'Joyful' Park Ridge Man Honored By State for Volunteer Efforts

The state's Serve Illinois Commission has named Chris Parson of Park Ridge as volunteer of the week for Dec. 2-8 for his contributions to Friends of the Chicago River, a non-profit environmental group whose mission is to improve and protect the waterway for people, plants and animals.

Serve Illinois is a 40-member, bi-partisan board appointed by the governor and is charged with improving Illinois communities by boosting volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state.

Serve Illinois cited Parson's "dedication to environmental stewardship and assistance to his community." He has been a volunteer guide with Friends of the Chicago River's canoe program for over 20 years.

“Chris has been critical in helping others understand how the Friends of the Chicago River canoe program works, supporting the learning curve for new hires, and taking on important organizational duties like scheduling,” Serve Illinois said.

Friends Volunteer and Events Associate Annette Anderson nominated Parson for the honor.

"Chris Parson is more than a volunteer: He's been my right hand man this year," said Anderson, citing "the time and effort he spends every week hauling our canoes to the river."

"He believes, as Friends does, that getting people on the water is the best way to inspire them to care about their river and take part in its stewardship," said Anderson."Chris has an immense knowledge base that all of our guests and new guides benefit from."

Anderson said Parson's "joyful attitude, enthusiasm, and humor make the sun shine even when it's cloudy."

"He is a truly special person," she added.

“I’m deeply honored to be chosen and a little embarrassed," said Parson. "I volunteer as a guide because I love Friends, I love being part of a great group of dedicated guides, and it is totally fun to take folks out on the river. Hardly seems like work.”

Parson worked for Friends of the Chicago River as manager of education from 1996 to 2003 before retiring.

Friends canoe program introduces more than 1,000 people a year to the Chicago River each year, either through scheduled trips or private treks for churches, school groups, and other community organizations.

More information about Serve Illinois is at serveillinois.gov.

Founded in 1979, Friends of the Chicago River is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve and protect the Chicago River for people, plants, and animals. With over 6,000 members, volunteers, and online advocates, Friends works to make the river greener and more accessible, while building awareness of the benefits that a clean, healthy river can bring to communities across the watershed. Friends of the Chicago River is working to make the Chicago River one of the world’s greatest metropolitan rivers. For more information on Friends of the Chicago River, visit www.chicagoriver.org.