Winter 2015 VRPS Magazine

Virginia Parks & Recreation Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Winter 2015

Danville’s iRiverwalk Sharing the Trail

Also inside:

Roanoke’s Summer Camp

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2 Virginia Recreation & Park Society The object is simplicity.

n WINTER 2015 59126

Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 66 Winter 2015

Contents

Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

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Message from the President

Phone: 804-730-9447 Fax: 804-730-9455 vrps@vrps.com www.vrps.com

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2015 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff

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News from Danville Parks & Recreation iPlay: Danville Parks & Recreation

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James C. Stutts, CAE, CPRP

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VRPS Spring 2015 Calendar of Events

Administrative Assistant Lori Haislip

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News from Roanoke County Parks

Member Services Coordinator Nancy Turnage Editor Amy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP Send Articles to:ahendrix@viennava.gov or AmyJo Hendrix, CPRP, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180 Virginia Parks and Recreation is published three times per year by the Virginia Recreation & Park Society, Inc. VRPS is a non-profit professional organization supported by membership dues and contributions. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation & Park Association.

Subscription Information. Members receive the magazine as part of their annual membership dues. The magazine is available by subscription for $25 per year. Requests for subscription should be directed to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

Editorial Statement: Statements of fact and opinions are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, members or staff of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society or the Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society.

MISSION The mission of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Standup Paddleboarding (SUP)

10 News from Roanoke County Parks, Recreation

& Tourism

The Magic Happens Here: Summer Camp 12 News from Virginia Department of Health

Some Kids use Tobacco, E-Cigarettes Together, Study Finds 13 News from VRPS Eastern Service Area

Eastern Service Area Trainings 14

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News from Isle of Wight County Department of Parks & Recreation County Fair Awards Competition

News from the City of Norfolk (RPOS)

Norfolk Partners with Local Family Theatre to Offer Arts Education

16 News from Orange County Parks & Recreation

Office Costume Contest

17 Book Review

High Performance Agencies

18 News from VRPS

Cultivate, Connect, Converge: Virginia Beach 2015

WINTER 2015 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Making a Difference...

Marcy Durrer, CPRP

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

I

believed that I was ready to hit the ground running as your VRPS President when Art Thatcher finished his term on December 31, 2014. Now, I must confess – I was not nearly as prepared as I thought (or wanted to be)! I started my professional Parks and Recreation career in a small (3 person) department and knew that I was going to make a difference. In the late 1990’s in Goochland County, making a difference meant coming up with an awesome new class that members of the community signed up for, finishing lining a ball field before the games started and building the first playground in the County’s first community park.

When I was installed as president at the Omni Homestead in December, I knew I was going to make it in VRPS. I had been thinking about championing dynamic projects, leading the way for technological advancements and bringing together members to dive into engagement in the society – all in the first couple of months! As I prepared for my first “official speech,” I spent a lot of time reflecting on what VRPS means to me, the impact it has made and how to use that to motivate members. And most importantly, how I was going to make a difference in the year to come. It was then I realized it wasn’t about me making a difference in VRPS, it was about how VRPS and how it makes a difference in the lives of its members.

Being a part of VRPS means different things to different people. To me, it’s about the commitment to what we do every day, both professionally and personally. I was

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I had been thinking about championing dynamic projects, leading the way for technological advancements and bringing together members to dive into engagement in the society – all in the first couple of months!

raised by phenomenal parents who instilled in me a hard work/no nonsense work ethic.

(To this day, they are baffled by the thought of me working in local government, given the stigma of government workers!) Every day, I strive to provide the best customer service to my customers, provide support and trust in my staff and co-workers and accomplish something that improves my community.

It’s not about me and what I do, it’s about making a difference, a positive impact on someone or something.

Virginia Recreation & Park Society n WINTER 2015

VRPS members are dedicated, hardworking individuals who maintain professional standards and ethical values. Being a member of this organization only broadens the base of impact for each of us. When on a VRPS committee, planning an event or meeting, you now have a few more folks relying on you. It’s amazing to see and hear the stories from members about the impact that other professionals have had on them.

One of the most valuable benefits of VRPS membership is networking and information sharing. I have heard this across the state, areas of the profession and profit status. There is no greater way to make a difference in the profession than sharing your experience and expertise with a peer or colleague. We have the opportunity to learn something every day from situations we encounter and people we meet.

As a VRPS member, I encourage you to reach out to make a difference! Share your knowledge and experience. This can be formally by presenting at a workshop or conference, informally by taking a new professional “under your wing,” or anything in between. My mentors have become life-long friends and shared a variety of opportunities to grow over the years.

Professional connection. Gaining knowledge. Experiencing something new.

When was the last time that you made a difference in someone’s day? Make a commitment to make a difference – in you, in your workplace, in VRPS, or reach even farther!

