NYSTRA NEWSLETTER Vol. 22 Issue 4-Winter 2016

!New Year = Election time!

With the New Year upon us, it comes time for the annual NYSTRA elections. As stated in the NYSTRA Constitution, Article III (Membership), Section III (Rights and Privileges of Members: “… Only Professional members in good standing (members since June of the previous year with dues paid currently) may vote, participate in the NYSTRA election process, or serve on the Association’s Executive Board.” For those seeking a position on the Executive Board (President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer), they need to either be a current NYSTRA Board member or have served in a prior capacity on the NYSTRA Board. To serve on the board takes time and dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable.

According to a Pew Research Center study released earlier this year, the United States has a consistently low voter turnout as compared to other developed countries. The most current statistics in their study include U.S. Voter turnout in 2012 was 53.6%. This was based on the 129.1 million votes cast for president and an estimated voting-age population of just under 241 million Americans.

Given that NYSTRA’s membership is hovering around 325 at this time, and that if voter turnout trends follow the national average, it would give us an anticipated voter turnout of 174 NYSTRA members casting a vote in the upcoming election. If that were to happen, it would be quite a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, voter turnout has not been that high in a NYSTRA

OUR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SUZE COLLETTI, CTRS

election in quite some time. In recent years, NYSTRA election turnout has fluctuated between 10-35%. There is only one way to change this and that is for each professional member to VOTE! As a professional member, it is your right and duty to vote for those who you feel will best lead NYSTRA into the future. Please make your voice heard and vote. This is one sure way for you to impact the direction that NYSTRA takes in the year(s) ahead.

Hello NYSTRA Members! I hope this newsletter finds you warm and renewed from the holiday hustle and bustle and ready to tackle 2016 with gusto! So I have this craaaaaazy idea for you to start the new year off right… wanna hear it? Are you ready? You sure? I’m not sure you are… but I’m gonna tell you anyway. Ok, here it goes: We need your help. There, I said it. Not only do we always need active members, because, clearly, where would NYSTRA be without our members?! But we also need YOU to be its leaders! You! Yes, YOU!!! Don’t look behind you like there’s someone better standing there over your shoulder reading this at work or on your phone! YOU (YES, YOU!!) can make a difference in your organization. YOU can be the change you wish to see in the world! (Thanks Ghandi).  Did you ever look at the newsletter and say, ‘I could totally create that!’ Or did you ever stand on the sidelines of a conference and say ‘hey! I could seriously run this event with flying colors and here’s what I’d do differently…’ or were you like, I have this idea for this amazing thing we could be selling for other RT’s to buy to promote their field? Perhaps you’ve contemplated how to get involved in advocating for your profession, engaging in new modalities and helping  your fellow NYSTRA members find ways to make themselves better humans AND RT’s? Well, then I have a job for you! The Board of Directors will be having its annual elections, and if you think you can donate some time, energy and love to this organization, please (please, please

PRESIDENT ELECT-2015-2016

SHARI BURSHTYN CTRS

PLEASE!) put your name in the ring! We we’re looking for the kind of people who want  to be involved. There is NO age or title requirement; as long as you’re a professional member (meaning CTRS certified) in good standing (meaning you joined by June of 2015) you are eligible to run.   But Shari, you may be asking yourself (well, me, really) what if I just got out of school and just passed my CTRS and I don’t really have much to offer? WRRROOOOONG!! Your new ideas, fresh eyes and ability to see our profession as your dream career on the horizon is exactly what we need! But Shari (you may, again, be asking yourself…) what if I am mere steps from retirement and I’m not sure what I could bring to the table? You my friend, can bring so much! Knowledge, experience, knowhow, and dedication to our awesome career are just a few things I can think of when I think of you! (YES, YOU!!!) But Shari, (you, of course, may be asking the air) what if I have a family, and a job and a social life and I have a wedding to plan ( Oh, wait…that’s just me… sorry) and the kids have soccer and I have to plan my vacation… well, I’ve got some good news… so do we! You can do it ALL because NYSTRA does not ask for more than you can give.  We want you to be able to –gasp- recreate! To live your life! To live your life and enjoy your family FIRST and foremost! We want you to be able to take your vacations and plan your amazing adventures and take the kids where they need to go! We just ask that if you have a little extra time on your hands… and you want to make a difference in the organization you love so much (because, I KNOW you do!)… consider joining our little family within a family and run for the Board of Directors. And if you are interested in running for the board but have even MORE questions than what is above (and I’m sure you do, because all those questions are just some of what I, myself, asked a mere 3 years ago before deciding to run)… email me or any of the board members and we’ll be happy to answer ALL your questions!  Looking forward to a DYNAMIC 21st Multi-Day Conference and upcoming year of growth and learning for all!  Happy 2016 everyone! Let’s make it the best one yet! !!!!

