adventure awaits us!

SPRING 2018

M A G A Z I N E

pg 6

A Little Adventure Meets the Needs!

Adventure Awaits Us!

pg 12

pg 15

2017 Award Winners

Nebraska Senior Games

A publication of the Nebraska Recreation and Parks Association

Recreation & Parks Magazine 3

www.nerpa.us

Volume 10 • Issue 1

PRESIDENTScott Hayden

PRESIDENT-ELECTHolly Lewis

VICE PRESIDENTMarta Moorman

SECRETARYCheree Folts

TREASURERMark Caughey

PAST PRESIDENTAmanda English

MIDWEST COUNCILBob Barr

THERAPEUTIC RECREATIONREPRESENTATIVENicole Zimmerman

STUDENT SECTION REPRESENTATIVEMarta Moorman

PARK RESOURCES REPRESENTATIVEMatt Sutton

AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERSJeremy BachmannJillian EppleyChris HaberlingRyan Martin

Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

On the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

A Little Adventure Meets the Needs! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Member Spotlight on NeRPA Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

City of Papillion Breaks Ground for Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hastings Parks & Recreation Libs Ice Skating Rink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2017 Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Certified Dementia Practitioner of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Nebraska Senior Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Association Awards Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Photo by Kat Scholl

4 Recreation & Parks Magazine


There is a saying: “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” – Unknown . The importance of this cannot be overstated . How common is it to get so caught up in the daily chores of life that we forget to prioritize time for the type of adventure that stretches us as human beings, that gives us a greater sense of confidence and that gives us periods of time where our sole focus is just on the present? Unfortunately, I think it is little too common . I realized during the presentation that I am guilty of this . I made a vow to myself that I am going to climb a 14er this summer . (I will let you know how that goes in a later edition .)

Messerer and Grier emphasized an important point with regards to adventure . Adventure is not necessarily the super high-risk stuff that we see on television . Adventure can be as simple as a walk through the woods . That leads me to another saying: “Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak .” As park and recreation professionals, I think it is important that we understand and promote the importance of adventure . Do we have places in our cities for adventure? Do we have programs that allow for adventure? Is there more we should do? The benefits of adventure are great, and, if nothing else, the stories that come from adventures are certainly fun to tell and hear . Adventure awaits!

Every Adventure is WorthwhileScott Hayden, NeRPA President

Message from the President

Scott HaydenNeRPA President

During our NeRPA Winter Workshop, the topic of “adventure” was presented in an excellent fashion from Jordan Messerer and Todd Grier, from UNL Outdoor Adventures Center . Their presentation and definition of adventure really made me think about how we can better provide this to the public through programming and facilities .

Cover image: Trail users enjoy the newest addition in the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch .

Photo credit: K . Scholl, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, 2017 .

The Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch is a tallgrass prairie passage and trail that will build on Lincoln, Nebraska’s nationally recognized trail and green-way system, and will link two of Lin-coln and Lancaster County’s premier environmental resource and educa-tion centers . It will follow the Haines

Branch of Salt Creek from the Pioneers Park Nature Center to the Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area, extend down through the village of Denton and on to the Spring Creek Prairie Audu-bon Center . The Corridor will support economic development, enhance Lin-coln’s premier trail system by adding 10 miles to the trail network, support environmental education, and promote the enhancement and preservation of one of Nebraska’s most valuable re-sources — tallgrass prairie . For more information about the Prairie Corridor, visit prairiecorridor .org .

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I can’t help but think about the way things were when I was growing up . Families weren’t worried about the little adventures their kids would go on as they would head down to the creek to build a fort, catch crawdads or use their imaginations as they pre-tended to be explorers of a new land . We can still encourage the youth of today to do these things, but what makes it even better these days is that we as adults feel we need to be by their sides, participating in those childhood experiences again . Obviously, I’m not suggesting we climb up into that tree to build a treehouse when miles away from home, as we used to do, but rather watch the youth grow and develop through free play while they experi-ence the same adventures you did .

