The Morning Report for Friday, December 05, 2008

INCIDENTS

Editor's Desk
No Reports Today

No new incident reports have been received.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

December 8 — December 12

EMT-B Refresher Training, Mansfield, OH. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

December 8 — December 12

EMT-B Refresher Training, Tulsa, OK. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

December 10

Commercial Services Program Monthly Chat: WASO Commercial Services Program Chat with the Program Chief, 3 p.m. EST. An hour-long workshop is held each month on a commercial services topic. The call-in number is 888-455-0749, and the pass code is 9999. Questions or suggestions on these sessions should be directed to Doug Hawthorne (303-987-6908).

December 11

Law Enforcement Refresher TEL broadcast, 12:30-3:30pmET. This course will cover a variety of topics dealing with law enforcement. Each session will have a different topic. Because of changing schedules and availability of instructors, check the NPS Law Enforcement Training Center website for the topics to be covered during each session. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-LAW2010. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5080 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

December 15 — January 5 and 12

National Registry EMT Refresher, Headquarters, Upper Delaware S&RR, Beach Lake, PA. This course will provide white-carded EMT's and First Repsonders with the 24 hours of required continuing education credits needed for recertification. This course is Pennsylvania Department of Health recognized and all credits earned will be accepted toward your state EMT requirements. Classes will be from 8 a.m. to about 4 p.m. No tuition. Please bring your state EMT/ First Responder number and your National Registry number. Please register by December 12th. Contact Larry Neal at 570-729-7862 or Vince Pareago at 845-557-0222.

December 15 — December 19

EMT-B Refresher Training, Oklahoma City, OK. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

December 15 — December 19

EMT-B Refresher Training, McGhee Tyson Airbase, TN. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

December 17

Retirement Planning for New Employees TEL broadcast, 1:00-3:00pmET. This training is designed to enable employees who are just beginning their careers to plan prudently for their retirement. An expert in Federal benefits and a financial planner are the presenters. Discussion includes the importance of planning for retirement from the beginning of a career, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options, and pitfalls to avoid when investing for retirement. This course is most appropriate for employees enrolled in FERS. This course is part of NPS Fundamentals III: Taking Charge of Your Future. The online course "Retirement Planning" in NPS Fundamentals III should, ideally, be completed before participating in the TEL course. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-UNC6300. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

December 18

Bloodborne Pathogens: Breaking the Chain of Infection TEL broadcast, 1:00-4:00 pm ET. This workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly implement an exposure control program that will protect employees form bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. This course is designed for supervisors, safety officers, collateral duty safety officers, school principals, school superintendents, residential life dormitory managers and education line officers who are responsible for implementing a bloodborne pathogens exposure control program. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is DOIU/NIPTC-2008-1218. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

January 5 — January 9

Command and General Staff Functions for Local Incident Management Teams (N-337/I-300 and I-400), National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. This 45+ hour course offers incident command system training to Department of the Interior employees who may serve in command and general staff positions on local incident management teams involving a significant number of local and/or mutual aid resources. For more information, contact Lisa Beverly in DOI (202-208-5673 or Lisa_a_beverly@ios.doi.gov).

January 5 — January 9

EMT-B Refresher Training, Charlotte, NC. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

January 5 — January 9

EMT-B Refresher Training, Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, MS. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

January 7

Legal Update TEL broadcast, 12:30-4:30pmET. These sessions feature updates on current legal issues from recent court decisions affecting commissioned employees as well as reviews of legal standards affecting law enforcement. The course is presented multiple times through the year, with different instructors and topics depending on instructor availability and scheduling. Details for a specific broadcast can be found on the NPS Law Enforcement Training Center website. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-LAW2000. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

January 11 — February 7

Park Medic Training, Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno, CA. This course is designed to refresh students' knowledge of basic life support and to provide instruction in advanced life support and pre-hospital care. Patient care in the remote setting will be emphasized. The course will be taught in three sections: classroom (didactic), clinical (hospital), and field internship (pre-hospital). The tuition is $1,700 per student if paid before December 1st; $2000 if paid after December 1st. There is a $300 non-refundable deposit. Food and lodging are not covered by tuition. Nominees must complete and submit a Standard Form 182 (10 Part) to their training offices. Application and payment information can be obtained by calling Donna Armijo, UCSF Building, at (559) 499-6440. Application and non-refundable deposit must be received no later than December 10th. For further info, contact Dean Ross, Branch Chief, Emergency Services, National Park Service, 1201 Eye Street, #2460, Washington, DC 20005 (Dean_Ross@nps.gov, 202-513-7093)

