The New York State Recreation & Park Society is busy with new initiatives, services for members, new opportunities and the 2016 Annual Conference! We hope you enjoy this month's E-News and keep your mailboxes open as your copy of The Voice will be shipping within the next week. As always, please provide feedback so we may continue to be the best professional support organization for park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across New York State. -L. Morahan

New Business Spotlight 

Welcome new NYSRPS Businesses:
RecDesk Software,  CityReporter,  Commercial Clearwater Co, Inc., RecPro Software & 

Stageline Innovative Mobil Staging
 

Stageline Mobile Stage.  Pioneer and Manufacturer of the  Mobile Staging with a unique design combining 4 technologies and a patented telescopic lifting mechanism. The Stageline SL100 is the most advanced mobile staging system available.  This 24'x20' stage (increased easily with Stageline platforms) can be set up in only 45 minutes and by only 2 crew.  The Stageline SL100 provides your community with the most versatile, efficient and safe mobile staging  solution available, which is why more and more towns & cities are specifying a Stageline SL100 for their shows.  
 
Stageline Mobile Stage Inc. | 1-800-267-8243 |  www.stageline.com
 

Around the Nation...with TLC!
A very interesting proposal came to NYSRPS most recently that was shared with membership. This is one of many ways the Society is able to connect YOU with opportunity! 

"My name is Naela (Ni-Lah) Durrani, Casting Producer, and I am currently casting a New show with TLC and thought of your Park and Recreation Association immediately, as I believe you might  have a big city project coming up, that you might want to gain a little national attention for. This is a family friendly show we are documenting. We are looking for people nationwide who are wanting to build large Play Houses for their community, schools, businesses, or homes. They would not need to be filmed a lot for this show, as it is not too intrusive. They would just want to hear your vision and see your response at the big reveal. Not too bad.

The producers of Cake Boss and House Hunters are actively on the hunt for families, grandparents, organizations, and/or associations that want to give back to the community,  who are looking to build one-of-a-kind playhouses (in every shape and size imaginable) in the US and Canada this Spring!!!!! 

This brand-new series, premiering on TLC, will follow our expert team of builders as they bring your dream play structures to life! 

Whether it's Rapunzel's tower, a life-size dollhouse, your very own Hogwarts, a lifelike locomotive, a cabin,  a space themed rocket or even a sweet getaway for a pampered pooch, there's nothing we can't create.   

No project is too big or too small!  While you are required to cover the cost of the playhouse, you will receive perks by being a part of this brand new series TLC is Documenting."

NYSRPS will identify qualified candidates and hopefully we make the selection round for TLC to grant us an interview to submit a project for the show. ...Stay Tuned!!!
Annual Conference Committee:
Bottom Row: l to r  Tom McGerty, Adrienne Haemmerle, Diane Ramos, Robin Wexler, Conference Chair Gail Lamberta, Lisa Goldberg, and Anthony Martino Top Row l to r Conference Chair Ed Fronckwicz, Jack Fass, Kate Schneider, & Paul Blake

Around the State... 
NEW RELEASE!
Preliminary Program 
"Come Together, 
      Right Now!"   

NYSRPS Annual Conference & Expo 
April 17-19, 2016 Hauppague, NY



SEE THE NEW RELEASED PROGRAM of scheduled events:  PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
*May be subject to change

This 3 day event will encompass over 75 CEU eligible sessions, Keynote Speaker NRPA CEO/President Barbara Tulipane, and showcase the best products and services for leisure service professionals with an extraordinary exhibit hall. 
Limited Sponsorship Opportunities still available! See Vendor Program for details.

Member Spotlight 
Great Neck Park District Welcomes
New Superintendent Jason Marra

The Great Neck Park District in Nassau County has selected Jason Marra as their new Park District Superintendent beginning February 8th, 2016.  Jason Marra currently serves as Superintendent of Parks, Recreation and Conservation for the Village of Scarsdale in Westchester County.  For the past seven years, under Marra's direction the Village of Scarsdale revenues increased 30 percent through his implementation of new recreation programs and improvements to department operations.  While overseeing the creation of new community parks, athletic field renovations and beautification projects, Marra focused on conservation and green initiatives.

