PEOPLE AND PLACES

Chicago Earns Audubon Sanctuary Sanction

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, (ACSS) the educational division of Audubon International, designated the Chicago Park District's Jackson Park Golf Course as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Jackson Park becomes the first golf course in Chicago to receive this honor. According to the Professional Golf Association, there are 22 courses in the city limits. The ACSS program, endorsed by the U.S. Golf Association, provides information and guidance to golf course managers to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources.

Chipping and Field Sparrows are among the bird species that have come back to Jackson Park since the course joined the Audubon Program in April of 2000. In addition, a Bob O' Link migration, which was once found on the endangered list, has reappeared.

The Jackson Park certification is the 22nd course in Illinois and the 336th in the world to receive the honor.

NEDSRA and WDSRA Receive National Recognition

The Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) and the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) were recipients of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society Jean Tague Innovative Program Award in 2001 for their DuPage "PRO" League, an athletic program providing "positive recreation opportunities" for youth-at-risk adolescents during the school year. NEDSRA received a second Jean Tague Innovative Program Award for its Pet Therapy Program. The two national awards showcase the commitment to excellence in recreation programming to individuals with disabilities in Illinois.

Accepting the awards at the October National Recreation and Park Association Conference from NSSRA's John McGovern (center) were NEDSRA's recreation coordinator Donna Sebok (left) and WDSRA's public information manager Steve Eckelberry (right).

DuPage County First in Illinois To Earn Law Enforcement Accreditation

The law enforcement department of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is the first park or preserve law enforcement agency in Illinois that has met the accreditation standards for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Since 1979, only 507 out of 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the country have met the qualifications to receive this award. Accreditation for CALEA is an extensive, three-year effort. During these rigorous evaluations, more than 300 standards are met by every ranger police officer within the law enforcement department. These standards are in areas of policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services.

Rick Haake, accreditation manager for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's law enforcement department, said: "Pursuing accreditation is challenging, but the feeling of accomplishment and knowledge that the District's law enforcement department is at the top of the class is worth the effort."

The department has 25 ranger police officers, three dispatchers and one staff assistant. This team is responsible for the safety of more than three million preserve visitors every year. These officers oversee and patrol 23,000 acres of land by car, bicycle, snowmobile and on foot.

Fickinger and McGovern Appointed to the Illinois After-school Task Force

In the last legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Resolution 63 (HR 63) and Senate Resolution 70 (SR 70), which set in motion the Illinois After-School Initiative. As a result, the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Board of Education formed a task force to develop a plan to assure quality after-school programs for every school-age child in Illinois. At the task forces first meeting, held in December in Chicago, Dr. Ted Flickinger, executive director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts represented the interests of Illinois park districts, forest preserves, and city park and recreation agencies; John McGovern, executive director of the North Suburban Special Recreation Association represented special recreation associations. The two welcome your creative ideas or concerns on the subject of after-school programs.

Giles Receives State Board of Education Recognition

J. Kay Giles, commissioner and treasurer of the Country Club Hills Park District, was recognized in September of 2001 by the Illinois State Board of Education for her "visionary leadership and the courage to break the mold on behalf of educational excellence." Giles is the superintendent of School District 144 and has served on several statewide education boards.

Highland Park Receives Midwest Field and Facility Award

The Midwest Chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association board of directors named the Park District of Highland Park's Danny Cunniff Park as the 2001 Field and Facility of the Year. The criteria used for selecting award winners were aesthetics, playability and safety. Considerations for acres managed, budget, staffing, numb of events and maintenance programs were taken into account during the selection process. Danny Cunniff Park exemplifies a quality municipal field. The dedication and commitment shown by the Park District of Highland Park is a great example of

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sports turf management. Danny Cunniff Park features two baseball diamonds, four soccer fields, a tot/preschool/elementary playground, 12 tennis courts, picnic areas with shelter, fishing and accessible features. The 65-acre grounds play host to park district athletics, regional competitions, or just a friendly neighborhood ball game. Behind Cunniff Park is Centennial Ice Arena, housing a gymnastic studio and indoor ice rink. The plaque announcing Danny Cunniff Park as the award winner will be formally presented at the Midwest Chapter's Annual Meeting and Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for March 2002. In addition, a sign recognizing the achievement will be presented for at the field.

