At this week’s park district monthly Board of Commissioners meeting, the local Liponi Foundation honored the Skokie Park District for its long-term commitment to special recreation.

At the meeting, Liponi Foundation board member Stella LiPomi cited the district’s generous support, by its hosting of the foundation’s mini-golf fundraiser since 1999 at Skokie Sports Park. She then presented the board's president, Susan Aberman, with an engraved recognition plaque.

In 1972, the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) was formed by the Morton Grove Park District, Skokie Park District, Niles Park District, Des Plaines Park District, Park Ridge Park District, the Lincolnwood Recreation Board and Golf-Maine Park District. Its purpose was and still is to provide recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Liponi Foundation for Special Recreation was formed in 1990 to facilitate participation by children and adults with disabilities in recreation programs. The Foundation was named after the late Sam Liponi, whose family, since 1985, has very generously donated to M-NASR.

M-NASR is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, and through advocacy and awareness, promoting a successful leisure lifestyle for the disabled community. Therapeutic recreation is a professional service which uses recreation as a treatment and education modality. This service helps people with disabilities exercise their right to a lifestyle that focuses on functional independence and well-being in clinical, residential and community settings. For information about M-NASR programs or future Liponi events, call (847) 966-5522 or visit mnasr.org

To make a donation to the Liponi Foundation, please send it to: Attention: Peggy Wilson; Liponi Foundation for Special Recreation; 6820 W. Dempster St.; Morton Grove, Illinois, 60053.

Pictured in photo: SPD Executive Director John Ohrlund, Stella LiPomi of the Liponi Foundation & SPD Board President Susan Aberman