Northeast region - Regional Reports

Parks & Recreation, August, 2003

Exercise the Right Choice, an afterschool program held at a local middle school in New Britain, Conn., for middle school students operates Monday through Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. The three components of the program are education, recreation and cultural arts. While attendance varies from 40 to 150, the average attendance is 70 per session. This program is an example of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. For more information, contact Tracy Karas (tkaras@ch.ci.new-britain.ct.us or 860-612-5018) or Ellen Xeller (exceller@ ch.ci.new-britain.ct.us or 860-612-5021.

Partnerships make specialty camps in Washington, D.C. a success. Recreation agencies can't be expected to be everything to everyone, but by getting good friends, you can get really close. For example, the Spotlight on the Arts Camp, for kids ages 12-17, was held in partnership with the nationally acclaimed Arena Stage. Campers learned fundamental dance and drama skills, and engaged in lira interactive activities that promote appreciation for the performing arts. Campers created, produced and starred in their own theatrical performances. Another camp, Sports Unlimited Quest, was developed with a partnership with Capital Rowing and Winners Lacrosse for campers ages 12-14. The campers discovered the many benefits of participation in sports-enhanced leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and other abilities, and the variety of career opportunities available in rowing and lacrosse. In the Sailing Quest camp, with a partnership with Planet Hope Adventures and the Watershed Society campers age 12-14 learned about all sailing while gaining an appreciation of the precious natural resources of the Anacostia Watershed. Campers engaged in hands-on marine life exploration and conservation activities and had the opportunity to showcase their new sailing expertise in a mini regatta at the end of the camp session. For more information, contact Sherry Deane at 202-282-0719 or campcentral@dc.gov

Susan Lohoefer, director of" Parks & Recreation for Upper Dublin Township, earned the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council (MARC) Special Fellow Citation, which is named in memory of Michael Berman. Berman served on MARC for 10 years and was instrumental in creating the NRPA Dottie Mullen Arts and Humanity Award. He was also an NRPA trustee for nine years. Loehoefer earned the award in recognition of her leadership abilities, community involvement and ongoing contributions to the field of parks and recreation. "Susan is a consummate park and recreation professional, very highly regarded not only by her peers, but also by citizen advocates," says Shawn DeRosa, NRPA Northeast Regional Director. "She continues to advance her profession through her innovative work in the community by sharing her knowledge as a speaker at area conferences, through her thought-provoking, cutting-edge articles, as well as by teaching future professionals at Temple University. Her management style requires the highest professional standards from herself and her staff. She serves as a highly emulated role model for those new to the field of parks and recreation as well as for long-time proffessionals."

More than 200 day campers in Prince George's County Md. enjoyed the FunFit Festival in July The festival included athletic competitions, games, races. obstacle courses, aerobic demonstrations, discussions from health professionals on proper exercise and healthrelated topic, arts and crafts related to Hearts N' Parks and healthy snacks. The event was held in conjunction with the Prince George's County Department of Health.

NRPA member Bruce O'Neill has retired after 31 years as the director of recreation in in South Burlington. Vt.. O'NeiI served on the American Park and Recreation Society Board from: 1986-1989, and again in 1990. He served on the NRPA Congress Program Committee from 1989-1995 and on the Council Affiliate Presidents in various positions, including chair. from 1990-1992. O'Neil also served as the Northeast Training Institute Conference Program Chair in 1981 and 1982. and the New England Regional Conference chair in 1991-1992.

With more than 75 percent of all play on public courts, the United States Tennis Association is dedicated to providing fun and informative workshops for instructors and coaches teaching on these courts. This fall. the USTA will hold two Development Coach Workshop to help tram tennis instructors. teachers and coaches who work with players who are new to the game and/ or at the earlier levels of skill development. The first is Sept. 3 in Wilton, Conn.; contact Paul Gagliardi at 203-488-0453. The second will be on Oct. 11 in "Washington. D.C.; contact Willis Thomas at 202-291-9888 Each workshop participant will receive manuals containing lesson plans and team practices for kids and adults two transition balls and a variety of helpful program information.