People and Places - Photo highlights from the '98 state conference

played an integral part in organizing the 4th of July Celebration, Autumnfest, Santa Comes to Town, Lotsa Hotsa Pasta and others. He was elected president of the committee in 1995. Raised in Morton grove, Fougerousse understands the community's traditions and volunteer spirit and is dedicated to passing these on to future generations. As the superintendent of recreation and facilities at the Morton Grove Park District for the past 16 years, he has been an important part of rebuilding the park district. With his dynamic leadership, a variety of innovative programs have been introduced.

Forthofer Named United Way's Executive of the Year

Theresa Forthofer, executive director of The Community House, was honored as the Suburban Chicago United Way Executive Director of the Year for 1997. Forthofer began her career as the social service director for two family run nursing homes. From that role she moved on to work with adults with mental illnesses and children with disabilities. She held the position of director of the Wheaton Park District Senior Center before her work at The Community House. Forthofer received her bachelor's degree in Gerontology and master's degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Arlington Heights Park Professionals Honored by MIPE
At the Midwest Institute of Park Executives (MIPE) annual meeting and awards luncheon in January, three Arlington Heights Park District Park Department staff received recognition. Dick DiCanio and Jose Gutierrez were honored for their continuing contributions to the district and were awarded Outstanding Park Employee awards. DiCanio is the supervisor at Frontier Service Center and has been a valued employee since 1971. Gutierrez, a groundsman and alternate supervisor at Pioneer Service Center, has worked for the district since 1986. Richard Knox received one of eight scholarship awards for continuing education in the field of park district management and operations. Knox has been a carpenter at Davis Street Service Center for the past seven years.

Hoscheit Retires

Charles E. Hoscheit, director of parks and recreation for the Fox Valley Park District since 1977, retired in January. Previously, he was the executive director of Lockport Township Park District from 196$ to 1977, and a teacher and coach at Lockport West High School and Taft Junior High School from 1958 to 1965.

Hoscheit, along with a professional board and staff, was twice named the recipient of the NRPA Gold Medal Award for Excellence: Lockport Township, 1983; Fox Valley, 1981.

Under the direction of Hoscheit, the district has been recognized for numerous achievements: the Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail was accepted as a National Trail System in 1980; Blackberry Historical Farm-Village received the Illinois Museum Award for management;

Red Oak Nature Center received the Daniel Flaherty Award for excellence in park facilities; in 1982, the district acquired the Fox River Trail which has become a nationally recognized model for trail development and intergovernmental cooperation; the Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center opened in 1991 was awarded Best Aquatic Facility by the LAPD; Orchard Valley Golf Course, rated one of the top five public courses in Chicagoland, opened in 1993; since 1977 the district has acquired over 1,650 acres of open space.

Hoscheit belonged to many professional organizations, including the NRPA, IPRA (past-president of the Administration and Finance Section), the Midwest Institute of Park Executives, and the South Suburban Park and Recreation Association (past-president).

Robert Vaughan was appointed executive director by the Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees. Vaughan, a 19-year veteran of the district, has served as assistant director for the past nine years and started with the district in 1979 as business manager. He has been responsible for numerous joint ventures including the acquisition of the Fox Bend Golf Course with partner Oswegoland Park

PEOPLE AND PLACES
District in 1980, the development of Orchard Valley Golf Course with private developer Orchard Valley Partnership, construction of Eola Community Center with the Aurora Public Library, plus the development of two aquatic facilities with the city of Aurora. Previ- ously, Vaughan worked for a major oil company in financial planning and marketing. An Aurora native, he holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University and an M.B.A. from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Vaughan is a member of the state and national park and recreation associations, the Governmental Finance Officers Association and serves on the board of the Park District Risk Management Association.

Suzanne Bear was hired as the executive director of the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (MNASR). A native of Carpentersville, 111., she began her career as a program leader for the Joliet-Bolingbrook Special Recreation Association. For the last nine years she has been employed with the Tri-County Special Recreation Association where she has spent the past five years as the executive director. She received a bachelor's degree in English/Education from Lewis University in Lockport, is the president-elect of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Professional Association, serves on several IPRA committees.

