IPO Logo Home Search Browse About IPO Staff Links
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Representative
Giorgi
In Memoriam — Representative E. J. "Zeke" Giorgi
The park and recreation field lost a good friend this fall. Representative E. J. "Zeke" Giorgi died of a heart attack at his home in Rockford in October.

Representative Giorgi, a Democrat and assistant house majority leader, had represented District 68 in Rockford since 1965, making him the General Assembly's most senior member.

In addition to being a proponent of parks and recreation, Giorgi was known as the "Father of Lottery," having authored the legislation that established the Illinois lottery 21 years ago. This legislation resulted in billions of dollars to the State treasury.

Giorgi was instrumental in establishing the Law and Engineering schools at Northern Illinois University and secured $10 million for the State of Illinois Building in Rockford. The office building has been renamed after Representative Giorgi, recognizing his 11-year quest to get funding for the building.

Giorgi is survived by his wife, Josephine, three daughters and seven grandchildren.
ip9401472.jpg
Representative "Zeke" Giorgi during the ground breaking of Rockford Park District's Marinelli Field in Blackhawk Park, September 11, 1987.


H. C. "Chuck" Johnson announced his retirement after serving nearly 32 years as executive director for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. When Johnson first took on the post, the Forest Preserve District owned less than 2,000 acres, but now owns more than 22,000 acres of open space as a result of the aggressive land acquisition plan put in place during his tenure.

As part of his duties, Johnson directed a staff of 300 employees involved in land acquisition, planning, development, management, preservation and improvement of forest areas, nurseries, wildlife, and water and mineral resources. This further included the design, construction and maintenance activities of district facilities.

Johnson, a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, has received numerous awards for his achievements and authored numerous articles on conservation and the environment. Johnson and his wife, Bev, are headed for Glenwood Springs, Colorado.


The Arlington Heights Park District has announced its reorganization, resulting in several promotions: Angelo Capulli, director of parks and planning; Donna Wilson, director of finance and personnel; Roger Key, director of recreation and facilities; Jules Peuvion, golf maintenance superintendent; Cathy Puchalski, administrative services superintendent; and three recreation superintendents — Sue Gwinnup, James Glueckert and Judy Julison. A park services superintendent will be filled at a later date.


The Niles Park District has announced three new staff members. Rich Blakey, CLP is the new Assistant Manager of IceLand, the district's year-round skating and aquatic facility. Jan Gerber has been promoted to IceLand Office Supervisor. Shauna Littrell is the new Administrative Coordinator for the district


Mark Badasch, Director of Parks & Recreation for the Roxana Community Park District and Roxana Recreation Department, was recently elected to a four- year term on the Board of Education of Roxana Community Unit No. One.


Jean Perkins has been appointed to the position of Recreation Supervisor with the Libertyville Parks and Recreation Department. Perkins will be responsible for overseeing two aquatic facilities, special events and public relations.

Illinois Parks & Recreation * January/February 1994 * 45


PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Eight Rockford Park District employees were honored by their fellow employees by being named Fourth Quarter Excellence Award winners.

Mark Parlapiano, Brad Hobson, Larry Ferrell and Dan Hendrickson were honored because of their work in repairing water pipes at the district's Sportscore facility. Betsy Youngquist was honored in the seasonal category for her work in the summer "Arts in the Park" program and other programs with which she is involved. Jan Lockwood was honored for her work on many special events and dedications, especially arranging transportation and tours for the IAPD board of directors during their meetings in early November. Marian Holmgren, was recognized for filling in and working in many departments on an as-needed basis and for volunteering each year to assist with the Snow Sculpting Competition. Jan Lindenmier was honored for her work in setting up an Earth Day Open House at Aldeen Park, which attracted more than 800 people.


The Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department announced the promotion of Douglas P. Boehm to Superintendent of Recreation. A graduate of Illinois State University, Boehm joined the department in 1989 as Athletic Supervisor.

Walter C. Johnson, NRPA Great Lakes Regional Director, was recently selected for membership in The Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

The Academy is comprised of 120 selected practitioners and educators who have made significant contributions to the park, recreation and leisure profession and who have demonstrated a desire to continue to contribute to the advancement of parks and recreation through participation in the affairs of the Academy.

Johnson is in his eleventh year as an NRPA staff member, and over a 21-year period served in Illinois as the Executive Director of the Cary Park District, Naperville Park District and Glencoe Park District.

Christine Harvey has joined the Naperville Park District as its human resources manager. Harvey had previously served as the employee relations assistant and legal assistant with the Village of Oak Park.

