THE
ALABAMIAN A PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION • WINTER 2019
Parks & Recreation Superheroes Drones in Parks
Coach Safety Act Is Law About the Law: Proposed in conjunction with the CoachSafely Foundation, the law is the first of its kind to address public concerns about sports injuries for a youth athlete population that is estimated to be seven times larger than all athletes above 14 years of age. The implementing, enforcing and administering of the Coach Safety Act is the responsibility of the Alabama Department of Public Health. The 2017-18 Alabama Legislative session enacted HB9, called the Coach Safety Act. The law brings coaching standards to all the 14 and under aged athletes in Alabama. All community or association athletic personnel will now be required to take an annual injury prevention course. The law is expected to go into effect November 4, 2018.
Advocated by:
The Coach Safety Act was advocated by Coach Bill Clark of UAB, Coach Nick Saban at the University of Alabama, Coach Willie Slater at Tuskegee University and Dr. Mike Goodlet, team physician to Auburn University.
About the Coach Safely Course: Led by: The CoachSafely Foundation in partnership with Children’s of Alabama, Encore Rehabilitation and ThreatAdvice.
Developed by: The course was developed by the Andrews Research and Education Foundation, led by renowned sports medicine pioneer and surgeon Dr. James R. Andrews. As per the law, the Coach Safely course covers prevention and injury recognition of:
Concussions
Emergency Action Plan
Heat and Exertion Illnesses
Physical Conditioning
Trauma and Overuse
Equipment Usage
Sudden Cardiac Arrest The course will also cover the physical and emotional characteristics of the youth athlete, information regarding physical and mental abuse awareness, and age appropriate training and tips for communicating with children and parents.
info@coachsafely.org
coachsafely.org
@coachsafely
ALABAMIAN
THE
Recreati & s k r o a n P
P&R S
Laura Leigh Chesser 2018 Publications/Marketing Chair Natalie Norman Executive Director Alabama Recreation and Parks Association 2018 Board of Directors Summer Ammons – President Drew Peterson – Past President Billy Powell – President Elect Katrina Frazier – Secretary Sandi Wilson – Treasurer Gina Bryant – District 1 Chair Eric Scott – District 2 Chair David Primus, Jr – District 3 Chair Ed Canady – District 4 Chair Laura Leigh Chesser – District 5 Chair Deirdre Womack – District 6 Chair Ella Austin-Mooney – District 7 Chair Luci Ray – Corporate Representative Willie Moore III – CDS Chair 2018 Committee Chairs Alabama Five-O – Sandi Wilson Awards – Mandy Johnson Conference Site – Natalie Norman Conference Education – Gary Minor COPP – Drew Peterson Finance – Sandi Wilson Long Range Planning – Billy Powell Marketing/Publications – Laura Leigh Chesser Membership – Gayle Milam Nominating – Drew Peterson Professional Development – Robin Brothers Recreational Sports – Kenny Thompson Therapeutic Recreation – Carla Wilson
Published by: B Creative Designs, LLC bmac585@gmail.com Published January 2019
Superheroes
8
IN THIS ISSUE From the President .......................................................................... 4 From the Executive Director .......................................................... 5 Drone in Parks ................................................................................ 6 Parks & Recreation Superheroes ..................................................... 8 District Award Winners ................................................................ 21 2019 Calendar ................................................................ Back Cover
The Alabamian is the official publication of the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), an affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association. The magazine is published by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. as a service to its membership. Submissions of parks and recreation-related articles are welcomed. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ARPA. Comments/responses should be sent to: Alabama Recreation and Parks Association P.O. Box 230579 Montgomery, AL 36123-0579 334-279-9160 334-279-9161 fax 2019 B Creative Designs, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Cover Image: Mary Khan, “Superhero” from Opelika
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
3
Alabama Recreation and Parks Association
From the
President Summer Ammons
W
hat a great year for ARPA!!!
My goal for this year was “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself” (Henry Ford), was definitely met from members of ARPA. Members were eager to step up and serve on the board and various committees to help lead us in the desired direction. Thank you for all that are involved for getting our ARPA State Conference ready for everyone to attend. It takes a lot of planning and organization to be successful. I hope to see everyone there to learn and network. I personally like all the ideas that are shared with our time together that I can take back to my city. It helps me to focus on goals needed for the upcoming year.