Staunton Parks & Rec

540-332-9168

richardsonca@ci.staunton.va.us

Aquatics Jimmy Lyon, AFO Cultural Diversity Athletics Seniors Aaron Clay Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation

Fauquier Co. Parks & Recreation

571-277-4360

jimmy.lyon@fauquiercounty.gov

Hopewell Community Center

804-541-2353

aclay@hopewellva.gov

Annual Conference

Foundation Awards & Citations LTI 2016

Management Conference Professional Education Virginia Senior Games

Legislative

Shannon Moore, CPRP Kathy Williams, CTRS Greg Sager Vacant Kristen Hamill, CPRP Matt Spruill, CPRP Lakita Watson, CPRP Shannon Moore, CPRP Jeff Sykes Kevin Myers Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Art Thatcher, CPRP

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Hanover County Parks & Rec

757-385-0420 757-474-8877 804-365-4690

smoore@vbgov.com kdwillia@vbgov.com rgsager@hanovercounty.gov

Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Suffolk Parks & Rec Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism Virginia Rec & Park Society GreenPlay LLC

757-926-1419 804-520-9392 757-514-7251 757-385-0420 757-591-4892 757-926-1414 804-730-9447 757-592-3103

khamill@nngov.com spruillm@colonialheightsva.gov lwatson@suffolkva.us smoore@vbgov.com jsykes@nngov.com kmyers@nngov.com jim@vrps.com art@greenplayllc.com

CEO Admin Assistant Member Services Coor.

Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Lori Haislip Nancy Turnage

Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society

804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447

jim@vrps.com lori@vrps.com nancy@vrps.com

VRPS Staff

Enterprise Group Chairs

Board of Directors

Executive Board Service Area Chairs

President Vice President Treasurer Lay Member Executive Director President Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Lay Member Executive Director Central Eastern Northern Southwestern Western

Resource Group Chairs

2015 VRPS BOARDS KEY LEADERS & STAFF Marcy Durrer, CPRP Margaret Thorne LaTanya Turner Rita Miller Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Marcy Durrer, CPRP Margaret Thorne Katey Legg, CPRP Michael Kalvort, CPRE LaTanya Turner Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Blythe Russian Bill Sgrinia Vacant Rita Miller Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Ryan Peters Mark Furlo, CPRP, CPSI Ryan Brookes

Hanover County Parks & Rec 804-365-4697 Portsmouth Parks, Rec & Leisure Services 757-393-8481x4102 Isle of Wight Parks & Rec 757-357-5951 VA Dept. of Health 804-864-7897 Virginia Rec & Park Society 804-730-9447 Hanover County Parks & Rec 804-365-4697 Portsmouth Parks, Rec & Leisure Services 757-393-8481x4102 Gloucester Parks, Rec & Tourism 804-693-1270 Virginia Beach Parks & Rec 757-385-1122 Isle of Wight Parks & Rec 757-357-5951 Hopewell Recreation & Parks 804-541-2464 Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority 703-359-4624 x221 Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism 434-799-5200

mgdurrer@hanovercounty.gov thornem@portsmouthva.gov lturner@isleofwight.net rita.miller@vdh.virginia.gov jim@vrps.com mgdurrer@hanovercounty.gov thornem@portsmouthva.gov klegg@gloucesterva.info mkalvort@vbgov.com lturner@isleofwight.net areidmiller@hopewellva.gov brussian@nvrpa.org sgrinia@ci.danville.va.us

VADept. of Health Virginia Rec. & Park Society Henrico Division of Rec & Parks Isle of Wight Co. Parks & Rec McLean Community Center

rita.miller@vdh.virginia.gov jim@vrps.com pet67@co.henrico.va.us mfurlo@isleofwightus.net ryan.brookes@fairfaxcounty.gov

Claire Richardson, CPRP

804-864-7897 804-730-9447 804-262-4924 x239 757-357-6703 571-382-0238

Board Liaisons SERVICE AREAS Central Service Area Eastern Service Area Northern Service Area Southwestern Service Area Western Service Area RESOURCE GROUPS Aquatics Athletics Cultural Diversty Outdoors: Seniors Therapeutic Recreation

Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Michael Kalvort, CPRE Bill Sgrinia Katey Legg, CPRP

Blythe Russian Marcy Durrer, CPRP; Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Marcy Durrer, CPRP

COMMITTEES LTI Annual Conference 2015 Annual Conference 2016 Management Conference 2017 Virginia Senior Games Awards & Citations Foundation Legislation Professional Education

Michael Kalvort, CPRE Michael Kalvort, CPRE Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Marcy Durrer, CPRP Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE; Art Thatcher CPRP, AFO, MPA Marcy Durrer, CPRP

Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP

WINTER 2015 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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NEWS FROM DANVILLE PARKS & RECREATION

iPlay:

I

Danville Parks & Recreation Looks to Make Communication More Interactive

n the past three years, Danville Parks and Recreation has continually asked the community the golden question: how do you play?

The top answers have consistently revolved around the Riverwalk trail and fitness programs.

So, the trail continues to grow and the department continues to look at new ways to integrate health and fitness into programming. Meanwhile, communication with the public has proved itself invaluable for planning and programming and has drastically evolved from the days of surveys and neighborhood canvasing.

Here are a few ways the department is using technology to communicate and engage the community.

By Russell Carter Communications Specialist Danville Parks and Recreation

iRiverwalk The thought is simple.