There are many benefits to the body and mind that should encourage you to get out and take part in these little adventures . Eleanor Roosevelt once stated, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and with-out fear for newer and richer experience .” She suggests getting out and taking advantage of new adventures where we grow and become our best . Use those vacation days you have for a little adventure where you can let go of the inbox that is piling up and take part in an experience that removes us from that everyday flow . A study published in Psychological Science found that those who engaged in a positive activity with a friend experi-enced a more amplified enjoyment from the event, and those

by Ryan Mohling

With spring upon us, don’t forget to go outside and explore the world around us! Try something new!

Take advantage of the numerous free opportunities your parks and recreation departments have to offer .

Take the evening to visit the lake and try your hand at canoeing; hike a new trail to see something new;

commit to an evening bike ride with the family down a new path; experience what the clear skies reveal

on a night of stargazing in one of our state parks; or test your geocaching skills .

A Little AdventureMeets the Needs!


experiences make us happier in the long run . That prob-ably explains why I made numerous trips to the mountains after college with a number of friends, where we hiked off the beaten path in hopes of getting lost for a little while . That adventure relieved a lot of stress and built some com-radery among those on the adventure . Let’s make taking part in a little adventure one of our resolutions!

Holmes Lake canoeing, by Kat Scholl

April Stress Awareness Month;

Earth Day; Parkinson’s Awareness Month

May National Bike Safety

Month; Global Employee Health & Fitness Month;

Mental Health Month

June Men’s Health Month;

National Safety Month

July UV Safety Month; National Parks and Recreation Month

In case you need a few more reasons, here are some upcoming awareness dates to put on your calendar .


NeRPA: Tell us about yourself.Meyer: I’m from Lawton, Iowa, which is a small town seven miles east of Sioux City . Both parents still live

there . I have an older brother who is a physical therapist and lives in Omaha with three boys . I went to school at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, where I played football and received a bachelor’s degree in health and fit-ness management . I worked as a recre-ation specialist at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln for four years before taking this job in Wayne . My hob-bies and interests include anything that involves being active in adult recreational sports, like boating, weightlifting, biking, golfing or anything outdoors .

NeRPA: What do you enjoy most about the recreation, park or therapeutic rec-reation field?Meyer: Being able to provide to the public and community in which I live . I enjoy com-ing up with new or different ways to run recreational programs that impact everyone involved in a positive manner . I enjoy being in a college town and having the opportunity to work with college students and athletes who also enjoy contributing to our recreation program’s success .

NeRPA: Describe one of your favorite “feel good” stories that you experienced as a professional.Meyer: A few updating and remodeling proj-ects around our Community Activity Center, where we added 24-hour access to our weight room, come to mind . People were hesitant about it, but after all the research and legwork was done, we were finally capable of making it happen . I would say I’m a determined person, and if I think it’s something that will benefit the community, then I will do what I can to the best of my ability to see that it gets done or changed for the better .

NeRPA: If you could change one thing about the park and recreation field, what would it be?Meyer: Getting more people involved in things — such as coming up with new recreation programs, and then showing people that it can be a good source of exercise or socialization at little to no cost to them, while getting them out of the house and active . Sometimes it can be a real struggle to have what I think are really good ideas and then have no one want to participate or give it a try .

NeRPA: What is your favorite project or program that you completed within the last year?Meyer: The addition of the Aquatic Cen-ter onto the Community Activity Center in Wayne . Seeing that being built and the whole process involved was a good feeling . With it being the first pool I’ve had to operate and be in charge of, I’ve really enjoyed the experi-ence . Another favorite of mine was coming up with wild and crazy ideas for new addi-tions or updates around our facilities, and seeing how far we can take each idea .

I enjoy coming up with new or different ways to run recreational programs that impact everyone involved in a positive manner.

