There were over 100 happy and well-fed attendees at this year’s Annual Support Staff Holiday Luncheons on December 7 and 11 at the Wildfire Restaurant in Oak Brook. It was a great opportunity to recognize support staff for the contributions that they make day in and day out in their agencies. In addition, great networking and information sharing took place.
According to Polly McKee, Membership and Certification Assistant, “this year we have had the best response to our luncheons regarding early registration and post luncheon comments.”
As an addition to this year’s luncheons, each attendee was encouraged to participate in an essay contest, sharing their ideas on what they enjoy about working for a park, recreation or conservation agency. The winners from each luncheon received a $100 gift certificate to Oak Brook Center.
Congratulations winners! Thank you to all who submitted essays for the contest and all that attended this year’s luncheon. Most importantly, thank you for all of the fantastic work that you do throughout the year serving as support staff to make sure that the quality of the services provided by your agency is of the highest quality possible!
The Winning Essays
Winner of the December 7 Luncheon Contest was Demaris McNabb who serves as the Secretary/Registrar at Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
What do I enjoy about working for a recreation agency? There are many avenues within a recreation agency in which to serve, blossom and grow. When I came to work for Fox Valley Special Recreation Association almost 8 years ago, I had never heard of an SRA. I was in for some eye-opening experiences!
I have met a staff dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities. Their compassion for the clients, cheerfulness in the face of adversity, and optimistic outlook is inspiring! They are energetic and possess ever-flowing creative juices and boundless enthusiasm. Their upbeat manner is infectious as they find humor in the “little things”.
It goes without saying that a recreation agency stresses healthy choices and activities. Having been exposed to a staff dedicated to a healthy lifestyle has inspired me to live healthier. Making good choices can be challenging at times, but the end result is a feeling of well being and fun.
Our clients are pure joy for me. What I have learned from their example will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am blessed to call many of our clients “friend.”
What do I enjoy about working for a recreation agency? It simply can be said: everything!
Winner of the December 11 Luncheon Contest was Angie Notariano who serves as the Office Manager at Downers Grove Park District.
Working for the Downers Grove Park District is a rich and valuable experience for many reasons. Helping our participants register for classes from which they will undoubtedly enjoy many benefits, such as skill development and socialization, gives me the opportunity to get to know the members of our community.
Volunteering for our children’s special events is especially exciting. I am able to provide them with positive experiences that they will be able to look back on with fond memories. Seeing all of the children’s faces light up as they are working on crafts, singing songs, and playing games is a rewarding experience that I will never forget.
Working at the Recreation Center gives me an opportunity to encourage our members and future members to take an active role in their health and well-being, which will result in positive effects for years to come.
By working together, the employees at the Downers Grove Park District create a strong organization with a mission to enhance the community’s quality of life by providing diverse experiences, services, and facilities that encourage health and fitness, leisure and learning, and public involvement.
The essay that Angie wrote is what we all would like to say about serving the community. It is a pleasure to know her and to congraulate her.
Park districts are fun places to work at and this was evident yesterday at the luncheon - wonderful food, great conversation and most important of all - terrific park district staff. Thanks !!
Thank you for the wonderful luncheon last Thursday, December 7th. I appreciate the opportunity to meet and talk with other support staff from various agencies and making new friendships. The lunch was delicious and the game was fun. Thank you, IPRA, for making this festive time of the year even more special!
Thank you IPRA for recognizing support staff with this luncheon. Once again, the Wildfire menu was terrific and conversation amongst fellow park districts was fun and interesting. My only regret is that I put the essay contest on the back burner and missed the deadline, but I look forward to whatever the challenge is next year! May everyone out there reading this have a wonderful, safe and healthy holiday season!
The lunch was wonderful as usual. I had a great time meeting new people and sharing stories. Already looking forward to next year. Everyone have a safe and healthy holiday season.
Congratulations Angie and Damaris! Your essays are great! Also a big thanks to those who made this fabulous luncheon possible and for recognizing support staff from all park districts. It is truly a wonderfuld afternoon!!!! See you next year!
Thanks for the nice luncheon. It was a pleasure to get together with the other members of our District. I don’t usually get to see them, since many of us work at different buildings. Merry Christmas to all.
It was a great luncheon. Visiting with other support staff and co-workers in a relaxed setting is very beneficial to all. Congratulations again to the essay winners.
Thank you for continuing this luncheon each year.
Once again, the luncheon was another huge success. Thanks to all who put such a wonderful event together. I’m already looking forward to next year.
Thank you for another great luncheon! We look forward to this every year. It is so nice to get away from the desk for awhile and be recognized for all of our hard work. Who wouldn’t enjoy a few hours at Wilfire??? Thanks again for having this every year. We really do appreciate it!
Thank you for another fabulous gathering! It’s always enjoyable to get together with other support professionals who are passionate about our contributions to the communities we serve.
Thank you again to everyone for attending the luncheons. Thank you also to all of those that participated in the raffle contest. The winner was Carolyn Mondlock from Carol Stream Park District. Congratulations Carolyn!!! You are the winner of the $50 gift certificate to any Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant.