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PEOPLE AND PLACES Arlington Heights and Peoria Win Gold Medals The Arlington Heights Park District and the Peoria Park District received the highest national honor for park and recreation agencies, the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in park and recreation administration. Co-sponsored by the National Sporting Goods Association's (NSGA) Sports Foundation, Inc. and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the awards were presented at NRPA's annual meeting on October 3 in Denver, Colo. The Gold Medal winners for 2001 are:
Class I (population 250,000+)
Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland, Ohio Nominated by: Newman Outfitters, Inc., Shaker Heights, Ohio
Class II (100,000 - 250,000)
Class III (50,000-100,000)
Class IV (20,000 - 50,000)
Class V (less than 20,000)
State Parks Award
Winners are selected based upon improvement, service, continuing development, extent of future planning and degree of participant involvement and acceptance by the community. The judges, nationally recognized authorities in the field of park and recreation management, are: chairperson Fran P. Mainella, director. National Park Service; Ellen O'Sullivan, Leisure Lifestyle Consulting; Richard Zavala, City of Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department; Steven K. Messerii, Lake County (Ill.) Forest Preserve District; and Chris Jarvi, Director of Community Services, Anaheim, Calif. NSGA's Sports Foundation is a non-profit membership organization founded to stimulate interest in the development of new recreational activities and facilities. Rep. Moore Receives National Park and Recreation Award
Illinois State Representative Andrea S. Moore received the nation's most prestigious parks and recreation award from the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration and the National Park Foundation: the Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award. The award has been given annually since 1928, beginning with Stephen Mather, first director and father of the National Park Service, and most recently to Bruce Babbitt, then United States Secretary of Interior. Now serving her fifth term in the Illinois legislature as representative of the 61st District, Rep. Moore received the award in recognition of her outstanding leadership on conservation, park and recreation issues in Lake County and Illinois. A statewide leader on conservation and smart-growth issues. Rep. Moore initiated and won approval for bi-partisan legislation creating the landmark "Open Lands Trust Act," which dedicated $160 million over four years to protecting, preserving and enhancing natural lands in Illinois. She also has introduced many other legislative solutions to issues faced by Illinois forest preserve and park districts and has helped agencies in her district secure state grants for land acquisition. She has received the Illinois Environmental Council's Commendation, the Illinois Association of Park Districts' "Outstanding Legislator Award," the Friends of Ryerson Woods Environmental Award and the Illinois Crossroads Council of the Girl Scouts' "2001 Woman of Achievement Award," and was recently recognized by The Nature Conservancy of Illinois for her leadership in preserving Illinois' remaining natural areas. Editor's Note: Rep. Moore recently announced her decision not to seek a sixth term as representative of the 61st District. Garrison Receives National Award
Mary Garrison, vice president of the Winnetka Park District and president-elect of the Illinois Association of Park Districts, received the prestigious National Citizen Board Member Service Award from the National Recreation and Park Association at its annual meeting in Denver. The award is given to a member of the NPRA Citizen Board Member branch for exemplary board service on the local, state and national levels. Garrison has served on the board of the park district since 1991 and assumes the presidency of the Illinois Association of Park Districts in January of 2002. She is a past president of Misericordia Home's Women's Board in Chicago. Garrison is the owner of North Shore Trophy and Engraving in Winnetka. Elmhurst Wins Kudos for Best Overall Communicator The Elmhurst Park District received a 2001 Kudos Award for Best Overall Communicator from the National Recreation and Park Association. 44 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation PEOPLE AND PLACES
The Kudos awards recognize excellence in marketing and communications. (Note: The list of Kudos winners published in the September/October issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine did not list Elmhurst for Best Overall Communicator. The editor regrets the omission.) Officer Lind Named IPLEA's Officer of the Year At the annual awards dinner of the Illinois Park Law Enforcement Association, held this fall, IAPD executive director Ted Flickinger had the honor of presenting IPLEA's Officer of the Year Award to Officer Bruce Lind of the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Lind's alertness and dedication to duty were cited as well as a specific case in which his efforts lead to the arrest of a suspect who was later charged with eight counts of armed robbery and one count of vehicular hijacking. Officers nominated for the award and noted for their distinguished service in the past year were: Officer Edward Buezkowski, Cook County Forest Preserve Police; Senior Deputy Bruno Maggio, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office; Sergeant Walter Shields, Peoria Park District Police; Park Service Officer Corey Fratus, Naperville Park District Police; Officer Curtis Thurston, Cook County Forest Preserve District; and Sergeant William Dineen and Sergeant Robert Cusak, Cook County Forest Preserve Police.
