A Travel Series for Virginia State Parks

Episode 4:  Work and Play-A Delicate Balance

Tom Cervenak Marketing Manager

This past Saturday we had a blast at the CBS6 Healthy Lifestyle Expo at the Richmond Convention Center. This is such a busy show as we see around a 1,000 folks an hour at the booth, so I bring in my “special forces” to help me; Steve Boyd, Promotions Manager, Krista Weatherford from Pocahontas State Park, Carly York from Twin Lakes State Park and Nicole Anderson who works in our central office. Their energy and enthusiasm inspires me to crank it up a notch. Thanks to everyone that stopped by our booth to say hi and I hope you discovered some great ways to lead a healthy lifestyle, like being active at our Virginia State Parks. 

Here I am with Steve Boyd at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo

Here I am again with Steve clowning around

Here we are with the Kudzu Guy (First Aid CPR and Child Safety)

I believe in life you need a wonderful balance between work and play to stay healthy both physically and mentally. I often work hard to play hard and this week is very typical for me. After a very busy day at Saturday’s show, I left at 3am Sunday for three days of skiing at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. I have been skiing for over 35 years and I still attack the slopes without fear. A few years back I was at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont with my brother-in-law. After one time down the slopes he said, “come with me, you are getting a helmet.” I told him I’m a state employee and I didn’t have the money for such things.  He bought my helmet that day and I have worn it ever since, and for good reason. Thank you Dr. Eberly! 

Yeah that's me and my helmet!

I find my balance in life through many different outdoor activities and travel, depending on the season. If you are looking for that balance in your life, look no further than our state parks. This time of year is great for a winter hike on one of our many trails. For the bird lovers, it is a great time to see the courtship of bald eagles and their nest preparation as they start laying their eggs later this month. You can even have a picnic or a cookout when we get one of those rare 70+ degree days like last week. The one thing I think I would do for sure right now, is to make those reservations for camping and cabins. We take reservations up to 11 months in advance and we do book up, so don’t be shut out. It is always nice to have something to look forward to like a vacation at our parks; part of that mental balance!  I will be at the Richmond Camping and RV Show this weekend, February 8-10, so come on out and let me help you plan your getaway. 

Saturday, February 9^th is my BIRTHDAY! If you stop by the booth and wish me a Happy Birthday, I’ll give YOU the gift. So come celebrate with me, but please, no cake. After all, the gist of this story is to be “healthy!” 

Until our paths cross at a Virginia State Park, hang onto your pants!