Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services entered a new era of communication on March 2nd with the launch of the ‘Rec ‘n Roll’ marketing campaign, which includes a new monthly electronic newsletter, a Facebook page, and new branding.

Here’s what the good Parksfolk had to say about it:

Intended to streamline communication with the public, cut costs of disseminating information and brand up department marketing, ‘Rec ‘n Roll’ is an exciting new look for a department that continues to roll along despite city budget cuts. Campaign goals also include cultivating new captive audiences to boost program participation – come share in the fun as we roll into a new era!

Along with the new marketing campaign, the department is implementing new ideas to add to the quality of life and healthy play opportunities for our region. New opportunities will include a free Zumba kick off event -a free introductory course – Monday, March 8th at 6pm at the Field House and a new summer baseball camp featuring instruction by Milwaukee Brewers NW Regional Scouting Supervisor Brandon Newell and Mt. Rainier High School Varsity baseball coach Darren Rawie. Campers ages 7-15 will learn America’s Pastime from some of the best baseball minds in the region from July 25th-28th. Parents-watch for a new look to summer camp KHAOS, too!

To roll with Des Moines Parks, Recreation & Senior Services, sign up to receive your ‘Rec ‘n Roll’ newsletter by emailing recreation@desmoineswa.gov with the subject ‘Rec ‘n Roll.’ Include your first & last name and an email address in the body and we’ll add you to the distribution list.

Facebook users – click here to become a Fan, and suggest it to your friends. Help us spread the word that in Des Moines, Rec ‘n Roll is here to stay!

We tip our collective internet social networking marketing caps to DM Parks & Rec; here’s a screenshot of the e-newsletter:

Jeff Ward

Highline Community College Business instructor Jeff Ward has earned a statewide honor for his leadership and achievements in “eLearning,” also known as electronic learning.

No, it’s not for teaching people about electronics, it’s for helping teach classes online.

Ward, of Lake Forest Park, provides one-on-one support to faculty and encourages them to explore and expand their use of technology in the classroom as Highline’s Faculty in Residence for Technology and Distance Learning.

“With online learning we have erased geographical boundaries. I can have students in class from all over the world, and their different experiences and backgrounds enrich discussions and give topics a more global perspective,” Ward said. “Alternative delivery of classes such as online and hybrid courses are better able to meet the diverse needs of our students – working parents, returning students, full-time workers, etc.”

The Leadership & Innovation in eLearning Award from the eLearning Council of Washington’s community and technical college system recognizes up to two individuals annually for achievements in electronic learning.   The honor comes with a $200 cash award and a grant for all-expenses paid trip to participate in the spring Pacific Northwest Higher Education Assessment, Teaching & Learning conference from April 28-30 in Vancouver, WA.

For more information on the Washington State eLearning Council, visit www.sbctc.edu/college/e_elearning.aspx.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 18,300 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes. Alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida, Washington state poet laureate Sam Green and Scott Schaefer, Publisher/Editor of this here blog and three-time National Emmy winning Writer for “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”