2021 Sturgis Award recipient Helleny’s volunteer efforts help showcase Southern Illinois
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(Photo by Russell Bailey)
by Pete Rosenbery
CARBONDALE, Ill. — When discussing HerrinFesta Italiana, Herrin’s annual weeklong celebration that runs through Memorial Day, it’s hard to not also mention Joey Helleny. The work that Helleny and myriad other volunteers put into running one of the region’s largest and best-known festivals is not only important to Williamson County but Southern Illinois as well.
Helleny, the 2021 Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award recipient, said it’s important to promote the region and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.