Bryce MeyerJob Title: Recreation Director Employer: City of Wayne

Member Spotlight


NeRPA: Tell us about yourself.Bachmann: I am originally from Omaha, where I attended Ralston High School. I received my

Bachelor of Science degree in Parks & Recreation Management from Northwest Missouri State University. After college, I came back to Omaha and worked part time for Omaha Parks & Rec. In 2010, I took my talents to Grand Island, where I have been ever since. I currently am the recreation superintendent for the city. While in Grand Island, I have served on several different boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Island, Grand Island Adult Softball, NeRPA and a class volunteer for Junior Achievement.

When I am not working, you can find me playing softball, volleyball and tossing my clubs in frustration while golfing. I have a chocolate lab at home that takes up the rest of my free time.

I am currently the webmaster and membership chair for the organization. When you receive an email from the organization, I’m the one behind it. NeRPA is always looking for ways to expand our social media presence and networking opportunities for our membership. If you have any stories, education sessions, or ideas you would like to share, please send them my way. We are always looking for more content for our website and Facebook page. Email me at [email protected]. And, if you haven’t already, like our page: www.facebook.com/neparksandrec.

NeRPA: What do you enjoy most about the recreation, park or therapeutic recreation field?Bachmann: I enjoy the wide variety of hats I wear on a daily basis. I don’t know of another job out there where the statement “other duties as assigned” comes into play. Just last month, one of my days consisted

of updating our EPA; plowing a parking lot; fixing a pitching machine; and making schedules for all our volleyball teams. This field is always keeping me on my toes, in addition to constantly learning new things. It really helps make the workday enjoyable!

NeRPA: Describe one of your favorite “feel good” stories that you experienced as a professional.Bachmann: There isn’t necessarily one story that sticks out, it’s more of a combination of my years working with today’s youth. From my start at A.V. Sorensen Community

you would think that would be too much and take up too much time. But back then the leagues were very recreational, short and not practice-intensive. You were able to learn multiple sports and not get overwhelmed. Today, on the other hand, is all about competitive sports. You need to play year-round; practice multiple times a week; and play more games than the other teams out there. When you see 8- to 10-year-olds in competitive sports and playing year-round, you have to wonder, “How long before they burn out?” I hope the trend changes back to the recreational sport mindset. Let’s go back to playing for fun, when your biggest worry was who brought treats for after the game — the healthy mom with apples and oranges, or the fun mom with packs of Fruit Gushers.

NeRPA: What is your favorite project or program that you completed within the last year? Bachmann: There are multiple events and programs we all complete throughout the year. All are enjoyable, rewarding and sometimes frustrating. The project I would like to focus on was not done in the last year, but in 2010, during my first year with Grand Island. This was my first full-time recreation position. I was tasked with running a brand-new indoor sports facility. At points during my first year I asked myself, “What the heck did I get myself into?” There was nothing done before that I could base anything off of as I did my job. Developing rules, policies and procedures was not an easy task. Trial and error was my philosophy for the first year. Luckily, I had some great professionals in NeRPA to consult with on the many questions I had. I still feel this was my greatest achievement as a professional and couldn’t have done it without the support of Grand Island’s Parks & Recreation Department and NeRPA!

In just the short time that you

are involved in a child’s life, it’s amazing how you can see them grow

and develop.

Member SpotlightJob Title: Recreation Superintendent Employer: City of Grand Island

Jeremy Bachmann

Center in Omaha, to traveling to Hershey, Pennsylvania, as Nebraska’s chaperone for the Hershey Track & Field Games, to coaching youth soccer teams here in Grand Island, I’ve enjoyed it all. Each experience is different and rewarding. In just the short time that you are involved in a child’s life, it’s amazing how you can see them grow and develop. Also, being a big kid myself helps me relate.

NeRPA: If you could change one thing about the park and/or recreation field, what would it be?Bachmann: When I was a kid I remember playing soccer, baseball, volleyball, football and basketball. In today’s world,


NeRPA: Tell us about yourself.Brown: I have been with the Parks and Recreation Department for 23 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University in business, and degrees in agriculture and horticulture from Central Community College located in Hastings, Nebraska.

