VRPA Advocate Issue 83 Recreation & Parks Association Summer 2015

VRPA Presidents’ 72nd Annual Vermont Conference on Perspective Recreation 9/30-10/1 at Lake Morey Andy Cappello, Newport Parks & Recreation Director By Todd Goodwin, Conference Chair

oday was “Dock- he Vermont Recreation and In Day”. Reg, Earl, Parks Association is pleased T Tim, Mac, Stewart, Tto be hosting the 72nd Annual Ryan and I spent the day Vermont Conference on Recreation on at the Newport City Dock September 30th and October 1st. We installing each dock; slips, hope that you have already marked the fingers, ramps and all. It dates in your calendar to attend. As rained a little bit in the morning, the sun always, the committee has worked hard to came out once or twice, and Little G’s lunch select speakers and sessions that will be was incredible as always. of interest to a wide variety of parks and Thank goodness everyone stayed dry recreation professionals and volunteers. today. Last fall Earl fell in and got us all This year’s keynote speaker will be Jeff State Assistance Program, with us to speak scrambling to get him out, dry and warmed Price, Business Program Manager with at the awards luncheon and facilitate back up. Those are the types of things we the Everett, WA Parks and Recreation an educational session. The Exhibit Hall try to avoid. We do take all the proper Department. Jeff has more than 25 years will be open both days. Watch for the safety precautions with personal floatation of experience in the parks and recreation conference brochure with all the session devices, hard hats and everything else. field and has conducted keynotes, sessions details due out in early July. Today was just a plain old fun day. It and workshops both nationally and In addition to the planned educational started that way with Pedro and Dave internationally. His keynote presentation sessions, our conference always offers helping to put the harbormaster’s boat on “Leading Optimistically” will be the chance to network with recreation back in the water first thing this morning, relevant to everyone as we work towards professionals, students, and volunteers then Mac arriving with his new truck and Discovering Common Ground, the theme from around the state. The Wednesday Robert lifting each dock and dropping of this year’s conference. (Continued on page 3) them into the water in record time. Rain You will also get to hear other great and all everything seemed to go so well. speakers at this conference including At one point, Trish called me over to talk Carol Williams, Neelay Bhatt, John LaRue, with some folks who wanted to share what and some of our own local recreation it was that they love about our area and professionals: Mark Brislin, Cindi Wight, the various recreational opportunities that Ben Rose, Rebecca Phelps, Nicole Fields, Personal Profile: Jessica Savage...... 64 exist here. While hearing everyone share Josh Ryan, and more. The first day of thoughts about great facilities, programs, Facility Profile: Stowe Arena...... 8-95 the conference will be organized around ...... and events, it dawned on me how lucky we a variety of three-hour workshops. The Program Spotlight: Touch a Truck are to have the best parks you could ask second day will include the keynote, VRPA Annual Report. for. It made me realize that I was playing three blocks of seventy-minute education News & Events...... 13 in the best water park in the world, while sessions, and our annual Brungardt Award Around the State 17-18 23 putting docks into place. presentations. With reauthorization of Shallow Water Blackout...... 20 In Vermont’s lakes we can be absolutely the federal Land and Water Conservation Membership Application...... immersed in an incredible natural Fund program set to be decided by September 30th, the timing will be perfect and much more... (Continued on page 19) to have Joel Lynch, Chief of the LWCF

1 Message from the Executive Director

’ve decided to share the following mountain story here because I think that it peak and it’s Iwill help you to do your job better surrounding this summer than anything that I could slopes. VRPA Executive Committee Officers write. Here it is… The flow- President Andy C appello (Newport) 334-6345 Several times my daughter had ers were Pres-Elect Scott Hausler (Hartford) 295-5036 telephoned to say, “Mother, you must planted in Secretary Melissa Cate (Burlington) 865-5399 Treasurer EJay Bishop (Union Arena) 558-2179 come to see the daffodils before they majestic, Past President Ray Sapp (Hartland) 436-2790 are over.” I wanted to go, but it was a swirling pat- two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake terns, great Executive Committee Members-at-Large Arrowhead “I will come next Tuesday”, I ribbons and Geoff Beyer (Montpelier) 223-7335 promised a little reluctantly on her third swaths of Matt Frazee (Stowe) 295-5036 Jill Kearney Niles (Norwich) 649-3040 x5 call. deep orange, creamy white, lemon yel- Ally Vile (Essex) 878-1342 Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. low, salmon pink, and saffron and butter Still, I had promised, and reluctantly yellow. Each different-colored variety VRPA Office I drove there. When I finally walked was planted in large groups so that it Executive Director – Betsy Terry, CPRP into Carolyn’s house I was welcomed swirled and flowed like its own river 721 Main Street, Colchester, VT 05446 Phone 802-878-2077 • FAX 802-878-2921 by the joyful sounds of happy children. with its own unique hue. There were [email protected] • www.vrpa.org I delightedly hugged and greeted my five acres of flowers. grandchildren. “Who did this?” I asked Carolyn. VRPA Webmaster “Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The “Just one woman,” Carolyn answered. Andy Cappello– – [email protected] road is invisible in these clouds and fog, “She lives on the property. That’s her VRPA Newsletter and there is nothing in the world except home.” Carolyn pointed to a well kept The VRPA Advocate is published three times a year by the you and these children that I want to A-frame house, small and modestly Vermont Recreation and Parks Association. Contributions see badly enough to drive another sitting in the midst of all that glory. We to the newsletter are welcome, including commentary on subjects of interest to Vermont’s recreation professionals inch!” My daughter smiled calmly and walked up to the house. On the patio, and volunteers. said, “We drive in this all the time, we saw a poster. “Answers to the Ques- Editor – Betsy Terry Circulation – 400 Mother.” “Well, you won’t get me tions I Know You Are Asking” was the Deadline for the next issue is August 1, 2015. back on the road until it clears, and then headline. The first answer was a simple Send information to [email protected] or by snail mail to: I’m heading for home!” I assured her. one “50,000 bulbs,” it read. The second VRPA, 721 Main Street, Colchester, VT, 05446. “I was hoping you’d take me over to the answer was, “One at a time, by one garage to pick up my car.” woman. Two hands, two feet, and one “How far will we have to drive?” brain.” The third answer was, “Began in Advertising Rates (Member/Non-member) “Oh ... just a few blocks,” Carolyn said. 1958.” 1/8 page $25/50 1/2 page $100/150 “But I’ll drive. I’m used to this.” After This woman more than forty years 1/4 page $50/100 Full page or insert $150/300 several minutes, I had to ask, “Where before, had begun, one bulb at a time, are we going? This isn’t the way to the to bring her vision of beauty and joy

