Northeast region.

NRPA's Kathy Spangler, director of national partnerships, received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, University of Maine at Presque Isle, in May. Spangler was a member of the first graduating class at Presque Isle (1979) with a bachelor degree for parks and recreation. She has worked both in the field and for the profession at NRPA. The University of Maine bestowed this honor on Spangler based on her outstanding accomplishments and commitment that have made a positive impact on the quality of life for Americans. "From an early age I was led to believe that I was supposed to do something special with my life," said Spangler in her commencement address. "And what continues to motivate me today is that I don't know if I have done that something special yet. But as I face the crossroads of my life, I continue to look ahead to those possibilities unseen, questing to use my potential in ways that make a difference."

The National Park Service has listed the villages of Arden, Ardentown and Ardencroft (Del.) on the National Register of Historic Places as the Ardens Historic District. The listing represents the culmination of a seven-year conservation planning process for the villages, which have exceptional integrity as the oldest extant utopian communities in America. Working with the Naamans Creek Watershed Association, Landmark Quest Committee, Harvey Road Traffic Calming Committee, Delaware Department of Transportation and State Historic Preservation Office and University of Delaware, the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) assisted watershed planning efforts. RTCA has also provided extensive input on the National Register nomination and a current traffic-calming project that will address pedestrian safety within the Ardens. National Register listing helps move the communities towards possible National Historic Landmarks designation. The efforts of the Ardens to preserve cultural continuity and protect their special resources have inspired adjacent communities to undertake similar planning projects. For more information, contact Julie Bell at [e-mail] or 215-597-6473.

The Great Parks/Great Cities Award for a major park or square in North America that has added significantly to the social, economic and environmental health and well-being of that city and the Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement were given to Central Park and Elizabeth Barlow Rogers by the Project for Public Spaces and Metropolis Magazine. These two awards go hand in hand. When Elizabeth Barlow Rogers became the first Central Park Administrator in 1979, the park was in dire condition, a ghost of Olmsted's and Vaux's original vision. Since she founded the Central Park Conservancy in 1980, the entire park has been touched by her efforts, which are visible to anyone who strolls through the beautifully restored landscapes, explores the nature trails or visits the splendid gardens in the park.

Janice Harris from Bridgewater State College (Mass.) was awarded the Martha Jones Award for Exceptional Dedication to Students at Bridgewater State College's annual awards ceremony in April 2003. Harris is a professor in the Department of Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies.

Brookline Recreation Lifeguards were crowned Massachusetts Lifeguard Champions at the Annual Massachusetts State Lifeguard Olympics. Lifeguards competed in several rescue scenarios as well as sprint events. Each rescue event was judged on technique, efficiency and speed according to American Red Cross Standards.

Bruce O'Neill, long-time recreation director for South Burlington, Vt., retired in August after 31 years with the city. A city-wide celebration was held on July 18 to honor O'Neill. Among other awards and recognition, NRPA Board of Trustees Members Tom Farrell and Tim Smith presented a proclamation to O'Neill honoring his 44 years in the profession. Several of the aknowledgements included his service as chair of the Council of Affiliate Presidents, a term as New England delegate on the American Park and Recreation Society Board of Directors, chair of the New England Regional Council, president of the Vermont Recreation and Park Association, and recipient of the New England Annual Citation Award and the Theresa S. Brungardt Outstanding Professional Award.

The New England Regional Council expressed its gratitude for his years of wisdom, insight, involvement and input to the recreation and parks profession, and most importantly, for his valued friendship shared by his professional peers throughout the New England region and the greater NRPA family.