This issue is Parks and Recreation Superheroes. I know I have some that have helped guide me to achieving my professional goals. Everyone that is involved in ARPA is a superhero in my eyes. It shows a willingness to go beyond just your normal day of Parks and Recreation. Sincerely, Summer Ammons 2018 ARPA President
Call for Articles! If you would like to be published in a future issue of The Alabamian Magazine, please send your article and any graphics to the State Office at nnorman@arpaonline.org.
The theme for the next issue is “Arts in the Parks”
Parks and arts often intersect and complement each other. How do arts and parks intersect in your community? The deadline for consideration in the Spring 2019 issue is April 5th. Please call 334-279-9160 with any questions. 4
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
From the State Office
From the
Executive Director Natalie Norman
W
ow! 2018 is coming to an end! What an awesome year for ARPA! The Fall was full of great meetings, ARPF Fall Workshop, LEAD, Recreational Sports state championships, conference planning, membership, and safety advocacy for our youth sports participants. We had outstanding support through attendance at our events, and I am happy to report that membership is currently at 744 and climbing! Thank you! I would like to thank our current ARPA leadership for their continuous effort and dedication to the profession and the Association. We would not be able to move forward with vision of greatness for our Association without each and every one of you. As we move into 2019, great things are being continued and new opportunities are on the horizon! I look forward to the privilege of just being here with you to see what happens!
As I write this conference is right around the corner with wonderful educational sessions, networking socials, special recognitions and installing incoming leadership. It is going to be so good! Thanks in advance to the many hands that are making it happen. We celebrate superheroes this quarter, people with extraordinary powers and capabilities that make a difference in our communities each and every day. That being said it’s an honor to know 744 (and climbing) superheroes! Thank you for what you do and for making a difference! “The question is not what you look at, but what you see.” Henry David Thoreau Natalie Norman, CPRP ARPA Executive Director
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
5
Drones in Parks: It’s All About Perspective
by Courtney Wootton, Michael J. Bradley and Ray Neal
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are a recent phenomenon that has become popular in the past few years. They are remotely piloted aircrafts that first started being used by the military when manned flights were considered too dangerous. Chronologically, drones first appeared in military operations starting in 2000, but gained military and civilian popularity from 2009 to 2016. However, because drone popularity has skyrocketed, local regulations regarding the use of drones for recreation have not kept up. The lack of regulations has resulted in issues regarding safety, privacy concerns, encroachment on private property and others, and thereby warranting discussion regarding development of policy and regulations. The combined factors of impressive technology and offering the thrill of unmanned flight in one easy-tooperate package have made drones incredibly popular.
6
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
They offer fulfillment of dreams of all ages, kids and adults alike, including scientific fantasies about flying cars and fancy new technology to launch society into the future. The idea of a future where packages and pizzas are delivered to doorsteps or in parks by drones is now a reality. Excitement abounds. People take their drones to public spaces, from national parks and wilderness areas to local public parks down the block. Arguments against drones focus on security and privacy. People are afraid that drones could be used to observe unsuspecting people or be used in new cyberattacks. Some are paranoid that it is another way for “Big Brother” to further infringe on civilian rights and liberties. Some are simply concerned about flyovers of their property. To fly drones safely, many operators have turned to parks as the best open space to fly their drones.
