PEOPLE AND PLACES
Susan Dennison was hired by the Des Plaines Park District as
public relations supervisor, responsible for marketing and communication.
Prior to joining the Des Plaines staff, Dennison was the managing
editor for an ice skating magazine. She was also with the Glenview Park
District for 12 years - 9 years as an ice skating instructor and 3 years as a
public relations assistant. Dennison graduated from Arizona State University
with a degree in personnel management and is currently completing
her master's degree in Writing from Columbia College Chicago.
Jeanette Laciak was hired as recreation supervisor at the Lan-Oak
Park District in Lansing, Illinois. Laciak is a recent 1998 graduate of
Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Miss., where she received a B.S.
Degree in Recreation Management and Physical Education. While at
Culver-Stockton, Laciak played women's volleyball and then was the
Assistant Volleyball Coach this past year. She is from Burbank, 111., where
she worked many summers for the Burbank Park District. As recreation
supervisor, Laciak will be responsible for preschool, youth and teen activities,
day camp, and special events. She will also assist with athletic and
facility duties. Laciak will also coach a local volleyball club
Thom Palmer was hired as the executive director of the Hunley
Park District. Palmer will be responsible for the overall administration of
the district and will lead the district through the rapid growth occurring
in Southern McHenry County. His experience includes five years with
the Crystal Lake Park District as special events supervisor, six years at the
Oregon Park District as the superintendent of recreation and two years
with Thoroughbred Software International, Inc. as an account manager,
marketing park and recreation software. Palmer graduated from Western
Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration and from Aurora University with a master's degree in Leisure and Environmental Resources Administration.
Matt Izenstark joins the Addison Park District
as a facility supervisor. His duties entail scheduling of all facilities including baseball diamonds, open gym and the fitness center. He
will also be in charge of all special interest programs such as aerobic classes, ice skating and
music lessons. Izenstark recently completed
his internship with the Palatine Park District.
An Indiana University graduate, he has a degree in Sports Management.
Allison Sohr is the Addison Park
District's new Marketing and Communications Supervisor. Sohr earned her B.A. from
Concordia University in River Forest and
continued her education at Columbia College in Chicago with a Certificate in Sports
and Entertainment Management. She previously assisted the publicist at "The Jerry
Springer Show." She is now responsible for all
publications, advertisement packages and the
park district cable program.
Michael Lorenzetti was hired as the Addison Park District's golf operations
manager for its Links & Tees Golf Facility. Lorenzetti manages the new
golf dome as well as the outdoor mini-golf, driving range and 3-hole golf
course. He has a bachelors degree from the State University College of
Brockport in New York and a master's in Leisure Services & Studies from
Florida State. Lorenzetti has more than 8 years of golf management experience having worked at Salt Creek and Alsip's golfing facilities.
Ted Flickinger, CAE and Peter M. Murphy, CAE, recently completed all of the requirements for recemfication as a Certified Association Executive (CAE). This continuing part of the certification
process demonstrates continuing professional development in the field of
association management. The certification process beings with the submission of a comprehensive application which highlights professional
and personal achievements. Upon approval, the individual is eligible to sit
for the CAE Examination, which covers association management.
Flickinger and Murphy passed this exam some time ago and by recertifying as CAEs they continues to uphold high standards of the designation.
Certified Association Executives exemplify the ultimate commitment to
excellence in association management.
Vince Castellanoz has been named
executive director of the Bourbonnais Township Park District. With more than 20 years
of experience in the parks and recreation field,
Castellanoz most recendy served as director of
parks and recreation at the Foss Park District
in North Chicago. Prior to that, he served as
superintendent of recreation at the Round
Lake Area Park District. During his career, he
has served on many boards including the IPRA
Recreation Section board as well as chairman
of the IPRA Certification Board and Recreation Section Education Committee. He is a current member of both IPRA and the National Recreation
and Parks Association, and is a certified leisure professional. Castellanoz
holds a B.A. in Recreation and Park Administration from Western Illinois
University and an AA.S. in Recreation Leadership from Parkland College
in Champaign.
March/April 1999 53
PEOPLE AND PLACES
 19998 Magazine Awards
Best Administration/
Facility Management Article
"Building Better Employees"
by Gary F. Balling, CLP and Jeffrey M.
Fougerousse, CLP, Morton Grove Park District
(July/August 1998)
Judge Comments: The employees and
quotes selected clearly reflect that the park
district "practices what it preaches." This is
an article of interest for both practitioners
and commissioners.
Best Features/Issues Article
"Everything Old Is
New Again"
by Daniel Gibble,
CLP, Urbana Park
District
(November/
December 1997)
Comments: The
article is a timely
piece that...points
out how important
vision is to our future. He states that we
need to look beyond long-range planning if
we really want to make an impact in the
new millennium. The article is insightful
and should be read by all students entering
the field of leisure services.
Best Partnership Article
"Retention Pond
Transforms into
Recreational Area"
by Robert Kunkel
(formerly) Bensenville
Park District
(January/February
1998)
Comments: This
article effectively
captures the true meaning of partnerships.
