Bolingbrook Board Honored for Excellence

The South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association (SSPRPA) bestowed its first Distinguished Park Board Award on the Bolingbrook Park District board of commissioners at SSPRPA's annual Community Leader banquet held February 8, 2002. The work of board members Al Traczek, Jerry Hix, Bill Werth, Sue Vastalo and Major Jones was cited as an exemplary model for other park boards. The board promotes a professional, ethical workplace with high standards and expectations of superior results. It determines the framework under which the staff is expected to achieve desired results. In Bolingbrook that framework consists of a vision statement, a mission statement, goals and a corporate culture. Successes of the board and agency include: NRPA'S National Excellence in Aquatics Award, 1998; National Gold Medal Award, 1999; and Illinois Distinguished Agency Award, 1999. In addition, community-wide surveys continually record extraordinary levels of resident satisfaction. SSPRPA is comprised of 50 park and recreation agencies in the south and southwest suburbs.

Wright Receives Human Resources Certification

Mary T. Wright, a Naperville Park District board commissioner, has been certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Society for Human Resource Management. The certification recognizes Wright's theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management. To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience. Wright is an equal employment and affirmative action officer with the Illinois Toll Highway Commission.

Coglianese Named 2001 Woman of the Year

Nancy Coglianese, the first female commissioner elected to the Veterans Park District board was honored in March by the Napoletano Club of Melrose Park as its 2001 Woman of the Year. Coglianese, known as "Miss Nancy" to many after 27 years as the Veterans Park District Preschool Director and Teacher, received a B.S. in Education from Western Illinois University, taught kindergarten at Melrose Park Elementary School and was an active member of the Illinois and national education associations. As a park commissioner since 1997, she has been instrumental in many of the districts renovation projects, and beautification and safety initiatives. Coglianese is active in many community affairs including the United Way Crusade of Mercy, the American Cancer Society and the Melrose Park Benefit Fund.

Geneva, Batavia and Westmont Among Recipients of EPA Awards

At the IAPD Annual Business Meeting held in January 26 in Chicago, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness presented three IAPD-member agencies with Conservation Native Landscaping Awards: Batavia Park District for its Plain Dirt Gardners, Geneva Park District for Peck Farm Park, and Westmont Park District.

Other recipients included Portage Department of Parks and Recreation; Village of Antioch, Village of Elburn, Village of Itasca and the Village of Riverside.

John Vann, RLA, CPRP, resigned from the Plainfield Park District to expand his own design firm, LandTech. Vann served as superintendent of parks and Planning for thirteen years at the Westmont Park District and five and a half years in Plainfield. While in Plainfield, he oversaw the maintenance and planning departments and with his help, Plainfield grew from 200 acres and 12 parks to 650 acres and 40 parks. Vann led Plainfield in receiving more than $2 million in grants. LandTech specializes in park and recreation design, open space planning, grant preparation, and land acquisitions.

Debra Scinto was hired by Peace Village, formally known as Peace Memorial Village, in Palos Park as Life Enrichment Facilitator (Activities) in the Residents' Services Department. She will plan, coordinate and implement all the activities for the retirement village residents including daily programs, trips, entertainment and socials. A Chicago Ridge resident, Scinto has a B.S. degree in Recreation & ParkAdministration / Business Management from Western Illinois University and is

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an ECOEE (Environmental Conservation Outdoor Education Expedition) alumnus. Previously, she worked at the Oak Lawn Park District as recreation facility supervisor.

- IN MEMORIAM - Charles J. Prazma Charles J. Prazma, 74, of York Township, president of the York Center Park District for 30 years, died Friday, Nov. 16, in Oakbrook Health Care Center. Born in Chicago and raised in Cicero, Mr. Prazma lived in York Center for 43 years. He not only served as the park district president, he was a key player in its formation in 1971. A salesman who retired from Victor Shade Co., in Cicero, Mr. Prazma also was a past president of the York Center PTA and was active in School Districts 45 and 88. He served in the Army during the occupation of Europe, from 1945 to 1947. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Audrey, two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Friends of
Illinois Parks
Thanks Its
Major Donors

At the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, IAPD president Mary Garrison presents recognition plaques to major donors to the Friends of Illinois Parks. Photos: (top left) Illinois Parks Associations Risk Services (IPARKS) representative Eddie Wood; (top right) Paul Holzrichter and Neil Pollock of PHN Architects; (middle left} Robert K. Bush and Robert Rolek of Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Rolek, P.C. ; (middle right] Joyce Clark of Kiefer Specialty Flooring; {bottom) Mike Williams of Williams Architects. Thank you for your contributions to Friends of Illinois Parks!

