{Record|Tape-record|Tape} entries for Best of Best – Alton Telegraph

Back to Gallery ALTON– Stars filled the night as {some of|a few of} the {decades|years} {favorite|preferred} {celebrity|star|celeb} {personalities|characters} made cameos to {help|assist} {announce|reveal} the 2020 {Best of the Best|Cream of the crop} of Madison County and Riverbend winners, as voted on by readers of the Telegraph and the Edwardsville Intelligencer, at the {annual|yearly} “{Best|Finest} of the {Best|Finest}” {event|occasion}– {virtually|practically|essentially}.

Unlike {last year|in 2015}, the {celebrities|stars|celebs} weren’t the only ones going virtual. The {entire|whole} {Best of the Best|Cream of the crop} {event|occasion} was held {virtually|practically|essentially} and a YouTube video of the tropically themed awards {ceremony|event} is online at thetelegraph.com.

This year’s {Best of the Best|Cream of the crop} of Madison County and the Riverbend {garnered|gathered|amassed} more than 280,000 votes, which was 40,000 votes {greater|higher} than {last year|in 2015}.

“It’s been {quite|rather} a year, with {so many|a lot of|many|numerous} {changes|modifications}, {but|however} {one thing|something} that hasn’t {changed|altered} is the {excitement|enjoyment} and {enthusiasm|interest} of the ‘{Best|Finest} of’ contest,” {said|stated} Hearst Illinois’ Carole Fredeking, {advertising|promoting|marketing} director, {during|throughout} the {introduction|intro} of the {event|occasion}.

“This {event|occasion} is {all about|everything about} you,” she {said|stated}. “We {appreciate|value} and we support all of our {local|regional} {businesses|companies|services|organizations}.”

{Two|2} {lucky|fortunate} {people|individuals} won three-day, two-night {trips|journeys} to Margaritaville at Lake of the Ozarks: Kim Reiniger, of Worden, and Tracy Sharpmack, of East Alton.

{Highlights|Emphasizes} {included|consisted of} {special|unique} {appearances|looks} by Don Johnson, Bo Derek and {an actor|a star} {portraying|depicting|representing} Robert DeNiro.

“Hey, Bob De Niro here, you talkin’ to me? Huh?” he {said|stated} through the screen, {resurrecting|reanimating} his character from “{Taxi Driver|Cab driver|Cabby}.” “No, I’m talkin’ to you. Yeah, you bub, the one sittin’ there, {eating|consuming} your frozen meal watchin’ this, yeah you, ya’ {filthy|dirty|unclean} rotten {scum|residue}. Do yourself a favor, huh, get up and go get yer’self some {good|great|excellent} grub and when you do, you {better|much better} go to {the best|the very best} Italian {restaurant|dining establishment} around, Bella Milano!

“Remember this, I am watchin’ you.”

One {special|unique} {guest|visitor}, who {could|might} not {stay away|keep away} after {last year|in 2015}, {opened and closed the {show|program}|closed the {show|program} and opened}.

“I had {so much|a lot} {fun|enjoyable} {last year|in 2015}, I {begged|pled|asked} them to let me {come back|return} this year,” {said|stated} Carson Kressley, who {came on the scene|emerged} {first|initially} in 2003 in the Bravo series “Queer Eye for the Straight {Guy|Man|Person}.” “I see {some of|a few of} you {wearing|using} your pajamas {because|since|due to the fact that} it’s a pandemic, I’m going to let this one slide. {Enjoy|Delight in|Take pleasure in} the {show|program}!”

He closed the {show|program} with {a hope for|an expect|a wish for} normalcy for next year’s {Best of the Best|Cream of the crop} of Madison County and the Riverbend {event|occasion}.

“What {a great|a fantastic|a terrific|an excellent} night {everyone|everybody}, {hope to|wish to|intend to|want to} see you back next year– in the flesh.”

Other surprise {guests|visitors} {included|consisted of} {actor|star} John O’Hurley, in character as J. Peterman from “Seinfeld,” St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, Jan Pol from the {reality|truth} {show|program} “The {Incredible|Amazing|Extraordinary|Unbelievable} Dr. Pol” on Nat Geo Wild, martial arts {expert|professional|skilled} Chuck Norris, and {actors|stars} Jamie Farr, Jackie Mason, Steve Guttenberg, Penn Jillette and Erica Lugo from “The {Biggest|Most significant|Greatest} Loser.”

