Attendee Conference Registration

Access to 2 Days of a GREAT Line-up of Speakers

New Superlative Awards

Keynote & Endnote

28 Total Session Speakers Including 4 members of the prestigious American

Academy of Park & Recreation Administration! Michael Kirschman, Lisa Paradis, Jamie

Sabbach, Cindi Wight

“Coffee Talk” Open Discussions with Exhibitors

Social Hour

THANK YOU to all our Sponsors & Advertisers

for your continued support!

September 23 & 24, 2020

REGISTER NOW!vrpa.org

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE INCLUDES

SPONSORSWELCOME

WELCOME TO OUR 77TH

ANNUAL CONFERENCE A Letter to our valued conference attendees

Dear VRPA Conference attendees, supporters, and volunteers,We hope you all have been well during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges we all have been facing since the beginning. As you are aware, many state and national conferences for 2020 have been shifting to Virtual options due to an array of circumstances preventing many from being able to gather in person this year. Though Vermont has been impacted less by the virus, we have felt many economic impacts from the pandemic. Many departments have seen drastic budget cuts & reduction of staff, all while performing other essential functions such as childcare, food delivery, and keeping parks open. Due to these challenges and budget reductions, our Conference and Executive Committees have made the decision to also shift our 2020 Conference to a Virtual platform this year. We made this decision early so that we have had time to plan and implement a truly valuable, unique, educational, fun, and worthwhile conference for all that are involved! We hope you will join us this year!We are all truly in this together, and we hope that you will see the value in joining us again this year, even though the format and in-person connection will be different.

With all of that being said, we would like to invite you to join us this year for the 77th Annual Vermont Conference on Recreation which will be held virtually over the course of two days on Wednesday & Thursday, September 23rd & 24th, 2020. We will also have two pre-conference user groups on Tuesday, September 22nd from 1–4pm.We are offering Attendee registration at a reduced cost this year because again, we are all in this together, and want to help bring everyone together in the most financially friendly and possible way! For the $77 (VRPA member) registration fee, you will be able to attend all of the virtual education sessions being offered over the course of 2.5 days, along with special “coffee talk” times with Exhibitors, Keynote & Endnote speakers, and a virtual Social Hour! Please take a look through our brochure and consider joining us virtually this year! If you’d like to participate in the planning process or help at the conference itself, the planning committee can always use more volunteers. Contact Adriane Martin, Conference Chair at AEMartin@Essex.org if you are interested.Thank you for all of your continued support, involvement, and the amazing things you are doing for your communities!

802-952-0030 | INFO@VRPA.ORG | VRPA.ORG

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

MyRec.com Recreation Software User GroupTracey Rivera-Cooper, Director of Marketing, MyRec.comCarla Bearup, Director of On-Boarding, MyRec.com

This session will cover areas from all modules of the software but will concentrate on our newest features and updates. We will show you tips and tricks of the software that will make your life so

much easier. There will be a question and answer period. Let’s share how you simplify your recreation management! Please register directly with Tracey at MyRec at tracey@myrec.com, thank you!

RecTrac Recreation Software User GroupDavid Wirtz, Director of Sales, Vermont Systems

This session is geared to current RecTrac users who want to see the latest features and capabilities of the

current versions of RecTrac. The focus will be on RecTrac & WebTrac 3.1, including the Next Gen update. We will review social distancing management features and the latest Kiosk self-service functionality now available. We also welcome any departments that would like to learn about how RecTrac might work for their organization. Please register directly with Amy at Vermont Systems at amyh@vermontsystems.com.

2020 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 22Pre-Conference Bonus Sessions! 1–4pm - MyRec.com Recreation Software User Group - RecTrac Recreation Software User Group

Wednesday, September 23Welcome & Conference Overview 8am SILENT AUCTION Opens

Live Chat “Learn-A-Latte” 8:30am

BLOCK 1 - Educational Sessions 9–10:10am1. Innovative Programming: Engaging Teens in Nature-Based Programming2. What Is It Worth? The True Value of Open Space3. Work-Life-Play Balance

Live Chat 10:30–11am

“Grab a Coffee & Learn S’More”

BLOCK 2 - Educational Sessions 11–12:10pm1. Power of Partnerships – Trails & Trail Programming2. Leading with Health in Mind3. Putting Your Money Where Your Mission Is: Cost Recovery & Financial Sustainability

Welcome & KEYNOTE 12:30–1:45pmAll In A Day’s Work Michael Kirschman, Director, Virginia Beach P&R

BLOCK 3 - Educational Sessions 2–3:10pm1. Rise Up – The Art of Mastering Leadership Presence2. Using the Town Forest Recreation Planning Toolkit3. Building Community in an Isolated World

Social Hour & Live Chat 3:30–4:30pm

“It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”

THIS CONFERENCE HAS A WIDE ARRAY OF TOPICS

THAT COULD BENEFIT ANY PROFESSIONAL IN THE

RECREATION INDUSTRY.