Clark Engineers Receive a National Madigan Award

Clark Engineers, Inc. was part of the design team for the Mt. Vernon Primary Center in Mt. Vernon, Ill., which was selected to receive one of the 2001 Madigan Awards presented by the Capital Development Board (CDB) of the State of Illinois. The Madigan Awards were begun in 1988 to recognize project team excellence in completing CDB projects involving new construction and renovation. The Mt. Vernon Primary Center is an 88,750-square-foot primary school facility serving 700 students in its separate wings. The design involves a central structure designed to reflect a village square, with colorful building fronts to define activity areas as well as a student performance area. Clark Engineers provided civil engineering and site design services for the school, including site grading, paving design, site utility design and the design of other facilities.

Jean Schlinkmann was promoted to assistant director of Schaumburg Park District. Schlinkmann, 45, joined the organization in 1981 as administrative assistant and public relations coordinator. She also served as corporate recreation manager and golf course manager. In her new role, she will oversee the Recreation Department, Corporate Recreation Services and Communications and Marketing.

Schlinkmann, a Greenfield, Wis., native, holds a bachelor's of Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois; and a master's of Science in Park and Recreation Administration from Indiana University. Prior to joining the district, she was a landscape architect in the private sector. She is active in several professional and community organizations. She is current president of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates and was appointed to the board of the Schaumburg Business Association. She also is a former board member for the Northwest and Schaumburg Association of Commerce and Industry; and member of Illinois Parks and Recreation Association's Communications and Marketing Section Board and the Administration and Finance Section. In her spare time, Schlinkmann is a competitive athlete who excels in tennis, golf, softball and volleyball. She also enjoys reading, astronomy and travel.

Oscar Dahl and State Farm Insurance Are Friends of IAPD

Oscar Dahl, a commissioner for the Northbrook Park District and a past president of the Illinois Association or Park Districts, is an agent with State Farm Insurance.

Oscar Dahl, a 15-year commissioner for the Northbrook Park District and president of the Illinois Association of Park Districts in 1999, knows the value of commissioner education.

As a former member and chair of the Joint Conference Committee, Dahl focused much of his volunteer service for IAPD in the area of training board members. So, he nominated IAPD and its commissioner education scholarship program—the Donald E Bresnan Commissioner Scholarship Fund—for the Good Neighbor Grant Program sponsored by the State Farm Insurance Company's foundation.

IAPD was awarded the $500 Good Neighbor Grant last October and the money will support commissioner training for six volunteer board members from IAPD members agencies.

Tell us about your friends.

People from all walks of life are making a difference in parks and recreation. These "friends" make monetary contributions, give their time to clean-up parks and forest preserves, teach classes or coach sports teams. Tells us about friends of your agency and we'll publicize them in this space. Friends of Illinois Parks is a nonprofit organization that strives to involve more citizens statewide as friends in these ways and others, such as legislative advocacy. To learn more about Friends of Illinois Parks, call toll-free 1-877-523-4558 or see www.ILparks.org.

Joseph Nicoli was promoted to maintenance foreman for the Elmhurst Park District, responsible for overseeing and performing maintenance, repair, renovation, and replacement of turf areas, trees, and shrubs, ath-

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— In Memoriam A.J. Morella — Anthony J. "A.J." Morella, Veterans Park District's superintendent of buildings and grounds, passed away suddenly on December 4, 2001, at Foster G. McGaw Medical Center in Maywood at the age of 41. Morella is a lifelong resident of Melrose Park, who graduated from Stevenson Elementary School in 1975 and Holy Cross High School in 1979. After two years of study at DePaul University, he began work at the Chicago Board of Trade in 1980, rising steadily through the ranks to the position of floor manager. In October 1985, Morella began a new career at Veterans Park District and committed himself to the service and safety of 55,000 residents within the 11-square miles (56 acres) that encompass the district (Melrose Park, River Grove, Northlake, Franklin Park, Leyden Township). He was appointed superintendent of buildings and grounds in 1991. "A.J. was a super intelligent individual," reflected executive director Joseph F. Bronge. "And he was extremely knowledgeable about everything that had to do with the infrastructure of this district: every valve, every blueprint, every inch of our buildings and grounds. Carrying on without him will be difficult, but I will always remember that A.J. never missed a chance to help people and maintained a consistently happy disposition. For myself, I could always count on him and was never once disappointed." Morella was responsible for coordinating the construction of the park district's new playgrounds, including the most recent renovations at Trumbull Park and Gouin Park and any and all improvements related to the district, including the new concession stand at Grant Park, the hill removal at Gouin Park and the addition to the maintenance facility, among numerous other projects. Morella also oversaw his department's budget and made personnel recommendations to the Board that were in the best interests of the District. Morella is survived by his mother, Carol, nee Nardiello, and his father, Peter Morella; his brother, Steven (Christine), former Veterans Park District board president, and his two nieces, Anastasia and Marisa. Says his brother Steven: "There is no doubt in my mind that A.J.'s first love were his nieces and his second love was the park district. "He was generous to a fault, giving freely to organizations and causes. He left an indelible mark on all of us during his short life and I am proud to have called him my brother."

letic fields, play areas, and other outdoor facilities. In addition, he will be assisting in the development of annual park maintenance management system report. Nicoli has been with the park district since March of 2000. He worked part-time in the Maintenance Department. Before then, he co-structured a radio talent show for KRUI in Iowa City and was a staff writer for the Courier in Glen Ellyn, Ill. Nicoli graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and also has earned a M.A. in writing from DePaul University. Scan Murphy joined the Elmhurst Park District as fitness supervisor for Courts Plus, Center for Health, Sports, and Fitness. He will plan, coordinate, implement, supervise, and evaluate the fitness department's day-to-day operations and services. This includes preparing marketing materials to ensure effective promotion of services and assisting in recruiting, hiring, training, managing, and evaluating department personnel. Formerly, Murphy held assistant manager position at Regency Health Club in Des Plaines, Illinois. He received his B.A. in marketing from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Jerry Pask was named park planner for the Elmhurst Park District. He is responsible for preparing, interpreting, and implementing designs for various park improvements including tree planting, playground renovation, athletic facility development, parking lot and road construction. Previously, Pask held positions as park development coordinator with the city of Elgin and landscape architect at the Palatine Park District. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and the Midwest Institute of Parks Executives. He received his B.A. in landscape architecture from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Beth Tempestini has joined the staff of the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA). A Lisle resident, Tempestini has a degree in Recreation Management with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Arizona State University. She has more than five years of experience and was most recently the superintendent of recreation at Southwest Special Recreation Association. Barb Bassett was recently hired as manager of special recreation at the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). Her responsibilities include the supervision of four full-time program specialists, day camp operation and vehicle operations. Bassett's involvement with NWSRA began in 1985 with volunteer work, which later led to part-time employment. In 1989 she was hired as a full-time staffmember.

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Matt Wehby has joined the Crystal Lake Park District as special events supervisor. In this position he is responsible for all district-wide special events including the coordination of event volunteers and administration of sponsorship programs. Previously, Wehby held positions as a student intern at the Wheaton Park District during the summer of 1998 and as the athletic coordinator at the Wheeling Park District from 1999 to 2001. He is a certified Medic First Aid Clinician, a National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) certified clinician. Wehby graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., with a B.S. in Recreation with an emphasis in Sports Management.

Katie Hughes was hired by the Northwest Special Recreation Association as foundation coordinator to expand the services offered by the Special Leisure Services Foundation. She is a 2001 graduate of Illinois State University, majoring in public relations. Her responsibilities include generating support from area businesses and assisting with fund-raising events. Previously, she worked as a part-time staff with the foundation during the summer of 2000.

Ron Salski, Hoffman Estates Park District's superintendent of recreation, was promoted to division director of Leisure Services. He is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Recreation Department. Salski began his career at Salt Creek Park District in 1993 as recreation supervisor and was promoted to superintendent of recreation in 1995. Salski received a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration at Illinois State University and an MBA degree from Lewis University in 2000.

— Letter to the Editor — "On Retirement"

On December 15, 2000, I turned 71 and walked out of my office in Huff Hall in the Department of Leisure Studies at the University of Illinois for the last time. It was a bit traumatic as I thought I wanted to work another four years, but my wife had different thoughts. She thought it was time for me to make room for some new faces and, on reflection, she was correct. But, after a 32-year association with the department, it was difficult to leave. I am delighted to learn that the Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project (IRRDP) is flourishing without me.

We moved to a warm climate in Tucson, Arizona into a new home nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. We do not miss the snow and ice. We live in an active adult community called SaddleBrooke, something I thought I would never do. However, I find myself deeply involved in tennis four times a week; mentoring a freshman college student; serving on the following SaddleBrooke committees: Friends of the Library, Community Outreach, grant writing, recreation and activities. Democratic Club, park, educational enhancement (elementary school), and attending the Nerds Club meetings, a group of people who meet once a month to listen to a presentation on some esoteric subject.

