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Articles by Kailan Manandic
No Mow, No Problems
A low-maintenance approach to landscaping can lead to long-term benefits in biodiversity When most city folk think of grass, they imagine a nearly identical image:not a single blade, but a verdant short-cropped field. This type of turf grass can be found on most household lawns, public parks, and golf courses.
Idaho’s Billion-Dollar Industry — McCall Life
Every skier’s dream is to have a brand-new slope all to themselves. Every snowboarder loves the rush of carving their own route through a pristine blanket of pure powder. Every snowmobiler feels alive as they climb a backcountry ridge and lean into the unknown. In some ways, this is what life is all about. Everyone moves forward through time searching for a path—a guiding line to take them where they need to go. Sometimes it’s a well-worn trail, waterlogged after years of use.
CFFA Launches Certification Program for Vinyl Pool Liners — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
This certification sets a quality benchmark for vinyl film used for in-ground swimming pool liners. The Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA) announced the launch of its certification program for vinyl pool liners that meet the CFFA-P-101 – Recommended Minimum Performance Standards for Vinyl Swimming Pool Liners - In Ground. Manufacturers of continuous web chemical coated film for vinyl pool liners may certify products and license the certification mark to identify certified products.
East Bay Regional Park District to Receive Federal Appropriations — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
The appropriations includes critical funding for wildfire protection and the upcoming Thurgood Marshall Regional Park Visitor Center Oakland, Calif.—The Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, signed recently by President Biden, includes critical funding for the East Bay Regional Park District.
Park District to Receive Federal Appropriations — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
The funds will be used for Wildfire Protection and Future Thurgood Marshall Regional Park Visitor Center Oakland, Calif.—The Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, signed recently by President Biden, includes critical funding for the East Bay Regional Park District.
Husqvarna Group Launches Two-Year Warranty Program — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
This new program covers 300 and 500 series professional handheld and wheeled products, providing security over a longer coverage period Charlotte N.C.—Husqvarna Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of innovative outdoor power equipment products, launches a comprehensive two-year warranty program designed to provide extended protection for equipment used by commercial green space and tree care professionals.
Yanmar CE and ASV Officially Join Forces — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
This merger is years in the making after the Yanmar Group acquired ASV Holdings, Inc. Grand Rapids, Minn.—Yanmar Compact Equipment North America (YCENA), encompassing the Yanmar Compact Equipment and ASV brands, finalizes its status as a single legal entity. The major milestone comes three years after the Yanmar Group acquired ASV Holdings, Inc. Now, the Yanmar Compact Equipment division in North America and ASV officially join to become YCENA.
Project EverGreen Announces 2023 Officers and Board of Directors — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Cleveland, Ohio—Project EverGreen announces the appointment of its 2023 officers and board of directors. The appointments were made at Project EverGreen’s annual meeting. Kevin Laycock of SiteOne Landscape Supply will mark his second year as president of the national non-profit which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. Also continuing to serve on the Executive Board are Scott A.
Great Fall Giveaway Winners Announced! — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Parks & Rec Business and Camp Business magazines are proud to announce the winners of the Great Fall Giveaway! PAC Bow Archery, USA Archery, Pilot Rock, and Blick Arts & Crafts sponsored the giveaway with four prizes worth more than $10,000. All parks and recreation departments, summer camps, and school districts in the United States had a chance to enter and win any one of the prizes.
Great Fall Giveaway Winners Announced! — Camp Business
Camp Business and Parks & Rec Business magazines are proud to announce the winners of the Great Fall Giveaway! PAC Bow Archery, USA Archery, Pilot Rock, and Blick Arts & Crafts sponsored the giveaway with four prizes worth more than $10,000. All parks and recreation departments, summer camps, and school districts in the United States had a chance to enter and win any one of the prizes. Nicole Burton won a PAC bow archery set with shed assemblies–a $3,000 value.
