The Nuts and Bolts of Webinars

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Member Services Coordinator

75 minutes.  After countless hours and input from many sources, VRPS webinars typically come down to 75 minutes of "showtime".

As an example, this discussion will spotlight "What You Need to Know About Tobacco" which was conducted and recorded on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

Rita Miller, VDH

November, 2015

Rita Miller, VRPS Board Lay Member and Virginia Department of Health Cessation Services Coordinator for the Tobacco Use Control Program, collaborated with Janit Llewellyn Allen, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Project Manager, on conducting a webinar for VRPS membership in which they inform attendees on (1) the dangers of tobacco use, and (b) limiting tobacco use within parks.

Timing is everything, and as they compared notes and planned at 2015 VRPS Annual Conference in Virginia Beach, Rita and Janit were also able to reign-in Annual Conference Keynote Speaker Tom O'Rourke, Executive Director Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission, to provide insight into their project.

January, 2016 

Janit met with VRPS Member Services Coordinator Nancy Turnage to schedule the webinar and identify the nuts and bolts.

Rita and Janit worked independently compiling slideshows to showcase content, with Rita focusing on:

• History of Tobacco
• Target Marketing to Youth
• Introduction of New Tobaccco Products
• The Toll and Perils of Tobacco
• How to Take Action
• The Facts About Cigarette Butt Pollution

Janit Llewellyn Allen, DCR

while Janit explored how three Virginia localities are addressing tobacco control and prevention.  Janit solicited the input of VRPS members Sarah Baldwin (Deputy Director, Fairfax County Park Authority), and Jim Perdue (Parks District Manager, Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation) to share their experiences of tobacco use restriction in parks within their localities.

On a separate but related effort, Rita and Janit are also collaborating on an article for the June edition of VRPS' Parks and Recreation magazine.

February, 2016

Courtesy Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation

When Rita and Janit felt they had final drafts, they solicited the assistance from peers at their respective Virginia agencies for feedback.

VRPS Central Office began marketing the webinar via the weekly E-update member newsletter, E-blasts, and Social Media posts.  Webinar registration and information was made available on the VRPS website.  Typically, VRPS webinars are free to VRPS members only.  Due to the nature of the critical content of "What You Need to Know About Tobacco", and in keeping with its goals, VRPS made the decision to make the webinar free to the general public.

VRPS goals include:

• Provide and encourage continuous training opportunities for members;
• Improve recreation, parks, and leisure services to the public;
• Update members on current trends and opportunities in the profession;
• Disseminate information to the public through use of publications and media;
• Maintain current academic curriculum;
• Involve interested citizens in advisory, participatory, and volunteer efforts supportive of parks, recreation, and leisure services programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
• Maintain a professional register of qualified recreation and park personnel.

March, 2016

While the slides were being created, edited, re-edited, and shared, the VRPS Certification Education Board was reviewing the webinar application to be eligible for .1 CEU by attendees who request to purchase and earn the CEU.

The CEU Board is comprised of:

• Chair, Shannon Moore, CPRP, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
• Ed Matthews, CPRP, City of Norfolk Recreation, Parks, & Open Space
• Vic Garber, CPRP, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Department
• Ashley Greene, CPRP, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
• Arlana Fauntleroy, CPRP, James City County Parks & Recreation

The board reviews CEU applications to assure that the educational opportunity meets all criteria as defined by VRPS and NRPA:

1. Activity is planned in response to educational needs that have been identified for a target audience.
2. Activity has clear, concise, and measurable written statements of intended learning outcomes.
3. Qualified instructional personnel are involved in planning and conducting each activity.
4. Content and instructional methods are appropriate for the intended learning outcomes of each activity.
5. Participants must demonstrate their attainment of the learning outcomes.
6. The participants evaluate each learning activity.

April, 2016

Jim Perdue, Janit Llewellyn Allen, Rita Miller finalize details prior to the webinar.  Sara Baldwin was able to contribute remotely.

• VRPS scheduled a connectivity webinar test for all persons to be speaking during the course of the 75-minute webinar.
• The webinar was held and recorded.
• CEU certificates were distributed to those attendees who purchased and earned the .1 CEU.
• The webinar recording was made available via emails to registrants, the VRPS website, social media, and E-update.

Courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority

Many thanks to all the professionals who made this webinar, and all VRPS webinars, possible!

