BEST WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES Lindsay McCall and Steve Sykes For many people with full mobility, being in a wheelchair would seem like a limitation. But for local wheelchair athletes Lindsay McCall and Steve Sykes, it’s just another fact of life. Steve Sykes of Springfield has been in a wheelchair his whole life, but he says that actually helps him in his chosen sport of table tennis. “Being right at the level of the table actually gives me a little bit of an advantage,” he says slyly. He plays in the ping pong league at Horace Mann, where he works, saying it’s a sport where he can be on a level playing field. Lindsay McCall of Chatham was injured after falling out of a tree during high school, and she plays wheelchair basketball and sled hockey – a version of hockey played on sleds – whenever possible. McCall says it has been difficult to adapt to not getting around as easily. “But, you get over it,” she says. “It could be worse.”

BEST ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATION Animal Protective League 1001 Taintor Rd., 544-7387 Few people like to see animals suffering, but the Animal Protective League in Springfield does something about it. Voted “best animal rescue organization” this year, APL rescues pets from abusive situations, cares for pets that would otherwise be abandoned or put down, and maintains a local network of pet foster homes so that sheltered animals can feel the love and companionship of a real home while they await adoption. This no-kill shelter provides low-cost spaying and neutering services, microchipping, and education for pet owners as they seek to eliminate animal euthanasia in Sangamon County. APL operates entirely on private donations, and volunteers or foster families are always needed, says Deana Corbin, interim executive director of APL. “It’s very exciting,” she says. “It’s great to see the success stories. To see the ones that go home and make people very happy and have a great life is very rewarding.”

BEST HANGOUT IF YOU’RE BROKE Washington Park Who says you have to have money to enjoy life? Washington Park was voted the best hangout if you’re broke, and it’s easy to see why. The historic park, created in 1901, features a paved pathway lined with beautiful old trees and stately houses, and the calm lagoon is a great place to sit and feed the ducks while you ruminate about life. It doesn’t matter if you’re just out of a jog, trying to keep the kids busy or if you’re taking a date on a romantic picnic to hide your empty wallet; Washington Park is an absolute treasure, especially when you can’t afford anything else.

BEST VOLUNTEER Wes Barr Most people who volunteer are content to be involved in one or two projects. For Wes Barr of Springfield, who was voted “best volunteer” yet again this year, that’s just an appetizer. Despite working full time for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Barr somehow finds time to volunteer for a whopping five causes around Springfield. In addition to donating his time, hard work and enthusiasm to the American Red Cross, United Cerebral Palsy and SPARC, Barr also serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, where he will soon assume the role of vice chairman. Around the holiday season, Barr coordinates Toys for Tots, which collects toys for local churches and service agencies to pass along to children in need. Last year, they collected 17,000 toys that went to an estimated 8,000 kids through 32 different churches and agencies. “I just love making a difference in peoples’ lives,” Barr says. “When I’m helping others, I just can’t describe the feelings.” Runner-up: Anna Pearson, Animal Protective League

BEST QUIRKY PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS Cozy Dog Drive-In 2935 S. Sixth St., 525-1992 If quirks are what set something apart as a treasure, Cozy Dog Drive-In is a gold mine. The family-owned and operated restaurant has become an institution in Springfield since the first Cozy Dog in 1946, and no visit to Lincoln’s city is complete without scarfing down a Cozy Dog basket. Tony Waldmire proudly recounts how his grandfather, Ed Waldmire Jr., began selling “crusty curs” – the precursor to the Cozy Dog - while in the army. The elder Waldmire brought the recipe back to Springfield and launched the first Cozy Dogs stand at the Lake Springfield Beach House on June 16, 1946. Though the location has changed a few times, Cozy Dog still retains that uniquely satisfying quirk that makes it a true landmark.