When people walk, run, bike or stroll, they have their cameras. Why not encourage users to share the moment? iRiverwalk is a photoshare page on www.

PlayDanvilleVA.com on which users can upload their favorite images from the trail.

The photos are displayed in a slideshow and also used on an innovative mapping tool that highlights points of interest and scenic vistas.

Future plans for iRiverwalk include blogstyle threads and forum entries.

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society n WINTER 2015

Danville In Motion Two years ago, Parks and Recreation began compiling major running, biking and walking events onto a calendar that was named Danville In Motion.

The purpose was to create an event calendar.

However, this year, the calendar has evolved into a punch card. After eight of the 22 events are completed, a user is eligible for a discount on the Glow With the Flow 5K in October.

And to take it to the next step, a Facebook group called “Danville in Motion� was developed, encouraging members of the page to post, communicate and share active events and tips with each other.

Users are asked to post how they play on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag.

Those images are then used to promote activity in Danville.

Users can find running partners, recruit participants, publicize activities ranging from Zumba to full marathons and push themselves to take that important step from inactive to active.

After all, I play, you play; why not show the world that we play?

#PlayDanvilleVA Hashtags have taken the world by storm. From civic movements to multi-billion dollar movie productions, the hashtag has become one of the best ways to navigate the messageinundated World Wide Web.

a boring place to live” train of thought, #PlayDanvilleVA has become the calling card for sharing activity and interest.

Danville Parks and Recreation programs and activities can be found online at www.

P l a y D a n v i l l e VA . c o m .

Feedback is always welcome.

For questions, comments or to suggest better ways to communicate, email carterr@danvilleva.gov.

With all of the billions of messages out there, and particularly the “Danville is

ILLUMINATING GENERATIONS You’re not just buying lights. You’re buying an affordable system that reduces energy and maintenance costs year after year. That means while decreasing wasted energy, you’ll save money and help protect the environment for his future.

To learn more visit: www.musco.com/generations Local area representatives: Steve Wiley 800/825-6030 (toll free) 804/836-6785 (mobile) steve.wiley@musco.com

Joe Forche 800/825-6030 (toll free) 804/385-8950 (mobile) joe.forche@musco.com

For Your Budget For The Environment ©2014 Musco Sports Lighting, LLC · ADVA14-1

WINTER 2015 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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VRPS SPRING 2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fri, 3/6

10am

Wed, 3/11

10am 2015 Annual Conference Meeting

MARCH 2015

Tues, 3/17

SRG Meeting - Conference call

1pm

VRPS Ticket Webinar

Thurs, 3/19 10am Mon, 3/23 8am

8am

Executive Committee Meeting Athletic Fields - Salem ARG Roundtable - Sterling

Tues, 3/24

8am

Athletic Fields - Chesapeake

Wed, 3/25

8am

Athletic Fields - Henrico

Thurs, 3/26

8am

Athletic Fields - Fairfax

Thurs, 3/26 10am

ARG Roundtable - Blacksburg

MAY 2015

APRIL 2015

Wed, 4/1 - Fri, 4/3 Wed, 4/8

10am 2015 Annual Conference Meeting

Mon, 4/13

10am

LTI Meeting

Thurs, 4/16 10am Fri, 4/17

9am

10am

Board Meeting VSG Registration Deadline ESA CPRP Bootcamp Foundation Board Meeting

Thurs, 4/23

10am

CSA Meeting

Wed, 4/29

10am

NSA Quarterly Meeting

Fri, 5/1

10am

SRG Meeting

Tues, 5/12 – Sat, 5/16

2015 Virginia Senior Games

Mon, 5/25 Sat, 5/30

JUNE 2015

CPSI Newport News

Central Office Closed 8am

ESA Summer Survival

Mon, 6/1

Cole Scholarship Deadline

Wed, 6/10

12pm 2015 Annual Conference Meeting

Wed, 6/24

10am

NSA Quarterly Meeting

Become a champion for VRPS! Visit www.vrps.com or call the VRPS Office at 804-730-9447 or email vrps@vrps.com for volunteer opportunities.

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society n WINTER 2015

NEWS FROM ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM

S

tand Up Paddleboarding

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the sport:

(SUP). It’s the fastest growing water sport in the country! That’s probably because of the affordability and versatility of this exciting new type of water craft. Great for moving or still water, stand up paddleboards are simple to learn and inflatable for easy transportation. The Roanoke Valley is the perfect environment for SUP adventures, with our growing list of outdoor By Scott Ramsburg of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism not just career but quality of life. When amenities and wide variety of streams, I was growing up here nobody lived creeks, rivers and lakes. downtown. I came back to see the amount of urban living and a vibrant greenway and James Revercomb is the co-founder of much more focus on the trail network. The Roanoke Mountain Adventures, an outdoor amount of public land with close proximity recreation based business opening this spring to the population center is truly amazing.” in the Roanoke Valley. He says SUP is not only an opportunity to see the surroundings As a stand up paddleboarding instructor, but to get some exercise as well. “I like it James begins each class by familiarizing people because you can do it anywhere. It’s easy with the equipment and basics. Starting with to get out on the water. You can go out for how to inflate the board, students quickly a leisure cruise. They make attachments learn how to put the board in the water and for fishing. It’s a relatively easy sport for finding the sweet spot to stand on it. From beginners, regardless of how athletic you are. there, it’s right into paddling.