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Dear NYSTRA Members: !As a reminder to our NYSTRA members, the online membership payment (via Paypal) for NYSTRA members is up and running on the NYSTRA Website. *Please be reminded that if you complete an online application, payment via Paypal must be completed, UNLESS, you mail in your fees. !We are so excited that this feature, something that you, as valued NYSTRA members, have communicated, has been a convenient option to maintain your membership in NYSTRA. !As we prepare for our very exciting 2016 Annual in Saratoga Springs, I would like to remind you that you also have the option to use Paypal to pay for your membership renewals (registration fees are discounted for active NYSTRA members), conference registration and CEU’s. !In the upcoming weeks, conference information will be posted on NYSTRA’s website. In the meantime, please visit www. NYSTRA.org to see the flashing news sign informing you of this feature and option to pay for new memberships and renewals. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TREASURER TAMEKA BATTLE, CTRS,CDP, CADDCT

Recently, on the coldest night so far this fall, I had my son’s cub scout den camping out in our backyard to earn their camping badge, a requirement for the Bear den. This meant 6 8 year old boys and a parent with each child, had to sleep in tents and cook dinner outside that night. The only time anyone came inside was to use the bathroom. That they were not allowed to do in the backyard!

I joined them from time to time, but was able to come inside to warm up and escape whenever I wanted to since I wasn’t directly involved. My husband got the fun of sleeping out in the tent in the 28 degree night. I was the inside support to assist with cooking and supplies as needed.

As I watched out the window, the boys were having a great time running around and being crazy like 8 year old boys do when all together with friends. The parents, huddled around the fire and endured the cold. The boys didn’t even notice as the temperature dropped as it got dark out. And it left me thinking how much we all do for those we love. None of the parents in my backyard woke up that morning and thought it would be a great night to camp outside. None of them were excited about it. But, the boys were. They had been talking about it for weeks. So the parents endured so their sons could have this chance and earn this badge for cub scouts.

This all made me think of all the support people we see everyday and all the work they do for those they love without expecting anything in return. The patients, residents and clients need a chance to say thank you to them. This could be a very rewarding group for us to facilitate. Many of the people we work with feel like they don’t have much to offer to others. When we can give them a voice, and allow them to express their appreciation, they will be given a boost and they will feel good. We all know that when you do something good for others you feel good. Let’s give our residents or clients ways to feel good too.

SECRETARY JANETTE LEONIDAS, CTRS, CDP

“A Mini Visit” Happy New Year NYSTRA members! Now for a little “mini” therapy. I recently had the opportunity to take my Miniature Horse, Whoopie to visit my residents at the skilled nursing facility where I work. I must admit I was a little nervous at first, what will she do, how will the residents react? My mind was eased once Whoopie set hoof in the front door, with alarms going off, she stayed calm and went right over for some pats from the first residents we saw, she was relaxed, the resident was relaxed with a huge smile on her face! Of course there were responses like, is that a horse? “Please bring her over her so I can kiss her nose”. It just kept getting better from there. When Whoopie entered our secured dementia unit, the response from the residents were overwhelming. One of the residents followed us around the entire unit, taking hold of the lead rope to walk her, then wrapped her arms around her and ran her hands through her mane and patted her entire body. The smiles on the residents faces just melted my heart! Whoopie was even able to get a smile out of one of my male residents that always has a flat affect.