An undeniable appeal of drone flying is the ability to take photos from perspectives that have never been done before except by professional photographers in a plane or helicopter. Fueling the excitement is posting such pictures on social media and getting the most “likes” on Facebook. The temptation of having drones for the perfect picture is high. People like to use their drones to get aerial shots of landscapes, get up closer than normal to wildlife and to try to re-create photos in the likes of National Geographic, all of which can cause problems if done irresponsibly. There are positive aspects to having drones in parks for their use in helping to manage parks and facilities. Drones can be used in conservation efforts, public safety and natural resource management. They can be used in search-and-rescue operations, wildlife monitoring, monitoring endangered areas, creating more extensive maps and managing invasive species. They truly can be a resource for assisting in research focusing on environmental threats and expanding scientific knowledge. However, recreational flying of drones in parks brings up a new set of issues. Complaints that drones pose safety problems, cause noise pollution and are a nuisance to other park visitors have become more common. To alleviate these public concerns, park and recreation professionals need to figure out how to regulate drones and accommodate public recreation flying in a way that is safe and productive. A law passed by Congress in July 2018 granted the FAA control over all airspace, a law that supersedes local or state law. There are no other entities that can dictate where a drone can fly. Cities, states and other types of park agencies can regulate where a drone can take off and land, however. It is the responsibility of each jurisdiction to enact its own policies or regulations surrounding access for takeoffs and landings. While many of the regulations set forth by the FAA seem vague, they do offer a substantial amount of information. The No. 1 tenet is safety: the FAA urges UAV operators to do so in a manner that reduces any risk of endangering the public. These guidelines are easy to find on the FAA website (www.faa.gov/uas). Two types of drone operators have been designated by the FAA: hobbyists and commercial-use pilots. There are clear sets of rules for each type of flight covered under Part 336 for hobbyists and part 107 for commercial use. The basic rules apply for both but require commercial operators to pass a certification exam that must be renewed every 24 months.
require online registration of some personal information. Once registration is complete, a hobbyist pilot is issued an alphanumeric identifier that must be displayed on the UAV. Commercial pilots must also follow the same process, but, unlike the hobbyist pilot, each commercially flown drone must be registered separately and registration requires a $5 license fee that covers the drone for 24 months. Having a registration requirement places a level of accountability on anyone who pilots a drone. Because of the popularity of drones, park agencies will face increasing public pressure to look at allowing hobbyist flights and commercial-use drones in parks There may be revenue potential in charging for a “day permit” to fly, but more importantly, permitting drone takeoffs and landings in park areas shows that the park system accepts drone flying as a legitimate form of recreation. Day or season permits would also help filter out less savvy or unsafe drone pilots with the requirement to show FAA registration and limited takeoff and landing space would additionally help park staff supervise flying. By creating stronger guidelines and policies about how to fly drones in parks instead of adopting blanket restrictions, parks can give people an outlet and place to fly recreationally. New programming and events can be planned around drones, bringing in visitors and related businesses that benefit the parks. The popularity of drones will continue to climb. The opportunity is here for park and recreation professionals to accept drone flying and keep it focused on safety and respect for all parties. Such acceptance will protect the public and park resources and enable an exciting new form of recreation to take place. Courtney Wootton is a Graduate Student in the Therapeutic Recreation program at Eastern Kentucky University. Michael Bradley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Park Administration at Eastern Kentucky University. Ray Neal is a PMPCertified Project Manager and an FAA Part 107-Certified Remote Pilot. Reprinted with permission from Parks & Recreation magazine from its December 2018 issue. Copyright 2018 by the National Recreation and Park Association.
It is also important to note that the FAA requires any drone weighing more than .55 lbs. (250 grams) be registered. There is no registration fee for an operator who plans on flying recreationally only, but it does
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
7
Parks & Recreation
P&R S
88
Superheroes
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
District 1
Winfield - Charlotte Beasley Winfield Park and Recreation Department has an exceptional staff. To narrow down one specific person is a chore! We’d like to recognize Mrs. Charlotte Beasley. Coach Beasley has worked at Winfield Park & Rec for 6 years and has done a remarkable job. She has been a coach on the collegiate level, and after marrying and having children returned home to coach on the high school level. She brings 30 years experience to our park program! Charlotte serves as the athletic coordinator and is always early for work, prepared and greets everyone with a sweet welcoming smile. She is truly a blessing to Winfield!
District 2
Arab - Brian Camp Brian Camp is the Assistant Director of Arab Parks & Recreation and keeps things rolling smoothly. Brian has a laundry list of responsibilities, including: landscaping, lining sports fields, pool and bathroom maintenance and litter management. Brian is always willing to help and go the extra mile to ensure the quality of our Parks & Recreation program. His positive and “can do” attitude rubs off on our staff, which certainly makes him one of Arab’s many superheroes. Not only is Brian a great employee, he spends his free time volunteering as a coach for his son’s t-ball team. Brian loves spending time with his wife Dana, a dedicated Pre-K teacher at Arab Primary School, and their 5 year old son James.