It’s a great one to start with because of the ease of getting up for first timers.”

“Unlike surfing, it’s rare if there is someone not up paddling on their first time within James grew up in the Roanoke Valley, but two minutes,” says Revercomb. “I teach spent the past eight years leading outdoor students to loosen up and use more than trips in Wyoming, such as whitewater just their arms. On the board you want to rafting, fly fishing, snowmobiling and bend your knees and use your full body and wildlife expeditions. Since returning to the upper torso. The section of the Roanoke area James has been impressed with the River near Explore Park is a great stretch changes he sees here. to learn because you can fall off your board with little consequence other than getting “A lot has changed here; everything from wet. You don’t have much current to impede the rebranding and Roanoke Outside, to you from coming upstream.” what they’ve done marketing Roanoke as an outdoor town, promoting our natural Once you understand SUP basics, the resources. It has attracted business and recreation opportunities are almost limitless. young people as they see the advantage of

Standup Paddleboarding (SUP)

A Cool New Trend in Riversports

n River Paddling – SUP boards can travel through many small waterways too narrow or shallow for a standard canoe or kayak.

The Roanoke region is blessed with an abundance of streams and rivers with easy public access. n Fishing - You can now find numerous rod attachments and even back rests for your board.

Additionally, paddleboards make for stealthy vessels to outwit your aquatic adversary. n Exercise – Paddleboarding is a great workout for your upper body and core. Work against the current for an even greater workout, or improve your balance through yoga on still water. n Ecological Tours – Explore the coast of Smith Mountain Lake in a new way, or get up close and personal with the coastal marshes of Virginia Beach. n Overnight Trips – Since paddleboards are easily transportable, many owners find them convenient for quick overnight trips in the great outdoors. You can even find attachments to carry your gear.

Before you invest in a new stand up paddleboard of your own, try it out by participating in a new program from Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, led by the pros at Roanoke Mountain Adventures. Classes are designed for beginners with no previous experience.

Instructor James Revercomb prides himself on getting people out of their comfort zones into a totally unique experience.

“As a guide, one of the best parts of my job was seeing the sense of joy people got from outdoor recreation and the new places they were going and the experience you helped provide for them. I’ve never known something that could give so much and ask of so little as recreation in the great outdoors, and stand up paddleboards are a great way to see it. It’s a platform for a lifetime of enjoyment.”

WINTER 2015 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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NEWS FROM ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM

The

Happens Here:

Summer Camps!

By Tara Poelzing of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

I

“T he inherently

Imagine a place where kids immerse themselves in a world free from typical societal pressures—a place where the cares of the world melt away amidst immense personal growth. Sound like magic?

Well, summer camp is magical.

active and interactive environment of camp allows for the kind of learning that sticks....

The magic takes place in the doing.”

This is no exaggeration.

A landmark study1 by the American Camp Association that surveyed 80 camps and 5000 families reports that camps are not just entertainment. Regardless of the type of camp—overnight or day, for preschoolers or teens, athletic, outdoors, or artistic—camps and the hands-on experiences therein bolster lasting learning, building self-esteem, and strengthening social skills. Kids who attend camp are benefiting from developing real-

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world skills.

The inherently active and interactive environment of camp allows for the kind of learning that sticks.

Have you ever said that you learn better by doing?

Well, that is exactly what camp is—a lot of doing.

Whether a camper is learning about physics and trajectories by trying archery or kicking a soccer ball—the real-world connections make the learning come alive. As Jim Basham, Recreation Program Supervisor at Roanoke County’s Green Ridge Recreation Center, points out about their Lego camps, “Future

Virginia Recreation & Park Society n WINTER 2015

engineers may come out of the camp – they feel like they’re just playing with Legos, but who knows what that will spark. We build a curriculum with outcomes.” The magic takes place in the doing. Greg Martin, Camp Director at Roanoke County’s Camp Roanoke, knows well that folding camp experiences into one another extends learning in such a way that the lessons are carried forward even after the kids go home.

“At Camp Roanoke each component of the program complements and enforces overall camp themes. For example, we consistently affirm our approach to environmental stewardship through our meal service, the residential living component, arts and crafts projects and hands-on outdoor experiences.”

Brain research supports this idea that camp provides a uniquely magical place where kids can explore problem-based scenarios and confront real-world mysteries. Then, they link these new experiences back to

kids who attend camp show improvement in interpersonal skills like cooperation, trust, and communication.3 “It probably helps that they are coming together for a common goal,” Allen Hayes points out.

previously stored information. Boom! The learning sticks.2 Roanoke County’s new Nature Quest camps at Explore Park consciously put this practice into place via all-day interaction with the real thing. Inspired by college-level field experience classes, campers explore their natural world in order to piece together its intricate puzzle. As with all Roanoke County camps, the immersive setting allows kids to take the learning even further so that they are analyzing their experiences, modifying what they have done, making predictions based on their experiences and then immediately applying new knowledge.