It is clearly written and provides an excellent
model to be shared with prospective commu-
nity partners.
Best Legal/Legislative Article
"Don't Spike Your Golf
Shoe Policy"
by Dr. Kevin Marks
PDRMA
(May/June 1998)
Comments: This article
is exceptionally well-
written. It will assist
leisure service agencies
address a significant
policy issue.
Best Natural Resources/
Environment Article
"Where We Play and Who We Are"
Lee A. Hansen
Skokie Park District
(March/April 1998)
Comments: This is a wonderful, philosophical
piece with long-term implications for
implementing nature and other related
programs to foster commitment to the
environment.
Best Public Awareness/
Marketing Article
"Golf Marketing
Promos"
by Diane Hardy
Skokie Park District
(May/June 1998)
Comments: This is a
creatively written
article. The examples
provided easily allow
the reader to brainstorm additional
any number of settings.
ideas for
Best Recreation/
Programming Article
"The Best Teen Rec
Programs"
by Lorene Marcinek,
CLP (formerly),
McHenry Parks and
Recreation Department
(July/August 1998)
Comments: Given
the difficulty in
attracting teens to positive recreation
experiences, the variety of programming
activities described in the article expressed
a great deal of creativity. The wide range of
ideas included competitive athletic events
to theater programs to simply a place to
"hang out." The variety of ideas illustrates
the difficulty in providing appealing
programs for teens and emphasizes the fact
that there is no "quick fix" to this very
timely and complex issue.
Best Research/Trends Article
"Waterparks or Pools?"
by Ron Shaw, CLP
City of Buffalo Grove
(July/August 1998)
Comments: Good research project with
very timely results. Should be of value to
park and recreation agencies considering
waterparks.
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Panel of judges: Dr. Nick DiGrino, Western Illinois University; Robert
Espeseth, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Dr. Regina Glover, Southern
Illinois University at Carbondale; Dr. Kimberly Shinew, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign; and Dr. Cynthia J. Wachter, Illinois State University.
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54 ¦ Illinois Porks and Recreation
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Scenes & Award Winners from the 1999
IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference - Reach for the Stars!
1. IAPD and IPRA presidents Mike Gilfillan (left) and Mark Badasch present the associations' top honors at the Friday Awards Luncheon and video showcase at the 1999 IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference held January 7-10 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
2. Retired U.S. Congressman Harris Fawell receives the IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Service to Leisure Award.
3. Receiving lAPD's Legislator of the Year Awards are Rep. James Meyer (center, with IAPD general
counsel Peter Murphy, left, and executive director Ted Flickinger)
4. Rep. Andrea Moore (center, with Lake County Forest
Preserves executive director Steven Messerli and president Carol
Calabresa).
5. Park commissioner Scott Triphahn, Hoffinan Estates Park
District, is named lAPD's Rising Star.
6. Jane Hodgkinson of WDSRA receives IPRA's highest honor, the
Robert M. Artz Award, from last year's honoree, Skip Dunsmuir
.
7. Phyllis Cossarek, Wilmette Park District, is
named lAPD's Allan A. Weissburg
"Commissioner of the Year."
8. Steve Persinger, Geneva Park District, receives
the IPRA Fellow Award.
9. Margaret Resnick, Bolingbrook Park District,
is named the IPRA Young Professional.
10. Ken Little of Chicago Cable Interconnect
and
11. Dr. James Brademas, University of
Illinois, receive IAPD President's Citations.
12. Chuck Balling, Gurnee Park District,
receives IPRA's Professional Recognition
Award, pictured here with IPRA executive
director Kay Forest.
March/April 1999 | 55
PEOPLE AND PLACES
1999 IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference - Reach for the Stars!
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IAPD Awards • Allan A. Weissburg "Commissioner of the Year": Phyllis Cossarek, Wilmette • President's Citation:
Ken Little, Chicago Cable Interconnect; Dr. James Brademas, University of Illinois • Legislators of the Year: Rep. James
Meyer and Rep. Andrea Moore • Rising Star Award: Scott Triphahn, Hoffman Estates • Master Board Member:
Oscar Dahl, Northbrook; Roger Florey, Rolling Meadows; Mary Garrison, Winnetka; James Shook, Round Lake
• Outstanding Board Member: Christine Garry, Barrington; Donald Murphy, Batavia; Thomas Kruse, Naperville; Court
Kenaston, Naperville; Cynthia Peterson, Vernon Hills • 10 Year Service Anniversary Award: Kenneth Anderson,
Bensenville; Timothy J. Cassidy, Peoria; Kevin Caplis, Burr Ridge; Andrew DeMonte, Morton Grove; John Flynn, Carol
Stream; Thomas Frey, Lisle; Tom Lewis, New Lenox; Cathleen McDermott, Forest Park; Harry Omartian, Lindenhurst;
Suzi Schmidt, Lake County FPD; Warren "Butch" R. Shadron.Jr., Lindenhurst • 15 Year Service Anniversary
Award: Steven M. Busa, Westchester; Judith J. Locke, Decatur; Kenneth Matusiak, Bensenville; Salvador A. Rios,
Fox Valley • 20 Year Service Anniversary Award: Roger P. Alien, Peoria; Ann K. Mackin, North Berwyn
• 25 Year Service Anniversary Award: Catherine W. Crowley, Glenview; David A. Johnson, Schaumburg; Charles J.
