Blogging and Soccer and Turtles

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Some weeks it's a stretch - coming up with content that is (a) relevant to VRPS, and (b) of interest to its community.  Some weeks I'm tempted to skip it altogether - the "fans" out there are silent anyway (tsk tsk), but alas, my resolve rises and I am determined to post each week.  That is the only way to instill growth.  

Confession:  my number one source for blog content (or ideas, rather) is Facebook.  After all, if I want to know what is happening NOW, and I want it in a concise/catchy/visual format (photos, pictographs), why not let the content come to ME via Facebook and the pages to which I subscribe.

So, it is no surprise that this week is all about soccer and the World Cup.  I played soccer for at least half of my life, and I drove to soccer most of the other half.  Yay for the World Cup.

  A funny from our friends at Fibrex Group.

But, there's more going on out there too.  For example, turtles.  Turtles, you ask?  Yes, turtles.  Facebook (or at least my feed) is all about these days - all those little hatchlings whose nesting environments were tended and protected since about March are now heading to the sea.  They've defied tremendous odds, and obviously there's more obstacles on the horizon, but the inspiration in their journey thus far is inspiring.  There are loads of stories of success and progress, many of them in Virginia.

Part of the "hype" is because last week was World Sea Turtle Day, not to be confused with World Turtle Day, which was in May.  My own little turtle story is this.  A box turtle planted herself in our crabgrassed backyard.  Over the course of an entire Saturday, in full sun, she dug.  We knew what she was up to, so we erected a little lawn marking near her so as not to step or mow on her special spot in the future.

How is this the least bit relevant to parks and recreation?  As the saying goes, "if you build it, they will come."  If you build the opportunity to engage a community in what is of interest at the time, give them a venue and inspiration by which to learn more and grow, they will come.  My son, who is fourteen - a very difficult age to please and captivate - was jazzed.  Hmm ... I thought ... I need to look for programs in my area to foster this interest of his ....

By the way, the little future box turtles didn't make it.  By next evening, momma's eggs had been unearthed, their shells scattered about, victims of the food chain.  But that's the best part - the food chain is at play and doing it's thing.  Hmm ... I'm thinking ... I need to learn more about backyard wildlife habitats ....

Energy at Central Office

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Recognize this VRPSer?

In 2012, upon introduction to Beth Wood-Whitely, my initial impression was, to sum in one word, "energy".  Now, two years and many obstacles, challenges, and experiences later, that has not changed.  At all.  Beth continues to be a mentor, blowing into the office and spreading enthusiasm, efficiency, smiles, and all around good feelings and sunshine.

Central Office has been privileged with her company the last couple of weeks.  Retirement and relocation have afforded Beth the opportunity to volunteer her time at Central Office to tackle some of those long backlogged tasks.  She has already completed organizing the CEU filing, as well as come up to speed on the summer theme park ticket sales, which are an enigma similar to a complicated math word problem:

• Which park would you like to visit?
• When are you going?
• What are the ages of the patrons?
• How would you like to pay?
• Do you have access to a computer?
• Do you have access to a printer?

Don't be surprised to get a call from Beth soon, to chat and to follow up on any number of VRPS adminstrative tasks.  Thanks Beth.

The "Face" of VRPS

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Everybody's heard of Facebook ... but are you using it?  More importantly, are you using it to stay connected to your network of professionals?

• Virginia Recreation and Park Society
• Virginia Senior Games
• VRPS Central Service Area
• Virginia Recreation & Park Society - Northern Service Area
• Virginia Recreation and Park Society - Therapeutic Recreation Resource Group
• VRPS Annual Conference
• Vrps-Lti

What's Hot in Fitness, Now?

by Stephanie Wimer, Recreation Specialist, Harrisonburg City Parks and Recreation

In this piece, guest blogger Stephanie explores the newest trends in fitness—what’s the difference between a trend and a fad?  What’s old news, and what’s here to stay?  Many recreation facilities can benefit by offering a variety of classes that appeal to a wide range of individuals, and Stephanie gives a full recap of not just the most trendy ways to exercise, but she marks off the classes that are here to stay.  Read on to discover what Stephanie learned from her trip to the 2013 VRPS Annual Conference in September, 2013.

What’s Hot in Fitness, Now?

2014 VRPS Annual Conference will take place December 6-9, 2014 at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Visit the 2014 Annual Conference web page HERE.

Online registration is available HERE

More about Stephanie:

Stephanie has been teaching group fitness, coaching CrossFit, and personal training clients for several years; and she is most passionate about helping others achieve personal bests in their own fitness capacities.

 In her spare time, Stephanie manages her website, Strong Figure, which was created to help others pursue knowledge, health, and strength—three areas of importance to her.  After battling years of not knowing how to become healthier/fitter, Stephanie embarked on a journey that has led to many life-changing moments for her.  Strong Figure exists in order to help others who may find themselves struggling on a similar path.  Read more about her, find workout ideas, and learn about nutrition on her site: http://strongfigure.com.