NEW BRANCH FOR I.P.R.S.

The Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Society (ITRS) came into being on November 2, 1970 at the annual meeting of the Illinois Park and Recreation Society held in Chicago.

A record attendance for an IPRS annual meeting was recorded when the by-laws were changed by a near unanimous vote. This by-laws change paved the way for the formation of the new branch.

With the change, IPRS made another step forward in broadening its services to include those working in hospitals, institutions, and in the therapeutic setting.

It was thought by the IPRS board that this was a necessary move to further serve the recreation movement in Illinois. The action taken in Chicago rescinded a decision made in 1965 which eliminated all special interest areas within the society.

The new branch recently elected the following officers and board to organize and get the new branch off the ground:

President—Stan Labanowich, Director of Recreation and Athletics, Rehabilitation-Education Center, University of Illinois, Champaign. President Elect—Stuart Switzer, Activity Program Supervisor, Bowen Children's Center, Harrisburg. Secretary—Ann McCall, Activity Therapist, Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, Chicago. Treasurer—Yvonne Krueger, Activity Therapist, Pilsen Mental Health Center, Chicago.

Board of Directors

Tom McConahey, Director of Training, Alton State Hospital, Alton.

Jerry Kelley—Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Office of Recreation and Park Resources, University of Illinois, Champaign.

Dan Kennedy—Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation Curriculum, University of Illinois, Champaign.

Yvonne Kyler—Coordinator, Special Recreation, Chicago Park District, Chicago.

Ken Manuel—Activity Program Supervisor, Singer Zone Center, Rockford.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 7 January/February 1971