52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 13, VRPS Magazine

VRPS Magazine
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Amy-Jo Hendrix of Town of Vienna Parks & Recreation began editing the VRPS Magazine in 2007.  She thinks.  After over six years of Spring, Summer, and Fall editions, Amy-Jo has it down to a science.  Start to finish, it takes her about 16 labor-hours total, per edition.  That's 48 hours each year.

How long does the entire process take?  According to Jim Stutts, VRPS Executive Director, the answer is about 12 weeks from concept to delivery:

1. Amy-Jo looks for topics from members and agencies that would be valuable to jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth.
2. DAY 1:  About thirty days prior to deadline, she contacts Directors and requests articles.
3. DAY 14:  She reminds them two weeks later.
4. DAYS 15-29:  As the articles come in, she logs, reads, and proofs.
5. ARTICLE DEADLINE DAY, #30:  She sends them to the graphic designer for layout.
6. DAY 44:  The graphic designer completes the first draft.
7. DAYS 45- 51:  Proofing revisions are exchanged and the final draft eventually approved.  Multiple pairs of eyes at the VRPS Central Office assist with the proofing as well.  
8. DAYS 52-53:  The graphic designer sends the finished product to the printer.  The printer preps the electronic proof for hardcopy and sends the final to Central Office for review.
9. DAYS 54-84:  Once approved, the proof goes to print.  The printer ships the finished product to the mailing house.  The mailing house applies labels, sorts, and delivers to the USPS.
10. DAY 84:  Central Office posts the online edition using ISSUU to a member-secure portion of the website.

What happens after DAY 84?  Amy-Jo takes a break for a little over a month and then begins the cycle again.  But, of course, during that month she's got her ear to the ground, finding prospective article topics for the next edition.

Thanks Amy-Jo.

Staying Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 12, Certifications

Certifications
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

CPSI.  AFO.  CPRE.  CPRP.  CTRS.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, thousands of people who are committed to fostering the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of park and recreation programs and services do so by means of national certification.

5 REASONS TO BECOME A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL

1. Greater career opportunities and advancement
2. Demonstration of your commitment to the parks and recreation profession
3. Enhanced quality of parks and recreation services nationwide
4. Recognition for your accomplishments and ability to meet national standards
5. Expansion of your skills and knowledge through continuing professional development

After all that diligence and effort, VRPS assists in keeping you certified by offering classes, workshops, and events in which you can earn CEUs.

What is a CEU?  One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.  Certificants are all required to earn 2.0 or more CEUs during each certification period:  the number of CEUs required and the length of the certification period varies according to type of certification. 

Staying Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 11, Workshops

Workshops
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Not only is VRPS working to bring you quality training opportunities, but so are your peers in the five Service areas and six Resource Groups.  In 2012, they brought over a dozen, discounted training and networking events to the VRPS community.

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.

52 Ways to Use Your VRPS Membership: Week 10, Athletic Fields

Athletic Fields
by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Sports turf is big business.  Schools, governments, and athletic facilities are investing funds, manpower, and acreage in order to provide their communities safe, versatile, and attractive game-day venues.

Virginia Recreation and Park Society is privileged to offer Athletic Fields 301, the third incarnation of this athletic field maintenance workshop.  Thanks to our three sponsors, Toro, Turf Equipment and Supply Company, and Smith Turf and Irrigation, experts Dale Getz and Michael Goatley will lead attendees through the ABC's of establishing, and maintaining, quality athletic fields.

VRPS members receive a $10 discount to the workshop.  Thanks to four VRPS host agencies offering the use of their facilities, registrants can choose from four locations throughout the Commonwealth:  Salem (west), Fairfax (north), Henrico (central), Chesapeake (east).

Stay Strong, Relevant, and Engaged.