I.A.P.D. Past Presidents - L. to R. - Robert Pilcher, Joliet; Don Bresnan, Champaign; Milton Worthen, Granite City; Louis Gietl, Springfield; Marjorie M. Dickinson, Exec. Director Emeritus, Springfield; W. L. McCullough, Aurora; Otto Hummer, Downers Grove; Webster Wiley, Kewanee; Tim Soldwedel, Pekin; Eugene Pomerance, Elmhurst; Allan Weissburg, Skokie; Michael Cassidy, Freeport.

The Illinois Association of Park Districts 50th Anniversary program is now history. In terms of attendance, interest and the favorable comments received, it was a great success.

John Davis, Executive Director, National Recreation and Park Association, addressed the group which was preceded by a cocktail party and reception sponsored by the Springfield Hotel & Motel Association and the Springfield Convention & Tourism Commission.

An added feature was the spring Board of Directors meeting of the Commissioner/Board Member Branch of N.R.P.A., which convened on Friday with a reception and buffet dinner.

Special citations of appreciation were presented to Marjorie M. Dickinson, Executive Director Emeritus; Robert A. Stuart, Legislative Consultant and former General Counsel; Eugene Berghoff, Executive Vice President; Joe Bannon, O.R.P.R., University of Illinois; and Don Bresnan, Past President of I.A.P.D. and currently President of Commissioner/Board Member Branch of N.R.P.A.

Member Districts attending, Past Presidents, Officers, and Directors of I.A.P.D. were recognized and given 50th Anniversary appreciation awards.

A telegram was read from President Jimmy Carter and a letter of appreciation for the great contribution of I.A.P.D. to the success of parks and recreation in Illinois from Governor James R. Thompson was also read. Governor Thompson was personally represented by David Kenney, Director, Illinois Department of Conservation.

Robert Nichols, Commissioner, Bensenville, and chairman of the Seminars Committee and its members are to be congratulated for a job well done.

Left to Right - Reverend William J. Peckham, Marjorie M. Dickinson, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Stuart, all of Springfield; John Davis, Executive Director, N.R.P.A.; Don Bresnan, Champaign; Peter T. Trenchard, Deerfield, President of I.A.P.D.; and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nichols, Bensenville.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 30 September/October, 1978