Bi-monthly Employee Newsletter of the Richland County Recreation Commission -- June 2014

RCRC University Julian Shabazz, Recreation Program Manager IN THIS ISSUE: The RCRC Staff Development and Evaluation program was developed to increase the knowledge of its employees and improve performance. This RCRC UNIVERSITY 1-2 program is an effort by the agency to assist employees in developing an GREEN OUT YOUR WORKOUT 3 understanding of the standards and expectations RCRC has set forth for success. ARE YOU FINANCIALLY PREPARED? 3 Upon completion of ten (10) hours of staff development workshops covering HURRICANE AWARENESS PART 1 4-5 customer service and recreation programming, each group is charged with creating and implementing a capstone project demonstrating acquisition of NATIONAL PARKS & RECREATION SENIOR learning outcomes as a result of the program. FITNESS DAY 5 EVALUATIONS-MISSION-VISION 5 Group Three consisted of Kami King and Kevin Hampton (St. Andrews Park), Matt Parker and Kar’Nesha Davis (Blythewood Park), Shaunta Cleveland WOTSIT PHRASES 6 and David Wine (Bluff Road Park), and Theron Chandler and Kenny White SPRING FLING 7 (Trenholm Park). The group chose to create RCRC University – Diverse Change Through Community Outreach as its project, which was the idea JULY CALENDAR 7 proposed by Kami King. The program took place on Friday, May 30, 2014 at MISSION STATEMENT St. Andrews Park. The event was a one-day mini conference designed to create Dedicated to enriching lives and an educational program specifically to help agency staffers in professional connecting communities through development around issues pertinent to parks and recreation. A community diverse recreational oppourtunities. outreach component focused on supporting the local Women’s Shelter (RCRC Customer Service Policy) and their component of the project was the utilization of technology to support agency programs. Current technology was used through the creation of a “crowdfunding” project facilitated through the Go Fund Me website. Continued on page 2 2 --Richland County Recreation Commission -- Enriching Lives & Connecting Communities

Continued from page 1 Each group member was Numerous attendees expressed how responsible for inviting pleased they were with the quality speakers for the educational of the program and its execution by sessions. Child Abuse was the staff. Attendees remarked that organized by the staff at the workshop sessions were very Blythewood Park, the Crime educational, interactive and enjoyable. Prevention workshop by Bluff Road Park. The Leadership session was organized by St. Andrews Park and the Technology class was organized by Trenholm Park. The speakers for the technology workshop even designed and presented a mock mobile app using information specifically about RCRC. In addition to selecting relevant Participants stated that each presenter topics and inviting experts was knowledgeable and staff learned on each subject matter, the from each session. Presenters group presented a uniform included Scott McHam and Julius appearance as event staff was Tolbert from Social Market Exchange visible throughout and easily (technology), Wilhelmina Addison- identifiable by their attire, which The group organized, implemented Harrell from Three Rivers Treatment was obtained by an in-kind donation and was involved in all aspects of the Center (leadership), Alexis Stratton facilitated by Shaunta Cleveland. entire operation. Professionals from Light snacks were available in the from Sexual Trauma Services of the various sectors of the industry were morning and lunch was served after Midlands (child abuse), and Sgt. invited to conduct workshops on the workshop sessions. Amanda Jordan from the Richland four topics: leadership, technology, County Sheriff’s Department child abuse and crime prevention. Community Action Team (crime The morning began with a warm-up prevention). Group Three of the Zumba session where the audience Staff Development and Evaluation enthusiastically participated. Program presented a well-rounded Kar’Nesha Davis selected the subtitle capstone project that fell right in of the event which guided the focus line with RCRC’s mission of being on adding the community outreach dedicated to enriching lives and component. Kevin Hampton selected connecting communities through the local Women’s Shelter as the diverse recreational opportunities. beneficiary of our activities. The outreach portion was two-fold where first each RCRC Park was asked to collect items and supplies needed by the shelter to help their residents. The finale of RCRC University was Secondly, current technology was the presentation of several boxes of instituted by the crowdfunding project items and supplies donated to the whereby online financial donations Women’s Shelter. In addition to were accepted, and proceeds donated the supplies, the crowdfunding goal to the shelter. The crowdfunding was succeeded overwhelmingly as project was supported by staff the agency presented a check for members throughout RCRC and had a $309.70 to the Women’s Shelter. goal to raise $125. Angie Whitehead, program director at the Women’s Shelter, accepted the gifts from RCRC and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the agency for what was done on their behalf. Richland County Recreation Commission -- Team Times--June 2014 -- 3