VRPS Members in the Community: Kat Fish

by Kat Fish


* Aquatics Specialist II,
Prince William County Parks & Recreation

* 2016 LTI Committee:  Secretary
* 2016 Northern Service Area Board:  Chair-Elect

Kat Fish is an Aquatics Specialist II with Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation. She oversees an indoor aquatic facility and Waterworks Waterpark. She has been with the agency as a lifeguard since she was 15 and just reached her 6th year in a full time capacity. Prior to working full time with PWC she taught high school history classes with Stafford County Public Schools. It was here where she was able to utilize her passion of dance to coach and mentor high school dancers on their Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. She is currently in her 9th year as the Head Coach of the Dance Team Program at Mountain View High School in Stafford.

How/when did you become involved with dance?  What was your dance journey – where are you from & how did you get to where you are now - geographically, professionally, recreationally.

How did I become so passionate about dance? Dance has been in life since the age of 4. My mother enrolled me in my first creative movement class at the center where I currently work. I then added more classes by taking tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and pointe. In high school, I was on my dance team and spent my afternoons practicing and then would head straight to my dance studio for many more hours of dance. On average I was dancing about 30 hours a week in high school. Upon graduation I knew that dance needed to remain in my life. I attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where I participated in their Dance Company and Dance Marathon. I graduated with two minors in Dance Education and Dance Performance. I was hired to coach and teach for Stafford County Public Schools in 2007. The school and team were only two years old, so I was motivated to create and build my own program.

What was your greatest concern or doubt, and how did it turn out?  What steps have you taken as a result?

When I was hired I was told some of the history of the last two years of the team. I heard there were issues with the past coaches but at the same time I heard that the team was upset at the departure of their former coaches. My biggest concern was being that “new coach” that they would have to adjust to. Adjust to my rules, my way of running practices, and my expectations of them and of myself as a coach. The first year was definitely a year of ups and downs and lots of learning. I took all of the challenges and successes and captured those onto paper. At the end of the year I reflected back to my notes and created the official Constitution for the team. This set clear expectations for dancers, parents, and myself as the coach. The team had not had any formal guidelines in terms of attendance, grades, behavior, etc. Forming this was a huge step in making the team “my own.” Each year the coaches and I continue to revise and update the Constitution to fit any new obstacles that we have faced in the past year.

How do you feel your efforts with this initiative have strengthened you as an individual, a professional, and a VRPS member?

Some of my team’s major accomplishments in my 9 years as coach were winning the EDA All-Around Grand Champion in 2014 and 2010. They were also Grand Champions in two divisions in 2014 and three divisions in 2010 at U.S. Finals in Virginia Beach. The team continuously has been awarded “Best Technique” at local and national competitions.

When the team is not competing, I encourage community involvement by supporting Special Olympics and performing at local elementary schools fundraisers. They also host a six week dance camp for local middle and elementary schools, teaching proper stretching techniques and dance routines. Beyond their local community, they perform at the Pro Bowl, with the Elite Redskinettes, and during the Macy’s Day Parade.

While stressing teamwork, I also promote growth of the individual dancer. I understand the importance of helping my dancers grow by allowing them to help choreograph their own routines. I then guide them in the refining and cleaning process. The rapport I build with them during this process is evident by the number of dancers that return to perform in the annual alumni routine during basketball season.  Many of those alumni have been extremely successful in their dance careers after graduating from high school. Four have been EDA/UDA instructors, nine have been in college dance companies, and five have been selected for collegiate dance teams. Our current JV Coach is a past dancer and a member of a semi-professional football dance team.

If you could choose one thing to happen for the program in the future, what would it be?

Dance has become a very expensive sport and we have seen a gradual decline in our numbers when it comes time to tryouts. As a team that is solely supported by team fundraisers, I would like to see that one day the school would provide more financial support. Our winning record in Stafford County is one to be proud of but I would like to enjoy this record with more dancers being able to participate without having to worry financially.

What is your best moment throughout the year?

My greatest moment each year with the team is our Alumni Dance. We invite all alumni dancers back to practice for a week. They learn a routine with the current members and then they all perform together at halftime of a home basketball game.  Each year we have at least 10 alumni dancers come back and join us for this experience. It is an opportunity for them to check up on their alma mater and for me to reconnect with members that I was once so closely connected to. We are not just a 4 year team… we are a family.

