People, Places & Things

In Memoriam—Dolores C. Sullivan

Dolores C. Sullivan, the woman credited with creating the Vernon Hills Park District, died in March at the age of 65.

One of Sullivan's greatest accomplishments was her work in founding the Vernon Hills Park District. According to Park Director Carl Hartmann, Sullivan, in an effort to preserve open space, made last minute arrangements for a referendum to be placed on a November 1973 election ballot which later formed the park district. Hartmann, who was hired by Sullivan in 1978, said her enthusiasm is what brought him to Vemon Hills. Sullivan is credited with helping the park district plan for and obtain its 343 acres of open space. Sullivan went on to serve as the first park board president and also served a term as vice president before leaving the area in 1985.

Donald Strenger Dies

Donald Strenger, long-standing commissioner and past president of the Lake County Forest Preserve, died September 7, 1992. Strenger served on the Forest Preserve Board for 22 years and held the office of president for ten of those years.

During his term as the agency's longest-standing president, 2,640 acres of land were preserved and recreational facilities at five major sites were opened to the public. Strenger was highly respected as a fair-minded individual who provided exceptional leadership during a period of tremendous growth for Lake County and the Forest Preserve District.

People in the News . . .

Brian Ackerman has been appointed Vice President of Finance of the Burnham & Flower Group. Ackerman will be involved with the development and the continuing growth of the organization. Founded in 1966 by Homer Flower as an independent insurance resource for public entities, business and individuals, the Burnham & Flower Group represents more than 60 companies and several risk management plans.

Fox Valley Park District has appointed Jane S. Pankey as Recreation Supervisor. Pankey, former Recreation Supervisor for Crete Park District and Mundelein Parks and Recreation District, is a graduate from Indiana University with a B. S. in Recreation. She will work at Frisco and Eola Community Centers.

Daniel L.Wentzloff has recently filled the position of Director of Finance and Administration for the Lake County Forest Preserve. Wentzloff received a bachelor's in business from Michigan State University and has completed graduate level coursework in public administration from the University of Wisconsin. He brings 20 years of experience to the forest preserve.

Steve H. Hartman has been named Director of Parks and Recreation at the Skokie Park District. Hartman, former Director of the Lisle Park District, is a graduate of Indiana State University with a B.S. in Recreation and Parks Administration. Under Hartman's direction. Lisle gained a reputation as one of the fastest growing and progressive districts in Illinois.

The Villa Park Recreation Department has announced the hiring of Greg Gola as Program Supervisor. Gola, a graduate of Southern Illinois University, previously worked for the St. Charles Park District. He will manage the adult and youth sports, fitness, teen and trip areas.

Former New York park advisor Geri Weinstein has been named Director of Landscape Management for the Chicago park District. In her new position, Weinstein will supervise the district's landscape operation, including all tree planting and care, the two conservatories and four plant growing operations. She will al so coordinate with the work of 16 district operations supervisors decentralized into geographic clusters throughout the city.

Illinois Parks and Recreation

35

May/June 1993