Along with the honors, Dahl has collected wonderful memories. He enjoyed serving as grand marshal of the Illinois State Fair Parade and assisting at a tree planting ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield. He was thrilled to be part of the championship cow-milking team at the state fair, calling that experience "probably more fun than one person should have."

Dahl claims he learned a lot about himself over the years. "I learned I could accomplish more than I ever thought. One person can make a difference, and I have the ability to lead and to work with people to resolve issues and problems." Northbrook Park District Executive Director Ed Harvey says, "The board will really miss Oscar's experience and his leadership qualities."

Without the board commitments, Dahl plans to visit his grandchildren in Atlanta and Chattanooga and spend more time traveling. He's visited all 50 states and their capitals; his next goal is to play golf in all 50 states. He and his wife Elaine already have played in 37. Dahl says he adopted the philosophy that "life's too short to be serious all the time, and you have to have fun."

Lachel served 18 years (from 1989 to 2007) as a commissioner and was serving as vice president at the time of her death. While on the board, she was an integral part of the most significant growth in the history of the park district. The construction of the recreation and fitness center, two swimming pools, the Randall Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse, the senior center and the purchase of Bonnie Dundee Golf Course and Raceway Woods all occurred during her tenure on the board.

Lachel was a lifelong resident of Dundee Township and a graduate of Dundee High School. She was an educator affiliated with Summit School in East Dundee for 31 years. She was principal for the past seven years.

Her husband, Bud, is the tennis coach at Cary-Grove High School, and they both shared a love for the sport. The park district is currently in the process of constructing a three-court lighted tennis complex at Huffman Park in West Dundee, and these courts will be dedicated to her memory later this summer.

Tom Carstens was recently appointed as the new deputy director of the Bolingbrook Park District, replacing Margaret Resnick who left in January to fill the director's position at the Mundelein Park and Recreation District.

Carstens served as the Bolingbrook Park District's superintendent of recreation for more than 10 years before stepping into the role of deputy director in March. In his new position, Carstens oversees the day-to-day operations of the district, which consists of a nine-hole golf course, two fitness centers, an indoor/outdoor aquatic park, the Joliet Bolingbrook Special Recreation Association and more than 2,300 annual recreation programs.

Prior to working at Bolingbrook, Carstens was the superintendent of recreation at the Cary Park District and served as a facility manager at the Downers Grove Park District.

Carstens received his B.A. in recreation administration and psychology in 1981 from North Central College in Naperville. He is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional.

"My goal is to give the community a better understanding of the ecosystem services that Chicago's natural areas provide," Yermakov said. "They not only provide a home for wildlife and fauna, but they also clean air and water, combat erosion, provide shade and space for recreational opportunities."

Yermakov previously worked as a research assistant for Argonne National Laboratory's terrestrial ecology group, investigating the effects of changes in climate and landscape on below-ground processes. She was also part of a mountaineering and research expedition that investigated glacier movement and crevasse formation while living on a sheet of ice for two months in Alaska.

Growing up in a northwest suburb of Chicago, Yermakov attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she had a dual major in environmental earth science and biological sciences. She went on to receive her M.S. from Michigan State University with dual majors in forestry and ecology, evolutionary biology and behavior.

Ross Bruni joined the staff of the Lemont Park District as recreation program and service administrator in December 2006. Bruni has more than 10 years of experience in the parks and recreation field. At Lemont, he oversees the management of the district's recreation programs and staff. For the past five years,

he was the director of the Lockport Township High School Community Wellness Center, where he was responsible for the daily operation of the 90,OOO-square-foot facility. Bruni received his B.S. in sports management from Valparaiso University. He is a member of IPRA and NRPA.

Elmhurst Staffs Up

The Elmhurst Park District recently added four new employees.

Allan Hoss has an associate's degree from Triton College in automotive mechanics and horticulture. He has 15 years of experience in maintaining facilities, grounds and equipment for various organizations. He has also assisted with special events, projects and land management plans. He previously worked for Triton College, Brookfield Zoo, Wood Dale Park District and the Village of Itasca. Hoss is responsible for the maintenance and inspection of all district facilities.

Mark Cygan also attended Triton College and has more than 22 years of diverse experience, having previously worked for the City of Northlake, Murray Construction, the City of Augusta and D&H Construction. He maintains the quality and appearance of the park district's grounds

For 11 years, Tammy Heinemann has served as the park district's part-time recreation program assistant. She now works in the position full time. She assists program managers with purchases of supplies and materials, as well as with set-up and on-site registration/check-in for programs and special events. She also compiles program information for the district's seasonal brochures, program handbooks and special registrations. And she provides additional staff coverage at The Abbey during daytime programs.

Matthew Fairbanks is the new park ambassador supervisor, responsible for providing customer service and public relations to park users. He and his staff help educate patrons and athletic groups by providing them information about district policies, services, programs and events. He also oversees the district's Adopt-A-Park program.

Fairbanks previously worked as an account executive and a game-day operations/media and public relations intern for the WNBA Chicago Sky, where he was responsible for providing customer relations to current and future ticket holders, and for assisting with public events and appearances. Fairbanks received his master's degree in recreation and sport management from Indiana State University, where he also assisted with the operations of the athletic department and women's basketball team.

Sterling Takes on New Rec Director

Paul Zepezauer accepted the position of director of recreation for the Sterling Park District in March. He oversees all recreation facilities and programs for the district. Zepezauer has more than 13 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation, six of which have been full time as the athletics coordinator for the Elk Grove Park District. He holds a B.S. in community and commercial recreation from the University of Iowa.

SEASPAR Hires Coordinator

The Southeast Association for Special Parks and Recreation (SEASPAR) has added Brian Houzenga to its staff. He filled a vacant coordinator's position in October. Houzenga is responsible for all aspects of inclusion programs, planning and coordinating teen and adult programs, leisure education, and he serves as the agency's participant liaison.

Houzenga completed his internship at the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and was most recently employed at Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR). He is a graduate of the University of Iowa, receiving his B.S. degree in leisure studies with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation.

Wheeling Hires Wellness Manager

Eric Lyde recently joined the Wheeling Park District as the new wellness manager.

Lyde is a graduate of Florida State University, where he studied exercise science and was on the school's volleyball team. He has 11 years of management experience in the health and fitness industry. At Wheeling, Lyde oversees the newly renovated fitness center and manages the district's wellness programs.

Oak Park Hockey Coach Named to Hall of Fame

Coach Paul Hruby, who has instructed thousands of youngsters and adults through the Park District of Oak Park's hockey program for the past 44 years, was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame in January. Hruby has earned the admiration of many by focusing on good sportsmanship, teamwork and, of course, having fun. A college player at Michigan State University, Hruby coached at both the high school and college levels. The Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois presented the honor to Hruby, recognizing his more than 50 years of contributions to Illinois hockey.