Anything else you want to express ?

The Leadership Training Institute was my introduction into VRPS. This was the first training I attended and I became instantly hooked on VRPS. From the educational sessions, to the chance to reflect on myself as a supervisor and truly learning new things about myself – I am grateful for my chance to attend LTI. Since LTI, I have become involved in Annual Conference, Northern Service Area, and I am completing my second term with the Leadership Training Institute Board. VRPS has given me the opportunity to step outside of my agency and work with other highly talented professionals in the recreation field.

Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society 2014 Member List

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

On the heels of an extraordinary year which saw us lead the effort to complete the Society’s Capital Campaign, the Foundation of VRPS followed up with an extremely successful 2014 which included multiple accomplishments.  The Foundation supported the efforts of the 2014 Leadership Training Institute through funding for speakers and scholarships, worked with Service Areas & Resource Groups to offer a combined thirty-eight scholarships to the 2014 Annual Conference, awarded a qualified professional the Jesse A. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, and took our first steps in the creation of an Education Endowment designed to fund professional development for years to come.

Membership in the Foundation has a deeper meaning than just writing a check.  Membership supports colleagues, co-workers, future professionals and tomorrow’s leaders through providing scholarships, promoting leisure awareness, improving leisure opportunities, and strengthening the commitment to our profession. 

As the calendar turns to 2015 and the 30^th anniversary of the Foundation’s creation, please remember that your membership continues to support the principles for which the Foundation was established.

We look forward to you joining us in our mission.

Sincerely,

Greg Sager

2014 Foundation President

2014 VRPS Members in the Community: Julie Saum

by Julie Saum, CTRS, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitative Center and Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE DOING IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Julie Saum, CTRS, is a Recreation Therapist for Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center and is currently working towards re-inventing the VRPS Therapeutic Recreation Resource Group.

Can you provide some background regarding the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center – what you do there, what’s new for the facility, special projects.

WWRC is a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation center for the state of Virginia which houses a Life Skills program and multiple training areas for persons with various disabilities to support and assist them in finding gainful employment in their home communities.  WWRC serves clients who are in high school through the PERT (Post-Secondary Education Rehabilitation Transition) Program, but the majority of clients are post-high school (typically 19-23 years old, but they serve several clients who are 50+) – some have completed high school with a general diploma, some with a modified diploma, and others with no diploma.  WWRC offers a GED program for those who did not graduate from high school, along with the vocational training a student would receive while at the center.  Training areas offered include:  Auto Mechanics, Health Occupations (CNA, personal care attendant), Business Information Technology, Materials Handling, Food Service, Building Trades, as well as an external training option (if WWRC does not offer it in-house, WWRC will setup training for that job in the community).

WWRC also boasts wonderful Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs that provide all the typical PT and OT services, as well as specialized wheelchair fitting, adapting driving equipment, and driving instructors for both driving with and without adaptive driving equipment.  Many students who come to the center are able to get their Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License.  When the students are not in class, they may stay at their dorms, participating in activities there – lounging in the common areas, playing video games, sitting around a bonfire, playing volleyball, or they may go to the Recreation Hall.

The "Rec. Hall" is one of the most common areas for students and is open everyday, full of multiple choices of activities and supports for the students in the evening environment.  It's is setup much like a community recreation center – pool, gymnasium, bowling alley, art room, fitness center, auditorium (for movies, talent shows, special events, graduations, etc.), video game area (equipped with PS3, XBOX360, Wii and multiple TVs), lounge area with big screen TV, pool tables, Foosball, air hockey, ping pong, and a library/computer lab.  The recreation services staff leads activities to get the students involved, socializing with peers and staff, and appropriately navigating the social/evening environment.  Along with the other Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, I provide individual and group leisure education and leisure planning/counseling, anger management, Socialization through Recreation, Yoga and Relaxation, self-esteem programs, journaling, and other recreation therapy programs.

The Recreational Services department is proud to be involved in the community – participating in the holiday parade, hosting events for both the community and our students, volunteering, participating in the governor’s inaugural parade, etc.  We also field basketball, softball, volleyball, and touch-football teams that compete in the local parks and rec leagues and against other facilities in our area.  We have cheerleaders for the basketball and football teams and are hosting a cheerleading camp in March for any person with disabilities ("CheerAbility").  We take fishing, camping, and shopping trips; attend fairs and college sporting events – the possibilities really are endless with what we can do!

