Cindy McAlister and Don Stebbins were appointed as new commissioners to the Blue Valley Recreation Commission (BVRC) by the Blue Valley School Board. Both began their commission terms at the August 19 meeting held at the Blue Valley Rec Activity Center. The seats are volunteer positions filled by those with a passion for enriching the community through recreational activities, fine arts, enrichment, sports, and much more. Commissioners serve a four-year term.
The Board of Commissioners serves as a policy-setting board for the organization. They meet on a monthly basis and serve on committees comprised of staff and patron liaisons from the community. The Blue Valley Board of Education interviews candidates and makes appointments.
McAlister, business manager for the Blue Valley Educational Foundation, has lived in the Blue Valley area for 12 years. She has coached basketball, softball and volleyball at the recreation level. Her daughter, Elle, has also participated in many Blue Valley Rec programs including sports, swimming, Camp Center Stage and Youth Players.
“Having been engaged in sporting activities my entire life, I appreciate what a valuable organization Blue Valley Rec is for the community,” McAlister noted. “Serving as a commissioner is a great opportunity to be involved at a higher level as the commission grows and develops.”
A consultant for Community Life Media, Inc., Stebbins has won international broadcasting awards, state legislative commendations, and local “Addy” awards for various media programs. He devotes time to local, educational causes, serves on the board of directors of Non-Profit Connect and is active in Rotary Club.
Stebbins is no stranger to recreational sports. He served as a coach in Blue Valley Recreation leagues and his 11-year-old twin sons, Charlie and Andy, recently competed in the 2009 Sunflower Games in Topeka and the 2009 National Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa.
A volunteer with the Commission as a patron liaison, Stebbins served on the Finance committee for several years. “Blue Valley Rec provides great activities for area youth and promotes active, healthy lifestyles,” stated Stebbins. “I hope to help ensure the Commission’s valuable programs reach as many residents as possible.”
“Don and Cindy will be great additions to the Blue Valley Recreation Commission,” adds current commission chair Kim Galbraith. “They have served as leaders, coaches, and mentors in the Blue Valley community, and their experience will be invaluable to the commission as we implement current strategic initiatives.”