Tracy A. Taylor was named the director of recreation for the Carol Stream Park District. Formerly with Indy Parks in Indianapolis, Ind., she was the Magnet Park manager, working with aquatics and quality program supervision, as well as new markets and program development. Over the past 15 years as a recreation professional, Taylor has served as the assistant director and interim director for the Niles Park District, the superintendent of recreation at the Woodridge Park District, and as a recreation supervisor for the Elmhurst and Wheeling park districts.

Keren Ely joined the Carol Stream Park District as the aquatics supervisor, where she will supervise all of the district's aquatic programs and special events. A graduate of Illinois State University, Ely has extensive experience in aquatic program management. Most recently with the River Trails Park District, she has also served in aquatics positions with The Meadow Club, the Bolingbrook Park District, CasaYbel Resort, ISU Recreation Services, Bloomington YMCA, and the Burbank Park District. She holds certifications as an Aquatic Facility Operator, Water Safety Instructor, American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR Instructor, and as a Lifeguard Instructor for Ellis and Associates.

Laura George was hired as office manager for the IceLand Skate and Swim Facility at the Niles Park District. George previously worked at the Park District of Highland Park for over seven years. She has more than ten years of experience working with youth, implementing teaching and leadership skills.

Diana Skrypek

was hired as the administrative and safely coordinator for the Niles Park District. Skyrpek graduated from DePaul University in June of 1997 with a bachelor's degree in Communications. At DePaul, Diana held a Resident Advisor Position for two years, giving her great experience dealing with people, conflict and resolution, safety issues as well as implementing various programs and effective marketing strategies.

Kristine Svachula was hired as the executive secretary for the Niles Park District. Svachula graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor of science in Marketing in 1989. She comes to Niles from LaSalle Bank N.A., where she was the marketing project manager. Her duties were to oversee the design and print aspects of marketing campaigns. Previous to LaSalle, she was the marketing officer at Grant National Bank.

Robin Brey

was promoted to office manager for the Howard Leisure Center (HLC) at the Niles Park District. Previously, she held the position of the HLC secretary, for seven years.

David Santee

an Olympian, joins the Niles Park District as the new figure skating director for IceLand. Santee, a two-time Olympic figure skater, seven-time member of the U.S. World Team, will be in charge of the competitive and instructional figure skating programs.

Tom Troiana was hired as the hockey director for the Niles Park District. Troiana has more than eight years of work experience with

PEOPLE AND PLACES
Niles and 25 years in playing and coaching ice hockey. He has worked with ex-professional hockey players who have taught him the knowl- edge and understanding of the game, in which he will now be able to bring to our younger players.

Nita Patterson

was hired as accountant for the Niles Park District. Patterson comes to Niles with over 20 years of experience. Previously, she was an accountant for a CPA firm with unlimited duties including monthly sales returns, federal and multiple state payroll tax returns, correspondence to various governmental agencies and balancing ledgers.

Jeff Groves

has joined the Wilmette Park District as youth/adult sports supervisor. Groves comes to Illinois from Greenville, Ohio, where he worked as the sports director for the Darke County YMCA. He graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Recreation and Leisure. He will take over all adult sports programs, as well as youth soccer, Sunday basketball, sports speciality camps, T-ball and the development of special events and new programs in the sports department.

Lori Tomlianovich

was named the youth program coordinator for Champaign-Urbana (C-U) Special Recreation. Her responsibilities include preschool, youth, teen and after school programming. She received a bachelor of science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University in 1996. She is a certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with experience with individuals who have spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, mental retardation, autism and multiple severe disabilities. She was previously employed by Catholic Social Services in Peoria as case manager in foster care. She completed an internship at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Nevada-Las Vegas and worked at the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Assn. in Peoria.

Scott Schleiden has joined the Alsip Park District as sports supervisor. He is responsible for coordinating all youth and adult sports leagues and tournaments and assisting with special events. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Recreation and Sports Management. Schleiden completed his internship and worked the past five months as a Recreation Aide with the Waukegan Park District.

