event has always recapped the accomplishments of a terrific year while marking the beginning of the hectic summer season for all of us. I am always pleased and prideful after this annual luncheon, however in this, my first year as WRAPS President, I was extra proud in speaking to many of our members during and after the event.

I had the enjoyment of speaking to many of our younger members such as our inaugural Future Mentoring Fellowship winners Liz Linsalato from Mamaroneck and Bill Camarra from Peekskill to hear about how they are doing in their full-time recreation positions. Their careers have just begun and I am already impressed with their attitudes and interest in our profession. Then I get to talk to members who have a few years under their belts like Doug Scott from Rye who tells me how great the day was and expresses his continued interest to get more involved in our society. I can pass along some words of advice and encourage him to keep offering his time and expertise to WRAPS as he moves forward. I love sitting and joking with the folks I came up through the ranks with. We’ve done

so many things together already. Guys and gals like Brian Gray, Lesley Popkin and Ike Kuzio have been on boards and committees together with me for years and it is unbelievably rewarding when programs like this luncheon go off so beautifully.

When a respected member who has more years than me, like Peter J. Mayers Award for Merit winner Henry Jamin from Briarcliff comes up to you and says thank you for all the hard work and commends you for putting on an entertaining show, that certainly puts a smile on your face. It’s special to give proper send offs to any recently retired members who so many of us have relied on over the years for advice and guidance. And when they shake your hand and tell you to continue the good work, you can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. And finally the many congratulatory e-mails in the days that follow from colleagues that you enjoy working with like Greenburgh’s Bob Kazmareck and Donna Esperito from New Castle really cap things off and justifies why we all give our time to help each other out.

Our professional society works so well together.

I’ve always said WRAPS is like a family and no place is that more evident than at our June luncheon. We get to spend time with members of all ages, take and give advice and wish each other luck for the upcoming camp and pool season. I can visualize the new members taking over the leadership roles in the near future and at the same time, give well wishes to the individuals that are wrapping up their career after many years dedicated to the society and their respective municipalities. I hope you all can experience the same satisfaction. Please visit our web site and Facebook page when you can and keep in touch with all your peers and colleagues during the rest of the summer, and enjoy the upcoming fall. Thank you!

Matt Arone Westchester Recreation and Park Society

Saratoga State Park

REGION

2

2017-18 WRAPS Executive Board President: Matt Arone, Village of Scarsdale Vice President: Brian Gray, Village of Scarsdale Secretary: Sandy Korkatzis, Village of Mamaroneck Treasurer: Erin Mantz, City of Rye Members-at-Large: Matt Trainor, Town of North Castle Bob Kaczmarek, Town of Greenburgh Kimberly O’Brien, Town of Bedford Kyle Thornton, Town of Yorktown David Goldberg, Town of Pound Ridge Sally Veltidi, Town of Eastchester Past President: Daryl Sudlow, Town of Bedford

REGION 2 Central New York Recreation and Park Society (CNYRPS) Message from the President Greetings from Central New York! Summer has been a very busy time for our members – hosting numerous special events for our communities at large – Fourth of July fireworks, concerts, and festivals galore; providing new, unique program opportunities in addition to the many other activities (swimming lessons; sport camps; arts and humanities classes; to name just a few); as well providing swimming at various swimming pools and lake front beaches when Mother Nature cooperated! At the same time, planning for the upcoming activities to be offered in the Fall and Winter seasons continues unabated. Central New York is blessed to have so many facilities, parks, and types of recreation activities just moments away from our constituents to partake.

The Board recently approved setting up a second student scholarship - to be named in memory of David Vermilya, longtime director of the Camillus Town Shop, the Town’s teen center.

CNYRPS is excited to be hosting the 78th Annual NYSRPS Recreation Conference and Business Expo April 15-17, 2018 at the Marriott Downtown Syracuse (formerly the Hotel Syracuse, which in 1996 served as one of the first sites statewide to host the conference). “Celebrating the Golden Age,” the conference theme is very fitting for this recently renovated and historic location that opened in the 1920’s. Conference Co-Chairs Julie LaFave and Kristine Zingaro and their committees are working diligently to provide a variety of educational sessions and social events ensure a successful conference!

Tom White, Retired, City of Syracuse

Photo: Sar Con Tourism Bureau

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 9

NYSRPS REGIONS, REGIONAL PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES Upcoming CNYRPS Events September: Putt Putt Tourney and/or Irish Road Bowling for members and their families.

October: A tour of several CNY Micro-Breweries is being scheduled for members, non-members and friends. Stay tuned for more details.

December 19: Holiday Party March: Awards Banquet April 15-17: NYSRPS 78th Annual Conference and Business Expo at the Marriott Downtown Syracuse 2017-2018 CNYRPS Board President: Tom White, City of Syracuse President Elect: Leiko Benson, Onondaga County Parks Past President: Teresa Roth, Village of North Syracuse Parks and Recreation Secretary: Megan Ball, Town of DeWitt Parks and Recreation Treasurer: Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department Members-at-Large Charlie Bisnett, Onondaga County Peter Bardou, Town of Cicero Patrick McGinnis, City of Binghamton Jennifer Smiley, Town of Sullivan Eric Sopchak, Onondaga County

Enjoy F all at th e F alls

North Country Recreation & Leisure Service Professionals (NCRLP) Message from the President Founded in 2016, the North Country Recreation & Leisure Service Professionals (NCRLP) serves professionals from St. Lawrence, Lewis, Jefferson and Franklin counties with its main goal of providing a means for professional growth and enlightenment of members and coworkers in the field of recreation and leisure services.

In a time when municipalities are facing budget uncertainties, NCRLP members are looking towards the advancement of recreation and leisure services in our communities as well as working together to make sure that recreation services continue to be maintained and enhanced and our staff receive the training and professional growth that they need and deserve.

