Gov. Ryan Named Honorary Chair of Friends of Illinois Parks

Governor George H. Ryan will serve as the Honorary Chairman of Friends of Illinois Parks, announced First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan at the IAPD Legislative Conference, March 28 in Springfield. In making the announcement, Mrs. Ryan said: “Governor Ryan is honored to continue his support of your efforts through this very important role.”

“Governor Ryan has been a very good friend of park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies,” said Dr. Ted Flickinger, IAPD and Friends of Illinois Parks executive director. “We are delighted that he has accepted our invitation to serve as Honorary Chairman of Friends of Illinois Parks for our upcoming membership drive.”

Friends of Illinois Parks is a nonprofit organization that strives to involve more citizens statewide in support and advocacy for park districts, forest preserves, recreation and natural resources. Its members are individuals and groups who share a common belief in the importance of open green space, wholesome recreational activities and the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat. Membership starts at the $25 individual level and $1,000 for corporate entities. To join, call Friends toll-free at 1-877-523-4558 or see www.ILparks.org.

Cherveny Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award
Steve Cherveny, executive director of the Cary Park District, was presented the Jim Berousek 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference in Chicago in January. Given by the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism, the award is presented for outstanding contribution to the university, students, and fellow alumni. It is given in memory of Jim Berousek, the former director of the Woodale Park District who died suddenly in 1989.

“The winner needs to be someone who maintains contact with the university, who remembers his roots, and who upholds high professional standards in the field of parks and recreation,” stated Jill Bartholemew, Superintendent of Recreation for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, a graduate of WIU and presenter of the award.

Commenting on this tribute, Steve Cherveny said: “Unexpected recognition by one’s peers is very rewarding. Jim Berousek was an outstanding and exemplary professional. To be given an award in his name is truly an honor.”

Prebble Ranks High in Men’s Tennis
Ken Prebble, the racquet sports manager at the Arlington Heights Park District’s Courts Plus, has been ranked the upper tier of men’s tennis. In the 35 and over singles group, he is ranked #1 in the Chicago District Tennis Association, and ranked #3 in the Midwest Tennis Association. Prebble is also ranked in doubles tennis. Within the 35 and over singles group, Ken Prebble ranked #1 with Greg Spencer, Courts Plus Junior Coordinator, in the Chicago District Tennis Association, and ranked #2 in the Midwest Tennis Association.

NEDSRA Receives PDRMA Accreditation
Working to make its recreation programs safe and cost effective for the public has been an ongoing goal of Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA). These loss prevention efforts have paid off in many ways, including a safety award from the association’s risk pool. Since 1986, NEDSRA has been a member of the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), which is a self-insurance risk pool made up of 125 Illinois park and recreation agencies. The risk pool annually conducts an in-depth review of its members’ loss prevention programs. NEDSRA’s loss control program was rated as Excellent - Level A or the highest level of accreditation. NEDSRA has been accredited by PDRMA since 1990. PDRMA awarded NEDSRA a final score of 97%. Evaluations in such areas as recreation safety practices, claims management, hazard identification, and many other loss prevention areas are covered by PDRMA.

Jeff Fougerousse was appointed director of the Morton Grove Park District. He had held the position of superintendent of recreation and facilities for the past 15 years with the district. Fougerousse is a graduate of Illinois State and hold’s a master’s degree from Aurora University. He has served on several IPRA committees, most recently co-chairing the IPRA/IAPD Annual Conference. Fougerousse received the Al Hattendorf Recreation Professional of the Year Award in 1998 and was named the Village of Morton Grove VIP of the year in 1999. He serves on numerous boards and committees within his community.

Joe Schultz retired as executive director of the Naperville Park District on March 24. Schultz has been a parks and recreation professional for 29 years. Before joining the park district in 1996, Schultz was the general manager of the Elk Grove, Cal., Community Services District. Prior to that he served as the community services director for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, Cal. Schultz also spent 18 years of his career working in Illinois, most notably as the executive director for the Deerfield and Westmont park districts.