Recycle Your Wetsuit With Rip Curl And TerraCycle — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Rip Curl, in partnership with TerraCycle, announces the expansion of the ‘Recycle Your Wetsuit’ global recycling program Trenton, N.J.—Leading surf brand, Rip Curl, is calling on surfers across the United States, Australia, and Europe to reduce their environmental footprint, with the expansion of Rip Curl’s ‘Recycle Your Wetsuit’ program to customers globally, in partnership with international recycling leader, TerraCycle.
ASBA Announces 2022 Game Changer Award Winners — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Honorees Represent Excellence and Innovation in Supply, Manufacturing for Sports Facilities Forest Hill, Md.—The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for designers, builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities, has announced the winners of its Game Changer awards. Winners were announced at the conclusion of the 2022 Technical Meeting, held in Palm Desert, California.
January At Gallery 55 — McCall Life
Gallery 55 An artist-owned cooperative gallery located in the heart of downtown McCall by beautiful Payette Lake. Their artists are dedicated to exhibiting their best work for your enjoyment. Bri Bair from Star, Idaho, is their special guest for January. Her favorite subjects are florals and portraits, which she creates in acrylic, pen, and watercolor. Both originals and prints are available on substrates as varied as stickers, terra cotta pots, canvas, and paper.
Sevier Park Community Center Recognized for Excellence — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Nashville, Tenn.—Metro Parks’ Sevier Park Community Center has been recognized for excellence by the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA). Tennessee’s largest association of Parks and Recreation professionals selected the center as the winner of its 2022 award for "Best Overall Programs." Presented by TRPA’s Ethnic Minority Interest Section, the Donald H Stanton Award recognizes the quality, consistency, and management of the programs run at Sevier Park Community Center.
Turning A New Page — McCall Life
McCall breaks ground on the library expansion and looks forward to the improved facility On the occasional day Meg Lojek is behind the front desk at the McCall Public Library, she never knows who will walk through the doors. It could be a mother and her five-month-old baby, a fresh set of curious eyes taking in the world. It could be someone who has lived in McCall for 60 years, an experienced reader returning her recently devoured novels.
Technical Training Workshops — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
New Post-ITS Workshops Added! American Trails and PTBA are offering Technical Training Workshops pre and post-ITS. These are optional and attendees can register for them for an additional fee. The following workshop(s) listed below are available to register for now. PLEASE NOTE: You must be an attendee in order to register for these workshops.
Magic Chairlifts — McCall Life
Backcountry DadVideosLivin' The McCall LifeFeatures By Mr. Rodney We slid up to the Yodler chairlift—dad and son, gliding on snowboards, lights casting fun shadows over the lift ramp and staging area. Not speaking, we slid forward on the ramp, loaded the chair and took off into the night. As the chair carried us through the trees, we swung our snowboards and chatted—one of those millions of little conversations you have with your kids.
Character, Confidence, Challenge — McCall Life
Historically, communities have built programs, clubs, and facilities around young athletes to help them fulfill their potential. McCall is no exception, and a recent partnership between Tamarack Resort and the McCall Winter Sports Club (MWSC) is a landmark opportunity for the competitive youth skiing community throughout Idaho’s west central mountains.
ASBA Announces Industry Award Winners — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Forest Hill, Md.—The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for design professionals, builders, and suppliers of materials and equipment for athletic facilities, has announced the winners of its industry awards of recognition. The presentation of awards took place at the close of ASBA’s Technical Meeting, which was held in Palm Desert, Calif.
Backcountry Dad: Getting Lost … Again — McCall Life
Backcountry DadVideosLivin' The McCall LifeFeatures By Mr. Rodney Something felt wrong. As we biked down Mount Tamalpais (Mount Tam) in Marin County, Calif., I had a weird feeling in my stomach—we were headed the wrong way. As we rode through the third dark tunnel of redwoods, I finally stopped and hollered at the crew. “Does anybody remember these dark tunnels from the ride up?” “No,” everybody said in near unison. “I think we took a wrong turn.
Winter 2022 - McCall Life
Not a Subscriber? McCall Life is a celebration of living life out-loud—spending time outdoors, building friendships and relationships, and contributing to our wonderful community. If you’d like your copy delivered for FREE four times a year, take a moment to subscribe. Publisher’s Note Welcome to Winter Our headlights swept around the corner, illuminating the houses on our street on the early morning run to school.
