Dear Editor:

I read with interest the letter by Dr. Owen Smith regarding the Continuing Education Guidelines for professional members of IPRA. Much of the author's concern seemed to be based on incorrect information.

First of all, a member does not need to spend a lot of money for Continuing Education. Many of the IPRA Regional Affiliate organizations such as SPRA, SIPRA, MIPE, etc. offer workshops, small group discussions and institutes at very reasonable prices.

In addition, an agency's inservice training can also be approved for CEP's (Continuing Education Points). There is obviously no cost to the staff member in agency in-service training.

The whole idea for the revised plan was to allow several training experiences to be linked together in a cumulative fashion to attain CEP's. All a member has to do to receive CEP's for any type of training is to submit the appropriate form to the Admissions and Standards Committee citing the purposes, program, speakers, etc. for the workshops attended.

To date over 48 different seminars and inservice training sessions have been awarded CEP's. They are sponsored by many different types of organizations and are not necessarily IPRA, NRPA, or park and recreation related. The following are a few workshops and sponsoring agencies that have been approved: Dept. of Local Gov't Affairs training, Forest Hospital's In Service Training for AT's; New Games Training, Concession Management Seminar, National Swimming Pool Institute, Public Relations Society seminars, etc.

The information on this process and the continuing education plan was mailed to all professional members in May. Before you are asked to complete forms on your continuing education for this past year, another information packet will be mailed. I would advise members to read it carefully.

A lot of misinformation has been circulated about the plan and the accompanying might have been avoided if members read carefully the information which was circulated. The IPRA office and the Admissions and Standards Committee is also open for any questions which members have.

Mike Muldoon, Chairman-elect Admissions and Standards Committee

Kay Forest, IPRA Executive Director

Dear Editor:

I would like to extend my congratulations to the new editors Bob Humke, Len Cleary and John Allen on a job well done. The September/October issue of the magazine had a new updated look and the content was excellent.

In order to accomplish the goals of the magazine, i.e. informing the members of IAPD and IPRA what is happening in park districts, park and recreation departments, therapeutic agencies, and the leisure service field, we need the input of all the readers. Members are encouraged to write for the magazine.

In the coming year, I know the editors will be contacting many individuals asking for their contributions. It is my hope that the members will cooperate with Bob, Len and John in providing not only articles, but letters to the editor, editorials, people 'n news, and cover pictures.

Dan Newport, Elmhurst Co-Chairperson, Joint Editorial Board

Illinois Parks and Recreation 26 November/December, 1979