Award recognition

Last Thursday at Old Town Cape's annual dinner, the not-for-profit preservation group recognized three individuals and one organization for their efforts to improve the Old Town Cape district.

Cindy Buchheit was recognized with the volunteer of the year award. Buchheit has served on Old Town Cape's design committee. Laurie Everett received the Business Excellence Award. She is the owner of Annie Laurie's Antiques. Tim Arbeiter received the Charles L. Hutson Visionary Award. Arbeiter served as the director at Old Town Cape from 2004 to 2006 and currently serves as vice president of community development for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

St. Mary's Cathedral received the Preservation of Heritage Award. The award is given to an organization, private company, public agency or individual deserving of recognition for improving or preserving the Old Town Cape district. This award is not given on an annual basis. Before St. Mary's, the award had only been given out four other times, with past recipients including the Marquette Towers, Southeast Missourian, Southeast Missouri State University River Campus and Schultz Senior Apartments.

St. Mary's Cathedral is a deserving recipient of this award. In addition to past historic rehabilitations, St. Mary's recently finished a school addition -- a project that has given the facility more space while maintaining its historic nature. St. Mary's beautification projects are also deserving of recognition.

Congratulations to all the award recipients, as well as the many others who have committed their time and resources to preserving downtown Cape Girardeau. Your efforts are appreciated.