Joe Lilly is the new director of recreation for the Village of River Grove. He said he hopes to bring some new programs to the town.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in River Grove. I went to St. Cyprian School, and I went to East Leyden High School.
Q: Where do you attend college?
A: I go to Concordia University Chicago. I’m a senior. I’ll graduate next year. I’m majoring in sports and recreation. I realized I wanted to pursue that career after working in Oak Park.
Q: What do you do in Oak Park?
A: I’m primarily based at the Fox Center. My position is youth recreation program coordinator. It’s a mix between working with kids and administrative work.
Q: What are your responsibilities as director of recreation in River Grove?
A: Everything having to do with recreation has to come through me. I have to be the one to get the ball rolling with programs.
Q: What kind ideas do you have for the summer and fall?
A: I have a couple ideas. We will continue previous programs before we begin anything new. We used to have a Mommy Daughter Sleepover, which I would like to bring back. I also want to start a family scavenger hunt called #exploreRG. We have the River Grove Picnic coming up July 15.
Q: Do you hope to offer more programs in River Grove?
A: Yes, we would like to do that.
Q: Will you continue with this position when your classes begin again in the fall?
A: Yes. I will still be doing this job.
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Q: Tell me about your career at Concordia.
A: I started in 2013. I wanted to be a math teacher, but I decided I didn’t want to do that. After switching my major a few times, I realized I liked working in Oak Park. Then, I went into sports and recreation.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working or going to school?
A: For the most part, I enjoy going downtown. Oak Park has become my home away from home. I enjoy going out for hikes, runs and being active. I like the Chicago Blackhawks.
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.