It is hard to escape the national news and the overwhelming feeling that, perhaps, the work of a small, neighborhood organization is trivial. Afterall, it isn’t ending wars, protecting our constitutional rights, or providing humanitarian aid.
The current civic divide leaves me feeling like everyone is picking a side. But that isn’t how I feel in our neighborhood. I know that connecting neighbors builds resilient, safe, and supportive communities. I know that in-person events like farmers’ markets, volunteering, and community gardens help to reduce loneliness and strengthen local bonds.
I believe that we share more passions, values and ideals than we realize. Connecting people with a shared passion for birdwatching, plants, songwriter-stage collaborations at RAM matters. The Home Tour isn’t just about visiting incredible unique examples of local architecture. Your neighbor is opening their door to you. They are saying hello. Facilitating these experiences is why people love Riverside and Avondale.
However, RAP does more than connect people. Most of our milestones this year were centered around infrastructure improvements, history and archives, and art. And 2026 will be a year for transformations at our parks, technology in our communications and work, and in-person interactions among neighbors.
Every individual that invests in this work is investing in the people to execute these programs, to bring neighbors together and enrich the civic and cultural fabric of the neighborhood.
And that’s what community is all about.
– Shannon Blankinship, Executive Director
To peruse photos of the 2026 Annual Meeting & Preservations Awards, click the button!
2025 MILESTONES
We launched an endowment at The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida to help fund our mission to preserve and enhance this neighborhood in perpetuity at over $100,000.
In 5 Points, we helped bring property owners and merchants together to create a Business Improvement District, which provides dedicated funding for cleaner, safer, more welcoming streets.
Our Home Tour & Garden Tour promoted historic preservation, restoration, renovation & design. Yards, gardens, and exterior living spaces are extensions of our homes, offering even more ways to elevate the beauty of the district. These events promote our neighborhood as a destination for thousands of people.
At Riverside Arts Market, we’ve welcomed more local makers and families than ever before. Our inaugural Holiday Market and ice-skating rink were windows into future activations we can organize in this space.
The new RAM mural, “Abundant Waters,” is complete and offers a glimpse into sea life and nature from our region.
At Peace Memorial Park, we submitted the fundraising revenue to the City of Jacksonville and anticipate breaking ground in early 2026 for a 40-foot stone labyrinth with a mission of peace and reflection.
We completed the outdoor exterior capital improvement plan at the Buckland House, creating a welcoming community space for groups of up to 100 and further preserving this property and its stories.
In our Merchant Areas, we funded litter maintenance, landscaping, new bike racks at Park & King and The Shoppes of Avondale, holiday lighting and decor, and continue investing where the most benefit is reaped.
Our archivist, Elaine Slayton Akin, catalogued 730 items from the Buckland Family and RAP collections and several important objects are on display on the main floor of the Buckland House, an exhibit specially curated by Elaine.
We hosted the first Faith Leaders Convening providing the opportunity for the neighborhood’s faith leaders to come together and share challenges, proposed solutions, and opportunities.
WAYNE WOOD AWARD
Richard Ceriello
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
The Wayne Wood Award is given to individuals who dedicate their lives to leading and supporting the preservation of this community’s history. This year, Riverside Avondale Preservation is proud to honor Richard Ceriello. Like Wayne, Richard needs no introduction and truly deserves this prestigious award. However, if you’re not aware of how long and how hard Richard has fought for our community, I am happy to share more about his leadership.
Richard moved to Riverside in 1976 to take a position as a speech pathologist for elementary school students, and he lived on Herschel Street with his partner, Anthony “Tony” O’Connor. Without Richard sharing the real and lived experiences of the first Pride gatherings in the 1970s at Willowbranch Library and Park, few would know the true origins of today’s Jacksonville Pride Parade route. If you don’t know the history, Richard will tell you, and the historic marker he erected for the First Gay Pride will also narrate the story of the early pride movement in Jacksonville. Other features in Willowbranch Park that serve to tell our history include the Sunflowers Mural, which recounts the lives of community members lost to AIDS over the past few decades–lives that will not be forgotten thanks to Richard’s perseverance as CEO of the Northeast Florida AIDS Memorial Project. Additionally, benches throughout Willowbranch Park are dedicated as memorials to local lives lost during the Orlando Pulse mass shooting in 2016.