Nancy Kruse has been appointed director of administrative services for the Naperville Park District. Kruse manages the district's finance, human resources and customer service departments and oversees risk management and security services. Kruse held a number of accounting and financial positions, including that of business manager for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

Dolores Strazer was named recipient of the Waukegan Park District's 1993 Employee Recognition Award. In addition to her work for the district's Jack Benny Center, Bowen Park Theatre Company, Bowen Park Opera Company and Waukegan Symphony, Strazer was recognized for her volunteer work. Strazer serves as the secretary of the Friends of the Jack Benny Center and co-chairs the social committee; plans and presents the opening night receptions for the Bowen Park Theatre and Opera Companies; works at the box office for the Waukegan Symphony; attends performances at the Jack Benny Center; and initiates special projects.

Owen Greg Benson was named recipient of the Waukegan Park District's Board of Commissioners Award for 1993. The award is presented to a park district employee who has achieved superior effort and achievement in fulfilling the mission of the Waukegan Park District. Benson works as the assistant Superintendent of Golf Courses. Benson was recognized for his leadership, team building and superior achievements and contributions to the park district.

Christiane Thomas has been appointed to the position of Recreation Specialist at the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) in Northfield. Thomas, a recent graduate of Eastern Illinois University, will be responsible for planning and leading a variety of recreation programs.

Jennifer Thompson has been appointed to the part- time/full-time Recreation Specialist position at NSSRA. Thompson is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and was most recently employed with the Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Summit.

Kristina A. Bohman has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Fox Valley Park District. Bohman has been involved with many community service organizations, including PTA, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, City of Aurora and North East Neighbors. Bohman is currently employed by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia.

"People in the News" recognizes the achievements of members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park and Recreation Association, employees of member agencies, and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to the field of parks, recreation and conservation. Information for this column should be mailed or faxed to Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation, 211 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701, FAX (217) 523-4273.

46 * Illinois Parks & Recreation * January/February 1994


PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Illinois Parks & Recreation Magazine Awards
Illinois Parks and Recreation magazine is proud to announce its award winners for 1993:
Best Partnerships & Intergovernmental
Cooperation Article
"KASPER: Cooperative Efforts Give Latchkey Kids
A Home Away From Home"
Jennifer Miller, CLP
Schaumburg Park District

Best Personnel & Administration Article
"The Personnel Function in Illinois Park Districts"
David K. Hamilton
Roosevelt University

Best Education Article
"Networking: Make Conferences Work For You"
Margaret L. Arnold
Illinois State University

Best Areas, Facilities & Programming Article
"Recycling in Your Agency"
Thomas C. Fisher
Student & Former IPRA Intern

Best Planning & Design Article
"Bond Referenda and the Master Plan"
Peter T. Dyke
Thompson Dyke & Associates

Best Public Awareness Article
"A Flood of Aid"
Chris Katsougris, CLP & Kerry Hays, CLP
Darien Park District

Best Trends & Issues Article
"Changing Families —
Are We Changing With Them?"
Ray Morrill, CLP
Wheaton Park District

Best Board Members & Volunteers Article
"Board Members: Do Your Real Job Better"
Eugene Pomerance
Elmhurst Park District Commissioner

Best Cover Photograph
Cover of the September/October Issue
Kim Harris
Southern Illinois University

Authors of all articles published in Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine were automatically eligible for an award. Articles and cover photography appearing in the November/December 1992, January/February 1993, March/April 1993, May/June 1993, July/August 1993 and September/October 1993 issues were considered for the 1993 awards.

Articles were judged by an independent panel of judges comprised of Leisure Service Department Heads from the major Illinois universities. The cover photograph was judged by a professional photographer. Judges of the 1993 awards included Dr. Nick DiGrino, Dr. Dave Culkin, Dr. Norma Stumbo, Dr. William McKinney, Dr. Regina Glover and Tom Stevens.

Articles were submitted to the judges anonymously — any references to the author and the date the articles were published were removed. The judges selected the best article in each category based on the following criteria: content; organization; timeliness; clarity/readability; and appropriateness for the audience. The cover photograph was judged solely on quality of the photograph.

All winners were recognized at theAnnual IAPD/EPRA Awards Luncheon on January 15, in conjunction with the 1994 State Conference.

Winners received an award which featured the cover of the issue in which their article appeared and a plaque identifying their name, title of their article and award category.

The IAPD/IPRA Joint Publications Committee is currently reviewing the award categories for 1994. Look for more information in the March/April issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation.

Illinois Parks & Recreation * January/February 1994 * 47


|Home| |Search| |Back to Periodicals Available| |Table of Contents| |Back to Illinois Parks & Recreaction 1994|
Illinois Periodicals Online (IPO) is a digital imaging project at the Northern Illinois University Libraries funded by the Illinois State Library
Sam S. Manivong, Illinois Periodicals Online Coordinator