““

“

“Thursday, September 24

Welcome & Conference Overview 8–8:30am

Live Chat 8:30–9am

“Learn-A-Latte: If one is good, two is better” BLOCK 1 - Educational Sessions 9–10:10am1. The Three C’s of a Great Day at Work2. Parks Planning, Public Engagement & COVID-193. Preventing & Addressing Substance Misuse: What Departments Can Do

Live Chat 10:30–11am

“Grab a Coffee or Tea - You Know the Drill”

BLOCK 2 - Educational Sessions 11–12:10pm1. Recovery is Not Enough…We Need Transformation2. Creating Resilient and Adaptive Waterfront: From Vision to

Implementation3. Team Building at a Distance

Lunch & Learn’s (30 min speed sessions) 12:30–1pm

1. Google Docs/Sheets/Forms 2. Keeping Your Playground Clean – New Guidelines3. Marketing Lessons Learned from COVID-194. E-Bikes – What Kind is That?5. Rec Facilities as Emergency Shelters/Triage Centers6. Budget Recovery

BLOCK 3 - Educational Sessions 1:45–2:55pm1. If You Can’t Write the Checks Nothing Else Matters2. Power of Partnerships – Recruiting & Retaining Volunteers3. Event Emergency Planning

Call To Action “Endnote” 3pm

Elvis Cordova, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, NRPA

Silent Auction Closes 4:15pm

WHAT AREATTENDEES SAYING ABOUT VRPA CONFERENCE?

THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF THESE SESSIONS RESONATES WITH PROFESSIONALS FROM MULTIPLE

PARKS, RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE INDUSTRIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

1–4p Pre-Conference User Group Online Sessions- MyRec and RecTrac

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 1–4PM

AT A GLANCEYour registration fee allows you to attend both days

and the pre-conference user groups!

Earn up to 0.8 CEU's during the

conference!

Leading with Health in MindJo Burns, Chief Connection & Collaboration Officer, Jo Burns Consulting LLCHow does health manifest itself in your programs, special events and daily interactions with patrons? Does it look different now than before our national health crisis? Our ability to demonstrate Park and Recreation’s influence on health may be the difference between being considered essential or not. Borrowing methodology from Therapeutic Recreation, Public Health and Health Promotion, you can make the healthy choice the easy choice. In this session we’ll talk about ways to intentionally incorporate physical, emotional and social health into your parks and recreation organization. We’ll examine opportunities to partner with public health and other organizations in your community to keep health present with low or no cost methods.

Putting Your Money Where Your Mission Is: Cost Recovery & Financial SustainabilityLisa Paradis, CPRP, Senior Consultant, Berry Dunn Finding the sweet spots in an organization’s distribution of resources can be viewed as challenging, especially when politics are involved. More often than not, organizations function without knowledge of the cost to provide services and end up compromising their long-term viability and quality of service delivery by setting fees or making management decisions based on history or “squeaky wheel” special interest groups. (You know who I’m talking about!) How do we effectively balance mission with enterprise to make informed and defensible decisions about fees and resource allocation? Understand how we got here, where we are now and navigate a path for future financial sustainability.

Welcome & KEYNOTE 12:30–1:45pm_____________________________________

Addressing pressing issues such as social inequity, health and obesity, crime

and safety, and protecting our natural resources may seem like an impossible job for anyone, but the reality is YOU do it every day. Yes, your daily actions save lives. Yes, your work decreases health care costs and improves individuals’ health. Yes, you create a safer community. You do it every day – and even the smallest of tasks combine to create incredible outcomes. While the public doesn’t sometimes even realize it, ironically sometimes even parks and recreation professionals forget it!

More about Michael KirschmanFrom tracking wolves along the Canadian border to living and working in the South Pacific Samoan Islands, Michael has had an amazing educational and professional journey – and it is far from over. In between visiting new parks (and experiencing new P&R conferences!), kayaking, hiking, bird watching, enjoying the beach with his wife and daughters, or playing scrabble or racquetball (yes, people still play this), he is also a passionate parks and recreation professional.

Personal highlights of his career include: restoring tall grass prairies in Illinois, partnering with a non-profit senior center to build a Window on Wildlife bird watching amenity, introducing off road Segway tours at a large nature preserve, raising private funds and installing the first nature based playground in Charlotte NC, working on multiple P&R master plans, bond and levy issues, keynoting at the New Zealand national P&R conference, and most recently being inducted into the American Academy for Parks & Recreation Administration.

Currently Michael is the City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Director. The department manages 290+ parks, 7,000+ acres, seven large recreation centers, 185 playgrounds, 200+ athletic fields, 14 boat launches, a marina, and the Princess Anne Athletic Complex - a tournament level 16 field complex. The Department is the City’s largest childcare provider through it’s Before and After School program at all 56 elementary schools and also provides maintenance for 512 city buildings, all 91 public schools and athletic fields, and 340 miles of roadway median. The department employs 1,500 staff with a $67M operating budget (FY20). It was the first Virginia CAPRA accredited agency in 1999 and is one of only 13 in the nation to have maintained accreditation for the past 20 years.

Prior to Virginia Beach, Michael worked for 12 years at the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department, serving a population of 1 million including the City of Charlotte and six towns, first as Division Director for Nature Preserves and the last 6 years as Deputy Director.

He also worked for park districts in Illinois and Ohio, consulted for the National Park Service, worked for the American Samoa EPA, and started his career over 25 years ago as a Soil & Water Conservation District educator. Michael received his bachelor’s degree from Westminster College PA and master’s degree from Antioch University WA. He speaks extensively throughout the country on P&R topics, and has instructed at Green School, Supervisors Management School, and currently at Director’s School. A native of Pittsburgh PA, he is - of course - a staunch Steeler fan and even to this day you may hear him utter “yinz guys” every once in a while.