Overall, I would say the “mini” therapy was a huge success and the residents keep asking when is Whoopie coming back into visit? I guess its time to set up another visit.

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UPSTATE WORKSHOP COORDINATOR DANIELE FISH, CTRS, CDP

Recreation to Administration Working in the field of Recreation particularly TR is and will always be my first love. In my professional journey I realized that as a CTRS I could change the role to be a more significant part of administration. As we all struggle in recreation to be respected by colleagues as an important part of the treatment team as well as deserving licensure. I feel writing my story may be helpful and show others how TR can enable that to occur. For the last ten years I have worked for a nonprofit agency servicing autistic adults. Currently I over see two day habilitation programs in NY State. Prior to having this position I was the Director of Recreation putting together day to day programming, events, and activities for residential and day habilitation services. In our day services we also provide several programs including: pre-vocation and supported employment. Some programs in day habilitation include: music and theater, art, karaoke, various sports groups, social clubs, horticulture, grooming, chess club, etc. Using Therapeutic Recreation techniques and principals, in day habilitation as the model for programming and frame work for it’s functioning allowed me to redesign the day to day operations.

For me, being able to show the therapeutic value to others on the clinical team allowed me to add validity to show why TR was so important. My first plan of action was to provide the rest of the team with a packet on several programs listed above. What I added was the objectives, the goals and the process. The explanation of how I used the APIE method also allowed the team to recognize that these goals were measurable. All in all I realized that in order to give what I’m doing validity, I would have to over produce and over explain. Last year was a tremendous year for me and all other TR’s I was

DOWNSTATE WORKSHOP COORDINATOR LATINA FERRER, CTRS

awarded the Anita Zatlow Pioneer award for my efforts in recreational programming and then offered my current position. During negotiations I asked my CEO how she wanted me to go about over site for the two programs she said “you’re already doing it!” In closing to all those TR’s who sometimes feel under-appreciated or misunderstood keep doing, keep showing and eventually they will catch on!

FINDING JOY: After I said F-It !

Foremost, I would like to take a moment to thank Sue Lance for her patience with me in submitting this article. Her kind voice and sense of timing has been a source of light for me. Truth be told, I have been struggling with all sorts of crap lately and finding it all too easy to keep putting off writing… so much so that I initially planned for this submission to be about trauma and self-care… maybe for the next issue so… stayed tuned… that’s probably as cool as we get as having a “TR cliff-hanger.” Anyway, did I mention I have been avoiding writing?! Back to my crap. Like many of you, unfortunately I am sure, I have found myself not only exhausted but straight up disappointed after the Holidays, specifically during New Year’s (which has rolled out into mid-January at this point). Side note, I haven’t worked full-time in a recreation department for quite a long time and I applaud all of you for the mission you all just accomplished of literally feeding and mending all expectations: Facility, Faculty, Friends, Financing, Free-Loaders… eh hem, I’m sorry I meant Freelancers (of which I am one, so sorry ‘bout that), and never mind your own Fa-Fa-Fa-Families!!! For whatever reason, I got to the evening of Dec. 31st and had a pity party. Why am I, someone who otherwise likes to witness being a “cheerful giver,” compounded by carrying the middle name of “Joy,” finding it so hard to be… well… cheerful. I really just wanted to “F-it!” [Would now be a good time to remind you all I am co-chairing the upcoming NYSTRA

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR SHARON DIAZ-PALATUCCI, MS, CTRS-BH

conference?] So what was the reason this was and is happening? To add insult to injury I got a phone call January 5th from a trusted friend at church who reminded me, “Hi Sharon sweetie, did you see my email? (No, there was no email) I just wanted to call you to make sure you got it (uh-huh) because you are leading the Prayer Service tomorrow night. Okay?” (Seriously? OMG) Me: “Sure my dear friend, no problem, thank you for calling to remind me.” So fast-forward I decided to plunge into my self-wallowing and use it as a tool to reach others who may be facing something similar, probably far worse, than I. I decided to explore and name my topic “Finding Joy.”

