P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E S

Ryan Receives IAPD Leadership Award Governor George H. Ryan received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts during ceremonies at Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair, Aug. 19, in Springfield.

"I am honored to receive this award," Ryan said. "I am strongly committed to open space, parks and recreation. By investing in natural resources and parks today, we will ensure long-term benefits for our children, grandchildren and future generations."

In his presentation of the award with IAPD board president Judith Locke, IAPD executive director Ted Flickinger said: "We are proud to present this award to Governor Ryan in appreciation of his leadership in establishing the Open Land Trust and his long-standing support of park districts, forest preserves and conservation and recreation agencies."

Ryan's Illinois Open Land Trust program provides $160 million over four years for land acquisition and improvements. It provides state funding for land acquisition as well as a combination of grants and loans to local governments for open space protection. And, $21 million in matching grant funds (an increase of $3.2 million) will be available for the OSLAD program. This year the maximum per grant award for acquisitions increased from $400,000 to $750,000, and for developments from $200,000 to $400,000.

At the National Park and Recreation Association's 2000 Congress in Phoenix, Az., the following six Illinois agencies received a KUDOS award, which recognizes the work of communications and marketing departments of park and recreation agencies across the country:

Al Traczek, commissioner of the Bolingbrook Park District, received the"Citizen of the Year" award, presented by Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar on September 12. In his 16th year of service as commissioner, Traczek has held multiple terms as president, treasurer and secretary. He chaired the personnel, recreation, revenue facilities, and buildings and grounds committees and has never missed the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference or the National Congress for Parks and Recreation. He attends LAPD's Legislative Conference in Springfield and the Legislative Golf Outing. In 1990 and 1991 he served on the IPRA/IAPD Joint Public Awareness Committee and he is a regular attendee at the SSPRPA Park Board Member Community Leader banquets.

Traczek is a board member of the Bolingbrook Local Development Corporation, formed in 1983 as an independent private nonprofit corporation that attracts businesses to and assist them with relocating to Bolingbrook. Traczek has been a member of the Bolingbrook Lions Club for more 20 years, serving in all of its leadership positions including as president in 1995. He is "the" umpire for the Joliet-Bolingbrook Special Recreation Association's (JBSRA) softball league and for JBSRA's home games in the Special Recreation Association of Northern Illinois league. Frequently he is found behind home plate umpiring for the Bolingbrook Tee Ball Association. Traczek has served the Bolingbrook Athletic Association (BAC) in numerous capacities. He is frequently found on streetcorners begging (not for himself) but for the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club or JBSRA. Earlier in the year, the South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association named Traczek "Commissioner of the Year."

On Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Ryan declared August 19 "Springfield Park District Day in Illinois," in honor of the district's 100th anniversary this year. In presenting a proclamation to Springfield Park District board president Leslie Sgro, Ryan said: "The Springfield Park District is a leading example of how citizens can join together, and through their collective efforts, create one of the most outstanding park districts in the state. " Park District Conservation Day, in its seventh year at the Illinois State Fair, is a cooperative effort of the state fair, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Hundreds of park and recreation performers and volunteers from 50 Illinois communities participate in events on the state fairgrounds.

(Left to right) Springfield Park District board members Willis "Bill" Logan, Jack Pfeiffer and Leslie Sgro; Gov. Ryan; Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara and park board member Scott Hanauer.

November/December 2000 ¦ 47

P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E S

- In Memoriam - Marcy Adams

The sudden and untimely loss of Marcy Adams, 31, on August 22 from a short battle with leukaemia has left a hole in the lives of many. Her family, boyfriend, numerous friends andcolleagues and the countless participants in the creative programs she led will miss her enthusiasm and her love of life.

Marcy's attitude and approach to life are a lesson to us all. By taking advantage of every opportunity life presented and appreciating every day and every relationship, Marcy has set an example from which everyone can learn. She pushed herself and others to test their limits and had the ability to remind us that anything can be possible. She was always very active and looking for adventure. She was an avid runner, was training for the Chicago Half Marathon and had just returned from climbing to the top of LaMalinche, an inactive volcano in Mexico. She loved to travel, ski, rollerblade and play volleyball.

