HR0461 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0461 LRB095 11978 KXB 36891 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Lawrence S. Reiner, Executive Director of the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA), is celebrating his thirty year anniversary with the Association; he has been with NEDSRA since its formation in 1977; Mr. Reiner and NEDSRA have been recognized state-wide and nationally for their accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Larry Reiner has been professionally involved on the national, State, and local levels in his work; he holds memberships in the National Recreation and Park Association, the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his involvement with NEDSRA, Larry Reiner had extensive experience in therapeutic recreation, serving as the first program specialist for the first community-based therapeutic recreation agency in the State of Illinois, the North Suburban Special Recreation Association; and

WHEREAS, In 1973 Larry Reiner became the Executive Director for the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation, the second agency of its type; he also served as the Coordinator of Recreation and Leisure Services at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, and as the Administrative Consultant to the South Suburban Special Recreation Association; in 1982 Larry Reiner received the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section's highest award as their "Distinguished Professional", in recognition for outstanding contributions to the advancement of Therapeutic Recreation service in Illinois, and in 1990 he received the Meritorious Service Award from the organization; and

WHEREAS, Larry Reiner graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois, Chicago, with majors in physical education and special education; he completed his Master's of Science Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University, with a specific concentration in Outdoor Education, and an emphasis on serving individuals with disabilities; in 2003, he completed his dissertation and doctoral requirements, and graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Counseling, Health, and Adult Education from Northern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Larry Reiner has co-authored three published books and numerous unpublished professional papers and studies; he has been a presenter at conferences and universities throughout the State of Illinois and in several other states; his articles on the Americans with Disabilities Act have been published in Athletic Business Magazine and the Illinois Park and Recreation Magazine; and he is a contributing author to the Park Commissioners Handbook, (1994), a publication of the Illinois Association of Park Districts; and

WHEREAS, Larry Reiner was recognized in July of 1994 by the United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board "in recognition and appreciation of meritorious service in ensuring accessibility and promoting an environment usable by all people"; and

WHEREAS, He received the Illinois Park and Recreation Association "Professional Award" in 1996 for outstanding leadership and community service; he was recognized by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society with the 1996 Meritorious Service Award; and in 1997 he received the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Fellow Award for excellence in promoting the park and recreation movement on a statewide basis; and

WHEREAS, In June 2001, Larry Reiner was recognized "for dedication to individuals with developmental disabilities and service above self" with the Honorary Rotarian of the Year Award by the Elmhurst Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, Larry Reiner was appointed to the Illinois Attorney General's Select Committee on the Disabled and serves on its marketing and funding sub-committees; in 2003, while chairing the IPRA Ethical Practices Task Force, he co-authored the IPRA Code of Ethical Practices; he currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Commissioners of the Buffalo Grove Park District; and on January 6, 2007, he celebrated his 30 year anniversary as Executive Director of the Northeast DuPage Special Education Association; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Lawrence Reiner on his 30th anniversary as Executive Director of the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association and wish him continued success in his future endeavors; and we recognize that his vision and leadership has resulted in a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities; and be it further

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