“Stars Can’t Shine Without Darkness,” Anonymous. Here I am with a ridiculous amount of student loans for a Masters degree in mental health counseling and where do I find an article to start my talk? WebMD (SMH), but it was good, so here we go. In “Battling (this) Depression: Hope for the Holidays,” I realized I hit 9 out of the 10 triggers for the D-word: Family Gatherings (there’s that F-word again); Over-Commercialization; Over-Committing (this is TR holy ground); Financial Worries (see I wasn’t kidding); Unrealistic Expectations (as noted); Fatigue (yep, F-it); Stress (duh); Breaking Healthy Habits (or just routines in general); Being away from Family & Friends (ironically, also true); & Shorter Days/Lack of Sunlight (we are the NY chapter after all). This helped me organized my thoughts from feeling overwhelmed and confused to more focused and empathetic (for myself-Hello!), in order to first identify my barriers, so to then break them down into smaller variables, to even stand a chance at making them solution-focused. Please by all means, do not misunderstand my humor for passivity or carelessness. If you are reading this and are thinking, “Sharon, duh, I don’t have the energy for this… or, this is beyond me right now as my situation is helpless/hopeless,” then please love yourself enough to have the courage to call your primary physician for a counseling referral for someone in your network. We all do so much for so many others, that by the time we are aware of ourselves, we are completely empty. You are important and I/We need you to Survive! Now I know, but now what? How does one move from being self-aware to action? It is very hard. We know this for ourselves and of course in the populations we serve. Inter/Intra motivation is a beast and needs real fuel, with constant re-fueling, to turn the engine. I read somewhere recently, and apologize I do not know the author, “The fastest way to happiness is Gratefulness.” I wish I could stand from the roof top and convince the world and myself of this. It feels like the opposite would be true, or at the very least Thankfulness would

follow something so much more… gratifying? Good News, Past NYSTRA President Loretta Plescia will be continuing her talks about Gratitude at conference this year (I love when a plan comes together). It is no coincidence to me that the American calendar was planned intending Thanksgiving before all things Winter Solstice, Christmas Chanukah and beyond. While you begin your practice of gratefulness, in the greater pursuit of Finding Joy, I suggest going small. Ask yourself “what am I thankful for?” When answered, I dare you to go smaller; asking yourself then, “Why?”; then smaller, why; and yet smaller still again. You may be joyfully surprised at what you find. My dear colleagues, keep your hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness & patience; bearing with yourself, and forgiving yourself.

Other strategies to help regain balance and/or proactively plan for “next time,” you may want to consider (as I sure will): Trying a sunlamp; limiting commitments (this will take practice, trust and delegation---but that’s another article for another day); not missing doses of medication; Making NEW family traditions, using creative expression to remember loved ones; shop online (responsibly please, I don’t need anybody suing me on this one); don’t stay longer than YOU want; have a party partner (teens/nieces/nephews can be great for this); lean on support system (as long as it actually is a support system); LET GO OF CONTROL (Serenity Prayer that B), and Give YOURself a Break!

***So Grateful that I was guided towards a field that is holistic in approach, recognizing the Spiritual self. Disclosure: I am Protestant and focused the above mentioned service as such. There is a way to implement this in an Inter-faith approach. In the meantime, If you are interested in how I made this topic Scripture-based, please feel to call me or look up the following references at your leisure ;0) Psalm 55 (the whole thing); I Timothy 6:11-12; I Cor. 9:25; Philippians 3:12 (the writer was in prison at the time); Romans 8:26-28; Colossians (a book used a LOT in weddings) 3:12-16; & I Peter 5:7-11.***

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!Design the 21st Annual Conference Logo!

