|
|
|
|
| Upcoming Events Sept - Nov
Sept. 28: Walking tour (north) Sept. 27: HopStop Oct. 4 Landscape workday Oct. 18 Landscape workday Oct. 18 &25: Spooktacular Ghost tour Oct. 26: Walking tour (south) Nov. 8: Landscape workday
Save the Date!
Jan. 16, 2026: Annual Meeting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As I write this, our area just experienced False Fall, a term meteorologists give to the period of cooler weather that occurs about a month before the first day of Fall on the calendar. Growing up in Chicago, I remember many years when cooler temperatures in the last days of summer vacation made going to the pool a very uncomfortable proposition. Usually, hot summer temperatures would return soon after the school year began, so sitting in our “un-air conditioned” classrooms, dressed in long pants and collared shirts, was an equally uncomfortable proposition.
The return of Fall, both False and actual, reminds me to make my annual appeal to homeowners, “What falls in Riverside, stays in Riverside.” I am of course referring to leaves, grass clippings, twigs and other light plant material in our yards. Mulched leaves and grass clippings can be used to protect perennial plants from frost damage while nourishing lawns and plants alike. Why bag up and throw away nutrient-rich, moisture-retaining, frost-insulating plant material in the Fall only to buy and spread mulch and fertilizer in the Spring? Keeping so-called “yard waste” in place also gives pollinators and other beneficial insects a better chance to emerge in the Spring. While any plant material left on the lawn must be mulched so as not to kill the grass, whole leaves and twigs can be left in planting beds in the Fall then removed in the Spring, (after over-wintering insect eggs have hatched), or left in place to turn to compost. This is one way you can help the environment by doing less!
Hop Stop Community Beer Festival 2025 promises to be biggest one ever. On September 27 at Riverside’s Train Station and in surrounding Guthrie Park, over 50 crafters of beer, cider, and cocktails will be pouring. The event has grown in popularity and not just with attendees -- this year, Right BeeCider of Chicago was among the purveyors who approached the organizers to participate. Local bands have asked to perform – Hop Stop organizers didn’t have to go looking for them. Musical entertainment will be provided by GOLDMEMBER and High &Lonesome.
Hop Stop remains a family-friendly event with kids’ entertainment by Pocket Circus and food for everyone, including Taste – Greek Street Food, the Greek Donut Shop, and Riverside’s own Carey Corn. As in the past, this is a zero-waste event with proceeds supporting the Olmsted Society’s efforts in stewardship, education, and community engagement. Tickets are selling fast. For more details and to purchase tickets, see HopStop link. |
|
|
|
Last year’s Riverside Spooktacular Ghost Walks was the hottest ticket in town (well, during October) and every tour was sold out. Riverside Spooktacular: Phantoms of the Past is back this year with more tours and some new thrills and chills. Just in time for the Halloween season, join us, if you dare, on a guided tour of Riverside’s winding and lamp-lit streets where you are likely to encounter ghosts from the village’s past. There will also be plenty of Riverside history and landmark homes, along with tales of eerie occurrences and a bit of local lore. Ghost walks will be offered on the evenings of Saturday, October 18 and Saturday, October 25. On both evenings, tours start at 5:00 PM and run every half hour with the last tour at 7:00 PM (for those who have no fear of the dark!). Purchase your tickets in advance here.
Special note: Olmsted Society members will have advance opportunity to purchase these hot tickets!
|
|
|
|
Dan Murphy President, Olmsted Society of Riverside |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undamming the Des Plaines 13 Years Later: Effects of Water Quality Changes and Dam Removal on Fish and Stream Quality
Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 PM in the Riverside Public Library Tristan Widloe, Region II Stream Specialist, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will present an update on the condition of the Des Plaines River at Riverside. A presentation in 2015 by the IDNR showed a marked improvement in fish populations and overall stream quality following the 2012 removal of Hoffman Dam. This presentation offers the perspective of an additional 10 years of fishery and river ecosystem data. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the date for the Olmsted Society Annual Meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026 which will feature Riverside resident David Oppenheimer, Vice President of Oppenheimer Gallery -- a Chicago gallery specializing in natural history art. David will be presenting the prints of naturalists John James Audubon and William Bartram among others. His presentation will feature prints of Midwestern native and migratory birds.