John Taillon, who recently retired as Canton’s recreation director after 30 years of service, was the main force behind this organization’s creation. John served as its first president and I look to continue the vision he had which was to grow recreational services in the North Country. With the dedicated, committed and supportive individuals in the NCRLP, I know that that vision will be seen by the children and adults of the North Country for years to come.

REGION 3 Genesee Valley Recreation & Park Society (GVRPS) Message from the President As I already close out my second month as President of GVRPS I am reminded how quickly time can pass, especially in these summer months! I am looking forward to working with the current board in order to increase our student relations as well as increase membership. We have created sub-committees to help with both of these goals. Financially we are in great standing and our Treasurer, Stacey, does an excellent job keeping us informed and our finances in tight order. Early reports from our Members at Large, Kelly and Stacie, are encouraging! They are busy planning not only fundraising events, but also social and educational opportunities for our membership.

Ashley Vent, GVRPS President Upcoming GVRPS Events September 8: Glenn Boetcher Charity Golf Tournament November: GVRPS Conference and Awards Ceremony March: Annual Bowling Fundraiser

-Matt Curatulo Parks & Recreation Director, City of Ogdensburg

2017-2018 GVRPS Executive Board

2017-2018 NCRLP Executive Board President: Matt Curatolo Vice President: Mike McCabe Secretary: Tia Beaulieu

President-Elect: Nick Berlin, Town of Odgen

President: Ashley Vent, Town of Chili Past-President: Jason Kulik, Town of Henrietta Treasurer: Stacey Piddisi, Town of Perinton Secretary: Diana Weber, Town of Perinton Members-at-Large Kelly Bartell, Town of Parma Stacie Paris, Town of Gates

Niagara Frontier Recreation and Park Society (NFRPS)

REGION

3

Message from the President

lls a F a r a g a Ni

Completing the most successful year in the history of the NFRPS was the 2nd Annual Summer Staff Mini Conference and Luncheon on June 15th. Our host the Village of Hamburg and our corporate sponsor Parkitects and Landscape Structures, allowed this event to be free to all our members and staff. Over 75 participants representing 9 municipalities attended sessions which included Coping With Parents and Program Participant Incidents, Customer Service, Trends in Play Space Design, Unique Back Pocket Games, A Day in the Life of a Summer Staffer and First Aid Immediate Responses. Based on all the feedback a 3rd annual is already in the planning stages.

Ed Leake, President NFRPS The 2017-2018 Executive Board will be elected in September of 2017.

10 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

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2017 Annual Conference in Rochester is a Terrific Success!

The New York State Recreation and Park Society celebrated its 77th Annual Conference & Expo April 2-4, 2017. This 3-day gathering of leisure service professionals is NYSRPS’ largest event and anticipated fundraiser and we are very glad to report 2017 profits exceeded expectations totalling approximately $37,000.

2017 NYSRPS Annual Conference and Expo Committee From left to right: Alison Burchett, Ashley Vent, Nick Berlin, Janelle Drach, Matt Steffen, Diana Weber, Linanne Conroy, Christine Winter, Lisa Morahan, Jeff Nutting, Tom Venniro, Diane Riesenberger, Gregg Goodman, James Farr, and Jeff Myers.

NYSRPS would like to thank the Genesee Valley Recreation and Park Society for chairing the event and making this possible. Both Jeff Nutting and Janelle Drach did an excellent job steering the conference planning committee and executing a flawless program.

Although the Hyatt Regency was at the height of renovations, all in attendance were understanding and patient throughout.

We would like to extend a special ‘Thank You!’ to Neelay Bhatt our dynamic keynote speaker and friend of NYSRPS. Neelay gave so much of himself throughout the conference- speaking for the annual Keynote, giving extra sessions and joining us for our evening socials. We were very blessed to have his experience, talent and wit making for a most memorable time for all to enjoy. Thanks Neelay!

The Society thanks all exhibitors, speakers, delegates and volunteers who made the experience truly enjoyable. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2018 Annual Conference & Expo ‘Celebrating the Golden Age’ planned for April 15-17, 2018 in Syracuse, NY.

12 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Thank You 2017 Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CONFERENCE SPONSOR

AWARDS SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSOR

EDUCATIONAL SPONSOR

2017 Exhibitors • Advantage Sport & Fitness • Alpha Youth Sports • Alternative Earthcare • American Recreational Products • Amilia • BigToys Playgrounds • Bobby K Entertainment • BSN SPORTS • Denzak Recreation Design Supply, Inc. • Discount School Supply • Eaton‚ Ephesus Lighting • GARED • H Krevit Inc • Kompan, Inc. • Lasertron • Long Island Leisure Services Association • Mateflex • Maxian + Horst Landscape Architects Land Planners • Musco Sports Lighting • MyRec.com

• Nagle Athletic Surfaces, Inc. • Parkitects, Inc. • Play and Park Structures • Play By Design • PlaySites Plus Surfaces, Inc. • Rec., Parks & Leisure Studies Dept.

• RecDesk Software • RenoSys Corporation • Rochester Accessible Adventures • sofSURFACES • SportsNet • Stageline Mobile Stage Inc. • SUNY Cortland Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies • Super Seal Sealcoating Co. • US Communities • USTA Eastern • Vermont Systems • Viatran Printing Inc • Watson Homestead Conference & Retreat Center • Whirlin’ Disc DJs • WonderWorks

2017 Awards Ceremony Winners

The NYSRPS Annual Awards Ceremony is the highlight of the conference. Recognizing the outstanding professionals that make New York’s park and recreation departments extraordinary is such an honor and the Society is proud to acknowledge these individuals and the contributions they have made.

