Commission plans spring certification award and lecture by Greg Richard

Speaker 1 presented an update on planning for the group's first certification award and a companion lecture. Greg Richard agreed to serve as lead speaker, focusing on late 19th- and early 20th-century planned communities and placing local neighborhoods such as Norwood Park in broader context. Members discussed possible spring dates (preferably a Thursday evening before Memorial Day), potential venues including the American Legion Hall and the Merriam Estate ballroom, capacity needs (estimate ~60), and the need to avoid conflicts with other local organizations' calendars.

Speaker 1 said the event would combine an award presentation (recognizing a local preservation project with notable before-and-after results) followed by Richard's lecture. Logistics to resolve include confirming a date with the speaker, finalizing a venue, and contacting the award project owner to confirm participation. Members asked to avoid scheduling until the group verifies key availability and to consider Thursday evenings as a 'sweet spot' for attendance.

The commission agreed to follow up on venue availability, confirm a speaker date, and finalize an award recipient before public promotion.