Jeff Palmquist

was named the Fox Valley Park District's planner. His duties include preparing short- and long-range studies, reports and recommendations including master plans, development plans and acquisition plans; supervising park development projects, administering land/cash ordinances; assisting in land acquisition and development grants. Palmquist has more than 12 years of community planning and landscape design experience in the private sector, including eight years for The Lannert Group in St. Charles. Palmquist is a native or Aurora, 111., and received a bachelor of arts degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois and a master's of landscape architecture from the University of Michigan.

Letter to the Editor
As a park commissioner for the Addison Park District for the past 21 years, I went to Washington, D.C., from February 11 to the 14th to lobby for parks and recreation. I've been to D.C. before, but not as a lobbyist. It was an experience to say the least. It was three full days of meetings, lobbying with legislators and mingling with my fellow commissioners and peers. It was informative, tiring, but well worth the trip. Terms like trails and rails, land and water conservation, the Stafford Act-Disaster Relief Funding, juvenile crime, child labor, ISTEA and BESTEA keep ringing in my ears because this is what we continually discussed over and over with our nations legislators on Capitol Hill. I applaud all my peers and the professionals who took the time to attend the NRPA lobbying in Washington, D.C. Protecting, preserving and maintaining our natural resources, environment and open space is everyone's responsibility. By working together we can make the difference. Making that difference can preserve our natural resources, open space and total environment for future generations to come. After this experience, even after 21 years of experience as a park commissioner, I figure I'm not over the hill; I belong on the Hill!

PEOPLE AND PLACES
Illinois Parks & Recreation 1997 Award Winners
Best Administration/Facility Management Article
"Firing with Class" (March/April '97)
by Mick Pope, CLP
Management Learning Laboratories, Ltd.

Judge Comments: "This article handles a difficult topic very well. CEOs, as all employees, deserve a fair and documented process of evaluation. This is not a topic often addressed and, yet, board members and directors need to be on the same wavelength"

Best Features/Issues Article

"Our Multicultural Society" (March/April '97)
by Karin B. Qasawa
Waukegan Park District
"This is an excellent article about a very timely topic. The author did a nice job showing how park districts can make an extra effort to include groups that oftentimes do not participate. The author
stresses the importance of being proactive in going out to visit events organized by minority communities. "

Best History Essay
"Yellowstone Turns 125" (September/October '97)
by William A. Smith
Eastern Illinois University
"This article reminds us as professionals of the importance and significance of the national park concept to the United States and to the world,"

Best Intergovernmental Cooperation/Partnerships Article

"Diversity Camp Unites Cities and Suburbs" (March/April*97)
by Ann M. Ziolkowski and Sandra Whitmore
Northbrook Park District
"This is a well written article that presents a model that can be adapted to many urban/suburban settings.... strengthened by the fact that the model has been "tested and refined" over time.

Best Legal/Legislative Article
"8 Easy Ways To Keep Out of Jail"
(May/June '97)
by James D. Wascher

Friedman & Holtz. P.C.

"This is an excellent article with valuable information and broad appeal for administrators as well as for elected officials."

Best Natural Resources/Environment Article
"Natural Leaders in Golf" (May/June '97)
by Kirn Kelly
Lake County Forest Preserve District

"This is an excellent article on a very timely issue in the field of parks and recreation. And it shows some innovative approaches in addressing the issues."

Best Public Awareness/Marketing Article
"Marketing Plans Made Easy" (May/June '97)
by Mark Schneiderman and Diane Hardy
Skokie Park District

"This article is timely and practical. The additional sidebar provided valuable information."

Best Recreation/Programming Article
"Score with In-line Hockey" (January/February '97)
by John Hecker, CLP
Community Park District of LaGrange Park
"The most striking feature of this article is the ability of the author to include real-life case study in addition to recommendations and suggestions for agencies wishing to implement an in-line hockey program. The inclusion of historical background information on the sport of hockey and a personal anecdote made the article very interesting to read. The suggestions for implementing such a program were very detailed. The writing was clear, organized and easy to follow."

