VRPS 2016 - Pre-Conference Activities
Saturday, November 5, 2016*
National D-Day Memorial Tour:
The National D-Day Memorial is located in
Bedford, Virginia — the community suffering the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. The Memorial
honors the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 during World War II.
With its stylized English Garden, haunting invasion tableau, and striking Victory Plaza, the Memorial stands
as a powerful permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day participants. The Memorial is
encompassed by the names of the 4,413 Allied soldiers who died in the invasion, the most complete list of its
kind anywhere in the world. Time: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $10 (Non members: $15)
Behind the Scenes Facility Tour:
Enjoy touring and learning about two state-of-the-art facilities. Our first
stop will be at Roanoke County’s Green Ridge Recreation Center, a 70,000 sq. ft. recreation center opened in 2010. Scott Shiflett, Center
Manager will lead the tour and discuss the successes and failures so far, and answer participants questions. Our second stop will be at the
Cregger Center at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. Construction of the 155,000-square-foot Cregger Center is progressing, with an August
2016 completion goal. The new center will include a performance gym with a 2,500-seat capacity and a field house with a 200-meter indoor
track. The athletic portion of the complex also will include a fitness center to be
used by the entire community, and an athletic training room. New event seating
space for 3,500, along with several other social spaces, including dining
areas, will allow the College to host outside speakers and events and bring our
entire community together in ways that are not currently possible. A literal and
metaphorical campus crossroads, the Cregger Center will be a hallmark of best
educational practices today—intentionally designed to enhance engagement
between and among students and faculty. Mr. John M. Farmer, Cregger Center
Coordinator, Athletics will lead the tour of this brand new facility. Time: 1:00 –
4:30 p.m. Cost: $10 (Non members: $15) CEU - .2
New Technologies in Park Operations:
A look into the new technologies of lighting and irrigation
systems. Learn the benefits and uses of these systems and how they can be used in Parks and Recreation. Provide insight into the how these
new technologies can help organizations be more efficient, budget conscious, good stewards of conservation, and provide excellent customer
service. Presenters: Joe Forche - Musco Lighting Systems, Ted Kienast – Smith Turf and Irrigation, and Robert Spangler – AquaTurf Inc. Time:
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $15 (Non members: $20) CEU - .2
Inspiring Leadership:
Aligning your Gifts, Passion, and Purpose - If you are feeling burned out
or need an energetic re-boot for your career, this workshop is for you! Join this interactive, motivating workshop to
renew your passion and purpose for leading and performing your best. Learn a new framework to help you withstand
the disappointments and stress from your job. Learn tips and tools for aligning your gifts to be of greater service
and improve your work-life balance. Based on Linda’s book “Path for Greatness”. Presenter: Dr. Linda J. Ferguson
PhD. President and CEO of New Paradigm Alliance, a consulting firm specializing in Organization Development,
Leadership Development, Coaching and Strategic Planning Facilitation. Time: 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $49 (Non
members: $54) CEU - .2
*RESERVATION DEADLINE: Spaces must be
reserved by October 28 to ensure proper
registration to run these programs.