At Willowbranch Park, no blade of grass is unsupported by Richard’s decades-long role as park steward. Richard’s service as a dedicated leader for various events—such as the creation of the Centennial Garden, protecting the park from harmful motocross biking, daily walkthroughs and cleanups, organizing annual cleanups, and much more—truly activates and strengthens Willowbranch Park. Richard has led each impressive public art installation at the park, including the “Serenity” rainbow mural by the Bridge Collective, improvements at the gazebo by Mary Joan Hinson, and the newest chessboard by Spider Ramsey.
But wait, there’s more.
Since serving on the RAP Board of Directors in 1984, Richard has continued to support the organization by opening his home and the 1910 General Store for RAP events, including Home Tours, Garden Tours, and most recently, the inaugural Music Tour. In 2025, Richard completed a major renovation of his home, designed and built by architects at JAA Architecture. This project aimed to evoke the former glory and elegance of the 1878 farmhouse—originally waterfront on the St. Johns River—by adding a second balcony porch.
Richard’s dedication to history, his tireless efforts to ensure those who died of AIDS in our community are remembered, his support for local art and artists, his leadership at Willowbranch Park, and his decades-long support of RAP and this neighborhood are why we honor Richard tonight with the 2026 Wayne Wood Award.
Congratulations, Richard!
RAM MAKER OF THE YEAR
Annsley Edwards
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
As a weekly event, the Riverside Arts Market must strike a delicate balance between consistency and change. Customers know they can count on attending RAM each Saturday, and that they can expect quality, handmade, local goods. But at the same time, customers look for variety and always gravitate towards something “new.”
No maker has come to understand this balance better than Annsley Edwards of Anney Life Designs. Over the past seven years, her leather goods have become a market staple and a driver of attendance thanks to Annsley’s consistency and commitment to doing what many makers hesitate to do: change things up. From shifts in her display, to the addition of interactive elements like vending machines and on-site leather stamping, the Anney Life Designs booth looks different every year, yet maintaining a signature “look” and style. This approach has brought her success and led to the development of a second, luxury product line–naturally, with products test-driven at RAM before her big launch of Annsley Rebekah.
Beyond her business success, Annsley has also taken on responsibilities within the market– helping staff park vehicles during morning setup, welcoming newer vendors during their first RAM days, and creating unique merchandise for sale at RAM’s Info Booth. She is always one to share tips and tricks, and mentors not only those looking to hone their skills in leathermaking but fellow vendors looking to upgrade their own displays and visitor experiences.
For all of these reasons, the RAM team is delighted to announce Annsley Edwards as our Maker of the Year.
PRESERVATION AWARDS
2965 St. Johns Ave.
Recipients: Michael & Anne Ballard and Centerbeam Construction
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
The Michael and Anne Ballard residence sets a beautiful example of a residential renovation in the Riverside Avondale historic district. The thoughtful design maintains the bungalow’s historical importance, including its age, architectural style, and its connection to significant historical events.
The quality of restoration work of the house aligns with best practices in historic preservation, retaining the original integrity of the building elements, materials, and craftsmanship such as the large overhangs and the unique style of window mullions. The exterior colors are smartly selected to produce subtle harmony with the surrounding landscape, well-proportioned to the scale of the building, and adjacent structures. Inside is warm and inviting, the wall coverings and drapery complementary to the interior walls and the wood flooring. Congratulations to Michael and Anne Ballard for the completion of this wonderful renovation project and thank you to Centerbeam Construction for leading this work and this project.
2131 St. Johns Ave.
Recipient: Charles Sessa, The Tides Group
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
The Preservation Award for this single-family residence goes to one of the few vintage brick houses where the home was renovated to preserve the existing brick exterior. Owner Charles Sessa preserved the original floor plan with minor modifications to allow for a new kitchen and improved primary bedroom.
Interior modifications were executed with a deep understanding of the structure’s original craftsmanship and design intent. Character-defining features such as original moldings, wood floorings, and decorative elements were carefully restored and integrated into the updated layout. Where new interventions were required, materials and detailing were selected to complement rather than compete with the historic fabric. Careful attention was paid to detailing in the foyer, blending seamlessly with the original architecture, as well as the restoration of the original interior trim with new moldings fabricated to match the existing. The owner also invested considerably in restoring the windows to their original condition. Outside, the landscape has been improved to respect and showcase the historic elements of the house. The team approached each decision with restraint and respect, allowing historic elements to remain the focal point while adapting the interior to meet present-day needs. The result is a revitalized space that honors its past, serves its current occupants, and stands as a model for how preservation and progress can work hand in hand. This award recognizes the vision behind this project.