My wife, Sharon, and I have been married 26 years. We have twin boys named Matthew and Marcus, who graduated from Hastings College with a bachelor’s in physics, and both are attending University of Wyoming to get their doctorates in mechanical engineering. We also have a daughter, Sara, who is attending Hastings College, studying accounting.

My hometown is Lexington, Nebraska. My hobbies include woodworking and fixing up houses.

NeRPA: What do you enjoy most about the recreation, park or therapeutic recreation field?Brown: I started working at the softball complex for the parks when it first opened in 2009, and I became the parks

superintendent. During that time, I have enjoyed the letters and the comments from the patrons on how well the parks look, as well as seeing people come back repeatedly to use our facilities. I had the pleasure of having a great crew helping maintain great parks and facilities.

NeRPA: Describe one of your favorite “feel good” stories that you experienced as a professional.Brown: Seeing different generations enjoying the parks in the community.

NeRPA: If you could change one thing about the park and recreation field, what would it be?Brown: Having more time and money to work on the fields before the next event.

NeRPA: What is your favorite project or program that you completed within the last year?Brown: Hosting tournaments, including state softball, and showing off what Hastings has to offer.

When completed, the 215,000-square-foot facility will include a variety of workout spaces; basketball and volleyball courts; an indoor water park with fun and therapeutic features; youth and senior centers; library space; state-of-the-art community meeting space; and an indoor turf fieldhouse, among other components.

“This facility will be a place for our community to come together and connect,” said Papillion Mayor David

Black. “As our city continues to grow, strengthening those community bonds will be important to maintaining our small-town community atmosphere.”

The community center and fieldhouse will fill a number of gaps for the city in terms of recreational offerings. The facility will be the new home for the Papillion Recreation Department, providing the ability to offer year-round recreational programming for residents of all ages.

The building will also provide needed court and field space for local youth sports programs, and meeting space for local residents and civic organizations.

While the groundbreaking is the start of the construction process, it is also the culmination of years of work by both city officials and residents. Past master parks plans and city surveys have highlighted the need for such a center. In 2015, a steering committee of residents involved

City of Papillion Breaks Ground for Community Center

Job Title: Parks Superintendent Employer: City of Hastings

Terry Brown

The city of Papillion and the Papillion Recreation Department celebrated the groundbreaking of their new community center and fieldhouse during a ceremony on November 30, 2017 .

Member Spotlight


The parks and recreation department maintains 20 parks and facilities throughout Hastings. Our department also offers recreational and leisure programs, and operates the Aquacourt Water Park, the City Auditorium, Lake Hastings, Chautauqua Pavilion, Duncan Field, the Pioneer Spirit Trail, Smith Softball Complex, Brickyard Park Amphitheater and Heartwell Lake.

We are proud of our many great parks and facilities. We continue to strive to improve and expand our facilities and programs.

The ice skating rink is located in Libs Park in the northwest part of town and is in its fourth year of operation. During the summer, the space turns into two sand volleyball courts,

but during the winter, the space serves as an ice skating rink. When the temperatures are below 30 degrees and forecasted for a week or longer, our ice rink is open for use. The area is surrounded by a park and residential housing, and is tucked away in the northwest corner of the park. In years past, the Tri-City Storm hockey team has put on an event showcasing the game, where kids can use some of their regulation hockey sticks and try the sport out in a non-competitive environment.

Our ice rink has 12-inch plastic playground barriers surrounding the elevated rink and a 50-foot by 100-foot plastic tarp to hold the water in when being filled or when the ice melts during the extreme temperature swings that we experience in the

Hastings Park & RecreationLibs Park Ice Skating Rinkby Ryan Martin, Recreation Superintendent, Hastings Parks and Recreation Department

in various areas of the Papillion community helped shape the initial concept for building. In 2016, Papillion residents approved a half-cent sales tax increase to fund construction of the center, and in November 2017, the Papillion City Council approved the final design of the building.