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Park district board president Mary Lou Wehrli said: “The Naperville Park District is a successful, dynamic organization, thanks in no small part to Joe’s efforts. The park district and the community will miss his leadership and commitment to parks and recreation in Naperville.”

Barbara Edfors was named the director of the Champaign Park District’s Virginia Theatre. She will be responsible for the overall operation of the historic Virginia Theatre including staff supervision, budget management, development, facility scheduling, public relations, booking, and contract negotiation. She will work directly with the Virginia Theatre Advisory Committee regarding the programming, restoration and operation of the Theatre. Edfors previously served as the Theatre/Facility Services Coordinator at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, a 3,600- seat historic theatre, where her responsibilities included facility scheduling, event coordination, budget management, and booking. She was present at the Civic Opera House during its $100 million renovation, a project that allowed the booking of outside events to become a new and new source of income for the Lyric Opera. Prior to serving at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, she was the Assistant General manager of the Schubert Theatre, Chicago. She also served as the Producing Director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and as a fund-raising volunteer for Light Opera Works, Evanston. Edfors received her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois and M.A. in Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago.

Julie Ryan was promoted to superintendent of recreation/special recreation for the Oak Lawn Park District. Ryan has been working at the district as superintendent of special services since November 1998. Her new duties include supervising the recreation and special-recreation staffs for the district, which is one of the largest in the suburbs of Chicago. She will also serve as liaison to the Oak Lawn Parks Foundation, develop and improve park programs. Ryan will also retain her current responsibilities, which include planning the park’s special events and coordinating the park’s community-theater program. Previously, Ryan was a program supervisor at the special recreation association and, most recently, was a recreation therapist at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Ill. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Illinois and is a Certified Leisure Professional.

Kelly Norris, CLP, was named recreation manager of the Morton Grove Park District. An employee at the district since June of 1998, she previously was a recreation supervisor. Prior to that she worked at Mundelein and Niles park districts. Norris’ duties will include overseeing the recreation department as well as aquatics. She is also involved with ISU Recreation Alumni Society and IPRA Conference Committee. Norris has completed IPRA Professional Development School and presented IPRA at the NPRA POW Conference. She received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Illinois State University.

Rob Ward joined the Des Plaines Park District as the Lake Park supervisor, overseeing the operations of the Lake Park Golf Course and Mountain View Mine Adventure Golf. Ward, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Parks and Recreation Administration from Western Illinois University, was with the Arlington Heights Park District prior to joining the Des Plaines Park District.

Kim Riemer joined the Bolingbrook Park District as its first marketing and communications coordinator. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Marketing from Carol College in Waukesha, Wisc. For three years she was the marketing supervisor for the Pettit National Ice

- In Memoriam -
Bob Golen
The Elmhurst Park District mourns the loss of park board commissioner Bob Golen, who died in February of this year. Golen was elected to the Elmhurst Park District board of commissioners in April of 1997.

During his three-year term, he was instrumental in assisting the district in renovating a new swimming pool at York Commons which was recently renamed the Norman P. Smalley Pool. He was involved in the participation of the Salt Creek Greenway trail; worked on intergovernmental agreements for various programs and services with the City of Elmhurst, School District 205, the Elmhurst Public Library; the approval of the expansion of Courts Plus to include a multi-purpose room, rock climbing wall, and expanded nursery; worked with legislators both local and state; and gave countless hours towards providing lifetime enjoyment to the residents of the Elmhurst Park District.

In addition, commissioner Golen was a board member of the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation which helps raise funds for various district projects. Safety Town is one of the projects that he worked on to raise over $150,000. Additionally, he worked on the Recreation Assistance Program and the Annual Sugar Creek Golf Outing for the foundation.