LIFETIME PRESERVATION AWARD
1888 Powell Place
Recipient: Walter Suslak
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
The Lifetime Achievement Preservation Award honors an extraordinary commitment to safeguarding architectural heritage through vision, determination, and respect for history. This recognition celebrates the remarkable preservation of a Nunnery built in 1927 that not only withstood the test of time, but was carefully relocated down the river to its new home at 1888 Powell Place and remodeled to serve as a private residence.
The project stands as a testament to long-term dedication to preservation principles, ensuring that a significant piece of the community’s built history continues to endure for generations to come. Relocating a historic brick structure is a rare and complex undertaking, requiring meticulous planning, structural reinforcement, and unwavering attention to detail. Every effort was made to protect the integrity of the original masonry during the move, preserving the craftsmanship embedded in each brick and mortar joint. Once at its new site, the home was placed on a carefully constructed new foundation, providing the structural stability necessary to secure its future while respecting the character and proportions of the original design. The stem wall was added to match the original brick, and the angled brick at the front and rear of the house mimics the brick pattern on the chimney located on the side of the house. The landscape and hardscape were developed to situate the house in the neighborhood with identity and belonging, including the garage structure, added to the property to complement the original design and aesthetics of the house. This lifetime achievement recognition reflects not only the success of a single project, but a sustained commitment to preservation excellence.
By choosing relocation and restoration over demolition, the Suslaks demonstrated leadership, innovation, and deep respect for historic resources. The result is a revitalized landmark that bridges past and present—honoring its origins while standing firmly, and proudly, on new ground. The Lifetime Preservation Award goes to Walter Suslak.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD
2982 St. Johns Ave.
Recipients:
C. Douglas Lane, The Lane Group
Speir Bryant, W.S. Builders
Dr. McGregor Lott & Dr. Mary Elizabeth Lott
James Malenfant, Precast and Restoration Services Inc.
David Ponsler, Ponsler Metal Design
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
The original Robert W. Simms residence at 2982 St. Johns Avenue was designed in 1913 by architect James R. Walsh in the Prairie School style. The architecture is characterized by wide overhangs, horizontal bands, and grouped windows; the residence, however, also features terra-cotta accent bands, cast concrete railings, and arched brick elements that are atypical of the Prairie School style.
The current owners, Doctors McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Lott, requested a design for a new covered porch, located on the right rear side of the home accessible from the remodeled kitchen, using materials compatible with the scale, quality, and features of the main structure.
It serves as an exterior sitting area, usable year round, with an enjoyable elevated view of the extensively landscaped rear yard, pool area, and the river beyond. In collaboration with multiple local artisans and craftspeople, Doug Lane designed the requested porch addition with JHPC approval. James Malenfant of Precast and Restoration Services was instrumental in the use of a finish technique from “Edison Coatings” to simulate the original glazed terra-cotta. James cast, finished, and installed on-site the railings, belt course, decorative fascia, and steps of the design specifications. In addition, David Ponsler forged and installed the metal railings, handrails, and basement window well guardrails, and Kevin Dougherty installed the Ludowici clay tile roofing along with hidden copper gutters and flashings. Other key players include Austin Historical of Orlando, who restored existing wood windows and fabricated new wood windows to match the remodeled areas, and the general contractor Speir Bryant of W. S. Builders. This craftsmanship award for the meticulous blending of the elements for the new covered porch with the existing Prairie Style residence honors the homeowners, architects, and craftspeople who brought this project to life.
INDIVIDUAL SERVICE AWARDS
Maggie Thoeni, Riverside Park Steward
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
After multiple stakeholder interviews, Maggie Thoeni assumed the title of “park steward” for Riverside Park with careful consideration and a demonstrated awareness of the impact and need of this historic and important public space. Since that time, Maggie has committed to visiting the park on an almost daily basis, organizing multiple landscaping and cleanup days each year, monitoring the nearby bird habitat with partners, and speaking up for necessary repairs in the park.
In 2025, she spearheaded the effort to relandscape its entrance at the corner of Park and Post, while also advocating for a more substantial long-term improvement plan for the space. In particular, Maggie has been a champion for the naturalization of the duck pond, following up with JaxParks and the consultants regarding the timeline of the project and next steps. (currently projected for fall 2026!)