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
9
District 2
Boaz - Our Local Superheroes Dean Weigel
In June 2018, Dean Weigel came into his position at the Boaz Parks and Recreation Department with excitement and persistence. During that summer, Dean devoted himself to learning everything he could about maintaining a commercial swimming pool. He accomplished each task given to him from pool care to gym floor restoration and has excelled beyond expectations. We are happy to have Dean as a part of our Parks and Recreation family and look forward to the years to come as he continues to grow within the department. Janet McDowell
Janet McDowell has been with the Boaz Parks and Recreation Department for just six months and has devoted herself to her position with a fierce determination. Not only did we gain an invaluable employee with Janet, but we have benefitted from her friends and family as well. Janet’s sister, Peggy McDaniel, used her artistic skills to paint a pumpkin for the Boaz Harvest Festival and created a second place winning Christmas ornament for a competition at the Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce. Jamie Garrison, Janet’s boyfriend, has donated his time to multiple Parks and Recreation events, and aided Janet in creating our 2018 Christmas float for the Boaz Christmas Parade. This wonderful float won second place in the parade and we know next year will be even better!
10
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
Patsy Foster
On Saturday, November 28, 2018, the Boaz Parks and Recreation Department held our first annual Skinny Turkey 5K and 10K Run. The race was a huge success and allowed us to donate $2500.00 to the Second Chance Shelter, a local nokill, non-profit dog shelter. This success would not have been possible without the help of our wonderful sponsors and our fellow City of Boaz employees. We are especially grateful to one such employee at the Boaz Public Library, Patsy Foster, who gobbled her way into everyone’s hearts that cold Saturday morning. She was the best turkey we could ask for and we are excited to see what next year has in store for the Boaz Parks and Recreation Department. Nicole Presley
Nicole Presley plays a vital role in the behind-the-scenes aspects of recreation. She has worked diligently with new programs and special events and has been very successful in promoting Boaz Parks and Recreation activities thru social media, radio and in-person. Nicole always interacts with the public with class and grace with an Receiving the ARPA exceptional ability to minimize District II Staff conflict. Nicole is an active in Achievement Award ARPA as a new member and has attended the Customer Service Workshop at the Opelika Parks & Recreation Center. She has also started her application for a Professional Certificate within the ARPA association and received the Staff Achievement Award for District II in November of 2018.
District 2
Fort Payne - Anita Shankles
of our family!
Fort Payne’s #recfam super hero is Mrs. Anita Shankles. Mrs. Anita has been part of Fort Payne Parks and Recreation for over 20 years. She has worked most every part of our department. From the complex to the rec center, she is an integral part
Thursday evenings in the Fall will find Mrs. Anita and her granddaughter Maddie at the sports complex cheering on the Outfield Angels. Mrs. Anita is instrumental in having the Outfield Angels playing at our complex.
Another one of her favorite events is our annual Christmas in the Park. She even has a direct line to Santa! She loves practical jokes and is always making us laugh. She will be quick to tell you she enjoys being able to work with the youth. Her #recfam kids often stop by to visit, share successes and bring their children by to see Mrs. Anita. No matter what the situation, Mrs. Anita has her smile on. She loves practical jokes and is always making us laugh. You never know what you will find on your door or in your car with Mrs. Anita around. Her favorite quote is “this to shall pass”, but we can guarantee you when she sees this she will say “slap my skirt.”
District 3
Tuscaloosa - Earl Cousette Earl Cousette has essentially grown up with PARA. He started 28.5 years ago as a construction helper. He notes that he, “grew his skills as PARA grew.” When he started, there were 40 employees. Today there are 325 employees and he is a construction foreman. If there is a difficult job everyone says, “Call Earl.” If there is a time sensitive Earl Cousette with the job everyone says, “Call letters of the historic BAMA Theatre Marquee Earl.” They know that with his skills he can figure out the problem and repair it better than anyone repairs. He has touched most everything in every building over the years and can recall each building’s specific eccentricities and needs. He is the expert at PARA.