Green Out Your Workout Tavares Hanks, Graphic Designer/Webmaster Have you heard about naked yoga? PURCHASE EARTH-FRIENDLY RECYCLE YOUR SHOES Apparently it’s a thing, but if you want GEAR When your athletic shoes are worn to be eco-friendly in your workout There are a number of companies out, don’t throw them away. Instead, there are less extreme ways to help the doing their part for the environment. If donate them to a foundation that environment without letting it all hang you’re into yoga, naked or not (hey, do reuses the material. Nike’s Reuse-A- out. I mean, just imagine having to what you want in the privacy of your Shoe takes discarded athletic shoes clean the yoga mats. And the view in own home), Gaiam makes all of their and grinds them up into a bunch of downward facing dog (shudder). I’m mats without the use of phthalates. shreds they’ve creatively named “Nike all for loving your body, but there’s a Phthalates pose a threat to the internal Grind.” Nike Grind is then used to limit. If you agree, here are some other organs of humans—including our build athletic courts, outdoor tracks ideas for getting green while getting reproductive bits—and according to and AstroTurf-like surfaces. fit. the National Toxicology Program (part of the US Department of Health Whether you want to go all out on GET OUTSIDE and Human Services); diphthalate is greening your workout or you’re I get the appeal of a stationary bike “reasonably anticipated to be a human just looking for a small change here or a treadmill, I really do. You can carcinogen.” The FDA and National and there, even the smallest steps are get a workout in throughout the year, Institute of Environmental Health steps in the right direction, much like rain or shine. You can answer work beginning a workout itself. emails, update Facebook, or catch Sciences are also conducting research up on the latest celebrity gossip on the biological and ecological online while improving your health. impact of phthalates. I think it’s best It’s multitasking to the max. But to stay away from them. part of the benefit of working out is disconnecting from the rest of the You can also grab a balance ball, world for a bit. Trade the stationary yoga bolster or some resistance bands bike for the real thing or go for a jog from Natural Fitness. The company through the park. Not only do you get is doing their part to make the world to go outside and enjoy nature, you cleaner by planting a tree for every also help the environment because— purchase made in their shop. While and it may seem obvious, but I’m this feels a bit like they’re capitalizing going to say it anyway—you’re on the green trends out there, if they’re not using electricity to power your planting a tree for every purchase, we workout. all win. Are you Financially Prepared? Erica Smalls, Human Resources Manager

Disability Awareness Month Learn more about the disability complications delay an employee’s Are you financially prepared? coverage we have available to help return to work. If you got sick or hurt and couldn’t you and your employees. Talk with work, how long could you go without your benefits counselor today to Contact your Colonial Life benefits a paycheck? In today’s economy, it’d explore options specific to your needs. counselor to learn more about be difficult losing one paycheck. But a how short-term disability can help disability could have you out of work Short-term disability can help employees during pregnancy and for weeks, months or even a year. during maternity leave while on maternity leave. According to the Council for That’s where disability insurance Disability Awareness, pregnancy and comes in. It provides income for you childbirth disability claims rose 24 and your family if you are unable to percent from 2011 to 2012. work because of illness or injury. Short-term disability insurance May is Disability Insurance covering normal pregnancy and Awareness Month (DIAM), the perfect childbirth can provide maternity leave time for a disability insurance reality pay. Benefits may be paid when both check. Take this opportunity to make mom and baby are healthy. Additional sure you’re financially prepared. benefits may be paid during bed rest prior to delivery or if postpartum 4 --Richland County Recreation Commission -- Enriching Lives & Connecting Communities