The field of parks and recreation lost a "rising star" who shared her time and love of life with the profession. As a member of the Recreation Section she played a key role on the Teen, Senior and Membership and Social committees. The Recreation Section annual meetings were spiced up by her creative and fun favors and games. Nothing was done halfway when Marcy was involved.

As a recreation supervisor at the Streamwood Park District from 1993 to 1997, she was instrumental in offering numerous activities, most notably her innovative teen and senior programming. Her positive attitude made her an invaluable team member of the park district during the growth and new development of facilities.

Marcy joined the Elmhurst Park District on August 11, 1997, as a program manager. She was responsible for planning, organizing and supervising senior citizens and trips. In honor of Marcy, 23 walkers participated in the Light the Night Leukemia Walk on September 16, 2000. "Team EPD" participants from Elmhurst Park District, Fox Valley Park District, Bensenville Park District and additional friends raised $8,231 collectively. To date, an additional $3,939 has been donated from Marcy's friends and family nationwide. This brings the total to $12,170!

To those of us who were fortunate enough to have her touch our lives, Marcy will be remembered as a compassionate, loyal, energetic, relentless professional and friend who loved and appreciated every day other life. •

• by Gayle Lountcastle, CPRP, Park Ridge Recreation and Park District with contributions from the staff of the Elmhurst Park District

James A. (Doc) Roecker was honored recently by receiving the "Techie of the Year" Award from the Industrial Technology Academy in Peoria, for his work in support of the cooperative student/work program that has been developing at the Academy for several years. Roecker was appointed to the Academy's advisory board last year, and was instrumental in initiating and developing a co-op student program at Clark Engineers. The Academy, which operates out of Peoria's Manual High School, helps to match students in technology related courses with co-op opportunities with local businesses. Roecker encouraged and developed the program at Clark which resulted in several Manual students working at dark Engineers in the Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) field.

James R. Ash, ASLA, was recently re-elected president of the Pekin Public Library Board of Trustees. He has served on the Pekin Library Board for over 10 years, the last four years as president. Ash previously served as the Building and Grounds Committee chairman, utilizing his 30 years as a landscape architect to assist the Library with Building and Grounds projects. As president, he has overseen the Library's rapid advancement in technology and customer service. Ash serves as a senior project manager and landscape architect for Clark's Peoria office as well as serving as vice president for Development and Marketing.

Mike Clark was named executive directorfor the Batavia Park District. Previously, Clark worked at the Bloomingdale Park District where he served as the deputy director. During his tenure with the Bloomingdale Park District, he led the efforts to meet the criteria for the IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Agency Award, which was presented to Bloomingdale in 1998. Clark also serves as president-elect for IPRA. He will be inaugurated at IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference in January 2001. As a member of IPRA since 1985, Clark has served on various committees. He has an executive MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Allison Sohr was named director of marketing and public relations for the Batavia Park District. Sohr will be responsible for developing marketing plans, sponsorships, special promotions, seasonal brochures and the district's Web site. Sohr also serves as an entertainer with the Chicago Bulls. Prior to Batavia, Sohr was a marketing and communications supervisor at the Addison Park District.

Lisa A. Koenig, CPA, was promoted to controller at Clark Engineers, Inc. She joined the staff in the Peoria office in April 2000 as a financial analyst. Koenig received a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from San Diego State University in May of 1987. Previously, she has worked in the audit department of Price Waterhouse in San Diego; the management reporting department of a Fortune 500 aerospace company; and the audit and consulting departments of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP in

48 / Illinois Parks and Recreation

P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E S

Peoria, serving a diversified group of clients. As controller, she will assist inthe financial management and planning for the companies national corporate business and will coordinate financial reporting and management from Clark's Peoria, Chicago, Salem, Bloomington and Phoenix offices.

Vratrun R. Robertson has joined Clark Engineers, Inc. in the Peoria office as a member of the survey team. Roberston is a graduate of Richwoods High School and has been involved in surveying since 1995. He brings a number of certifications to the job in areas such as surveying, materials testing and nuclear densimeter.