Cousette has trained many construction workers through the years and many have come and gone. He is also a part-time Manager for the Historic BAMA Theatre, house managing all sorts of bookings from large to small events. The BAMA Theatre is managed by the Tuscaloosa Arts Council, which falls under the PARA umbrella. The BAMA Theatre manager says of him, “No matter when or what time of night I called, Earl is always willing to come in and work.” He makes the job fun, is well respected, and liked by all. In addition to his skills, Cousette has a positive, can do attitude. Quiet and unassuming, when asked, “How are you?” his response – with a smile on his face – is always, “I can’t complain.” Cousette notes that the secret to enjoying working with Parks and Recreation is the people. “You have to like people and like working with PARA people,” he says, “If you don’t like people, then this isn’t the place for you.” PARA is proud to have Earl Cousette with us and we happily recognize him as one of our super heroes!
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
11
District 5
Auburn - Sari Card Ms. Sari Card has served as Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Administrative Assistant for 20 years. The job title does not begin to describe all that she does, with responsibilities including auditing and approving timecards for payroll, posting leave for department records, maintaining personnel files, preparing deeds and providing administrative and office support as needed. Sari’s job also includes the challenge of handling the purchase of grave markers and burial plots while providing support to grieving families. “The most difficult part of my job is working with families who are deeply in pain about the loss of a loved one,” says Sari.
Sari’s compassionate, gentle nature comforts families during their time of mourning. She listens to their pain and helps ensure their final wishes for their loved ones are carried out. “It is very satisfying to assist people with a memorial for the final tribute to their loved one,” she says. Not many people are able to handle the emotional strain that comes with her job, but it is clear to all who know Sari that she has a gift for helping others during their time of loss. “It really does take a superhero to be able to handle these situations as well as she does,” says co-worker Ann Bergman. “I’ve witnessed people come into her office crying and leave with a smile.” Sari thanks her co-workers, calling them her “extended family,” and says they help keep her motivated. We appreciate our compassionate superhero for all she does to help people when they need it the most!
District 5
Lincoln - Our Heroes Heroes’ come in all shapes, sizes and places, it’s up to each individual to find the Hero in someone and even in themselves. Heroes, I think of giving and being there in the toughest of times, that is all of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department staff. Heros can be anyone, have empathy for others, be polite and considerate..remember that YOU may be the center of someones world (like Mamas and Daddy’s) but YOU are NOT the center of THE WORLD! On another note, heros to me personally are,those that stand for our freedoms and are willing to lay down their lives for those freedoms! - Bobbi O’Dell
12
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
A hero (to me) is someone who does something for others or his/her community without expectation of reward. Our community is full of heroes of different types and different levels. To me a hero is volunteer coaches. They do the job not for the benefits but for the kids. - Matthew Hill
The bus drivers are hero’s. The lunch room workers are hero’s. These 2 groups of people take care of our communities children, keeping them safe on the roads and the food in their bellies. They are not paid enough for what they do. - Debbie Wingo
District 5
Lincoln - Our Heroes (continued) The EMTs, Drs, nurses, community leaders, firemen, police, preachers and school teachers people that work the food bank. The shop owners, and neighbors! - Bonnie Gray Heroes, our police and fire departments, who always give from an alarm being set off, to checking on our staff when they are sick, to coaching our different sports. Police Officer Ryan Lundy, who gives of his time to his family, work family, community and players of his team. Security at our youth football games, confidant to issues we face, willing to try anything for the good of this department, his department, and his community. Firefighter, Justin Long, he lives behind our park office and keeps watch over us and it; he gives back to his family with spending one on one time with them. One of our valued coaches and helps with special events and answers his phone even on his day off.
