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LIFE, BE IN IT ... . Your conference highlights
by Lydia Lombardo
Delegates attending the IAPD/IPRA Illinois State Conference November 12-15 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, will be immersed in the LIFE. BE IN IT. theme. Combining ideas that worked in the past, discarding those that were ineffective, and adding new programs and concepts, will make this three-day conclave truly alive, both educationally and socially. Conference chairpersons, Patti Roth and Sue Rizzo (see "Meet the Chairperson", this article) and their committees have worked long and hard to update the conference and eliminate problems that cropped up in the past. Saturday Luncheon and Banquet Conference changes include elimination of all business at the closing Saturday evening banquet and addition of a Joint IAPD/IPRA Awards luncheon on Saturday. The Saturday evening banquet will be a full evening of fun and music highlighted by good food, friendship and a chance to unwind after three days of "conferencing." Continuous entertainment will be provided by the mellow music of the Bill Peterson Orchestra (listening and dancing); and the Wisconsin Singers, a theatrical group of young, vibrant performers, will present musical comedy, skits and dance routines. (The improved staging will allow everyone to seel) The Saturday luncheon has been expanded and will now honor those who have made outstanding contributions to both organizations: IAPD OR IPRA. This assures that award recipients receive the attention they deserve since the event takes place during the convention day when delegates are geared for more serious business. It also frees the Saturday banquet for fun————fun————fun!
Pre-Conference Workshops Starting the LIFE. BE IN IT. conference are six special pre-conference workshops designed by IPRA sections and IAPD and a special secretarial workshop. The following titles clearly indicate that what is new and current is the thrust of the workshops:
"If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail" (Recreation)
IAPD's special workshop will concentrate on communications and its importance between commissioners, agency administrators, and the general public. An expanded and entirely new workshop for secretaries and administrative assistants will be conducted by the dynamic Bernadette "Bernie" Young, management consultant, Young and Associates. The session will emphasize how secretaries and administrative assistants can gain positive self-concepts and techniques which they can take back to the agency front office. Educational Sessions The educational sessions which begin Friday morning will, as in the past, feature lecturers who are prominent in the parks and recreation field. But—to keep LIFE in our programs and administrations —we will again bring in speakers from the world of business, finance and human relations. The diversity Illinois Parks and Recreation 18 September/October 1981 of sessions offered range from "How to Pass a Successful Referendum" to "Elements of a Good Tree Care Program" to "Coping with Federal Budget Cutbacks" to "Operating Without a Director," to "The Role of the Computer in the Changing Park District Environment." (See pre-conference program in center of this magazine for full conference contents) Social Events In addition to dining, dancing and listening at Saturday's Banquet, other LIVELY entertainment to loosen up delegates has been planned. Opening the conference Thursday Evening (following the party sponsored by the exhibitors) is The All Conference Social: ROCK 'N ROLL BATTLES COUNTRY AND WESTERN. Two bands, "Fire on the Mountain" and "Big Bill and the Jets," will present continuous fifties and country music. Everyone is urged to wear country or fifties clothes or risk being arrested by the LEISURE SHERIFF who will guard the entrance to the social. Entertainment at the All Conference Friday Luncheon features Tim Weigel, CHICAGO Sports director and anchor man for WLS-TV. Weigel, known for his humor, fast-clipped reporting and feature, "White Shoes Weigel," will also bring LIFE into our conference because, in a way, his speech is a secret. Titled "Contemporary Sports in America," Weigel will focus on whatever is most controversial and timely in the sports world during November of 1981.
Other exciting special events include a spine-tingling rapelling demonstration down the Hyatt glass-enclosed elevator shaft by Dr. Frank Lupton, Western Illinois University, and several of his students, following the Friday luncheon. Dr. Lupton will crawl onto the top of the elevator, shaft and then rapel down—simulating a descent from an icy steep mountain top.
A special theatre troupe presentation, plus a dance display are other conference special events which are now being finalized by the committee. As you can see, LIFE. BE IN IT. permeates the conference educational sessions, entertainment and special events. But—more importantly—the theme will be reflected in what you gain and bring back to your agencies in the form of new programs and ideas. When this happens, then the residents of Illinois will truly be served by you, the leisure experts, who can and will show them how to enjoy LIFE. and BE IN IT. Illinois Parks and Recreation 19 September/October 1981
Behind every effective convention, there has to be a weary but energetic, creative chairperson. IAPD/IPRA is very lucky to have two such persons (they both readily attest to the weariness): Sue Rizzo, from IAPD and Patti Roth, IPRA. These two creative and innovative people have spearheaded a State Conference that well deserves the title, LIFE. BE IN IT. Full of life themselves, they have motivated their committees to develop a completely contemporary state conference. Sue Rizzo has been a commissioner for the Park Ridge Park District since 1977 and is presently serving as its president. Concerned about parks and recreation and leisure, statewide, Sue has served on the conference committee since 1978, assuming the co-chairmanship this year. She is also a member of the NRPA Great Lakes Regional Council and the IAPD Board of Directors. A former star performer in radio commercials and educational movies, Sue has in recent years been involved in realty work and public relations. She is currently a purchasing and marketing coordinator for a group of consulting engineers. Beside her IAPD & conference work, extra-curricular activities include membership in the Park Ridge Historical Society (she was a founding member) and involvement in church and scout activities. Sue describes her personal life as consisting of four children, one husband, three dogs and one resident mouse in Park Ridge. In her spare time (Sue guffaws at this), she remodels and decorates her house and the houses of anyone else who will let her. Sue also skis, swims and camps a lot. Yes, this dynamic co-chairperson is full of LIFE—and enjoys it too. Patti Roth, IPRA Conference chairperson has been involved in the State Conference for six years in almost every capacity. Giving her "all" in everything she does, Patti has chaired the spouse, potpourri, luncheon, entertainment, and special events programs. Patti also served as IPRA Board secretary, as Community Education Committee member, and is presently the Board's metro representative. Director of Recreation for Glenview Park District for eight years, Patti was as famous for her zany sense of humor as for her ability to lead and motivate her staff. Patti has been superintendent of Recreation for Elmhurst Park District since mid-April. Concerned with her environment, Patti served as member of the Glenview Youth Services Commission, and has spoken to numerous community organizations about leisure and recreation. She has also lectured to many high school students about leisure service careers. In 1980, because of her community and career accomplishments, Patti was voted Outstanding Young Woman of America. By the time this magazine reaches you, Patti should be firmly ensconsed in her new "villa" in Elmhurst. Her home in Glenview reflected her interest in crafts and the rooms were filled with macrame, hooked rugs and pictures created by Patti and enjoyed by her husband Mike and little girl Casey, age five. That house was also the scene of some of the famous Roth parties like the "Who killed J.R." jamboree held last fall for her many friends. In addition to spending as much time with her family as possible, Patti plays softball, racquet ball, and golf. A well-rounded person such as Patti is certainly equipped to chair a LIFE. BE IN IT. conference. Illinois Parks and Recreation 20 September/October 1981 |
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