Steven K. Messerii, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves, was elected to serve as treasurer of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (Academy) for 2002. He previously served as a member of the organization's board of directors from 1996 to 1999. The Academy is made up of distinguished senior professionals and leaders in the park, conservation and recreation field, and was established to serve as an advisory board to the National Park and Recreation Association (NRPA) board of trustees. Membership in the Academy is limited to 125, and the election of officers is determined each year by the Academy's membership. As treasurer, Messerii will oversee the Academy's annual budget planning process and fundraising efforts. With more than 32 years of diverse experience in public administration and the park, recreation and conservation field, Messerii has served as executive director for the Lake County Forest Preserves since 1991. Under his leadership, the Lake County Forest Preserve was named winner of the National Gold Medal Award.
Gail Cohen has joined the staff of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association as the associations communications and marketing manager. For ten years, Cohen has been an independent consultant focusing on copy writing, design, public relations and marketing. Since 1995, she also has been an instructor at the undergraduate-and graduate-level for courses including journalism, advertising, marketing, graphics communication design and public relations. Cohen also gained valuable experience as a newspaper columnist for the Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, Ill.; marketing manager for the Bradford Exchange, Niles, Ill.; and director of marketing for Roman, Inc., Roselle, Ill. Nancy Aldrich was promoted to superintendent of human resources at the Arlington Heights Park District. Aldrich previously served the district as a human resources supervisor and as a training/safety supervisor. Her responsibilities include administration of all human resources, employee benefit and payroll functions, and supervision of the training/safety supervisor, Web site coordinator and front desk staff. She also serves as part-time faculty for graduate education at Roosevelt University in the School of Communications. She is actively involved with the PDRMA Education and Training Committee and me IPRA Administration and Finance Section, and holds professional memberships in IPRA, the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Payroll Association. Aldrich received an M.A. in Adult Education/Human Resources Development from National-Louis University, Evanston, Ill. and a B.A. in Communications and Sociology from Northeastern Illinois.
Derek Harms joined the Bloomingdale Park District as the athletics/aquatics supervisor. He completed his first year in the field of parks and recreation at Wood Dale Park District as a recreation supervisor, responsible for running the fitness studio, adult programming, and junior high programming. In his new position, he is responsible for youth athletic programs and he acts as the park district's liaison to the Bloomingdale Baseball and Softball Association and the Bloomingdale Athletic Club (football). Harris also is responsible for pool operations. Julie Dill joined the Elmhurst Park District finance department as an November/December 2001 ¦ 45 PEOPLE AND PLACES
46 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation
accounting clerk, responsible for accounts payable functions, including tracking and logging purchase order numbers, reconciling vendor statements and preparing and distributing checks and remittances according to established procedures. She also posts cash receipts to general ledger, preparing bank deposits and bank reconciliations. Previously, she worked in customer service and cash handling for First National Bank of Joliet.
Don Miletic was hired as the superintendent of finance for the Des Plaines Park District. He will oversee a staff of fee and the park district finances and computer systems. A graduate of Purdue University, Miletic previously was employed at Park Ridge Recreation and Park District, Arlington Heights Park District and as a consultant and senior consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG Consulting, specializing in computer applications for business customers. Tressa Lynn Luttrell was named program manager in arts and general interests. She is responsible for managing performing arts, visual arts and crafts, general interests, and environmental programs. Luttrell is a graduate from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where she earned a bachelor of science in Leisure Studies with and emphasis in Program Management. She has also been a member of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, Suburban Park and Recreation Association, Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Alumni, and Rho Phi Lambda (Honorary Fraternity). Amy Blatner was hired by the Elmhurst Park District as program manager for camps, special events and teens. She will develop and manage special events, summer youth camps and teen programs. She also will develop and implement new programs to improve program area and meet community needs. Blatner is a graduate of Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor of science in Recreation and Park Administration. She is an active member of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Megan Ann Croy joined the Elmhurst Park District as program manager for Recreation Station and Movies in the Park. Croy also serves as a liaison to School District #205 for Recreation Station programs. Croy is a graduate from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa where she obtained a bachelor of arts Degree in Art. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Recreation Administration. Randy Splitt, CPRP, joined the Libertyville Parks and Recreation Department as the new Athletic Supervisor for the Sports Complex currently being constructed. He comes to Libertyville with a wealth of sports knowledge. Previously, he was employed with the Gurnee Park District as a recreation supervisor overseeing all youth programs; Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department as a program supervisor; and the Hanover Park Park District as a recreation supervisor. Splitt graduated from North- November/December 2001 ¦ 47 PEOPLE AND PLACES eastern Illinois University with a bachelor of arts in Leisure Studies and Social Science degree. He also is a certified substitute teacher. Sara Rathsack was hired as facilities manager at the Libertyville Sports Complex, which is under construction. She has served as senior recreation supervisor for the City of Roseville Parks and Recreation in Roseville, Cal.; recreation coordinator for the City of Mesa Parks and Recreation, Arizona; and as program coordinator for the Department of Recreation Sports at Arizona State University in Tempe. Her responsibilities include overseeing all major operations of the Libertyville Sports Complex as well as hiring staff and working with the marketing director and athletic supervisor to ensure quality facilities. Nancy Kaszak, executive director of CorLands, is the first officially announced candidate in the race to fill the 5th District congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Rod Blagojevich, who is running for governor of Illinois. Kaszak, 50, is a resident of the Lakeview area of Chicago. Michael Adams was hired as River Road park manager, a newly created position at the Kankakee Valley Park District. Adams is responsible for the coordination of all activities at this 400-acre park including softball, campground development and management, concessions, and special events. He earned a B.S. in Forestry Recreation at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Free Fishing Clinics Available The Chicago and Region II Northeastern Illinois Urban Fishing Programs are please to announce a new service available to IAPD and IPRA members in these areas. Fishing seminars (clinics) for first-time adult fishing enthusiasts. These seminars will be held January through April on-site at designated park district locations and will be free to the general public. Each session will consist of a two-hour introduction to the basics of fishing, with an emphasis on the ability of parents to rely their newly found fishing knowledge to their children. The clinics will emphasize hands-on classroom instruction that can be implemented in actual fishing situations. Topics represented include how to get started, where to go, what to use and fish identifications, fishing safety, fish ecology, ethics, and useful hints to make future fishing excursions successful and enjoyable.