In other conference news, our congratulations to Phil Yoder, parks and properties director of the Northbrook Park District, winner ofthe Friends of Illinois Parks Vacation Getaway raffle held at the 2002 state conference. He selected the Caribbean Cruise and travels this March to Jamaica, courtesy of Friends and Lamport Tours!

About Friends of Illinois Parks

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,

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INTRODUCING, 2002 PRESIDENTS FOR IAPD AND IPRA

Jill Bartholomew, CPRP IPRA President Supt. of Recreation, Homewood Flossmoor Park District The athletes who competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics came from all parts of the world. The members of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) board come from all parts of the state. Just like the athletes, IPRA board members bring their own individual backgrounds, expertise and good will. The 2002 IPRA board has five new members. It is the youngest board ever elected and, like the 2002 athletes, they do not really know each other, but they have heard each other's names. Your professional involvement, including committee work, mentoring, recruiting of new professionals into our field, educating and networking are still the cornerstones of our great profession. So, what is the game plan that will allow us to "go for our goals?" like Olympic gold medals. Our goals can be summed up in two words: reaching out. A new Outreach Task Force has been appointed to study how IPRA can better serve the northern, western and southern regions of our great state. Mentoring is another area to which the board and staff have committed themselves. Currently 86 pairs are mentoring. With the high percentage of superintendents, directors and professors retiring in the next few years, we must reach out and recruit new professionals. The University Relations Committee has produced a video that you can use to introduce our field to camp staff, lifeguards, referees and other potential park and recreation majors. The newly formed Public Relations Committee will contact the media and develop positive press relations to promote the official message of IPRA on specific issues. If your agency is not already involved in the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) then it is time to provide information to your coaches and parents about this IPRA-endorsed program for creating a positive climate for youth sports. The IPRA Web site will become your primary site for association information and services. Check it weekly. Finally, keep the board and staff informed of your meetings and activities. Our challenge as diverse, multi-talented professionals is much the same as the diverse group of athletes who gathered in Salt Lake City. To "go for the gold," we must challenge ourselves as individuals to do the best job we can of serving our communities and our organization.

Mary Garrison IAPD President Commissioner, Winnetka Park District No matter how you read the year 2002, THE FUTURE IS NOW! In 2002, the IAPD board of directors will build on the spirit that Gayle Norton, Secretary of the Interior, conveyed to us in October 2001 at the NRPA Congress, the Four Cs: communication, consultation, cooperation, and conservation. IAPD is a provider of "energy" that is needed at the local park district and forest preserve level. We, at IAPD, want to communicate, cooperate and be receptive to your needs and concerns. We are eager to help you achieve, to accomplish and to triumph! We all have challenges and goals. Let's communicate and cooperate to reach those goals. We must trust ourselves and make decisions that meet the needs of those we are elected to serve. THE FUTURE IS NOW! Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "The ultimate measure-of a man—and I am sure he meant of a woman also—is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Because of September 11, we are facing more challenges than ever in our daily lives and more challenges than ever in serving those we are elected to serve. Let's run with the challenge! Recreation is more important for families and for a fulfilled lifestyle than ever before! More than 60 IAPD members are serving on IAPD committees in 2002. Please contact me if you would like to be part of this vibrant group. IAPD is better because of your expertise! In 2002 there will be a new governor and congressional changes. Our Legislative Reception and Conference in Springfield on April 23 and April 24 is a helpful and necessary venue to facilitate meeting with our elected state officials. These leaders are important to our hopes and dreams for parks and recreation. Please invite your Senator and Representative to the IAPD reception at the Illini Club. IAPD needs you. We all need to work together. A priority in the newly proposed IAPD strategic plan is directed to member relations — to you. THE FUTURE IS NOW.

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Scenes and Award Winners from the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference
Jan. 24-26, 2002 Hyatt Regency Chicago

The 2002 IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, was a celebration of achievement and continuing education. More than 4,000 professionals, elected officials and park and recreation supplies attended this annual event, presented by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.

In attendance at the Friday Luncheon were more than 40 legislators from the Illinois House and Senate, including Legislators of the Year Rep. John "Jack" McGuire (D-86) and Rep. Kathleen Wojcik (R-45). Among the distinguished guests of the conference were Fran Mainella, director of the National Park Service and T. Destry Jarvis, executive director of the National Recreation and Park Association.