Scott Anderson was named manager of Clark's Information Technology group. Anderson has been with Clark since 1994, serving initially as a CAD and engineering technician, with specialized experience in software and computers. He has since been involved in Clark's exciting technological growth, including development of the company's WAN and LAN systems to connect all of Clark's offices. As IT Manager, Anderson will assure that the company continues to develop cutting-edge technology as it applies to engineering and design.

Ken Brissa was named executive director of the Naperville Park District. Brissa had been acting executive director since March 24, 2000, taking over when Joe Schultz retired from the district. Brissa will oversee 92 full-time employees and more than 2,300 acres of parks and open space. Brissa also serves on the board of Indian Prairie School District 204 and is a member of several community groups. Most recently, he was instrumental in negotiating the agreement for the sale of land for the Naperville Library's 95th Street site, and shepherding the final agreement on the design of Frontier Park on the city's south side.

Before joining the park district in 1998, Brissa was employed by Molex Inc. in Lisle. His background is in marketing and quality assurance. Because of his background, combined with his experience at the Naperville Park District, the board felt that he was uniquely suited for this position.

Diane Bilgen has been promoted to the position of superintendent of recreation for the Salt Creek Rural Park District. Hilgers earned a bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University. She previously worked as a recreation supervisor with Salt Creek since 1995.

Jody Bovenmeyer has joined the Salt Creek Rural Park District as recreation supervisor. Bovenmeyer earned a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Program Management. She also completed her internship with the Salt Creek Rural Park District. Bovenmeyer will be responsible for managing recreation programs and special events for the park district.

Julie Long is a Friend of the St. Charles Park District Julie Long (right) receives a Volunteer Recognition Award from Jay Lundborg, past president of the St. Charles Park District. As a volunteer for the St. Charles Park District, Julie Long spent 130 hours during the year monitoring butterflies, frogs and birds at Ferson Creek Fen nature preserve. Julie gathers data that is used to direct management decisions for the preserve. She has helped at Ferson Creek Fen for 12 years and also volunteers regularly at the park district's Natural Area Work Days, which involves ecological restoration of St. Charles' wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The St. Charles Park District is proud to have her as a volunteer. Tell us about your friends. People from all walks of life are making a difference in parks and recreation. These "friends" make monetary contributions, give their time to clean-up parks and forest preserves, teach classes or coach sports teams. Tells us about friends of your agency and we'll publicize them in this space. Friends of Illinois Parks is a nonprofit organization that strives to involve more citizens statewide as friends in these ways and others, such as legislative advocacy. To learn more about Friends of Illinois Parks, call toll-free 1-877-523-4558 or see www.ILparks.org.

November/December 2000 / 49

P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E S

Jill Costenaro joined the staff of the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation (SEASPAR), as a recreation specialist. In this capacity, Costenaro will organize and lead aquatic programs and oversee the Special Olympics programming area, in addition to other program responsibilities. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., where she majored in Therapeutic Recreation. Following her graduation, Costenaro was a recreation specialist with the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association.

Kelly Damron was hired by the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) as operations manager. Previously Damron had been employed by M-NASR as a recreation specialist. As operations manager she will coordinate all safety, transportation and facility issues. In addition, she will continue to lead some of the programs at M-NASR in the coming seasons. A graduate of Western Illinois University, Damron holds a B.S. degree in Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.

Les Preuss has joined the Morton Grove Park District as business manager. Preuss worked for two years with Blue Cross-Blue Shield before coming on board at the park district. Prior to that he spent 10 years with a health maintenance organization affiliated with Advocate Health Care Systems, which operates several area hospitals including Lutheran General in Park Ridge. Les serves as an elder of his church, St. Paul Lutheran in Mt. Prospect, and is a trustee and treasure for the Chicago Uptown Ministry.

Greg Jayne was named parks manager of the Morton Grove Park District. Jayne has been with the district for 12 years, 10 of them as the facilities crew leader. His duties will include overseeing the Parks Ground & Maintenance Department. Jayne has completed the NRPA's Maintenance Management School, is a certified AFO and CPO and attends Oakton Community College working towards an associate degree in management and supervision.