The fieldhouse is expected to be complete in fall 2018, and the community center is expected to be completed in fall 2019. The building has been designed by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture and is being built by Sampson Construction.

Heartland. There is a fence with a locking gate surrounding the space that houses the ice rink, allowing us to control access. The staff opens the rink up when the ice is smooth and frozen solid, and locks it when warmer temperatures arrive, causing the ice to melt. The rink area is also lit for those seeking to skate in the evening.


Award Winners2017

New Professional: Jill EpleyDistinguished Service: Mark CaugheyOutstanding Park Professional: Matt SuttonOutstanding Recreation Professional: Ryan MartinOutstanding Therapeutic Recreation Profes-sional: Courtney Schmitz

Benefits Are Endless Recreation Programming: City of Papillion Farmer’s MarketBenefits Are Endless Parks and Facilities Development: City of Sutton

President’s Award: Amanda EnglishLife Member Award: Mark CaugheyLife Member Award: Les GiddensLife Member Award: Kim HarmanHall of Fame Award: Les GiddensHall of Fame Award: Rose Hanzlicek

Make your 2018 award nominations today!

Fellow AwardThe nominee shall have• Been a member of NeRPA for a minimum

of five years• Worked in the recreation and park field a

minimum of 10 years• Held office in a state or national profes-

sional organization or performed impor-tant committee work

• Received broad acclaim from peers in ex-cellence in one or more of the following: acquisition, design, construction, develop-ment, maintenance, administration, fund raising and financing, program develop-ment, public relations and leadership

• Brought recognition to the profession through leadership in other organizations

New Professional AwardThe nominee shall have

• Been a member of NeRPA for a minimum of one year

• Worked in the recreation and park field no more than 10 years

• Held office in a state or national profes-sional organization or performed impor-tant committee work

• Received broad acclaim from peers in ex-cellence in one or more of the following: acquisition, design, construction, develop-ment, maintenance, administration, fund raising and financing, program develop-ment, public relations and leadership

• Brought recognition to the profession through leadership in other organizations

Distinguished Service AwardThe nominee shall have• Been a member of NeRPA for a minimum

of five years• Worked in the recreation and park field for

a minimum of 10 years• Received broad acclaim from peers in

excellence in one or more of the follow-ing: acquisition, design, construction, development, maintenance, administra-tion, fund raising and financing, pro-gram development, public relations and leadership

Life Member AwardThe nominee shall have• Been a member of NeRPA for a minimum

of five years• Reached the age of 60 and retired

Voluntary Service (Individual or Organization)The nominee shall have• Volunteered service in or on behalf of

recreation and parks for a minimum of five years

• Served on boards or with recreation and park organizations at the local, state or na-tional level

• Worked actively on behalf of significant legislation at the local, state or national level

• Been a donor to recreation and park agencies, organizations or institutions

• Provided public service through efforts in related organizations, institutions or fields

• Demonstrated awareness and concern that each individual have an opportuni-ty for enriched living through recreation and parks

Arts And Humanities Award• This award is open to any leisure ser-

vice agency in the state that is a member or whose director or superintendent is a

1 Les Giddens and Rose Hanzlicek – Hall of Fame Award Recipients

2 City of Papillion Farmer’s Market – Benefits Are Endless Award

3 Ryan Martin – Outstanding Recreation Professional

4 Matt Sutton – Outstanding Park Professional

5 Les Giddens – Life Member Award & Hall of Fame Award Recipient

6 City of Sutton Representatives – Parks and Facilities Development

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

member of both NRPA and NeRPA • In the event that a community has no

leisure service agency but is offering an outstanding program in the arts and humanities, the program may be sub-mitted by any leisure service agency, director or superintendent belonging to both NRPA and NeRPA

• The program must have been con-ducted during the year immediately preceding the year of the award

