Renee Vanselow/ AuntieNae Introduction

[AuntieNae]

Geocaching for me has been about the “People, Places and Things”.  The People I have met through geocaching, many that I now call friends.  The Places because of the many locations geocaching has taken me to that I probably would have never experienced.  The Things because of the neat discoveries of hiding spots, cache containers and the like.  I started in February 2004 which means my 20th Geo-Anniversary is coming up next month!

2022 was a year of change for me.  In May, I retired after nearly 31 years as a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Greenfield Parks and Recreation Dept.  I was responsible for the Aquatics, Playgrounds, Fitness, Dance, Enrichment and Arts plus Safety programs.  In June, I found myself in the water at a local camp training and certifying their Lifeguard Team; this experience quickly led to creating my own business, Rescue Ready Resources LLC and becoming a stand alone American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider. It was following what I love to do that led me to creating something I can do on a part time basis, yet still be retired and have time to put into geocaching and the WGA.  As  Rescue Ready Resources, I offer certified First Aid, CPR/AED, Lifeguard and Babysitters Training classes. In November, I resigned after serving as a Volunteer Transport Driver Coordinator for 10 years for a local dog rescue.  In summary, I am now retired and a part time small business owner.

My recognitions from my Parks and Recreation world include:  Association of Aquatic Professionals – March 2019 Aquatic Professional of the Month. Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association – 2019 Aquatic Professional of the Year, numerous Recreation and Aquatic Programming Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in February 2023.

Let’s just get this out there – I am currently serving on the WGA Board of Directors and have been the President this past year.  I have been on the Board since February 2007 which means I am completing my 7th term/ 14th year.  I served as the Treasurer my first 4 terms/ 8 years and member at large for the year prior to my current role. As an organization, WGA has grown and evolved so much over these years and I am happy to say that I have been a part of all that.  My specialty has been the merchandise over the years, which has been the main revenue source that has kept the WGA going. My tenure on the board has allowed for continuity and historical knowledge of the organization during the rotation of new members that happens each year.  Did you know the State Park Series was being discussed for a few years prior to it actually happening?  As the board members changed, I brought the discussions back to the table so it finally came to fruition.  With the IAT Series, I used my connections with the Ice Age Trail Alliance to open the discussions to obtain the permission prior to the board running with the project. While I do bring the historical aspects to the Board, just because we did it a certain way in the past definitely does not mean that is how it has to be done in the future, rather I have enjoyed the changes the new members have brought to the organization.  I do see myself as a mentor as I do try to encourage and try to see the other members grow from the experience.

Lastly, I have experience with large group event planning from my past employment, from bringing WGA events to live andalso as a volunteer with the City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Dept with the geocaching portion of Waukesha Janboree .  We held our 19th Annual Event this past Saturday, attendance has averaged between 175-250 people each year.  I have become a project manager as I do have other local geocachers such as John Sudar, Hack 1 of 2, and others who work with me to make this event successful.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and I hope to have your continued support to be part of the WGA Board of Directors.                                        Renee/AuntieNae

 

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