Jason Marra has 13 years of professional experience and previously worked for the Town of Cortlandt, NY and the Purchase Community House, NY. Marra earned his Master's Degree in Recreation Education from Lehman College.  He received his Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Southern Connecticut State University. 

The Village of Scarsdale is currently in the process of finding a replacement for the Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation position and has canvassed the current Westchester County Superintendent of Recreation list.  The Village of Scarsdale will also be accepting applicants who are eligible for a lateral transfer.  Any interested candidates who currently have permeant status as Superintendent of Recreation should send their resume to Human Resources at  personnel@scarsdale.com

Congratulations Jason! 
MAKING NEWS... see Jason's full feature story in the Inquirer 
 


Syracuse Intern
 Shane Salanger

New York State Recreation & Park Society Chosen for Community Links Program by Syracuse University
 
In mid November 2015, NYSRPS was approached by the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs of Syracuse University regarding an outreach program that provides students to do important research and analysis for an organization's needs. The idea is "From the Campus to the Community" by which a student intern is assigned for up to 100 hours of work, not for pay but academic credit in a specially designed University course. 200 different public and nonprofit agencies have completed over 1600 projects since the program's inception in 1978.
 
NYSRPS Board deliberated and decided to use this opportunity to survey park and recreation departments (members and non-members alike) to measure the socio-economic benefits they have upon their respective communities.  By using data from outside sources like the US Census & CDC coupled with the survey results, NYSRPS hopes to glean critical information that would substantiate public awareness, legislative advocacy, and grant/fund securing campaigns. 

In late January NYSRPS Executive Director Lisa Morahan met the SU student intern that was matched for the program, Shane Salanger, to review the survey, its intent and goals. Please be advised your department may be reached and your participation is critical. A sample total of at least 150 participants covering all regions (Adirondack, Central, Genesee Valley, Niagara, Capital, Long Island, Westchester, Hudson Valley and Metropolitan) is the desired outcome. 
 
NYSRPS thanks you in advance for your participation and at the end of the project will provide all NYSRPS members with survey findings.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR PARK AGENCY? 

How much was your operating budget?

How much did you spend on capital projects?

What was your total revenue earned by programs offered
in Community Center Programs, 
Rentals,
Camp Programs,
Donations & 
Misc.?

If you can answer some of these sample questions, you may be a qualified candidate for the survey. Survey will have no more than 10 questions in all.   *Using the reference year 2015    

CLICK MEMBERS ONLY! 
New Section on Website allows for members to log in and see NYSRPS only information including:

-Employment Opportunities
-NYSRPS Board Business
-Full Membership List- including agencies and contact info
-Fundraising and Grant Opportunities & more

A LOG IN PASSWORD WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU DURING THE WEEK OF 2/1.
NYSRPS Now offers Medieval Times Consignment Tickets! 

Travel through the mists of time to a forgotten age and a tale of devotion, courage and love-at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.  See our electrifying show featuring heroic knights on spirited horses displaying the astounding athletic feats and thrilling swordplay that have become hallmarks of this unique entertainment experience. Enjoy a "hands-on" feast as the dynamic performance unfolds before you. A sweeping musical score and brilliant lights provide a fabulous backdrop for this spellbinding experience that blurs the boundary between fairy tale and spectacle! 
Interested in ordering? Contact lisa@nysrps.org

REMINDER!!!
Annual Awards Committee 
Now Accepting 2016 Nominations
 
Based on feedback from our membership, the Awards Committee has updated the awards program to make it more streamlined, updated and community oriented.  We looked at several other state society award programs and put together our new packet keeping several past awards and adding new ones.  We are hoping to honor folks in all our sections, not only community but therapeutic, parks, and more.  Please take the time to look over the categories and consider recognizing folks in your agency and community. 
 
