People, Places & Things

NYSCA Update and Correction

The following agencies were omitted from the list of Illinois Chapters of NYSCA that appeared in the November/December IPR magazine:

Woodridge Park District
Dixon Park District
North Riverside Recreation Department

The accompanying article that appeared in the issue — "The Professional's Perspective" was adapted from an excellent piece written by Mark Meyers which appeared in the Fall 1989 Florida Recreation and Park News.

Mike Schram & Associates, Inc. Support New Video
on the Parks and Recreation Profession

Mike Schram of Mike Schram & Associates, Inc. (right) presented IPRA Executive
Director Kay Forest (center) and John Wilson, (left) Director of the Grayslake Park
District, with a check for $2,500 to partially fund the new video on the profession.
The video is being produced by the IPRA Communications and Marketing Committee
and filmed by Channel 6 of the Elk Grove Park District. This photo was shot
in a new Miracle Recreation playground in the Grayslake Park District.

People, Places and Things
(continued)

Thomas Shuster Elected to Serve on National Board

Waukegan Park District Executive Director, Thomas J. Shuster, was recently elected to a four-year term as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Society of Park Resources (NSPR). The 20-member Board oversees the operation of the NSPR, a professional branch of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Board meets semi-annually and reports to the Board of Trustees of the NRPA. Shuster was installed as a Board Member of NSPR on Saturday, Oct. 21, 1989, in San Antonio, Texas. The NSPR board meeting coincided with the NRPA's annual Congress for Recreation and Parks.

Thomas J. Shuster, Executive Director, Waukegan Park District, NSPR Board Member

NRPA Celebrates Silver Anniversary in 1990

Commemorative Activities Planned Throughout the Year

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 1990. The organizations that made up the Association officially merged on August 18, 1965, to become NRPA. The Association is planning a number of events throughout the year, utilizing its anniversary to build a dream that is an extension of our past and an expression of our future — celebrating 25 years of the recreation and park movement in America.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund also celebrates its silver anniversary in 1990. To commemorate this historic act, NRPA and the National Park Service will cooperate on a number of activities, including a joint symposium in February.

Another environmentally historic event taking place in 1990 is the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd. Following on the heels of Earth Day is the "National Celebration of the Outdoors," April 22-29. NRPA is a member of a consortium promoting the "Celebration." For more information, contact: "The National Celebration of the Outdoors," 1250 24th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20037.

Silver anniversary events will culminate in NRPA's annual celebration of "July is National Recreation and Parks Month". The 1990 nationwide event will have local park and recreation departments focus on Recreation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Promotional brochures will be available in February for $2 each. Discount bulk orders will be accepted. For more information, contact: NRPA/"July", 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

IAPD Administration Recertify as Certified Association Executives (CAE)

IAPD Executive Director Ted Flickinger and General Counsel Peter M. Murphy were two of 221 individuals who recertified as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in 1990.

Prior to certification, applicants are rated on their experience and accomplishments in association management and must successfully complete a comprehensive, one-day examination, which tests general knowledge of the association management profession. Candidates must have either five years experience as an association executive or three years as a chief staff executive. To maintain certification an association executive must accumulate professional credits every three years, based on their involvement in association management continuing education and the profession.

The total number of association executives who have earned the CAE designation is over 1,600. Among association professionals, "CAE" is an indication of demonstrated skill in leadership, activity in community affairs and expertise in association management.

The American Society of Association Executives, Washington, D.C., is an individual membership society made up of more than 18,000 association executives and suppliers.

New Program Supervisor Joins Villa Park Recreation Department Staff

Julie Moore has joined the staff of the Villa Park Recreation Department as Program Supervisor. Julie will be responsible for preschool, dance, youth sports, and adult special interest programs. Julie is a graduate of Western Illinois University and was previously employed at the Pleasant Dale Park District.

People, Places and Things
(continued)

WSSRA Names New Executive Director

The West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) in Franklin Park has named Sandra Gbur as its new Executive Director. Gbur assumed the post on December 19, 1989, replacing John McGovern. McGovern left the directorship of WSSRA after more than ten years to become the Executive Director of the National Lekotek Center in Evanston.

Gbur comes to WSSRA from the South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) in Park Forest. She started at SSSRA in 1983, after a successful career at WSSRA (from 1977 to 1983). She has a bachelors degree in special education from Illinois State University and a masters degree from the National College of Education. Gbur lives in Elmhurst with her husband Ron, who works for the Palatine Park District, and their one year old daughter, Whitney.

Downers Grove Park District Appoints New Natural Resources Manager

The Downers Grove Park District is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Patrick Saunders for the newly created position of Manager of Natural Resources and interpretive Services.

Mr. Saunders has a Masters of Science Degree from Ohio State University, with an emphasis in Natural Resources and Environmental Education. In addition, Pat has over 17 years of experience as the Director of Environmental Education for Lombard School District #44.

The position will primarily supervise and direct the land and program management operations of the district's existing and future natural areas.

Chicago Ridge Park District Welcomes Three New Staff Members

John P. Hecker Director of Parks and Recreation Chicago Ridge Park District

John P. Hecker, former Director of Parks and Recreation at the Havana Park District, has joined the staff of the Chicago Ridge Park District in the same capacity. Hecker, who received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Western Illinois University, previously served as Recreation Director at the Hollis Park District from 1978-1986.

Dawn Dina Recreation Supervisor Chicago Ridge Park District

Dawn Dina has joined the Chicago Ridge Park District staff as Recreation Supervisor. Dina is a graduate of the University of Illinois and previously held positions with Loyola University and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, serving as Recreation Sports Coordinator and Athletic Director respectively. Ms. Dina's responsibilities include supervision of all athletic programs special events, trips and preschool activities.

Michael Hurth Superintendent of Parks Chicago Ridge Park District

Michael Hurth has joined the staff of the Chicago Ridge Park District as Superintendent of Parks. Hurth, whose background includes over 15 years in the building trades, formerly was employed with the Village of Orland Park Recreation and Park Department. Mike is a new member of I.P.R.A.

People, Places and Things
(continued)

SUPERINTENDENT OF RECREATION

The Worth Park District is now taking resumes for the full time job of Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. The applicant should have a BA degree in parks and recreation or related field or 5 years of experience. Salary and benefits to be discussed.

Send resume to:

Worth Park District
10707 Oak Park Avenue
Worth, Illinois 60482
Attn: Sharon Wierenga

DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION

Acts as chief executive administrator, under the general direction of the board, and is to be responsible for the implementation of agency policy and overall management of the Flagg-Rochelle parks and recreation system. Minimum 5 years of responsible administration experience in parks and recreation management or related field. Degree preferred. Complete details are available on request from the Park office, or by calling 815/562-7813. EOE.

Send resume to:

Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District
735 North Second Street
Rochelle, Illinois 61068
Attn: Lyie F. Kunde

Director of Parks and Recreation

Fox Valley Park District Appoints New Recreation Supervisor

Katherine (Morlock) Schick has recently been appointed a Recreation Supervisor for the Fox Valley Park District.

Katherine M. Schick
Recreation Supervisor
Fox Valley Park District

Ms. Schick received her Bachelors Degree in Park and Recreation Administration from Aurora University. Prior to her appointment she was with the North Berwyn Park District. Her new responsibilities with the Fox Valley Park District will include fitness programming, organizing special events, expansion of park/school programs, and general interest programming.