PUBLISHED AS A FREE SERVICE TO MEMBERS garage!” “We’re going to my garage to an obscure mountaintop. Planting the long way,” Carolyn smiled, “by one bulb at a time, year after year, this way of the daffodils.” “Carolyn,” I said unknown woman had forever changed sternly, “please turn around.” “It’s all the world in which she lived. One day right, Mother, I promise. You will never at a time, she had created something of forgive yourself if you miss this experi- extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and 2015 ence.” inspiration. The principle her daffodil Jul 25 VRPA – St. Johnsbury Academy After about twenty minutes, we garden taught is one of the great- State Track Meet turned onto a small gravel road and I est principles of celebration. That is, Sep 10 VRPA Executive Committee Meeting saw a small church. On the far side of learning to move toward our goals and Sep 15-17 NRPA Congress, Las Vegas, NV the church, I saw a hand lettered sign desires one step at a time…often just Sep 30 - Oct 1 72nd Annual Vermont Recreation with an arrow that read, “Daffodil Gar- one baby-step at time…and learning to Conference den .” We got out of the car, each took love the doing, learning to use the accu- Nov 19 Vermont Performance Showcase a child’s hand, and I followed Carolyn mulation of time. When we multiply tiny down the path. Then, as we turned a pieces of time with small increments Dec TBA VRPA Quarterly Meeting corner, I looked up and gasped! Be- of daily effort, we too will find we can fore me lay the most glorious sight! It accomplish magnificent things. We can 2016 looked as though someone had taken a change the world. Jan 5-7 NNE Recreation Conference, great vat of gold and poured it over the Attitash, NH (continued on page 13)

2 attended the conference, you are missing And the Winner is ... out on a great group of professionals who hanti Slora from Graniteville, VT come together to share, learn and have was the winner of our Confer- fun together. Plan to attend both days to ence Logo Contest. take full advantage of all this conference C has to offer. If you are a commercial Chanti is a self- taught graphic artist, member and have never exhibited at our working full-time for conference, you should know that past a small family-owned exhibitors tell us that it is like no other. company in Barre. Exclusive Exhibit Hall time is planned on Her day-to-day work both conference days and Wednesday’s involves creating Vermont Conference on Game Night is a unique opportunity to layouts using multiple interact on a personal level with the photographs to later Recreation (continued) attendees. be laser etched on night Exhibitor Social is a great opportunity Wondering what happened to granite stones of all shapes and sizes. In to interact with the exhibitors and the the Vermont Governor’s Conference her spare time, she does freelance work team challenge game is always the talk of on Recreation? This is it…same great and has created designs for local organiza- the conference. This year’s game will be conference, just a slightly different name. tions, events, and company logos. Her “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” if you We hope everyone has saved the date most recent work has been with the Bury want to practice up. and is looking forward to another great VSIRecTrac ad 2/10/06 10:23 AM Page 1 Cancer Celebration, a community-wide For those of you who have never conference. See you in September! movement to raise awareness about cancer. When asked how she found out about Are you barely surviving? …or the contest, it turns out that Chanti’s sister works in Senator Bernie Sanders’ office Thriving with RecTrac! and forwarded her a copy of the contest announcement. She told VRPA Execu- tive Director Betsy Terry, “It was such a pleasure to create a logo for the Vermont Conference on Recreation. I have had a great time getting to meet new people and helping local organizations build logos, fly- ers, and advertising for events that benefit the community. Each design is important to me, and I really enjoy the process of working with clients to create designs that will help them advance their cause.” When not designing, Chanti likes to spend time outdoors with her husband and their three furry canine kids. Most of her summer is filled with motorcycle rides Call us today to learn how around the state, watching local track rac- our Parks and Recreation ing, and in the winter she stays busy skiing Software can change your life forever. and snowshoeing.” Special thanks also to Samantha

Crocker for all her work taking the logo • Activity Registration • Locker Reservations • Preventive Maintenance • Personnel Scheduling • Facility Reservation • Trip Management • Work Orders • Inspections/Results design from the initial • Pass Management • Court Reservations • Resource Tracking • Planning/Budgeting • Photo ID Cards • Personal Trainer • Facility Maintenance • Landscaping/Trees concept to the final logo • League Scheduling • Accident Reporting • Equipment/Vehicles • Maintenance Scheduling • Point of Sale/Inventory • Child/Youth Mgt. • Material Inventory • PDA Handheld Interface that we plan to use for • Equipment/Site Rentals • PDA Handheld Interface years to come. Sam has • General Ledger • Time Management Making a name in the business, been working with the Es- • Point of Sale/Inventory • Gift Certificates • Accounts Payable • Purchase Orders one satisfied customer at a time • Memberships/ID Cards • Food & Beverage • Payroll • PDA Handheld Interface sex Parks and Recreation • Handicaps • Credit Book Call us Toll Free • Tee Time Reservations • Tournament Scheduling 877-883-8757 Department since June • Touch Screen • PDA Handheld Interface 12 Market Place, Essex Jct., VT 05452 of 2006, working her way • Registrations • Memberships www.vermontsystems.com • Tee Times • Locker Rentals [email protected] from Office Assistant to Assistant Program • Personal Trainer • Equipment/Site Rentals • Registrations • Rentals • Childcare Providers • League Schedules Coordinator. She is working towards her • Tee Times • Reservations • Reservations • E-RecTrac Associates degree in Graphic Design at the Community College of Vermont as well as • RecTrac (Visits) • GolfTrac (Tee Times) • Photo ID Card • Credit/Debit Card working full-time at Lowe’s Home Im- • MainTrac (Inspections) • FinTrac (Time Swipe) • Access Control • E-Check Processing provement as a Head Cashier. 3 VRPA Personal Profile ...... Jessica Savage, Recreation Coordinator, VT Dept of Forests, Parks & Recreation

essica Savage is in her second year of the Department of Forests, Parks and as Recreation Coordinator for the Recreation (FPR) and did that work for six JVermont Department of Forests, years. Parks and Recreation. Prior to being hired A desire to take the next step in her for this position, she worked for 13 years career, combined with her terminally ill doing seasonal recreation work. mother’s wish that she enroll in graduate school, led Jessica to the University of Vermont where she earned a master’s degree in public administration. With her degree in hand and 13 years of experience in recreation and public land management, she was offered her current position. Jessica commutes from her home in Burlington to her office in Montpelier to coordinate the Department’s work on recreation throughout the state. Since arriving, she has been busy helping the department create better processes that provide a consistent and proactive response to recreation management. One example includes a set of trail standards the way that people interact with the that are being developed by FPR for the land.” first time. These standards will set the bar In addition to her work at the FPR, for modern sustainable trail construction this is Jessica’s second year serving on the and provide a basis for evaluating state recreation conference committee. proposals for new trail projects. She has been a great link between VRPA Jessica earned an undergraduate and FPR and we really appreciate her degree in French language from Brandeis making time to commit to VRPA in this University in Massachusetts after growing way. Thanks Jessica! up on Cape Cod. Upon graduating, she Editor’s note: Much of this information lived in France for two years. When she came from an article written by Sarah returned to the States, she wasn’t happy Galbraith and printed in the March 29, being inside and decided to get back to the 2015 issue of The Times Argus. things she enjoyed doing as a kid, namely being outside. She took a job in conservation on a chainsaw and prescribed-burn crew on Have a staff member Martha’s Vineyard. For the next seven years, Jessica traveled across the country or another fellow VRPA working on public lands including Glacier member you’d like to and Yellowstone national parks, on trail see featured in the crews with the Florida Trails Association, and at an environmental education camp Personal Profile next in California. issue? We welcome She enjoyed all her stops but missed your suggestions. the sense of community and decided to return to the East Coast to be near family. Jessica also serves as Vermont’s Land Contact the VRPA office She knew that Vermont had much to offer and Water Conservation Coordinator. This at 802-878-2077 or in outdoor recreation and it reminded work has her often on the road and in [email protected]. her of the quaint French villages that had community meetings. Ultimately she says, made her so happy. She landed a job as a “my job is to enhance the user experience. trail coordinator for the northwest division Really it’s about people. We’re managing