Myler, Fox Valley; Jane Regep, Summit • 30 Year Service Anniversary Award: Patrick T. Grealish, Salt Creek 35
Year Service Anniversary Award Donald F. Bresnan, Champaign; Kenneth Z. Stange, Forest Park
• Agency Anniversary Award: Darien Park District, 25 Years; Decatur Park District, 75 Years; Lan-Oak Park District,
50 Years; Round Lake Area Park District, 25 Years; South Holland Parks & Recreation Department, 25 Years; Sterling
Park District, 75 Years; Vernon Hills Park District, 25 Years.
IPRA Awards • Fellow Award: Steve Persinger, Geneva • Professional Recognition: Chuck Balling, Gurnee
• Robert M.Artz: Jane Hodgkinson, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association • Young Professional:
Margaret Resnick, Bolingbrook • IPRA President's Award: Mike Benard, LaGrange; Rick Missing, Buffalo Grove;
George Whitehead • Meritorious Service: Tom Carstens, Bolingbrook; Rick Missing, Buffalo Grove; Ann Zito, Univer-
sity of St. Francis • Outstanding Facility & Parks Awards: Division II, Category A - Special Use Facility Schaumburg
Park District Volkening Heritage Farm; Category B Multiple Use Facility Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation
Center; Category C - Aquatic Facility Fox Valley Park District Splash Country; Category D- Parks Geneva Park District
Peck Farm Park; Category E - Renovation/Rehabilitation Skokie Park District Oakton Community Center and Village of
Lincolnshire Spring Lake Park • Outstanding Conservation Program Awards: Division II, Urbana Park District
"Meadowbrook Park"; Division III, Lake County Forest Preserve District "Volunteer Stewardship Enhancements"
• Outstanding Program Awards Special Event Category: Division II, Itasca Park District Winter Fest — "Coping with
the Cold"; Division III, Morton Grove Park District "Thanksgiving"; Division IVChicago Park District Stewardship Days;
Award of Merit, Downers Grove Park District "Hawaiian Egg Hunt;" • Ongoing Program Category: Champaign
County Forest Preserve "Getting Your Feet Wet: Teaching in the Environment"; Award of Merit Forest Preserve District of
DuPage County "Wild Horse Adoption Project"; Lake County Forest Preserve District "Youth Environmental Sympo-
sium"; Fox Valley Park District "After School Program"; Schaumburg Park District "The Party's Here"; Northeast DuPage
Special Recreation Assn. "Unified Sports Program".
IAPD/IPRA Awards • Distinguished Service to Leisure: The Honorable Harris Fawell • Distinguished Agency
Recognition: Bardett Park District, Bloomingdale Park District, Bolingbrook Park District, Geneva Park District
Agency Showcase Awards • Brochure Series: Section A Tri-County Special Recreation Association; Section B Barrington Park
District; Section C Downers Grove Park District; • Single Brochure Cover: Section A York Center Park District; Section B Morton Grove Park
District, Section C Dundee Township Park District • Single Brochure Content: Section A Warren Special Recreation Association; Section B Itasca
Park District; Section C Skokie Park District • Most Creative Use of Take Time For Fun! Section B Bourbonnais Township Park District;
Section C Elmhurst Park District • Special Facility Brochure: Section A Fon duLac Park District;
Section B Collinsville Area Recreation District; Section C Downers Grove Park District • Special
Programming Brochure: Section A Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association; Section B Lake
County Forest Preserve District; Section C Park Ridge Park District • PSA and Informational Video:
Section C Peoria Park District • Special Program Logo: Section A Fon duLac Park District; Section B
Norridge Park District; Section C Skokie Park District • Agency Logo: Section A Warren Special
Recreation Association; Section B Belvidere Park District; Section C Joliet Park District.
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George Whitehead IPRA President's Award
Oscar Dahl and Maty Garrison IAPD Master Board Members
Mike Benard IPRA President's Award
Roger Florey IAPD Master Board Member
Left: Rick Missing, IPRA President's Award; Right: James Shook, IAPD Master Board Member
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56 ¦ Illinois Porks and Recreation
PEOPLE AND PLACES
1999 IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference - Reach for the Stars!
More than 3,800 board members and professionals attended the 1999 annual
conference for Illinois parks and recreation. The 140 educational sessions were highly rated and
1,800 people, including many Illinois legislators, attended the awards extravaganza at the
Friday luncheon. The exhibit hall was packed for three days with displays by 270 vendors,
an indication of the vitality of the business of parks and recreation in Illinois.
March / April 1999 | 57
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