I’m writing this month’s President’s Message as football season begins and election season is on the verge of wrapping up. Because I like a themed message, I would like to give you an update on our Political Committee’s impact on the election and recruiting for the future of our profession.

 

Welcome to the 26h piece of my Trustee report series where I share a few notes and items from our national organization over the last month or so. Remind people who may have lapsed in their membership to rejoin and that payment options are available. Please feel free to contact me at Trustee@FLASLA.org if you have any questions or concerns about ASLA issues.

 

The Mike Oliver Educational Scholarship Award was established in memory of Mike Oliver, FASLA PLA (1944-2015). Mike’s 45 plus years of service to the American Society of Landscape Architects included being an active participate in and support of the mission and vision of the Society and brought this same level of dedication and commitment to local and statewide service projects. This scholarship award is available yearly for up to two (2) young professionals that are currently pursuing their licensure in the state of Florida and will cover the cost of the LARE review prep course. Congratulations to Amy and Emily for their well-earned honor!

 

Last week, ASLA announced in the Leaders Express that Executive Vice President Nancy Somerville and Federal Government Affairs Director Roxanne Blackwell, Honorable ASLA, met with the National Park Service Associate Director, Cultural Resources, Partnerships and Science, Stephanie Toothman. The discussion covered the status of the budget of the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) budget and the potential for additional staff for the program. ASLA will have a follow-up meeting with Associate Director Toothman so that she may provide more budget details about the program. ASLA Florida Chapter HALS Liaison David Driapsa, FASLA, serves on the national committee requesting that ASLA renew advocacy for obtaining Congressional funding of HALS.

 

Sponsored by Anova Furnishings and FLASLA, emerging and experienced professionals gathered ocean side for a morning of networking and sunshine at Lake Worth Beach. BBQ was served alongside beach games like corn hole and paddle ball. Our apologies to the last minute location change from the listed hotel to the public beach just a few steps down. Thank you to all that attended! Stay tuned for upcoming event details!

 

Attention A.I.A. & ASLA members, contractors, engineers, sponsors and allied members: This year’s golf tournament continues our exciting new era with the A.I.A. Jacksonville and Florida ASLA Jacksonville Chapter combining our scholarship golf tournament fund raising event that will allow sponsorship opportunities and additional market exposure. Come out for a great day at a great local course. Last year was close to being a sell out so be sure to sign up and sponsor early!

 

On September 16th, ASLA will participate in Park(ing) Day, a day long event where two parking spaces in downtown Gainesville will be transformed into a pocket park. This is an opportunity to expose the work of UF’s landscape architecture to the city in order to gain exposure and re-think traditional use of public spaces. For more information on this as well as future events and needs-to-know with the UF Student Chapter ASLA, click below for their Back-To-School Newsletter!