Congratulations to all who {received|got} awards! And the winners are:

{People|Individuals}:

• {Best|Finest} {Car|Vehicle|Automobile|Cars And Truck} {Salesman|Salesperson}, Brent Marburger, Federico Kia

• Best Chamber Director, John Keller/RiverBend {Growth|Development} Association

• Best Coach, Derek Jarman/Civic Memorial High School

• Best {Firefighter|Firemen}, Ben Hamberg/ Godfrey Fire {Protection|Security|Defense} District

• Best Nurse, Stephanie Ponce/ OSF Saint Anthony’s {Emergency Room|Emergency clinic}

• Best {Photographer|Professional Photographer}, Carrie Carpunky Photography

• Best {Place|Location} to Work, OSF {HealthCare|Health Care}

• Best {Police Officer|Policemans|Law Enforcement Officers}, Jeff Shank/Bethalto

• Best Principal, Adam Miller/Trimpe {Middle School|Intermediate School}

• Best {Teacher|Instructor}, Nancy Holtorf/North Elementary, Alton, and Roxana {Junior High School|Junior High}

• Best Volunteer, Karen Wilson

Automotive:

• {Best|Finest} {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} Body {Repair|Repair Work}, Freer {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} Body

• Best {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} Detailer, {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} Butler {Car|Vehicle|Automobile|Cars And Truck} Wash and Express Lube

• Best {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} {Repair|Repair work}, Tucker’s Automotive {Repair|Repair work} and Tire

• Best {Car|Vehicle|Automobile|Cars And Truck} Wash, {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} Butler {Car|Vehicle|Automobile|Cars And Truck} Wash and Express Lube

• {Best|Finest} {New|Brand-new} {Car|Vehicle|Automobile|Cars And Truck} {Dealer|Dealership}, Roberts Motors

• Best Oil {Change|Modification}, Tucker’s Automotive {Repair|Repair work} and Tire

• Best Tire {Shop|Store}, St. Jacob Automotive

• Best Towing/Roadside {Assistance|Support|Help}, Bower’s Towing

• {Best|Finest} {Used|Utilized} {Car|Vehicle|Automobile|Cars And Truck} {Dealer|Dealership}, Smart {Choice|Option} {Auto|Car|Automobile|Vehicle} Sales

Beauty/Relaxation:

• {Best|Finest} Barber {Shop|Store}, {Happy|Pleased|Delighted} Hour Barber Stop

• Best {Day Spa|Spa}, Lauren Strickland at Meraki Studio

• Best Eyebrow {Shaping|Forming}, Lauren Strickland at Meraki Studio

• {Best|Finest} {Hair Salon|Hairdresser|Beauty Parlor}, Kristen’s Hair Studio

• Best {Hair Stylist|Hairstylist}, Kristen Meyer

• {Best|Finest} Nail {Salon|Beauty Salon|Beauty Parlor|Hair Salon}, EXO Nail Bar

• Best Tattoo {Shop|Store}, Empire Ink Studio

{Entertainment|Home entertainment}:

• {Best|Finest} {Entertainment|Home Entertainment} {Venue|Location|Place}, Wild Pickins Winery

• Best Golf Course, Belk Park Golf Course

• Best {Local|Regional} Live Theater, Alton Little Theater

• Best {Local|Regional} Park, Glazebrook Park

• {Best|Finest} {Outdoor|Outside} {Patio|Outdoor Patio|Patio Area}, Laux Brickhouse

• Best Sports Bar, Roper’s Regal Beagle

• Best {Wedding|Wedding Event} {Venue|Location|Place}, WOW {Event|Occasion} Center

Food and {Beverage|Drink}:

• {Best|Finest} Asian {Restaurant|Dining Establishment}, Wang Gang

• {Best|Finest} {{BBQ|BARBEQUE}, Fire and Smoke|{BBQ|BARBEQUE}, smoke and fire|Fire, {bbq|barbeque} and smoke|Fire, smoke and {bbq|barbeque}|Smoke, {bbq|barbeque} and fire|Smoke, fire and {bbq|barbeque}}

• Best Cookies, Cookie Factory {Bakery|Bakeshop|Pastry Shop}

• Best Donuts, Mister Donut

• {Best|Finest} {Fine|Great} Dining, Gentelin’s on Broadway

• Best Fried Chicken, Castelli’s Moonlight {Restaurant|Dining establishment} at 255

• Best Hamburgers, King Louie’s Drive-In

• Best Ice Cream, Shivers Frozen Custard

• Best Italian {Restaurant|Dining Establishment}, Bella Milano

• Best {Local|Regional} Coffee, Germania Brew {House|Home}

• Best {Local|Regional} Desserts, Josephine’s {Gift|Present} {Shop|Store} and Tea {Room|Space}

• {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional} Winery, Wild Pickins Winery

• {Best|Finest} {Locally|In Your Area} Brewed Beer, Old {Bakery|Bakeshop|Pastry Shop} Beer Co.