Hurricane Awareness - Are You Weather Ready? (Part 1 of 2) Chris Santino, Safety Manager Did you know National Hurricane damage along the coast. Preparedness Week is May 25-31. The Storm surge can travel several Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 miles inland. In estuaries and and runs through October 30. Lessons bayous, salt water intrusion are learned over time that a lack of endangers public health and hurricane awareness and preparation the environment. are similar threads among all major hurricane disasters. By understanding Heavy Rainfall & Inland your vulnerability and what actions you Flooding should take, you can reduce the effects Tropical cyclones often of a hurricane disaster. produce widespread, torrential rains in excess of Hurricane hazards come in many forms, 6 inches, which may result including storm surge, heavy rainfall, in deadly and destructive inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, floods. In fact, flooding and rip currents. The National Weather is the major threat from Service is responsible for protecting life tropical cyclones for people living Rip Currents and property through issuance of timely inland. Flash flooding is defined as a The strong winds of a tropical cyclone watches and warnings, but it is essential rapid rise in water levels and can occur can cause dangerous waves that pose that our working and personnel families quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer a significant hazard to mariners and be ready before a storm approaches. term flooding on rivers and streams can coastal residents and visitors. When the Furthermore, mariners should be aware persist for several days after the storm. waves break along the coast, they can of special safety precautions when When approaching water on a roadway, produce deadly rip currents - even at confronted with a hurricane. always remember Turn Around Don’t large distances from the storm. Drown. The first and most important thing Rip currents are channeled currents of anyone should do when facing a Rainfall amounts are not directly water flowing away from shore, usually hurricane threat is to utilize common related to the strength of tropical extending past the line of breaking sense. cyclones but rather to the speed waves, that can pull even the strongest and size of the storm, as well as the swimmers away from shore. A better understanding of tropical geography of the area. Slower moving cyclones and hurricane hazards will and larger storms produce more In 2008, despite the fact that Hurricane help to make a more informed decision rainfall. In addition, mountainous Bertha was more than a 1,000 miles on your risk and what actions to take. terrain enhances rainfall from a tropical offshore, the storm resulted in rip cyclone. currents that killed three people along The major hazards associated with the New Jersey coast and required hurricanes are: High Winds 1,500 lifeguard rescues in Ocean City, Tropical storm-force winds are Maryland, over a 1 week period. • storm surge and storm tide strong enough to be dangerous to • heavy rainfall and inland flooding those caught in them. For this reason, In 2009, all six deaths in the United • high winds emergency managers plan on having States directly attributable to tropical • rip currents their evacuations complete and their cyclones occurred as the result of • tornadoes personnel sheltered before the onset drowning from large waves or strong of tropical storm-force winds, not rip currents. Storm Surge & Storm Tide hurricane-force winds. Storm surge and large waves produced Tornadoes by hurricanes pose the greatest threat Hurricane winds, 74 mph or higher, Hurricanes and tropical storms can also to life and property along the coast. can destroy buildings and mobile produce tornadoes. These tornadoes Storm Surge is an abnormal rise of homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing most often occur in thunderstorms water generated by a storm’s winds. material, siding and small items left embedded in rain bands well away Storm surge can reach heights well outside become flying missiles during from the center of the hurricane; over 20 feet and can span hundreds of hurricanes. Winds can stay above however, they can also occur near the miles of coastline. hurricane strength well inland. eye wall. Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak Storm Tide is the water level rise Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricanes and short-lived, but they still pose a during a storm due to the combination are classified into five categories (1 significant threat. of storm surge and the tide. The lowest – 5 highest) according to the destructive power of storm surge and Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, large battering waves can result in which estimates potential property loss of life, buildings destroyed, beach damage according to the hurricane’s and dune erosion and road and bridge sustained wind speed. Continued on page 5 Richland County Recreation Commission -- Team Times--June 2014 -- 5