Welcome & Overview ......... 8–8:30am

Live Chat - “Learn-A-Latte” with exhibitors .................... 8:30–9am

BLOCK 1 ............................. 9–10:10am_________________________________

Innovative Programming: Engaging Teens in Nature-Based ProgrammingJazmin Averbuck, Outdoor Programs Coordinator/Resident Camp Director, Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains As children grow up, they become less interested in the bugs they find in the dirt and more so in the bugs found in the various technologies they use every day. During this session we will discuss how to engage older adolescents in nature-based programming with varying degrees of technology use. We are confident that you will walk away from this session with at least one new activity or variation of an old event that you can use to engage your young-adult participants.

What is it Worth? The True Value of Open SpaceMichael Kirschman, CPRP, Director, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation The “true” value of passive parks, nature preserves, and open spaces and natural areas are all too often overlooked or easily dismissed. Hear about the findings of one agency to determine the true value of these spaces, including economic impacts, increased property values, environmental benefits, and the social/health benefits associated with these types of facilities. Combined, these quantifiable benefits paint an unmistakable picture of the “true value” of preserving and programming these areas.

Work-Life-Play Balance: Protecting Your Own Wellness (With or Without a Pandemic)”Gillian Pieper, Health Promotion Specialist, VEHI PATH, VT School Board Insurance TrustKeeping wellness goals in perspective is key to holding fast to your vision. Let’s take a look at where we’ve been, what’s influenced our choices, what’s realistic, and what’s kind. Then let’s use some tried and true wisdom to plan a road map to easy access and sanity, no matter how wild the times ahead might be. Personal wellness is paramount, now more than ever. This session is for anyone looking for real life applications to staying well.

Live Chat - Grab a Coffee or Tea & Learn S’More .............................. 10:30–11am

BLOCK 2 ........................... 11am–12:10pm_____________________________________Power of Partnerships – Trails & Trail ProgrammingHolly Knox, Recreation Program Manager, USFS, Green Mountain National ForestCindy Locke, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Snow TravelersKeegan Tierney, Director of Field Programs, Green Mountain ClubMatt Williams, Executive Director, Catamount Trail AssociationKathryn Wrigley, Forest Recreation Specialist, VT Dept. of Forests, Parks & RecreationJoin a panel of professionals from organizations that work in partnership to provide the best trail experience possible for their users. The panel will be made up of 2 people that represent a government agency, 2 non-motorized trail organizations, and 1 motorized trail organization. The panel will begin by answering a set of questions created by the VRPA Conference Education sub-committee. There will then be a block of time for attendees to ask questions. This group was chosen because they work with each other as well as various people and organizations beyond those on the panel. They host programming events, trail days, and more. Come find out how to maximize your local trail resources, get ideas for a new way to engage participants, and further your understanding of some of Vermont’s largest trail networks.

8–8:30a Welcome & Conference Overview

8:30–9a Live Chat “Learn-A-Latte” with exhibitors

9–10:10a Educational Sessions Block 1 (3 session options)

10:30–11a Live Chat “Grab a Coffee & Learn S’More”

11a–12:10p Educational Sessions Block 2 (3 session options)

12:30–1:45p Welcome & KEYNOTE Michael Kirschman, Dir., Virginia Beach P&R – All In A Day’s Work (with COVID-19)

2–3:10p Educational Sessions Block 3 (3 session options)

3:30–4:30p Social Hour & Live Chat “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

AT A GLANCEYour registration fee allows you to attend both days and the

pre-conference user groups!

BLOCK 3 ........................... 2–3:10pm_________________________________Rise Up - The Art of Mastering Leadership PresenceLisa Paradis, CPRP, Senior Consultant, Berry Dunn What is the signal that you send to the world? Can you tell your story (and the importance of the work you do) in a way that is powerful and has meaning to the listener? Organizational progress can be made or broken by the ability of the leadership to convey a message and create a following for an initiative. Having an eloquent, powerful presence in a boardroom, staff meeting, or a public hearing can lead both you and your organization to greatness. This is 70 minutes packed with specific verbal and non-verbal methods designed to improve and enhance your communication game.

Using the Town Forest Recreation Planning ToolkitKate Forrer, Community Forestry Outreach Specialist, UVM Extension ProgramStruggling with a desire to create new recreation opportunities in your town and don’t know where to start? Join this session with Kate Forrer from the UVM Extension - VT Urban and Community Forestry Program as she explains the newly released Town Forest Recreation Planning Toolkit. The toolkit provides everything you need to develop a town forest recreation plan for your community and you can ask questions about the toolkit to see how you can adapt the tool for your use. It provides step-by-step planning and complementary pods that have materials and information to supplement the step-by-step planning guide.

Building Community in an Isolated WorldMaggie Downie, Business Owner, Author & Speaker, Personal Euphoria We live in a world directed at small, handheld screens that can isolate or connect us. We are hungry for and require a sense of community. This need provides parks and recreation departments the opportunity to become vital organizations by utilizing and creating spaces people want to live and engage in, and events that entice residents to participate. In this busy, hectic world, how can parks and recreation agencies help build the community people so desperately need? The

answers to building community may be quirkier and produce more wonder and attention than you think. Selecting unique programming and ideal locations in your town will create the vision of what you want your town to be while building bonds between residents. We will also discuss ways to build community in our current virtual world, finding ways for technology to connect us.

Live Chat It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere ...................... 3:30–4:30pm

WED., SEPT. 23 CONTINUED

A GREAT CONFERENCE FOR ALL RECREATION PROFESSIONALS

FROM ENTRY-LEVEL INTERNS TO ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

AND DIRECTORS.

“ ““ “

ANOTHER AMAZING CONFERENCE!

