The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to keep Foundation partners and affiliate groups better informed with monthly updates on our activities, upcoming meetings, and other news of interest.  Your input is welcome.  If you have content to add to a future newsletter, wish to subscribe, or want to unsubscribe, please contact the Foundation webmaster/secretary, Karen Townsend at KarenTownsend@rrpfoundation.org.  Please note, this newsletter will not be published in July or August, while the Foundation meetings are in recess.  Have a terrific summer!

Board of Directors Meeting Summary - Wednesday May 17, 2006, 8:15 am
T.B. Smith Community Center

Foundation President Casey Cockerham called the meeting to order.

Guest Rachel Arrington, director of development for the department, invited Foundation members and partners to participate in “It Starts in Parks”, taking place on June 10, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Byrd Park. Larry Miller stated that anyone interested in setting up a booth would be welcome. Rachel also discussed some pending proposals that have been submitted to Lowe’s, Philip Morris, and Capital One for various youth enhancement programs.

A partnership application has been submitted by the Ginter Park Resident’s Association, in support of a proposed tree inventory project. On a motion by Carl Otto and seconds by Diane Dunaway and Kerry Keenan, the group was accepted as a partner.

P, R & CF Liaison, Larry Miller mentioned that June 9th will mark opening night of Dogwood Dell’s 50th anniversary. Monroe Park has submitted a design plan for removal of some roads to the Urban Design Commission. There have been issues with brush fires being set on Belle Isle. P, R & CF personnel and fire personnel have been meeting to determine a management plan to address this. A festival will be hosted on June 24 at Scuffletown Park near Strawberry St. The James River Conservation Easement team hopes to have easement in place by late summer.

President, Casey Cockerham announced that the June meeting will take place at the Landmark Theater instead of the Belle Isle Visitor’s Center. Proposed meeting sites for the rest of 2006 were discussed.  Casey presented the outcome of his meetings with executive directors of other groups, in order to determine ways to fund an executive director’s position. Discussion followed regarding these and other suggestions, which will be taken under consideration. Casey also thanked everyone who gave input into the Foundation Executive Committee job descriptions.

Executive Director, John Zeugner reported that his research determined no residency restrictions pertaining to Foundation membership. Joyce Stargardt will begin attending Recreation and Parks Citizens’ Advisory Board meetings. John also reported that a planned presentation to City Council will take place after the 2005 annual report is complete.

Treasurer, Carl Otto reported that all partners should have their first quarter reports. He mentioned that some partners have requested additional sub-accounts to divide areas of donations, and he is proceeding with that effort. Public Works has requested additional information on the Delegate Ealy memorial, and Trish is researching the history of that project back as far as possible.

The Foundation will sponsor a reception at Dogwood Dell for opening night on June 9. Casey Cockerham will coordinate refreshments, and Leighton Powell will be contacted to update the hard copy of the invitation sent last year for the Foundation’s reception at Dogwood Dell. Seats will be reserved for VIPs. Barbara Brock asked that an approximate number be given to Dell staff by Friday noon.

Molly Dellinger-Wray reported that a clean-up day for the James River will take place on June 10. The annual Friends of James River Park picnic will take place afterward, at 6:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share; chicken will be provided. Molly also discussed a collaborative survey being done by the Friends of James River Park and VCU, to identify who is using the park and how the park is being used. Volunteers are needed to assist from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. for 2 days per month. Please contact Molly Dellinger-Wray at MollyDellingerWray@rrpfoundation.org.

Reporting on past events, John Zeugner mentioned that The Friends of Bryan Park hosted an Arbor Day event, with a 5K run, and planting of trees and a wildflower garden.  Carl Otto reported that the Free Press ran an article about the horseshoe pitchers at Gillies Creek Park. The players continue throughout the winter, and brought home eight trophies from a recent Petersburg tournament.

Calendar of Upcoming Board Meetings and Other Events

June 21, 2006 - Landmark Theater

Summer Recess...

September 20 - TBA
October 18 - TBA
November 15 - TBA
December 13 or 20 - Board Breakfast

Regular board Meetings are held at 8:15 am on the third Wednesday of each month.  Locations vary as noted above.  Partners are cordially invited to join any or all Board Meetings.  For directions, please refer to the City's web page for community center information.

Attention All Partners - Want help advertising your group's summer plans?

JULY IS PARKS & REC MONTH.  Department PR Specialist, Christy Everson is asking that RRPF partner groups let her know if they have plans for any activities during July.  She can be reached by e-mail (eversca@ci.richmond.va.us) or at 646-5944

Also, the Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts invites Foundation partner groups to participate in its Guest Volunteer program. If your group will send approximately 5 volunteers to any Dell performance to assist with audience services (distributing schedules, monitoring the stage, staffing information table), we will display your information on our info table, and recognize your group from the stage.  If your group is interested in participating, please e-mail brockbg@ci.richmond.va.us or call Barbara Brock or Brian Laubenthal at 646-1031 for more information.

Partner News

John Zeugner reports...

The Department‘s first annual “It All Starts in Parks” festival was held in William Byrd Park on Saturday, June 10^th, between the Columbus statue and Fountain Lake.  By all accounts, it was a successful event, with children and parents coming from all over the City to enjoy the games and visit the educational displays.  The Richmond Recreation and Parks Foundation set up a display and was joined by the Friends of William Byrd Park and Friends of Bryan Park.  The weather was great, the energy level high, and many Richmond families were reminded that as far as summer is concerned, “It all Starts in Parks”: health, exercise, recreation, exploration, games and fun.  Congratulations to Mr. Pope and all his hard-working staff for raising everyone’s awareness of the importance of Parks.

 DOGWOOD DELL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SUMMER ARTS PERFORMANCES!

The Department of Parks and Recreation kicked off its opening performance of the 2006 Dell Festival of the Arts on Friday, June 9^th, with jazz singer extraordinaire Renee Marie and her band.  Mayor Wilder officially opened the season, with high praise for the importance of parks for the City and for its wealth of great artists and performers.  Highlights of the season include; two musicals, Pearly and Follies; a rock group; a clown with puppets; a youth talent show and much more.  The schedule of events is way too long for publishing in this newsletter, so follow this link to the City's website to check it out!

The Recreation and Parks Foundation hosted a small dessert reception for City leaders, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation staff and supporters of the City’s Cultural Arts.  Special thanks to Leighton Powell, for her hard work in designing the invitations, doing most of the shopping, and being so willing to help and being so reliable. 

Special thanks too go to the Dogwood Dell troops: Mary Boelt, its guiding light and main impresario; Barbara Brock for costumes, stagecraft, and all the wonderful volunteers.  50^th Anniversary is a big deal, and we have much to be proud of.  Great work, everybody!

Note: There will be volunteer recognition events towards the end of this summer’s season.  We’ll keep you posted. Come out and enjoy the Dell! 

Resourceful Links for Partner Groups

Each month we include links to a few websites that might prove helpful or informative to our partner groups...

http://www.communitytrees.org/about-org.html  -- CommunityTrees.org is a non-profit website designed to promote the planting and care of trees in urban and community neighborhoods.

http://www.fdncenter.org/  --The Foundation Center's mission is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy.