Neighbors in the news: Annette Curtis receives excellence award from Des Plaines Park District
Annette Curtis was recognized with the Dedicated to Excellence Award by the Des Plaines Park Board.
The Dedicated to Excellence Award is presented to employees who have made a positive contribution to the park district.
Since joining the Des Plaines Park District in 2022, Curtis has become a vital asset to the district. She is a champion for the organization’s financial health, a dedicated trainer for her staff and she fosters a collaborative environment across departments.
Curtis’ recent accomplishments include seamlessly managing staff leave, overseeing payroll with a new hire, and recruiting an IT team. She ensures that her staff is properly supported, and she prioritizes excellent customer service for residents and fellow departments.
“Thank you Annette, for your dedication, you deserve this recognition and we appreciate you,” said Don Miletic, executive director, Des Plaines Park District.
• Jeff Diegel, his brother James and father, Jerry, planned a golf outing at Mackray Memorial Golf Club, Barrington, on Friday, June 14, for a Father's Day celebration.
They took “Flag Day” literally, since the flag on hole number 12 was cause for a celebration. After teeing off with his driver on the 294-yard, par 4 hole, they all went looking for his ball. It was nowhere to be seen.
Jeff asked his brother James, “Should I look in the hole?”
With both doubting that possibility, Jeff looked down in the hole and there was his ball. A hole-in-one!
Mackray congratulated by giving him a golf shirt and will send him a Mackray No. 12 flag in the future.
• River Trails Middle School’s Jordan Patterson finished in first place in the 3A Seventh Grade Girls 400 meter dash at the IESA track and field state meet in East Peoria, winning the Mount Prospect school’s first individual state championship in recent memory.
Patterson completed the event in 1:02.25, edging out runners from Tolono Unity Junior High and Schuyler Industry Middle School. Patterson also picked up fourth place in the 100 meter dash and sixth place in the 4x100 meter relay.
“We are very proud of Jordan, whose determination took her from a third-place finish in the 400 Meter Dash in 2023, to a state championship in the event in 2024,” Coach Jim Kuperman said. “Our whole team has put in a tremendous amount of hard work and hours of practice, and we are very pleased with the results.”
• The Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners elected and appointed officers at its May 14, meeting. The newly elected officers are: President Anton L. Mathews, Vice President George Bridges and Treasurer Jeremiah Johnson. Commissioners Jacqueline Herrera Giron and Janet E. Kilkelly also serve on the board.
Commissioner appointments to serve on the advisory committees and as liaison to the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors were also approved for a one-year term. Appointments are: Jeremiah Johnson, Golf Advisory Committee; George Bridges and Jacqueline Herrera Giron, Recreation Advisory Committee; and Anton L. Mathews, Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors.
Jay Lerner, executive director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “I look forward to working with President Anton L. Mathews to ensure that we continue to offer award-winning parks, facilities, and programming for individuals and families in the community.”
• Submit your ‘Neighbors in the News’ items to ntwohey@dailyherald.com.