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Message from the NYSRPS Board President
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Dear ,
I hope you had a great summer season and are getting ready for the fall. Typically, in our field this is a transitionary time of year where we move from the "hustle and bustle" of summer to at least a temporary reprieve before kids make their way back to school. Never is there a time where we are doing absolutely nothing, but in general, right now is probably a time where we can at least "stop and catch our breath."
Many people outside our field are under the false impression that we work in Parks and Recreation so all we do is play. Nothing could be further from the truth. Actually in many cases, it is probably just the opposite as all we do is work and spend our time providing fun opportunities for others. In order to remain top performing professionals, I believe it is important for us to practice what we preach. As we enter our transitionary time, I would encourage you to take the time to relax, play or find some time away from work and do something you enjoy. By doing this and doing something for yourself, not only will you benefit on a personal level but you will benefit on a professional level as well.
First in order to be productive at work, a person needs to be both physically and mentally rested. As we know in our field the day-to-day grind and stresses of the job can be demanding. By taking time for yourself and at least temporarily "turning off" your work, you allow yourself much needed relief in order to recharge and refocus your efforts. Some people think they are indispensable and cannot take time away because they are "too important." I learned early in my career, that no one is indispensable and the job will still get done if you are gone for a few days. You are doing yourself and your position a disservice if you don't take time off.
In addition to being physically and mentally rested, time away from work can also help you come up with your next great idea. Everywhere I go, I am always looking for new ideas or things that I can add to our program. I don't necessarily intentionally do this, but I always keep my eyes and ears open to be inspired for something new. For example, over the weekend I decided to go hiking at Fillmore Glen State Park with my family and while visiting, I walked by their swim area and saw signs describing their Personal Flotation Device (PFD) policy. This is a policy that we are presently reviewing at our beach and it gave me a chance to speak with their lifeguards to get their input in regard to the policy. If I had not gone out for this recreational activity, I may never have discovered the park's policy. In having fun, I happened to learn something new that benefited my work. Throughout my career I could recall many similar instances and have always utilized fun times away from the office to gain new experiences to benefit my job. If I didn't have time away, I would limit my time to have these valuable learning opportunities. As diverse as our field is, you never know where you may find the next idea waiting to be found. Can you say "Road Trip?"
As I write today, I am looking forward to my own upcoming vacation. Soon I will be traveling to the Adirondacks with my family where I plan on enjoying some time away and will physically and mentally recharge. As we venture to Lake Placid and Old Forge, I look forward to resting, relaxing and coming up with the next great idea I can bring back to my community. Who knows what is waiting to be discovered? Your idea of fun may not be the same as mine, but whatever your idea of fun is, I would encourage you to take some time for yourself and play! You deserve it. We are Parks and Recreation professionals. Play is important.
Eric Bacon
NYSRPS Board President
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American Red Cross & USTA Eastern Workshop
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
Westgate Park Shelter
1489 Howard Road, Rochester, NY 14624
9:00am- 2:30pm (lunch included)
.2 CEU credits for each workshop section
NO COST-sponsored by NYSRPS
Kimberly King, Red Cross Aquatic Specialist and Joe Steger and Jason Speirs from USTA are together again for a one-day workshop to help you get the most out of your aquatic and tennis facilities.
Come for the whole session or either half, meet with fellow Park professionals, get your questions answered about your aquatic facility and some great tips (and have some fun) for keeping your tennis program fresh and inclusive.
All this and a free lunch catered by Panera Bread!
Reserve your spot now!
All organizations and park agencies are allowed 2 participants.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 13th.
Email Lisa at
NYSRPS
or call 518-584-0321
Hosted by: Town of Gates Recreation & Parks Department!
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UPCOMING
USTA Eastern/ Red Cross Full Day Workshop
Great Neck, Long Island
October 6th
9:00am-3:00pm (including lunch compliments of NYSRPS)
Join us for all or part!
A special thank you to Jason Marra, Superintendent of Parks for the Great Neck Parks District and NYSRPS Region 1 Executive Board Member for hosting this event.
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CPSI TRAINING- FINAL REMINDER
ONLY 2 SPACES REMAIN for the CPSI Training in Saratoga Springs on September 13-15th.
REGISTRATION / INFORMATION
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2017
White Plains, NY
The Downstate Conference Committee is pleased to announce this year's theme (and challenge):
BE EXTRAordinary!
Inspired by Seth Godin's book "Purple Cow" that urges you to put a Purple Cow into everything you build, and everything you do, to create something truly noticeable.
- Do you have what it takes to be the Purple Cow in the field of cows?
- Does your agency, programs, parks, and staff STAND OUT or do you just blend in?
- Is your agency unique, exceptional, & unforgettable - like a Purple Cow - or are you just your basic black or brown steer?