Out of all of this learning comes a new way for campers to see themselves. As they take healthy risks in a safe environment, they recognize capabilities they didn’t previously realize they had. Athletics Supervisor Allen Hayes likes to encourage his campers to focus on “something that they have a desire to improve in themselves.” The athletic camps’ focus on skill building with lots of personal attention from camp staff and counselors gives kids that opportunity to improve a skill in a supportive environment. Jim Basham points out that the “camp setting is a great

way to ignite that.” Kids then take that newfound confidence and apply it beyond camp.

Self-esteem grows in a number of ways. As Greg Martin explains, “sometimes things happen in steps or increments. As the kids do things that they normally would not do, they realize that they have and are developing capabilities. “This real opportunity for success naturally builds self-esteem. Empty praise cannot do that, but allowing children to grow through experiences can. Camp is uniquely situated to do that. Whether it’s because they are learning to keep their own bunk area clean or navigating a formerly intimidating portion of the high ropes course, those real opportunities present themselves constantly.”

The whole time these successes are piling up, campers are learning to come together as a community thanks to well-trained and experienced camp staff. Campers find that inclusion and support have real pay-offs, as together teams of friends achieve more.

Regular, positive interactions with peers in this esteem-building setting help campers to ease into social situations with less trepidation. In fact, research indicates that

Marcia Dougherty, Recreation Program Manager for Roanoke County’s Youth Services, is keenly aware that “through socialization with others, through play, our children learn how to navigate their world of people. Play is one of the big socialization tools that we have.” She has witnessed some of our youngest campers grow from wallflower to kids who move well in a group.

Caring and experienced counselors, dynamic programming, and an environment that puts everyone at ease helps to make this possible.

Greg Martin points out that “perhaps the magic of camp is that growth is occurring for campers and staff alike, as they build a community they directly co-exist with. Regardless of campers’ backgrounds, they are a mix of kids coming together into a new place.” With so many options, every child has opportunities to fit into this mix and experience the magic of camp.

1. American Camp Association. (2005). Directions: Youth development outcomes of the camp experience. Retrieved on January 26, 2015 from www.acacamps.org/research/research-reports-summaries-and-data 2. Westwater, A. and P. Wolfe (2000). The brain-compatible curriculum. Educational Leadership, 58(3), pp. 49-52.

3. Reefe, K. (2006). The effects of an intentionally focused residential summer camp experience on the social skills development of pre-adolescent youth. Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/ research/symposium/reefe/pdf

WINTER 2015 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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NEWS FROM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

SOME KIDS USE TOBACCO, E-CIGARETTES TOGETHER, STUDY FINDS Article submitted by Virginia Department of Health from HealthDay Journal Written By Steven Reinberg Submitted by Rita Miller, Lay Member VRPS

A

merican children and teens who smoke may also use a variety of other nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookahs and pipes, a new study finds.

“We are concerned about this because of the potential for increased harm associated with the use of multiple products, such as exposing young people to nicotine during a time when their brains are still developing or risk for nicotine addiction,” said lead researcher Youn Ok Lee, a research public health analyst at RTI International in Research Triangle Park, N.C. Public health experts are also concerned that these products could attract kids who might not otherwise use cigarettes or tobacco products, she said.

For the study, Lee’s team collected data on almost 25,000 students between 9 and 18 years old who took part in the 2012 National Youth Tobacco Survey. In addition to cigarettes, the researchers looked at the use of

12

e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookahs, pipes, bidis (small imported cigarettes), kreteks (cigarettes blended with cloves or other flavors), snus (a type of smokeless tobacco) and dissolvable tobacco.

Dr. Norman Edelman, a senior consultant for scientific affairs for the American Lung Association, said, “This is an important article as it makes a good case for regulations which make nicotine delivery devices such as e-cigarettes unavailable to children.”

The researchers found that nearly 15 percent of children and teens used one or more tobacco products. Of these, about 3 percent smoked cigarettes exclusively and 4 percent used one noncigarette product exclusively. However, 3 percent used cigarettes along with another product and 4 percent used three or more nicotine delivery products, according to the study.

The study points out that very often these devices are being used in addition to cigarettes and not as substitutes, Edelman said. “Thus, no so-called harm reduction is going on, but enhanced addiction to nicotine among our youth is taking place,” he said.

In addition, twice as many kids used e-cigarettes alone than kids who used them along with cigarettes, the researchers found.

Children who used several nicotine delivery devices were more likely to be boys, the study found. Kids using multiple devices also were more likely to use flavored products, to be addicted to nicotine, and to be influenced by advertising and susceptible to peer pressure, the researchers said.

“Our results also suggest that policymakers should look more closely at the potential influence of flavors and company marketing on kids’ use of multiple products. Researchers have looked at these issues when it comes to cigarettes, but less is known about them when it comes to non-cigarette products,” Lee said.

The report was published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.

