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The Elmhurst Park District placed second in category B (populations of 10,000 to 50,000) and Chicago Park District placed third in category E (populations over one million) in Nations in Bloom 2000, an international environmental competition. Thirty-five cities from around the world competed in the 2000 "Green Oscars," which recognized cities for their environmental excellence. Nations in Bloom is a nonprofit organization registered in England. The competition was founded in 1996 by Alan Smith, director of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management in England. Smith saw the need to move beyond public discussions of environmental concerns to exploring how communities from around the world successfully manage their environments.

The Rockford Park District's water theme park, Magic Waters, received two prestigious first place awards from two international associations. At the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' (IAAPA) annual convention in Atlanta, Ga., last November, Magic Waters received the 2000 Souvenir Award in the category "Runaway Success Item" for the Big Squirt!, a popular water-squirting toy.

"We have been carrying the Big Squirt! item for the past five years," stated Reid Tennant, revenue sources manager at Magic Waters, "however, this past year, we added a second water-filling station which had a great visual impact because its fifteen feet tall, and we imprinted the Magic Waters logo on the item so that it could be more of a souvenir, take-home item. Our sales volume for the Big Squirt! started at about 1,700 units five years ago, and we had increased that volume to about 5,000 units in 1999. But this past season, with the added filling station and imprint, we exploded with 9,000 units sold."

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently-situated amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos and aquariums, and other amusement facilities worldwide. More than 5,000 members from more than 100 countries are represented by this organization.

A group sales video presentation created and mailed to inform group leaders about Magic Waters day trips and evening private events was awarded the "Wave Review Award" at the World Waterpark Associations annual conference in San Antonio, Texas, in October. The four-minute video, featuring the debut of the "SplashBlaster" water coaster thrill ride, was written and directed by Midwest Marketing Organization, Inc., and produced by Eagle Video of Rockford. The World Waterpark Association is comprised of water parks and family aquatic centers worldwide. Magic Waters is the second largest municipally owned water park in the United States, and has been a Rockford Park District facility since 1988.

Bob Toalson, longtime leader of the Champaign Park District, retired in January of 2001. For 31 years, Toalson sought to create an excellent quality of life for the residents of Champaign. He planned for the future, ensuring greenspace not only for todays residents, but also for tomorrow's generations. Toalson began his career interning for the National Recreation Association in Philadelphia. The following year he moved to Oak Park, Ill., to become the assistant director of recreation and playgrounds later being promoted to executive director. In 1970, he became the general manager of the Champaign Park District. Toalson has been a member of numerous professional organizations locally, nationally, and internationally. He was a founding member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and also served as president of the National Recreation and Park Association, American Park and Recreation Society, Illinois Parks and Recreation Society, United Way of Champaign County, and the Champaign-Urbana Kiwanis Club. Always leading by example, Toalson has received numerous honors including: NRPA Great Lakes Region, Outstanding Professional Award; 2000 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce; Outstanding Citizen Award, 1999; NRPA National Distinguished Professional Award, 1995; National Gold Medal, Champaign Park District (1979, 1990, 1998) and Oak Park (1966).

Nate Dixon retired from the Champaign Park District after 27 years of serving the community. Dixon's passion for helping people has been evident throughout his career. Before working in parks and recreation, he worked at the Illinois Department of Mental Health. In 1973 Dixon brought his passion and leadership to the Champaign Park District, where he served as director of the Douglass Center. He was later named director of community services, where he awarded scholarships to underprivileged families and served as the districts Affirmative Action Officer. Dixon has been involved in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served on the board of IPRA and was a charter member of IAPD's Illinois Ethnic Minority Society in 1991. He is a member of the Champaign County United Way Board and has been actively involved with the Champaign Lions Club and Urban League.

Tom Suhs, CPRP, was named as the director of parks and recreation for the Oak Brook Park District. Prior to this position, Suhs had served as the Oak Brook Park District's director of recreation since 1981. Beginning as a day camp leader in 1969, Suhs has worked in a variety of capacities with the park districts of Blue Island, Alsip, Chicago Ridge and Homewood-Flossmoor as well as the River Forest (Ill.) Community Center. He received his bachelors degree in Park and Recreation Administration from Southern Illinois University and his masters degree in Leisure Service Administration from Aurora University. He currently is serving as chairperson for the Gateway Special Recreation Association and has served on

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countless IPRA and SPRA committees through the years. He oversees 12 full-time professionals, more than 120 acres of park property as well as the operations of the district's Family Indoor Aquatic Center, Family Recreation Center, Racquet Club and the Sam and Dorothy Dean Nature Sanctuary. He has received a many awards and composed and performed the music for IPRA's first television commercial and composed and performed the official-sanctioned IPRA theme music for NRPA's 1980 promotional campaign "Life. Be In It," a song which he is still willing to perform upon request.