SaddleBrooke offers three golf courses, two swimming pools, two fitness centers, a dozen tennis courts with another golf course, swimming pool, recreation center and tennis complex in the construction phase. There are more than 50 activities from which to choose ranging from bridge to woodcarving. There are no rocking chairs here. We are enjoying retirement. Stop by for a visit.

—Jim Brademas

Governor Ryan's New Grant Program Aimed at "Greening" Illinois Communities

Governor Ryan has created the Green Communities Demonstration Program to provide an effective tool to help communities plan for a sustainable future. It is a grant program that will provide communities with up to $125,000 to bring interest groups and citizens together to develop a vision, goals and action plan for improving the local environment. Environmental issues that can be addressed include: clean air and water; energy efficiency; waste reduction; natural areas protection and restoration; compatible development strategies; and environmental education.

The grant program will fund the costs associated with assessing local issues and developing an environmental blueprint for the community, including facilitation services, public involvement and outreach activities, supplies, software tools, printing and project personnel costs. Communities that receive grants will also be eligible for technical assistance and priority consideration for state funds to help them implement their environmental strategies.

Applications will be accepted from local governments, public institutions and non-government organizations representing various types of communities, including inner city neighborhoods, growing suburbs, mid-size cities, rural towns, watershed areas or some other specific geographic area with which people identify or share common interests.

For more information contact Janet Hawes-Davis, Green Communities Coordinator, at 217.524.8358, e-mail, janet.hawes-davis@epa.state.il.us, or visit the Illinois EPA Web site at www.epa.state.il.us.

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Ron Schneider was hired as athletic/recreation program manager by the Hoffman Estates Park District. He is responsible for establishing new programs including in-line hockey, teens and rock climbing. Additional responsibilities include day camps, gymnastics, tot athletic programs and assisting in additional athletic and recreational programs. Schneider comes from Skokie Park District where he served two years as assistant golf operations manager. He received a bachelor's in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University in 1999.

Kelli Celus has joined the Peoria, Ill., office of Clark Engineers as a member of the Office Support team. Celus serves as a receptionist, assists in technical production and helps to arrange client and internal meeting requirements. Celus attended Black Hawk College in Moline, specializing in Business Information Technology.

James Marine has joined the Parker, Colo., office of Clark Engineers, Inc. as an engineering designer for both the Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering disciplines. Marine attended the University of Colorado in Denver and has worked with various engineering firms over the last seven years. His prior experience in the U.S. Navy in San Diego included being one of only five sailors to be selected for White House duty. He lives in Parker, Colo.

Brent Taylor has joined the Salem, Ill. office of Clark Engineers, Inc., as an engineering technician. He currently attends Kaskaskia College and is one of the many high school and college interns that work for Clark. Taylor lives in Kell, Ill.

Seed Money for "Freedom Gardens" Now Available

The America the Beautiful Fund, in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, has announced that it will provide $1 million worth of flower, vegetable and herb seeds to be used to plant "Freedom Gardens" across America.

"Freedom Gardens can give people something practical to do in their own community in the wake of this tragedy... these gardens of hope and beauty will show that American freedom is alive and growing, block by block, town by town, from sea to shining sea," said Nanine Bilski, president of the America the Beautiful Fund, in announcing the donation.

Applications are available online at www.freeseeds.org. Applicants may request a grant of 100 to up to 1,000 free seed packets.

Contact: Nanine Bilski, America the Beautiful Fund, Dept. 911,1730 K St., NW, Suite 1002, Washington, DC 20006, 800.522.3557.

Illinois PARKS & RECREATION Send People and Places/Letters to: Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation Illinois Association of Park Districts 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186 217.523.4273 (fax) alondrigan@ILparks.org * Limit entries to 75 words or fewer. Accompanying black-and-white or color digital or print photographs are welcome. Submissions are published in the order in which they are received and as space is available. Illinois PARKS & RECREATION 2002 Editorial Calendar March/April Golf May/June Personnel Issues July/August Water Resources September/October Local Governments New Look November/December Economics of Parks and Recreation Writers guidelines and ad rates are available at www. ILparks. org OR by calling 217.523.4554.

IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference January 24 - 26, 2002 Hyatt Regency Chicago Go to the IAPD and IPRA Web sites for more details — www.lLparks.org OR www.il-ipra.org

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