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Giving Thanks and Paying it Forward

The parks and recreation field may have endured better than other professions because in bad times people turn to their local recreation agencies for relief from the stresses of their daily lives. Maybe a person is forced to cancel their private health club membership, but is able to exercise in their local park. Private lessons are no longer affordable, but the local recreation center provides group lessons. Vacations may have to be cancelled, but "staycations" at your local pool or water park provide relief from the hot summer sun.

You, the park and recreation professional, have helped many families get through these difficult times. You have enhanced their quality of life. You have been a big part of the economic turnaround that is occurring right now, albeit slow things are beginning to improve.

I was recently thinking how grateful I am that I chose the field of parks and recreation as my profession. I would like to take time to say Thank You to a person who was instrumental in my career choice. Before attending Western Illinois University (Harvard of the Midwest), I attended Triton Jr. College and thought I would take a recreation class to see what it was all about.

Henry Diehl was my first instructor in a recreational leadership class. Mr. Diehl taught more than just parks and recreation. He spoke about life and its challenges, decision making, the future, and the impact of parks and recreation has on the economy and the local community. He taught me to appreciate the profession before I even joined it. He was a great teacher. Thank you, Henry Diehl for launching me on my career in parks and recreation.

We all have someone in our lives that has had a big impact on our careers. Now would be a good time to reach out and send them a thank you note. Let them know how you appreciate their efforts and how they have helped you in your career. I am sure they will appreciate it.

Now I would like to address paying it forward. Recently you received a letter from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Foundation requesting a donation to be used for the education fund. This is another way you can give thanks and help the future generations in the park and recreation profession. We have a great profession and we have the responsibility to make sure it remains great for years to come. It is your opportunity to pay it forward.

IPRA does an outstanding job providing educational opportunities for our profession, and the foundation will continue to provide funding for those educational opportunities. Your donation is tax deductible and will help the profession that has been good to you. Please join me and other foundation members as we demonstrate our gratitude and pay it forward to ensure a bright future for the park and recreation profession. Happy Holidays to all.

-John Curran, IPRA Chairman of the Board

536 East Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525 | Phone: 708-588-2280 | Fax : 708-354-0535