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The Mt. Prospect Park District Board of Commissioners recognized over 50 part and full-time employees as part of its January 22, 2020 Board

40+ Year Employees

Meeting. The recognition was initiated by the District Employee Committee seeking to satisfy goals of the District’s Strategic Plan goals which include the creation of an environment that is supportive and respectful of all employees and the development of an employee recognition program.

 

Park Board President, Steve Kurka, welcomed the employees and their families after they attended a pre-meeting reception at the Central Community Center. In comments to the attendees, Kurka stated, “In a world where consistency, commitment and longevity is often taken for granted, the Mt. Prospect Park District appreciates all that you do knowing we are made richer by your efforts and your tenure.”

The honored employees received an anniversary pin and were introduced by name, department and years of service. Executive Director, Jim Jarog, was the first recognized for 36 years of service. Don Thoma, Construction Specialist and Ballet Instructors, Sue Lloyd and Vicki Baron have all reached the 40 year milestone. Lloyd and Baron are credited with the creation of the ballet program which remains one of the District’s most successful. Amongst the honorees were preschool teachers, swim and fitness instructors, custodians, recreation managers, Directors, Golf Course Greens staff and many members of the Parks & Planning Department.

Kurka concluded his comments with, “Look around and imagine how many lives both young and old have been touched by all of your hard work. It truly takes a village to serve a village. Thank you for all that you bring to the District each and every day, month after month, year after year.”

30+ Year Employees
20+ Year Employees

 

Name

 

Department

Years of Service

Richard Gancarz CCC Fitness Center Supervisor 20
Caryn Hobbs Dance Instructor 20
John Lima Referee 20
Chris Merkel Center Director 20
Luanne Ruddy Referee, AquaFit Instructor 20
Toria Smith Billing Registrar & Office Manager 20
Sophia Bajrami Custodian 21
Octavio Borrachando G.C. Maintenance Crew Leader 21
Joseph Cullotta Referee 21
Phyllis Hartman Preschool Teacher’s Asst/Camp Counselor 21
Tara Schulz Dance Instructor 21
Sandy Deluca Kids Klub Supervisor 22
Kearin Hansen AquaFit 22
Caroline Schaefer Fitness Instructor 22
Dena Balzano AquaFit 23
Amy Hubert Dance Instructor 23
Cheryl Lufitz Community Relations and Marketing Manager 23
Richard Prosser Center Director 23
Ruth Yueill Director of Community Relations & Marketing 23
Joan Zoia Instructor 23
Gail Kaczynski Instructor/ Plant Management 24
Sue Macella Pool Manager/Lifeguard 24
Abel Moreno Construction Technician 24
Kathy Muellner Early Childhood & Youth Manager 24
Joe Pellegrino Soccer Ref/Soccer Coordinator 24
Carlos Taboada Golf Course Greensperson 24
Jaime De La Torre Athletic Fields Maintenance Crew Leader 25
J Cruz Martinez Greensperson 25
Mary Vitale Early Childhood Inst/Preschool Teachers Asst 25
Nick Aiello Grounds Department Manager 26
Brett Barcel Director of Golf Operations 26
Jeff Langguth Head Professional 26
Javier Pozo-Garcia Custodian 27
Pierce Sheehan Lions Front Desk 27
Joan Franzen Studio Instructor 28
Joe Hoffman IT Services/Registration Manager 28
Gary Oswald Swim Instructor 28
Barb Koch Conservatory Department Manager 29
Donna Majcher Group Fitness Instructor 29
Francisco Rueda Golf Course Greensperson 29
Serafin Figueroa Custodian 30
Fran Zelinski Group Fitness Instructor 30
Nancy Prosser Facilities Operations Manager 31
Luis Rueda (Sr) Golf Course Greensperson 31
Jim Balas Grounds Maintenance Technician 33
Angel Ruiz Golf Course Greensperson 34
Roberto Taboada Golf Course Maintenance Crew Leader 35
Jim Jarog Executive Director 36
Kathy Buti Preschool Teacher’s Asst/Camp Counselor 39
Sue Lloyd Dance Instructor 40
Don Thoma Construction Specialist 42
Vikki Baron Dance Instructor 46