Williamsburg, Virginia, offers more than 400 years of history as the venue for ANPR's 34th annual professional conference and Ranger Rendezvous set for Oct. 10-14.

Planning organizers have set a theme of "Making Sure Parks Matter."

The Crowne Plaza Wiliamsburg at Fort Magruder is the conference headquarters. The conference room rate is $89 plus tax for single/double standard guest room, from three days before until three days after the conference closing date. Current room tax rate is 10 percent. Our room block is being held until Sept. 9. After that date rooms will be on a space-available basis at the conference rate. Our room block will fill quickly so please make your reservations now. If need to cancel your reservation it can be done 72 hours prior to the first night's occupancy without penalty. Make reservations by calling 757-220-2250 and give the reservation desk the conference group name: Ranger Rendezvous 2011 Block.

The closest airports are Williamsburg/Newport News, 20 miles away; Norfolk, 45 miles; Richmond, 45 miles; and Dulles, west of Washington, D.C., 150 miles.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. A special keynote speaker will be Kitty Wilson-Evans, a retired kindergarten teacher who helps tell the story of slavery. (Photo by Aaron Morrison, The Lancaster News) See www.kessiestales.com

Training opportunities available
Understanding the National Park Service through Resource Law and Policy
Oct. 10, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what the mission of the National Park Service really means, or why the NPS has so many rules and regulations in support of that mission? Understanding NPS resource stewardship laws and policies are foundational to anyone seeking or already in a career with the service. Join retired chief ranger Scot McElveen and former APNR president in this informative workshop on what makes the NPS tick. While there is no fee for this workshop, preregistration is required through Rebecca Harriett, 304-535-6224 or rebecca_harriett@nps.gov by Sept. 30.

Interpreting Critical Issues: The American Civil War
Oct. 10, 2011, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over the next four years the National Park Service will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. This horrific national event has passed, but its lingering effects have not, and it challenges interpreters to balance its many compelling stories. This workshop will help interpreters gain skills in understanding the American Civil War in the full context of history. Participants will learn strategies on how to use controversial perspectives to their advantage when making these events relevant to today's generations. Join the Mather Training Center Interpretive team as they facilitate the workshop. There is no fee for this workshop, but preregistration is required through Rebecca Harriett, 304-535-6224 or rebecca_harriett@nps.gov by Sept. 30.

Using Oral History to Preserve and Protect NPS Heritage Oct. 11, 2011, 8 - 11 a.m. This workshop introduces oral history methods and provides hands-on training. Topics include planning an oral history project; legal and ethical issues that relate to oral history; digital audio recording technologies; planning for and conducting in-depth oral history interviews; preserving and managing oral history collections; and processing interviews. Participants will practice skills by conducting short interviews with fellow students. Workshop will be conducted by Lu Ann Jones and Alison Steiner. Lu Ann Jones is staff historian in the Park History Program, WASO. Alison Steiner has been a wilderness ranger/oral historian at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and is a member of the ANPR board. There is no fee for this workshop, but preregistration is required through Rebecca Harriett, 304-535-6224 or rebecca_harriett@nps.gov by Sept. 30.

Community service project at Colonial National Historical Park, noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13
Bring outdoor work clothes, raingear and gloves. Transportation provided. Let's get out and demonstrate our commitment to the national parks and the community. We will help clean headstones at the national cemetery. A box lunch will be provided at a charge of $10 per person. There'll be no time to get your own lunch so please include payment for lunch with your registration fees.

Newcomers Welcome: A special continental breakfast with the board will be held for "newcomers," those attending their first Rendezvous, on Wednesday morning, Oct. 12.

Raffle Prizes and Auction Items: Daily raffles and silent auctions are planned, so be sure to bring items to donate. If you can't attend, mail your raffle items to John Short. Contact him at bunkyjae@yahoo.com for the shipping address.

Tradeshow and Receptions: Numerous exhibitors are expected to display products, equipment and services of interest to NPS employees. The Exhibit Hall will be open on Monday afternoon Oct. 10, and will close after the morning break on Wednesday, Oct. 12. A reception hosted by VF Imagewear is planned on Tuesday evening. If you know of a potential exhibitor or donor, please contact Kendell Thompson at 703-927-1029 or kendellthompson@gmail.com.

Additional Activities
Monday evening, Oct. 10 - Meet and greet reception at hotel sponsored by ANPR
Tuesday evening, Oct. 11 - Exhibitor reception sponsored by VF Imagewear with exhibitor raffle
Thursday evening, Oct. 13 - Harpers Ferry Film Night

Photography contest
ANPR once again will sponsor the popular photo contest for members. Display your best park-related photos (those with park employees or scenes) at this annual activity. Rendezvous attendees will vote on their favorite shots to determine the winners. The top three winners will receive recognition at the Rendezvous and have their photos published in Ranger magazine. You may enter up to two unframed images, no larger than 8 by 10 inches, of national or international park sites.

To enter, bring your prints (no slides) - color or black and white - to the Rendezvous for display. Also allowed are paper prints of digital images. Selected photos may be used in Ranger. You don't need to be present to win. If you can't attend, you may send your images to Liz Roberts, P.O. Box 163 Mineral, CA 96063, to arrive no later than Oct. 6, or you may ship them directly to the hotel in Williamsburg. Address the package to:
Crowne Plaza Williamsburg
Attn: (your name) & ANPR Ranger Rendezvous
6945 Pocahontas Trail
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Contact Roberts with questions: lizandclair@att.net.

In the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg, open daily, you are welcome to participate in day and evening programs, and visit sites and learn firsthand about more than 20 historic trades. The area also includes the reconstruction of an 18th-century coffeehouse and Revolutionary City-themed programs.

Williamsburg is a major tourist destination and includes attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Restaurants, shopping and diverse entertainment are near the Rendezvous headquarters. Colonial National Historical Park, which consists of the Jamestown site and the Yorktown sites connected by the Colonial Parkway, is easily accessible.

For more information about the Williamsburg area, visit the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance at www.visitwilliamsburg.com to begin planning your trip.

Please join other ANPR members for this important gathering and a major, annual fundraiser for the organization. We hope to see you there!