January 12 — January 16

EMT-B Refresher Training, Houston, TX. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

January 13

January 14 — January 16

Search Management Systems, Federal Building, Harrison, AR. Search management systems (SMS) is a 24-hour classroom-based course presenting integrated, practical, and field-proven techniques and tools for responding to missing person incidents. Among other things, SMS focuses on the key, essential components of all search incidents; is ICS-base; approaches search from the perspective of "missing" rather than "lost", thus considering other possibilities such as crime, fraud and simply overdue; is organized and presented in a logical, integrated, and sequential process, reflecting actual incident evolution; builds team performance among participants and emphasizes the importance of teamwork on actual incidents; and is taught by an instructor with extensive search experience and proven teaching skills. The target audience includes SAR team members, park rangers, land management law enforcement officers, deputies, rural fire and emergency services personnel, leaders of outdoor adventure groups, and others responsible for initiating, implementing, or assisting with searches. In short, anyone concerned with what to do when faced with a missing person report. No tuition. For more information and/or to register, contact Lee Buschkowsky, Upper District Ranger at Buffalo NR, at 870-446-5145 or send him an email at lee_buschkowsky@nps.gov .

January 16

NPS Facility Manager Leaders Program. January 16th is the deadline for applications for this program, which runs from May 4, 2009, through April 16, 2010. The objective is to develop facility managers to lead the NPS in the careful stewardship and protection of its assets. The curriculum is designed to develop and strengthen the knowledge and competencies of the selected NPS employees through a year-long education and training program that proactively builds capabilities in asset management, operations and maintenance, project management, resource stewardship, business management and supervision and leadership. No tuition. Travel and per diem to be paid by either a WASO or a regional account, to be determined after selection to the program. This is a competency-based training opportunity, it is not an intake program. The candidates selected for this program will be enrolled in a year-long study program involving 20 to 28 weeks of study, classes and activities. The required attendance dates are: May 4-8, 2009; October 19-30, 2009; and April 12-16, 2010. Candidates will be notified of acceptance or non-selection by March 2nd. Apply on DOI Learn, where a URL for completing the on-line application will be provided. The class identifier is NPS-2009-0504-GRSM-FMLP. The course is NPS-MNT5000. Applicants will be put on a waiting list (Closed roster) until they are officially selected for the class. The course coordinator is Betsy Dodson, Park Facility Management Division, WASO (843-856-3531).

January 18 — January 25

Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Townsend, TN. This wilderness first responder course will be led by instructors from Roane State Community College. Meals and dorm accommodations are included in the fee. The schedule will be a full one with instruction beginning each morning at 6 am and ending each evening at 8 pm. The curriculum will meet Tennessee and NREMT requirements for First Responder while focusing on the special situations that may develop in the wilderness. Participants will be eligible for national registry and the Tennessee state testing upon completion of the program. Cost is $820; $574 for NPS employees. Visit http://www.gsmit.org/programs/adult/firstresponder.html for more information or contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261, bob_wightman@nps.gov.

January 19 — January 23

EMT-B Refresher Training, Channel Islands, CA. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

January 19 — January 23

EMT-B Refresher Training, Milwaukee, WI. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

January 26 — January 30

EMT-B Refresher Training, Willow Grove, PA. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

January 26 — February 6

Use of Force Instructor Training (UOFITP-901), FLETC, Artesia, NM. The deadline for applications is December 8th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

January 26 — February 6

Use of Force Instructor Training (UOFITP-902), FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is December 8th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

January 27 — February 5

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Director Bomar urges each supervisor "to make Fundamentals a priority for all of their new permanent employees." Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at 928-638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov.

