Ledger-Dispatch.com | ACRA to 'maximize' opportunities



 
                  ACRA to 'maximize' opportunities
                  Friday, January 30, 2009

                         
                  By Tracey Towner-Yep

                  Special to the Ledger Dispatch

                  Our mission is to maximize recreation opportunities for all 
                  the people in all the areas of Amador County by working 
                  collaboratively and thinking regionally.

                  Recreationally speaking, last year was the end of a wondrous 
                  year. At the beginning of last year - Feb. 5 to be exact - 
                  Fred Joyce was able to give our agency Mollie Joyce Park, and 
                  it's a beautiful piece of property for all to enjoy. Prior to 
                  that, we moved to the Health and Human Services Building, our 
                  new digs off Ridge Road.

                  The second 49er Bypass Run through Sutter Creek was a success, 
                  thanks in large part to New York Fitness' capable staff and 
                  Rob Duke's boys in blue. The fourth Kennedy Mine Barbecue was 
                  a great success. Lifeguards at Ione and Plymouth kept all the 
                  swimmers safe. Summer Day Camp was well received again.

                  We received a program grant from the Sierra Health Foundation. 
                  The dissemination program continues to be a popular and steady 
                  way to get the word out. Movies in the park became a 
                  successful reality thanks to Sutter Amador Hospital's 
                  Community Outreach Committee.

                  Amador County Recreation Agency won the prestigious California 
                  State Association of Counties Award for its Joint Powers 
                  Authority structure. I was personally honored by the Amador 
                  County Peace Officers Association as its Citizen of the Year. 
                  ACRA's logo won an award from the California Park & Recreation 
                  Society. Anne Lintz of State Farm Insurance has given ACRA an 
                  information kiosk in Jackson. I also want to thank the Mother 
                  Lode Quilters' Guild, which donated $500 to ACRA last 
November.

                  I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thank 
                  all of you who continue to support and sustain ACRA. My 
                  husband Jim, my family, extended family, friends, staff, 
                  neighbors, and colleagues: All of your continued support has 
                  encouraged me and kept me aloft.

                  To the board of directors, who gave me the "keys to the car, 
                  then taught me to fly," each of you have given me support, 
                  advice, and made me think. Thank you for sharing. To the women 
                  and men who daily put themselves at risk, keeping the peace 
                  and fostering good will, thank you.

                  Every one of us is enhanced by shared knowledge, good will and 
                  open minds. As we step into this year, let's keep increasing 
                  the vision, broadening the focus and building great parks and 
                  recreation opportunities.

                  Change abounds, but doesn't it always? Just keep repeating 
                  after me: 2009 will be fine, 2009 will be fine.

                  Towner-Yep is the executive director of the Amador County 
                  Recreation Agency.




                  COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE 
                        No comments have been posted in the last 15 days!