Hurricane Preparedness - Hurricane / Tropical Storm Alerts Watches & Warnings Tropical Storm Watch: Understanding the difference between An announcement that tropical-storm Evaluations- National Weather Service watches and conditions are possible within the Mission-Vision warnings is critical to being prepared specified area. for any dangerous weather hazard, Comilla Sampson, Compliance including hurricanes. Hurricane Watch: Manager An announcement that hurricane A watch lets you know that weather conditions are possible within the conditions are favorable for a hazard specified area. Evaluations allow us to test whether to occur. It literally means “be on our reality reflects our intent. guard!” During a weather watch, gather Because outside preparedness activities Through program evaluation, we awareness of the specific threat and become difficult once winds reach are making the connection among prepare for action - monitor the weather tropical storm force, watches are issued the three most important aspects of to find out if severe weather conditions 48 hours in advance of the anticipated our work by connecting our Mission have deteriorated and discuss your onset of tropical-storm-force winds. to our Outcomes to ensure that our protective action plans with your Vision is being carried out. family. Action: During a watch, prepare your home and review your plan for What do we say we are doing? A warning requires immediate evacuation in case a Hurricane or Mission “Dedicated to Enriching Tropical Storm Warning is issued. action. This means a weather hazard Lives and Connecting Communities is imminent - it is either occurring Listen closely to instructions from local (a tornado has been spotted, for officials. Through Diverse Recreational example) - or it is about to occur Opportunities”. at any moment. During a weather Tropical Storm Warning: warning, it is important to take action: An announcement that tropical-storm What we are actually doing? grab the emergency kit you have conditions are expected within the We are developing planned prepared in advance and head to specified area. programs to meet the needs of the safety immediately. Both watches and communities we serve in order to warnings are important, but warnings successfully stay on track with our are more urgent. Vision. National Parks & Recreation Senior What we want to do? Vision “To be recognized as a leader Fitness Day in park management and the delivery Lisa Smarr, Adult Services Coordinator of quality recreation programs in order to better promote health On Wednesday May 28, the During our refreshment time we Eastover Seniors and the Gadsden enjoyed a casual discussion about and improve the quality of life in Community Center Seniors fitness and health. Oral health Richland County”. celebrated National Parks and as it relates to heart disease Recreation Senior Fitness Day. We was mentioned, and each senior In order to connect the three, we began the morning with special received a travel size toothpaste need to remain diligent to the guest Michelle McDonald. Ms. compliments of Dr. Michael formality of the evaluation process, McDonald teaches evening Line Littlejohn. by carefully determining the Dancing classes at Eastover Park objectives of the evaluation, properly and graciously agreed to teach our Jawanna Jones, Assistant collecting information (data), and Eastover Seniors a few smooth Manager at Eastover Park recently accurately reporting information in moves. Our seniors learned three completed the Arthritis Exercise a way to strategically tie outcomes easy low impact line dances and training and has been instrumental and recommendations to the original everyone had a great time dancing, in building the seniors program at intent of the evaluation. laughing and enjoying the music. Eastover Park. Following the Line dancing, The Eastover Park and Gadsden As we continue to evaluate our the group completed a one hour Community Center Seniors planned programs, we need to keep Arthritis Exercise Foundation class were proud to participate in the in mind why we are programming, led by Lisa Smarr. NRPA Senior Fitness Day. RCRC which is to enrich the lives of recognizes the importance of our patrons and to deliver quality After nearly two hours of fun providing safe, fun, and affordable recreation programs to better and fitness, healthy refreshments programs for our senior population promote health and improve the were served. Our staff and seniors every day. Participating in a quality of life in Richland County. supplied the delicious and healthy national day for seniors was a snacks for everyone. special opportunity to highlight what we do well! 6 --Richland County Recreation Commission -- Enriching Lives & Connecting Communities