4 Facility Profile ......

Area Association and after much work Stowe Arena educating the community, Stowe voters approved a $6.5 million bond to build a t was back in the fall of 2010 when new arena that would accommodate year- the President of the Stowe Area round ice and indoor turf. Association wrote to the Stowe I Breadloaf Construction from Selectboard urging them to fund the value engineering necessary to present the voters with a bond proposal for the construction of a new ice arena by March of 2011. The national economic downturn had had a dramatic negative impact on the Stowe business community and they felt very strongly that “in the short-term, the project that would have the most significant impact on the local economy was construction and opening of a new ice Winter and summer ice, as well as a arena.” spring turf season, are now offered at the Stowe Arena. The expanded capacity Middlebury, Vermont was hired to design of the new Arena provides year-round and build the new Arena. The Arena recreational opportunities to both opened on schedule in early December residents and visitors. The Arena helps the of 2013. The first high school game was local economy by drawing tournaments played there within days and two weeks and giving visitors another recreation later, Stowe hosted a Bruins alumni game option, especially when the weather is not on the new ice. The Stowe Arena is now fully enclosed, has a refrigerated ice floor system At that time, the existing Jackson installed in Arena was more than thirty years old. It concrete, was an open air shelter, operations were energy efficient weather dependent, and it had become refrigeration increasingly more difficult to maintain ice on a reliable basis. Stowe is a premier resort town well known as the “Ski Capital of the East.” However, it also has a rich hockey history. In addition to the Stowe High School hockey team, the North suitable for outdoor American Hockey Academy (NAHA) had pursuits. The indoor used Jackson Arena as their home ice turf use includes until they were forced to relocate due to soccer, lacrosse, unreliable ice. baseball/softball, The Stowe Selectboard acted on walking, toddler play the recommendation of the Stowe and more. The new Arena has brought and mechanical systems, and bleacher new renters as well as an increase in seating for 500. The Arena has an NHL general public skating and programming. size ice sheet, a climate-controlled public The Town of Stowe was presented with viewing and lobby area, six locker rooms, a VRPA Facility of Merit Award for the a community room, small pro shop, lobby Stowe Arena at the 2015 VRPA Annual and snack bar. The Arena operation utilizes Meeting. reclaimed heat and has been used as an energy efficiency demonstration project by Efficiency Vermont.

5 Program Spotlight ...... Touch a Truck, Colchester Parks & Recreation Department By Kelly McGinley, CPRP, Colchester Parks & Recreation n Saturday, May 2nd, They were blessed with spectacular sunny, Colchester celebrated their 8th warm weather and over 1,000 people OAnnual Touch a Truck event. flocked to the big rigs. Colchester Program Coordinator, Kelly McGinley, said, “We were lucky to have 17 companies and individuals participate in this free event for all ages.” The Colchester High School parking lot was full of vehicles including a school bus, several fire trucks, farming equipment, motorcycles, semi-trucks, wreckers, Humvees, ambulances, antique pick-up trucks and more! Smiles were seen for miles as kids climbed on and around the vehicles. Kelly commented that the For more information on how to real fun started once “quiet-time” was organize a Touch a Truck event for your lifted. Ambulances, police vehicles and fire community, contact Kelly McGinley at trucks switched on their lights and kids the Colchester Parks and Recreation were allowed to honk the horns and sound Department at kmcginley@colchestervt. the sirens! What a great way to start off gov or 802-264-5646. the spring season and head into summer events!”

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6 2015 VRPA Annual Meeting Held in Killington n May 19th, more than 40 VRPA members gathered at Othe Summit Lodge in Killington for the 2015 VRPA Annual Meeting. Joe Damiata and Wade Masure from the Vermont League of Cities & Towns’ risk management team started the day with an education session on risk management techniques to reduce exposure specific to facilities and programs likely to be The 2015-16 VRPA Officers and Executive Committee were installed at the Annual Meeting and included in a summer recreation program. include (L to R) Geoff Beyer (At-Large), Ally Vile (At-Large), Jill Niles (At Large), Melissa Cate (Sec- They had lots of great ideas and reminded retary), Ray Sapp (Past President), Andy Cappello (President), and EJay Bishop (Treasurer). Missing us that the League offers an Online from the photo are Scott Hausler (President-Elect) and Matt Frazee (At-Large). University with a long list of free online courses in a variety of focus areas, one of 10 years on the Executive Committee as the “Mayor of Burlington’s Calahan which is parks and recreation. For more including 7 years as president-elect, Park” was presented with the Unsung information, go to www.vlct.org. president, and past-president. Hero Award for his countless hours caring During the business meeting, the 2015- for the outdoor ice arena and other park 16 budget was presented and approved facilities in his neighborhood’s Calahan and the 2015-16 VRPA officers and Park. Jessica Booth, Program Supervisor Executive Committee were installed. with the Newport Parks and Recreation A variety of awards were presented. Department, received the Young Andy Cappello presented the President’s professional Award. Citation to VRPA Secretary, Melissa Cate This year’s Annual Meeting marked for keeping great minutes, thoughtfully the end of the first year of our new VIP contributing to discussions, volunteering Program, introduced to provide incentive at events, and always being there when to VRPA members to grow professional VRPA needs her. Membership Awards were and be involved in the association. 22 presented to: Jess Booth, Jessy Cudworth, Each year at the Annual Meeting, VRPA’s An- members submitted VIP tabulation sheets Jay McDonough (5 years); Gary Rogers and nual Awards are presented. This year’s award and VIP Chair, April Cioffi, tallied the recipients were (L to R): Stowe Arena received Cindi Wight (15 years), and EJay Bishop (20 points and awarded raffle tickets based the Facility of Merit Award and Arena Manager, years). Tony Whitaker, accepted the award; Jessica on the number of points each person had Executive Director, Betsy Terry, Booth from the Newport Parks & Recreation accrued. Melissa Cate, Todd Goodwin, presented certificates of appreciation Department received the Young Professional Stephanie Quaranta, and Cindi Wight all to the two board members leaving the Award, and John Pare of Burlington received won prizes and Rob Peterson, a Parks VRPA Executive Committee - Carol Lolatte, the Unsung Hero Award. Regional Manager with Vermont State Director of the Brattleboro Recreation Parks, was the lucky winner of our first Department, for 3 years of service on The VRPA Facility of Merit Award was ever VIP $1,000 professional development the Executive Committee and & Todd presented to the new Stowe Ice Arena scholarship. Goodwin, Director of the Williston Parks and Arena Manager, Tony Whittaker, Rob recently & Recreation Department, for serving accepted the award. John Pare, known told Betsy Terry that he plans to use it to attend the State Park Leadership School at Oglebay. Rob Peterson, VT State Parks, won the VIP $1,000 professional development scholarship.

After lunch, some members played golf at the nearby Green Mountain National VRPA President, Andy Cappello, recognized the VRPA members who received their CPRP certifica- Golf Course, Vermont’s only municipal tion in the last year. They were (L to R): Derek Mitchell (Colchester), Ally Vile (Essex), Dustin Hunt golf course, and disc golf at Base Camp (Middlebury), April Cioffi (Rutland), Nicole Fields (Essex Junction), Holly Baker (South Burlington), Adventure’s 18-hole disc golf course. Melissa Cate (Burlington), and Todd Goodwin (South Burlington). Others not included in the photo include Jenn Francis (Burlington) and Jay McDonough (Hartford).