(Left to right) Front row: Eric Bacon, Ashley Vent, Tom White, John Taillon, Jason Kulik, Carol Quinlivan Back row: Chauncy Young, Luke Griff, Teresa Roth, Jody Rogers, Anke Applebaum, Leiko Benson, Megan Ball, Jennifer Smiley Individual award recipient photos may be obtained by contacting NYSRPS.

Of course it is not all work and no play! The Hospitality Committee did a great job filling the program with terrific evening activities.

(Left) The Strong Museum provided a night of great fun for attendees to go back in time and play some classic games from foosball to Pac Man. (Right) Jim Farr, City of Rochester, takes a healthy spin courtesy of Conkey Cruisers.

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 13

Get to Know

US Lacrosse Jim Brown, a former NFL star and standout multi-sport athlete at Syracuse University, explained his love for lacrosse to a New York Times reporter: “I could fully express myself. I could duck between players, I felt free to make plays that suited me best … I’d rather play lacrosse six days a week and football on the seventh.”

Increasingly, young people are following in Brown’s footsteps and discovering a kinetic, exciting sport suited for all sizes and abilities.

US Lacrosse, the national governing body of the sport, has a simple mission: to give every young person the same opportunity Jim Brown had to enjoy the sport, regardless of his or her ability to shoulder the cost. Since the organization was founded in 1998, participation in the sport has increased 300 percent (to more than 800,000) making it one of the fast growing sports in the United States.

Enthusiasm for “America’s First Sport” goes back a long way.

Before Columbus arrived, tribes in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Southeast played lacrosse, using curved sticks with webbing (crosses) to carry and throw a piece of hide-covered stone. Goals were as much as a mile apart; players could number in the hundreds; games could last for days.

Known to some as “the little brother of war,” lacrosse was often played to settle disputes instead of fighting. Others called it “the Creator’s game,” and offered up competition as a sacrifice for a good harvest or good health, if a member of the tribe was sick. The sport engaged the entire community.

Though first described and named by Jesuit missionaries among the Iroquois (“Haudenosaunee”) in upstate New York in the early 1600s, lacrosse did not spread much beyond native tribes until a Montreal dentist wrote the first set of rules in the 1860s. Around that time, lacrosse clubs began forming in cities such as Montreal, Toronto, New York, Brooklyn and Baltimore. Industrialization, which made work less physical for many, and newly -built city parks provided the desire and space for vigorous exercise. Lacrosse fit the bill perfectly.

The sport grew with post-war suburbs, which provided greater access to playing fields and recreational spaces than could be found in most cities. More recently, though, lacrosse has been taking off again in cities from Boston to Los Angeles and Seattle to Miami. In 2014, US Lacrosse founded the Urban Lacrosse Alliance (ULA) with 14 member programs and leagues. Three years later, there are 47, and new member applications arrive every month.

US Lacrosse takes a hands-on approach to fostering continued growth through programs and services that enable local partners affiliated with schools and recreation programs to share the sport with children in their communities.

US Lacrosse has a simple mission: to give every young person the same opportunity Jim Brown had to enjoy the sport, regardless of his or her ability to shoulder the cost.

14 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Some of the programs US Lacrosse offers include: • First Stick Program: a competitive grant program that provides comprehensive assistance for new teams, including equipment for players and training for coaches.

• Soft Stick Lacrosse Equipment Grant: provides a set of soft lacrosse equipment to schools, after-school programs and community-based youth organizations.

• PE Curriculum: soft-stick lacrosse is well suited for youth in grades K-12. The US Lacrosse Physical Education Curriculum guide provides age specific unit plans, lesson plans, drills, games, educational handouts, cross-curricular activities and more. The comprehensive teacher’s manual aligns with national standards and was developed in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

• Adaptive Lacrosse: an offering of the sport provided for people with physical or intellectual impairments. Athletes with disabilities benefit from the same training and conditioning as athletes without disabilities, and generally, the same program used for athletes without disabilities can be used for their peers with a disability, with a few modifications.

• Best Practices & Resources for Diversity and Inclusion: ten best practices were compiled to assist organizations with inexpensive ways to integrate inclusivity and accessibility into your program. In-depth descriptions with overarching strategies, including practical, ready-to-use information.

• Coaches and Officials Education and Training: fundamental to a success program that provides a great experience for young people are properly training coaches and officials. Highly skilled trainers provide detailed training for those who wish to become certified or simply learn more.

Growing recreational programs in a time of limited resources requires a strategic approach and strong partners. US Lacrosse has been fortunate to work with outstanding individuals and organizations in nearly every state to add America’s First Sport to the menu of recreational options.

To learn more visit US Lacrosse on the web at www.uslacrosse.org/program-leaders or call their office at (410) 235-6882.

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Host Hotel: Marriott Syracuse Downtown The Marriott Syracuse Downtown is the venue of choice for an all-under-one-roof convenient conference experience, with ample space for sessions, exhibits and lodging. This classic hotel is perfectly restored to its original 1920’s grandeur and will provide the ideal setting for ‘Celebrating the Golden Age’.

78th Annual NYSRPS Conference & Expo On behalf of the entire 2018 NYSRPS Conference Committee, we can’t wait to transport you back to both the Roaring ‘20s and the Golden Age of Sports as we “Celebrate the Golden Age” on April 15-17 in Syracuse, New York. From the first moment you walk into the entrance of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown (formerly the Hotel Syracuse), you’ll be transported to different era. A time when America was eager to both work and play. A time when sports exploded and were finally available to not just the wealthy. And a time when Art Deco emerged as new buildings were designed. The extremely unique and historically preserved Marriot Syracuse will bring both awe and inspiration as we re-discover our recreation roots.

