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"Senator Geo-Karis
faithfully served the people of this state for more than 30 years.
It is only fitting that one of Illinois' most popular parks be named
after one of its most popular legislators," Blagojevich said.
Stretching leisurely for 6.5 miles along the sandy shore of Lake
Michigan in northern Illinois,
Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach
ridge shoreline left in the state. The 4,160-acre park, consisting
of two separate areas, offers ample opportunities for swimming,
boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and nature
appreciation.
"I am extremely honored to be
recognized in this way. I thank Governor Blagojevich and all my
legislative colleagues very much for this acknowledgement," said
Sen. Geo-Karis. "I have greatly enjoyed my time in the General
Assembly and will continue to serve the people of Illinois and the
people of Lake County after I leave office."
"Senator Geo-Karis has served with distinction for over 30 years
as a member of the House and then the Senate," said Senate President
Emil Jones, D-Chicago. "She has always been a strong and consistent
voice for the people of her district, and this is a fitting tribute
to her many years of service."
"Geo has always been a trailblazer, and dedicating this park with
its seven miles of trails to her is a very fitting tribute to one of
our most hardworking legislators," said Sen. Susan Garrett,
D-Highwood, who introduced
Senate Bill 626.
"I've had the honor to work with Senator Geo-Karis at both the
local level and in the General Assembly," said Rep. Kathy Ryg,
D-Vernon Hills, the House sponsor. "Renaming Illinois Beach State
Park is an opportunity to honor her exceptional career in public
service and thank her for her leadership and role as a mentor and
positive role model to women."
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 In 2000, the area encompassing Illinois Beach State Park and
North Point Marina was officially designated as the Cullerton
Complex in honor of William J. Cullerton Sr., a war hero, avid
environmentalist and longtime friend of conservation.
In a May 2006 article published in the Chicago News Sun,
Cullerton also approved of Senate Bill 626. "It's fine with me that
they named the park after her," he said. "She's a fine woman and
certainly deserving of it. I think they should name it after her."
"Illinois Beach State Park has served the people of northern
Illinois for years, just as Senator Geo-Karis has done in her long
legislative career," said Sam Flood, acting director of the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources. "It's nice to see her distinguished
career honored in this way."
Adeline Geo-Karis is the first Lake County woman ever elected to
the Senate and the House. She pioneered legislation on Gasonol,
solar energy and other alternative energy resources. She has been
cited for her sponsorship of the Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act,
the Alternative Energy Act and many laws to increase safety on
Illinois lakes. She is also a former mayor of Zion, where she heads
her own law firm. She is the former municipal attorney for
Mundelein, Libertyville Township and Long Grove School District. She
also served as village attorney for Vernon Hills.
The longtime legislator was born in Tegeas, Greece, but was educated
in the U.S. She attended Northwestern University, has a law degree
from DePaul University and served as lieutenant commander with
top-secret clearance in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
[News release from the governor's
office]
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