Old Town Cape hosts award ceremony dinner

Beau Nations

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Old Town Cape hosted a dinner and award ceremony on Thursday evening at Century Casino in Cape Girardeau to recognize individuals and organizations from the local area who have contributed to the preservation and restoration of historic downtown Cape.

Liz Haynes, executive director of Old Town Cape, hosted the event on Thursday and announced the speakers who would present each award. (Beau Nations)
Mike Goddard, provost at Southeast Missouri State University, accepted the Charles L. Hutson Visionary Award on behalf of Scott and Lisa Blank for their investments in the downtown Cape community. (Beau Nations)
Doc Cain, proprietor of Port Cape was awarded the Business Excellence award. (Beau Nations)
Steve Watkins speaks to the crowd after being presented with the 'Excellence in Historic Preservation'. Watkins owns a business called 'The Forge' where people can learn blacksmithing skills and the location also acts as a wedding venue. (Beau Nations)

Volunteer of the year award winners included Kaitlyn Kraus, Jennifer Redinger and Tasha Schuyler. Old Town Cape had 2,022 volunteer years in 2021 from 217 volunteers. (Beau Nations)
Christy Mershon, President of the Board of the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau and co-president of the Glenn House board, accepted the 'Resiliency award'. Mershon explained how the Glenn House board adapted to adversity during the pandemic. (Beau Nations)
Bob Fox, Mayor of Cape Girardeau, Phil Penzel, CEO of Penzel Construction and Joy Coleman, member of the American Institute of Architects, holder their 'Preservation of Heritage' awards for their work on Cape's Common Pleas Courthouse. Fox said the historic courthouse is a "symbol of our city and symbol of our community." (Beau Nations)