Virginia Recreation & Park Society n WINTER 2015

Flavoring these products is especially egregious as this practice has already been banned in cigarettes, because it’s “a direct and blatant attempt to sell to minors,” he said.

“The American Lung Association has been urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop regulations for nicotine delivery devices like e-cigarettes.

Among other things, this would protect our children from being harmed by them. The agency announced intent to do so a while ago,” Edelman said.

In 2014, the FDA proposed a new rule that would allow the agency to regulate e-cigarettes.

For more information on youth and tobacco, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine or http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter and submitted for your information by Rita Miller, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator, Virginia Dept. of Health.

NEWS FROM VRPS EASTERN SERVICE AREA

Eastern Service Area Trainings

T

he Eastern Service Area is the go-to place for trainings this year! You will go “Beyond Management: Advancing Leadership” at the Management Conference in Suffolk, and you can “Cultivate. Connect. Converge” at the Annual Conference in Virginia Beach. The ESA Board will also be bringing back popular trainings like Summer Survival and CPRP Bootcamp in 2015.

Summer Survival has become a rite of passage for front line summer camp staff.

This year’s training will be held at Lamberts Point Recreation Center in Norfolk on Saturday May 30, 2015. The service area has pulled together the best and the brightest professionals in our field that work directly with planning summers camps to provide the best Summer Survival experiences to date!

Rebecca Skinner from Suffolk Parks and Recreation and Isaac Acosta from Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation are Co-Chairing the training this year that will offer a host of tips to make your summer camp the best and keep your team energized. The training will run from 8:00 am to 3:00pm and there will

be approximately .4 CEUs available.

The cost will be $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers and the cost includes lunch.

The ESA will also be hosting CPRP Bootcamp at ODU with Dr. Eddie Hill.

If you are thinking about taking the Certified Parks and

Certification sends a message to all your colleagues that Recreation is a serious profession and illustrates your commitment to it.

Recreation Professional exam, you do not want to miss this opportunity to brush up on the examination material. Certification is not just a few extra letters behind your name or a fancy ribbon at our Annual Conference.

Certification sends a message to all your colleagues that Recreation is a serious profession and illustrates your commitment to it.

The Bootcamp will be held Friday, April 17, 2015 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; lunch is on your own. The cost is $10 for students and $25 for professionals. The Eastern Service Area will be offering two scholarships for professionals and two scholarships for students through the Foundation.

These trainings are an excellent way to continue your professional development. The Eastern Service Area welcomes you and looks forward to your participation.

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NEWS FROM ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION

ISLE OF WIGHT

COUNTY FAIR AWARDS COMPETITION

Left to Right Back Row: Robbie Lee, Robie Claud, Mark Furlo, Director of IOW Parks and Recreation, Allen Brown, Danny Byrum; Front Row: Alice Lee, Donna Claud, Gabriella Bryce, Lauren Bailess IOW P&R, Fair and Events Coordinatior, Roamayne Byrum, Anne Trapani in front of awards collected at the VAF Conference.

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sle of Wight County Department of Parks and Recreation won the Award of Excellence for Best Special Agricultural Educational Exhibit or Program as well as second place for television commercial and third for best promotional items. The awards were presented at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions held in December at Las Vegas, NV. The County competed with Fairs from all over the world, from Great Britain to South Korea.

The Department also collected a host of additional awards at the state level. Isle of Wight won over twenty five (25) awards and Recognition from the Virginia Association of Fairs at their annual conference held in January at the Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. Best in Show awards include Pageant Book, Photo Essay, Fair Booklet, Wed Advertisement, Premium Book, Magazine Article, Poster, T-Shirt and Media Scrapbook.

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Best in Show is won by being the overall winner out of the first place winners in the 3 attendance divisions.

Isle of Wight County Fair also won 1st place awards for its Pageant Book, Photo Essay, Fair Booklet, Wed Advertisement, Fair Premium Book, Magazine Article, Fair Website, Fair Poster, Promotional Merchandise, Fair T-Shirt, Magazine Advertisement, Fair Theme and Media Scrapbook. The Isle of Wight County Fair also brought home four 2nd place ribbons, and one 3rd place ribbon. With all of the winning awards, the Isle of Wight County Fair won Best Overall Fair in it’s division.

Fairs from across the state competed in various competitions involving marketing, advertising, creative design, media productions and fair-themed projects. Isle of Wight County Fair competed in the 7,000 to 29,999 attendance category.

Virginia Recreation & Park Society n WINTER 2015

Lauren Bailess, Fair and Events Coordinator and Danny Byrum, volunteer Fair Chairman accepting IAFE Award.

NEWS FROM THE CITY OF NORFOLK (RPOS)

NORFOLK PARTNERS WITH LOCAL FAMILY THEATRE TO OFFER

Art s Educat ion

S

ing. Dance. Succeed. That’s the goal, and the name, of the newly formed partnership between the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space (RPOS) and the Hurrah Players, Inc. Dubbed Virginia’s Leading Family Theatre Company, the Hurrah Players is a 501(c) 3 not-forprofit organization committed to inspire and empower the Hampton Roads community through affordable, professional, quality musical theatre education and family friendly entertainment.