The conference co-chairs are seeking help in creating the 21st Annual Conference’s logo. Neither Sharon nor myself have an ounce of artistic ability

and are hoping that the NYSTRA membership can come to our aid.  We are looking for any and all creative folks to submit their logo ideas. What do you

see when you think of our theme, “It’s Time to Fill the TR Prescription: Recreate for Wellness Daily as Needed”? Submit your artwork, formatted to a

jpg. file, to NYSTRA2016@gmail.com by February 20th. If your logo is selected, you will receive a prize and our many thanks! 

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If you are looking for something new to do in the new year I suggest a Scrapbooking program. Most of us have special events, large programs and community outings each month.  With consent take pictures. Lots of them.

 Once a month print  the pictures then create a two or four page layout. If you have pictures of a birthday party use colorful paper. You can include confetti ,

a birthday card or  draw a balloon. The pages can be as basic or creative as you like. It is easy to brighten a page up with ribbon, glitter or even buttons. This does not have to be an expensive venture. Looking at  and choosing the pictures often leads to discussions on where items should be placed. Before you know it  you have created a book of memories that  can then be used to

reflect the year in review.

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR MARY KELLY, CTRS

FUNDRAISING JENNIFER COLON, CTRS

  Certification and the Case for Licensure in Therapeutic Recreation

Two months ago, in my quest to fill a vacant position in my department, an ad was placed by one of our recruiters on a popular job search site. I became excited as

resumes and cover letters flooded my inbox like the Mississippi River. There is something special about setting up interviews with fellow TR professionals, and I was looking forward to it. My excitement quickly waned as I realized that the people who

were applying for the position of a Therapeutic Recreation/CTRS consisted of Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCATs), or individuals who thought that their skills were aptly suited for a recreation department. Of the 35 applicants who applied for the job, twenty were LCAT’s, ten worked in odd jobs from pizza delivery, to working at a Bingo hall. It appeared that applicants thought the job didn’t require much skill.

My frustration led me to review the job posting to ensure that the ad was for a Recreation Therapist, and of course it was. I concluded that the supply of LCATs far

exceeds that of BA-level TR professionals. This experience also confirmed for me that Therapeutic Recreation has an image problem. Licensing of TR professionals would allow us to command higher reimbursement rates, raise base salaries, and bring the prestige that Therapeutic Recreation deserves. Now don’t get me wrong, I respect the important therapeutic services which LCATs provide. They offer expertise in the

use of specific creative modalities, such as visual arts, dance and music, usually specializing in one. On the other hand, Recreation Therapists are trained to utilize a

broader range of creative, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and social activities to enhance the health and well being of the whole person. Previous experiences with

Art therapist/LCATs were spotted with persons who turned up their noses at conducting many important TR activities because they didn’t see the therapeutic

value. For example, how simply painting some residents nails created an interpersonal connection through touch, eye contact, and conversation, and can

increase feelings of self worth by maintaining high levels of hygiene and self-care. In spite of the great flexibility and broader impact which a TR professional brings,

LCATs are reimbursed at higher rates because they are licensed. Consequently, LCATs get paid higher salaries, and attract more individuals to their profession because it

may seem to some as a more viable career. Licensure also brings a measure of

LEGISLATION/ADVOCACY/PR CATHY BRANKER-DIAMOND, CTRS, CDP

respect to the profession, which, is sadly lacking from TR. What’s also striking to me is that you hardly ever hear about a creative arts department, it’s always a recreation

department or an activities department. In the end, I hired a TRS who was fresh out of college, eager to learn more about our profession and who was prepared to use a range of activities and techniques to treat the whole person. In lieu of licensure the CTRS is the only credential available to distinguish the training and professionalism

of Therapeutic Recreation. As an advocate for my profession, I encourage all TRS graduates to obtain their Certification, for now, that is all we have, but it is important

to set a more professional standard for what we do and who we are.