Sports Field Management Association Names Laura Simmons New CEO — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Lawrence, Kan.—Sports Field Management Association (SFMA)—the non-profit, professional association for the 2,700 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide—has appointed Laura Simmons as CEO, a role where she will lead the association’s growth initiatives and execute its strategic plan. After reviewing hundreds of applicants and conducting numerous rounds of interviews, the SFMA Board of Directors concluded Simmons was the right candidate to lead the organization into the future.
ASBA Honors Distinguished Sports Facilities — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Forest Hill, MD—The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities, has announced the winners of its annual awards. Awards are presented each year to facilities built by ASBA members, which best exemplify construction excellence. Awards are presented in various categories: Tennis Courts, Running Tracks, Sports Fields, Pickleball Facilities, and Track & Field Facilities.
Backcountry Dad: On Belay — McCall Life
Both my 15-year-old daughters passed driver’s ed. All that stood in the way of an actual, honest-to-goodness driver’s license was 50 hours of daytime and 10 hours of nighttime driving all conveniently tracked in an app—which meant no cheating or rounding up. Dang. I wasn’t looking forward to 120 hours of driving nor was I looking forward to those moments when, having been almost killed by my teenage driver, I had to hold my temper as she told me to “Chill out.” She had it under control.
Platinum TE Paspalum Expands Abroad — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Novogreen, headquartered in Seville, Spain, recently added Platinum TE to its Toledo farm with plans to expand to its other farm location in Tarragona. Novogreen has nearly 20 years of experience in sod production and sports installation supplying quality turfgrass to golf courses, sports fields, parks, and other landscaping projects. They are members of the European Turfgrass Producers and Turf Producers International.
Backcountry Dad: Opening Day — McCall Life
The beeping of a backing snowplow woke me at 5 a.m. I rolled over, looked at my clock to confirm the time, smiled, and went back to sleep. Seconds later, my eyes opened again, and my brain yelled, “wait a minute! It’s only November 8. It can’t be ‘pow’ day, can it?” Fully awake, I got out of bed, went to the window, and pulled back the curtain. Sure enough, it was snowing, and the flashing yellow lights of the snowplow briefly brightened the room as it passed our house.
Submit Your Photos for the National Recreation Trail Photo Contest — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Submit your photos that highlight the diversity of the National Recreation Trails and make more Americans familiar with these great trails American Trails sponsors the annual contest for photographs of designated National Recreation Trails (NRT) across the country. Our annual contest provides awards in several categories and shows off entries (and previous winners) on the NRT website. The deadline is Dec. 15 of each year.
Residential, Commercial Projects Win Awards — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Three projects that used Pine Hall Brick clay pavers won awards at the annual Hardscape North America trade show Projects that used Pine Hall Brick pavers took top honors in three categories in the recent Hardscape North America Awards competition. The winning projects that used Pine Hall Brick clay pavers were in the categories for both residential and permeable construction, along with the vintage category, which honors projects that were built years ago.
ECHO Incorporated Celebrates 50th Anniversary — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
The company revolutionized lawn and garden care with the invention of the world’s first backpack blower (1975) and handheld blower (1978) ECHO Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of high-performance outdoor power equipment for commercial and homeowner use, celebrates its 50th anniversary in November 2022. Known for its innovation in outdoor power equipment for landscapers, ECHO is also the largest employer in Lake Zurich and a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Backcountry Dad: Loon Lake Recon — McCall Life
Backcountry DadFeaturesVideos I looked at my summer bucket list and one item remained—ride the Loon Lake Loop. We had one, possibly two, days of good weather remaining before a big cold front moved in, so I decided it was now or never. I called Doug and, as usual, he wasn’t doing anything productive. He agreed to join me. Neither one of us had ever ridden the loop before, so I jumped online, downloaded a GPX file, loaded it into Fat Map and we were good to go.