The NYSRPS Awards Committee and Executive Board thank you for your interest in the Award Program as we endeavor to recognize and applaud the talent, determination, commitment, creativity and quality of New York professionals, elected officials, volunteers, programs, facilities, and promotions.
 



NYSRPS is very pleased to share a relationship with our fellow park, recreation and therapeutic professional associations around New York State and is glad to share their latest happenings with our NYSRPS members.
_________________________________________________________________
 
February is International Recreation Therapy Month! NYSTRA wishes to acknowledge all Recreation Therapists across New York State and applaud the work you do. 
Cheers! 
Suze Colletti, CTRS, CDP, 
NYSTRA President
 _______________________________________________________________

From NYS TR Licensure Committee co-chairs, Vincent Bonadies & Isabel Tiffen
Come Together for Recreation Therapy Licensure!

The Recreation Therapy Licensure bill, NYS Assembly bill # A5465 and NYS Senate bill #
S3754B presently awaits review by the Senate and Assembly Higher Education Committees.
We thank you for your support thus far and now we need your help once again! Please contact your NYS legislators in both the Senate and Assembly. Urge them to support and co-sponsor our bill. With your help the Recreation Therapy Licensure Bill will pass through the Higher Education Committee and continue its journey toward the goal of licensure for Recreation Therapy and protection for the consumer!

For more information on how you can help, please join our Facebook Group, "License Therapeutic Recreation in New York" and/or contact the NYS RT Licensure Committee co-chairs, Vincent Bonadies, vbonadies@optonline.net or Isabel Tiffen, isabeltiffen@gmail.com.Don't forget to attend our session at the NYSRPS Annual Conference, April 17-19th.
_________________________________________________________________

WRAPS Calendar of Events 
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 17, 2016 - WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER - VENDOR'S LUNCHEON (flyer attached) - all are welcome!
 
THURSDAY - APRIL 21, 2016 - WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER - ANNUAL CAMP MANDATORY WORKSHOP (I'm not sure if I gave a different date last time around but if so this is a NEW date)

The Parks Section of WRAPS has once again put together a 2 day seminar to give you the opportunity to become a Certified Pool Operator.  The CPO Course, offered thru Pool and Spa RX, will be held on February 23 & February 24, 2016 in Bedford Hills. This course is for anyone who needs to renew their CPO certification or who would like to take it for the first time.  Persons must attend both days (8:00am-4:30pm) and the price includes the actual course/certification and a morning refreshment & lunch for both days.
__________________________________________________________________________
 
From LILSA Board President Gail Lamberta:
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your host for our upcoming NYSRPS 76th Annual Conference and Business Expo. Our LILSA board, members, and friends have been working hard with developing the educational programs, off-sites, socials, and securing sponsorships and vendors.  We are well underway and our preliminary brochure has been released for your review. With the conference around the corner, you will be hearing from our co-chairs, Ed Fronckwicz and Gail Lamberta, along with other committee members for support in regard to sponsorships, fund raising, as well as opportunities to serve as moderators.  We hope you will consider supporting this exciting conference.
 
In addition to the NYSRPS Annual Conference, LILSA's TR committee also planned and implemented a successful half-day Therapeutic Recreation conference. Sessions included: Communication and Dementia, An Innovative Look at Mixers as Tools, and Caring for Ourselves While Caring for Others.  Participants were not only pleased with the conference; seventeen registrants also become new LILSA members.  A special thank you to our committee and host, The Bristol Assisted Living, Lake Grove.
 
LILSA's annual networking social was also a great success. There were a lot of new faces, and as a result we welcomed additional new members. Between the half-day conference and networking social, LILSA now has twenty-three new members.  We would like to thank all who participated, and again welcome all of our new members.
 
For more information, please check our website at lilsa.org.

*Affiliates must submit updates by the 15th of each month to make the E-News on the 1st each month
This month's E-News is brought to you by NYSRPS & Business Premiere Partners 

                     
                        

All articles and submissions must be received no later than the 15th of each month for consideration for publication. Thank you very much, Lisa Morahan- NYSRPS Executive Director

The New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc.
518-584-0321 | www.nysrps.org