BLOCK 2 ....................... 11am–12:10pm__________________________________

Beyond Recovery…We Need TransformationJamie Sabbach, President & CEO, 110% Inc.The cloak under which we all once existed and called “normal” has been ripped away, likely gone forever. Looking back, “normal” may have worked for some but it wasn’t all that great for others. Excessive entitlement, greed, political self-interest, unsustainable growth, inequities with growing division between the haves and have nots, poor public health indicators and more have led us to a place where we might wonder whether “normal” was best. As we begin to assess the pandemic’s path of destruction, it has revealed many weaknesses and fractures in our society and systems. If we are to begin to heal and recondition, it will take a complete and unmitigated commitment to strengthening our communities’ social fabric, creating rules and policy that favor the common good, and doing some tough but necessary work which will require courage, resolve, determination and strength of character.

Creating Resilient and Adaptive Waterfronts: From Vision to ImplementationJulie Eaton Ernst, Lead Resiliency Engineer, Weston & Sampson Resilient open spaces are essential to adapting to current and future climate risks. In this session, we will present a framework for analyzing climate risks, identifying opportunities and challenges for your site, and translating the vision from concept, through design and implementation. We will discuss two case studies as examples of how resilient, adaptive strategies were implemented in the design.

Team Building at a DistanceMegan Meinen, Coordinator, UVM Ropes CourseStruggling to connect even while feeling like we are constantly connected to our phones or computers? Wondering what activities you can do now to connect groups whether in person or virtually? Let's explore some best practices of how we can continue to build community under our new parameters. NOTE: Things are changing quickly. This session will adapt to the current guidelines that exist in September.

LUNCH & LEARNS ........ 12:30–1pm

(30 minute speed sessions) - Google Docs/Sheets/Forms - Keeping Your Playground Clean – New Guidelines - Marketing Lessons Learned from COVID-19 - E-Bikes – What Kind is That? - Rec Facilities as Emergency Shelters/Triage Centers - Budget Recovery

BLOCK 3 .......................... 1:45–2:55pm___________________________________

If You Can’t Write the Checks Nothing Else MattersJamie Sabbach, President & CEO, 110 Percent LLC The recent health, economic and social crises have created an urgent need for organizations to better understand their financial realities in order to prepare themselves for the uncertainties that lie ahead. What better way to help your organization and ultimately your community than by instilling financial discipline, understanding the cost of providing services in order to make informed decisions moving forward, and adopting financial management practices and policies that will help strengthen your organization for the long haul. This is what cost recovery is all about. Economic, health and social unrest has resulted in unsettling levels of uncertainty. Among the economic unknowns that affect public parks and recreation are questions about the sufficiency of tax resources, whether or not they will diminish, and the availability of alternative resources to support the services that communities need and want. It is incumbent upon all of us to understand and accept all of the realties we face.

Power of Partnerships - Recruiting & Retaining VolunteersJazmin Averbuck, Outdoor Programs Coordinator/Resident Camp Director, Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains In this industry we understand that volunteers are an integral piece of the continued programming efforts in every community. Working with volunteers is a two-part process; first to recruit volunteers to help during an event or program and second to retain those volunteers to either come back to that event in the following years or become interested in helping out with other programs. During this session you will have a chance to talk to leaders in Vermont recreation that have successful relationships with the volunteers in their communities by approaching both steps with their own personal flair.

THURS., SEPT. 24 CONTINUED

8–8:30a Welcome & Conference Overview

8:30–9a Live Chat “Learn-A-Latte: If one is good, two is better!”

9–10:10a Educational Sessions Block 1 (3 session options)

10:30–11a Live Chat “Grab a Coffee or Tea – You know the drill”

11a–12:10p Educational Sessions Block 2 (3 session options)

12:30–1:00p Lunch & Learn’s (30 minute speed sessions)

1:45–2:55p Educational Sessions Block 3 (3 session options)

3p Call to Action “End Note”/Rally

4:15p Silent Auction Closes

AT A GLANCEYour registration fee allows you to attend both days and the

pre-conference user groups!

Welcome & Overview ......... 8–8:30am

Live Chat Learn-A-Latte: If One is Good, Two is Better ........... 8:30–9am

BLOCK 1 ............................. 9–10:10am___________________________________

The Three C's of a Great Day at WorkMichael Kirschman, CPRP, Director, Virginia Beach Parks & RecreationPerhaps driving home, or before falling asleep, at times during your career you have likely reflected back at the end of the workday and thought to yourself “Now that was a GREAT day at work!” Ever wonder what made it such a great day? Has anyone ever studied this? Are there common factors to these GREAT days that we can learn from? The answer of course is YES, and it involves the three “C’s”. Just what are these magical "C’s" you ask? Discover them in this session - and how you can help to create ideal "GREAT day" conditions for your team.

Parks Planning, Public Engagement & COVID-19Drew Pollak-Bruce, CPRP, Senior Analyst & Planner, SE GroupLiz Grades, Designer, SE GroupRecreation professionals from across the country have reported very different use patterns for their parks, trails, and facilities during the pandemic than we experienced in years past, and we know planning for these emerging trends will be critical for future success. At the same time, our collective approach to amenities like parking, restrooms, and other support infrastructure is being re-envisioned and public engagement strategies are being massively revised. This session will delve into these topics with case studies examining how the Kingdom Trails Network Capacity Study was able to innovate new public engagement strategies on the fly, how Williston’s new trail maintenance and volunteer training project has helped them understand and address on-going needs, and how many other partners have grappled with these issues nationwide.

