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People, Places and Things

Judy Beck, vice-president of the Glenview Park District, was recently awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Gold Medal for Exceptional Service.

The medal was given "in recognition of extraordinary efforts in negotiating a precedent-setting agreement that will serve as a national model for securing federal facility compliance" under national hazardous waste laws.

The Gold Medal is the EPA's highest national employee award. Ms. Beck was also the recipient of its 1986 Bronze Medal, the highest award presented on the regional level. She is an intergovernmental relations coordinator in the agency's Region V office, Chicago.

Ms. Beck is serving her third term as a commissioner of the Glenview Park District. She also serves on the board of directors, Illinois Association of Park Districts, where she has chaired the Joint Legislative Committee and the Municipal Relations Task Force.

Thomas J. Spadafora, 25, has been named the new public information supervisor of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

He is responsible for all communication duties at the district, including brochure writing and editing, promotion, marketing, media relations, photography and advertising.

Spadafora graduated from Bradley University, Peoria, in 1984 with a BA in journalism/public relations. He was previously employed as community relations assistant at the Peoria Park District. His other professional positions include reporter/copy editor for the Peoria Journal Star, and assistant director of development at the Easter Seal Center, Inc. Peoria.
Debra Owen ip8803251.jpg

The Bolingbrook Park District announces the hiring of three new staff members.

Debra Owen is the athletic/fitness supervisor. She received her

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People, Places and Things

masters degree from Illinois State University (ISU) in physical education with an emphasis on recreation.

Her previous experience includes working in the Intramural Department at ISU, and serving as assistant director of intramural sports at Eureka College and program director at the Pleasant Dale Park District.

Kathyrn
Danielson

Kathyrn Danielson is the recreation supervisor in charge of senior and adult programs, the Senior/ Handicapped Center and the Bolingbrook Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) service.

She is a graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelors degree in recreation and park administration. Her previous positions were with the North Berwyn and the Pleasant Dale Park Districts.
Alan Pell

Alan Pell is the manager of the Bolingbrook Aquatic Center. He has more than 12 years experience running swimming pool operations.

From 1983-'87, Pell was director of aquatics for Lake Forest Academy High School. His other positions included director of swimming at the Wheaton Sport Center, head swimming coach for the University of Chicago and director of Holiday Park in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Kay Forest

Kay Forest was awarded the degree of Master of Business with distinction by Keller Graduate School of Management on Nov. 14, 1987.

A graduate of Western Illinois University, where she received her BS degree in recreation and park administration, Ms. Forest is currently executive director of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. She also is a trustee of the Illinois Conservation, Recreation and Park Foundation.

While at Keller, Ms. Forest was a member of a student team which was one of three finalists for the coveted Kagan-Rollhaus Award, honoring the outstanding business plan of the year.

Events

The Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism will be held April 27 and 28 at the Holiday Inn East, Springfield, IL.

This event, Putting the Pieces Together, will feature 12 professional workshops plus major addresses by State and national tourism leaders. Participants will include sales and marketing executives from park districts, hotels, tourist attractions, arts councils, campgrounds, convention and visitors bureaus, restaurants, tour operators, chambers of commerce, university hospitality industry students, and various other leaders in the convention, meetings and travel industry.

Additional information is available from Nora Puglia, Conference Coordinator, 960-E Clocktower Dr., Springfield, IL 62704. Phone (217) 793-3733.

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People, Places & Things

Obituaries

Robert A. Stuart, former legal counsel (for 25 years) for the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), died in January. He was 70.

Robert A. Stuart ip8803255.jpg

Stuart was a member of the Springfield Park District board from 1954-'75, serving as its president from 1957-'75. During that time, he helped initiate improvements at various district sites, including the Thomas Rees Carillon, Washington Park Gardens and Horticultural Center, Henson Robinson Children's Zoo, Nelson Recreation Center and Eisenhower Pool.

Nationally, he served on the board of trustees and the Executive Committee for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

Stuart also served on various committees with the Illinois and American Bar Associations. He had just completed a term as president of the board of trustees for the National Recreational Foundation.

"Bob Stuart's commitment and leadership in our Association and in the park and recreation field will be missed," said Ted Flickinger, IAPD executive director.

"Bob left a rich legacy for the residents of Illinois, and an outstanding example for everyone involved in parks and recreation."
George Lowrey, Jr. ip8803256.jpg

George Lowrey, professor emeritus of leisure studies at the University of Illinois, died Oct. 23, 1987, in Urbana.

Dr. Lowrey was born in Plainview, TX, and received his bachelor's degree at Southwest Texas State University, his master's degree at the University of Texas and his doctorate at the University of Illinois in 1969. He was with the U. of I. for 20 years before his retirement in May, 1987.

Dr. Lowrey spent two years in the U.S. Navy, several years in the field, and several years teaching at Texas Women's University before deciding to return to school for his Ph.D.

He was involved with the Texas Recreation and Park Society in several capacities, including president, and he sat on boards of the Illinois Park and Recreation Asso-

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People, Places & Things

ciation (IPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). In addition, he served the State of Illinois and its communities as a community recreation and communications specialist with the Office of Recreation and Park Resources at the U. of I.

Dr. Lowrey was instrumental in starting the American Universities International Program for Study Abroad in Scotland, and he coordinated the field practicum program for several years.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 34 March/April 1988


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