Backcountry Dad: Fall Fishing — McCall Life
It had been one of those weeks—too much work and too little play. So when Doug called and invited me to meet him and his crew for a little fly fishing on the North Fork of the Clearwater, I was excited. “Where should I meet you guys and when?” I asked him. “8 a.m. at the gas station just across the bridge in Orofino,” said Doug. I hung up and told my wife I was going to play hooky on Saturday and do a little fishing.
2022 Taking Root Scholarships Awarded — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Woburn, Mass.—Arborjet, a leader in tree and plant health care is pleased to announce that it has awarded the 2022 Taking Root Scholarships. Now in its ninth consecutive year, the program offers up to $10,000 in scholarship to students who plan to pursue full-time studies in forestry, plant sciences, horticulture, landscape architecture, entomology or a related major at an accredited two- or four-year college.
Redefining Success — McCall Life
Backcountry DadFeaturesVideos The text pinged in: “Rod—just bought tickets for me and John. We’ll be joining you and Dad in Wyoming. Thanks for the invite!” I paused, happy my brother and godson could join us, but also wondering if the fly-fishing trip I’d been planning for two years with my dad was turning into a different type of trip. It had been a struggle to get to this point.
10 National Parks Where You’ve Made A Difference — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
The idea of national parks is well over a hundred years old, but that doesn’t mean our parks are stuck in the past. It’s been the work of every subsequent generation to expand the boundaries—and the meaning—of the national parks, and to challenge our shared understanding of what stories and places we choose to preserve.
Factotum-Trailer - McCall Life
A Film by Lucas Gibbons Media By Rodney J. Auth I leaned back in my father-in-law’s patio chair, popped open a cold Dortmunder Gold and let the Ohio sunshine warm my face. I was visiting in-laws for the Fourth of July holiday and had just hired Lucas Gibbons to produce our first-ever McCall Life town edit. As I sipped and rocked, my mind wandered around, not thinking of anything in particular, just enjoying the peace that comes with having a clean to-do list. Twenty minutes later, my phone pinged.
Hearts of STIHL Winners Split $120,000 in Grants from STIHL Inc. — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Virginia Beach, Va.—STIHL Inc. recently announced the winners of the 2022 Hearts of STIHL program, an initiative to care for the environment through the preservation of our nation’s state parks. The 2022 Hearts of STIHL winners, representing the nation’s six state park regions, have each been awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund sustainability, recovery, conservation or environmental education programs.
Water Consumption Statistics — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Where is the Future Headed? Safe and easily accessible water is vital for the entire population, whether for drinking, domestic use, and agricultural production. Even while public awareness of water usage has increased in recent years, much more can be done in this area. As the world’s population rises, so does the water demand, resulting in an unavoidable problem: water shortage.
The 2022 Town Edit Trailer — McCall Life
By Rodney Auth My email pinged, drawing my attention away from yet another spreadsheet. When I clicked on the message, I was happy for the ping. Inside was the latest submission from one of you. I immediately followed the link to watch the video and found a little slice of pure joy. The clip, like so many before it, featured a young skier having the time of her life—hucking off cliffs, sliding through powder, and hooting and hollering all the way down the mountain.
Backcountry Dad: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie… — McCall Life
When you move away from family and friends because of a job change, everybody understands. They wish you well. Help you move. And, generally, are supportive. When you move away from those same folks because you want a change of scenery, they aren’t so understanding. Some folks get angry. Some folks feel threatened. Some folks are jealous. When we made the move to McCall, we were in the second category—and experienced some, uh, resistance to the idea from our loved ones.
292 Design Group Merges with JLG Architects — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
Minneapolis Minn.—JLG Architects recently announced a merger between its firm and the Minneapolis-based 292 Design Group, a hockey and sports-focused architecture firm with strong ties to elite athletic programs and NHL programs across the country. “This is a bold step forward for our ice clients—reinforcing the strength of our Sport Studio and putting us in a prime position to be the world’s undisputed ice hockey design experts,” says JLG’s CEO, Michelle Mongeon Allen.