PEOPLE AND PLACES
Best Research/Trends Article
"What's Hot What's Not" (January/February '97)
by Thomas B. Doyle
National Sporting Goods Association

"This article is a good example of taking research data and applying it. Also, the author did a good job of taking the reader through the information (i.e., what to look for, what is important). The article is very applied, relating the data to programming Issues,"

Panel of judges:
Dr. Nick DiGrino, Western Illinois University
Robert Espeseth, University of Illinois
Dr. Regina Glover, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Dr. Kimberly Shinew, University of Illinois
Dr. Cynthia J. Wachter, Illinois State University.

IP&R Magazine Named "Best Periodical"

Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine was named the Best Periodical for 1997 by the Illinois Society of Association Executives (ISAE), which represents more than 200 associations in the state. The award was presented at ISAE's winter meeting in February. The magazine was cited for its quality editorial, content and professional design. It was also noted for meeting its stated goals: reporting trends, issues, legislation and information concerning the field of parks, recreation and natural resources, as well as sharing ideas, experiences and methods helpful to professionals and elected board members.

Send People & Places* Information and Letters to the Editor to:
Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation
Illinois Association of Park Districts
211 E. Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62701 -1186
217.523.4273 (fax)
iapd@eosinc.com (e-mail)
* Please limit People and Places entries to 100 words. Photographs are welcome. Label the back of the photograph with the person's name and agency affiliation.

A record-breaking 4,000 board members and professionals attended the '98 annual conference for Illinois parks and recreation. The more than 150 educational sessions were highly rated and 1,800 people, including many Illinois legislators and elected officials, attended the first video awards extravaganza at the Friday luncheon. The exhibit hall was packed for three days with displays by 270 vendors, an indication of the vitality of the business of parks and recreation in Illinois.

The following three pages highlight scenes from the state conference, plus the many exemplary board members, professionals and agencies who shine in this field for their talents, dedication and extraordinary achievements.

IAPD and IPRA presented their top honors at the Friday awards luncheon and video showcase.

1. Rep. Frank J. Mautino

and 2. Rep, Terry R. Parke are IAPD's 1997-1998 Legislators of the Year.

3. Attorney General Jim Ryan receives

IAPD's President's Citation for his proactive programs for youth.

4. Skip Dunsmuir (left) receives IPRA's highest honor, the Robert M. Artz Award, from last year 's honoree, David Markworth.

5. Decatur Park District officials receive for the Decatur Park Singers IAPD's President's Citation for their exemplary talent.

6. Wally Degner is named IAPD's Allan A. Weissburg "Commissioner of the Year."

7. Jane Hodgkinson receives the IPRA Fellow Award.

8. Ray Morrill receives IPRA's Professional Recognition Award.

9. Steve Cherveny is named the IPRA Young Professional.

10. Park commissioner James Heberer receives IAPD 's Rising Star award.

Many legislators attended Fridays awards luncheon in support of parks and recreation, including:

1. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-81)

2. Sen. Martin Butler (R-28)

3. Rep. Douglas Scott (D-67)

4. Rep. Tom Johnson (R-50)

5. Sen. Kathleen Parker (R-29)

6. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-37)

7. Sen. Terry Link (D-30)

8. Rep. James Meyer (R-82) and Sen.Kirk Dillard (R-41)

Annual Business Meetings for
IAPD and IPRA provided an opportunity to share association achievements, plus present many awards. IAPD/IPRA 1997 award winners are listed on this page, with several highlights from the annual business meetings. Note: Agency Showcase Awards will be featured in the next issue of the magazine.