Park board president, Kubiesa expressed that “Bob would be missed and a loss to the community. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”

Illinois Parks and Recreation

Heath Wright was hired as the Bolingbrook Park District’s first project manager. Wright has an associate’s degree in Horticulture and a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois. He served as a landscape architect for the Planning and Development Department of the Will County Forest Preserve District for the past four years. Wright will be responsible for projects that the district undertakes including the $3.4 million expansion of Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park.

Ray Boble began his career as building technician for the Bolingbrook Park District in February. Boble attended Grand Canyon College and has 22 years experience in various building trades. He will be responsible for maintaining four of the district’s facilities.

Dan Jones was named director of recreation for the Cary Park District. Previously, Jones worked at the Lisle Park District where, since 1996, he served as administrator of recreation services, safety coordinator, and manager of athletics and fitness. Prior to Lisle, he worked at the park districts in Lombard and Oak Park. Jones experience in all facets of the recreation industry—finance, personnel, athletics, facility management—make him a valuable addition to Cary at a time when the community is experiencing growth in all directions. This position was previously held by Steve Whittier, who moved at the end of December to Naples, Fla., accepting a job with the Collier County Park and Recreation Department as recreation manager.

Daniel Novak joined the staff at Wheaton Park District as the athletic supervisor. He received a bachelor of science degree in Recreation Administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and has held numerous recreational job experiences including his student internship with the Wheaton Park District.

Kathy Komorowski has assumed the new position of superintendent of special operations for the Calumet Memorial Park District. A 15-year veteran of the district, she has risen in the ranks from recreation leader to supervisor and then, in 1993, to the post of superintendent of recreation. In her new role, she is responsible for the district’s special events, concessions, office staff, and fitness center. She will also continue to act as liaison with such organizations as the National Youth Project Using Minibikes.

James Lang has joined the Vernon Hills park District as communications manager. He is originally from Dallas, Tex., and graduated from Northwestern State University in 1995 with a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism. Lang comes to the park district after serving as a publications director for Sears, Roebuck and Co. Headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Prior to moving to Illinois, he was a decorated public affairs specialist for the U.S. Air Force for four years. He will be responsible for coordinating and producing all publications, cable access programs and Internet communications. He will work closely with the director and other staff members to maintain effective communication avenues between the village, commissioners, residents and the park district and help plan special projects.

Mark Heintz, CLP, has been named superintendent of recreation for the Calumet Memorial Park District. A native of Calumet City, he began working for the park district as a recreation leader in 1988, and continued to work summers through college. A 1994 graduate of the University of Illinois, he was hired as a recreation supervisor for the district. He also worked as a recreation supervisor at the Lake Bluff Park District and as superintendent of the Hammond, Ind., Parks and Recreation Department. As superintendent, he is overseeing a large and growing recreation program.

Julia Granholm was named teen recreation supervisor for the St. Charles Park District. Her job responsibilities include coordinating the district’s popular “Friday Live!” program and special events such as Battle of the Bands. She will work cooperatively with School District #303 and the St. Charles Youth Commission to address the needs of teens in the St. Charles community. Granholm received a bachelor’s of science degree from Aurora University and an Associate in Arts degree from the College of DuPage. Previously, she worked as a customer service associate and program manager for the Naperville Park District. During an internship with the Downers Grove Park District she was responsible for summer camps, teen trips, gymnastics, and a few special events.

Scott Silver has accepted the position of financial manager at the Naperville Park District. Silver came to the park district from the flooring industry where he was a controller for four-and-a-half years. He received his master’s degree in Accounting from DePaul University and he has

Send People and Places/Letters to:
Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation
Illinois Association of Park Districts
211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186
217.523.4273 (fax) alondrigan@ILparks.org

* Limit entries to 75 words or fewer. Photographs are welcome. Label the back of the photograph with the person’s name and agency affiliation. Submissions are published in the order in which they are received and as space is available. more than 14 years of experience in accounting, financial investments, and tax preparation. He also spent nine years as a college instructor. Silver will be responsible for the finances, year-end audit, and budget.

