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Susan Tabern has joined the staff of the Deerfield Park District as a recreation supervisor in charge of youth and teen programming and special events. Susan holds a bachelor's in Education from National-Louis University and a master's in Recreation Administration from Aurora University. She was most recently employed as a recreation supervisor at the Winnetka Community House and has worked in public information, special events, and facility management at the Skokie and Niles park districts.

The Fox Valley Park District has appointed Martin Strieker its Youth Recreation supervisor. He will be responsible for all youth and teen activities of the park district, including dances, trips, playground programs and special events. Strieker has fifteen years of experience in recreation. Originally from Beardstown, Illinois, he is now a resident of Aurora and received a bachelor of science degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University.

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Kathi Wencewicz has been named the senior coordinator for the Fox Valley Park District. Her duties will include senior special events and trips. Wencewicz has been an employee of the park district for the past nine years and attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where she received a bachelor of science degree in Recreation.

Heidi Cameron has been promoted to manager of corporate recreation services for the Schaumburg Park District. She will be responsible for implementing recreation programs, corporate sports leagues, trips, and special events for the business and corporate community. Previously Cameron served as special events and volunteer supervisor for this district, where she began her career as an intern in 1992. She graduated from Colorado State University where she studied Wellness Programming and Exercise and Sport Science.

The Champaign Park District has named Rasul Mowatt the Douglass Community director for the district. He received a degree in History from the University of Illinois and previously was the youth program director for the African-American Community Empowerment Program of the American Friends Service Committee of Chicago. In addition Mowatt was the tutoring program coordinator with the Concerned Citizens for Better Neighborhoods and African American Community Empowerment Program in Champaign. He will oversee programs in the Douglass Recreation Center and the Douglass Annex Senior Center.

Mary Pat Stoll was recently named director of the Northbrook Park District Sports Center, Velodrome and concessions operations for the Leisure Services Division. She brings both experience and knowledge to her new position, having served the park district for the past twenty years as a figure skating instructor, Skating School coordinator and supervisor. Stroll is responsible for developing the Northbrook Competitive Team for Young Skaters, ages 5-18, beginning in 1981. She has received numerous awards and accepted generous recognition from national and local recreation organizations.

60 * Illinois Parks & Recreation * March/April 1996

Flynn Vance, CLP, was recently hired as director of development for the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA). Vance comes to NEDSRA with experience in both parks and recreation as well as fund development. She has a master's degree in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois and more than 10 years of experience working for park districts. Most recently, she held an administrative position with the Joliet Park District where she administered grants and fund-raising events. While at the Joliet Park District, Vance also served as the staff liaison to the Joliet Park Foundation.

John McGovern, executive director of the Northern Suburban special Recreation Association (NSSRA), was recently named the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) representative to the U.S. Access Board regulatory negotiation committee on playgrounds, convened with the purpose of negotiating a consensus design guideline for accessibility in new playgrounds and existing playgrounds that are altered. McGovern will work closely with each NRPA branch and regional council to discuss committee issues and present positions. IAPD, IPRA and other state parks and recreation associations are encouraged to comment on this important issue by contacting McGovern at NSSRA.

Maureen Jekot joined the staff of the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) as a full-time recreation specialist. She received her bachelor's in Sociology, with an emphasis in social work and recreation, at North Central College in Naperville. Jekot's responsibilities include developing and leading programs for participants with disabilities. She will also be very active in the Special Olympic programs.

Recently, I was fortunate to be recognized as the recipient of the Distinguished Fellow Award. I am humbled to be recognized by my peers through this award. Over the years there have been many opportunities to work with exceptional professionals in Alton, Champaign, Arlington Heights and Glen Ellyn. The opportunities for volunteerism through the state associations, IPRA and IAPD, have been unparalleled. The professionals I have worked with during these volunteer opportunities will always be remembered as the best the profession can offer. Without the support of these groups this award would not be possible. Thank you for your support.

The National Awards Program highlights members of the parks, recreation and conservation profession along with citizen volunteers, corporate sponsors and members of the media who make significant contributions to the parks and recreation movement (nomination deadline—April 15,1996);

The Dorothy Mullen National Arts and Humanities Awards Program honors agencies that take an innovative approach to arts, humanities and recreation through their activities and programs. In order to enter this national award program, you must be a regional winner (submissions deadline to NRPA—June 15, 1996. however please contact the NRPA Midwest Region director for local deadlines);

The Kudos Awards Program recognizes those agencies or departments which best market and communicate the value of recreation to the public. Awards are given in five areas including print and television PSAs, recreation films and recreation catalogues (application deadline—April 15, 1996).
For more information, contact NRPA at 703/820-4940. 

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