February 2 — February 6

COR/COTR Refresher, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. The course will consist of 40 credit hours for current COR/COTR representatives. This training is designed to provide the experienced COR/COTR with a more comprehensive understanding of changes in legislation, regulations and policy, enabling students to better deal with issues encountered in the contract administration process. A training certificate will be issued. Based on an anticipated class size of 30, the cost per person will be about $425. The cost will be pro-rated based on the number of participants. Lodging is available at the Park Vista Hotel (865-436-9211), the Riverhouse at the Park (865-436-2070), and Glenstone Lodge (865-436-9361). Additional lodging is available in the town of Gatlinburg, TN. For a nomination form, please click on the following link: http://www.grsm.nps.gov/offices/training/COTR%20refresher%20nomination%202009.doc. For a copy of the full training announcement or additional information, please contact Nancy Reagan at 865-436-1309 or nancy_l_reagan@nps.gov

February 2 — February 6

EMT-B Refresher Training, Newburgh, NY. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

February 2 — February 13

Firearms Instructor Training, Cheltenham, MD. Closes on December 18th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

February 3

Retirement Planning for New Employees TEL broadcast, 1:00-3:00pmET. This training is designed to enable employees who are just beginning their careers to plan prudently for their retirement. An expert in Federal benefits and a financial planner are the presenters. Discussion includes the importance of planning for retirement from the beginning of a career, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options, and pitfalls to avoid when investing for retirement. This course is most appropriate for employees enrolled in FERS. This course is part of NPS Fundamentals III: Taking Charge of Your Future. The online course "Retirement Planning" in NPS Fundamentals III should, ideally, be completed before participating in the TEL course. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-UNC6300. Check the TEL website for additional satellite opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

February 3 — February 5

Advanced Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training, Lake Mead NRA, Boulder City, NV. The deadline for applications is December 18th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

February 6 — February 8

Wilderness First Responder Refresher, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Townsend, TN. If you have taken wilderness first responder in the past and are due for a renewal, this program will satisfy NREMT renewal requirement This program will also serve as an excellent review of wilderness medical information and skills. The enrollment is limited for this special program but do not hesitate to inquire if you have any interest. .Program lasts from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, meals and lodging included. Cost is $375; $300 for NPS employees. Visit http://www.gsmit.org/programs/adult/firstresponder.html for more information or contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261, bob_wightman@nps.gov.

February 9 — February 20

Law Enforcement Fitness Coordinator Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on December 19th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

February 9 — February 11

Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Patrol Interdiction Training, Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD. This course will train patrol officers on the newest trends in narcotic investigations and will increase their awareness of possible criminal activity during routine patrol and traffic stop encounters. This course will provide the information and practical techniques that will assist officers in drug-related cases from inception to the courtroom. The course is three days (24 hours) long. For information or registration, contact park ranger Dave Dunaj at 301-416-0100 or email to david_dunaj@nps.gov. Tuition is free, travel is benefiting account. Bunkhouse style lodging may be available. For additional info, go to www.mctft.com

February 9 — February 27

EMT-B Training, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, MI. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

February 10 — February 12

NPS Structural Firefighter Live Fire Recertification Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This 24-hour live fire based course satisfies the refresher requirements for NPS structural firefighters as outlined in Section 14 of Reference Manual 58, NPS Structural Fire Management. The course is designed to refresh previously certified NPS structural firefighting personnel with varied live fire scenarios with special emphasis on engine company response. NPS live fire qualified instructors direct the training in compliance with NFPA 1403 and OSHA requirements. The closing date is January 16th.

February 10 — February 20

February 18

Legal Update TEL broadcast, 12:30-4:30 pm ET. These sessions feature updates on current legal issues from recent court decisions affecting commissioned employees as well as reviews of legal standards affecting law enforcement. The course is presented multiple times through the year, with different instructors and topics depending on instructor availability and scheduling. Details for a specific broadcast can be found on the NPS Law Enforcement Training Center website. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-LAW2000. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov .

February 20

Law Enforcement Refresher TEL broadcast, 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET. This course will cover a variety of topics dealing with law enforcement. Each session will have a different topic. Because of changing schedules and availability of instructors, check the NPS Law Enforcement Training Center website for the topics to be covered during each session. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-LAW2010. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

February 23 — February 27

Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, NCTC, Shepherdstown, WV. This training course covers all aspects of special park uses from First Amendment issues to commercial filming and still photography to wireless telecommunication sites. Temporary food services and other health and safety issues related to special park uses will also be discussed. DO-53/RM-53 is covered in depth, as well as 36 CFR and NPS Management Policies 2006. A draft agenda is posted on the special park uses page at http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=185&lv=3 . For more information, contact Lee Dickinson, special park uses program manager, WASO, at 202-513-7092.

