Northbrook Park District senior volunteer receives IAPD award

“Everything starts with a smile.”

That is how Mady Fern, an indefatigable volunteer for the Northbrook Park District, describes her approach to ensuring fellow seniors find friendship, connection and community.

Fern has spent thousands of hours volunteering in myriad ways at the park district’s senior center, where everyone, from custodians to administrators, knows her name.

“Many times, seniors feel alienated and stuck at home, or do not feel comfortable coming out,” Fern said. “I always tell people what is available and try to get them involved. If they sign up for one activity and they come out, maybe they will come to two or three more, and then it goes from there. I want to bring them into the fold at their comfort level.”

In recognition of her contributions over the years, Fern was named Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Additionally, the IAPD gave the Northbrook Park District a Best Green Practices award for its commitment to outstanding environmental practices and community engagement, and recognized two of its board members for their long-standing service: Mary Ann Chambers for 25 years of service and Michael Schyman for 15 years of service.

Fern and the other award recipients were feted at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala, held recently at the Wheeling Park District’s Chevy Chase Country Club.

“It is an honor for the Illinois Association of Park Districts to recognize the best of the best within our member agencies,” said IAPD president and CEO Peter Murphy.

“For more than 40 years, it’s been my honor to have worked alongside individuals who served their agencies with diligence, determination and a genuine regard for improving the quality of life through parks, recreation and conservation.”

As a civic-minded, engaged community member who — in her words — likes to “walk the walk,” Fern has served the Northbrook community for many years.

She was a member and president of the Northbrook School District 28 Board of Education, where she advocated, among other things, for a partnership with the Northbrook Park District that resulted in a new gymnasium.

She currently serves on the board of the Northbrook Farmers Market, where she also volunteers weekly.

As a park district volunteer, the list of Fern’s contributions is astonishingly lengthy.

She has served on the park district’s Senior Advisory Committee since its inception in 2019, acting as a strong voice for the membership and as an advocate for fostering essential social connections and accessible health and wellness opportunities.

She regularly volunteers as a greeter for senior center events, including the Holiday Party, Community Open House, and Senior Health and Wellness Day.

During the summer, she assists during the park district’s Grapes on the Green outdoor summer wine event, helping pack visitor gift bags in advance and greeting people on the day of the event.

As an avid proponent of the arts, Fern volunteers as an usher during performances of the Northbrook Theatre, an initiative of the park district. She also was a member of the park district’s former Park Larks singing group, entertaining residents of nursing homes and senior facilities.

Fern’s drive to ensure the well-being of fellow seniors was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped with Zoom training for her fellow seniors, and could often be seen shopping for and delivering groceries and necessary items to the homes of other senior center members.

“We are so grateful for Mady’s extensive efforts to make Northbrook an amazing place to live and connect with others,” Northbrook Park District Director of Recreation Eileen Loftus said. “The Northbrook Park District is truly lucky to have her.”

In her remarks at the IAPD gala, Fern said she was brought up to give back to others.

“I know every single person in this room gives back with their heart and their soul and their love and their time and their kindness. And isn’t it what it’s all about: to give to each other?”

And in what likely was the most rousing finale in IAPD gala history, Fern earned a standing ovation for her cheerful rendering of the chorus of “So long, farewell.”