Lisle park foundation adds board members
In response to the growth of the organization and park districtwide financial assistance, the Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation added three members to the board of directors this fall.
The foundation continues to support Lisle Park District residents through special events, fundraising efforts, and the annual holiday light recycling program.
The initial vacancy for one board seat was posted in May following the passing of Lawrence A. Smith, a founding member, who had served on the board since 1999. When there was an overwhelming response of applications, the eight-member board approved the addition of three new board members.
The new members were inducted at the September and October board meetings.
The list of appointed board members include: Hanna Altpeter, Lisle High School student representative since fall 2012; Steve Bauer, Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle, LLC., since fall 2013; Kim Brondyke, legislative aide, since 2010; Bill Buchelt, Elan Photography, since 2010; Pat Cawiezel, lifelong Lisle resident, since 2009; Tom LaLonde, Williams Architects Ltd., since 2010; Lisa Leone, Lisle Park District, since 2001; Lori Mandel, Forest Envelope Company, since fall 2013; Martha Nilles, Lisle resident, since fall 2013; and Mike Shuta, Arbor Printing & Graphics, since 2009.
Unfortunately, also in October, the board had one of its members resign — Lisle resident Barb Haseltine, a board member since 2012, took a new job that prohibits her from participating.
While increasing the size of the board, Partners for Parks Foundation also has experienced growth in the participation in the annual Scarecrow Scramble 5K Run/Walk.
“In October we wrapped up our ninth run. We experienced a 50 percent increase in online reservations and had over 675 runners registered,” said Lisa Leone, Scarecrow Scramble committee chairwoman.
“We added pre-race packet pickup, which helped alleviate long registration lines the day of race and also offered gear check for the first time.”
In November, the third annual holiday light recycling drive began. Worn strings of holiday lights are being collected at the Lisle Park District Recreation Center, Community Center, and Wheatstack — A Midwestern Eatery & Tap/River Bend Golf Club through Feb. 1.
The donated holiday lights may be in any condition, as the wiring inside will be processed for scrap materials by Elgin Recycling. All proceeds from processing the materials will be donated by Elgin Recycling to the Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation.
The foundation uses donated funds to enrich the quality of lives in the greater Lisle community by providing scholarship funding for recreation programs and advancing the mission of the Lisle Park District.
In addition to the annual Scarecrow Scramble 5K Run/Walk and light recycling drive, the foundation also raises funds through the sale of personalized paving bricks and Jewel-Osco gift cards.
The personalized paving bricks make a great holiday gift or memorial and are installed in the path leading up to and around the entrance of Sea Lion Aquatic Park. More information, see www.LislePartnersForParks.org.
Finally, Jewel gift cards may be purchased at the Lisle Park District Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio St., Lisle. All denominations are available and the cards are accepted at any Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, SuperValu or ACME stores.
For those who are in need of financial assistance from Partners for Parks, the application can be picked up at the Lisle Park District Recreation Center or found on the Partners for Parks website.
Assistance can be applied to individual programs, classes, and pool passes. Inquiries are kept strictly confidential. Proof of need is required but applications are reviewed on an individual basis.
For more information about Lisle Park District, call (630) 964-3410 or visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org.