Two Galesburg women were honored by the city last night for their contributions to improving the lives of young people in the community.
Cindy Barshinger and Jeannette Chernin are the 2016 recipients of the Galesburg Annual Adult to Youth Service Award.
Mayor John Pritchard made an official proclamation commending each for their community contributions before last night’s city council meeting.
Chernin is a volunteer advocate for foster children through CASA of Knox County who currently advocates for four foster children.
Additionally she is a committee chair for Boy Scout Troop #4316, a GHS North mentor and is currently waiting for her match with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Last night Chernin took a moment to challenge those in council chambers to give of themselves to improve the community.
“I want to encourage everyone to volunteer for something in this community,” Chernin says. “Give up a night or get up early on a weekend morning or do both, and get out and go out and do something without any monetary compensation. If you’re working just for money you’re not doing anything for people.”
Barshinger is a teacher at Bright Futures pre-school but was also recognized for a bevy of other volunteer endeavors, including years of work at the City’s Nature Center, assisting with “The Weekend” and Habitat for Humanity.
“I think there are people who pray, I know there are people who just help that neighbor next door,” Barshinger says. “And I think that’s what makes Galesburg what it is.”
Last year’s honoree was Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer Linda Lewis.