Angie Howard has been named communications director for the Illinois Association of Park Districts. In her new role, Howard will be responsible for the association’s Web site, an association newsletter and special projects such as the Living Legends video program. Prior to joining IAPD, Howard worked as a public information assistant for the city of Indianapolis, Ind. Previously, she was the brokerage manager for the Golden Rule Insurance Company and credit manager for Norwest Financial, both in Indianapolis. Howard earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Michele Saladino has been named marketing director for the Illinois Association of Park Districts. She will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic marketing plan for the association as well as marketing special programs such as the Eagle Eye Neighborhood Park Watch program. Previously, Saladino was the senior media planner at Ralston Purina’s headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. She also worked as a media supervisor at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles in St. Louis and as an account manager for OGR/Professional Images in Springfield. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a master’s degree in advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Cindy Deiters was named executive assistant for the Illinois Association of Park Districts. She will provide support for the association’s development and contract services. Prior to joining IAPD, Deiters worked as a legal assistant to the corporate secretary and associate general counsel for Trans World Airlines, Inc. in St. Louis, Mo.There she also worked as a marketing assistant. Deiters has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Betty Roth was named customer service supervisor for the Naperville Park District. She will be responsible for the coordination and supervision of registration and customer service duties. Prior to joining the park district, Roth was director of community education at North Central College in Naperville. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Roth taught in the Oshkosh Public School System; worked in accounting at the University of Wisconsin; and was the assistant tennis director at Maryland Farms Racquet & Country Club in Brentwood, Tenn.

Dr. John Erickson is a friend of the Decatur Park District

John Erickson, DVM (center), with daughter, Patricia Atkins (left) and wife, Evelyn Erickson.

Longtime Decatur resident and veterinarian, Dr. John Erickson’s dream was to create a children’s domestic zoo. This dream was realized through his hard work in building community support and raising funds to purchase land and create the Scovill Children’s Zoo at the Decatur Park District. He worked with the Decatur Park Board in developing and funding the zoo and many other park projects. Notable, too, Dr. Erikson was one of the founding members of the Friends of Illinois Parks through a gift membership from his three daughters.

Tell us about your friends.
People from all walks of life are making a difference in parks and recreation. These “friends” make monetary contributions, give their time to clean-up parks and forest preserves, teach classes or coach sports teams. Friends of Illinois Parks is a nonprofit organization that strives to involve more citizens statewide as friends in these ways and others, such as legislative advocacy.

Tells us about friends of your park district or forest preserve and we’ll publicize them in this space. Send a photo and caption to Friends of Illinois Parks, 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701. To learn more about Friends of Illinois Parks, call toll-free 1-877-523-4558 or see www.ILparks.org.

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"George asked me to convey his appreciation and acceptance of your invitation for him to be honorary chair of Friends of Illinois Parks."
— First Lady Ryan

First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan is flanked by IAPD executive director Dr. Ted Flickinger (left) and Dr. Jim Brademas (right). Mrs. Ryan recognized Brademas for his vision in creating a partnership between university-based recreation programs, IAPD and rural communities.

Secretary of State Jesse White addresses the 300 delegates to the IAPD Legislative Conference.

IAPD Members Receive DNR Grants
At IAPD's 32nd Annual Legislative Conference, held April 28 in Springfield, nine agencies received ceremonial grant checks for worthy local park development projects, open space acquisition and trail development. The checks were presented by Brent Manning, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which administers the OSLAD and Bicycle Path grant programs.

1. Forest Park Park District, $200,000 for Forest Park renovations; 2. Freeburg Park District, $86,200 for park development; 3. Kewanee Park District, $200,000 for Northeast Park Pool; 4. Oak Park Park District, $200,000 for Lindberg Park; 5. Quincy Park District, $112,915.52 for South Park Development, phase II; 6. Rockford Park District, $87,500 for Perryville/Cherry Valley Path; 7. Roselle Park District, $125,170.21 for Community Trail Link; 8. Streamwood Park District, $200,000 for Sherwood Forest Park; 9. Summit Park District, $200,000 for Community Water Playground.