How/when did you become involved?  (What was your journey – I understand you came from Virginia Beach?)

I started my “therapeutic journey” when I was about seven years old, when my brother was diagnosed with Hypomelanosis of Ito.  Immediately I jumped into the role of the loving, caring, and protective big sister, always wanting to be with my brother, helping him through whatever was going on, and being his biggest fan.  I started actually working in TR at age 11 as a volunteer with Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation Programs, because my brother went to their summer camp, (being a very protective big sister I couldn't let him go by himself!).  I continued on with them part-time from that point all through high school and during college at Old Dominion University.

I always loved working with people with disabilities, emotional issues, or experiencing lonliness, etc.  In elementary school, I was a social butterfly, always wanting to talk with and help people, but working with TR programs completely solidified my decision to make it my career.  I loved the TR courses I took in college and joined a sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, whose mission was, at the time, to work with the “Choose Children” philanthropy.  In my sophomore year, our philanthropy changed to "Autism Speaks", and I couldn't have been happier.  I took any leadership position I could that would enable me to work more closely with Autism Speaks and children with Autism or similar disabilities, like my brother’s.

To complete my college career and become a CTRS, I had to find and complete an internship.  Through the help of my supervisor and mentor, Kathy Williams (CTRS, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation), I found WWRC; it seemed that a wonderful opportunity just fell into my lap – but it meant moving 3.5 hours away to a very small town (especially compared to Virginia Beach) where I did not know anyone, but I took the leap of faith.

As I was completing my internship at WWRC, a full-time position opened at the center, so I had to make a life-changing choicef:  apply for this job and potentially stay at WWRC - 3.5 hours away from my family and friends (most importantly, my brother) - or return to Virginia Beach and jobhunt.  I loved working with Virginia Beach TR programs, but I also enjoyed working with the WWRC population and had visions of building upon their existing programs and implementing new ones. Again, I took a leap of faith, and applied … and got the job.

What was your greatest concern or doubt, and how did it turn out?  What steps have you taken as a result?

I was away from my family and friends … but then I found a best friend at work who later became my husband, so I’d say that worked out pretty well!  I also was concerned about being a new, young professional at a state facility and how I could implement change in an organization of over 300 staff and over 300 students – which takes time and effort.  This has been a continual process as I work to educate myself, other staff, and students on the value of different programs.  I have been successful with quite a few and seen valuable changes, while others have been slower to grow, but as I said, it is a continual process.

How do you feel your efforts with this initiative has strengthened you as an individual, a professional, and a VRPS member?

Because of this continual process of continuing to educate myself, other staff, and clients, I have been able to experience a great deal and earn some additional certifications.  I have learned not only about the different services/programs I want to offer, but also about how I can instill change as a young professional.  I have grown as a person and as a professional due to these challenges and have challenged myself further:

• I led a presentation at the VRPS 2013 Annual Conference and am submitting a proposal to present again in December at the 2014 conference.
• I have gathered a group of TR professionals to revive the VRPS Therapeutic Recreation Resource Group.
• I am currently working on a state-wide resource day for families of individuals with disabilities to cover all ages and stages of life for those with disabilities.
• I have always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, Kathy Williams, and her mentor, Beth Wood-Whitley, and be on the VRPS Board….hey, maybe one day I’ll run for VRPS President.

If you could choose one thing to happen for the VRPS Therapeutic Recreation Group in the future, what would it be?

I would like for VRPS to have a firm TR program in place that offers programs and a support infrastructure that is consistently utilized by students and staff with proven beneficial outcomes that can be shared and modeled throughout the state of Virginia and across the US … any volunteers who want to publicize us and our programs?!?!

What was your funniest moment or experience?

It’s hard to think of any one funny moment or experience – I spend much of my time laughing… that’s the benefit to working in this field!

Anything else you want to express or open for discussion?