|
|
|
|
Dan Murphy Chair of Presentations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Above, left) The Olmsted Society celebrated July Fourth with the theme “Wild and Free” at the Riverside 4th of July parade. (Above, right) member Lisa Lambros reprises her role as “Tree,” while Peter Boutsikakis brings out the Conservationist in Chief, Teddy Roosevelt. |
|
|
|
Olmsted Society members (L-R) Dan Murphy, Trish Flassing, and Joanne Rodgers hosted a table of old-time games at the community Sesquicentennial festival on August 9. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Above, L-R, Linda LaBelle, Joanne Rodgers, Dan Murphy) The Olmsted Society of Riverside participated in in the Riverside Community fair coordinated by the Riverside Public Library, in partnership with Riverside Township and the Village of Riverside. Small towns thrive on volunteerism and working together to strengthen our community. Over 20+ community organizations were on site to share what they do and how you can be a part of it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Vintage Ball Game (above) on July 27 brought back the rematch between the Chicago Salmon and Blue Island Brewmasters. It was toasty out, but the crowds and players enjoyed this old-fashioned game with the score tied at the final inning. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| During the growing season, the Olmsted Society offers a program that teaches youth the basics of gardening. Young students ages 14+ are mentored through a class of online and hands-on activities focusing on plant care basics and the environment. After successful completion, the youth are offered a certificate of completion which may help them land a summer gardening job. (Left) two rising RB freshmen try their hands at edging a garden bed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hop Stop is back in another undefeated collaboration between Riverside Foods and the Olmsted Society. With your commemorative tasting glass, you’ll be able to sample over 50+ offerings from local brewers, cideries, and cocktail crafters, including Riverside’s own Quincy Street Distillery. Make use of the free bicycle valet, bring a designated driver, or take the Metra, which drops you right outside. There will be local food vendors, art activities for children (under 12 are admitted free with ticket), and live music to round out a wonderful outdoor family friendly setting in the arboretum Village of Riverside. This is a not-for-profit event that supports the beautification of our village, the quality of our air, and a positive influence on climate change. In other words, your proceeds will support the Riverside Olmsted Society 501(c)3. Hop Stop is a ZERO WASTE EVENT, which means we strive to limit our nonrecyclable waste . Purchase your tickets today at riversidehopstop.com. Use code NEWSLETTER to receive $5 off purchase of general admission tickets.
Looking to help out? Become a Hop Stop Volunteer. Volunteers receive a commemorative T-shirt and free access to the event. Sign up to volunteer at: Volunteer Sign Up:
Have a high school teen looking for service hours and free pizza? Sign them up for our after event Take Down: Take Down Sign Up |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Along with our brand new logo, 2025 ushers in our refreshed website. This enhanced website takes advantage of upgraded technology, and streamlined navigation. Members and visitors alike will be able to find information more readily, and interact with the Society easily. |
|
|
The landing page of the refreshed website (below left) shows a beautiful view of Riverside, along with the Society’s new logo. A calendar of events (below right) offers quick looks at upcoming activities. Easy-to-navigate pull-down menus allow site visitors to easily see what is available. The website is organized along the main pillars of the Society’s mission: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are still two more tours this year! A tour is a great way to spend some time and learn about our beautiful village. Or, if you haven’t been on a tour in awhile,, join a tour yourself!
Our regular two-hour tours depart at 2:00 PM from the Riverside Train station. These are $25 per person, ($20 for seniors 62+ or Olmsted Society members).
Visit the Historic Walking tours page on the Olmsted Society website for pricing and information. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tours have included our regular monthly Sunday tours, traditional trolley tour for schools (Ames shown), and specialty custom tours (not shown) |
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Walking Tours
September 28, (North Division – Area north of BNSF RR tracks) October 26, (South Division- Area south of BNSF RR tracks)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Landscape workday volunteers had a busy summer. Even though it was hot and humid, we weeded and removed invasive shrubs and trees on six workdays. Our volunteers worked at Harrington Park, Longcommon and Downing triangle, and the Longcommon. We partnered with the Landscape Advisory Committee for a workday at Longcommon and Aikenside triangle. Our extra-ordinary volunteers help to beautify the public spaces in our National Register of Historic Places village. Please come and join us for our next workday on October 4th at Riverside Road. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Landscape Advisory Commission, an advisory board of the Village, and the Olmsted Society are separate organizations, but often have kindred goals. Here, members of both groups work at Longcommon and Akenside. |
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a way to meet others in Riverside and help keep our green ways beautiful? The Olmsted Society, in collaboration with the Village, hosts workdays throughout the growing season. Come for an hour or three, whatever your schedule allows. Supervised children are welcome. Bring your work gloves and a water bottle. All other supplies and snacks provided. The following dates remain this year, all times are 9am - 12 noon:
October 4, Riverside Road October 18, Riverside Road (collect seeds) November 8, Longcommon & Herrick
|
|
|
|
|
For more information, or to be added to our Olmsted Society landscape committee e-list, please contact: Holly Machina and Cindy Kellogg, Olmsted Society landscape committee chairpersons at workdays@olmstedsociety.org, or call 708-447-0226. Or you can also contact Michael Collins, Village Forester, at McCollins@Riverside.il.us or call 708-442-3590 ext. 5O2. |
|
|
|
Landscape Commission co-chairs Cindy Kellogg (left) Holly Machina (right) |
|
| All photos on this page are courtesy of Cindy Kellogg. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Riverside is a very special place with its graceful winding roads, gas street lamps, and architecturally interesting homes. What makes Riverside unique from other residential communities is our open lands, our green spaces. Every year, Olmsted Society Landscape Workday volunteers are pruning, planting, mulching, clearing, and beautifying Riverside’s landscape. You will see them hard at work on selected Saturday mornings. All Tributes & Trees donations are spent on plant material and supplies needed for workday volunteers. You can do your part by becoming a volunteer or donating to Tributes & Trees. Donors not only help to improve the Village’s landscape, they can also memorialize, thank, or recognize others. To learn more, visit our website olmstedsociety.org or email tributes@olmstedsociety.org.