7 VT Recreation & Parks Association 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

The VRPA fiscal year runs from May 1 – April 30th and we start each year with our Annual Meeting. We typically choose a location that has donated to our Conference Silent Auction as is the case with Summit Lodge this year. 2014-15 was another good year for the association; committees worked hard to provide quality programs & trainings and participation in most all our educational programs was up. At last year’s Annual Meeting, the Executive Committee unveiled the VIP Program, an incentive plan that rewards members for their professional efforts and recognizes members for years of service, involvement and contributions to the VRPA. The winner of a $1,000 VIP professional development scholarship, funded with proceeds from our Conference Silent Auction, will be drawn at the 2015 Annual Meeting.

MEMBERSHIP – Membership continues to grow in the association. The majority of Vermont communities with paid recreation staff now have agency memberships which include their staff and volunteer board members. The Executive Board made a concerted effort to secure membership renewals this year and it really made a difference to the membership numbers at the end of the year.

VRPA MEMBERSHIP 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 362 members 294 members 289 members 266 members 255 members

PROGRAMS – Participation remained strong in both our track meets. Sadly, 2014 was the last year for the Hershey Track Program; Vermont sent 5 athletes to the national Hershey Meet. Once again, St. Johnsbury hosted and sponsored our 2014 State Track Meet. The Performance Showcase was held at Lake Morey for the second time and the artists raved about the quality of our showcase. This is such a great program; we would appreciate your help on how we might build the audience. Overall, ticket sales were down for the fifth consecutive year but on the bright side, sales increased for Bromley Adventure Park and Six Flags New England and we sold 434 tickets through our new online sales.

VRPA PROGRAM PARTICIPATION 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 Hershey Track Meet ~600 Almost 600 ~400 ~400 State Track Meet 458 554 493 406 Showcase Audience 43 44 54 42 Discount Tickets Sold 6,632 7,127 7,637 10,269

EDUCATION – The 2014 Vermont Governor’s Conference on Recreation was our first official two-day conference and the committee was pleased that the majority of attendees registered for both days. We had more vendors than in previous years making for a vibrant Exhibit Hall. At the December and March Quarterly Meetings, respectively, the education programs were "Universal Recycling in Public Spaces” and “Senior Programming-Collaboration is Key”. Participation in Quarterly Meetings had been declining but not this year.

VRPA EDUCATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 Annual Meeting 33 45 28 34 Summerama 129 118 98 68 Governor’s Conference - Delegates 98 100 91 68 Governor’s Conference - Vendors 34 30 22 26 December Quarterly Meeting 31 18 42 24 March Quarterly Meeting 45 24 24 30

8 PUBLICATIONS – We continue to offer all our publications in electronic format only; this included three newsletters, conference and meeting/event brochures, and weekly recreation check-ins. This continues to save the association significant money and allows us to continue our efforts to have a more “green” operation; the membership continues to be supportive of this practice.

FINANCES – For many, the strength of an organization is measured by its fiscal stability. Below you will see the numbers for our FY2014-15 revenue and expenses, along with a six year history for comparison. With a fifth year of declining ticket sales it was a challenge to balance the budget but we did…just barely, largely due to the financial success of the Governor’s Conference and meeting our membership projections. While once we relied nearly entirely on ticket sales revenue, the Executive Board’s efforts to diversify revenues over the past several years have really paid off. We ended FY2014-15 with a $78 budget surplus and a total of $78,410 in assets, including $31,220 in the Operating Reserve Fund and $16,739 in the Silent Auction Fund.

VRPA Financial History (2009-2015)

Year Total Revenue Total Expense End of Year Balance 2014-15 $264,345 $264,267 $78 We ended the FY2014-15 year with: 2013-14* $312,272 $307,630 $4,642  $264,345 in revenue 2012-13 $284,286 $280,264 $4,022  $264,267 in expenses 2011-12 $346,072 $343,177 $2,895  $78 budget surplus 2010-11* $350,482 $341,994 $8,488 2009-10 $326,730 $326,269 $461 * Years we offered CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Course)

VRPA Budget (FY2014-15) - REVENUE VRPA Budget (FY2014-15) - EXPENSE

An organization is only as strong as the sum of all its parts. Thank you to each and every member for choosing to join your state recreation association and for choosing to actively participate! To our leadership team and everyone who participated on one of our committees (and there are many of you), thank you for your efforts! FY2014-15 was another good year for VRPA under your leadership. Special thanks to Carol Lolatte and Todd Goodwin who will be stepping down from the Executive Committee to make way for others, after 3 years and 10 years, respectively. You have made significant contributions and we appreciate you making the time to serve.

We work hard to remain relevant and of value to the recreation professionals & volunteers throughout Vermont. Please remember- your feedback is always appreciated. We look forward to working together in the coming year.

2014-15 VRPA Executive Board President-Andy Cappello President Elect-Todd Goodwin Treasurer-EJay Bishop Secretary-Melissa Cate Past-President-Ray Sapp President’s Appointee Members-at-Large: Matt Frazee Scott Hausler Carol Lolatte Jill Niles Executive Director-Betsy Terry

9 VRPA Summerama

t was a full house at this year’s VRPA in Lebanon, NH. Summerama summer staff training Summerama is a great way for you to Iprogram with 19 organizations and supplement your in-house summer staff 146 participants, the most we have had training. We are always open to new ideas for speakers and session topics. Have a speaker in mind that you would like to bring to your staff training but can’t afford the speaker fee? Why not bring that speaker to Summerama and then we can all reap the benefits…at a fraction of the cost for you. Very special thanks to the 2015 Jay McDonough, Arne McMullen (Chair) Summerama Committee: Brian Bevacqua, & Betsy Terry. The Committee will be Jessica Booth, Matt Frazee, John Leonard, meeting next January to plan the 2016 Summerama. If you have some ideas and would like to participate on the Committee for years and perhaps ever. What a great please contact Summerama Chair, Arne mix of participants from the private and McMullen, at the Montpelier Recreation public sector. Special thanks to all our Department at [email protected] or 802- Summerama speakers: VRPA members – 223-5141. Brian Bevacqua (Quechee), Jessica Booth (Newport), Todd Goodwin (Williston), and Ginny Stone (Quechee) and guest speakers Chris Ortiz from the High Five Adventure Center in Brattleboro and Brett Leonard, Director of the SPARK! Community Center

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63475-1VRPA_8.5x11.indd 1 4/29/15 5:55 PM 11 VT/NH Maintenance Workshop he Hartford Parks and Recreation Department hosted 87 par- Tticipants and 27 vendors for this year’s VT/NH Maintenance Workshop on May 28th. The weather was beautiful for the morning portion of the program held outside at the brand new Maxfield Sports Complex. The afternoon was spent inside the Wendell A Barwood Arena.

Special thanks to our workshop vendors. Please remember to include them on your bid list when you are purchasing supplies and equipment!