Advance Financial Foundation Contributes $10K To Nashville Programs — Camp Business
Dallas, Texas—Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, the leading provider of outdoor skill, safety and conservation curriculum to schools nationwide, will receive $10,000 from Advance Financial Foundation to implement OTF’s Outdoor Adventures program in middle and high schools in Nashville. This is the Foundation’s second $10,000 gift in support of the OA program in Nashville, Tenn. The first gift helped start the program in 10 schools, and OTF has a similar 10-school goal for the current donation.
Backcountry Dad: The Bear Basin Project — McCall Life
Backcountry DadFeaturesVideos I grabbed my beloved Scott Spark off the tailgate and prepared to chase Snickers around Bear Basin for a while. It was my favorite part of the day—early evening, the transition period between work and dinner—and the perfect time for a ride. As I started toward the trailhead, I found myself talking to Snickers—he’s a great listener.
RJ Thomas Announces Retirements — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
RJ Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc. wishes to extend best wishes to Paula Smith and to Bob Simonsen, both of whom will be retiring in September. “We’ve been very fortunate to have both Paula and Bob as members of the RJ Thomas Family for so many years,” officials write. “Together they will be taking over 65 years of combined experience with them.” Smith has been with the company full-time since 1984, and worked part-time prior to that.
Backcountry Dad: Floating 101 — McCall Life
“You want to float?” my wife asked. “Uh, I don’t think so,” I replied. She smiled, grabbed her float, and headed down to the lake for some quality “me time.” I went back to tinkering around in the garage. A few minutes later, one of my daughters walked out. “You want to float?” “Uh, no thanks.” She smiled, grabbed her float, and headed down to join mom on the water.
Care, Wear, And Share Your Gold Shoelaces For Solving Kids’ Cancer — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
The Lace Up For Kids campaign will run during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September New York, N.Y.—Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) will hold its annual Lace Up For Kids campaign to bring attention and raise funds during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. What began as an effort to raise awareness is now positioned as a way to raise funds for the organization.
Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority Selects Globally Renowned Design Firm Perkins&Will to Reimagine Huizenga Park — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
“We are beyond excited to partner with Perkins&Will to reimagine Huizenga Park, which has been Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s main outdoor open space for the past several decades since the DDA first built it,” said Jenni Morejon, president and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA. “High quality urban parks are essential infrastructure for vibrant, growing cities like Fort Lauderdale and these spaces require sustained investment to evolve with the community.
Backcountry Dad: Three Is A Magic Number — McCall Life
Backcountry DadFeaturesVideos My friends think I’m weird. Or more precisely, they think I have some weird ideas. One of them is the power of the number three. I was first introduced to the concept via a Schoolhouse Rock jingle (above) as a young boy on Saturday-morning cartoons. When I went to journalism school years later, I was taught to always, Always, ALWAYS, present information I wanted readers to remember in a series of three. Not one. Not four. Three. See what I did there? It works.
August at Gallery 55 — McCall Life
Suzanne DeSoleil (of the Sun in French) is the Gallery 55 guest for sunny August. Her luscious color palette shines beautifully in her figurative and landscape paintings. Suzanne is an art educator, painter and ceramicist from Boise. Her work has been shown internationally and in museum exhibitions. The gallery also has two new members, painters Mary Arnold and Sonia Helfer. Mary’s colorful landscapes and animal portraits are well-known and appreciated in the Boise area.
Penn State Extension Offers New Online Skills Courses — Parks & Rec Business (PRB)
University Park, Penn.—Penn State Extension recently launched two new online landscape skills courses: “Plant Identification and Usage: Plants for Green Infrastructure” and “Plant Identification and Usage: Annuals and Biennials.” Along with appealing to garden enthusiasts, these courses are ideal for green industry professionals, including landscape contractors, landscape maintenance professionals, and horticulturists.
Backcountry Dad: Dirt Roads — McCall Life
By Mr. Rodney Snicks yanked his head back in the window as brush slapped the side of the car. He turned and looked at me with disapproving eyes. “Hey, it wasn’t my fault,” I said. “The road is narrow. Pay attention.” He returned to the window and began snapping at flies and bees as they wafted by the car. He was in heaven. To be honest, so was I.
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