Christopher Beemer has been hired by the St. Charles Park District to oversee the management of its new facility "STC Underground." As Teen Center director, Beemer is responsible for overall operations including implementing the facility's policies and procedures, preparing the annual budget, planning youth and teen programs, and organizing fund-raising events. Beemer has a multitude of experience in facility management and teen programming. He previously worked as a meeting planner for the Sherwood Group in Northbrook, Ill., a teen program coordinator for the Iowa City Recreation Department, special events coordinator for Hilton Resort at South Mountain, Az., and as teen camp director at a YMCA in Arizona. Beemer received a bachelor of science degree in Sports Management and Community Recreation from the University of Iowa in 1995.

Sheila Lowrey has joined the staff of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association as the new conference/project manager. She holds a degree in Business Administration and is currently working to earn her designation as a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). With more than 15 years of meeting planning experience, Lowrey welcomes the challenge to organize the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference. Other responsibilities she assumes include management of conference exhibits and all meeting planning details at the new IPRA Training and Meeting Center as well as at locations throughout the state.

Thomas G. Ford was named deputy director of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Ford comes to IPRA from the Turfgrass Producers International Trade Association where he implemented fund-raising programs with contributions in excess of $650,000. He was also responsible for educational programming, exhibit and convention management, budget preparation and marketing and Web development. Prior to the Turfgrass Producers, Ford worked at The Links Golf Course in Jacksonville, Illinois. As IPRA's Deputy Director, Ford will manage IPRA's responsibilities at the Western Open Golf Tournament and the Great Lakes Golf Institute, oversee fund-raising efforts, supervise staff, and act as a liaison to various committees and affiliate organizations. Ford holds a master's of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois. He welcomes the opportunity to join the IPRA staff and looks forward to building a strong and effective association, which meets the professional needs of its members.

Nicole Walsh joined the Addison Park District as the marketing and communications supervisor. Walsh earned a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism/Communication from the University of St. Francis. Previously, Walsh was the director of marketing and creative services at RDI, USA, Inc.

Dean Hoskin was named athletic supervisor for the Addison Park District. Hoskin is a 1994 graduate of Illinois State University, where he majored in Recreation Administration. Before coming to Addison, Hoskin worked for both the Calumet Memorial and the Hanover Park park districts.

- In Memoriam - William E. O'Brien A teacher, counselor and mentor to many in the park and recreation field, William E. O'Brien died on December 1, 2000, at Cardinal Health Care in Energy, Ill. O'Brien was born on March 11, 1923, in Shulter, Okla. He married LaVerne Garrett on June 21, 1943. He received a bachelor of science in Education at Southern Illinois University. From Indiania University, Bloomington, Ind., he earned a master of science in Physical Education, a master of science in Recreation, director of Physical Education, director of Recreation, and doctors degree in Recreation. In 1948 he joined the Southern Illinois University coaching staff as head football coach from 1952 to 1954. Later he joined the Recreation Department and served as chairman in 1970. He retired from there in 1983 after 35 years of service at Southern Illinois University. During his career at SIUC, he received many awards: Teacher of the Year, College of Education, 1974; Outstanding Service as a Researcher, Illinois Park and Recreation Society, 1976; Great Teacher of the Year, SIU, 1975; Alumnus of the Year, Indiana University, 1977; Special Citation, National Recreation and Park Association, 1983; SIU Hall of Fame, 1989; Cum Laude Fellowship Award, SIU Foundation, 1975; and many others. Bill was also a member of the Marine Corps and served in World War II and the Korean conflicts. He retired in 1983 as a colonel. In addition, he served as a sports official for both the Missouri Valley Leaue and the National Football League. Memorials may be made to the Southern Illinois Alzheimers Association, St. Francis Xavier Church or to the William E. O'Brien Recreaiton Scholarship, Southern Illinois University Foundation, Carbondale.                                                                                                                — from newspaper reports

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Chris Fedor was named facility supervisor for the Addison Park District. Fedor has worked for the park district since 1994 as a day camp counselor and director. From 1995 through spring of 2000 he was employed at Queen of the Rosary school in Elk Grove as a Junior High Social Studies teacher. Fedor has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Dayton.

