Emma Shafer, 24, was a much-beloved community activist, friend and family member whose life was taken suddenly and far too soon on July 11, 2023. Her life and her death have greatly impacted our community. Emma was involved in a multitude of social justice and community activist groups including Resistor Sisterhood, Faith Coalition for the […]
Illinois Times Staff
Posted inBest of Springfield®
NEW BUSINESS (NOT DOWNTOWN)
It took almost a year for Mike and Kelly Donaldson to renovate the historic Naramore House, building solid relationships along the way. Opening week was packed with customers, and they were surprised by the outpouring of support, allowing them to add staff and additional hours much sooner than they expected. Eight months later, Yellow Bird […]
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BEST LANDSCAPE COMPANY and BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Take a closer look to the west of the Horace Mann building downtown and you’ll see not only plants and fountains and a small waterfall, but an entire ecosystem that is self-sustaining and educational. “We were able to construct a complete, self-sustaining natural ecosystem in the heart of downtown Springfield that looks as if it […]
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WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Assisted-living community Concordia Village 4101 W. Iles Ave., (217) 793-9429 Finalists: The Villas Senior Care Facility – Sherman, Rochester Estates, Illinois Presbyterian Home, Springfield Supportive Living, Carriage Crossing Senior Living Chiropractor Dr. Tana Frisina – Frisina Family Wellness 1533 S. MacArthur Blvd., (217) 787-4345 Finalists: Dr. Samantha Waggener- Waggener Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Dr. Kyle […]
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WEDDING VENUEs
Arlington’s is a great story. It first opened as a popular restaurant about 10 years ago but then converted to an event venue during the COVID-19 shutdown. Owner Ebben Moore used that time to slow down and reflect on what would be the best future for him and his unique space – which ended up […]
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UP-AND-COMING LEADER
Some people know her as the Lasagna Lady, but her real name is Beth Ballinger, and she is the founder of Feeding Springfield One Lasagna at a Time. She lives by the motto: Nobody goes to bed hungry. Ballinger’s parents taught her early on how to give to others. Every Thanksgiving her parents would invite […]
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MEDICAL SPA
“Aesthetics-Wellness is a place where people can feel comfortable receiving treatments to improve their natural beauty,” says founder Courtney Wilbern. “I want people to feel comfortable with me and my staff. I want them to know they can trust us to work with them.” Wilbern has 19 years of nursing experience and is a certified […]
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CASHIER
With a husky voice, an easy smile and greetings such as “Hey baby” and “Hey gorgeous,” Bernedette Wallace tries to show kindness and spread happiness in the morning drive-thru lane at McDonald’s. Customers have responded by voting Wallace best cashier in Illinois Times’ 2023 Best of Springfield Readers Poll. “I think it’s wonderful,” said Wallace, […]
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WINNERS AND FINALISTS: GOODS AND SERVICES
Accountant Troy A. Washko, CPA 1924 E. Sangamon Ave., (217) 522-3300 Finalists: Danielle Alstott, David Humke, AJ Lust, Clay Rotherham, Bryan Martin, CPA – Taxstra Apartment community Lake Pointe Apartments 1600 Toronto Road, (217) 529-2900 Finalists: Prairie Vista Apartments, Ash Grove, West Woods Apartments, South Grand Apartments Auto detail Robert’s Automotive 4440 Wabash Ave., (217) […]
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PLACE FOR KARAOKE and OVERALL BAR
For a venue that’s known far and wide for hosting one of the best live sound stages around, what’s up with this consistent winning in the DJ and karaoke categories? Well, the answer is easy – DJ Mikee is the best at spinning tunes so you can enjoy yourself and Debbie Cakes is the best […]
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NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN and NEW BAR
As Elizabeth Wake explored her entrepreneurial dreams, she thought about what downtown Springfield really needed. Her conclusion was a late-night coffeehouse and fully non-alcoholic bar, and The Wakery was born. Wake received the 2022 Isringhausen DRIVE Small Business Grant, which was instrumental in her ability to open The Wakery. On your first visit to The […]
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AUTO SALESPERSON
It is easy to understand why Brian Mitchell has earned honors in auto sales, considering that he started at Isringhausen washing cars, devoting more than three decades to become detail manager, service adviser and senior Mercedes sales consultant. “I started in the business at ground level and have worked to understand what’s underneath and inside […]