Atlantic Golf & Turf Grassland Equipment & Irrigation Harrell’s The morning program was divided into JOHN DEERE LANDSCAPES four rotations: (1) a tour of the Maxfield facility by Tad Nunez, Director of the Hart- MTE INC ford Parks & Recreation Department, (2) a Musco Sports Lighting session on Tree Care & Pruning presented New England Specialty Soils by Hartford Tree Warden, Brad Goedkoop, Northeast Nursery, Inc. (3) time with the vendors, and (4) a ses- Northern Nurseries sion on turf installation and maintenance Pioneer Athletics led by Todd Holmes, owner of Valley Turf Read Custom Soils Services, who installed all the turf at S&D landscapes LLC Maxfield. Tom Irwin Inc. TUCKAHOE TURF FARMS, INC. Ultimate Field Layouts UltiPlay Parks & Playgrounds, Inc. Winterberry Irrigation

The afternoon program included a key- note presentation by Ben Rose, VT Div. of Emergency Mgmt. & Homeland Security, and 10 different roundtable discussions, each facilitated by an expert in the topic. Participants always find the roundtables to be a great place to resolve some of their ongoing issues.

12 VRPA – St. Johnsbury Track VRPA News & Events Meet Set for July 25th

ith the 2014 Hershey and field events. If you plan to enter Track Meet being the athletes and haven’t already submit- track last one after more than ted your Commitment Form, contact pro- W gram thirty years of the Hershey Track pro- VRPA Track Coordinator, Gary Rogers, gram, the VRPA – St. Johnsbury Track at [email protected]. who might Meet will be the one statewide track Participating in this meet is a great be interested, and field competition offered by VRPA enhancement to a recreational track please pass this this summer. The meet is open to program. If your department has not information on to recreational track teams and individual yet registered don’t delay, visit the them so their runners athletes, ages 7-15 as of December VRPA website at www.vrpa.org, and and jumpers have the op- 31, 2015, and will include both track register today. If you know of a local portunity to compete.

Message from the Executive Director (continued) “It makes me sad in a way,” I admitted “Start tomorrow,” she said. I hope this summer is a good one to Carolyn. “What might I have accom- As you head into the busiest season for you…and all the participants in your plished if I had thought of a wonderful of your year, try to move through those programs! goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had busier days one step at a time; and when worked away at it ‘one bulb at a time’ the going gets rough, ask yourself, “How through all those years? Just think what can I use this lesson to help me do things I might have been able to achieve!” My better the next time?” May you love what Betsy Terry, CPRP daughter summed up the message of the you are doing and not forget to take time VRPA Executive Director day in her usual direct way. to go see the daffodils.

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13 VRPA Discount Ticket Program Adds ArborTrek Treetop Obstacle Course

or more than 25 years, the Vermont Recreation and Parks FAssociation has been partner- ing with local parks and recreation departments to sell deeply discounted amusement park tickets. The benefits of being one of our ticket partners are endless. To name a couple, (1) you get new people through your doors that might otherwise never come in and while they are there they might learn about other programs you offer and (2) the residents of your community In addition to tickets to the Great Our ticket program is a consign- save up to 36% off the gate entry price Escape (Glens Falls, NY), Six Flags New ment program with no up-front to a park they are planning to visit and England (Agawam, MA), and Bromley financial commitment. We are always will be thrilled that you helped them Adventure Park (Manchester, VT), we looking for new ticket partners. Con- to save money. The VRPA makes a little have a new partner this year. Dis- tact the VRPA office at 802-878-2077 bit on every ticket and that helps us to count tickets are now available for the or [email protected] to find out how to staff our part-time office and provide treetop obstacle course and climbing become one of our ticket partners. support and services throughout the adventure at ArborTrek located at year. It’s a win-win. Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, VT.

14 Would you like to supersize that? By Jeff Price,Business Program Manager, Everett, WA Parks and Recreation Editor’s Note: Jeff price will be the I was recently in the market for a (e.g. market rates, return on investment, keynote speaker new digital camera. The salesperson or cost recovery), we can properly set at the 2015 Imatched my need with an ‘value-added’ fees based on demand and Vermont appropriate model and I was then asked the opportunity to generate additional Conference on several follow-up questions. She asked, revenue. Recreation this “Would you like to include an additional Finally, some might conclude that there battery or a camera case with your simply aren’t any good opportunities for fall. purchase?” I thought for a moment about upselling in our industry. Think again! your customers fully understand how the convenience of including the extra Opportunities exist in facility rentals and each alternative functions and the varied battery (in case something happened to programming, as examples. For instance, advantage of each. Remember, we are the original one) and I decided to purchase the City of Everett is providing overnight there to help the customer fulfill a need or the extra battery. While I contemplated booking for renters to set-up early and want. Finally, be sure to follow through. the camera case, I smiled to myself at the cleaning packages for renters who do not Make sure the customer completes a reminder that upselling is alive and well wish to clean up after themselves. They’ll survey on how she experienced the service in our culture. Upselling, as defined by be given the opportunity to pay us to clean or program. This helps build trust and can Techtarget.com, is “a marketing term for (at a premium) instead! lead to future upselling opportunities. the practice of suggesting higher priced So how does a parks and recreation By the way, I passed on the fancy products or services to a customer who department get started in upselling? camera case, but the extra battery sits is considering a purchase.” A classic First of all, know what your customers in a box next to my desk. It serves as a example of effective upselling is Amazon’s, are looking for. A good way to do this backup should the current battery go “Those who purchased this item also is to simply start asking them. Ask your bad, and also serves as a reminder of the purchased this,” approach. The airline customers what their interests and needs opportunity businesses leverage when it industry, big box retailers, and even our are when they are at the front counter, comes to increasing revenue. We can do neighborhood grocery stores are several for example. Listen carefully to what they the same in parks and recreation. We just examples of industries and businesses are saying. Ask good questions. Once need to get started! where opportunities to ‘up sell’ occur you have a every day. And you know what? It works! better idea of Each year people like you and me happily your customer make add-on purchases through upselling needs, you can that generates millions of dollars for then develop An innovative, interactive and easy-to-implement businesses. a solutions- nutrition and physical activity program! Here is the question then, why don’t based mentality. we engage in this practice more regularly Offer a variety Peri Stolic® in the parks and recreation industry? of solutions or (the large intestine) Reasons may include the belief that alternatives to our customers wouldn’t be interested in customers. these types of opportunities. However, In the a recent survey of current customers book, ‘Monday in Everett indicates a strong willingness Morning Sales to learn about upselling opportunities. Tips’, author Additionally, research indicates that Maura Schreier- customer interest in upselling has a Fleming says, The Kidney Hardy universal appeal, irrespective of industry “Offer them Brothers® Heart® type (Inc.com 2011). solutions Madame Another reason why the practice that are Muscle® of upselling isn’t more prevalent in incrementally our industry may have to do with the better and at negatively perceived role by some of incremental generating revenue in local government. price levels.” The concern is that people will complain, Thirdly, educate “Hey, I pay my taxes so why should I pay your customers. (more) for this program or service?” On I’m not talking the surface this argument may appear about a to have some validity, but when we gimmicky sales www.organwiseguys.com 800-786-1730 remember that we already set program shtick. Make fees based upon some sort of criteria certain that Use coupon code PARKS20 to receive an automatic 20% discount.