Most critically, in 2025, Maggie Thoeni was a key partner in a first-of-its-kind program to create a wild bird nesting area in an urban park. With partners from Sierra Club and Duval Audubon, Riverside Park was home to 70 nesting birds in 2025, and Maggie is working to replace invasive ground cover with a native variety in 2026.
With Maggie as our Park Steward, Riverside Park is moving in the right direction. Thank you, Maggie!
Dori Thomsen, Five Points Association President
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
While the Five Points Association has received much recognition over the last year, the success of the area’s efforts are due in large part to Dori Thompsen, current President of the Association and owner of Soluna Yoga & Spa.
For anyone who has ever worked on a committee, you know there is always that one person serving as the glue. Dori has been a stalwart for the Association since it started, serving as its first Vice President and became President in 2025.
In mid-2025, through an ordinance championed by Councilmember Jimmy Peluso, the Five Points area was granted status as a Business Improvement District (BID), which when initiated will allow area businesses to leverage fees to elevate the entire district. Dori Thompsen helped to assemble a group of property owners like herself and other merchants who supported the bill at City Council hearings, leading to the successful passage of the legislation.
Dori was a leader in working to bring in funding to support the needs of the area for safety and security before the BID, but became a leading voice for the effort after realizing it was the only real way to ensure dedicated and secured funding for the security and enhancement needs of the area.
The future is bright in Five Points for our communal areas, and much improved thanks to the dedicated and sustained leadership from Dori.
COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARDS
The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
At the Riverside Arts Market, serving SNAP customers, or participants of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, is a big part of our job. We also participate in a state-wide program, Fresh Access Bucks, to double SNAP dollars and provide participants with fresh produce. This program also creates demand for healthy foods from local farmers. In November 2025, the federal government shutdown impacted hundreds of thousands of families in northeast Florida with layoffs, pay withholding, facility closures, and a reduction in public services.
Importantly, the government shutdown threatened the health and livelihoods of our SNAP patrons and the farmers who grow their food. With the help of the Pajcic and Pajcic law offices and family members, RAM was able to continue to provide value to those impacted by food insecurity throughout the shutdown, and likely for all of 2026. The “Pajcic tokens” provide a $40 match to recipients utilizing the SNAP/FAB program so that they can double their dollars on produce, and then triple their dollars throughout the entire market.
For the first time in RAM history, SNAP recipients can shop all of the market, purchasing hot food, books, soaps, and other goods with the RAM token match as an ongoing part of this effort. Thanks to a generous gift of $100,000 from the Pajcic family, those in need will have extra dollars for local RAM purchases, likely to last all of 2026, growing our SNAP program and supporting the RAM artists and farmers. A huge thank you to the Law offices of Pajcic and Pajcic for this incredible opportunity and your ongoing effort to help the community.
Riverside Presbyterian Church
Photo credit: Sindy Gonzalez
Throughout 2025, Riverside Presbyterian Church opened its doors to RAP on multiple occasions, working to support the annual Home Tour and Music Tour, as well as biannual park cleanups. During the 2025 Home Tour, Riverside Presbyterian welcomed more than 2,000 members of the community to learn more about the storied architecture of their sacred space. During the 2025 Music Tour, music lessons for all ages were offered all day.
Each event expanded the footprint of RAP’s mission and established the church as a trusted partner and supporter of the neighborhood.
In addition, Riverside Presbyterian Church has become an essential champion of the Five Points Association. For over two years, the church has played host on Monday mornings at 10am to feed and greet nearby business owners, residents, and stakeholders working to improve the commercial district for the entire community.
And for many years, Riverside Presbyterian Church has organized the “Neighboring Collaborative,” composed of caring church members who meet regularly to discuss ways to better support the neighborhood and partners in need. Through the leadership of their Community Outreach Pastor Dana Riley, Riverside Presbyterian is not just an incredible architectural gem, it is an active steward of our community.
Thank you to the leadership at Riverside Presbyterian Church.
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to the following partners for providing goods, services, and entertainment for the 2026 Annual Meeting & Preservation Awards!
We extend our gratitude to 2026 VIP Sponsor CovingtonAlsina for underwriting the food and beverage for the Annual Meeting & Preservation Awards reception, helping to create a welcoming space for members and neighbors to connect.
OUR TEAM
The team at the Riverside Avondale Preservation and Riverside Arts Market is the unsung hero in the success of our organization. Without them, the events, preservation, art installations, placemaking initiatives, and community bonds that we create could not happen.
To learn more about our team members, visit our staff page HERE.
