people and news

Mary Simonis has joined the staff of the Rolling Meadows Park District, as Recreation Supervisor. Mrs. Simonis is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Recreation. Her prior experiences vary from working with retarded and handicapped children, directing dramatic classes and serving as a community center leader and pre-school teacher. Mrs. Simonis has worked for the Forest Park and Dundee Township Park Districts and served her internship at the Homewood Flossmoor Park District.

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Charles "Chuck" Siegler, Director of the Wheaton Park District for the past three years, was named Director of the Kane County Forest Preserves. His appointment follows the retirement of Gunnar Anderson, Director of the Forest Preserves who was with the District for 46 years.

Siegler was formerly with the St. Charles Recreation Department for four years, the Director of the Carol Stream Park District 7 1/2 years, and Director of the Wheaton Park District for three years.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and recreation from Utah State University. He has done graduate work in administration at the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Trinity University and Wisconsin State University at Whitewater.

Siegler is active in such professional park organizations as Midwest Institute of Park Executives, Illinois Association of Park Districts, Illinois Recreation Society, Suburban Park and Recreation Association and the National Park and Recreation Association.

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Ann Kief is the new administrative assistant to the head of the Department of Recreation and Park Administration at the University of Illinois. She has been serving as the personnel development specialist in the Office of Recreation and Park Resources at the University of Illinois. Formerly, she was a program director for a service club at Fort Riley, Kansas. She holds a B.S. degree in community recreation from Southern Illinois University and a M.S. degree in recreation and park administration from Indiana University.

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Dennis R. DeVooght is the recipient of Western Illinois University's 1974 Humanitarian Award for his volunteer work with the financially disadvantaged youth and the elderly citizens of Macomb.

He was honored in a surprise announcement in Macomb on June 15 at Western Ill. University's commencement exercises. The award was established in 1968 by WIU President John T. Bernhard to honor at commencement a graduating example and precept, a personal senior who has demonstrated, by commitment to humanitarian values.

DeVooght received his B.S. degree in recreation and park administration. He has accepted a position as a recreation supervisor with the Moline Park and Recreation Department.

DeVooght was recognized for his organization of the Committee on Recreation for the McDonough County Authority in the northeastern part of the city.

He also has participated actively in a number of programs sponsored by the YMCA, the Cooperative Extension Service and Macomb's Lincoln School.

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Edward Haag, a graduate of Western Illinois University has been appointed to the position of Director of Parks and Recreation with the Medinah Park District, Ed received his B.S. degree in Recreation and Park Administration.

Completing his field work with the Skokie Park District, he also served as a local government intern with the Des Plaines Park District.

While at Western he served on several faculty committees and as President of Western's Park and Recreation Society. Culminating this student involvement Ed served as President of the I.P.R.S. Student Branch. He has also been very active in N.R.P.A., serving on both the 1973 & 1974 Student Regional conference planning committees.

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The Sterling Park District announced the resignation of Mr. Thomas McCormick, Superintendent of Recreation. He will be leaving the urea to return to Northeast Missouri State University to work on his Masters Degree in Special Education.

Mr. Michael Hayes, the current Intern Student will replace Mr. McCormick as Supt. of Recreation and assistant to the Director.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation from Eastern Illinois University and was active in many campus recreation programs. He holds Water Safety Instructor's Card, First Aide Certification from the American Red Cross, as well as Scuba Diving Certification.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 31 September/October, 1974