This winter, Hurrah staff spread that education and entertainment to Norfolk’s recreation centers. The Sing, Dance and Succeed program provided six weeks of free music, dance and theatre lessons to nearly 50 students at two Norfolk community centers. Highly-trained

staff from the Hurrah Players conducted one hour lessons, twice a week for five to twelve year old students. The program is funded in-part by generous support from two private foundations, The Louis and Mary Haddad Foundation and the E. C. Wareheim Foundation. Not only do the lessons enhance the children’s musical theatre skills, but also help to develop creativity, improve cognitive

and motor skills, assist with the adoption of social behavior, enhance self-discipline and most importantly, achieve self-confidence.

The students were thrilled to receive the lessons and more importantly, show their families what they learned. The program concluded with a show and tell performance for family members and friends. In addition to the sixweek program, students also received free admission to the Hurrah Players’ performance of Honk, where they experienced first-hand where their education could lead them.

Survey results from the initial program were extremely positive, resulting in the continuation of the program for another session, which began on January 26th. Responses from the survey indicated that more than half of the participants had never heard of the Hurrah Players before the program, making this a winwin for both organizations. Using benchmark data from this pilot program, Norfolk and the Hurrah Players hope to secure grant funding to expand the program to additional centers in the future.

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NEWS FROM ORANGE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

ORANGE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION AND FAYE’S OFFICE SUPPLY HOST

OFFICE COSTUME CONTEST

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s the leaves begin to change and the air gets cooler, almost everyone begins to think about the upcoming holidays. To tap into some of that spirit, Orange County Parks & Recreation, sponsored by Faye’s Office Supply, organized a county wide office costume contest for local businesses and organizations with the intent of encouraging some community fun and office morale boosting. Thinking along the same lines, Faye’s Office Supply agreed to sponsor the event, and put forward three gift cards totaling $50, $30, & $20 each for prizes. The idea for this contest was initially inspired by the Orange County Treasurer’s Office, who last year blew OCPR staff away with an elaborate themed costume in which every employee was dressed as a character from the Wizard of Oz. After seeing the fun that the Treasurer’s Office had with their costumes, Parks & Recreation staff thought it would be great to encourage other organizations to follow suit.

As word of the contest spread throughout Orange County, coworkers began to come up with creative costume ideas in the hopes of gaining the gift card, trophy, and the ultimate bragging rights that come with winning first place. In the end, twelve local businesses, organizations, and offices entered the contest.

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To help visit and take photographs at the various locations around Orange County (and to get in on the fun), OCPR recruited the services of LocOCPR, our resident luchador tag-team wrestlers (OCPR Director, Tim Moubray, and Service Coordinator, Jayson Woods).

These masked men travelled the county, meeting the contestants and bringing back pictures for the contest. These pictures were uploaded to OCPR’s Facebook page: www. facebook. com/ocprva, where users were able to vote for their favorite entries. This Facebook vote was combined with scoring from 5 judges to determine the winners.

This posting resulted in 432 total votes and there was 10% increase in our “likes”.

When the votes and scores were tallied, three entries stood victorious. Third place

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went to Orange County Treasurer’s & IT for their monster themed costumes. Second place went to Orange County Administration for depicting the three blind mice and the farmer’s wife. First place was earned by the Dogwood Village Activities Department for their very thorough scarecrow costumes.

Each of these contestants received a trophy and one of the Faye’s Office Supply gift cards. It was a great start for a new event. OCPR truly appreciates all of the participants who entered the contest this year, and encourages the community to visit all of the great businesses in our area.

BOOK REVIEW

High Performance Agencies THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MODEL FOR PUBLIC PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS

T

by Paul A. Gilbert, NOVA Parks - Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Sagamore Publishing, 2014 Review submitted by Tim Herd, CPRE

he recreation and parks profession is undergoing a seismic shift. The traditional ways in which people live, work, recreate and relate are being shaken by shifting patterns in commerce, transportation, health, conservation, education, communication, technology and societal norms. When the quake settles, only those agencies that have refashioned themselves into responsive community problem solvers will be left standing. The rest will be rubble: It’s not just fun and games anymore.

Paul Gilbert’s new book on high performing recreation, park and tourism organizations not only helps delineate the differences between those who will rise and those who will fail, but also outlines how the leaders of the pack are implementing new ways of product and service delivery, embracing technological and demographic changes, and ensuring that their parks and recreation facilities are places of the future and not just of the past.

Now that the physical and virtual landscape is changing so significantly, passive management of public resources is no longer the model of success.

Recreation and park leaders must now be explorers and risk takers, opportunistically innovating new management practices not only to survive, but thrive in the current and future reality.

And just how is that done? To start, Gilbert addresses how organizational structure can make or break the ability of its own components to work together and make well-informed decisions. While no one structure type is an ideal-fits-all, the principles help build a stronger grasp of core business functions, resource utilization, fiscal sustainability and overall productivity.

