HR0626 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0626 LRB100 14579 MST 29375 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Gary Kasanders on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the Westchester Park District; and

WHEREAS, Gary Kasanders joined the Westchester Park District in 1971 while still in high school; he started out as the supervisor of the teen center and ran the majority of the athletic programs; he became the Day Camp Director in 1972, eventually becoming the director of all the camps in 1973; in 1983, after graduating from college with a degree in parks and recreation administration, he became director of the entire park district; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Gary Kasanders hired Linda to be the preschool director at the park district; they married in 1986 and have four children, Erin, Christopher, Meghan, and Steven; and

WHEREAS, As Executive Director, Gary Kasanders helped the park district grow; his accomplishments include the redevelopment of Mayfair parkland, the building of the Mayfair Recreational Center in 1990, the multiple additions to both the Mayfair Recreational Center and the Community Center, the renovation of the John Sinde pool, 20 successful years of the VetRun, and bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to town for the 20th year of the VetRun; along with village officials and members of the local chamber of commerce, he was instrumental in the operation of the Westchester Fest; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure at the park district, Gary Kasanders built many great relationships with individuals, organizations, and government agencies, some of which have grown into lifelong friendships; and

WHEREAS, Gary Kasanders has provided the Westchester Park District with over four decades of dedication and leadership; his commitment to improving the park district combined with his depth of knowledge and expertise will be missed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Gary Kasanders on his retirement as Executive Director of the Westchester Park District, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

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