South Dakota conference a success. (National Therapeutic Recreation Society).

Paul Lowrie, author of The Conversation Piece and other best-selling books, gave a great session on using creative questions to build better rapport with patients at the spring conference of the South Dakota Therapeutic Recreation Society, a branch of the South Dakota Park and Recreation Association, in Yankton, S.D.

Tom Buckmiller, principal of Sacred Heart School in Yankton, was the featured luncheon speaker. His presentation, "Nine Under-Par Leadership," presented ways to utilize life and golf lessons to lead patients and other people. He identified nine characteristics of the outstanding leader by interviewing, observing, researching and visiting with people who are highly effective in working with others.

Professors from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, Drs. Don Peterson and Patrick Wempe, led a session titled "Therapeutic Recreation: Technology Applications," which explored a few of the many ways that technology can be used in therapeutic settings (e.g. education, games, career development, etc.). Other topics covered were "A Day in the Life of an Adolescent Therapeutic Recreation Specialist," presented by Chad Kapla, Bobby Stelter and Jeff Turman. All three are currently therapeutic recreation specialists serving the adolescent program. "TR and Addicted Patients: Process From Curiosity to Addiction" was presented by Gerry Ebel, clinical supervisor and dual diagnosis coordinator for the Adult Chemical Dependency Program. Wade Homan, Leslie Smith and Keith Tramp are all therapeutic recreation specialists serving geriatrics programs. Their interactive session was titled "You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!" Colleen Craig Davis, CTRS, MA, who serves as a therapeutic recreation coordinator, presented a session titled: "Stick it On: Using Colorful Tape Art as a New Art Therapy".

Continuing education units were available to the 53 attendees who work in prisons, universities, hospitals and geriatric facilities. With the high number of attendees and positive feedback received following the event, conference coordinators hope to provide this opportunity on an annual basis.