Studded with organizational examples, applied research and other market-driven illustrations, High Performance Agencies offers a fundamental plan to develop and market your agency to thrive. n Section I provides a guide to sharpening your approach, your mission and your strategic planning. n Section III on Human Resources offers solid advice for understanding individual differences, hiring, training and keeping the best, and conducting performance-based reviews and disciplinary actions. n Section IV addresses the financial considerations of good governance, budgeting and land acquisition. n Section V, Creating a Brighter Future, covers the leadership elements of positioning and visioning to help a high performing agency reach its full transformative role in the community.

But the value-shifting significance of the book is found in Section II, which makes the case for The Enterprise Approach

through innovating, pricing, marketing and partnering. And while the details may vary, the entrepreneurial fundamentals work in struggling communities as well as affluent ones. Gilbert explains that being entrepreneurial is about taking both ownership for our organization and action to shape its future. By intentionally seeking the niche-filling possibilities (and revenues) that business-related activities can deliver, the community-responsive leaders create programs and facilities that the public is willing to pay for.

“When you add more value-added services (within reason) on public land, you create a win-win scenario where more people who are attracted by the amenities are introduced to the great open space,” Gilbert asserts. “When done right, an enterprise approach means you need to understand your customers and offer them products and services they value and are happy to pay for. Forget about what you currently do, and think instead about who your current and potential customers are, what will make their lives better, and how you can offer that.”

After all, isn’t that why we’re in the public business?

High Performance Agencies: The Entrepreneurial Model for Public Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Organizations by Paul A. Gilbert Sagamore Publishing, 2014 223 pages ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-57167-770-9 http://www.sagamorepub.com/ products/high-performance-agencies

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NEWS FROM VRPS It seems just a few months ago that many of us gathered at the Homestead to learn, grow, and rededicate ourselves to our profession and VRPS. A dedicated group of individuals have been working diligently over the past 6 months to put together the 2015 Annual Conference, scheduled for November 7 – 10 th. Registration opens in the next month and you’ll want to reserve your spot early as the experience is going to be enlightening, influential and will shatter all expectations you have about what a conference can be.

On behalf of the entire 2015 Committee, I invite you to come to Virginia Beach and Cultivate, Connect and

Cultivate, Connect, Converge VIRGINIA BEACH 2015

Converge!

Cultivate:

As our profession dramatically changes, it’s our duty to continually learn new methods of programming and operations, brainstorm new services we can offer to our citizens, and challenge our way of thinking. The Education Committee is hard at work on delivering an engaging slate of classes which will provide you with the tools to make an immediate impact when you travel back to your community. You will also be able to visit some of the newest facilities in the Hampton Roads area and learn what these organizations are doing to engage their community, and how you can also.

Finally, Tom O’Rourke, Executive Director of Charleston County’s Parks and Recreation Department, will be delivering a keynote that will inspire and energize you, while making you understand that regardless of your position, you are important and make an impact.

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Connect:

Being with like-minded individuals is inspirational and refreshing and the socials currently slated will “enlighten you and make your spirit glow” in more than one way. This year’s conference will foster learning in a variety of formats. With the proximity to Old Dominion University and Virginia Wesleyan College, future leaders in the field will share information and the latest trends.

In addition, you’ll have an opportunity to build important relationships that can help you get the next job and enhance your future.

Converge:

Once a year we get the opportunity to meet as a united group of Virginia Parks and Recreation Professionals and set our direction towards greatness.

Learning occurs in different ways and at the conference, we are offering many innovative ways to expand your network of friends, potential clients, and meet experts who will

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pass their knowledge to you. The exhibit hall is designed in a new experiential format which is interactive and will foster new relationships between vendors and delegates.

Each evening, the fun really gets going with spectacular activities on the east coast’s most famous oceanfront.

The 2015 VRPS Annual Conference is scheduled from November 7 – 10th at the 31st Street Hilton on the world famous Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Activities include numerous educational sessions, service area meetings, preconference institutes, exhibit hall including many activities, two socials, annual awards banquet, business meeting, address from our President, Marcy Durrer, and a Keynote by Tom O’Rourke. More information may be obtained at www.vrps. org or on the VRPS Annual Conference Facebook Page. I look forward to seeing you in November as we all Cultivate, Connect, and Converge at the Beach!

Michael J. Kalvort, CPRE is currently the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Virginia Beach. In additional to being on the 2015 VRPS Conference Committee, he also serves on the State Board of Directors, the Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Committee, and is active in NRPA.

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

SPRING SAVINGS DAYS TICKETS! Valid April 3-12, 18, 19, 25, 26 May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22-25

PARK & RECREATION DAYS TICKETS! Valid June 26- August 2

ONLY

35

$

00

Ages 3 & above Children ages 2 & under admitted FREE.

For Additional Information Contact: The Virginia Recreation and Park Society at 804-730-9447 For up-to-date Park information go to: www.kingsdominion.com

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Park Opens March 29, 2015. Soak City Opens May 23, 2015

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© 2014 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Intimidator™ 305 takes its name from Dale Earnhardt, “the Intimidator” © 2014 Cedar Fair, L.P. © KD14-124