Preventing and Addressing Substance Misuse: What Parks & Recreation Depts Can DoLiz Blackwell-Moore, Public Health Consultant, New England Prevention Transfer Technology CenterToday in America, Substance Use Disorder is a problem that impacts every community. Towns and recreation departments have a unique role to play in preventing and addressing substance misuse. In this workshop, participants will learn what experiences and environments put the developing brain at greater risk for addiction and what research-based strategies could be implemented at a recreation program to help build healthy brains and prevent substance misuse. Participants will also consider strategies to address substance misuse, especially in parks and recreation centers. Participants will have time for discussion with scenarios to deepen their understanding and ability to use the information, and will also receive a toolkit for guiding changes within their own department.

Live Chat Grab a Coffee or Tea - You Know the Drill .................... 10:30–11am

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

We encourage you to join us for our Live Chat “Coffee Talks” (4 opportunities), as well as the Wednesday afternoon Social Hour to have open discussions with our Exhibitors! Their businesses have been crucial in assisting to keep our facilities open, and they have also been impacted by COVID-19, so please tune in and have some great conversations and help provide support to them as well!M.E. O'Brien & SonsMyRec.com- Recreation SoftwareNew England Park AssociationNew England Recreation GroupNorthstar FireworksPettinelli & AssociatesPioneer AthleticsSE GroupUltiPlay Parks & PlaygroundsUSTA New EnglandVT Dept. of Forests, Parks & RecreationVermont League of Cities and TownsVermont SystemsWeston & SampsonWicked Cool for Kids

Each year, Northstar Fireworks donates a spectacular fireworks show to our conference. We will miss them this year, and thank them for their continued support of VRPA!

EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!Exhibitors can register for $77 (VRPA member) and attend all of the education sessions offered as part of our Virtual Conference! More details are outlined in our Exhibitor Brochure.

EXHIBITORS

REGISTER HERE!vrpa.org

WHAT AREATTENDEES

SAYING ABOUT THE VRPA CONFERENCE?

THIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROVIDES

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES

TO NETWORK WITH VERMONT’S PARKS

AND RECREATION PROFESSIONALS.

THIS CONFERENCE IS HANDS DOWN A GREAT NETWORKING EVENT!!!

FANTASTIC PEOPLE

ALL AROUND GOOD SHOW

I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS.

“

“

“Event Emergency PlanningRichard Cogliano, Regional Emergency Management Program Coordinator, VT Emergency ManagementWe spend hours figuring out just the right content, registration, and feedback processes for our conferences and events, but how much do we focus on planning for event emergencies? Emergencies can range from medical events like heart attacks or allergic reactions to fires at the venue, or our worst case, an active shooter. When these emergencies happen, seemingly out of nowhere, how are we able to prepare? The truth is, engaging with the correct local responders early in the event planning process can take the fear and burden right off your shoulders. This lively and interactive session will highlight the planning process for emergencies, how to identify local contacts, the limits of local responders, and provide you with a clearer understanding of how to plan for, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies at your event.

ENDNOTE/CALL TO ACTION ...... 3pm

Elevating the Field: Connecting Parks & Communities to Increase ResourcesElvis Cordova, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, NRPAEffective advocacy and communications strategies incorporate the ability to meaningfully communicate and connect with communities, elected officials, and the right stakeholders/partners to attain increased funding for agencies. This session will help to demystify the advocacy and public policy process as well as share effective advocacy strategies that can better channel the power of your advocacy activities to boost the resources for park and recreation agencies.As the need for parks and recreation facilities continues to increase, the resources needed to maintain those facilities and services have been drastically decreased. This can only result in intensified pressure for our parks and recreation professionals to deliver these essential community services. Increased investment is necessary for park and recreation agencies/associations to survive the immediate impacts of this COVID-19. Such funding is imperative to providing the essential services for vulnerable communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, as well as continuing to implement mitigation measures to advance health and well-being. This is the reason why focused advocacy work is especially crucial at this time.

SILENT AUCTION CLOSES ..... 4:15pm

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Jo Burns Jo Burns is widely known for her work in bringing together professionals from parks, recreation and public health. She is the co-founder of the CO Public Health/Parks & Recreation Collaborative. The collaborative focuses on common interests and mutual impact areas related to improving community health. Jo is a Parks & Recreation professional with over 20 years of experience in community, camp and association settings, and continues to be a CTRS. Jo is an affiliate faculty member at Metropolitan State University Denver. With numerous public speaking engagements, and critically acclaimed workshops, Jo is a recognized expert in parks and public health arenas.

Richard Cogliano Richard is the Southern Regional Coordinator for Vermont Emergency Management and has been with VEM since 2006. He has worked with events such as the Audi/FIS World Cup in Killington on emergency planning. Outside of his job, Richard has 18 years in the emergency services and currently serves as Assistant Fire Chief of the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department.Richard has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Michael’s College and a Master’s in Business Administration from American Public University. Richard enjoys golf, skiing, leatherworking, and has an eclectic collection of new and vintage bowties.

Elvis Cordova (Endnote) Elvis is the Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy with the National Recreation & Parks Association. A seasoned executive with 15+ years of experience developing and implementing solutions for some of the most significant and high-profile challenges facing the U.S. public sector, Mr. Cordova is a proven manager and strategist, adept at building and managing coalitions, and communicating effectively to diverse stakeholders. Mr. Cordova was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve in various leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also served on the White House Task Force for Puerto Rico, focusing on building public-private partnerships. Mr. Cordova was a Presidential Management Fellow at the Farm Credit Administration and at the U.S. Department of Energy where his work encompassed alternative energy, economic development, financial services, and congressional and public affairs. Outside of the federal government, his positions include Vice President of Public Relations at Tzolkin Media Inc., management analyst for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation,

Learn a little bit about our speakers before coming to the conference!