EXTRA
ordinary
EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITY!
This one-day conference provides 25 sessions for 300+ park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals. This is a terrific opportunity to showcase products and services in the leisure services industry for only $185 (including lunch!).
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78th Annual Conference & Expo
Syracuse Marriott Downtown April 15-17, 2018
ABSTRACT PROPOSALS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Conference planning is in full gear and we are pleased to announce that Abstracts are being accepted for review. We are always looking for new, creative sessions! Please contact
Leiko Benson if you have any questions about Abstract submissions.
GIAN PAUL GONZALEZ - Not only are we looking forward to the conference in this beautifully renovated venue (and all renovations have been completed!) we are thrilled to have as the keynote speaker-GIAN PAUL GONZALEZ-the motivator for 2011-12 NY Giants Football Team and originator of their "All In" slogan which propelled the team to the Super Bowl.
EXHIBITORS
The venue set-up has allowed us to establish a limited number of PRIME BOOTH spaces in the overall Exhibit Hall. Register now to secure one of these booths for maximum visibility.
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION
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UPDATE- CITY OF PLATTSBURGH
Dear NYSRPS Membership-
This summer was bursting with activity from start to end and for most it has been a very successful and rewarding time. Unfortunately, for one of our dedicated members, Steve Peters and the Recreation Department from the City of Plattsburgh, that was not the case.
In late July Plattsburgh's City Council voted to abolish the recreation department, along with three other city departments cut to meet their budgetary shortfall. While we are very saddened by what has transpired, it has made what NYSRPS needs to do as a statewide advocate for park and recreation professionals, ever so important.
Thank you Steve, for your service to Plattsburgh over the past ten years. The heart and soul you poured into programming and effort in putting Plattsburgh on the map as a great place to play will surely be appreciated now more than ever. We stand beside and behind you in the days and months ahead, looking to serve you and your community's needs. We applaud your efforts ensuring as smooth a transition as possible happens within the weeks ahead. The professionalism you have displayed during this most difficult time is admirable and representative of the NYSRPS character to persevere in the face of hardship. We wish you all the best as you move forward transitioning professionally and personally.
-Lisa Morahan, NYSRPS Executive Director
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MINIMUM WAGE SURVEY RESULTS
NYSRPS provides a variety of programs and services for our membership, including monitoring legislative issues that directly impact our membership. These are the results of a short survey to rate the impact recent increased minimum wage has had on our member agencies. Thank you to all who participated!
NYSRPS would like to build an advocacy team. A few who completed the suvey indicated an interest to serve and we hope others might like to as well. All interested members please contact
Lisa Morahan, NYSRPS Executive Director by September 30, 2017.
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NYSRPS invites all NY delegates going to New Orleans to meet up at the historic Pat O'Brien's on Bourbon Street for a complimentary beverage and souvenir glass. As its website advertises, Pat O'Brien's motto since 1933 has been "Have Fun!" and people from all across the globe have experienced just that throughout its
History. From the ambiance of the old French Quarter architecture to the
Specialty Drinks served, always in a logo souvenir glass, Pat O'Brien's can show you how we "Have Fun!"
Wednesday September 27th
7:30-8:30pm
Please
RSVP by September 21st for this opportunity to ensure a voucher is secured for you. Be sure to include a cell number with your RSVP as all guests will be text messaged the day of with specific instructions for arriving. Enjoy a drink and great conversation with your fellow New York park professionals before walking one of New Orleans most popular tourist destinations- Bourbon Street.
NYSRPS friends wishing to sponsor this event, please contact
NYSRPS for details.
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SPECIAL REQUEST FROM SUNY CORTLAND
Amy DiRenzo, a professor in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department at SUNY Cortland and few colleagues are putting together a presentation for a grant writing workshop at the NRPA conference in September.
They would like to gather a little information via a brief online survey (see link below) from parks and recreation agencies with regard to their involvement in grant writing.
SUNY Cortland Survey
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EXECUTIVE POSITION OPEN
North East Westchester Special Recreation
Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 annually
Qualifications: Bachelors or Master's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Parks Administration, Public or Business Administration or a related field.
Extensive experience at an administrative level with authority and responsibility to implement policy in the human services field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Download Complete Details
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BOARD MEETING
The next NYSRPS board meeting is October 19th in Saratoga Springs.
Board meetings are open to all members-why not join us and see NYSRPS in action!
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USTA GRANT
The offer also applies to getting temporary lines for har-tru/clay courts and for lining 10U courts on non-traditional spaces like a parking lot, playground, etc
Application deadline: November 1
Courts must be lined by December 1
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We want to share your news!
We love to hear what's going on in your area.
Submit articles and news by the 20th of each month.
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