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AFFIRMATIONS AND THEIR POWER

I thought I would take this opportunity to address the power of affirmations, feel good sayings and things of that nature. We all know that as Recreation Therapists it is our responsibility to address mind, body and spirit as part of our goals for the populations we work with. For example those who suffer from addiction issues use affirmations and Psalms among other supportive techniques to help them get through that tough moment. Saying these can make or break “a fall off the wagon” and you don't even have to pop a pill (take that pharmaceutical companies)! The following are examples of the many affirmations I have found. I just type in: affirmations for healing, kids, women, abuse, forgiveness, positive thinking, self-esteem, letting go and anger. There are so many more but you get the idea. As equally important is the ability to balance or rebalance yourself as well. We all know when you are flying somewhere the Flight Attendant will tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first if you are flying with someone. You have to take care of yourself first in order to take care of someone else. These affirmations can “reboot” you too!! How many times have you been at work and something happened which took you off your game? What can you do to

NEWSLETTER

SUE LANCE, CTRS,CDP,CADDCT

refocus and diffuse yourself to get back in action? See it’s a two for one deal here!! You are gathering information to pass on to the people you work with but you are also nurturing yourself at the same time. So the analogy about the oxygen mask holds true. You have to be geared up to go into group and what better way then to affirm yourself too!! I would like to thank Erik Nenortas for providing many affirmations/fuel to help me and I am sure many others continue on through the day when you need that little pick-me-up and equally important to share with those we work with to enable them to get through things they are dealing with.

!Get Involved !!! Ever wonder who organizes the conference, who sends out newsletters, who gets CEU’s pre-approved, who responds to your membership questions or who keeps you in the loop with all the new trends and happenings in the world of Therapeutic Recreation? Well if you said yes, congratulations! We are people just like you, who work one or two jobs, have children, family or pets, busy social lives and can always use an extra hour of sleep. That’s right, we, the “NYSTRA Board” are just like everyone else. The only difference is that we have volunteered our time to NYSTRA, to you our members and to the future of Therapeutic Recreation. As we begin 2016, most people tend to set goals and list or reflect on all of the things they would like to do in the upcoming year. I have a few suggestions of things you can add to your list. 1. Continue to invest in your future by maintaining your NYSTRA membership and getting involved. 2. Encourage your peers to join NYSTRA and become involved. 3. Attend our Annual conference in April 2016. I guarantee it will be awesome!! 4. Consider running for the NYSTRA Board during our next elections or nominate someone you know that can help make a difference.

MEMBERSHIP

CAROLYN FRANKLIN, MSEd, CTRS, CDP

5. Consider sharing and writing an article about a new trend or something wonderful that is happening in your Therapeutic Recreation world in our Quarterly Newsletter. 6. Present, present, present ….consider presenting at a NYSTRA conference. As we begin this year, it is the perfect time to set your goals with ample time for planning and execution. Good luck and I hope growing with NYSTRA is at the top of your list. My name is Carolyn Franklin, I am a Director of Therapeutic Recreation, I have a long list of personal responsibilities, and I tend to be a very busy person, however I have dedicated my time and I enjoy serving on the NYSTRA Board and investing in my professional career, I hope we all can share the same sentiment in 2016. Here a little incentive. In celebration of our 20th year we are offering-buy 1 year and get the second year membership for $20!!!!! January 1st 2016 to March 31st 2016 (Online only)

!SOME ARTICLES FROM OUR MEMBERS

!“REMEMBERING GRANDMA”

BY: SUSAN DRUMGOULD, CTRS

I work at a Long Term Care Facility. We had a resident pass away right before the Holidays which is very hard on the family. I went to this resident’s memorial service and one of her Grandchildren shared this: Grandma raised two sons on her own as her husband died at a very young age and she never remarried. Grandma has six grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren which will be eleven when the twins are born after the holiday. Grandma never learned how to drive either so she was very happy when her grandchildren turned sixteen and then they got to take her places. One of them took her to a memorial service for one of her friends. They waited forty-five minutes to pay their respects. As they got closer to the front Grandma looked at me and said, “That’s not my friend!” They were at the wrong place but they paid their respects anyway and left! Another story that he shared was they had to take her shopping, every time Grandma went shopping she bought toilet paper. They would tell her “Grandma you don’t need toilet paper and she would say-my mother told me you can never have enough toilet paper.” Well, now everyone has enough for six months, thanks to Grandma. Grandma had a

wonderful life. She was 96 years old!! I was happy that I got to spend a year with her and her family. So the next time you go shopping you might just remember Grandma and that she wants you to have enough.

