HR0465 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0465 LRB097 12422 GRL 56903 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Jane Hodgkinson on the occasion of her retirement as executive director of the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA); and

WHEREAS, Jane Hodgkinson began her advocacy for residents with disabilities in 1981; and

WHEREAS, During her 30-year tenure, Jane Hodgkinson lived and breathed the ethic she lived by, "Equal Fun for Everyone", by helping residents with disabilities realize their potential through equal access to recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Jane Hodgkinson's exhaustive advocacy for Illinois residents with disabilities included her promotion of legislative measures to ensure expanded funding for special recreation services throughout the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Jane Hodgkinson's focused commitment to improving the quality of life of residents with disabilities included professional service as a founding board member of the Illinois Special Olympics and in leadership positions with the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and the Park District Risk Management Agency; she also served as an instructor and trainer for Very Special Arts; and

WHEREAS, Jane Hodgkinson is the co-author of three books: "Introduction to Recreation and Leisure", "Art for All: Making It Happen", and "Volunteers: the Key to Successful Special Olympic Programs"; she also published over 25 articles in numerous professional publications, including Sports 'n Spokes, Athletic Business, and Chicago Special Parent, and the publications of the National Recreation and Park Association, the Florida Recreation and Park Association, and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association; and

WHEREAS, Jane Hodgkinson has served as a board member or chairperson on numerous committees and organizations, including the Illinois Special Olympics, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and its Therapeutic Recreation and Administration and Finance Sections, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Parents Alliance Employment Project, the University of St. Francis Recreation Advisory Council, the College of DuPage Advisory Board, the Southern Illinois University Chicago Alumni Chapter, the Southern Illinois University Foundation, the Park District Risk Management Agency and its Risk Management Institute, the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, the National Recreation and Park Association CPRP Examination Board and Gold Medal Award Board, the DuPage County Autism Board of Directors, 100 Women Who Care, the Wheaton League of Women Voters, the Carol Stream Rotary Club, the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce and its Women in Business Networking Group, the City of Wheaton Sesquicentennial Commission, the Paratransit Committee of DuPage County, the West Chicago Park Foundation Board, the Board of Directors of Life's Plan, Incorporated, the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce's Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Wheaton Park District Referendum Committee; and

WHEREAS, Jane Hodgkinson's tireless efforts on behalf of special needs residents has earned her well-deserved recognition by her profession, including the Robert Artz Award, the Fellow Award, and the Professional Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, two National Golden Medal Awards from the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Outstanding Women Leader Community Service from the DuPage County YWCA; in 2010, she was named a Legend by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Jane Hodgkinson on the occasion of her retirement and commend her for her 30 years of distinguished professional service and advocacy to area special needs residents, their family members, and caregivers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jane Hodgkinson as a symbol of our esteem and respect.