15 successful uses will arise. All ‘players’ RECYCLING TENNIS BALLS? involved are working diligently to make recycling tennis balls standard practice for id you know that there are 125 There is finally a national movement players and communities, and finding ways million tennis balls sold annually to make tennis ball recycling happen. to use the recycled material. in the United States and we Currently there are two organizations D HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN. For more have 250 thousand tennis courts across taking donated balls for recycling: Project information about how to initiate a tennis the country? It is estimated that it takes Green Ball (http://projectgreenball.org/), ball recycling program in your community, 450 years for a tennis ball to decompose. a non-profit organization that facilitates contact Project Green Ball, reBounces, or Tennis players typically open a new can recycling, and reBounces (http://www. Retour Tennis. of three balls for each match and there is rebounces.com/), a company that reuses an average of 200 balls discarded every and/or recycles tennis balls. reBounces month per park. offers free shipping; no costs, other than Start Thinking About Who If something can be done to mitigate a box, will be incurred for sending balls off You’ll Nominate for a the problems associated with the sum of to be recycled. Brungardt Award discarded tennis balls, it should be done. Courtside disposal has been the most Up to 125 million used tennis balls can successful way to accumulate balls. Retour The deadline for submitting a pile up in American landfills every year. has designed a container that hangs nomination for this year’s Brungardt This does not happen because tennis directly on tennis court fencing so players Awards is August 14, 2015, but players don’t care about recycling (they have immediate access to a recycling. Go NOW is the time to start thinking do), but because there are factors working to www.retourtennis.com to learn more about who you might nominate against recycling: (1) The general public, about the AD-IN Bin. for this most prestigious award. It and most tennis players, are unaware that Wondering how the recycled balls are can be a professional, friend, or the number of discarded tennis balls is used? Currently they are being ground up agency/organization. To learn more astronomical, (2) Tennis balls cannot be to be included in alternative recreational about the award criteria and how processed with regular recycling methods. surfaces - equestrian arena flooring, to submit a nomination, visit the To recycle them requires a specific for example. Soon recycled tennis balls VRPA website at technique to separate the material, and will be made into tennis courts! Just like www.vrpa.org/recognition. In (3) Tennis players don’t have a convenient any other recycled product, supply will addition to honoring the efforts of way or place to contribute used tennis prompt demand. Once a steady supply of someone in your community, you balls for recycling. tennis balls is available, more inventive, will earn yourself some VIP points.

16 have Around the State... Family-Friendly Activities in the caught bass, pike, perch, Vermont State Parks bullhead, and By Carlie Timbie, Vermont State Parks sunfish, just to name a few! ith over fifty amazing Vermont State Parks to Parks with Interpretive choose from, it can be Nature Trails W If you’re looking for a more overwhelming to decide which would be best for your family weekend. Lucky for in-depth nature experience, several you, the Vermont State Parks team has Vermont State Parks feature Interpretive compiled a few highlights that you and Trails that help visitors gain an even greater your family can enjoy this summer! understanding of the outdoors. : This park Family Hiking contains one of the few old-growth If you’ve got the itch to go hiking but hardwood tree stands remaining in aren’t sure about good hikes for younger kids willing to spend a few hours out on Vermont, and the Old Growth Interpretive folks, we’ve got you covered. Some of our the trails. It’s a very easy 3.5 mile loop that Trail explores aged giants such as sugar most popular hikes are on the shorter side, takes you through beautiful woodlands, maple, beech, yellow birch, white ash, and easy to moderate difficulty, and end up at over brooks and streams, and provides hemlock. It’s a great half-hour introduction awesome opportunities for nature- to the beauty of Gifford Woods. spotting. It usually takes about 2.5 hours, Waterbury Center State Park: Discover but hikers always come back eager for the natural history, geology, and cultural more. history of Waterbury Reservoir as this 30 minute hike takes you through pine groves, Fishing hardwood forest, and abandoned orchards. If you’re more of a fishing family, we’ve Numbered posts along the half mile long got some great options! trail correspond to a wealth of information : With over two in the trail brochure. miles of frontage on the southern and : The Northeast eastern shores of Lake Carmi, it’s a great Kingdom Nature Trail provides a guided place to bring a picnic lunch and try your exploration of the nature and history of great views or even waterfalls. luck catching warm water species such as this unique forest on the edge of Spectacle Head to in walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass. Pond. This half-hour nature trail allows you Colchester, VT and take the Burns Trail. It’s to take a close look at the wildest and most a half hour loop that can be connected to isolated area of Vermont. several other short trails such as the Allen Lake St. Catherine State Park: Explore Trail, Muhley Trail, and Island View trail. the remnants of an ancient forest when It’s a great hike for kids because you can you hike the Big Trees Nature Trail with make it as long or as short as an attention the informative trail guide during your 20 span might be, and you get both woodland minute interpretive hike. If you’re up for views and a nice view of . it, you can continue past an old farmhouse The Bingham Falls trail at Smugglers’ site and walk an additional ¾ mile and Notch State Park is wonderful for a family complete a loop through the Big Trees! hike. It’s a one mile trail that usually : This half mile hike takes about an hour and the pay-off is a starts behind the nature center (which beautiful set of cascading falls. Park on includes interactive exhibits!) and guides the west side of Rt 108 just south of the you through a forested Nature Trail, campground entrance (.2m) and cross to : Located on the where you’ll learn about forest transition, the east side to follow the trail! shore of Lake Bomoseen, this park has wildlife homes, and historic inhabitants of If you’ve got it in you for a slightly more it all: swimming beaches, picnic tables, the forest. Be sure to take the trail guide difficult hike, the Summit Trail to the top of boating, and fishing are just some of the brochure to help navigate your exploration! Mt. Philo at Mt. Philo State Park is a great awesome day-use areas in Bomoseen All in all, the Vermont State Parks has choice. It’s a one way, one mile, one-hour- State Park. If you’re hungry after all that something for everyone, no matter their long hike, and the views are definitely casting and reeling, just stop by the age or level of outdoors experience. We worth your time. There’s nothing like concession stand for a bite to eat! hope this helps narrow your search for reaching the top of a mountain to inspire Lake St. Catherine State Park: Offering summer plans, and can’t wait to see you kids in the great outdoors! shoreline fishing, camping, swimming, and out at the parks! The Pond and Waterfall Loop at Gifford even a playground, you can’t go wrong Woods State Park is an amazing hike for with a day at Lake St. Catherine. Anglers 17 Around the State (Continued) FOOD IS IN WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT! By Derrick Lambert, Child Nutrition Initiatives Manager, Hunger Free Vermont