Illinois Parks and Recreation

IAPD Legislative Conference Is the Ideal Venue for Meeting Legislators

A record number of IAPD members attend the association's 32nd Annual Legislative Conference, held April 28 in Springfield. Among the events special guests were Rep. Richard Winkel (pictured at far left) and Rep. Larry Woolard (at left), who received IAPD's Legislator of the Year awards for their work on behalf of park districts, forest preserve and natural resource issues.

Other guest speakers included First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan, who recognized Professor Jim Brademas of the University of Illinois, announced that Gov. George Ryan will be the honorary chair of IAPD's Friends of Illinois Parks program, and shared information about the Futures for Kids program. Secretary of State Jesse White conveyed his continued support for IAPD and the work of park districts across the state. Janet Williams, deputy director of Public Affairs for the American Lung Association, discussed the "Half for Tobacco Prevention" Coalition. Kirby Cottrell of the Dept. of Natural Resources spoke about the Illinois River "A Call to Action" campaign. Other speakers included: Lois Morrison, manager of the "Campaign for Sensible Growth"; Jerry Stermer, president of Voices for Illinois Children; Clint Hull of the St. Charles Park District and Bert Gray of the Oswegoland Park District (above right) for the IAPD/IPRA Joint Legislative Committee; Peter Murphy, IAPD general counsel (right); Brent Manning, director of the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources. The event continued that evening with the Legislative Reception at the Illini Club, an informal venue for district officials to meet with legislators.

photo highlights from the iapd legislative reception, April 28.

(Pictured left to right) 1. Carnell Woodbury and Lester Long (Dolton PD), Sen. William Shaw (D-15), Gail Towers (Dolton PD), Sen. Emil Jones Jr. (D-14), Allen Sheard and Mark Kiel (Dolton PD); 2. David Loebach (Springfield PD) and Sen. Raymond Poe (R-99); 3. Sen. David Sullivan (R-28) and Clint Hull (St. Charles PD); 4. Liz Kessler and Joel Farber (Skokie PD), Rep. Louis Lang (D-16), Renae Byron (Skokie PD); 5. Sen. Patrick O'Malley (R-18), Lori Chesna (SWSRA), Rep. James Broshnahan (D-36), Christine Marzec (Alsip PD), Rep. Maggie Crotty (D-35), Donna McCauley and James Petkus (Oak Lawn PD), Ellen Gleason (Midlothian PD); 6. Ron Ory, Scott McKibbon , Mary Wright (Naperville PD), Kim Brondyke (Lisle PD); 7. David Emanuelson (DeKalb PD), Rep. David Wirsing (R-70), David Mason (DeKalb PD); 8. Phyllis Cossarek (Wilmette PD), Mary Garrison (Winnetka PD), Rep. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-58), Penny Randel and Edward Harvey (Northbrook PD), Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-57), Sen. Kathleen Parker (R-29). MORE...

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1st Place: Individuals Engaged in Recreation/Sports Activity
Carol Tapio, Downers Grove Park District
"Fishing at Sunset"

1st Place: Nature/Wildlife, Park and Forest Preserve Landscapes
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
"Ripples at West Branch"

2nd Place: Nature/Wildlife, Park and Forest Preserve Landscapes
Willie Norris, Rockford Park District
"Take Time To Smell the Flowers"

2nd Place: Individuals Engaged in Recreation/Sports Activity
Nell Luttrell, Palatine Park District
"A-Frame"

Plan to enter the 2000 Illinois Parks & Recreation
"Give Us Your Best Shot" Photo Contest! Photos submitted may be used in future editions of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine or on the cover of the IAPD/IPRA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide. Take some excellent shots this summer or search the archives for a prize winner! Entry deadline October 15, 2000. For details, see www.ILparks.org/iprphotocontest or call the Editor at 217.523.4554.

