Paper one of three award winners in Illinois Association of Park Districts annual contest
The Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department submitted articles and editorials along with a nomination letter discussing The Hinsdalean's coverage in nominating the paper for a "Top Journalist" award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The paper was one of three winners from across the state.
The Hinsdalean was named one of three Illinois Parks' Top Journalists at the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Best of the Best Awards Gala Friday in Wheeling.
The paper was nominated by the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department.
"Co-owners Pamela Lannom and Jim Slonoff, along with their outstanding team, have brought consistent attention to the village's parks and recreation department, highlighting events, parks, facilities and staff," the nomination read. "They run an editorial every July to promote Parks and Recreation Month.
"Their staff is a constant presence at community events, dedicating energy and resources that help provide our residents with exceptional recreational experiences."
The entry packet included articles about the Hinsdale Community Pool, KLM and Brooks Park, along with two editorials.
The nomination letter also mentioned the paper's coverage of and presence at community events, including sponsoring a photo booth at Fall Family Fest and a turkey for the Turkey Trail.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts helped us continue to provide the exceptional recreation experience we strive to create in our community," the nomination read. "Mr. Slonoff took professional photos during our socially-distant Easter Bunny and Santa Claus visits, free of charge. The service that the staff of The Hinsdalean provides truly goes above and beyond that of an average suburban paper."
The Hinsdalean staff was honored to receive the award and humbled by the kind words in the nomination.
"We so appreciate the work Heather Bereckis, Sammy Hanzel and the other members of the parks and rec department do for the village," Lannom said. "The parks they maintain and recreation programs they offer are an asset to the village. We are happy to partner with them to promote and cover these places and events, which benefit all Hinsdaleans."
Other winners were Trey Arline of The Daily Herald, nominated by the Bloomingdale Park District; and Steve Sadin of the Lake County News-Sun, nominated by the Waukegan Park District.