WORDS SMOKE SMOKE LOSS WORDS NO F_N WORDS SMOKE SMOKE 01 02 WORDS 03 04

PERSONALITY PERSONALITY APPLE PERSONALITY ORDER LAID 05 06 07 08

Theodore Roosevelt STEP AGENT AGENT naked STEP DOOUT STEP

09 10 11 12

SSSSSSSSSSHOE SSSSSSSSSSHOE NE?? SHOT

13 14 15 16

SKATING GOODNESS BOPPER _PROGRAM GOODNESS iiiiii NEST 1017 1118 19 20

AN HE BARS BARS BARS AD BARS BARS BARS JOB BARSLIFEBARS BARS 21 22 23 24

1) blank look 2) loss for words 3) smoke stack 4) no fun without you 5) side order 6) multiple personalities 7) laid back 8) apple turnover 9) double agent 10) teddy bear 11) do without 12) one step forwaerd, two steps back 13) head over heels in love 14) tennis shoes 15)any questions? 16) shot inContinued the dark 17) teeny from bopper page 7 18) space program 19) skating on thin ice 20) honest too goodness 21) short end of the stick 22) an inside job 23) blockhead 24) life behind bars Richland County Recreation Commission -- Team Times--June 2014 -- 7

Spring Fling July Theron Clandler, Park Manager, Trenholm Park Richland County Recreation with Forest Lake Park, I would say 4 Independence Commission has a mission statement we accomplished that mission! The Day (All RCRC that states: “dedicated to enriching event took place on Saturday, May facilities closed) lives and connecting communities 10th, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. 9 Showtime Carousel: through diverse recreational The purpose of the event was to bring The Columbia Marionette Theatre opportunities”. Judging by all the the local community and businesses presents “Hansel & Gretel”,10:00- smiles on the children’s faces that together to interact and have a fun 11:00 am, Denny Terrace attended Trenholm Park’s fifth annual entertaining day. Several of the Community Center Spring Fling, in which we partnered businesses and vendors that attended 11 Payday were Momentum’s Body-N- Hair, The Richland County 12 Richland County Rising Stars Sherriff’s Department, Andrew Tennis Tournament, 8:30 am- Beck Balloon Artistry, Jimmy 4:00 pm, RCTC John’s, AVSX Technology, 18 Every Body Deserves A Columbia Fire Department, Massage, 6:30-8:30 pm, Richland County Library- Killian Park Cooper Branch, Super Starrs 19 5th Annual Todd Williams Live Pets, East West Team Martial Life to the Fullest Basketball Arts, and the Palmetto Youth Tournament, TBA, Caughman Football. We had contributions Road Park from All State/Michael Farrell, Super Starrs Pets, the 20 5th Annual Todd Williams Live Forest Acres Neighborhood Life to the Fullest Basketball Association, McAlister’s Deli, Tournament, TBA, Caughman BiLo, and The Fresh Market. Road Park The support and contributions 21 Commission Board Meeting, of all of the organizations and 6:00 pm, AAC businesses were extremely 23 Showtime Carousel: Pork Chop vital to the success of our Productions presents “Mother event. There was plenty of Goose Cuts Loose”, 10:00- entertainment, food, and games for the whole family. The kids 11:00 am, Denny Terrace seemed to especially enjoy the Community Center bounce houses and 16 ‘ft’ giant 25 Payday climbing wall.

We estimated that Trenholm Join us on Facebook: and Forest Lake Park had http://www.facebook.com/ around 100 people to attend richlandcountyrecreationcommission its fifth annual Spring Fling and expect to have an even Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RichlandRec better turnout next year as the event grows. Richland County Special Thanks to our Team Times Recreation Commission Contributing Authors: would like to thank everyone Editor/Layout: Zenethia Brown; Tavares Hanks that attended our event and everyone who helped make Theron Chandler | Park Manager, Trenholm it a huge success! We look Park forward to seeing everyone at Comilla Sampson | Compliance Manager next year’s event! Chris Santino | Safety Manager Julian Shabazz | Recreation Program Manager Erica Smalls | Human Resources Manager Lisa Smarr | Adult Services Coordinator