Jazmin Averbuck Jazmin is a fitness and adventure enthusiast who enjoys sharing her outdoor skills and interest with girls of all ages. With a M.S. in Health and Physical Activity, Jazmin uses her passion for community engagement to empower young minds to achieve their greatest dreams. Her experience has led her to the magic of the camp world where she currently resides as the Outdoor Programs Coordinator and Resident Camp Director with the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. Jazmin carries certification as a lifeguard and USA level 2 archery instructor and has a robust inventory of outdoor skills including orienteering, kayaking and various outdoor living techniques. Currently, Jazmin chairs the VRPA Summerama Conference committee and oversees the GSGWM Older Girl Conference.

Carla Bearup Carla’s unique combination of education and experience makes her an integral part to making sure that your department attains the software, has a smooth start up, and provides a wide range of training for your department. She has a college degree in Recreation Administration & technical training certified for IT support. With over 15 years of experience in the recreation field, 13 of those as an assistant parks and recreation director, and having used a wide selection of other management software Carla has the ability to be able to see the needs of MyRec.com’s clients needs through their perspective.

Liz Blackwell-Moore Liz Blackwell-Moore has been working in the field of substance use and chronic disease prevention since 2000, first in direct service as a case manager and for the last 15 years specializing in substance use prevention. She currently provides training and technical assistance to communities, coalitions, and organizations on translating public health research into practice and implementing a restorative, trauma-informed approach to addressing public health problems. Liz has her master’s degree from Boston University’s School of Public Health and is a Certified Prevention Specialist.

and consultant for the United Nations where he focused on trade development strategies for emerging markets. Mr. Cordova began his career as a financial analyst at the Harvard Management Company. He is a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Graduate Fellowship, holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.

Maggie Downey Maggie Downie is the founder of Personal Euphoria, a fitness and wellness company, where she has been helping her clients reduce pain and enjoy moving since 2005. Maggie lives in Connecticut and enjoys doing planks in different parts of the world, seeking adventures, climbing mountains, and eating chocolate. She loves being in motion, but when she’s not, you can find her researching the body to better understand how movement can help us live and feel better. In over a decade working with multiple Parks & Recreation Departments, she has had a unique vantage to see how different towns operate and what brings them success. She has a degree in history, was a former teacher, wrote Keep Moving: Take Steps to Relieve Pain & Improve Your Life, is certified in Pilates, appears monthly on NBC CT LIVE, and has viral videos with nearly 50 million hits.

Julie Eaton-Ernst Julie Eaton Ernst is a licensed professional engineer and is the lead resiliency engineer at Weston & Sampson. She specializes in applying climate projections in civil design practices and translating conceptual adaptation strategies into feasible engineered solutions. Julie is working on numerous flood resilient waterfront parks, including Moakley Park in South Boston and Langone & Puopolo Park in the North End, and was the project manager for the award-winning City of Boston Public Works Department’s Climate Resilient Design Standards and Guidelines for Protection of Public Rights-of way.

Kate Forrer Kate started planting trees from a young age. She can still remember being given a small pine seedling in elementary school. Unfortunately, she planted it under a full canopy of towering oaks and though the tree was short lived, her passion for trees and forests only grew. Kate received a BA in Environmental Studies from Bates College in Maine and a MS from University of Vermont in Forestry. In 2006, she joined the Urban & Community Forestry Program. Since joining UVM Extension as an Urban and Community Forestry Outreach Specialist, Kate has taken on various roles from providing technical assistance to communities and volunteer groups

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We are proud to welcome 28 total Session speakers, including 4 members of the prestigious American Academy of Park & Recreation Administration! Michael Kirschman, Lisa Paradis, Jamie Sabbach, & Cindi Wight

Thank you to all of our session speakers! You do not want to miss these sessions!

in planning and caring for the forest in which we live to coordinating the SOUL Tree Stewards program to working with partners to develop vtinvasives.com. The program has allowed her to put her passion for Vermont’s trees and forests together with her love of working with people. Always up for a challenge, Kate’s newest project involves creating Vermont's first online forestry learning center- a place for landowners, municipalities, professionals, and educators to learn, connect, and become engaged. The project seeks to foster more collaboration.

Liz Grades Liz has a Master of Landscape Architecture from State University of New York Environmental Science and Forestry, along with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Liz is a skilled landscape architect and has extensive experience working within the realm of trail planning and design, which she gained working as a professional trail builder/designer for over 14 years before joining SE Group. Building upon her Fine Arts background, she has also developed considerable graphic skills using a variety of digital and hand techniques which help illustrate the complexities of design in ways that both engage and inform. Liz is continually exploring new and innovative ways of connecting people with the outdoors. Her passion for sustainable design is balanced by a practical knowledge of trail design and construction.