I would just like to share how beneficial a mentor, or multiple mentors, can be.  When I started volunteering at age 11, the staff I worked with could have discounted me as just another body, just another source of free work, just another anything… but they didn’t.  They, specifically Kathy Williams, Jessica Rhea, Carolyn (Stark) Cox, and Bill Parker, are the reason I am who I am today.  Not only did they help me develop my professional style and learn by becoming constantly more invested in our participants, but they have also ALWAYS been a source of support for me.  My mentors are like another family to me – they have been my supervisors, a sounding board for my ideas, and friends - they have helped me through sticky situations (professionally and personally).  The experience they have shared with me has been invaluable, and there is no way I can ever thank them enough.  I think I can safely say no one ever has it ALL together, but when we partner with someone (or multiple people), together we can have it all.

2014 VRPS Members in the Community: Aaron Reidmiller

by Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP, Henrico County Recreation and Parks and Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE DOING IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP, is a Recreation Supervisor for Henrico County Recreation and Parks who has been actively involved with VRPS for almost six years.  He is a 2012 VRPS Outstanding New Professional Winner, the current Central Service Area Chair, and both the Central District Liaison and a Member at Large for the Senior Resource Group.

Aaron also stays active in his community "off the job".  I happened to sight Aaron last winter while he was leaving a Central Virginia Soccer Referee Association certification course in Richmond and have since enjoyed some ref-based conversations with him, including this one:

How long have you been involved in refereeing?  

I started refereeing with Central Virginia Soccer Referee Association and Old Dominion Soccer Referee Service in February of 2011.  I was actually recovering from some very serious health issues that had kept me on the sidelines for most of 2009 and 2010.  I have played soccer my entire life, but I was not cleared to play any contact sports during the recovery period (and didn’t know if I would ever be able to play again).  I missed the sport very much and decided that officiating would be the best way to stay involved.

Can you provide some background regarding your current status with CVSRA? 

Currently, I am a Grade 8 U.S. Soccer Referee.  This grading system has nothing to do with school level grades and basically means that I am qualified to officiate any level youth match all the way up to competitive adult league matches.  This is the most common certification level for referees.  As you rise in the rankings, there are fewer and fewer because of the strict requirements.  I don’t have any immediate plans to upgrade to a Grade 7 referee simply because of the lack of time in my schedule.

During what seasons do you referee, and how far do you travel? 

Typically I ref the spring, summer, and fall seasons.  I don't do any winter indoor soccer reffing because I play indoor soccer myself and trying to do both can be challenging.  Spring 2014 will be the first season I haven't reffed in the last three years because I will be teaching a class at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  At the height of the spring season, I am usually refereeing 8-12 games per week (4-6 high school matches, 4-6 weekend matches).  Weekend matches could be youth or adult matches.  On occasion, I will officiate adult matches during the week.  The workload during the fall decreases because of the fewer school matches.  I have travelled as far west as Amelia to officiate high school matches and as far east as Williamsburg to officiate travel league games.  

What was your greatest concern or doubt, and how has it turned out?  What steps have you taken as a result?

I think I share the same fear that most referees feel before any competitive match:  making a bad call that has a direct impact on the outcome of the game.  I haven’t experienced a situation like this in my four seasons of officiating, but that fear still lurks in the back of my mind before each match.

If you could choose one thing to happen for the organization in the future, what would it be?

I would like to see the organization continue to grow as the sport continues to grow.  Soccer's popularity has exploded over the last 20 years, and I hope it will continue to grow well into the future.

How do you feel your efforts in refereeing has strengthened you as an individual, a professional, and a VRPS member?

I feel the benefits of officiating are endless. I have learned a great deal about leadership and communication by refereeing games.  As an official, you are in total control, which means your decisions will ultimately affect everyone.  Also, you have to learn how to communicate with a whistle and hand motions, which can be very difficult to do effectively and consistently.  Officiating is something that young people can do to strengthen their leadership skills and build their self confidence.

What was your funniest moment or experience thus far?

My funniest moment was during a very competitive scholastic match at Cosby High School.  I was side-stepping down the field with the play and tripped on a sprinkler head indention.  I fell to the ground in the middle of the action and all of the fans and players got a good laugh.  All I could do was smile, jump to my feet, and continue on with the game.

Good advice for life too ....

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.

We want your feedback!

By Cindy Roeder, VRPS President

The VRPS Board is conducting a survey, and your response would be greatly appreciated.  There are five brief questions and the opportunity to enter a drawing for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards if you complete the survey!

This link is uniquely tied to this survey and your email address.  We hope you can complete this survey by October 31st at noon.  Thanks for your participation!