Kathleen Quilty joined the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) as recreation specialist. Her main responsibilities include senior programming, mini-programs and safety coordinator. Quiliy is a graduate of Greenville College, with a bachelor of arts degree in Recreation Leadership. Her fieldwork includes two internships at two local rehabilitation centers along with various recreation supervisory experiences. Most recently, Quilty was the activity director for the Riverside Foundation, a facility for mentally disabled adults.

Sue Cottingham was named Morton Grove Park District's new facility manager. Cottingham comes to Morton Grove with six years of program supervisory experience with the Channahon and Alsip park districts followed by four years as superintendent of recreation with Alsip. She enjoys being involved with IPRA and is active on various committees. She received a bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 1990 and recently became a CPRP.

Mark Woolums has joined the staff of the Deerfield Park District as supervisor responsible for youth, teens, and cultural arts programs. He had worked for the district for the past 10 years on a part-time basis with the After School Club and summer camp programs, field trips, school vacation programs, sports activities and a variety of other programming. Woolums attended Indiana University and majored in biology and psychology. He also attended Barat College for classes in education. Woolums has written and had published 12 short stories, three plays, and is currently working on a novel.

50 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation

P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E S

It was of great interest that I read the September/Octoberissue of Illinois Parks & Recreation with a special focus on Festivals. However, I was a little disappointed that "Lilac Time in Lombard" was not included in the special focus roundup. While I'm sure it is easy to overtook any of a number of festivals, please be reminded that "Lilac Time in Lombard" received an Outstanding Program Award at the 2000 IAPD/IPRA Conference. In an effort to be part of the solution, and realizing that you are regularly looking for ideas on new articles, I wish to enlighten you on the Library of Congress and the Local Legacies Program.

This past year, members of Congress and individuals across the nation were involved in a bicentennial celebration of the Library of Congress and America's richly diverse culture through the Local Legacies Project. There were over 1,300 submittals of special events and heritage related structures that are now part of a collection in the Library of Congress' American Folklife Center. The collections include a historical account through a scrapbook presentation, which is reviewed prior to acceptance. All of the materials are currently on display and are being incorporated into their Web site at www.loc.gov/bicentennial. Our submittal featuring "Lilac Time in Lombard" was solicited through Representative Judy Biggert and cosponsored by Representative Henry Hyde. On May 23, a reception was held honoring the members of Congress and their respective Local Legacies projects.

Other festivals and celebrations from our great State of Illinois included America's Cardboard Cup Regatta in Crystal Lake, the Sweet Corn Festival in Mendota, Swedish Days in Geneva, Taylorville House walk, and the Sandwich Fair. The Lombard Park District is extremely proud of its commitment to a month long festival which includes a coronation of the Lilac Queen, the Lilac Ball, Historic House Walk, Mother's Day Brunch, Lilac Parade, and the Lombard Garden Club Sale featuring Lilacs. I have enclosed the most recent edition of the Lilac Time Schedule of Events, which highlights the many Other events related to this Festival.

— Michael A. Fogiel executive director, Lombard Park District.

The Frankfort Park District received a $300,000 grant from State Representative Renee Kosel through the Illinois FIRST funding. The grant is targeted for renovating, remodeling, and installing air-conditioning the Puent Building located at Main Park, 400 West Nebraska. The building currently houses the park district preschool programs from September through May. With the air-conditioning, programs will be scheduled throughout the summer months. Also, additional programs may be offered during the school year. The park district purchased the building, which was the old Frankfort Memorial Legion Hall. It was the only facility in the park district for many years until the acquisition and development of the Founders Center.

"Rep. Kosel has been working with us on this project for the past few months," says Jeff Boubelik, executive director of the Frankfort Park District. "This is a substantial amount of state tax dollars coming back into our community. We hope this renovation will prove beneficial to the park district, the park program users, and all residents of Frankfort."

The Puent Building is named for Susan Puent, a longtime preschool director for the park district, who passed away last year. It was rededicated as the Puent Building in May of 1999.

