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Pride
My dad gave me a great piece of advice when I was choosing my career path. He said, "Make sure you love what you do because if you don’t, it will seem too much like work." While he was half kidding when he said it, it really has proved to be true over the years. I took that to heart when I made the decision to pursue a degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. I loved being a lifeguard and teaching swimming lessons at the pool and the lake. Could I really do something like this for life? In 2014 I celebrated my 31st year in parks and recreation. While my approach to work has changed throughout the years based on where I was in my life, I have never regretted my decision to enter our field. I still love what I do. I find joy in coming to work. I reflected on this yesterday (11-23-14) as the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department staff implemented the 38th Annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. Let’s face it. As professionals, we don’t love every event, program, facility or project. We do our best to put on a happy face for all of them, but there are some that make you feel good to the core and cause you to reflect upon what we do in a positive manner. The Turkey Trot is one of those events. The planning of the event is a true team effort. While other races have huge committees and their planning process extends over 9-12 months, the planning of this event is a labor of love done primarily by four full-time staff and two part-time staff in a short four months. Each year the event takes on a little bit of a different face, based on the make-up of the team. The weather fluctuates from very cold (nine degrees at start last year) to downright balmy (49 degrees this year). We usually have 1,700-1,900 participants and over 100 volunteers. Aside from these statistics, this event is so much more. It exemplifies community pride. The residents come out to run, walk, volunteer and cheer. Local businesses sponsor and meet the community on the day of event. The Mayor starts the race. Our favorite 87 year old runner hugs us when he crosses the finish line (he placed third in his age group!). Two of our staff dress as turkeys and show up in every family photo album and refrigerator in town following the race. A resident brings his classic rock band and jams throughout the event. Sixteen states were represented, as many run/walk with family members to start their Thanksgiving celebration. A local high school freshman sings the National Anthem. The feeling of family, happiness and warmth permeates the atmosphere and can be felt by those visiting our community. Every department in the Village works together to provide a safe, well-organized, quality event that has gained the reputation of being "the official kick-off to the holiday season," in what we like to call "our town." Events like the Turkey Trot are not unique to Lincolnwood. We all have events, programs, facilities and projects that resonate with us and bring us great pride and satisfaction. In this fast-paced life that we live we have got to stop and bask in the successes of our agencies. We need to celebrate with our staff the contributions that each member of the team brings to the table. As I sat with our team yesterday following the race doing an informal wrap-up, I had a moment when I stopped to reflect, and to feel the pride and joy of a job well done. Simply put, I thought to myself: this is why I do what I do. Today we clean up and pack away this year’s event supplies, prepare bank deposits and get the park back to normal. However, there is one thing we won’t pack away and that is the bond that events like this provide between, not only our staff, but all who were involved. It brings people together. It makes them proud to be part of something really good. I think our nine-year-old summed it up well when he said, "Mom, the Turkey Trot is so cool! I can’t wait for next year." Me neither, buddy. For now though....let’s get cracking! We’ve got another event in seven days! Jan Peterson Hincapie, CPRP Director of Parks and Recreation Village of Lincolnwood |
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