IAPD Awards • Allan A. Weissburg "Commissioner of the Year," Wally 0. Degner, Palatine • President's Citation, Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan and Decatur Park Singers • Outstanding Legislator Awards, Rep. Terry Parke, Rep. Frank Mautino, Sen. William Peterson • Rising Star, James Heberer, Kewanee • Master Board Member, Phyllis Cossarek, Wilmette • Outstanding Board Member Award:

James Shook, Round Lake • 10 Year Service Anniversary Award: Timothy Bradford, Olympia Fields; John Burns, Geneva; Carol J. Calabresa, Lake County; Dr. Frank C. Ferraiolo, Des Plaines; Michael S. Gilfillan, Arlington Heights; Linda Hudecek, Benvyn; Marietta Landwehr, Geneva; Corrine J. Rose, Waukegan; Alan Salisbury, Kewanee; James Shook, Round Lake; Dan Staackmann, Morton Grove • 15 Year Service Anniversary Award: Jim LaBelle, Lake County; Robert P. Neal, Lake County; Audrey H. Nixon, Lake County; Brenda Sayre, Macomb • 20 Year Service Anniversary Award: William Cannon, Decatur; Eileen Coursey, Morton Grove; Joseph A. Favero, Waukegan; Roger L. Florey, Rolling Meadows; Frank P. Lenertz, West Chicago; Donald Ransford, Olympia Fields; Naomi Walters, Streamwood • 25 Year Service Anniversary Award: John Brandenburg, Schaumburg; Larry Wilcoxen, Walnut • 30 Year Service Anniversary Award: Michael J. Cassidy, Freeport; Dr. Bruce L. Larson, Urbana; Barbara J. Williams, Olympia Fields • Agency Anniversary Award: Canton Park District, 75 Years; Champaign County Forest Preserve District, 50 Years;

Joliet Park District, 75 Years; Macomb Park District, 50 Years; Sycamore Park District, 75 Years; Urbana Park District, 90 Years;

Walnut Park District, 25 Years; West Chicago Park District, 25 Years • 25 Year Service Recognition, Bill Bodine, IAPD

IPRA Awards • Robert M. Artz Award, Robert "Skip" Dunsmuir, Wheaton • Fellow Award, Jane Hogdkinson, WDSRA • Professional Recognition, Ray Morrill, Wheaton • Young Professional, Steve Cherveny, Bourbonnais • Meritorious Service Award: Mary Van Arsdale, Cadre; Brian Huckstadt, Arlington Heights; Anthony Zito, College of St. Francis; Cathy Puchalski, Arlington Heights • IPRA Presidents Award: William J. M. Wald, IPRA; Jerry Douglas, Wheaton • 25 Year Service Recognition, Kay Forest, IPRA • Facility Management Professional of the Year, Tom Carstens, Bolingbrook • Parks & Natural Resources Professional of the Year, Greg Perry, Waukegan • Recreation Al Hattendorf Award, Dan Gibble, Urbana • Recreation Young Professional, Cindy Yelich, Addison • Outstanding Facility & Parks Awards Division I: Geneseo Community Center Indoor Pool; North Berwyn, Berwyn Gardens Division II: Arlington Heights Nickol Knoll Golf Club; Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Comple; Woodridge, Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park;

Woodridge, Seven Bridges Neighborhood Park; Skokie, Devonshire Cultural Center Outstanding Conservation Program Award, St. Charles, Otter Creek Bend Wetland Bank • Outstanding Program Awards Division III: Westmont, "Holly Days Winter Festival"; Wood Dale, "Summer University" Division IV: Fox Valley, "50th Anniversary Celebration"; Champaign County Forest Preserve, "We're Americans First"; Chicago, "Urban Campers" Division V: NEDSRA/Oakbrook Terrace, "Summer Kickoff/ Fishing Derby"; SSSRA "Drama Club"

1. Jerry Douglas receives IPRA's President's Award from IPRA President Mike Rylko.

2. Phyllis Cossarek receives the Master Board Member Award from IAPD President Fred Hohnke.

3. Mary Garrison, Oscar Dahl, Jim Shook and Roger Florey receive Outstanding Board Member Awards.

4. The Sycamore Park District is recognized for its 75th anniversary.

5. Bill Bodine is recognized for 25 years of service to IAPD.

6. Bill Wald receives IPRA's President's Award.

7. Cathy Puchalski,

8. Brian Huckstadt,

9. Mary Van Arsdale, and

10. Tony Zito receive IPRA Meritorious Service Awards.
10. Tony Zito receive IPRA Meritorious Service Awards.