There is in your community or service area at least one lay group or individual who deserves your recognition. There is in our organization at least two fellow professionals who deserve your acknowledgment for their outstanding services to our field. Don't let their achievements go unnoticed without an appreciative thank you.

The Awards and Recognition Committee for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association has an available outlet for your use. The process is simple and only requires a small amount of your time as is explained below. In return, your demonstrated appreciation will encourage groups and individuals to continue to support the efforts of Park and Recreation related organizations.

The available awards are as follows:

"FELLOW AWARD" candidates must hold membership in the Illinois Park and Recreation Association except those candidates who are retired from professional work may be exempt from this requirement. Candidates must have served at least ten (10) years as a full-time professional in the field of Parks and/or Recreation, and must have contributed to the advancement of the field by meeting certain criteria.

"PROFESSIONAL CITATION AWARDS" candidates must hold membership in the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and must have served at least five years as a full time professional in the field of parks and/or recreation. They must have indicated by performance, recognizable achievements in the advancement of the park and recreation field within the community.

"SPECIAL CITATION AWARDS" presented to lay individuals who have made by performance, either an outstanding contribution to the field of Parks and/or Recreation or demonstrated an unselfish dedication in promoting parks and recreation within the community.

"COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS" presented to lay groups who have displayed an unselfish dedication in furthering park and recreation services in their own community.

"TESTIMONIAL AWARDS" presented to "professional" and "non-professional" individuals in the field of parks and/or recreation who have retired or are about to retire within one year. Candidates must be nominated by a member of IPRA and must have displayed by performance an outstanding contribution to the field of parks and/or recreation. Candidates do not have to be, but could be members of IPRA.

The "Fellow Award" and "Professional Citation Award" are presented at the annual state conference. The "Community Service Awards" and "Special Citation Awards" are given throughout the year. Historically, these awards have been presented only to the most deserving people.

Individuals wishing to nominate candidates for any or all of the award categories must submit their nominations in writing. Only Illinois Park and Recreation Association members or retired members may submit nominations.

Nominations should not be more than two typewritten pages, double spaced. The award category, name of the nominee, professional background, accomplishments, achievements and contributions should be addressed in the nomination.

Nominations should be submitted to: Rich Bemm, IPRA Awards Committee Chairman, c/o Dundee Township Park District, 21 N. Washington Street, Carpentersville, IL 60110.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 28 May/June, 1979