Outstanding Professional AwardThe nominee shall have• Been in the recreation, park or therapeu-

tic field• Been a member of NeRPA for a mini-

mum of three years• Made significant contributions to the rec-

reation, park or therapeutic profession• Shown and demonstrated professional

growth

Benefits Are Endless Award (Individual or Organization)The nominee shall have• Worked within or outside the recreation

and park fields• Provided service in or on behalf of rec-

reation and parks at the local, state or national level

• Worked actively on behalf of signifi-cant legislation at the local, state or national level

• Been a donor to recreation and park agencies, organizations or institutions

• Demonstrated awareness and concern that each individual have an opportu-nity for enriched living through recre-ation and parks

Benefits Are Endless AwardRecreation Programming AwardMembership with NeRPA is not required but recommended.• Staff from park and recreation

departments and therapeutic recre-ation agencies submit a summary describing their outstanding recreation program along with no more than 10 color photographs or a brief video

• Entries will be categorized by popu-lation. Class I: over 10,000; Class II: under 10,000

• Finalist will be asked but not re-quired to briefly present their program during a session at the NeRPA State Conference

• Program must have been conducted during the year immediately preced-ing the year of the award

Award selection will be based on• The recognized benefits from the pro-

gram for the individuals, community and department

• The growth of participation over the years or the extraordinary attendance the first year

• Unique qualities of the program

Park & Facilities Development AwardMembership with NeRPA is not required but recommended.• Staff from park and recreation depart-

ments or state parks submit a summary de-scribing their outstanding park or facilities project along with no more than 10 color photographs or a brief video

• Entries will be categorized by popula-tion. Class I: over 10, 000; Class II: under 10,000

• Finalist will be asked but not required to briefly present their program during a ses-sion at the NeRPA State Conference

• Facility, amenity or improvement must have been completed during the year immediately preceding the year of the award

Award selection will be based on• The recognized benefits from the facility,

amenity or improvement for the individu-als, community and department

• Usage of the park and facilities• Unique qualities of the park and facilities


Sutton playground

2017 Scholarship Winners

2017 Fellow Award

2017 New Professional Award

2017 Conference Fun!

Sutton playground


Courtney Schmitz has received the 2017 Outstanding Therapeutic Recreation Pro-fessional Award from NeRPA. Schmitz graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, with a Bachelor of Science degree in therapeutic recreation and corporate wellness in July 2005. In 2007, she completed her master’s in recreation with an emphasis in thera-peutic recreation. While working on her master’s degree, she earned her Certified

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials. In September 2011, Schmitz joined Vetter Senior Living as life enrich-ment coordinator at Sumner Place. She has been an active member of the leadership team at Sumner Place while always hav-ing a focus on the quality of life for the residents served. While at Sumner Place, this therapeutic recreation professional be-came a Certified Dementia Practitioner®. She joined NeRPA in August 2007 and has

served as a very active member, including being section president from September 2007 through 2009. Gayle Resh, life en-richment coordinator MA, CTRS and mem-ber of NeRPA, presented Schmitz with the award at our all-staff on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Congratulations, Courtney Schmitz! We are proud of you and honored to have you in our family!

Courtney Schmitz – 2017 Outstanding Therapeutic Recreation Professionalby Megan Herter, Admission & Public Relations Coordinator, Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Lincoln, Nebraska

National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Selects

Cameo Rogers as Certified Dementia Practitioner® of the Year!The Certified Dementia Practitioner® (CDP®) of the Year program has provided individual recognition of those whose outstanding efforts have enabled the nominee to meet

the challenging standards of dementia care. Cameo Rogers was selected by her peers, who provided numerous examples of her dedication, passion and transcendent delivery of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practioners (NCCDP) Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Care (ADDC) curriculum. “Cameo is an amazing teacher,” says Mindy Zuhairi, director of nursing for Sumner Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lincoln, Nebraska. “She is an empathetic leader” who “motivates others.”

