Charlotte Olejko receives the 2025 Susan Paxton Block Award

On Tuesday, longtime City of Independence horticulturist Charlotte Olejko was honored with the 2025 Susan Paxton Block Award for Distinguished Public Service.

"For more than 20 years, Charlotte has poured her talent and passion into making Independence a more beautiful place," said Independence City Manager Zach Walker. "From historic sites to public parks, her thoughtful designs and tireless care are visible in every corner of our city. Her work exemplifies the leadership, service, and dedication this award is meant to recognize."

Olejko has left a lasting mark on Independence through her leadership of the City's landscape design, installation, and maintenance projects. She founded both the Adopt-a-Spot and Memorial Tree and Bench programs, giving residents and community groups new ways to participate in local beautification efforts. She also moderates monthly meetings of the Independence Tree Commission and maintains an extensive inventory of trees across the city, including the Truman Historic District.

As a Master Gardener, Olejko has worked closely with scouts, civic groups, and volunteers to complete projects that bring color and shade to public spaces. Her expertise ensures that plantings throughout the city can withstand Missouri's harsh summers and winters, and her leadership helped earn the Vaile Arboretum's accreditation as well as Independence's continued designation as a Tree City USA.

Five years ago, Olejko launched the first Uptown Garden Faire, now a popular spring tradition that draws residents and visitors alike. She also has a deep love for Independence's historic mansions, having served on the boards of both the Vaile Victorian Society and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate Historical Society. As a docent at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the National Frontier Trails Museum, she shares her knowledge of history, horticulture, and preservation with guests from across the country.

Her service has also extended to leadership roles as the past president of the Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum. In 2017, the Heritage Commission honored her with the Hickman Award for Historic Preservation.

"It is an honor to present this year's Susan Paxton Block Award to Charlotte Olejko," said Independence Mayor Rory Rowland. "Her creativity, her knowledge, and her generosity of spirit have made Independence not only more beautiful, but more connected. Charlotte is a shining example of how one person's dedication can transform a community for generations to come."

The Susan Paxton Block Award is presented annually to a City employee, volunteer, or elected official who has demonstrated outstanding public service, valor, and job performance with leadership. The award was presented at the September 2, 2025, City Council meeting.

The Junior Service League, of which Block was a second-generation member and served as president in 1989-1990, presents the award annually at the City Council meeting just prior to Block's birthday, September 24.