ow would you like to serve free It is such a great pairing meals to kids that you don’t to combine healthy play Hhave to prepare or pay for? with healthy meals, all in With the USDA’s Summer Food Service a context where children Program (SFSP), more and more parks and are safe and free to be recreation departments across Vermont themselves.’ are successfully pairing healthy meals with Summer meals are their summer programming. Recreation also a welcome relief for directors are finding that offering free families whose tight food summer meals through the SFSP boosts budgets are stretched even participation and retention rates for further in the summertime, scheduled activities, helps offset childhood when additional meals hunger and unhealthy weight gain, and must be prepared at provides the fuel kids need to play and home. Summer meals help learn all summer long! relieve this strain on family The Waterbury Recreation budgets and ensure that Department is a great example of summer children have continued programming, contact Derrick Lambert programming that is filling a crucial gap for access to fresh produce, milk and protein at Hunger Free Vermont (dlambert@ Vermont’s children by offering both meals through the SFSP; products that may hungerfreevt.org; 802-865-0255). If and enrichment activities. During summer not always be readily available at home. you’d like to find out where free summer 2014, breakfast and lunch were served Maggie Leugers, Recreation Director at meals are already being offered in your daily to around 50 day campers and pool South Burlington Parks and Recreation, community, dial 2-1-1, text ‘FOOD’ to guests. Thanks to a partnership with Barre says ‘Hunger doesn’t end during the 877-877 or visit www.hungerfreevt.org. Supervisory Union and a nearby church, summer. It actually becomes more crucial Meal sites identified using these services meals were prepared and delivered at because kids and families are more active. are open to all children 18 and under: no no cost to the Recreation Department. It is essential for children and families application and no registration required! Director Chad Ummel was surprised to to be able to access meals during the Together, let’s make sure no child goes learn that his program could receive summer months, and recreation and parks hungry in Vermont this summer! free meals and had this to say about the departments are a great conduit to make important connection that developed sure that kids don’t go hungry.’ between summer meals and activities: If your parks and recreation ‘We were impressed daily with the ease department is interested to explore and quality of the summer lunch program. ways to connect free meals to summer

18 USTA VERMONT By Donna Griffin, President, USTA Vermont

USTA VT is going through a transition parks/recreation programs as part of departments to promote the health and due to the loss of two key people in our a community event. We provide an well-being of all Vermonters! By Derrick Lambert, Child Nutrition Initiatives Manager, Hunger Free Vermont association: President, Diane Meyer instructor and equipment for 1-2 hours for and Junior Tennis Coordinator Deborah players’ juniors to adults. Laporte. Both women brought vision, Alex Blanchard is a great person focus, energy and ability to their role. to contact to help you organize Try We congratulate them on their years of Tennis Free or Play Days or if you want service to promoting the growth and to brainstorm how to make your tennis development of tennis in Vermont and program more successful within your wish them well. recreation programs or camps. He also Please welcome on board, Donna is the go to person for Junior Team Griffin, new president of the USTA VT and Tennis. You can reach Alex at Blanchard@ USTA NE Tennis Service Representative newengland.usta.com. (TSR) Alex Blanchard. Donna served for We value our partnership with Recently retired USTA VT President, Diane over twenty years in various capacities the Vermont Parks and Recreation Meyer, (far right) with her tennis friends Mary organizing USTA League tennis. Donna is Association and local parks and recreation Selby, Joan Wulfson, and Kirsten McEdward. the go-to person if you are interested in equipment grants (ustavtassoc@gmail. VRPA Presidents’ Perspective (continued) com). Alex is a recent graduate who has a lot of experience playing and teaching wonderland with vessels that get pushed us are going to be a part of. I look forward to tennis; he began his role as our TSR in by wind and fish that rise like birds. To top sharing a vista with you and the rest of your summer, 2014. it off, there are no limits on the lakes. Phil stinky crew at the top of a mountain. I look USTA VT is continuing to sponsor the and the rest of the Kingdom Games swim forward to seeing you sail on the lake, and be following programs: crew have it right, “No lanes, No lines, No blown to bliss by a breeze. • JUNIOR GRAND PRIX EVENTS: limits”. Swimming, fishing, boating, birding, The recreational opportunities in Vermont these are competitive tennis tournament ice skating, scuba diving, sailing and so much are never ending. We are fortunate to have for players U10-U18 (June thru August). more are available to us every day of the year access to such incredibly beautiful public • GRASS ROOTS CAMP: this is a and it costs us nothing to do it. facilities. We are fortunate to have such easy camp held at Windridge Camp in Roxbury The City of Newport makes available to access to great recreational opportunities. VT for players ages 12-14 (July 30 & 31). residents and visitors alike an experience Let’s make the most of it. at public facilities that are second to none. There are parks complete with camping, Respectfully, kayaking, canoeing, basketball, tennis, sledding, walking, sailing, disc golf and the new, clean swimming beach that Marcel, Alex, and Dale built. Then there is Gardner Andrew Cappello Memorial Park with softball, baseball, a huge VRPA President playground, the Clyde River, a skate park, grandstand, bandstand, snack bar, and the best willow trees this side of Memphremagog. Plus, there’s the City Dock, or as I am thinking of it now, the “Newport Water Park”, where If you need more information about visitors can launch a boat, use the bathroom, our Grand Prix Events or Grass Roots fish, sail, get married or even ride a bike along SAVE THE DATE Camp, you may reach us at ustavtjtp@ the shores. gmail.com. This is just what’s in my town. I can only 12th Annual VRPA • JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS: this is a imagine the incredible opportunities that exist competitive tennis league for players 12 – in all the other towns across Vermont. I have, Performance Showcase 18 years of age (June thru August). and will continue to, seek out some of those • PLAY DAYS: these are introductory spots that have everyone in your neck of the Thursday Nov. 19, 2015 activities geared for after school programs woods talking. or as part of a community event or parks/ From my perspective, we have the greatest Lake Morey Resort recreation camp experience. We provide places on earth to care for and share with the an instructor/equipment for 1-2 hours. greatest people on earth. I look forward to • TRY TENNIS FREE: this is seeing you at one of the parks this summer. an introductory activity geared for I look forward to the great events that all of