A hero can be anyone. It is defined as someone exhibiting courage & is admired for achievements or noble qualities. With this definition I’d say the first people who come to mind are our war veterans, also our police force & Fire/rescue department. For me personally my son is my hero. JC lives with cerebral palsy & the countless ways it makes his (and our) lives interesting. He bravely soldiers on each day no matter what.....I wish I were half as brave & courageous as he is. - Lisa Sears
The football coaches Sophmore little league they where greatand all of coaches of all the sports thru out the year! Thank you! - Bonnie Gray
The seniors who have lived here all their lives are hero’s and full of wisdom the younger generations need to know. - Debbie Wingo
I show my students (12th grade at LHS) each year how they are heroes (and what they could do to be heroes). I show them that each and every one of them have heroic qualities and that it takes just a little bit of effort to be someone’s hero. So, I think everyone who does good is a hero to someone. It could be the fireman who rushes into a burning building to save a life or a high school kid who includes the kid who is always left out. - Randi Morrow
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
13
District 5
Opelika - Sheree McConnell Sheree McConnell has been working in the building maintenance department at Opelika Parks and Recreation for 8 years. Sheree is a diligent worker, often taking care of things so quickly and efficiently you almost forget that they don’t just take care of themselves. Only when you sit back and think about all of the things that just *magically* get done, do you realize the depth and breadth of Sheree’s work. Sheree not only performs her assigned duties with ease, she goes above and beyond to help with things that are far from her job description. If Sheree notices something needs to be done, she doesn’t find the person who should technically take care of it. Sheree takes care of it. She has brought a new level of organization to our department, taking the time to go through cabinets and closets that haven’t been touched in years. She helps with events that take place outside of her normal 8-5 hours and does so gladly. She jumps in to plan staff lunches, get-togethers and park board meetings. Sheree is someone you can count on. Once you ask her to help with something you can forget all about it and move on to the next thing, because you know it is now taken care of. Shree is also thoughtful. A birthday, milestone or hardship never goes unnoticed when Sheree is around. Half of the Opelika staff have developed carpal tunnel from all of the cards they have signed. She makes people feel loved and appreciated, and she is a true leader. The Opelika Parks and Recreation is so thankful for Shree McConnell and the joy she had brought to our department for many years.
14
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
District 5
Opelika - Mary Kuhn Mary Kuhn, Senior Program Assistant, has been part of our senior program for over 6 years. She has worked hard to help our seniors with their bucket list moments. While it is not always easy, Mary has a positive attitude and helps make their dreams come true. It is very rewarding helping those who have lost spouses re-enter the group and find their new normal. She has helped create a culture of support among our senior group, in that they help each other get through life’s tragedies with a smile and some fun. Laughter is huge in our area, and Mary is always ready for fun or a practical joke to help make the miles on the road fly by. Mary is a super hero in our department my enhancing the lives of our seniors, or as we call them “Recycled TeenAgers!”
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
15
District 5
Phenix City - Donna Ward Ms. Donna is amazing!!! Donna Ward(or Ms. Donna as everyone calls her) has been with Phenix City Parks and Recreation for over 20 years. Playing numerous roles, she is currently the Office Manager and a true Super Hero!! She is the one that ensures that we are getting what we need, our bills are paid and that this department is still running. She is always willing to assist in any activity or event that we are having rather it be sports or concerts.
Ms. Donna is married to Randall Ward and they have 2 sons, Travis and William. She just welcomed her first grandbaby Griffin about a year. He is the joy of her day. Ms. Donna embodies what it means to be leader, a team player and a model of our Phenix City Parks and Recreation core values. We appreciate you Ms. Donna for your dedication and teamwork.
District 5
Phenix City - Shelly Whitis Shelly Whitis is the face of Phenix City Parks and Recreation. You want to know about something that happened 20 years ago, she knows all about it. She has been with the department since she was 19 years old. She has worked in various jobs over her time but retired as Inmate Supervisor in 2011. Shelly
16
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
was retired as a permanent part timer in 2012. She is always willing to jump in and assist with any program, activity, event, or anything. She is an all-around time player and always down for whatever (lol). Shelly has dedicated her life to Phenix City Parks and Recreation. Shelly is married to Steve and they have one daughter Christel. She has two grandchildren Scarlett and Warren. She loves her cats and Madea movies. Shelly is truly a parks and recreation super hero and we are grateful to still have her with us. PCPR takes pleasure in honoring Super Shelly as an outstanding employee.