February 23 — February 27

EMT-B Refresher Training, McGhee Tyson Airbase, TN. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

February 23 — March 6

Driver Instructor Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on January 5th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

February 24 — February 27

Park Planning Course, Joshua Tree NP, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. The course, led by NPS planners with extensive planning, public involvement and environmental compliance experience, will explore in greater depth and intensity the key planning concepts introduced in the web-based training modules on DOI Learn and the importance of a logical and trackable decision process. To register in DOI-Learn, click on http://doilearn.doi.gov. After logging in, select Course Catalog, then Catalog. Search for "Park Planning," then scroll down past the 7 on-line modules to the instructor-led training course. Select the session you want. Click on the course title and begin registration. Travel & per diem are required fields — enter your best estimates; if local, enter 0. Materials — enter 0. Click on Preview Schedule, then click on Apply. For specific questions regarding the content of this course, please get in touch with Jan Harris, Branch Chief, Planning Division, Denver Service Center, Denver-Lakewood, CO 80228 (303-969-2435, Jan_Harris@nps.gov).

February 24 — March 13

LE Control Tactics Instructor Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on January 5th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

March 2 — March 6

Interdisciplinary Resource Protection and Law, Charleston, SC. This course provides interdisciplinary employees with a solid understanding of the resource mission of the NPS and the primary laws, legal authorities, case law interpretation, and policies used to protect park resources. Participants will also receive instruction in the functions and roles that contribute to effective interdisciplinary group work and practice these skills through resource protection case studies. Training focuses on the ability of the employee to recognize a diversity of natural and cultural resources existing throughout the national park system and the types of threats and vulnerabilities associated with these resources. Participants utilize the legal basis (including compliance) for resource protection and develop skills and strategies to respond and take action to prevent resource injuries through effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will be required to complete pre- and post course work to receive full credit for the course. Part of the post-course work will include developing an outline of a response plan for a resource injury. CEU's will be available if desired by the participant. This forty-hour interdisciplinary course, formerly titled "Resource Stewardship for Protection Rangers," is the second course in the resource stewardship and protection curriculum, developed with support from the Natural Resource Challenge. For a description of the curriculum and full course announcement go t http://www.nps.gov/training/nrs/nrshome.htm. Interested participants need to apply in DOI Learn (https://doilearn.doi.gov); to locate class, in search box type "Resource Protection." Last day to register is January 16th. For further information contact Jeri Hall, Horace Albright Training Center at 928-638-7927 or Sue Benson at 928-638-7982.

March 2 — March 7

EMT-B Refresher Training, McGhee Tyson Airbase, TN. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

March 3 — March 12

March 5 — March 6

ParkMedic (aka ALS) refresher, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN. This course will provide 12 hours of ParkMedic (EMT-I) CEUs. Instruction is provided by Roane State Community College. Attendance at both this and the following EMT-B 24-hr refresher (March 10-12) will count as a NREMT 36 hr EMT-I refresher. Cost is $75. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436- 1261, bob_wightman@nps.gov.

March 9 — March 13

EMT-B Refresher Training, McGhee Tyson Airbase, TN. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

March 10 — March 12

EMT-B Refresher, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN. This course will meet NREMT requirements for a 24-hr EMT-B refresher. Instruction is provided by Roane State Community College. Cost is $75. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261, bob_wightman@nps.gov.

March 16 — March 20

Human Resource Specialist (S-340), Arizona Wildfire Academy, Prescott, AZ. This course is designed to equip an individual with the technical skills and knowledge needed to fulfill the role of human resource specialist (HRSP) on emergency incidents. The primary purpose of HRSP is to assist the incident commander and team in maintaining a harmonious and professional environment by facilitating the resolution of a wide range of human resource issues. Read full announcement. Nomination deadline is January 19th. Contact Course Coordinator Tony Sciacca at 928.442.3563 or email at tsciacca@azwildireacademy.org .

March 16 — March 20

EMT-B Refresher Training, Topeka, KS. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

March 24 — April 2

May 1 — April 30, 2010

Facility Manager Leaders Program (FMLP) Mentors Program (MNT-1505). This year-long course requires attendance at three classroom sessions with instruction and practical application of supervision and leadership topics. The latest advances in facilities management will be reviewed, providing the mentors with sufficient knowledge to assist in their protégé's development. Instruction in writing skills and techniques of mentoring will be included. The program is also designed to assist with an individual's professional growth through the application of mentoring skills such as communication, lateral leadership, and critical analysis of written materials. Apply in DOI Learn and receive the link to the on-line mentor application. The deadline for applications is February 15th.