Ellie Cardinal, CPRP, was promoted to manager of the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, an 87,000-square-foot center which opened to the public on October 2, 2000. Cardinal is responsible for general management of the facility and oversees all daily operations and management a staff of four full-time and about 50 part-time employees, plus community relations efforts for the sports center. Cardinal, a native of Pensacola, FL, has been with the Decatur Park District for more than 20 years. She joined the district as supervisor of senior citizen activities in 1976. In 1988, Cardinal became athletics supervisor, coordinating all recreation athletic activities. She is a member of IPRA, the Central Illinois Recreation Council for Leisure Experiences and Decatur's Noon Women's Network. She holds a certification in First Aid and CPR. She received her B.S. in Community Recreation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Mike Mulvaney was hired by the Decatur Park District as the assistant manager of the Decatur Indoor Sports Center. Mulvaney also serves as recreation supervisor for the park district. He assists in the management of the facility and is responsible for scheduling and programming of all events at the sports center. He oversees the hiring and training of all part-time employees. In addition, Mulvaney manages all Decatur Park District Special Recreation programs. Mulvaney, a native of Collison, Ill., is a member of IPRA, the Central Illinois Recreation Council for Leisure Experiences, and the National Intramural-Sports Association. He also holds certification in First Aid and CPR. Mulvaney received B.S. degrees in Sociology and Sports Management from Millikin University in Decatur in 1999. He went on to receive his M.S. in Sports Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 2000.

Jamie Gower, CPRP, was appointed recreation supervisor of the Decatur Park District. Gower is responsible for some of the various activities offered at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, including athletic league coordination, referee scheduling, and the centers tumbling program. In addition, Gower is responsible for all park district sports leagues, including tennis, crosscountry and track. Gower, a native of Decatur, came to the Decatur Park District after serving as the recreational supervisor of athletics in the Wood Dale Park District. He is a member of CIRCLE and IPRA. Gower received his B.S. in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 1997.

Cynthia N. Capek, was promoted from superintendent of recreation to assistant director of the Des Plaines Park District. Capek has been employed by the park district since 1989 and previously served as director of recreation for the Champaign Park District and center supervisor for the Arlington County Department of Community Affairs in Arlington, Va. Capek received a B.A. in Public Affairs and Services, specializing in Recreation and Park Administration, from California University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Recreation Administration from Penn State University. In her new position, Capek continues to oversee the operation of the district's enterprise funds, consisting of Lake Park, Mountain View Mine Miniature Adventure Golf Course and the Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center. In addition, she supervises the manager of recreation services and the district's public relations program. Capek also coordinates the new administrative responsibilities of the preparation of the park district's comprehensive master plan and the implementation plan recommendations for the recently completed community needs assessment. Capek is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines, is a member of the Des Plaines Senior Center Board of Directors and is active with the Des Plaines Care Coalition, Human Services Commission, the Des Plaines Arts Council and School District 62's Success Guest Program.

Dan Costanza was hired as inline hockey supervisor at Mt. Prospect's newest facility, Central Community Center, scheduled to open in January 2001. Costanza brings a lifetime of hockey experience to this new position. He was the league's leading scorer in high school and played on the varsity team at St. Mary's College. Since then he has played on amateur inline hockey teams including Team Kryptonics, the 1997 National Champions in the Gold Division. Most recently he played on the 2000 Team USA World Team. Costanza hopes to be a member of U.S. team at the Pan Am Games in 2001. He has Olympic aspirations for 2004 when inline hockey may become an Olympic sport. Currently he coaches the Northlake traveling team. Costanza is a Schaumburg resident and a graduate of Conant High School.

Christine Cramer, CPRP, joins the Mt. Prospect Park District as the new cultural arts/special events coordinator at RecPlex. Cramer was previously employed with the Prospect Heights Park District as a recreation supervisor. She holds a bachelor of science degree in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois.

