Riverside, IL — The annual meetings of the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside seem to always occur on the coldest night of the year, but this year’s was a bit different. Not only was the weather unseasonably mild, the meeting, held on Friday January 17, offered a few surprises. This included the unveiling of the new logo for the organization and a presentation of photographs by Chris Neumar that saw Riverside and its residents presented in striking new ways.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winning logo design, created by Amy Hawker, a talented designer whose parents currently live in Riverside. Her submission, selected from more than 20 entries in a months-long contest, captured the key elements of Olmsted’s unique design and what makes Riverside such a special place to live and visit.
“I’m so proud and happy to see this historic connection being maintained,” said one community member.
The logo contest itself proved to be a community event. Designers from the area submitted their work, and through a public survey, 187 voted on their favorite designs and weighed in with thoughtful feedback. Many residents expressed pride in the organization’s efforts to preserve Riverside’s legacy while making it known to the world.
“We wanted a logo that not only reflects our legacy but also resonates with the future,” said Richard Marritt, a member of the Brand Refresh Subcommittee. “Amy’s design stood out as a perfect representation of who we are and where we’re headed.” It also allows the organization to simplify the name we use on a day-to-day basis, shorting it to the “Olmsted Society of Riverside.” The first order of business will be an update to the Olmsted’s Society’s website which will be rolled out later in the winter and early spring.
Reflecting on a Year of Stewardship, Education and Community Engagement
The meeting also highlighted the success of the Society’s programming over the past year, which included events that engaged residents of all ages. These ranged from landscape workdays where hundreds of volunteers maintain and improve Riverside’s parks, educational lectures, guided walking tours and family-friendly activities like the new Ghost Tour, highlighting some less known facts about Riverside. As Cindy Kellogg, a co-chair of the landscape committee noted, since the inception of the workdays in 2006, the organization has donated almost $90,000 towards landscape improvements along with countless volunteer hours.
In addition to celebrating Riverside’s natural and architectural treasures, the Society leveraged this year’s massive cicada emergence as a teaching moment. Special talks and activities highlighted the fascinating lifecycle of these insects and their role in Riverside’s ecosystem, turning a challenge into an educational opportunity.
“Our events are a cornerstone of what we do,” said Lisa Lambros, a longtime board member. “They not only bring people together but also reinforce the importance of preserving and celebrating the unique character of Riverside.”
Welcoming New Leaders to the Board
The Annual Meeting also served as an opportunity to welcome three new members to the Society’s Board of Directors: Fred Kitch, Nora Smith and Kayleen Woodin. Each brings a wealth of experience, fresh ideas and a deep passion for Riverside’s unique heritage.
“These new board members are an incredible addition to the team,” said Jim Petrzilka, chair of the nominating committee. “Their diverse perspectives and dedication will strengthen our efforts as we continue to grow and engage the community.”
The new board members join a team committed to stewardship, education and community engagement, while ensuring the Society remains an inclusive and forward-looking organization. Their focus will include advancing educational programming, enhancing volunteer opportunities and expanding outreach to younger families and new residents.
Honoring Susan Worthington’s Legacy of Service
A heartfelt moment during the meeting was the recognition of Susan Worthington for her many years of dedicated service to the Olmsted Society and the Riverside community, most recently as the Board secretary. “It’s a thankless job to keep track of, much less record, what everyone is saying in our board meetings,” said Dan Murphy. “Her calm approach and commitment to the organization were part of the glue that helped us get things done.”
Riverside at 150— A Photographic Journey
Among the evening’s standout moments was a stunning presentation of low light photographs by Chris Neumar, a Riverside resident whose new series, “Riverside at 150– A Photographic Journey,” offered a fresh and highly stylized perspective on the village’s unique beauty. His stories about the behind-the-scenes efforts to capture these images are almost as enjoyable as the photographs themselves. His work can be explored further at twentysevenandahalf.com.
A Look Ahead
As the meeting concluded, there was a sense of excitement about the future of the Olmsted Society. Armed with a fresh brand identity, a growing team of dedicated leaders and a full calendar of engaging events planned for 2025, the organization is well-positioned to continue its work preserving the beauty and legacy of Riverside for the next 150 years.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Society’s website, www.olmstedsociety.org, to learn more about upcoming events and how to get involved.
Richard Marritt is Vice President of the Olmsted Society in Riverside, IL.