To bring you the finest in educational sessions, dining experiences, off-site tours and networking opportunities, we have gathered some of the most talented professionals in the Central New York area to plan a conference that you will not want to miss. Stay tuned in the coming months as we release exciting details. And mark the dates in your calendar now.

We’ll see you in April!

Julie LaFave and Kristine Zingaro, Conference Chairs

Central New York Recreation and Parks Society has volunteered to lead the 2018 Annual Conference. We would like to thank all, and the conference co-chairs Julie LaFave (Sullivan Parks and Recreation) and Kristine Zingaro (Manlius Recreation) for giving countless hours of service to make the conference experience wonderful and raise the funds NYSRPS relies upon by this annual event.

16 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

2018 Annual Conference Committee Pictured from left to right: Julie LaFave, Jen Smiley, Kristine Zingaro, Gary Lopez, Charlie Bisnett, Eric Sopchak and Charry Lawson. Committee members not pictured: Debbie Dennis, Leiko Benson, Tony Burkinshaw, Luke Griff, Peter Bardou, Karen O’Connor, Teresa Roth, Pat McGinnis, Joey Artuso and Peggy Kenyon.

Call for Speakers The Conference Program Committee is currently seeking session abstracts for a golden program. If you are a dynamic speaker with expertise in park, recreation and/or therapeutic recreation programming or administration, please consider a gratis session.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share your experience, knowledge, and at the same time give back to the profession that you have dedicated your life to. Submit your abstract today by visiting nysrps.org. Submission deadline is October 15.

Registration will open in December, so be sure to look for information via NYSRPS monthly newsletters, promotional emails and by visiting nysrps.org.

NYSRPS Welcomes 2018 Annual Keynote Speaker - Gian Paul Gonzalez Gian Paul Gonzalez’s message of being “ALL IN” has reached people across the world. During the New York Giants’ 2011 Super Bowl run, much of their inspiration is attributed to Gian Paul’s now famous “ALL IN” rally cry speech that he delivered during the team’s chapel service prior to their Christmas Eve game against the NY Jets. It is widely recognized as having inspired the New York Giants to their Super Bowl victory.

Since then, Gian Paul has traveled across the nation as a motivational speaker for many corporate, athletic, government and educational institutions. He has been featured on ESPN, Fox News and CNN. Some of the groups he has spoken to include the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers, Navy Seals and West Point Military Academy.

Gian Paul was a former NCAA First Team All-American basketball player from Montclair State University, scoring nearly 1,400 points in his 3-year career. He played in the NBA Summer League in 2007. He is the founder of Hope + Future, a foundation dedicated to using basketball to share a message of hope and striving for excellence in inner-city public schools and juvenile detention centers. Gian Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.

Exhibitors and Sessions Invited!

Take this first chance opportunity to secure a booth location in the conference exhibit hall. Only 53 inside exhibit hall and 10 lobby booths are available. Due to the restored nature of the conference facility, original framework was not changed and therefore doorways to the exhibit hall are limited in size. Exhibitors needing to load in with large pallets should contact NYSRPS to ensure loading space is appropriate.

Interested in exhibiting and/or speaking? Please visit nysrps.org for all 2018 Annual Conference & Expo abstract and booth registration information.

Casino Night Networking Event Enjoy a Bugsy Siegel Style Casino Night with for fun gaming, sponsored in part by Endeavor Entertainment. Try your luck at Black Jack, Roulette, The Big Wheel and Chuck a Luck! Volunteer dealers will be needed so stay tuned for how you can help NYSRPS with this terrific event.

Conference App With overwhelming rave reviews, NYSRPS will once again provide all conference information via the Eventsential conference app. Simply download (for free) Eventsential on your mobile device and search NYSRPS for the 2018 Annual Conference. The app is a terrific way to plan your itinerary and be connected to all program information at the touch of a tab.

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 17

NRPA LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Showing Congress the Happiest Parks on Earth

By Jayni Rasmussen, Advocacy and Outreach Manager, NPRA

A few days after National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and George Mason University came out with their study on the Economic Impact of Local Parks in 2015, NextCity reported on it with possibly the best headline ever: “$140 Billion Reasons Your City Park Is Just Like Disneyland.” The title is referring to how our study found that local parks don’t just create healthier, happier communities – they’re also good for business, generating $140 billion in economic activity every year. While we on the Public Policy team at NRPA would like to focus on that great headline (because yes, local parks are basically Disneyland), we’re thinking about the federal investment that helped to make that $140 billion possible, and the park and recreation agencies who worked to leverage it locally. We’re also thinking about how that federal investment is facing a very real threat of being drastically cut, or disappearing completely – and how we need our members’ help to save it.

Our team recently estimated that $4.4 billion in federal funding is available to local, state and regional park and recreation departments. This funding has proven absolutely critical to park and recreation agencies, including those in New York, in piecing together funding puzzles by supplementing their budgets and leveraging state, local, and private dollars to meet park, project and programming funding goals. However, the 2018 Fiscal Year Appropriations process has been ominous, with many proposed funding bills suggesting cutting or even essentially eliminating many of the federal programs on which so many park and recreation departments rely.

Now, the political reasoning behind proposing these cuts may seem obvious, as many members of Congress are under enormous pressure to reel in federal spending. However, I think we can all agree that our shared goal is to balance the budget while generating economic growth – so how does it make sense to cut spending on local parks and recreation, an industry proven to generate massive economic activity? With just $4.4 billion invested in local parks and recreation and a return of over $140 billion in economic activity generated every year, we simply can’t afford to make these cuts. If every Hill meeting were a pitch on Shark Tank, I’d be quipping that you’ve got to spend money to make money, and in this economy, spending money on our local Disneylands is one of the best investments you can make.