Naperville Dedicates Landing Mats from the 1996 Olympics On Wednesday, Sept. 13, the Naperville Park District officially dedicated its new landing mats — used in the 1996 Olympic Games. The mats were installed in "The Barn" recreation center and were donated to Friends of Illinois Parks by Adolf Kiefer of Kiefer Sports Equipment in Zion. Friends of Illinois Parks sold the mats to Naperville for below cost and everyone benefitted. In turn, Naperville donated its used mats to the Markham Park District.

Photo at left: (Left to right) Joyce Clark of Kiefer Sport Group; John Comeno, Friends of Illinois Parks and IAPD; Adolf Kiefer, Kiefer Sport Group; the mayor of Naperville; Ken Brissa, director of the Naperville Park District. Below: Kids involved in the Naperville Park District gymnastic program have the most to gain from the deal.

52 / Illinois Parks and Recreation

P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E 

The sixth annual Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair served up what it always does: fun for participants, quality entertainment for fairgoers and an ideal venue for sharing the benefits of park districts and forest preserves to the more than 80,000 people in attendance.

After opening ceremonies, the Decatur Park Singers serenaded Governor George Ryan and he joined in the spirit of the day with a dance.

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped put on the big show and to these agencies and their talent groups and nature education specialists:

•Addison Park District "Park Dancers"
•Bolingbrook Park District "Park Dancers"
•Collinsville Area Park District "C.A.S.T"
•Country Club Hills Park District "Senior Line Dancers"
• Decatur Park District "Decatur Park Singers"
• Decatur Park District Scovill Zoo
•Glenview Park District The Grove
•Hoffman Estates Park District "McDance"
• Lake Forest Recreation Department Wildlife Discovery Center
• Pekin Park District "Advance Notice Show Choir"
•Peoria Park District "Great Expectations"
• Peoria Park District "Pops Orchestra"
•Taylorville Park District "Singers"
•Tinley Park Park District "Arts Alive! Jazz Band"
•WaukeganPark District"Steppers Drill Team"

November/December 2000 / 53

P E O P L E    A N D    P L A C E S

IAPD and Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan Campaign Against Youth Smoking

Attorney General Jim Ryan

The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and Attorney General Jim Ryan teamed-up in early June of this year for the high-profile "Al Right" Anti-Smoking Initiative." "Al Right" is the mascot that was created by the Attorney General'sOffice to deliver educational messages to children regarding the dangers of smoking and to get them involved in creating artwork used in anti-smoking advertising. IAPD member agencies were invited to participate in the "Al Right Anti-Smoking Sign Contest" by involving children ages 6 to 9 who attend park district summer programs. Districts received a copy of the "Al Right" newsletter and guidelines for entering the sign contest. Kids were asked to "spread the word about no smoking" by grabbing their markers, crayons and colored pencils and designing a no-smoking sign. In all, the Attorney General's Office received 480 entries from Illinois park districts. Twelve entries were selected to be featured in a 2001 Al Right No-Smoking Calendar, which will be sent to schools, teachers and park districts. Check out all twelve award-winning designs on the back cover of this issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine. Three entries were chosen as the grand prize winners. The designs (show on this page) ultimately will appear on billboards and on posters all across the state of Illinois. The award winners and their park districts are: •Nicole Berkheimer, Champaign Park District • Morgan Brubaker, Champaign Park District • Terrance Cagle, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District • Cale Chester, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District • Tricia Crockett, Lake Villa, Ill. • Tyier Guenette, Watseka Park District • Miyina Jackson, Midlothian Park District • Kassandra Klotz, Rosemont Park District • Jason Kurkul, Oak Lawn Park District • Jordan Mooney, Peoria Park District • Amy Podgor, Rosemont Park District • Liam Sears, Joliet Park District IAPD and Attorney General Jim Ryan thank all the park districts that participated in this worthy initiative! •

Miyina Jackson, Age 9 Midlothian Park District Jordan Mooney, Age 6 Peoria Park District Tyler Guenette, Age 9 Watseka Park District

November/December 2000 / 55