IAPD Awards • Allan A. Weissburg "Commissioner of the Year" Award, Michael Gilfillan, Arlington Heights • President's Citation Pamela 0. Newton, Lake County Forest Preserves • Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award Harris Agnew, Rockford Park District • Rising Star Award Earl Creutzburg, Champaign County Forest Preserve. District • Arbor Day Award Summit Park District • 50 Year Agency Anniversary Award Dundee Township Park District • 100 Year Agency Anniversary Award Pekin Park District • Outstanding Board Member Achievement Award Dan Staackmann, Morton Grove; Mary Wright, Naperville; Stanley Budzinski, Peoria; Katy Graham, Arlington Heights • 10-Year Service Anniversary Award Mary J. Beattie, Lake County Forest Preserves; Jan Caron, Deerfield Park District; John F. Cozza, Palatine Park District; Karen A. Garbe, Park District of Oak Park;

K. "Woody" Goode, Pekin; Thomas R. Jansen, Medinah; Wanda L. Kadlec, Wauconda; Patricia Malloy, Burr Ridge; Ronald Maquet, Pekin; Martha Marks, Lake County; Pamela O. Newton, Lake County; Richard Olinger, Glen Ellyn; Arthur E. Pape, Wheaton; Dean A. Parkman, Lindenhurst; Jack Pfeiffer, Springfield; John E. Schulien, Lake County; Leslie A. Sgro, Springfield; Carol Spielman, Lake County; David B. Stolman, Lake County; William R. Van Alstine, Jr., Decarur; Midge Wallace, Champaign • 15-Year Service Anniversary Award Patrice A. Burton, Phoenix; Carol Calabresa, Lake County; Dan Flanagan, Oakbrook Terrace; Norma Gesell, Belvidere; Roberr T. Hoffman, Sr., Mundelein; Linda C. Hudecck, Berwyn ;

58    Illinois Parks and Recreation

Mary Marquardt, Belvidere; Philip W. Stanko, Cary; Irene M. Stone, DuPage County; Paul Turner, Deerfield • 20-Year Service Anniversary Walter M. Beusse, Niles; Elaine E. Heinen, Niles; James E. Kennelly, Worth; Mary J. Lynch, Alsip; Audrey H. Nixon, Lake County; Craig Rakow, Dundee Township; Patti Stryker, Deerfield; Thomas M. Trapani, Rolling Meadows; William E. Tucknott, Schaumburg • 25-Year Service Anniversary Award Herman A. Seremala, Phoenix • 30-Year Service Anniversary Award Donald L. Brewer, Murphysboro; William A. Cizek, Oakbrook Terrace • 35-Year Service Anniversary Award Edward A. Karasek, Berwyn; Norbert Lesnieski, Lemont

IPRA Awards • Robert Artz Distinguished Service Award, William S. Tookey, Addison • Fellow Award, Ray Morrill, Wheaton • Professional Recognition Award, Elizabeth S. Kessler, Skokie • Meritorious Service Award, Ron Oestreich, Bolingbrook and Margaret Resnick, Bolingbrook Park District • IPRA Young Professional Award, Brian G. Witty, Collinsville Partnership • Award of Excellence, National Alliance for Youth Sports • IPRA President's Award, Tim Bartlett, Urbana, Lorikay Paden, Urbana and John Wilson, Lan-Oak • Outstanding Facility & Parks Award Renovation: Division I, Geneseo Park District, Athletic Field Park; Division II Prospect Heights Park District Izaak Walton Park Division III, Deerfield Park District Jaycee Memorial Park; Division IV, Mt. Prospect Park District Mt. Prospect Central Community Center • Multiple Use: Division II, DeKalb Park District DeKalb Sports and Recreation Center; Division III, Bartlett Park District Bartlett Communty Center; Division IV, Glenview Park District Park Center • Aquatic Facility: Division II, River Trails Park District Woodland Trails Pool; Division III, Bolingbrook Park District Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park; Division IV, Elgin Parks and Recreation Wing Park Family Aquatic Center • Park: Division II, Romeoville Recreation Department; Division III, Westmont Park District Ty Warner Park; Division IV Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Kline Creek Farm • Conservation Program Award Division III, Park Ridge Recreation and Park District, The Wildwood Nature Center Restoration Project; Division IV, Crystal Lake Park District, Veteran Acres Pond Restoration Project; Division V, Forest Preserve District of Will County, Lake Renwick Island Remediation • Outstanding Program Award Ongoing Program: Division III, Oak Lawn Park District, Picnics in the Park; Division TVNorthbrook Park District, SPICE — Special Persons Ice Skating Experience; Division V, NISRA, Therapeutic Adventures of a Lifetime; Special Event: Division III, Champaign Park District, Symphony at Sunset; Division IV Wheaton Park District, The Bog Dog Adventure Sprint; Division V, NWSRA, Gold Medal Fashion Show.

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