NRPA’s Public Policy team is fighting hard on the Hill to ensure Congress continues to value the importance of parks and recreation, but many other organizations, associations and businesses are doing the same. To stand out and have our voices heard, we need to innovate and play to our advantages. That’s the idea behind the Park Champion initiative – to empower NRPA members to use their best assets, their incredible parks and centers. Our Park Champions are building relationships with their members of Congress by engaging in a “show and tell” advocacy model. By inviting their members of Congress to their events, program kick-offs, park dedications, and more, they’re giving them meaningful experiences that demonstrate what parks and recreation means to the communities they serve and how federal policies impact – or could impact – them.

Be seen. Be heard. Advertise in The Voice.

2018 Voice Advertising Rates* Publication frequency: Printed twice annually Issues: Spring/Summer (ad due Jan 15, 2018) and

Fall/Winter (ad due May 15, 2018).

SPACE 1 issue 2 issues Back Cover............................... $975............... $925 Inside Front or Back Cover.......... $875............... $825 Full Page (7.625 x 10.25 in)......... $775............... $725 Half Page (7.625 x 5.125 in) ........ $525.............. $475 Quarter Page (3.813 x 5.125 in).... $375............... $300 *All prices are NYSRPS Commercial Member rate per ad, per issue. Non-member rates higher inquire for details.

To become a Commercial Member, or to purchase ad space contact: pr@nysrps.org or 518-584-0321.

18 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

NRPA LEGISLATIVE NEWS You can help us make the case for local parks and recreation to Congress by showing off your local parks, centers and programs through the Park Champion initiative. NRPA has all of the tools and resources you need to bring Capitol Hill to a park near you! Just head over to our website, www.nrpa.org/park-champions, sign the Park Champion pledge, and use the Park Champion Advocacy Toolkit to get started.

You can invite your members of Congress for a visit any time, although you may want to choose an event, program kick-off or project dedication that will give your members plenty of opportunity to see your great work and interact with members of the community. It’s also great to be strategic – if you have any parks or projects that have directly benefited from federal funding, your members of Congress will likely want to see them, especially if they’re on the Congressional Committees that handle those programs.

Here’s a bit of guidance and event ideas based on NRPA’s legislative priorities: NRPA Legislative Priority

What’s the threat?

New York Targets: House

New York Targets: Senate

Event Ideas

USDA Summer and Afterschool Meals and Snacks (SFSP and CACFP)

USDA nutrition programs are not at risk of losing funding… yet. Congress is considering changing the program, meaning park and rec agencies might not be able to benefit in the future.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-21), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-13)

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D)

Visit of a summer or after-school meal or snack program! Members love helping to pass out meals and participating in educational or enrichment activities.

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLCs)

The House passed a budget that cuts this program by $191million, which park and rec agencies for funding educational opportunities at summer and afterschool programs.

Rep. Nita Lowey (D17), Rep. José Serrano (D-15), Rep. Grace Meng (D-6)

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance Fund

The House passed a budget that essentially eliminates funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the program is also up for reauthorization at the end of September 2018.

Visit or attend an event at a park or project funded by LWCF State Assistance Fund.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants

The House budget cut CDBG by $100 million and eliminated funding for TIGER.

Tour or attend a ribbon-cutting or groundbreaking of a CDBG or TIGER project. Members love a photo opportunity with those giant novelty scissors and shovels!

Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act

This bill would allow pre-tax dollars to be used for fitness-related expenses. It’s not at risk, but we’d love to see this bill pass in 2017!

Rep. Tom Reed (R-23), Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-14), Rep. Brian Higgins (D-26)

Any tour or event at a park or center is a great way to highlight how your community members could benefit!

Transportation Alternatives Program

This program isn’t up for reauthorization until 2020, but we need to make sure Congress continues to see how TAP benefits their constituents.

Rep. John Katko (R24), Rep. John Faso (R-19), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-10), Rep. Sean Maloney (D-18)

Any tour or event that highlights your rec trails – you can even get your members out for a community bike ride!

Visit a summer or afterschool program, especially if it has benefited from 21st CCLC, or has educational/enrichment opportunities.

It’s common knowledge that New York state is filled with incredible parks, centers and programs. Show your members of Congress how your agency is blowing Disneyland out of the water by building healthier, happier, more economically sound communities by hosting a Park Champion event. What’s Anaheim got on the Adirondacks, anyway?

For updates on what the NRPA Public Policy Team is working on, head over to www.nrpa.org/advocacy. Then, join NRPA members across New York and the country in fighting for the future of parks and rec by signing up for the Park Champion initiative at www.nrpa.org/parkchampions. The NRPA Public Policy Team is always available to help you with a Park Champion event – for questions or assistance, reach out to Jayni Rasmussen, Advocacy and Outreach Manager at jrasmussen@nrpa.org or (440) 522.9162.

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 19

U

U.S. Communities … Here for U! What is U.S. Communities?

U.S. Communities is the leading national cooperative purchasing program, providing world-class government procurement resources and solutions to local and state government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education institutions, and nonprofits looking for the best overall supplier government pricing. Created by public agencies to meet the needs of public agencies, today, more than 55,000 registered agencies utilize U.S. Communities contracts to save time and money on many products and services.

What products and services are available through the program?

U.S. Communities works with 51 suppliers that provide access to a wide-range of offerings for program users. Parks can purchase playground equipment, utility work vehicles, sports lighting and more. U.S. Communities also offers services along with goods, including maintenance and facilities solutions , waste and recycling solutions and roofing and waterproofing solutions.

What makes U.S. Communities different?

U.S. Communities is different from any other cooperative purchasing agency because it harnesses the collective purchasing power of public agencies. It is also the first cooperative program to earn the NIGP Accredited Cooperative (NAC) accreditation for demonstrating the highest standard of practice in the cooperative marketplace.

