Nathaniel H. Randall, Jr. has been appointed to the position of Risk Manager for the Peoria Park District.

James O. Breen, Director of Parks and Recreation, reports Randall will serve as chairman of the Park District's Safety Committee, establishing, implementing, and evaluating the district's loss prevention program; developing and updating emergency/evacuation plans for all Park District facilities; and developing a comprehensive inspection program for all Park District facilities, equipment, and work procedures.

Nathaniel H. Randall, Jr. Risk Manager Peoria Park District

Randall holds a bachelors degree in chemistry and biology from Ouachita University in Arkansas. He was previously employed by the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., as Loss Control Consultant. He is Assistant Pastor for the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Randall has also served on the Board of Directors for Community Action Against Poverty in Sangamon County, Board of Stewards for the St. Paul A.M.E. Church and as Church School Superintendent. Randall and his wife, Tinnie, have one child, Natalie.

On September 5, 1989, President George Bush addressed the citizens of our country on the severe problem of drug abuse. The President stated, in part: "Drugs have strained our faith in our system of justice. Our courts, our prisons, our legal system are stretched to the breaking point. The social costs of drugs are mounting. In short, drugs are sapping our strength as a nation. Turn on the evening news or pick up the morning paper and you'll see what some Americans know just by stepping out their front door. Our most serious problem today is cocaine, and in particular, crack."

No community is immune to the drug threat. Here are several suggestions on what you can do:

• Teach and distribute anti-drug information in your recreation centers, offices and recreation programs.

• Work with local businesses to remove T-shirts, posters, movies and paraphernalia that glorify drug use.

• Sponsor, publicize and offer district-wide drug-free miniature golf courses, ice skating, sports and physical fitness programs, swimming and other recreation services.

• Lobby city offices and judges to insist on tougher law enforcement and penalties for drug users and distributors.

• Plan a parent-child community forum addressing the drug abuse problem — invite businesses, police, hospitals, churches, schools and the media to serve as panelists. Encourage all the civic and fraternal groups to promote the forum.

• Pass a board resolution denouncing drugs.

• Form a parent group to assist in developing guidelines for their children.

These are a few ideas. What are YOU doing? Please share your ideas with me so that we can give recognition in future Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine publications. It's time we in parks, conservation and recreation begin to speak out against drug abuse. Our communities are crying for leadership on this issue. What are WE doing?

H. C. Johnson, Executive Director Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Board Member, National Society for Park Resources

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Executive Director H. C. Johnson has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Society for Park Resources. The four-year term of office began after installation to the position at the Annual NSPR meeting October 21 in San Antonio, Texas.

"I am truly honored to have been elected to this distinguished organization," Johnson said. "I look forward to serving on the board and working with the membership on the preservation, use, and management of park resources."

The NSPR is a professional society which represents natural resource-based park practitioners. It is made up of professional employees of the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management and state and regional park systems throughout the nation.

In operation since 1921, the NSPR was instrumental in formulating the nation's early park resource management policies.

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Mr. Ken Lewellen Commissioner Bourbonnais Township Park District

The Bourbonnais Township Park District is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ken Lewellen as Park District Commissioner. Ken succeeds Louis Minelli, who retired after serving as Commissioner for 2 years.

State Senator Sam Vadalabene of Edwardsville and Bonnie Noble of Peoria have been selected as 1989 Citation Award winners by the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (NASORLO).

"Known to many as "Father of the Bikeways," Senator Sam was nominated by the Department of Conservation for his outstanding environmental accomplishments," said Department of Conservation Director Mark Frech. "In 1973, he sponsored legislation to create the State Interagency Bikeways Council, a coordinating body helping to facilitate recreational cycling. He further demonstrated his dedication by sponsoring the Illinois Bicycle Trails Act, S.B. 787, which was approved by the Legislature this year."

Frech said Vadalabene's latest initiative will provide millions of dollars to the Department of Conservation and to local units of government for the acquisition and development of bike trails.

Vadalabene also serves as chairman of the Mississippi River Parkway Advisory Council, founded to promote preservation and promotion of the Mississippi River Valley along the Great River Road. Under his leadership, the Council is pursuing federal consideration of the Mississippi River National Heritage Corridor.

Regarding Bonnie Noble, Frech stated, "The Department of Conservation nominated Bonnie for her outstanding record of accomplishments in parks, recreation and natural resource administration on local, regional, and state levels. She sets a good example for us all."

Noble serves as the Executive Director of the Heartland Water Resources Council for Central Illinois, which was formed to address the quality and recreational development of the Illinois River and Peoria Lakes system. She is also a member, and newly elected President, of the Department of Conservation's Advisory Board and is a Trustee of the National Recreation and Park Association. She is President of the Board of Trustees for the Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Peoria and a Past President of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Elizabeth Gatsche has been promoted to the position of Special Events and Facilities Coordinator with the Urbana Park District.

Formerly a seasonal employee in charge of the Lake House and concessions, Beth's responsibilities now include the coordination of major special events for the Park District, as well as year-round promotion of the Lake House as a rental facility for the public. Joining the Urbana Park District staff as the new Volunteer Coordinator is Julie Readnour.

A graduate from the University of Illinois with a Masters Degree in Leisure Studies, Julie is responsible for coordinating all of the volunteers and volunteer activities for the Park District. The Park District currently works with over 300 volunteers.

I.P.R.A. Offers Coaches Training Programs Two excellent youth sports coaches training programs are available to Illinois park districts and recreation departments through I.P.R.A. The two programs, the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) and the American Coaches Effectiveness Program (ACEP), offer coaches certification and training at a variety of levels. Tape rentals are available through the I.P.R.A. Athletics Committee. For information on NYSCA, contact Larry Piekarz, (708) 366-7500. A.C.E.P. questions should be directed to Chris Faggi, (708) 831-3810. You may also call I.P.R.A., (708) 991-2820, to receive a coaches training flyer which compares the two programs.

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Responsible administrative position directing the total operation of the park district. Responsibilities include development and management of park facility and supervision of full and part-time employees. College degree in recreation or related field. Minimum 1 year management experience. Salary $18,000.00-$21,600.00, depending on experience.

Send resume to:

Over 100 people recently attended the grand opening of the new Dundee Township Park District Recreation and Fitness Center. The new facility features a fully equipped health club, whirlpool, sauna, gymnasium with running track, 4 racquetball courts, dance studio, aerobics/martial arts room and day care center. It is also headquarters for the recreation staff.

Pictured at opening day ceremonies are (left to right) Commissioners Albert Huffman and Barbara Lachel, Architects Henry Pittner and Charles Cassell, and Commissioners Craig Rakow, Robert Whitehouse, and Donald Smith.