Michael Kirschman (Keynote) From tracking wolves along the Canadian border to living and working in the South Pacific Samoan Islands, Michael has had an amazing educational and professional journey – and it is far from over. In between visiting new parks (and experiencing new P&R conferences!), kayaking, hiking, bird watching, enjoying the beach with his wife and daughters, or playing scrabble or racketball (yes, people still play this), he is also a passionate P&R professional. Personal highlights of his career include: restoring tall grass prairies in Illinois, partnering with a non-profit senior center to build a Window on Wildlife bird watching amenity at a their facility, introducing off road Segway tours at a large nature preserve, raising private funds and installing the first nature based playground in Charlotte NC, working on multiple P&R master plans, bond and levy issues, keynoting at the New Zealand national P&R conference, and most recently being inducted into the American Academy for P&R Administration. Currently Michael is the City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Director. The department manages 290+ parks, 7,000+ acres, seven large recreation centers, 185 playgrounds, 200+ athletic fields,

afterschool nature program for preschoolers and facilitated with Project Adventure. Her love of people and experiential education have led her to develop a passion for group facilitation and training others to facilitate. She currently is the UVM Adventure Ropes Course Coordinator.

Lisa Paradis Lisa Paradis, MBA, CPRP is Senior Consultant with BerryDunn, and is based out of Boston. She was Vice President and Principal with 110% Inc., and was also a Park and Recreation Director for 26 years in Massachusetts. As a leader, mentor, and often provocateur, she helps organizations and communities to be bold, courageous and action-oriented through strategic planning, financial and organizational management. Lisa is nationally known as a consultant, speaker, trainer and facilitator, working with dozens of organizations annually. She has been a featured guest on both local and national radio and has published several industry articles in national publications. She was inducted into the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in 2018.

Gillian Piper Gillian Pieper, M.Ed. has been a trainer, presenter, researcher and passionate advocate in the field of Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion for over 30 years. As a health promotion specialist for Vermont’s school employee wellness program, PATH, Gillian designs and delivers innovative wellness ideas to help employers build a strong culture of health, allowing employees to thrive as they shape America’s future.

Drew Pollak-Bruce Drew is a Senior Analyst + Planner with SE Group who manages trails and recreation projects throughout the US. He has worked as a professional planner, advocate and journalist, often focusing on the confluence of recreation, communities, and economics. In addition to publishing frequent nationally distributed articles on parks and recreation, Drew has led trails workshops throughout the US and spoken at numerous state and national conferences, including the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, the Creating Healthy Places Conference, and the National Ski Areas Association’s Mountain Bike Summit. Drew is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and holds a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He sits on the Executive Committee

14 boat launches, a marina, and the Princess Anne Athletic Complex - a tournament level 16 field complex. The Department is the City’s largest childcare provider through it’s Before and After School program at all 56 elementary schools and also provides maintenance for 512 city buildings, all 91 public schools and athletic fields, and 340 miles of roadway median. The department employs 1,500 staff with a $67M operating budget (FY20). It was the first Virginia CAPRA accredited agency in 1999 and is one of only 13 in the nation to have maintained accreditation for the past 20 years. Prior to Virginia Beach, Michael worked for 12 years at the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department, serving a population of 1 million including the City of Charlotte and six towns, first as Division Director for Nature Preserves and the last 6 years as Deputy Director. He also worked for park districts in Illinois and Ohio, consulted for the National Park Service, worked for the American Samoa EPA, and started his career over 25 years ago as a Soil & Water Conservation District educator. Michael received his bachelor’s degree from Westminster College PA and master’s degree from Antioch University WA. He speaks extensively throughout the country on P&R topics, and has instructed at Green School, Supervisors Management School, and currently at Director’s School. A native of Pittsburgh PA, he is - of course - a staunch Steeler fan and even to this day you may hear him utter "yinz guys" every once in a while.

Holly Knox Holly started with the U.S. Forest Service in California on a fire ecology team. She came to Vermont to work on a long term management plan for the Green Mountain National Forest and when a recreation position opened she took it. It is a perfect fit because she loves collaborating with the public and that’s a big part of her job. She wants to encourage people to love their national forest.

Cindy Locke Cindy specializes in association management, volunteer recruitment and management, and public and community relations. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys winter and summer sports. She enjoys meeting VAST members and attending club and county events.

Megan Meinen Megan is passionate about connections - people connecting with people, people connecting with nature, and people connecting more deeply with themselves. She has been an experiential educator in various capacities over the past fifteen years. She has volunteered at an adventure camp in Honduras, directed a place-based summer camp in Massachusetts, led an

of the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association and is a member of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, the National Recreation and Parks Association, the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, and the International Ecotourism Society.

Tracey Rivera-Cooper Coming from the Parks and Recreation field, Tracey has over 8 years experience as a program coordinator. She knows first hand how to help, facilitate, and work the software from the users side. The importance of having parks and recreation professionals on staff is invaluable and what puts us ahead of the competition. Tracey’s position also involves the marketing, social side of the company- allowing users to keep up with what's coming, where we will be, and providing a place for them to connect.

Jamie Sabbach Jamie Sabbach is a native Chicagoan who lives in the mountains of Colorado and is nicknamed “Pumpkin” in honor of her Halloween birthday. She is a former college jock who enjoys hiking, biking, golf, and volunteering for community organizations, and has a love affair with the Chicago Cubs. In Jamie’s glory days, she played college softball and later coached at the University of Illinois. After her stint in collegiate athletics, she worked for notable public park and recreation agencies including the Champaign Park District (IL), the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department (IN), and the Boulder Parks and Recreation Department (CO). She has been an adjunct faculty member at many universities, an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University, and continues to contribute to higher education as affiliate faculty at a number of universities nationwide. It’s been a decade since Jamie founded 110% with the intention of helping park and recreation organizations be more responsible, strategic and bold amid dynamic social, environmental and economic change. Since, 110% has become synonymous with financial responsibility in public parks and recreation. Jamie has taught hundreds of professional development and training programs across the globe and has testified in front of the US Congress on the critical importance of public lands and recreation. She believes society should be fueled by “anger and love” in order to do what may not be popular, but what may be necessary. Jamie is an active member of the National Recreation and Park Association having served in a variety of leadership capacities during her career. She is a past President of the American Park and Recreation Society and in 2008 was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

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CONFERENCE INFO

Online registrationAll conference registration is done online. We have provided tips to help you with the online registration and contact information if you need help. We are happy to help anyone having a problem.