TRIBUTES & TREES REMEMBERS:
Genevieve Wright “Our sincere sympathy” Donors: Jim and Sandie Petrzilka
Daniel T. Ozga “We are sorry for your loss” Donors: Jim and Sandie Petrzilka
Donors: Thomas and Constance Guardi
Katherine Doran Donors: Thomas and Constance Guardi
TRIBUTES & TREES RECOGNIZES
Aberdeen Marsh Ozga “For all the wonderful things she does for Riverside” Donor: Tim Ozga:
|
|
|
| | Tributes and Trees Co-Chairs Sandie Petrzilka Linda LaBelle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To all our dedicated members, thank you for your loyal support and all the membership renewals and donations in 2025! Your support is appreciated.
The Olmsted Society of Riverside is committed to sustaining Olmsted's vision for Riverside for generations to come. Its mission is guided by his concern for humanity, nature, sense of community and the innovative and thoughtful essence of his work. The Olmsted Society invites residents and visitors to join us in learning, protecting the environment and preserving our cultural and physical Heritage.
Thank you to all of our 2025 Members. The Olmsted 2026 membership campaign will begin in November. More information will be shared at that time to consider renewing your membership or encouraging a friend or neighbor to become a member. |
|
|
Mighty Oak
Lisa & Nick Lambros William Marritt & Steven Oldham Matt Rogina Stephanus Greeff Judith Meredith & Roy Benedek Cathy & Mike Maloney Sander Kaplan & Theresa Pelletier Thomas & Connie Guardi Christopher Enger & Minyuen Chang Enger Jim & Sandie Petrzilka |
|
|
Sugar Maple
Daniel Murphy & Olivia Barraza Maria Bernardi Beverly & David McClellan Maeve Bauman Andy & Susan McBride Daniel & Gina Lockwood Marie Mirro Erin & Christopher Wieland Nora Smith Linda & Rick LaBelle Cynthia Robinson & Matthew Hane Joanne & Ray Rogers Thomas J. Litwiler Mike & Carol Fortman Dr. Joseph Troiani & Terrie Badgett Ms. Dorothy Schroeder Kim Freeark Dr. Yvonne Lucero & Jim Harrington Diane & James Richards David & Trisha Flassing Bob & Judy Finn Mary & John Plunkett Theodore Smith & Susan Shipper-Smith Dr. Timothy Ozga &Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga |
|
|
Hearty Hickory Andrew McKernin Julie Schauer Sarah & Bob Thompson Tom Lupfer Mark & Gail McKernin Christin Evans Jane Lauritsen Drs. Emily Rosenberg & Tim Hill Joel Marhoul Michael & Candice Collins Susan Worthington & Laurel Anderson Ginny & Scott Beall Susan & Matt Wolfe Ben Sells & Jill Mateo James Burns Jean DiMonte David Barker Paula Jo & Randy Belice E. Van Cura Cecelia Radlowski Alice Stake & Sandra Stake-Gonzalez Douglas & Kathleen Pletcher Mark Shevitz & Amy Jacksic Nancy Graham Marilyn & Bruce Russell Mary Geroch James Bryniarski & Leona Hubatch Cindy Kellogg Thomas & Janice Barr Mark & Dorothy Sikora Alfred Kitch John Kolar Ella Mae Eastman Joseph & Valerie Cablk Ms. Margaret Rohter Troy & Shari Klyber Dick & Ruth Julian Nancy & Samuel Chmell Howard Weiss
|
|
|
Reliable Redbud
Stephanie Lukich Roldan Timothy Early Kayleen Woodin Marc & Trish Adelman Ellen Valaisa Alexa Herrera Margaret Miller James (Jim) Miller Alida Silverman Cynthia & James Mlynarski Jennifer Sherdan & Matthew Gaspar Janice O'Flaherty Charlie & Susan Pipal Michelangelo Sabatino & Serge Ambrose Edward Jepson Holly Machina & Jason Kinnan Catherine & AnthonyNie Maureen Rafa Richard & Marcia Olson Roberta & Michael Gates Donna Budil Nadine & Tom Espisito Bert & Bernadien Austin Drs. Frank & Carla Orland Jack & Joan Wiaduck Stephen & Ann Kubiczky Ellie Babka Prof. Kathryn Stanley Podwall Joseph & Grace Cieply Maureen Mulligan Dr. Michael & Mrs. Linda Kowalik Scott Dodson
|
|
|
Please consider renewing, becoming a member, or giving the gift of membership. The Olmsted Society invites residents and visitors to join us in learning, enjoying Riverside's landscape and preserving our cultural and physical heritage.
Membership is open to all interested individuals for a minimum $35.00 tax-deductible contribution by check or renewal online: Membership Renewal : Frederick Law Olmsted Society
If you prefer to send a check, please click on the link and print the attached form, complete and mail to the following address: Olmsted Society of Riverside PO Box 65 Riverside, Illinois 60546 |
|
|
|
Linda LaBelle Membership Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
