SE Kansas City News

Charlotte Olejko, a horticulturist with the City of Independence, has received the 2025 Susan Paxton Block Award for Distinguished Public Service. The award was presented at the September 2 City Council meeting.

“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’s contributions include leading landscape design, installation, and maintenance projects throughout Independence. She established the Adopt-a-Spot and Memorial Tree and Bench programs, encouraging resident participation in local beautification efforts. In addition to moderating monthly meetings of the Independence Tree Commission, she maintains an inventory of trees across the city including those in the Truman Historic District.

A Master Gardener, Olejko has worked with scouts, civic groups, and volunteers on projects that enhance public spaces with plantings able to withstand Missouri’s climate. Under her guidance, Vaile Arboretum earned accreditation and Independence maintained its status as a Tree City USA.

Olejko also started the Uptown Garden Faire five years ago—a spring event that attracts both residents and visitors—and has served on boards related to local historic mansions such as the Vaile Victorian Society and Bingham-Waggoner Estate Historical Society. As a docent at Bingham-Waggoner Estate and National Frontier Trails Museum, she educates guests about history and horticulture.

Her leadership roles have included serving as past president of Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum. In 2017 she received recognition from the Heritage Commission 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 given each year by the Junior Service League—of which Block was a second-generation member who served as president in 1989–1990—to recognize outstanding public service by a city employee, volunteer or elected official. The presentation occurs annually at a City Council meeting before Block’s birthday on September 24.