People and Places

Flickinger Named NRPA President-elect

Ted Flickinger, executive director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), was elected President-elect of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). An NRPA member for 30 years, Flickinger has served on the NRPA Board of Trustees for two terms. He was formally installed as President-elect at the closing ceremony of the NRPA Annual Congress for Recreation and Parks in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Nov. 2.

"Ted's diverse background, insightful vision and strong record of accomplishments has helped Illinois become one of the leading states for the delivery of park and recreation services," says R. Dean Tice, NRPA executive director. "We are proud to have him in this important national leadership capacity."

Dr. Flickinger has served as executive director of the IAPD for the past 18 years, and has more than 35 years of experience in leadership, supervisory, administrative and education positions in the park, recreation and conservation profession. He has published more than 100 articles in professional magazines, coauthored two books, and authored a book. Are You on Board? (1993) for chief executive officers and policy-making board members.

He holds a doctorate degree, specializing in Natural Resources Management, from Ohio State University and master's and bachelors degrees from Southern Illinois University. He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and is certified in the parks and recreation profession.

Jerry Handlon, executive director of the Schaumburg Park District for 19 years, has been re-elected to serve a second term on the National Aquatic Council representing the Great Lakes Region. The council serves the 1,000 members of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) who manage and operate our nations public pools, marinas, aquatic centers, beaches and water parks.

Handlon continues his active involvement in the field. He has service nine years on the NRPA board and two terms as chairman of the Great Lakes Regional Council. He is past president of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and has served on numerous committees within that organization.

Closer to home, Handlon has chaired the Northwest Special Recreation Association and the Suburban Park and Recreation Association. He has served on the Northwest Suburban Association of Commerce and Industry. In addition. Jerry currently serves on the boards of the Greater Woodfield Convention and Visitor Bureau and the Schaumburg Park Foundation.

Kutska Named to Risk Management Honor Roll

Betsy Kutska, ARM, CLP, executive director of the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) was named to the highly esteemed Business Insurance Magazine 1997 Risk Management Honor Roll, representing self-insurance funds and pools. This is the most notable award in the risk management profession. Kutska's professional accomplishments include establishing the National Public Entity Excess Program, a national risk purchasing group for pools and single entities; coordinating amicus brief efforts and tort immunity reform legislation as chair of the Illinois Governmental Association of Pools; ensuring PDRMA's financial strength, loss control achievements and information service development.

Lee Volpe, superintendent of recreation for the Vernon Hills Park District, and Lloyd Stephens, recreation supervisor for the Foss Park District, successfully completed the Academy for Youth Sports Administrators' nine-course program to become a "Certified Youth Sports Administrator." They were among 226 participants representing 44 states and 12 countries who attended the training in Mobile, Alabama August 14 to 16.

This event represented the first opportunity for professional and volunteer administrators to earn "Certified Youth Sports Administrator" credentials. The training opportunity was conducted by the National Institute for Youth Sports Administration, a division of the National Alliance for Youth Sports, and the United States Sports Academy. For more information, contact the NIYSA at 561.684.1141 or 800.729.2057 or email nays@nays.org.

The Illinois/Indiana Masonry Council named the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex its "Best of the Block" winner during its Excellence in Masonry Awards Program .held October 25, 1997, in Itasca. The Council is comprised of mason contractors, union bricklayers, brick manufacturers, concrete masonry unit manu-

This year's "Best of the Block" award was presented for elegant use of concrete masonry. The Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex has been recognized on a state, national and international level. The 68,000 square feet complex houses the Lifestyles Fitness Center, an indoor and outdoor aquatic facility, dance studio, aerobics studio, two preschool rooms, an indoor playground, gymnastics room, locker facilities, community rooms, and childcare room. The outdoor aquatic center, "Pelican Harbor," features two water slides, spray playground, sun deck, sand playground, two sand and volleyball courts, a recreational pool with zero depth shallow end and The Breakaway Cafe.

The St. Charles Park District's Pottawatomie Golf Course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), a program of Audubon International, and endorsed by the United States Golf Association. Pottawatomie Golf Course is the 11th in Illinois and the 111th course internationally to receive this honor. Designed by Robert Trent Jones in the late 1930s on 45 acres of land along the Fox River, it is the first nine-hole facility to become "fully certified" in the program.