May 18 — May 22

Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, Midwest Regional Office, Omaha, NE. This training course covers all aspects of special park uses from First Amendment issues to commercial filming and still photography to wireless telecommunication sites. Temporary food services and other health and safety issues related to special park uses will also be discussed. DO-53/RM-53 is covered in depth, as well as 36 CFR and NPS Management Policies 2006. A draft agenda is posted on the special park uses page at http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=185&lv=3 . For more information, contact Lee Dickinson, special park uses program manager, WASO, at 202-513-7092.

Servicewide
Upcoming Events Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming events to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

December 5

Martin Van Buren Birthday Celebration, Martin Van Buren NHS, Kinderhook, NY. December 5th will be an important day of celebration for Martin Van Buren, eighth president of the United States. It will begin at 9:30 am with the observance of his 225th birthday at the Kinderhook Cemetery. Local officials and superintendent Dan Dattilio will lay wreaths at Van Buren's grave site. Over 200 students from the local Martin Van Buren Elementary School will attend and four students will read the "best" essays written about President Van Buren. A very special feature for this year's annual event will be the dedication of the Martin Van Buren Presidential $1 coin. The Presidential $1 Coin program was created to honor each of the nation's presidents in the order in which they served. Officials from the U.S. Mint will do a special presentation that will include giving one free $1 coin to all students at the event. To top off the day, that evening will be the annual winter celebration at Lindenwald, which will take place from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Visitors will follow a path lit by lanterns to a winterized tent where they can warm themselves with hot cider while socializing with friends. Then they will enjoy a special "candlelight" tour of Lindenwald especially adorned for the season. Reservations are required for the house tours, call (518) 758-9689.

December 9 — December 11

Designing the Parks Part II: The Present and Future of Park Planning and Design, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA. Building upon the highly successful "Designing the Parks Part 1: The History of Park Planning and Design," which was held in Charlottesville, Virginia, this past May, "Designing the Parks Part II" is now requesting participation and encouraging involvement from a diverse range of participants. The goal of the conference is to produce a set of draft planning and design principles for state, national, and other parks and reservations. To capture the widest range of ideas to support this effort, there are four opportunities to participate, only one of which requires on site attendance at the December workshop in San Francisco:

Attending the Designing the Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area — Space is limited and by request only: http://www.designingtheparks.com/workshops.html
Preparing a position paper or case study — Attendance in San Francisco is not required: http://www.designingtheparks.com/presentations.html
Submitting a reading list entry — Attendance in San Francisco is not required: http://www.designingtheparks.com/readinglist.html
Participating in the online forum — Attendance in San Francisco is not required: http://www.designingtheparks.com/forum.html

For more information, see the conference website at www.designingtheparks.com

December 10 — December 14

Ranger Rendezvous XXI, Association of National Park Rangers, Santa Fe, NM. This year's gathering will be at the historic La Fonda Hotel in the center of Santa Fe. Among the speakers will be Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva,(D-AZ) chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and Julie Dunfey, co-producer of the upcoming Ken Burns' documentary on the National Park Service, who will also show excerpts from the documentary. ANPR is also sponsoring two training courses in tandem with the Rendezvous — the first on situational leadership, the second an introduction to resource stewardship. See the "Training Calendar" elsewhere in this publication for details on both courses. For more information on the Rendezvous and a link to conference registration forms, go to http://www.anpr.org/santafe-rr.htm

February 11

Grand Reopening Ceremony, Ford's Theatre, Washington, DC. On the evening of February 11th, Ford's Theatre will host a special performance to officially reopen the theatre, which has just undergone an 18-month-long renovation. Filmmaker George Lucas will receive the Lincoln Medal in honor of his accomplishments, which exemplify the character and lasting legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

February 12

Lincoln Bicentennial Commemoration, Ford's Theatre, Washington, DC. On February 12th, Ford's Theatre will commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday with a series of public programs. The day will begin with a morning wreath-laying by National Park Service Rangers. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ford's Theatre will present an array of performances in Lincoln's honor. Area students will perform some of Lincoln's great speeches, and the Federal City Brass Band will play some of Lincoln's favorite music on Civil War-era instruments. National Park Service Rangers will offer interpretive programs commemorating Lincoln's presidency throughout the day. The theatre will be open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

February 11 — February 12

Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Hodgenville, KY. There will be two bicentennial events a the park. On Wednesday, February 11th, "With Malice Toward None," a new play sponsored by Hodgenville Lincoln Museum, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. by Kentucky Repertory Theatre of Horse Cave, Kentucky, at a location to be determined. On February 12th, there will be a bicentennial program at the park at 10 a.m., the annual Lincoln Days luncheon at the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Hodgenville at noon, and the dedication of the Boyhood Home Cabin at Knob Creek Farm at 2 p.m.