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Scott McClaskey joins the Mt. Prospect Park District as Lions Center/Concession supervisor. He interned with the park district last winter and now joins the staff on a full-time basis. McClaskey earned his bachelor of science degree in Recreation from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., where he was a four-year letterman in baseball.

Nanette Sowa was hired as the volunteer coordinator at the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). Sowa is 1978 graduate of Illinois State University, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. Her responsibilities include recruitment, placement and development of volunteers for NWSRA programs. Special Olympics Illinois Area 18 and the Special Leisure Services Foundation. Previously, she was employed with St. Mary's Church in Buffalo Grove, the Buffalo Grove Park District and as a part-time staff at NWSRA.

Emily Johnson was hired as a program specialist at the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). She is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. Her responsibilities include coordinating programs for individuals with physical and visual impairments. Previously, she was employed with Marklund Children's Home.

Liza J. McElroy was named director of the Winnetka Park District, effective April 26, 2001. She will replace Dan Newport, who is retiring after more than 20 years with the park district. McElroy has held various positions with the Winnetka Park District since 1981 and is currently superintendent of recreation. She grew up in Winnetka and attended Sacred Heart Academy and Regina Dominica High School and earned a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Illinois State University and a master's in business management from National Louis University in Evanston, Ill. Active in many civic and community organizations, McElroy is immediate past president ofIPRA. Her professional honors include the IPRAAl Hattendorf Recreation Professional of the Year Award, the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year Award and the North Suburban Special Recreation Association Volunteer Coach of the Year Award.

Michelle Abbott was hired by the Bolingbrook Park District as executive assistant. She provides clerical and research support to the director of parks and recreation and the deputy director. The position also entails many special projects such as coordinating insurance matters with PDRMA, communications with the park board, volunteer appreciation and customer service matters. Abbott previously, she held positions of human resource manager and office manager in the private sector.

Students Are Friends of the Champaign County Forest Preserve First and second grade students at Urbana's Leal School pose with Champaign County Forest Preserve District volunteer Otto Haack, who passed away last year. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District was recently able to fill a need for waterfowl field guides with funds donated by Anne Broom's class of first and second graders at Urbana's Leal School. The students decided to do something about crimes to animals, after learning about the senseless shooting death of a trumpeter swan at Lake of the Woods in 1992. They raised funds, conducted research and wrote reports on trumpeter swans' lives. The funds were used in the spring of 2000 to purchase 30 copies of Waterfowl of Illinois by Stephen Havera. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is proud to have these students as friends. 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. Tells us about friends of your agency and we'll publicize them in this space. 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. To learn more about Friends of Illinois Parks, call toll-free 1-877-523-4558 or see www.ILparks.org.

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- In Memoriam - Sevan S. Sarkisian Sevan S. Sarkisian, associate professor and coach at the College of DuPage from 1970 to 1996, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Glen Ellyn, of complications from his long diabetic illness. Sevan, or "Sark" as his close associates called him, earned his undergraduate degree from Park College and his masters degree from Indiana University. A recreation innovator, he is credited with creating the Golden Olympics for senior citizens in many communities. As head softball coach at the College of DuPage for 13 seasons, he compiled a record of 385 wins and 103 losses. His team won six N4C championships and was selected N4C Coach of the Year six times. After his retirement, Mr. Sarkisian was the fifth winninest coach in the NJCAA and had coached 15 All-Americans during his 13-year tenure. Among his many honors, Mr. Sarkisian received the Fellow Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Movement for Unselfish Contribution and Devotion to the Professional Fellowship, and the Medal for Outstanding Service to the College of DuPage. In 1997 he was inducted into the college's Wall of Fame for his significant contribution to the athletics program.                                                                   — from newspaper reports

Cory Krizizke was named the director of athletics and aquatics for the Northbrook Park District. He is responsible for supervision of the two park district swimming pools, as well as all athletic programs. He brings six years of experience to Northbrook, having served the Hampshire, Glenview and Cary park districts in Illinois in various related capacities. He is a 1994 graduate of the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and holds a B.S. degree in Recreation Management.

Ron Malchiodi was appointed by the Veterans Park District board of commissioners to fill the vacant position of director of recreation for the district. Malchiodi, a resident of Melrose Park who had been serving as recreation coordinator, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. A graduate of Triton College with an Associate's Degree, Malchiodi also studied Physical Education at Northern Illinois University and has served Veterans Park District in various capacities over the last 10 years. He also studied acting and improvisation at Chicago's famous Second City comedy club.

