Volunteer of the Year, Spirit of the River, River Champion Awards Honor Exceptional Efforts
Recipients of Friends of the Chicago River's annual awards recognizing exceptional effort on behalf of the Chicago River system include a city park steward, a longtime canoe guide who has been instrumental in educating young people about the river, and a Chicago Park District biologist who served a key role in removing the North Branch dam.
The winners were announced at Friends annual meeting, held Oct. 16 at 300 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago.
"For 40 years, Friends of the Chicago River has relied on generous and devoted people to advance the mission of improving and protecting the waterway for people, plants and animals. This year's honorees are exceptional in their commitment to the Chicago River system and the region owes Chris, Lauren and Stephan a great debt of gratitude," said Friends Executive Director Margaret Frisbie. "Working together, we will have a river that is litter free, sewage free, alive with wildlife and people swimming."
Daniel Loewenstein, left, and Chris Parson.
Spirit of the River: Chris Parson
The 2019 Friends' Spirit of the River award went to Chris Parson, who launched Friends' Chicago River Schools Network in 1997 and has been a volunteer canoe guide with the organization for more than 20 years. His other efforts with Friends include volunteering for the organization's Big Fish Ball and the Chicago River Student Congress as well as serving as a key member of the support team for the Chicago River Flatwater Classic.
"Chris personifies environmental stewardship in his every action and his joyful attitude, enthusiasm, and humor," said Friends' board member Daniel Loewenstein in announcing the award.
Parson said he became interested in rivers as a child when his fourth grade teacher showed him a map of how the creek in his yard was connected, ultimately, to the Illinois River, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. As a grad student he studied the Chicago River system "and I was smitten," he said.
"I am deeply honored and humbled. Thank you to Friends for giving me an outlet for my love of rivers," said Parson.
State Honors Friends' Volunteer Chris Parson
Lauren Umek
River Champion: Lauren Umek
The River Champions award honors recipients for their extraordinary professional efforts on behalf of the Chicago River system. This year's winner is Lauren Umek, a Chicago Park District urban ecologist who was part of the team who worked to remove the North Branch Dam near River Park in 2018. Its removal will improve water quality and wildlife habitat, and expand fishing and recreational opportunities.
"We recognize Lauren for her dedication to improving the ecology and human connection to the Chicago River. Thank you for your vision and dedication to improving the river for us and generations to come," said Loewenstein.
Of the long-fought effort to remove the dam, Umek told the gathering: "We did it. It's working. And it's very exciting."
Lauren Umek: Three Things We Learned About the North Branch Dam Removal
Friends of the Chicago River board member Daniel Loewenstein, left, with Stephan Vandenbroucke.
Volunteer of the Year: Stephan Vandenbroucke
Stephan Vandenbroucke was named Friends' Volunteer of the Year. Vandenbroucke is a volunteer steward at Ronan Park, 3000 W. Argyle St. in Chicago, where he holds monthly volunteer work days removing invasive species, plants oak trees, and removes litter. A dedicated site captain for Friends' Chicago River Day, Vandenbroucke also volunteered at the inaugural Chicago River Revival Festival held this year at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth St. in Chicago, and at Friends' Chicago River Student Congress.
Vandenbroucke spoke of how, after asking himself if he was "giving more or taking more" in his professional life, took a new job at Friends of the Forest Preserve as a crew manager leading land restoration work as well as volunteering with Friends of the Chicago River.
"We are so lucky to have him part of our team. He is dedicated, smart and reliable and a complete pleasure to work with," said Loewenstein.
Thanks to Hines for its sponsorship of the annual meeting. Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence in 219 cities in 23 countries.
More photos from the annual meeting below:
No one goes away from the annual meeting hungry...
Attendees get a chance to ask Friends' staffers, such as Volunteer and Events Coordinator Annette Anderson, left, about the organization's work.
Friends of the Chicago River board secretary Jacqueline J. Loewe welcomes guests to the annual meeting.
David M. Wong, who serves on Friends' board of directors, participates in a Q-and-A session.
No better place in town to talk Chicago River!
Friends Director of Watershed Management John Quail gave a presentation on the river prepared for the upcoming Thiess International Riverprize.
Friends Development Writer and Grants Manager Matt Sudman and Friends Development Associate Cristine McDowell team up for check-in.
Louise Barrett, holding microphone, chairs the Friends Tributary Committee for emerging leaders. Click here for how to join this active group of young environmentalists working on behalf of the Chicago River system.
The annual meeting always draws a good crowd. For 40 years, we've been improving and protecting the Chicago River for people, plants, and animals.
The annual meeting is only open to members, active volunteers, and donors. Why not become a member today?
Friends Director of Strategic Initiatives Joanne So Young Dill organizes the Q-and-A session.
Picture perfect!