February 11 — February 15

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Programs, Lincoln Home NHS, Springfield, IL. Bicentennial events will include special living history and ranger programs from February 11th to February 15th; a family reading with Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein) and book signings by Lincoln children's book authors on February 12th; George L. Painter Lincoln Lectures by several Lincoln authors at the visitor center on February 13th; a "Lincoln and Leadership" workshop on the same day at a location to be determined; a discussion with Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr. re-enactors at the visitor center on the 13th; a continuation of that discussion at a location to be determined on the 14th; a concert with music from the Lincoln era at the visitor center on the 14th; and a biography of Lincoln in words and music, also at the visitor center on the 14th.

February 12

Grand Opening, David Wills House, Gettysburg NMP, Gettysburg, PA. In honor of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday on February 12th, the David Wills House in downtown Gettysburg will celebrate its grand ipening, offering visitors a world-class museum experience that tells the story of Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. David Wills' home was not just the center of Gettysburg -- it was the center of the immense clean-up process after the Battle of Gettysburg and where President Lincoln put the finishing touches on the Gettysburg Address. The speech transformed Gettysburg's community from a place of devastation to the symbol of our nation's new birth of freedom. The museum features seven galleries, including two rooms restored to their 1863 appearance: Wills' office as he received letters from families looking for loved ones after the battle and began planning for the cemetery and its dedication and the bedroom where Lincoln stayed and prepared to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Main Street Gettysburg will operate the museum as an official partner with the park. The property was added to the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park by Congress in October 2000 and is now in the final stages of a $ 7.2 million project to rehabilitate the building as a historic house museum.

February 12

Lincoln Day, Lincoln Boyhood NM, IN. Dr. James Madison, professor of history and director of Indiana University's liberal arts and management program, will be the featured speaker at the annual Lincoln Day program on Thursday, February 12th. The program will begin at 2:00 p.m. (CST) and will be held in the park's Abraham Lincoln Hall. The 2009 Lincoln Day program will mark the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and will include presentation of the colors by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, special music, and other ceremonial activities to honor the memory of Lincoln and his family. Following the indoor program, the traditional pilgrimage to the gravesite of Nancy Hanks Lincoln for a wreath laying ceremony will be held. All are invited to a reception in the Memorial Visitor Center at the conclusion of the program. The park entrance fee will be waived for this special event. For more information, please contact the park office at 812-937-4541.

April 30 — May 2

Employee and Alumni Reunion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In observance of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park is planning a year-long celebration in 2009 that will reflect on the evolution of the park and focus on its legacy for the next 75 years. Park staff are working with partners and neighboring communities to organize and coordinate activities and events surrounding this significant milestone. One of the major events will be a three-day Smokies employee and alumni reunion. The park is extending an invitation to all former employees and retirees to reconnect with the park during this time. The reunion is open to anyone who is currently working or has ever worked at the park — as a National Park Service employee, Great Smoky Mountains Association employee, partner, volunteer, CCC worker, or concessioner. Families of these individuals are also invited. This is a social opportunity for the NPS family to come back to renew acquaintances, share stories, and see the changes that have occurred over the years. For more information and to be placed on a list to receive up-to-date information, please contact Nancy Gray (nancy_gray@nps.gov , 865-436-1208). A 75th anniversary website (www.GreatSmokies75th.org) is now up and running.

PARKS AND PEOPLE

Fire and Aviation Management
GS-0401-14 National Fire Operations Program Leader

Dates: 12/04/2008 - 12/31/2008
The NPS Division of Fire and Aviation Management at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise has issued an announcement for a GS-14 national fire operations program leader.

It is open to current Federal employees serving under a career or career-conditional appointment, former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, or persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under special authorities. VEOA eligibles (i.e., veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after completing approximately three or more years of continuous active service) may apply.

For a copy of the announcement, including a description of duties, click on the link below.
[Submitted by Tom Nichols , tom_nichols@nps.gov, 208-387-5216] More Information...

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Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found at the following web site:

http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type;=Announcements&id;=3363

All reports should be submitted via email to Lane Baker in the Division of Law Enforcement, Security and Emergency Services in the Washington Office and to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with copies to your regional office.