20 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Piggybacking? How does U.S. Communities work for members?

A selected public agency, henceforth known as a “lead public agency,” goes out to bid for a product, such as paint and paint supplies. This public agency implements a competitive solicitation process, including the release of an RFP, evaluation of received proposals, selection of a supplier and award of a contract. Once a supplier is chosen, any public agency across the nation – as long as they are registered for the U.S. Communities program – can piggyback off of that contract and receive the bulk purchase discount on paint and paint supplies as negotiated by the lead public agency.

Harford County Public Schools in Maryland, for example, has served as the lead public agency for U.S. Communities. They executed the solicitation process for one of U.S. Communities’ newest suppliers, Gopher, which provides athletic and physical education equipment.

The lead public agency model is incredibly important and ensures that participating public agencies receive the highest quality products and services at the lowest possible prices. As a state sponsor of the program, NYSRPS would not stand behind a program that didn’t rely on such an innovative yet thorough approach to helping parks save money.

Interested in joining thousands to save money with the program?

U.S. Communities is free to use and there is no cost to register. Visit www.uscommunities.org for more information about existing offerings, current solicitations and more.

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The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 21

H

Group from Town of Malta

2017 HONOR FLIGHTS Park Agencies Supporting Veterans Across New York State

By Lisa Morahan -NYSRPS Executive Director

As the Executive Director of NYSRPS, I have the privileged opportunity to speak with our members to hear what they are doing in their towns, changing forever lives of their residents by the programs they provide.

In April 2017, I had the unbelievable experience of speaking with Mike Stockman, from the Town of Victor. After hearing how he is involved with Honor Flight Rochester and largely responsible for it happening, I wanted to feature him in The Voice. After hearing his impassioned support for our nation’s Veterans, I needed to feature him. I hope this special spotlight thanks Mike and our members around New York State who are driving community efforts such as this, with such heart and soul.

NYSRPS is proud to share how our park agencies from the Town of Victor and Town of Malta are honoring our nation’s Veterans.

MALTA PARKS, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES – TOWN OF MALTA, NY Honor Flight on the Homefront On June 24, 2017 Audrey Ball of Malta Parks, Recreation and Human Services hosted ‘Honor Flight on the Homefront’. This very special ceremony was conducted by Leatherstocking Honor Flight for those Veterans too ill to travel to DC for the full Honor Flight experience.

The program minus climbing aboard an aircraft, gave all Veterans in attendance the full Honor flight experience videos of the Honor Flight trip and high honors extended by distinguished speakers and the Patriot Guard. The Malta Community Center was filled with tears and gratitude.

NYSRPS is a terrific professional Society not because of any achievement made within the walls of the State Society Office.

NYSRPS is a terrific Society because of the incredible professionals who choose to belong, joined by the shared bond of parks and recreation. I pray this tribute celebrates our Veterans and at the same truly honors you, who make NYSRPS a terrific professional organization, by pouring your heart into their life’s work by incredible community programs such as Honor Flight.

NYSRPS SalUte s YoU 22 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

HONOR FLIGHT TOWN OF VICTOR PARKS AND RECREATION – ROCHESTER, NY The “Daily Messenger” did a wonderful feature on Honor Flight Rochester (by Melody Burri) which the following excerpt is from.

Honor Flight Rochester veterans get a boost from Victor businesses, service clubs, residents Another 60 World War II, Korean War and Cold War era veterans will get to see their memorials in Washington D.C. And it’s all thanks to a tsunami of generosity and hard work from Victor businesses, service organizations and residents.

Amid a sea of veterans wearing orange t-shirts, Honor Flight Rochester representatives received checks for $14,890.66 and $15,000 from Victor’s Week for Honor Flight event and the Alex P. Davis Golf Tournament, respectively. The June 26 ceremony at Victor Town Hall was again charged with emotion and gratitude, as it has been for each of its six years.

Town of Victor check presentation

Organizer Mike Stockman, Victor Parks and Recreation assistant director, said he is enormously proud of the way businesses and community members continue to rally behind the annual effort.

“In six years we’ve raised $80,000 for our friends at Honor Flight Rochester,” said Stockman. “I’ve been on a couple of missions, and I can attest to the meaning and depth of what it means to our veterans.”

This particular fundraiser is completely reliant on the muscle power of service agencies, businesses, their customers and area residents, Stockman said. “People give what they can because it means something to them,” said Stockman, waving a handwritten list of donors whose gifts ranged from $10 to $2,000. “They’re all equally important, and I appreciate it.”

Stockman Honor Flight group

Among the service groups “who jumped in big time” were Victor Lions Club, American Legion James Cook Post 931, Farmington-Victor Kiwanis, Victor-Farmington Rotary, Farmington Amvets Post 332 and the Bearded Sinners of Western New York, Stockman said.

Over the last six years, Week for Honor Flight has raised $95,000 — enough to send about 190 veterans on a twoday trip to Washington, D.C. to visit seven war memorials.

“Your support of Honor Flight makes all the difference in the world,” said Honor Flight Rochester President Rich Stewart to Victor officials, service club members and residents.

“Since our founding, we’ve transported 2,558 veterans on 54 missions, and I think we’re just starting to scratch the surface,” said Stewart.

