The other finalist for this year’s award was Sara-Ann Rosen.
Elizabeth Ribarsky of Springfield, associate professor of communication at UIS, was honored with the Star Staff Award.
Ribarsky has chaired the annual Illinois Humane Trivia Night and in two years, she raised an additional $25,000 for the organization with this event.
Reagan Weichold of Chatham was honored with the Youth Volunteer Award. She was nominated by the Animal Protective League.
Weichold is a mentor for the APL’s Junior Volunteer Program.
Other finalists included Tyler Lancaster and Audrey Lupton.
Twenty volunteers were also honored with the Heart of Gold Award. Individual recipients were: Dennis Ahlberg, Anne Anderson, Stacey Austin, Jim Barr, Sandy Bellatti, Sally Cadagin, Becky Gabany, Paula Harris, Dorothy Hart, William G. Holland, DeeDee McCarty, Allison Montney, Traci Moore, Kristie Parkins, Megan Philpot, Renate Selby, Teressa Shelton, Kate Ward and Laura Winkelmann.
Restaurants, recreation welcome return of guests
David Blanchette For The Telegraph
Jan. 24, 2021
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Christina Reynolds cleans a table at the Olive Branch Cafe in Jerseyville, which has reopened under Region 3 COVID guidelines. “It’s exciting that we are getting closer and everybody will be safe again and able to enjoy life,” said Jeni Nape at the restaurant. Show MoreShow Less
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Pietro and Reno Lentini in the new banquet hall under construction at Reno’s Pizza in Carlinville. The restaurant started adding the room during the COVID shutdown. Reno’s plans to reopen Friday, Jan. 29. Show MoreShow Less
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