Kim Wascher joined the Village of South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department as recreation supervisor. She graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Secondary Education along with a degree in Physical Education from Judson College. She also served with the Hampshire Park District as a recreation supervisor from 1998 to 2000. She will be sharing responsibilities with the tot, youth, teen, senior, special events and athletic programs.

Shane Hamilton was hired as recreation supervisor for the Village of South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department. He is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Elementary Education. During the past three summers, Hamilton served as a part-time parks laborer for the department. Upon graduation, he was promoted to full-time recreation supervisor. He shares responsibilities with the tot, youth, teen, senior, special events and athletic programs.

Ron Oestreich was named superintendent of revenue facilities for the Bolingbrook Park District. Oestreich has been the districts aquatic manager since 1996. Prior to Bolingbrook he was facilities and safety supervisor for the Skokie Park District for four years. His honors and awards include 1999 IPRA Young Professional of the Year Award, 1998 NRPA Excellence in Aquatics Award, 1998 Ellis and Associates Elite Platinum Award, 1997 Bolingbrook Park District Award of Excellence, and 1995 IPRA Aquatic Manager of the Year Award. In his new position, Oestreich will oversee operations of the Boughton Ridge Golf Course, Tenth Hole Pub, LifeStyles Fitness Center & Spa, and Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park.

Steve Eckelberry joined the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association as public information manager. He comes to the agency with more than 16 years of journalism experience. Previously, he was a production editor with Cahners Business Information. Prior to that he was the manager editor for eight years at Examiner Publications in Bartlett, Ill. Eckelberry also serves on the Bardett Park District board of commissioners. His duties will include developing and implementing effective public relations programs, coordinating preparation of written publications and serving as a liaison to community service groups.

Sara Weber was named program coordinator for special events and mental health at the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. Originally from Freeport, Ill., Weber completed her internship at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa. Her responsibilities include overseeing special events for all ages and programs for the mental health population.

Tammy Pieper was named the inclusion manager for the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. She received a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. She has more than

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two years experience, most recently as the superintendent of recreation at the Gateway Special Recreation Association. Pieper is responsible for overseeing program development, implementation and evaluation of integrated services. She also supervises, trains and evaluates support staff.

Rend Lake Shooting Classic for the Physically Challenged The second annual Rend Lake Shooting competition for the Physically Challenged took place on October 14, 2000 at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex. Physically challenged individuals from throughout the Midwest were invited to enjoy this free competition, which included archery shooting and sporting clays. The event is jointly sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Rend Lake Conservancy District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsman Club.

Rend Lake Hosts Arts Event for Developmentally Disabled The first annual Festival of Arts, Education and Entertainment for the institutionalized developmentally disabled in Southern Illinois will be held at the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop on September 19,2000. This event is the outgrowth of the Kiwanis Dave Webster Fun Day held in early September each year for the past 13 years, and the Kiwanis\RLCD Christmas Party held at Seasons each year for the past five years.

Teens Clean Up The South Suburban Parks and Recreation Professional Association's (SSPRPA) Teen Committee contracted with the Illinois Department of Transportation to help with the Adopt A Highway Program. As volunteers for the Adopt A Highway Program, the group is required to choose four dates per year for the next two years to clean two miles of roadway. Coordinators of the teen committee discussed the possible locations and accessed theses locations for safety and need and ultimately chose the strip of highway on Route 83 between Central Avenue and Harlem Avenue. At monthly meetings, SSPRPA decides which agencies will attend on the chosen clean-up dates. Agencies are then responsible for showing the safety video to their teens and acquire the clean up items (bags, vests) from the previous group. Interested in participating or want to know how to obtain your own piece of highway? Call LeeAnn Fisk at the Village of Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department, 708.403.7275

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka's office has announced the dates of two new Financial Education Symposiums. On Wed., Jan. 17, 2001, a Public Investors' Financial Symposium is scheduled at the McDonald's Lodge in Oak Brook, Ill. On April 17 and 18,2001, Treasurer Topinka will sponsor her fourth two-day advanced format Financial Symposium in Springfield, Ill., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Contact Bob Kogut at the Treasurers' office at 312.814.1700.

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