"Pottawatomie Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," says Lee Mangum, director of the ACSS for Audubon International.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," says Mangum. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Integrated Pest Management, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"Pottawatomie is a special place and does not exist solely for the purpose of golf. The setting along the Fox River provides a natural landscape for wildlife and plant life," says Luke Cella, golf course superintendent at Pottawatomie. "It was our goal to certify the golf course in the Sanctuary System in order to thoughtfully consider ways to protect and enhance existing habitats, and also return areas to their native environment."

For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158 USA, 518.767.9051 or email at auduboncsp@aol.com.

The Lannert Group, a nationally recognized landscape architecture and community consulting firm based in St. Charles and Chicago, received two awards from the Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) at its June state conference.

The Lannert Group developed the St. Charles Park District Comprehensive Master Plan in conjunction with numerous civic and community organizations to establish an expanded park and greenway system for St. Charles. The plan was developed through a public participation process that involved residents, a community survey and user groups in the community to formulate a vision for future expansion of park facilities.

The Lannert Group created the New Lenox Comprehensive Plan which addressed the growth pressures facing the Village of New Lenox. The plan directed growth to the core of the community, established a greenway system, recommended a corridor for the southern extension of 1-355, and land uses with developmental guidelines.

Ben Mingo has been named the youth sports coordinator for the Champaign Park District. He is responsible for the coordination and programming of youth sports including youth basketball, youth soccer, girls fast and slow pitch softball, pony-colt baseball, T-ball, sports clinics, and other sports special events. He is also responsible for hiring and supervising personnel and purchasing sporting equipment. He has a degree in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois. Mingo previously held a position as developmental instructor at Developmental Services Center in Champaign. Mingo has worked at the Champaign Park District's Douglass Community Center as a program director and also with C-U Special Recreation as a coach. He also completed his internship with the Champaign Park District.

Tina Becke joined the Geneva Park District as the superintendent of finance and personnel. Becke graduated from Indiana State University in 1991 with a bachelor of science in Accounting. She was previously employed by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association as its accountant. Her new position entails management of all fiscal record keeping as well as maintenance of personnel records.

Jill Bridges was appointed superintendent of leisure services for the Geneva Park District. Currently in her fourth year with the park district, Bridges first joined the staff in May of 1993 as an intern. In August of that year, after receiving a bachelor of science degree in sports management from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., she was appointed facilities supervisor for the district. During her tenure. Bridges

concentrated her efforts on various expansion projects, including the development of the new Sunset Pool, and the renovation of the Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center. In her new position. Bridges manages a six-member recreation department staff.

Jennifer Willhouse has been named coordinator of marketing/recreation for the Peoria Park District. She handles marketing and promotion for the Environmental Facilities (Glen Oak Zoo, Luthy Botanical Garden, WH. Sommer Park, Camp Wokanda, Forest park Nature Center), Proctor Center, the Park/School program, special events. Glen Oak Amphitheater and related programs. A native of Orion, 111., Willhouse is a 1997 graduate of Augustana College.

Stephanie McHale was hired as the Geneva Park District facilities supervisor. A May 1996 graduate of Purdue University, McHale holds a bachelor of arts degree in Health, Kinesiology and Recreation. She is a certified personal trainer and is a member of the ETA Sigma Gamma Professional Health Honor Society. She was previously employed as a fitness supervisor for Edward Health and Fitness Center in Naperville, and as a crew leader for the Naperville Park District's Centennial Beach. In her new position, she will manage the Sunset Pool, Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center, Stone Creek Miniature Golf Course and the Friendship Station Preschool.

Linda Fox was named office manager/computer operator of the Geneva Park District. Employed as a computer operator for the park district since 1990, Fox has used her extensive skills to produce the organization's quarterly programming brochure and assist with program registration. In her new position, she is responsible for the efficient and service operation of the district's main office, oversees a four-member front office staff, serves as secretary to the director of parks and recreation and the superintendent of finance and personnel, as well as clerk for all park board and administrative staff meetings. She also assists with the financial responsibilities of the office and continues to create the seasonal brochures.

Kathy Lauter joins the Vernon Hills Park District as superintendent of business services. Previously, Lauter was office supervisor for the Village of Round Lake Beach. She comes to Vernon Hills with a bachelors in Accounting and vast experience with municipalities for the past ten years. This newly created position at the Vernon Hills

In Memoriam

Owen Reese III died on Wednesday, September 10, 1997, at the age of 70.

Owen and Sally Reese

Leaving behind successful careers in the institutional furniture business and as a reorganization consultant, Owen began as a manufacturers' representative to park and recreation agencies in 1969.