!Visiting Your Legislator, Licensure in 2016! by Daryl Willenbrink, CTRS, RT Licensure

Committee

The RT Licensure Committee thanks everyone for their support of licensure. We are hoping that 2016 will be our year! With that in mind, we urge you, if you have not done so already, to visit your NYS legislators requesting their support and and co-sponsorship of our bill. REMEMBER! THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON TO BE ANXIOUS AND OR INTIMIDATED ABOUT CONTACTING THESE PEOPLE. Just like you, they put their shoes on, one at a time. And when they walk, they step forward one step at a time. Actually, similar to your professional organization, they are professional men and women whom YOU voted to represent YOU as a citizen in YOUR community or in this case the state at large. So, take a nice relaxed approach with them. Give your legislator a smile and a strong hand shake hello, offer your congratulations for a well-run campaign, and thank your legislator for the opportunity for YOU, their constituent, to meet with them. The position your legislator holds requires him/her to be community minded. Look up their areas of interest and you’ll see there are many that relate to therapeutic recreation. Choose one and tell them that’s why you thought they would be interested in our cause and also to assure that the best quality care is provided for everyone. This is where I suggest you think of a personal story and explain how that situation would have been improved and/or if injury occurred or how it would never have happened had a Licensed RT been employed. NOW ADVOCATE, not for RT, but for your clients. RT will sell itself when your representative believes what you are saying. Simply speak from the heart.

My example: After a fall, my 89 year old mom was recently placed in a sub-acute rehabilitation center. The place was clean, the nurses’ kind and the Recreation Therapy staff... non-existent. Mind you, they had very sweet activity professionals offering activities. These programs did not reinforce any of the skills being addressed by the Physical Rehabilitation Department, they

weren’t age appropriate and they did not complete any leisure interest assessments etc... They didn’t even provide an atmosphere of joyfulness for the residents. Just sweet people offering “idle time filling opportunities”. I was mortified! No one wanted to go to the programs, even the other staff said, and I quote “we know they aren’t great, but at least there’s something to keep them busy!” Can you imagine!!!! Thank goodness, my mom had family to provide quality care with the added bonus of a CTRS for a daughter! See how easy it is to become appalled! WE know what’s out there and only WE can make a change. All we need is YOU to sponsor, endorse, support and help advocate for Licensed Recreation Therapy in 2016! For more information on our bill and how you can help, please contact our licensure co-chairs: Vincent Bonadies, CTRS, vbonadies@optonline.net and Isabel Tiffen, CTRS, isabeltiffen@gmail.com

!!Spreading the Ray (Archer) Shine:

By: Daryl Willenbrink, CTRS A few years ago, I attended a great session at the Downstate Recreation Conference in White Plains, NY. The session I attended was presented by Ray Archer. Like all of his sessions I walked away with a wealth of knowledge and like I always do when I love something I share it with others or I chew on the new information for a while and recreate it to meet my needs and then; well I run with it… or at least part of it. His session began with how he gets his attendees to feel comfortable in a new situation. He showed us a Joke Box he made. In it were tons of jokes that made everyone feel relaxed, and ready to participate in his program. !That year, I created a “Joke Jar” and put it on my coffee table beside many delicious hors d'oeuvres at Thanksgiving. I decorated the jar and wrote “need a joke, take a joke, tell a joke” etc. Well, it was a big hit! We laughed and laughed and actually forgot to eat some of the snacks. !My sister was so into it, that she presented the idea at her next Weight Watchers Program. Amazing idea she said, and it curbed the desire to have those extra “points”. Then, she brought it to a holiday party at her sister-in -law’s home. The sister-in-law now carries a “Joke Baggie” in her pocketbook. Never again has there been a lull at any party she attends. And “Ray’s Shine”

keeps coming. My sister brought it to her book club, her garden club (leisure runs in the family) and Last year at the NYSTRA Conference, we put Joke RT Prescription Bottles on every banquet table. I was just about to create a new prescription Joke Bottle for someone I know who is beginning Radiation Treatments. I still will, but; I stopped just long enough to share this great little creative moment with each of you. Should she have a sad moment, she can enjoy a nice laugh or possibly a little endearment from me. Happy New Year and thanks for the opportunity to share a little creative RT with each of you, and thanks to Ray Archer who got it started. ! !!