District 5
Prattville - Aubrey Semrau I would like to submit Aubrey Semrau as our Prattville Parks and Recreation superhero. Aubrey is a volunteer coach that has been in our soccer program since 2015. Aubrey’s commitment to our kids and soccer program is greatly appreciated and he doesn’t get enough praise for everything he has done and continues to do. Aubrey’s knowledge of soccer and love for the kids shows year in and year out. Each season he coaches multiple teams in different age groups. We only allow a single coach to lead two teams at most, but Aubrey would coach more if granted the opportunity. Not only does he put his time in with his teams but he assists other coaches around the league during the season. He has held goalie clinics during the season and even hired local college players to come to our practices to teach our kids proper mechanics. He truly wants to see the kids get better and have fun at the same time. Aubrey will also purchase his kids full sets of professional uniforms to wear to games during the season and in all-star tournaments. He purchased all
green uniforms for saint Patrick’s day last year and all pink uniforms for breast cancer awareness this. One of the best gestures I’ve seen a coach do is every year he coaches our all girls 10u all-star team. Not only does he purchases the extra uniforms like he always does, but he buys soccer balls and has the kids sign each one and gives them to the teams he plays against after each game in the tournament. His team wins the state sportsmanship award every single year that he attends the tournament. He also donates equipment to our program every year and constantly asks what he can do to help. The amazing thing to me about Aubrey is that after all this effort for our kids, he doesn’t have any of his own. He is the only coach that we have in our program to volunteer to coach and doesn’t have his own children in the program. The amount of time and effort that he puts into our program for the kids deserves to be awarded. I cannot imagine a better example for our kids.
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
17
District 6
Enterprise - Blake Moore Enterprise Parks and Recreation assistant director Blake Moore was recently honored with the Distinguished Young Professional of the Year award at this year’s Alabama Recreation and Parks Association banquet. Moore, who is entering his fourth year of service in the Parks and Recreation profession, is an Enterprise native and has spent the last three years working with Director Billy Powell to bring new and exciting opportunities to the City of Progress. According to Moore, receiving the award came as a surprise, and he credits Enterprise Parks and Rec for the accomplishment. “I kind of knew I was going to get nominated, but I had no clue I would win, so I walked into it not really expecting anything -- I’m not big on awards,” Moore said. “I wish my name wasn’t on it and it said ‘Enterprise’ because it spotlights Enterprise and what we’re doing in the recreation field, getting noticed for what we’re doing.” Among Parks and Rec’s current projects is bringing a new recreational facility to Enterprise, as the city has been without a functional swimming pool since May 2016. In the past, Moore has also been involved in the creation of two new flag football leagues; the creation and operation of CATS FOR KIDS; the organization of a new fourth- through sixth-grade girls volleyball clinic; and donating funds raised through Cats for Kids to assist Jaylen Burnice, a local 9-year-old boy diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma. Moore said that of the 15 agencies in District 6 of the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association, he believes Enterprise stands out above the others for a number of reasons. “I think we have an inward focus -- we’re not really concerned too much about other agencies,” Moore said. “We all work together as a whole under the ARPA, but I think we hold ourselves to a high standard around here. I have directly 20 that are under me at any one time for youth sports, and what I tell these guys is ‘we want to be professional, we want to be first class, we want when people look at us to look like we know what’s going on.’ The obvious thing is, we have
18
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
such a good staff and it takes all of us working together to make things happen.” Moore added that Enterprise Parks and Rec also provides opportunities to the younger generation. “We give opportunities to high school students. We hire them as scorekeepers, which is not a difficult job but it’s a job nonetheless,” Moore said. “Every one of them, I make them come in and give them a job interview, and for a lot of them it’s their first job, so I want to give them that experience to train them up and let them learn. It teaches them at an early age some of the things that are expected of you in a job type setting.” Overall, however, Moore said that a willingness to serve is what keeps Enterprise at the top of its class. “I think the most important thing is… When I accepted the award they made me give a speech off the top of my head, and I feel that we’ve been called to serve. If you’re in this profession, we’ve been called to serve, and that first and foremost should be at the top of our list,” Moore said. “We’re out there to provide a service for the citizens of Enterprise and make it the best possible service we can. I’m a man of faith, and I always believe that God sent his Son to the earth not to be served, but to serve. That’s kind of the attitude and the approach that I take in my profession. We want to make it an enjoyable experience for the public.” Article credit: Leah Lancaster
District 7
Mobile - Our Superheroes Robert L. Hope Community Center Robert L. Hope Community Center would like to acknowledge the Coaching staff headed by Reginal Parker. These young men give of their time throughout the year for our children. We are honored to give you the coaches of Kidd /Rev Robert Hope Community Center as our honorable Mentions.
Springhill Community Center and James Seals Community Center Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman, Super Woman, Captain America, Bionic Woman, Iron Man and the X-Men just to name a few. A superhero is a type of heroic stock character, usually possessing supernatural or superhuman powers, who is dedicated to fighting the evil of their universe, protecting the public, and usually battling super villains. Both Springhill and James Seals Community Center have there share of Superheroes. Yes, our volunteers are passionate about what they do; they make no excuses but stick to their commitments and always finding a way forward.
