Parks conference includes opportunities for locals to help and participate

Community members have a couple of ways to participate in the Alaska Recreation & Parks Association conference that is coming to town Sept. 19-22.

One way is to donate artwork and handmade crafts for a fundraising auction.

Another is to sign up for a leadership training session for members of nonprofit boards and commissions.

“We would love the opportunity to showcase Wrangell’s talented artists and makers through the silent auction,” Wrangell Parks and Recreation staff said in asking for donated items. “All proceeds raised from the auction will go toward a scholarship to support recreation professionals in training and educational opportunities.”

Several dozen people are expected in town for the annual conference, which Wrangell will host again next year.

To donate items for the auction, contact Parks and Recreation Director Lucy Robinson at 907-874-2444.

The training session for nonprofit board members is planned for 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, likely at the Nolan Center or City Hall, said Kate Thomas, who served as Parks and Recreation director until moving to her new job in March as the borough’s Economic Development Department director.

Mike Walsh, of the Anchorage-based Foraker Group, which assists nonprofits statewide, will conduct the leadership training session, which is open to anyone. The fee is $20, said Thomas, who plans to send invitations to nonprofit organizations in town. To register, call Thomas at City Hall at 907-874-2381.

Conference organizers also are planning a Super Smash Bros. e-game tournament, tentatively set for Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Nolan Center. The games will be open to the public. The time and more details will be announced soon.