people and news

The Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association is proud to announce: David E. Nielsen has been promoted to Coordinator for NSSRA. Mr. Nielsen is a 1974 graduate of the University of Illinois and holds a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. His major responsibilities will be in assisting Stephen R. Keay, Executive Director, in administrative tasks and coordinating the NSSRA staff and facilities utilized by the Association for their programs.

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NSSRA welcomes Mary Cunneen to the position of Recreational Therapist. Mary is a recent graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. Her major responsibilities include instructing various recreational activities and handling publicity.

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Therese Graceffa joined NSSRA September 1, as a Recreational Therapist. Therese holds a degree in Recreation and Park Administration also from Western Illinois University. Her major responsibilities will include instructing swimming and assisting in the NSSRA's Nature Bound program.

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The Deerfield Park District announces several changes and additions to its Recreation Department.

LINDA GRYZIECKI has recently been appointed to the position of Director of Recreation for the District. Linda is a 1973 graduate of Western Illinois University with a B.S. Degree in Recreation and Park Administration. She has served the Deerfield Park District as Recreation Supervisor for the past 3 years.

JACK LEPPER of Oak Park has been hired as Athletics Supervisor for the Deerfield Park District. Jack is a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University with a B.S. Degree in Recreation and Park Administration. Prior to coming to Deerfield, Jack has worked for the Murphysboro and Glencoe Park Districts.

MRS. GAYLE BINDER of Deerfield has assumed the position of Cultural Arts Supervisor for the Deerfield Park District. Gayle has seven years experience in all phases of Cultural Arts including teacher education, program selection, teaching, activity and program development. Her drama experience includes serving as program coordinator for "The Playmakers," a professional touring group, and founder of Children's Theater of Deerfield.

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Micheal John Valiga, was recently appointed to the position of Director of the Itasca Park District. Michael has finished his academic work for his masters from Western Illinois University, in administration of parks and recreation. His administrative background ranges from being director of the McDonough County Housing Authority, Recreation Program, to Unit Director at Camp Reinberg.

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M. W. Enterprises, Ltd., recently established by Matt Wiersema, will be representing complete lines of park and recreation equipment and facilities, and specializing in engineering and specification assistance to park districts, architects, and engineers.

M. W. Enterprises, Ltd. will represent the following products in the State of Illinois:
—Chester All Aluminum Swimming Pools, Middletown, Ohio
-Quality Playground Equipment Company, Hillsdale, Michigan
—Holmsten Rinkmaster Ice Rinks, St. Paul, Minnesota
—Other companies supplying Cedar Park Buildings and Shelters.
—Geodesic Dome Enclosures and Air Support Structures.

Mr. Wiersema has worked with the all aluminum swimming pool in the State of Illinois and has made Illinois one of the leaders in new swimming pool innovations. He will represent a complete line of playground equipment which conforms to all similar product safety tests and standards.

A life-long resident of the western suburbs, Mr. Wiersema has been a manufacturer's representative for over nine years dealing directly with park and recreation agencies while associated with another firm. Prior to his association with market representation in Illinois, he was a swimming pool contractor building residential and small commercial pools.

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Raymond Moeller has recently been appointed to the position of Park Director for the Lan-Oak Park District in Lansing.

After 25 years in management for Nagie Packing Company, Ray began his career with the Park District as Assistant Superintendent in July 1970 highly recommended and qualified. As a lifelong resident of the Village of Lansing, he received his background and education in the immediate area and has always been dedicated to the affairs of the Village.

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Bernard R. Clousing of Lansing has been appointed to the position of Recreation Director for the Lan-Oak Park District in Lansing. Bernie is a 1972 graduate of George Williams College, Downers Grove, Illinois with a B.S. Degree in Health and Physical Education.

Prior to his new position, he has worked in numerous supervised and instructed Recreation Programs, which included Physical Director of the Joliet, Illinois YMCA, Youth and Adult physical education programs,

Illinois Parks and Recreation 26 November/December, 1976

extensive aquatics programs, comprehensive cardiovascular fitness programs, YMCA Illinois State Sports Chairman for Volleyball, Associate Program Director, Harvey, Illinois YMCA, and Far South District Physical Education Coordinator for the Chicagoland area YMCA's.

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James L. Hammontree has been appointed Superintendent of Recreation for the Belleville, Illinois, Recreation and Parks Department. Formerly the Director of Recreation with the Tennessee School for the Deaf in Knoxville. Hammontree holds a BS in P.E. from Tennessee Technological University, a MS in Recreation from the University of Tennessee and has completed all course work towards a PhD in Recreation Administration from the University of Illinois at Champaign. His new position will replace Julie R. Lengfelder, Leisure Activities Coordinator, who will be pursuing a MS in Recreation Administration from SIU-Carbondale and Tina M. Rodriguez, Athletic Activities Coordinator, who will assume a coaching position in women's athletics.

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Naperville Park District's Recreation Division became a full team again with the arrival of our new Sports and Athletics Supervisor, CHUCK BALLING. Chuck received his B.S. degree from Eastern Illinois University in Recreation Administration in 1975 and was employed by the Chicago Park District at the West Lawn Community Center prior to joining the Naperville staff.

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Sterling Park District announced that Richard Cox has been appointed Superintendent of Recreation for the Sterling Park District.

Richard Cox is 40 years old, and for the past 12 years has been employed in the Advertising Department of the Sterling Daily Gazette.

He is a 1954 graduate of Sterling High School, having attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa for three years, majoring in physical education.

Cox served six years in the United States Army as Batallion Physical Fitness Director at Fort Lewis, Washington, along with overseas duty in France. He was a member of the track team in Orleans, France during his service in the Army.

Cox has been involved with the Sterling Park District on a part-time basis serving as Assistant Center Director for the past six years. He has also been involved in almost every program operated by the park district, serving as a volunteer official and program leader. Cox completed the Recreation Management Course of the North American School of Recreation in 1971, graduating with honors.

He has also officiated basketball for ten years, and still officiates football along with serving as a starter for local track and cross country meets. Dick has also found time to serve as Vice President and Secretary for the local Rock River Valley Officials Association.

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Bill Bergman (right) of Howard White and Associates, Inc., receives the "Salesman of the Year" award, for outstanding sales effort for Game Time, Inc., leading manufacturer of institutional outdoor playground equipment. Presenting the award to Bill is Jerry Kimmel, Game Time's Director of Sales and Marketing. Howard White and Associates are sales representatives for Game Time, Inc. in Illinois and Iowa.

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Carol Peterson has joined the staff of the Office of Recreation and Park Resources at the University of Illinois as the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Previously employed at Michigan State University and Indiana University as assistant professor, she has also had clinical experience in therapeutic recreation. Carol has been active in various committees of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society and the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. She has served as consultant to various agencies regarding physical education and recreation programs for the handicapped.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 27 November/December, 1976