Special accommodationsIf you need any special accommodations there is a place to indicate this when you are registering.

Refund policyCancellations must be received in writing by 5pm on Friday, September 4, 2020. All cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after September 4th but name substitutions will be allowed; please submit substitutions in writing.

LiabilityThe Vermont Recreation and Parks Association and the conference committee are not responsible for any injury, loss or damage that may occur to any attendee, nor to any attendee’s property or personal belongings from any cause whatsoever, prior, during or subsequent to the period of the conference. The attendee expressly releases VRPA, its officers, and the conference committee from any and all claims for such loss, damage, or injury when submitting a registration for the 2020 Vermont Conference on Recreation.

1. Visit vrpa.org, click on the conference registration link under “Upcoming Events.”

2. Scroll down the page and click on “Register.”3. Enter your email, click “Next.”4. Choose your registration type, click “Next.”5. Complete all required fields* 6. Agency members – if you want to register multiple

people and include them all on one invoice, follow the instructions above and prior to step (7) you will see an “Add Guest” button in the upper left part of the page. Click and fill out all the required info and sessions for each person you are registering. You can add as many attendees as you need within the registration type of the main person registered. If you need a different type you will have to register those people separately.

7. At the end of the registration process you will have the choice to pay with a credit card or print off an invoice and send a check to: VRPA, PO Box 33, Brownsville, VT 05037.

Don't let the registration fees stop you from attending! Apply for a VRPA Conference Scholarship!If you would like to attend the 2020 Vermont Conference on Recreation but just can’t swing the entire cost of registration, consider applying for a scholarship for up to 50% of the registration fee. Scholarship requests received from current VRPA members and first time conference attendees by September 2nd will be given priority. Scholarship awards will be announced prior to the early registration deadline of September 4th. These scholarships are being funded with proceeds from the Silent Auction at last year’s Vermont Conference on Recreation.

FEE INCREASEto $100 when you register after

Friday, September, 4 (VRPA Members)

Both Days

Member $77

Non-Member $130

Student‡ $25*

‡Fees waived for student volunteers *Price includes a one-year student membership

COST OF ATTENDANCE (BY 9/4)

SCHOLARSHIP

GENERAL INFORMATION

Matt Williams Matt oversees protection, maintenance, and development of the Catamount Trail while also taking care of administrative duties and spearheading chapter development for the CTA. A native Vermonter, he has been skiing, mountain biking, and hiking for as long as he can remember, and comes to the CTA with a background in teaching, outdoor education, event promotion and program development.

Kathryn Wrigley Kathryn Wrigley is a Forest Recreation Specialist with the Essex Junction District of the VT Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation. She grew up hiking with her family and continued her outdoor explorations in college and afterward. She committed to a seasonal life of trail work in the summer and odd jobs in the winter for many years before returning to graduate school in 2013 where she earned her MS in Natural Resources – Ecological Planning. She loves getting out into the field to do on-the-ground work as well as thinking about frameworks that help move through decision making on public land in an objective way.

Keegan Tierney After getting hooked on trail work on the Cumberland Trail in Tennessee, his first project on the Long Trail was during his senior year at UVM leading an Orientation TREK trip to construct a privy. In his role as Director of Field Programs Keegan works closely with all GMC staff and sections to ensure the maintenance, improvement, and construction of trail within the Long Trail system including the AT from Maine Junction to the New Hampshire border and the NEK trails.

Need help? Contact Jessica Brodie at: jessica@vrpa.org or 802-952-0030

2020 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Adriane Martin, ChairEmily Boek, Vice-ChairRob PetersonJoanna BisceglioCandice HolbrookNick MarinelliJazmin AverbuckMuriel MoreJoanne PutzierEvan SteeleBetsy TerryKathryn Wrigley

2020-21 VRPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Ally Vile, PresidentRob Peterson, President-ElectScott Hausler, Past-PresidentMelissa Cate, TreasurerApril Cioffi, SecretaryMatt FrazeeBrett LeonardDrew Pollak-BruceReuben AllenJoanne Putzier

QUESTIONS? CONTACT:

Adriane MartinConference ChairAEMartin@essex.org802.878.1376Jessica Brodie, CPRPVRPA Executive Directorjessica@vrpa.org 774-254-0071

REGISTER HERE!vrpa.org

VT LODGING STATE ORDERS VT Lodging State Orders are updated each Friday by Vermont Agency of Community Development. If you are interested in planning your own independent stay at Lake Morey Resort this fall, please refer to the ACCD website for travel restrictions. The VRPA will not be hosting any part of our conference this year at Lake Morey, but we do encourage individuals to still support Lake Morey on their own if you are looking for a location to get away to for a local trip. Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

LAKE MOREY RESORTCall Lake Morey Directly for current lodging details and restrictions at 1-800-423-1211Lake Morey Resort: 1 Clubhouse Road, Fairlee, VT 05045.

DON’T DELAY!

REGISTER TODAY!