During the past 28 years, Owen Reese III and Associates grew quickly and eventually became the Reese Companies, spearheaded by Reese Recreation Products, Inc. Much of the growth resulted from his new business and marriage partner, Sally, who, sold her Boulder, Colo., manufacturers representative business shortly after her marriage to Owen in 1978.

Sally and Owen's business flourished throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, even as they continued the parenting of the eight children from their previous marriages. Those of us familiar with Owen and Sally have also been privileged to meet some or all of their children. Terry and Jason will continue their involvement with Reese Recreation.

Owen will be remembered for many things. Among them will be his commitment to customer satisfaction. I always felt more like a friend and client than a customer. I will always remember the generosity he sprinkled so freely with his customers, friends, family and competitors.

I was privileged to speak at Owen's funeral and wish to share a few of my paraphrased comments.

He could be sharp, clear and loud; but preferred to be soft, kind and gentle.

He could knock us down a peg or two when we deserved it; but he preferred to be there when we needed to be picked up.

He could be critical when necessary, but he preferred to be a friend to all.

He knew when to follow; but he preferred to lead.

He wasn't a great musician; but, symbolically, his life reflected beautiful music.

Those of us fortunate enough to have known Owen well had the opportunity to learn much from him. He would have been pleased to know that the lessons he taught will be his legacy.

- by Fred Hall, Palatine Park District

Park District involves payroll, employee services, and finances. Lauter's first priority is to streamline the district's accounting system.

Steve Muenz joined the Vernon Hills Park District in October as athletic supervisor. His responsibilities include both adult and youth athletics. Previously, Muenz was the athletic supervisor at the Wauconda Park District. Muenz graduated from Aurora University with a degree in Park and Recreation Administration and an emphasis in Athletics. He worked part-time at the Arlington Heights Park District during college in many capacities within the athletic department.

Ruth Slottag joined the IAPD staff in September of 1997 as public relations director. Slottag has more than 20 years experience in public relations, communications and marketing positions. Past positions include serving as media and community relations manager for a State of Illinois agency, public relations coordinator of a national insurance corporate office, promotion manager of a network-affiliate television station, account executive of a New York-based public relations and advertising agency, and editorial service director for a publishing company. For IAPD, she is responsible for developing and implementing public relations and marketing plans, managing projects such as the citizen involvement project, media relations, producing Association videos, and conducting public relations workshops. She also serves as staff liaison to the IAPD Public Relations and Joint Public Awareness committees. Slottag has earned the designation of APR, which denotes accreditation by the Public Relations Society of America. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Springfield, where she earned a master's degree in Communication, and from Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree. Slottag currently serves as president of the Central Illinois Chapter of Public Relations Society of America, coordinator of the Master Communicator Awards program, and member of the Springfield Commission on International Visitors and the Springfield Area Arts Council.

Rose D. Smilgys was appointed in August to the Fox Valley Park District board. Smilgys is a librarian for the Indian Prairie School District, where she served on the Board of Education from 1986 to 1994. She is also a member of the Aurora Planning Commission. She said other appointment: "It is important for me to represent the far eastern section of Aurora. Although it is a newer section, it is growing very rapidly."

John Perkins was appointed to the Fox Valley Park District board in August. Perkins, a lieutenant, has been with the Aurora Police Department since 1976. In his spare time he enjoys playing ice hockey and coaching youth sports. He has served as a board member for the Aurora Life Education Center, a substance abuse program for area youth. He says his chief interests as a new trustee are to improve the quality of the facilities for youth sports activities and to be responsive to input form the community as it relates to park district business.

1998 Focus Issues for Illinois Parks & Recreation
Jan./Feb. 'Fitness*
March/April "Our Environment*
May/June "Golf"
July/Aug. "Youth at Risk" with Aquatics Showcase
Sept./Oct. "Citizen Involvement"
Nov./Dec. "Park Management"

CALL FOR SESSIONS FOR 1999 CONFERENCE
Now's the time to submit educational session ideas for the 1999 IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, January 7-10, 1999.

Look for a Call for Sessions form in the next Leisure Review and Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine. Or, contact IPRA for a form at 630.752.0141, ipra@compuserve.com.

Send People and Places information and Letters to the Editor to:
Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation Illinois Association of Park Districts
211 E. Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1186
217.523.4273 (fax)
iapd@eosinc.com (email)