At Springhill Community Center we have: Mike, Steve, and Mrs. Dorothy committed volunteer line dance instructors. Line dancing has been classified as a form of aerobic exercise which helps with cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, cognitive performances, and helps build social skills. Our Supermen and Wonder Woman!! Rev. Davis, the committed Wednesday Bible Study volunteer teacher. When we join a Bible study group, we expect to learn more about God’s Word. We also expect to hear sound teaching and grow in our faith. Our Captain America! W. McCall, D. Pettaway, R. Lewis, B. Gill, J. English, T. Ingle, R. Bendolph, and G. Reed the Springhill WILDCATS volunteer youth basketball coaches. These volunteers provide an enjoyable and safe sporting experience for an assigned group of youngsters while they learn individual and team game skills, sportsmanship, and fair play. Our X-Men!
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
19
District 6
Mobile - Our Superheroes James Seals Community Center Mr. Meeks, a committed volunteer and superhero for 40years and counting! He generates a positive impact, is very passionate about what he does, mentors, conducts meaningful fundraising activities and always willing to help with projects and activities for both children and adults. Mr. Meeks has a genuine smile that is contagious. Our Batman! N. Jones, volunteer Gospel-cise instructor. This slide isn’t electric, but the hour long class of aerobic moves set to gospel music is designed to provide both a spiritual lift and a calorie-burning workout. Our Bionic Woman! Rev. John Lakes, volunteer piano instructor. You are learning how to create music. Of course, everybody is different and how you progress will depend on a whole range of factors, from your natural aptitude for musical instruments to how much time you spend practicing outside of lessons. Our Spiderman!
Tiffany B., brings what Mike, Steve, and Mrs. Dorothy offer at Springhill to Seals Community Center. Another Wonder Woman! Salaam Shaheed volunteers with our young men mentoring and Cocoa Gurlz with the young ladies empowerment group to address various issues that educate, and inform youth on everyday essentials that can be learned and utilized into their adult life. Our Iron Man and Super Woman! T. Watson, R. Reed, C. Williams, S. Holmes, C. Dillard, L. Williams, D. Campbell, and R. Williams, the Seals Tiger youth basketball volunteers. .They have one of the most important and exciting jobs in the world! An obligation and responsibility to teach the right things in both basketball and life. More X-Men!
SUPERHEROES creating SUPER CHILDREN for LIFE!!
20
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
2018 District A wards District 1 Community Service Award Wren Williamson This is the District 1 community service award recipient, Ms. Wren Williamson. She is a local Girl Scout trying to raise awareness for with special needs. She is fundraising to add adult sized mechanical changing tables to the new bathroom facilities at the Ivan K. Park in Winfield. She has spoken to many churches, clubs, and civic groups promoting the need for each park to have these tables available. She is currently selling T-shirts to help finish the cost!
District 2 District 2 LAY Award Dyron Powell ullman) Dyron’s Lowcountry (C
Volunteer Award Ron Foust Stone Bridge Farms (C ul
lman)
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
21 21
s d r a w A t c i 2018 Distr District 2 Staff Achievement Award Nicole Presley (Boaz)
District 2 Merit in Parks Jimmy Blakely (Guntersville)
District 2 Bill Moore Professional of the Year Award Ashley Polesak (Huntsville)
22 22
The Alabamian • Winter 2019
District 2 Merit in Recreation Patrick Williams (Boaz)
2018 District A wards District 5 Outstanding New Professional Kristi Goggans Phenix City Parks and Recreation
District 5 Merit in Recreation Pamela Driver Opelika Parks and Recreation
District 5 Edith Upchurch Lifetime Achievement Award Allison Hall Auburn Parks and Recreation
Winter 2019 • The Alabamian
23 23
Alabama Recreation and Parks Association P.O. Box 230579 Montgomery, AL 36123-0579
1 9 0 2
Calendar of Events January
March
27-29
8-10
2019 ARPA State Conference, Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
State Basketball Tournament, Trussville, AL
Board Meeting Dates to be announced soon. Look for updates at arpaonline.org