Palatine Park District Celebrates Volunteers at Recognition Lunch

On Saturday, February 2, Palatine Park District recognized 18 volunteers for their service to affiliate groups and associated organizations of the District at the 20th annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Volunteers were chosen by each organization for their service during the 2018 calendar year and were recognized during a luncheon held at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, in Palatine.

The event is coordinated by Palatine Park District Volunteer Coordinator Alissa DePue. According to DePue, "Palatine Park District volunteers add great value to our community. Being grateful for their time and effort, it’s important to us that we recognize them in a meaningful way. This luncheon provides the opportunity to acknowledge their accomplishments, reinforce their effort, and show appreciation.”

The 18 individuals named 2018 Volunteer of the Year by their organization are:

• Matt FioRito, Palatine Stables
• Greg Kuhs, Palatine Pickleball Club
• Erin Calhoun, Palatine Youth Theatre
• Ted Dodge, Palatine Youth Baseball/Softball
• Jennifer Lang, Penguins Lacrosse
• Laura Seamon, Palatine Gymnastics Club
• Mikie Swier, Bike Palatine Club
• Jean Fitzpatrick, Fremont Street Theater Company
• Pat McGovern, Palatine Baseball Association
• Christine Ovcina, Palatine Dance
• Zak Reed, Rolling Meadows Renegades Hockey
• Cem Poyraz, Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
• Teresa Stepp, Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team
• Donna Strum, Partners for Our Communities
• Douglas James, Palatine Hills Golf Association
• Mike Spedale, Palatine Amateur Football Association
• Fan Brown, Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
• Margaret Plank, Palatine Historical Society

In addition to these volunteers, two long term community members were inducted into the Volunteer Honor Roll in recognition of their service. Gus Panos introduced R. Barry “Bear” Shatwell from the Palatine Pickleball Club and Fred Hall introduced John Helpap from Palatine Hills Golf Association. To be considered for the Honor Roll, a volunteer must have held a leadership position in an organization (or organizations) for a significant number of years. Honor Roll members must also have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their organization. Annually, the Honor Roll Committee reviews all past and current volunteers of the year and provides recommendations to the Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners for Honor Roll consideration.

The luncheon program included welcoming remarks by Dennis Hanson, current chair and one of the original members of the Honor Roll Committee and a keynote address by Reid Ottesen, Village Manager for Village of Palatine. Honor Roll Committee members also provided remembrance remarks for two community volunteers who passed away in 2018. Jim Lennon spoke of Gary Gray, 2017 Honor Roll inductee, and Carolyn Mangold helped the audience remember Marilyn Pedersen who was named to the Honor Roll in 1980.

The Volunteer Honor Roll committee includes Donelda Danz, Alissa DePue, Linda Fleming, Dennis Hanson, Jim Lennon, Carolyn Mangold, Gus Panos, and Don Torgersen.

“The relationship between the park district and over 30 affiliate, parent, and special interests groups is special and creates an array of recreational opportunities for all ages and interests,” said Park District Executive Director Mike Clark. “This relationship is bound by trust, respect, and a genuine shared vision of making Palatine a great place to make memories. The volunteer spirit in Palatine is thriving! To ensure that we continue this trend the park district wishes to celebrate and show appreciation for these volunteers and honor them for the countless hours they give so others may be engaged in their interests.”

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable, and affordable parks, programs, and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.