Audrey Ball, Dir of Malta Parks (center), Recreation and Human Services with LHF volunteers

Congressman Tonko addresses the group in Malta

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 23

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24 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Call Today 1-800-FOR-PARK www.quassy.com

FOOTBALL BASKETBALL VOLLEYBALL

SOCCER

BASEBALL

LACROSSE

TENNIS

SOFTBALL

UNIFORMS TRACK&FIELD

STRENGTH&

FITNESS WRESTLING

SPORTS MED

SPEED AGILITY

SCOREBOARDS

800.527.7510 BSNSPORTS.com

BENCHES&BLEACHERS

COACHING AQUATICS

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 25

2017 Commercial Membership Guide AQUATIC CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLIES

GOVERNMENT PURCHASING

H Krevit Inc Blake Brock 67 Welton Street New Haven, CT 06534 rbbrock@comcast.net

*U.S. Communities Zac Adams Northeast Program Manager 51-603-3263 zadams@uscommunities.org

*RenoSys Corporation Shanda Lybrook 2825 East 55th Pl. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-251-0207 shandal@renosys.com Waterplay Solutions Kyle Rieger 1451 B. Ellis Street Kelowoa, BC V1Y 2A3 Canada marketing@waterplay.com AQUATIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT Deschamps Mat Systems Inc. 618 Little Falls Rd. Unit 7-8 Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 973-928-3040 northeast.sales@mobi-mat-dms.com Mateflex.com Kevin Wheelock 2007 Beechgrove Place Utica, NY 13501 315-733-1412 kwheelock@matflex.com ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS *Maxian + Horst Terry Horst 306 Hawley Ave. Syracuse, NY 13203 315-472-2461 thorst@maxianhorst.com Weston & Sampson Dan Biggs 1 Winners Circle Albany, NY 12205 biggsd@wseinc.com ENTERTAINMENT Fun Flicks Timothy Bennett PO Box 685 Cortland, NY 13045 315-663-5005 timothy@funflicks.com Lasertron Lawrence LaClair 5101 North Baily Avenue Amherst. NY 14226 716-833-8766 llaclair@lasertron.us Quassy Amusement Park Ron Gustafson PO Box 887 Middlebury, CT 06762 203-758-2913, ext 109 ron@quassy.com WonderWorks Nicole Montgomery 9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-466-7700 x 417 nmontgomery@wonderworksdestiny.com

LIGHTNING PREDICTION AND WARNING SYSTEMS Thor Guard Inc Bob Dugan 1193 Sawgrass Corp Parkway Sunrise, Fl 33323 954-835-0900 sales@thorguard.com MARINE ACCESSORIES *Morgan Recreational Supply, Inc. Tim Prokop 6013 Denny Dr. Farmington, NY 14425 585-924-7188 salesinfo@morganrec.com PAINTS & COATINGS Franklin Paint Company Paul Merritt 259 Cottage St. Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-0303 lauretta@franklinpaint.com Super Seal Sealcoating Gregory Duffy PO Box 925 Penfield, NY 14526 585-248-5770 Duffygj@aol.com

*Denzak Recreational Design Joseph Denzak Jr. P. O. Box 15517 Syracuse, NY 13215 800-925-1545 drecreat@twcny.rr.com Gametime/Marturano Jim Marturano PO Box 106 Spring Lake, NJ 07762 800-922-0070 james206@optonline.net *KOMPAN, Inc Jeff LaRue 930 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402 917-697-8183 jeflar@kompan.com *Parkitects, Inc./Site Specialists Karen O’Connor 138 Ludlowville Rd. Lansing, NY 14882 607-533-3517, ext 101 karen@playgroundinfo.com Play and Park Structures John Posanti 920 Bayshore Ave West Islip, NY 11795 jposanti@playandpark.com R.E. Woodson Bob Woodson 3520 Dewey Ave Rochester, NY 14616 585-865-0554 rwoodso1@rochester.rr.com Schoolscapes Incorporated Christopher Leavold 38 West Main St. Clifton Springs, NY 14432 315-906-0050 chris@schoolscapes.com

PET WASTE *BagSpot Pet Waste Solutions Jeff Springer 9648 Olive Blvd.#313 St. Louis, MO 63132 1-800-203-3613/314-755-1037 info@bagspot.com

PLAYGROUND MULCH Cousineau Forest Products 1310 Old Concord Rd. Henniker, NH 03242 603-428-7155 jim@cousineaus.com cousineauforestproducts.com

Bears Playgrounds Danny Bears 7625 E. Main Rd. Lima, NY 14485 585-624-5694 info@bearsplaygrounds.com BigToys Playgrounds John LaRue 35 Oak Forest Dr. Little Compton, RI 02837 800-986-3716 info@jplarue.com

26 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Jamestown Advanced Products Shari Eckman 2855 Girts Rd Jamestown, NY 14701 716-483-3406 seckman@jamestownadvanced.com Most Dependable Fountains Bob Beachum 283 Kimbrough Place Memphis, TN 38104 800-542-8269 rbeachum@comcast.net Oldcastle Precast Inc. Steve Grischott 3900 Glover Rd. Easton, PA 18040 484-548-6502 sgrischott@modcon.com R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. Bob Simonsen PO Box 946 Cherokee, IA 51012 712-225-5796 pilotrock@rjthomas.com SOFTWARE *Amilia 1751 Richardson Street Montreal, QC H3K 1G6 1-877-343-0004 amilia.com Capturepoint.com Lisa Sands 141 Dayton S. Rm. 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-689-2323 x204 lsands@capturepoint.com

*MyRec.com Ray Foley PO Box 302 Killington, VT 05751 1-866-466-9732 myrec.com

PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTION

*RecDesk Software Mike Morris 222 Pitkin Street East Hartford, CT 06108 860-467-4325 mike.morris@recdesk.com recdesk.com

Peggy Payne & Assoc. Inc Peggy Payne 146 Broadway Hawthorne, NY 10532 914-747-3237 ppaplay@aol.com

RecPro Software Dale Geiger 35807 Moravian Drive Clinton Township, Michigan 48035 586-469-4200 dgeiger@recprosoftware.com