AN ANNOUNCEMENT From the NYSTRA Facebook Page… Dear NYSTRA,   After receiving multiple complaints (and some curious inquiries) from several NYSTRA members, I feel obligated as the NYSTRA President to post the following as a polite reminder: !Please keep your posts related to NYSTRA and/or the field of Recreation Therapy. This goes for comments on posts as well - please keep them related to the original post and not off topic. Anything determined to be off topic, a repetitious posting, as well as those containing profanity or other sexually explicit or vulgar language, or anything else that does not belong on the Facebook page of a professional organization will be deleted. (Yes, sadly we have  had all of the above.) Should it continue, the individual will be administratively removed or blocked from the NYSTRA group page. !I am grateful to those members who have taken the time to contact me by email, postal mail, and by phone. Thank you for stepping up and sharing your thoughts. Please know that I heard your concerns, comments, frustrations, and desire to keep NYSTRA moving in a positive direction. I share many of the same sentiments that were shared with me. That is why I felt the need to post the above statement. Together we can continue to seek a bright future for NYSTRA. Thank you and best of success to all in 2016! Sincerely, Susan Colletti, CTRS NYSTRA President

OUR CONFERENCE IS COMING UP AND HERE ARE THE DATES AND THE THEME

New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association It’s Time to Fill the TR Prescription: Recreate for Wellness Daily as

Needed 21st Annual Multi-Day Conference

April 10-12, 2016 Saratoga Springs, NY !

———————————————————————————————————— If you are interested in contributing to the newsletter in

any way please contact Sue Lance- suelance24@gmail.com

We welcome your input and thanks!! !

———————————————————————————- MERCHANDISE

If you are interested in purchasing any of the merchandise we offer please visit the nystra.org website and click on

products. Each item has a photograph for your convenience. You can email your orders or inquiries to

jennifer.colon@va.gov !

———————————————————————————- If you are looking for DVD’s of music which works well for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia as well as for nursing homes and retirement communities go online to singalongwithjohndvds.com or contact Elizabeth Daughen-rosesinwinterproductions.inc !

!

!OFFICERS

President Susan Colletti, CTRS susancolletti@yahoo.com

President-elect Shari Burshtyn, CTRS shariburshtyn@gmail.com !Past President Loretta Plescia, CTRS-SBH missloretta84@hotmail.com Loretta.Plescia@omh.ny.gov !Treasurer Tameka Battle, CTRS nystramemb@yahoo.com

Secretary Janette Leonidas, CTRS, CDP janette.leonidas@sphp.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT !Workshops- Upstate Daniele Fish, CTRSdfish@forthudson.com!Workshops - Downstate

Latina Ferrer, CTRS

latina.ferrer@specialcitizens.org

Conference Co-Chair

Mary Kelly, CTRS marykelly0324@gmail.com Sharon Diaz-Palatucci, CTRS sdiaz.palatucci@gmail.com

Legislation/Advocacy/PR Cathy Diamond, CTRS cathydiamond@verizon.net !Fundraising Jennifer Colon, CTRS jennifer.colon@va.gov !

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Newsletter Sue Lance, CTRS, CDP, CADDCT suelance24@gmail.com !Membership Carolyn Franklin, CTRS carolynfranklinctrs@aol.com !Website Noelle Molloy, CTRS nystrarectherapy@yahoo.com !Student Liaison Vacant

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Scholarships, Nominations & Elections Loretta Plescia, CTRS-SBH Missloretta84@hotmail.com (h)loretta.Plescia@omh.ny.gov

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!