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Champaign Receives $900,000 Illinois FIRST Grant

The Champaign Park District welcomed Gov. George Ryan to the historic Virginia Theatre in Champaign where the governor presented a $900,000 Illinois FIRST grant to the district. The grant will go toward the restoration of the 79-year-old theatre, which the district acquired in January 2000. Pictured here are Gov. Ryan with Champaign Park District president Morgan Powell (center) and Rep. Richard Winkel.

Commissioners Meet Members of Congress at NRPA Mid Year

Illinois' delegation to the NRPA Mid Year Meeting in Washington D.C., March 1-5, 2000, was the largest from any state with more than 40 commissioners and professionals. Pictured here are (left to right): Dr. Bruce Larson, commissioner, Urbana Park District; Ron Lehman, commissioner, Channahon Park District and Treasurer, NRPA Board of Trustees; Congressman Jerry Weller (R-11th District); and Dennis Flanagin, commissioner, Lan-Oak Park District.

ESPN Radio Celebrates Earth Day with Schaumburg Park District and IAPD

Chauncey Niziol, host of the radio show "Outdoor Chicago," and other ESPN Radio personnel celebrated Earth Day at the Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary at Schaumburg Park District on Sat., April 22. They joined forces with park district staff and volunteers, and area residents in a clean-up effort and tree planting. ESPN officials donated an 8-foot-tall white oak, the Illinois state tree, which children helped plant on the edge of the sanctuary property. As he recalled attending the very first Earth Day event 30 years ago, Niziol said: "Earth Day is celebrating all the goodness we have around us. Everything we have we get from Mother Earth, from the flowers to the shade from the trees, to the oil that fuels our cars."

During the event, children walked through the Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary and made bird feeders from carved-out orange peels and planted flowers in cones to take home. The event was cosponsored by ESPN Radio, Schaumburg Park District, IAPD and Friends of Illinois Parks.

Planting a white oak on Earth Day are (from left to right) John Comerio, IAPD development director; Chauncey Niziol, host of ESPN Radio's "Outdoor Chicago" program; Al Larson, mayor of Schaumburg; and Bill Tucknott, president of the Schaumburg Park District.

National Trails Day
Celebrate National Trails Day, June 3, 2000 and the five years of progress towards the completion of the Grand Illinois Trail.
The Grand Illinois Trail is a 475-mile loop trail that encompasses the northern quarter of Illinois. It connects communities such as Rockford, Chicago, and the Quad Cities and trails such as the I & M Canal, Hennepin Canal, Burnham Greenway, the Great River Trail, the Fox River Trail and the first rail-trail in the United States, the Illinois Prairie Path. This Grand Illinois Trail allows visitors to experience both the excitement of Chicago and the historic character of communities such as Galena and the natural beauty of Illinois.

Events will be held in Moline and Chicago on National Trails Day, June 3, 2000: 10:30 a.m. at the Mark of the Quad Cities, 2:30 p.m. at the West Wall of Navy Pier. For more information contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217.782.3715.

In Illinois, we Celebrate June & July as "Parks and Recreation Month"
Gov. George Ryan has proclaimed June 2000 as Parks and Recreation Month in Illinois. This is an ideal opportunity for agencies to plan special events for their communities and to promote the value of all their programs and services. It is also a time to thank your board, staff, advisory council members and volunteers for all the work they do for your agency.

IAPD has sent member agencies a replica of the proclamation for use at the local level. For tips on how to celebrate and a sample news release, see "What's New" on the IAPD Web site, www.ILparks.org/whatsnew.htm

July Is Parks & Recreation month is the national celebration sponsored by NRPA. For information and tips for celebrations, see http://www.activeparks.org/programs_partners/index_progpart.htm

Illinois Parks and Recreation