Another related service is the Access to Fishing program. This program permits families to borrow fishing equipment and tackle at no charge, just as they would a library book. Presently, there are more than 80 Access sites in Northeastern Illinois and Chicago programs. These sites have loaned out rods, reels and tackle more than 12,400 during fiscal year 200. The service is free to the general public. Park districts, nature centers, and special recreation groups that are not participating in these programs are encouraged to stop by the Access to Fishing booth at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, January 24-26, 2002, in Chicago. Or, for more information, contact Rol Steinhauser, Region II Urban Fishing Program Coordinator, 847.294.4132 IAPD Recognized by IPLEA for Park Safety Program
Never has security been more of an issue with Americans than today. Governmental buildings, corporate headquarters and shopping venues have all beefed up security in this time of crisis. Fortunately, many park districts and recreation agencies throughout Illinois have been ahead of the game with the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Eagle EyeSM Neighborhood Park Watch Program, which has now received a boost from the Illinois Park Law Enforcement Association with a resolution. "The Illinois Park Law Enforcement Association recognizes the importance of preventing crime and vandalism in parks and preventing the misuse of park properties," said Mark Johnson, president of the association. "We commend the Illinois Association of Park Districts for offering this program to park and recreation agencies, and our Resolution encourages all such agencies to become active Eagle Eyes members." The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) administers the Eagle EyeSM Neighborhood Park Watch Program to prevent crime and vandalism to playground and park equipment, to alleviate suspicious activities in parks and to promote community involvement. "Not only does the Eagle EyeSM program reduce repair and restoration costs for equipment and facilities, but it also creates community pride as citizens work together to ensure safe, clean and enjoyable parks," said Dr. Ted Flickinger, IAPD Executive Director. "We are honored that the Illinois Park Law Enforcement Association recognizes this as a program vital to communities throughout the state." The program's mascot, Seemore the Eagle, visits schools and recreation sites to encourage children to be observant and responsible park patrons, and to tell their parents if they witness wrongful activities. The program relies on citizen participation and support to watch for and report wrongful activities including defacement or misuse of park equipment, broken and unsafe equipment, destruction of natural resources, alcohol or substance abuse, fighting or harassment, littering or garbage dumping, loose domestic animals in the park, unauthorized fires, abuse or capture of wildlife and violation of park closing hours. Sixteen agencies currently implement the Eagle EyeSM program in Illinois. For more information, call the IAPD office at 217.523.4554. 48 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation PEOPLE AND PLACES
November/December 2001 ¦ 49 PEOPLE AND PLACES
Park District Conservation Day 2001
The seventh 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. During opening ceremonies on the lawn of the Illinois Building, the Decatur Park Singers presented a rousing show and serenaded Brent Manning, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a notably good sport! 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 Baton Twirling & Dance
Photographs by Lori Magee, Buffalo Grove Park District 50 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation PEOPLE AND PLACES
IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference
The 2002 state conference for Illinois parks and recreation features more than 100 workshops and seminars to keep you current in your field. You could win a trip to Disney World at the exhibit hall, where you'll find access to 280 companies that serve the park and recreation marketplace, plus various cash award giveaways and the Silent Auction. The closing general session speaker is Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Vidmar, the premier male gymnast for the United States in the 1984 Olympics. Since his Olympic triumphs, Vidmar has worked as the gymnast announcer for CBS Sports, served on the boards of U.S.A. Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee, and has been appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Don't miss the closing party at the world renown Art Institute of Chicago, an event made possible by the Chicago Park District. Our delegates will have exclusive access to the museum for the evening and curators will be stationed throughout the galleries to "talk art."
Here's just a small sample of the sessions you can attend at "the best park and recreation state conference in the country."
• The 60-second Team: How to collaborate with anyone, any time
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