Rogers received her bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation and corporate wellness from Northwest Missouri State University and is currently working on her thesis for her master’s degree in social gerontology from the University of Nebraska. Rogers began her career at Brookestone Village in Omaha in 2007. She was promoted to life enrichment coordinator for Vetter Health Services Inc.

in Elkhorn in 2009. Rogers is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), a Certified Dementia Practitioner® (CDP®), a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) and Certified Dementia Care Manager® (CDCM®). She has served as vice president of the Activity Professional’s Association of Omaha in 2012 and was elected president of the association in 2013.

Exemplary credentials aside, Rogers is a beloved caregiver with an esteemed reputation. Cindy Sorensen, SSD for Cloverlodge Care Center in St. Edward, Nebraska, tells us that Rogers’ keen perception enabled her to help a resident who was a serious “elopement risk.” “One of the things that became very clear as a result of Cameo’s help,” says Sorensen, is that the resident was mimicking the actions of the staff when they left work for the evening. Thanks to Rogers’ observation, they were able to avert this elopement risk. She also found out that this resident loved to dance and was able to encourage the resident and one of her sons to dance, Sorensen notes. This resident’s “family still gets teary-eyed when they talk about the experience.”

Rogers’ work with the Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) has made an impact.

Pamela Truscott, vice president of professional development for the NHCA, tells us, “Professionals from other states have driven to the workshops after hearing about Cameo’s presentations.” Since 2013, over 275 individuals who work in Nebraska nursing and assisted living facilities have attended these seminars.

Rogers has helped implement the Buddies Forever program that seeks to better the long-term living environment for residents through an individualized approach. Larry P. Van Hunnik, administrator of Sumner Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, tells us “Sumner Place has had an amazing transformation in both our memory care and long-term care staff.” Van Hunnik stated that 75 percent of this transformation has come from Rogers’ “wise counsel.”

Rogers’ excellence in dementia care has undoubtedly inspired colleagues and residents alike. We are proud to recognize her stellar achievement. Keep up the good work!


The Nebraska Senior Games is a member of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA). The NSGA spearheads the senior games movement, sanctioning and coordinating efforts in 50 states. A community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), the NSGA serves as one of the USOC’s official arms to the senior population. The NSGA is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors through education, fitness and sports. The Nebraska Senior Games follows the commitments of the NSGA by giving seniors the opportunity to achieve greater value and quality in their lives by staying healthy, active and fit. The Senior Games is a great social event that offers opportunities to meet new people and provides fun, friendly competition. However, the Senior Games is more than just super-trained and conditioned athletes. The Senior Games provides opportunities to every person, no matter what their athletic ability. Over the years, there have been so many great competitions, personal bests, individual achievements and friendships made. The benefits of exercise, play and socialization are well known. Harriet Bloemker from Fremont may have said it best: “The Games provide a goal for staying active and a reason for learning new things. In 2000, I bought a javelin, and five years ago, I started to learn how to throw a discus.” Bloemker has been a regular participant in Nebraska and has competed in the National Games as well.

The city of Kearney Park & Recreation Department and Kearney Visitors Bureau work together to coordinate the Senior Games, which has been hosted in Kearney since 1989. The Nebraska Senior Games has been known as a well-organized event, led by friendly people and held at great venues, such as the Big Apple Fun Center, various Kearney public schools, city parks, Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, Harmon Pool and the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. As Tom Bassett from Lincoln says, the Nebraska Senior Games offer “fun, fellowship, great facilities, and Kearney is an inexpensive town to visit.” The Nebraska Senior Games is open to out-of-state residents, meaning not only do local Kearney residents and Nebraskans experience the games and community, but so do others who commute to participate in the games. In 2016, 404 people participated, and a record number of 20 states were represented — anywhere from New Jersey to California, Idaho to Florida! Every other year is a qualifying year, so attendance peaks during the even years. We are hoping to reach the 415 mark in 2018!