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT American Recreational Products Bob Brown 1535 Locust Ave. Bohemia, NY 11716 631-244-0011 bob@americanrecreational.com

SITE AMENITIES

SCHOOL/CREATIVITY SUPPLIES Discount School Supply Karen McGrath 3 Terrace Court Ballston Lake, NY 12019 518 727 9577 kmmcgrath@discountschoolsuppl.com

*Vermont Systems Kathy Messier 12 Market Place Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-6993, ext 3028 kathym@vermontsystems.com

SEAL COATING/ASPHALT Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers, Inc. Gary Rosbrook 16 Deep Rock Road, PO Box 24362 Rochester, NY 14624 585-441-4125 gary.jetblak@gmail.com

* Signifies business partners

2017 Commercial Membership Guide SPORT COURTS

STAGE RENTALS AND SALES

Gaga Court Lynn Hoggan 285 East RockinghamCourt Salt Lake City, UT 84115 lynn@gagacourt.com gagaball.net

Stageline Mobil Stage Mark Higgins 700 Marsolais St L’Assomption, Quebec j5w2g9 450-589-1603 mark.higgins@stageline.com

SPORTING GOOD SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT

SURFACING

Advantage Sport & Fitness Jay Woodworth 2255 N Triphammer Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 607-257-2107 ajwoodworth@advantagefitness.com

Copeland Coating Company Albert Giamei PO Box 595 Nassau, NY 12123 518-766-2932 agiamei@copelandcoating.com

*BSN Sports Elliot Schwebel 27 Schalren Dr. Latham, NY 12110 518-783-1632 eschwebel@sportsupplygroup.com

Playsites + Surfaces, Inc. Darrell Wilson 908-B Long Island Ave. Deer Park, NY 11729 631-392-0960 dwilson@playsitesplus.com

G&G Fitness Equipment Inc. Tony Giordano 7350 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221 800-537-0516 tony@livefit.com

SealMaster – Buffalo Richard Ortiz PO Box 7257 Buffalo, NY 14240 716-891-4197 smbuffalo2@yahoo.com

SPORTS LIGHTING *Eaton’s Ephesus Lighting 125 East Jefferson Street Syracuse, NY 13202 315-579-2879 RebeccaFirman@eaton.com ephesuslighting.com Green Arc Energy Advisors Guy Chimay 601 West 26th Street Suite 325 New York, NY 10001 347-393-5202 gchimay@greenarceadv.com

ACCESS • ADVERTISING • EXHIBITING • NETWORKING

Become a NYSRPS Business Partnership Plan (BPP) member to receive great benefits!

Business Partnership members can take advantage of thousands of dollars in annual promotional and marketing opportunities.

COMPLIMENTARY BOOTH AT 1 SHOW PER YEAR!

Velvetop Products Bill Walsh 1455 NY Ave Huntington Station, NY 11746 631-427-5904 bwalsh@velvetop.com TENNIS SUPPLIES *USTA Eastern Joe Steger 70 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604 914-282-4153 steger@eastern.usta.com

*Musco Lighting Don Rhuda 22 Chestnut Dr. Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-4577 don.rhuda@musco.com

• Receive all the regular benefits of commercial membership when you become a BPP, including access to the NYSRPS membership list. $175 value • Complimentary 1 ⁄4 page ad in two issues of The Voice magazine. $550 value • Logo/link on monthly e-news read by society members. $1800 value • Logo on bottom of the society’s home page. $1,000 value • Complementary booth at 1 NYSRPS show per year.

Up to $875 value • Digital list of all conference delegates after the close of the Annual Conference.

• Recognition at the Conference denoting you as part of the Business Partner Plan.

• Annual Conference registration for two employees.

• Networking opportunities • Much more!

Join online at nysrps.org (click on Membership)!

* Signifies business partners

Be seen. Be heard. Advertise in The Voice.

The Voice Advertising Rates* Printing: Full Color Publication frequency: Printed two times per year Fall/Winter (due: Jan.15), Spring/Summer (due: May 15)

SPECIFICATIONS

SPACE 1 issue 2 issues Back Cover................................. $975............... $925 Inside Front or Back Cover............ $875............... $825 Full Page (7.625 x 10.25 in)........... $775............... $725 Half Page (7.625 x 5.125 in) .......... $525............... $475 Quarter Page (3.813 x 5.125 in)...... $375............... $300

Magazine trim size is 8.5 x 11 in. Live area is 7.625 x 10.25 in.

If supplying full page bleed ad, please add 1/8 in bleed to trim size.

*All prices are quoted at NYSRPS Commercial Member rate per ad, per issue. Non-member rates higher - inquire for details.

Submit advertisements as: print-ready PDF file. Resolution should be 300-350 ppi. When supplying PDF files, embed all images and fonts.

To become a Commercial Member, or to purchase advertising space contact: Director of Communications, pr@nysrps.org or 518-584-0321 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org 27

We’re not just another pea in the pod.

Cooperative purchasing that is uniquely U.S. Communities.

Founded by public agencies to represent • Supplier commitments to pricing, your specific business interests, economy, sales and corporate support U.S. Communities has remained steadfast • Solicitation, evaluation and award process in its commitment to safeguard your ethical, led by an independent lead public agency legal and financial welfare at all times. It is • Dedicated field Program Managers the U.S. Communities difference that delivers focused exclusively on public savings, efficiency and value through: agency support

Experience the unmatched value of U.S. Communities.

Register today!

Visit us at www.uscommunities.org

28 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2017-18 • nysrps.org

Everyday we work to earn your loyalty

®

w w w. b a g s p o t. co m • i n fo @ b a g s p o t. co m

2018 Premier Business Partner "Proud to Support NYSRPS"

New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc. Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

NYS Certified Woman-Owned Small Business NYS OGS Contract #PC67465