People, Places & Things             

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Potts named Fellow of American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration John C. Potts, superintendent of parks at Peoria Park District, has been named an American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration Fellow. Potts is completing his 14th year with Peoria and has held the superintendent post since 1978. Prior to his present position, he was chief of park police for the district for two years. He served as director of activity therapy, psychiatric division, for the Illinois Department of Corrections, Menard, Ill., from 1971 to 1976. John C. Potts Academy membership qualifications require 15 years of active service in park and recreation administration and/or education; demonstration of abilities in administration or education; professional leadership; and a demonstrated desire to contribute to the advancement of parks and recreation through participation in the affairs of the Academy. Potts has a master's degree in Outdoor Recreation Resources Management and a bachelor's degree in Science Management from the College of Business and Administration from Southern Illinois University. Lincoln Park Zoological Society receives 1990 NRPA National Voluntary Service Award The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) presented its 1990 National Voluntary Service Award to the Lincoln Park Zoological Society of Chicago for supporting one of the leading wildlife and recreational facilities in the United Slates. More than 4 million visitors enjoy Lincoln Park's collection of exotic animals exhibited on 35 acres of parkland in the heart of Chicago yearly. NRPA's National Voluntary Service Award is presented annually to the citizen(s) or organization(s) whose voluntary contributions of time and effort over a period of years have improved the quality of leisure opportunities through recreation, parks and conservation programs and projects in neighborhoods, communities, states or the nation. The award was presented at NRPA's 1990 Congress for Recreation and Parks in Phoenix, Ariz., on Oct. 12. The National Voluntary Service Award is part of NRPA's National Awards Program.

Brian T. Smith Hanover Park Park District adds Smith and two others to its staff Brian T. Smith has been selected as the superintendent of recreation at Hanover Park Park District. A 1981 graduate of Western Illinois University, Macomb, Smith has a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Parks Administration. Prior to his selection, he was recreation supervisor at Elgin Parks and Recreation Department. From 1984 to 1986, he was a program coordinator at Wheeling Park District, and a recreation coordinator at Vemon Hills Park District from 1981 to 1984. Smith is a Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1973 to 1977. Other appointments at Hanover Park Park District include Joe Pusatera as the athletic supervisor, and Heidi Bonner as recreation supervisor. Pusatera earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Lewis University, Romeoville, Ill., in 1983. Bonner earned her bachelor's degree in Leisure Studies from University of Illinois, Urbana. She recently completed an internship Highland Park.

People, Places & Things             

Smith named superintendent of parks at Morton Grove Park District Bob Smith has been named superintendent of parks at the Morton Grove Park District. He is a graduate of Governors State University, University Park, Ill., with a degree in Public Administration. He was the supervisor of buildings and grounds at Bensenville Park District prior to accepting his current position. He is a member of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and the Midwest Institute of Park Executives. Morton Grove Park District is a recent recipient of a $200,000 Illinois Department of Conservation grant. This money will be used to renovate Harrer Park, a 22 acre community park. Smith will oversee this project as well as renovations and maintenance of neighborhood parks and facilities. Bob Smith Will joins Winfield Park District staff Denise Will is the new recreation coordinator for the Winfield Park District. She will be responsible for all recreation programs for the district. She has a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Texas Womens University, Denton, Texas. She was previously employed as recreation center supervisor for the Ft. Worth, Texas, Park and Recreation Department for 10 years. Denise Will

IPRA hires marketing, special events director The Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) has hired Montie R. Blackman as director of marketing and special events. She will be responsible for the overall public relations, marketing and special events and promotional campaigns for IPRA. Blackman has worked in many different facets of fundraising over the past 17 years. She served as regional project manager for the United Negro College Fund, Inc., where she was responsible for the production activities of the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars" television special. She also served as consultant for the NBA Pro Basketball Classic, The New Regal Theatre Foundation, Northeastern Illinois University, and a host of other statewide events. A native of Jackson, Miss., Blackman received her bachelor's degree in communications from Jackson State University. Harper named recreation supervisor at Matteson Parks and Recreation Department Ernest Harper has been added to the staff of the Matteson Parks and Recreation Department in the position of recreation supervisor. His primary responsibilities will be in the area of athletics. Harper has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Economics from Eureka College with an emphasis in management. He is also a certified elementary teacher. His experience includes coaching basketball, baseball and track teams for Bloom High School. He has organized and coached the Craig Hodges (Chicago Bulls) "Save The Youth" Basketball Camp. He has worked with the Chicago Heights Park District for five summers in conjunction with the Bloom Township J.T.P.A Youth Employment Training Program, and is a registered official for the Illinois High School Association. Ernest Harper Harper resides in University Park with his wife, Sheryl, and their three children, Asiel, Khara and Akia.