19 Shallow Water Blackout – Do You Know What It Is? You Should. By Dean E. Haller, President, Live Like Benjo Foundation

t can happen in seven feet of water. son, Benjamin Haller. At the age of 11, It can happen in 100. The victim Benjamin, known to all as “Benjo,” fell in Ican be five years young, 27 years love with sailing on Lake Champlain and young, or even over 60. He or she may for the next 16 years, he worked at the never have been in the water before, or International Sailing Center in Malletts Bay they could have made over 1,500 SCUBA in Colchester. When he was 12, he became dives, or been an Olympic swimmer. They a certified SCUBA Diver and set a goal to may be risk-avoiders or they may not have sail to the Caribbean someday, since this any personal limitations when they take on was where he was SCUBA certified. From a challenge. However, what they have in 6th grade through 12th grade, he was a common, which more often than not can member of Smuggler’s Notch Ski Team kill them, is a lack of understanding about and the High School’s what causes Shallow Water Blackout – State Championship Ski Team during his commonly referred to as “SWB.” senior year. At 16 he became the young- Shallow Water Blackout is caused est sailing racer ever to come in second in primarily by Hypoxic Training – rigorous hy- Plattsburg’s Mayor’s Cup Race. At 18, he old, in just seven feet of water and after perventilating and breath holding prior to became a certified SCUBA instructor and making over 1,500 SCUBA dives during his submerging underwater. When the normal was immediately hired by Stuart Coves’ all too brief life. level of carbon dioxide in the blood stream Dive Center in the Bahamas, the youngest Benjo actually lived a line from one of is exceeded, which happens every few instructor ever hired at the Center. his favorite artists, Bob Marley: “Love the seconds, the brain receives a signal that In his freshman year at the University life you live, live the life you love.” On the it is time to breathe. This is why we don’t of Colorado, he founded the Boulder morning of August 1, Benjo made his last even give a second thought to breathing Sailing Club, the first collegiate Sailing post on Facebook: “I love my life.” To say -- it happens automatically. Club ever established at the University. he “lived it” is an understatement. However, hyperventilating prior to sub- He trained the racing crews, was a tire- In Benjo’s honor, his family and friends merging drops the normal level of carbon less fundraiser and collected 420’s, Flying have formed the Live Like Benjo Founda- dioxide far below the threshold. When Juniors and dinghies, which were donated tion. Its mission is three fold: to increase the swimmer, untrained in prolonged from as far away as California. When he public awareness about SWB, put an end breath holding, takes the final breath and graduated as a film major, the Boulder to the needless and countless drownings submerges, there is not enough carbon Sailing Club was racing intercollegiate on caused by SWB, and provide scholarships dioxide in the blood system to exceed the the west coast and the team consistently for sailing instruction to Vermont’s youth normal threshold. The automatic signal is crossed the line in the top three in every who would not otherwise have the oppor- not triggered and the brain does not know race they entered. When Benjo turned 20, tunity to learn to love the lake like Benjo. it is time to breathe. The lack of oxygen he started living on Momma Dance, his 30 For more information about SWB and in the brain causes it to pass out. When foot sailboat, in Mallett’s Bay during the the Live Like Benjo Foundation please visit it does, the brain automatically signals summers. www.livelikebenjo.com. With the help for a breath. When this occurs, so does a At 26, he pursued his childhood dream of other parents and caring community tragedy. Water is inhaled and the victim and sailed Momma Dance to the Bahamas. members, we can accomplish the Live Like drowns. There are survivors of SWB, but He set sail for the Islands in October 2013, Benjo Foundation mission. only when immediate action takes place to docked in Norfolk, VA for the winter and revive the victim. returned to Colorado to ski. He set sail SWB is not caused by simply holding again in May of 2014. On July 20, 2014, one’s breath and going underwater. In that Benjo landed in the Eleuthera Islands case, the normal level of carbon dioxide in The Bahamas, having sailed Momma has not been decreased and the brain Dance from Malletts Bay. On August 1, sends a natural signal for the individual to Benjo, Buddy, his beloved dog, and his surface to take a breath. However, stud- first mate, Matt, went spear fishing all ies have shown that when children exert day at Harbour Island. After dinner Benjo large amounts of energy playing immedi- resumed practicing his breath holding ately before jumping into the water, and so he could stay underwater longer to then hold their breath to go under (think spear fish. That night at 7:30 my family’s Marco Polo), they may fall victim to SWB. world as we knew it came to a senseless Why do I know and care about Shallow end when Benjo drowned as a result of Water Blackout? Let me tell you about my Shallow Water Blackout. He was 27 years

20 21 enio t S r G on a Vermont Senior Games m m r e

e s

V

•

2015 State Championships •

F Since 1983 u p If you’re at least 50 years old (or will be by December 31, 2015) join in the fun n i h • s of the Vermont Senior Games. For more information about events listed below, F w it lo go to www.vermontseniorgames.org. No competitive experience necessary. ness • Fel

Date Event registration Feb. 8 4K Snowshoe Race advance registration encouraged but not required. Jeffersonville (Smugg’s Adventure Center) March 8 Alpine Ski Giant Slalom Race advance registration encouraged Warren (Sugarbush Ski Area) but not required. March 12 Nordic XC Classic Races advance registration encouraged but not required. Stowe (Trapp Family Lodge) March 21 Weightlifting advance registration encouraged but not required. South Burlington, (Perkins Fitness) April 12 Billiards advance registration required by 4/5/15. South Burlington (Van Phan Billiards) May 23 Horseshoes advance registration preferred by 5/18/15. Bristol May 29 Racquetball advance registration encouraged but not required. Essex (The EDGE Sports & Fitness) May 30 Disc Golf advance registration encouraged but not required. Killington June 6 Mountain Biking advance registration encouraged but not required. Rutland (Pine Hill Park) June 7 Swimming advance registration encouraged but not required. Williston (The EDGE Sports & Fitness) June 19 & 20 Pickleball advance registration required by 6/13/15. Shelburne (Davis Park Tennis Courts) June 27 Precision Walk advance registration required by 6/20/15. South Burlington (South Burlington H.S.) June 27 Track & Field advance registration required by 6/20/15. South Burlington (South Burlington H.S.) July 4 5K Road Race advance registration encouraged. South Hero Aug. 8 & 9 Bocce advance registration encouraged, courtside registration from 9 to 9:45am tournament day. Burlington (Oakledge Park) Aug. 9 Trail Run advance registration encouraged but not required. Jeffersonville (Smuggler’s Notch Ski Area) Aug. 16 Triathlon advance registration encouraged. Shelburne (Shelburne Beach) Aug. 22 Cycling advance registration required by 8/29/15. Ferrisburgh () Aug. 29 & 30 Tennis advance registration required by 8/25/15. Quechee (The Quechee Club) Sept. 8 Golf advance registration preferred by 9/6/15. South Burlington (Vermont National CC) Sept. 25 Basketball advance registration encouraged, everyone must check-in at desk starting at 8:00am. Castleton (Castleton State College) Oct. 3 10K Road Race Advance registration preferred, on-site registration open from 8 to 8:45am race day.. Shelburne (Shelburne Beach) TBD Bowling Check the VSGa website for updated information www.vermontseniorgames.org (TBD) TBD Table Tennis Check the VSGa website for updated information www.vermontseniorgames.org Shelburne (Shelburne Town Hall) Major SponSor www.vermontseniorgames.org 22 BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE VERMONT RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION

 Align yourself with 400+ professionals & volunteers who operate with a shared mission, vision, and values.  Access tools and resources to position recreation and parks as essential community services.  Develop strategies to advance and thrive within your profession and as an agency/organization.  Build your skills and your professional network.  Shape our profession today and tomorrow.  As a VRPA member, you will receive: • Recreation Check-In – Weekly information and happenings, via email. • The Advocate – VRPA newsletter – three issues a year, via email. • VRPA Membership Directory – Annual directory of member contact information, electronic format. • Discounted Fees – Conferences, workshops, and event registration fees and advertising rates. • Professional Assistance – In person and online. • VRPA website – Access the VRPA website at www.vrpa.org.

May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016 APPLICATION AND ANNUAL RENEWAL

Name: ______Title: ______

Organization: ______Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip Code: ______

Office Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______

Email: ______Classification* # of Persons Cost Amount Agency** 1-4 FT staff ______$250 ______5-10 FT staff ______$350 ______11 or more FT staff ______$450 ______Individual Professional ______$65 ______Board/Commission** ______$100 ______Commercial (inc. link from VRPA website) ______$150 ______Student/Friend/Retiree (please circle one) ______$25 ______Honorary Life ______FREE

Date of Check ______Total Amount Enclosed $______* Go to the VRPA website at www.vrpa.org for descriptions of the membership classifications. New memberships received in the months of Nov, Dec and Jan are half price. New memberships received in the last three months of our fiscal year (Feb, March and April) are full price and include the following year also.

Would you like to be more involved with VRPA? Listed below are various VRPA committees. Please check if you are interested and the committee chair will contact you. Thank you for your interest! Membership Newsletter Performance Showcase Summerama Executive Committee Awards Track & Field Maintenance Workshop State Conference Northern NE Conference Other ways you’d like to help: ______

Is there a VRPA member who influenced your decision to join? If yes, who? ______

Please make checks payable to VRPA and mail to: VRPA, 721 Main Street, Colchester, VT, 05446. Agency and Board/Commission Members – Please list all members.

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