Can you help spread the word in your area? Get your senior population engaged! We anticipate another great year for the Nebraska Senior

Games and look forward to making it memorable for everyone involved. “One of the obstacles we face is the awareness of the games,” Recreation Superintendent Jade Brown said. “From feedback, we provide a great experience for the athletes; however, we do not reach as many people as we would like. Many avenues of advertising and promotions are used, and we are continually trying to enhance those. However, word-of-mouth is always the best way of promoting, so any and all help to spread the word about the Nebraska Senior Games is appreciated.”

Like the Nebraska Senior Games on Facebook, and go to www.nebraskaseniorgames.

com for more information, or feel free to contact Jade Brown at (308) 233-3229.

The Nebraska Senior Games is an annual event held in Kearney, Nebraska, that offers individuals age 50 or older the opportunity to participate and compete in various events — track and field, swimming, road races, cycling, pickleball, badminton, golf, horseshoes and more!

Senior GamesNebraska

August 2-5, 2018 | Kearney, Nebraska

Nebraska Recreation and Parks Association 1819 Farnam St ., Ste . 701Omaha, NE 68183

NON-PROFIT ORGU .S . POSTAGE

PAIDMOS

The Nebraska Recreation and Parks Association ScholarshipThe Nebraska Recreation and Parks Association Scholarship is awarded to students at any college or university in Nebraska who are majoring in recreation, parks, therapeutic recreation, leisure services or conservation with the intent to enter the recreation, parks, therapeutic recreation and leisure service field as a career.

Applicants can also be undergraduate- or graduate-level students with an affiliation to Nebraska, either as an in-state resident or an out-of-state student completing an internship in the state of Nebraska. Applicants must hold junior, senior or graduate student status, and enroll for a full academic year (fall and spring) as full-time students.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale when they apply. Preference may be given to individual members of NeRPA. Maximum scholarship amount is $2,000.

The Outdoor Recreation Products ScholarshipThe Outdoor Recreation Products Scholarship is awarded to regularly enrolled students at any college or university in Nebraska who are majoring in recreation, parks, leisure services or conservation with the intent to enter the recreation, parks and leisure service field as a career.

Applicants must hold junior, senior or graduate-level student status, and enroll for a full academic year (fall and spring) as full-time students.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale when they apply. Preference may be given to individual members of NeRPA. Maximum scholarship amount is $500.

The Joseph A. Churchich ScholarshipThe Joseph A. Churchich Scholarship is awarded to regularly enrolled students of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Lincoln or Kearney. Students must enroll for a full academic year (fall and

spring) as a full-time student at their university and must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale when they apply.

Applicants must be majoring in recreation, parks, horticulture or conservation with the intent to pursue a career in the recreation or park fields. Full-time employees who work in the recreation, parks, horticulture or conservation fields, and who are registered for a credit course in the areas of recreation, parks, horticulture or conservation at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Lincoln or Kearney may also apply. Preference may be given to individual members of NeRPA. Maximum scholarship amount is $1,000.

The Ruth B. McClintock ScholarshipThe Ruth B. McClintock Scholarship is awarded to regularly enrolled students of the University of Nebraska at Omaha or Lincoln who are majoring in recreation, parks, leisure services or conservation with the intent to enter the recreation, parks and leisure service field as a career. Applicants must hold junior, senior or graduate student status, and enroll for a full academic year (fall and spring) as a full-time student.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale when they apply. Preference may be given to individual members of NeRPA. Maximum scholarship amount is $2,000.

*Funds for these scholarships will be credited to the student’s account at the

financial aid office after verification that the student has registered for the

fall and spring semesters.

For more information, contact:

Jessica Hubbard, recreation supervisor, city of Omaha

1819 Farnam Street, Suite 701

Omaha, NE 68183

[email protected]

Phone: 402-286-0451

Nebraska Recreation and Parks Association

Scholarship Awards

adventure awaits us!

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