RAP seeks award nominees

The window to nominate an outstanding historic preservation contributor for a Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) Award is fast approaching. The awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses in the historic districts that make singular contributions to historic preservation in the neighborhoods. Award winners are selected from community nominations. This year, the deadline to nominate is by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24.

Each year, RAP presents awards in two categories: design and construction, and service. For the design awards, RAP recognizes diligent work, careful design and craftsmanship in many types of projects, from new construction to renovation, to do-it-yourself projects, according to a news release. All entries must be within in the historic district.

The service awards, on the other hand, recognize acts of service and philanthropy that benefit the historic neighborhoods. Here, too, a range will be recognized, from “small acts of neighborliness” up to large stewardship and patronage contributions. For guidelines and submissions, go to riversideavondale.org/riverside-avondale-preservation-awards.

Avondale centennial, Riverside 150th anniversary activities

The 100th anniversary of Avondale’s founding takes place this year, joined by a celebration of Riverside’s 150th anniversary. While that anniversary was technically in 2019, RAP is combining both occasions for a year-long celebration of the area’s history, with an anniversary celebration planning committee brainstorming events and commemorations.

On the list so far is a spring garden tour that highlights home gardens, RAP Founder Wayne Wood’s 9-part lecture series, “Riverside Avondale Historic Institute,” with certificates of completion for those who participate in at least six of his talks, Picnic-in-the-Park kits for neighborhoods to throw their own parties, as well as a birthday party for Riverside-Avondale and a chalk art festival.

There will also be a “Trees of Distinction” recognition throughout the year.

“One of the things we love about our neighborhoods is how we have preserved our tree canopy,” said Ron Rothburg, a committee member. “As we celebrate the heritage of our neighborhoods, we want to celebrate the heritage of our trees as well. They are living monuments that we leave for the next generation.”

In the fall, there will be an anniversary gala for friends of Riverside Avondale. Cathie Clark, gala committee chair, said that the event would take place in “an iconic restoration setting befitting the centennial fete of our shared history, heritage and future.” Proceeds will support RAP.

Other highlights: a weekend music event that starts at Riverside Arts Market in the morning then continues to Memorial Park in the afternoon and evening. In the meantime, RAP will also conduct its signature events, Luminaria and the Riverside Avondale Home Tour.

“This is an exciting time for Riverside and Avondale,” said RAP Board Chair Nancy Powell. “We are so fortunate to be in a community with so much rich history, architectural integrity, natural beauty and a mix of interesting people and things to do. It’s important to reflect on our past and bring creative energy into the future so that our historic neighborhood can flourish for the next hundred years.”

By Jennifer Edwards
Resident Community News

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