• {Best|Finest} Martinis, Bossanova {Restaurant|Dining Establishment} and Lounge

• Best Mexican {Restaurant|Dining Establishment}, El Mezcal

• Best Pizza, Roma’s Pizza

• Best Seafood, Grafton Oyster Bar

• {Best|Finest} Sushi, Wasabi

• Best Wings, Alton Sports Tap

Health and {Wellness|Health}:

• {Best|Finest} Cancer Care Center, OSF Moeller Cancer Center

• {Best|Finest} {Chiropractor|Chiropractic Doctor|Chiropractic Practitioner|Chiropractic Specialist|Chiropractic Physician}, Bemis {Family|Household} Chiropractic

• Best {Dentist|Dental Professional|Dental Expert|Dental Practitioner}, Humbert {Road|Roadway} Dentistry

• Best Gym/Fitness Center, Alphas {Gym|Fitness Center|Health Club}

• Best Health Coach/Weight Loss Coach, Shawn Crocker/ CrossFit Edwardsville

• Best Hearing Center {Professional|Expert|Specialist}, Hearing Associates

• Best {Hospital|Medical Facility|Healthcare Facility|Health Center}, OSF {HealthCare|Health Care}

• Best Imaging Center, OSF {Healthcare|Health care} Saint Anthony’s {Health Center|University hospital}

• {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional} Yoga Studio, Riverbend Yoga

• Best Martial Arts Studio, Alton {Family|Household} Martial Arts

• Best OB/GYN, Dr. Joseph Talsky MD

• {Best|Finest} Orthodontist, Haug Orthodontics

• Best {Pharmacy|Drug Store}, Alton Walgreens

• Best {Physical Therapist|Physiotherapist}, Alton Physical {Therapy|Treatment}

• Best {Physician|Doctor}, Dr. Craig {Harms|Hurts|Damages}, MD

• Best {Podiatrist|Podiatric Doctor}, Dr. Kyle Wilmes, DPM

• Best Urgent Care, OSF Prompt Care

• Best Vision Center, Rose Optical

{Home|House} {Services|Solutions|Providers}:

• {Best|Finest} Carpet Cleaner, TK Carpet Gallery Inc.

• {Best|Finest} Carpet/Flooring {Company|Business}, TK Carpet Gallery Inc.

• {Best|Finest} {Cleaning|Cleansing} {Company|Business}, Annointed Hands {Cleaning|Cleansing} {Services|Solutions|Providers}

• Best {Electrician|Electrical Contractor|Electrical Expert}, Bickle Electric Contracting Co.

• {Best|Finest} Heating/Cooling, Pruitt Mechanical {Services|Solutions|Providers}

• Best {Home|House} {Builder|Contractor|Home Builder}, Gray Brothers {Construction|Building|Building And Construction} and Excavating

• Best {Home|House} Inspector, Madewell Inspections

• Best {Home|House} {Remodeling|Renovation|Improvement} {Company|Business}, Eagle {Home|House} {Improvement|Enhancement}

• Best Landscaper, Jim Murphy’s {Complete|Total} Landscaping

• Best {Lawn|Yard} Care, Jim Murphy’s {Complete|Total} Landscaping

• Best {Lawn Mower|Mower} and Tractor Sales, Bertel’s Sales and Service

• {Best|Finest} Painting {Company|Business}, Kaid Painting and Drywall

• Best {Pest|Insect|Bug} Control, Allied {Pest|Insect|Bug} Control Inc.

• {Best|Finest} {Plumber|Plumbing|Plumbing Technician|Plumbing Professional}, Inspector {Plumber|Plumbing|Plumbing Technician|Plumbing Professional}

• Best {Propane|Lp|Gas} {Company|Business}, Senger’s Gas

• Best {Roofer|Roofing Contractor|Roofing Professional}, Ryan {Construction|Building|Building And Construction} and {Roofing|Roof}, LLC

• Best {Trash|Garbage} {Company|Business}, Robert Sanders Waste Systems Inc.

• {Best|Finest} Waterproofing, Midwest Basement Tech

{Pet|Animal|Family pet} {Services|Solutions|Providers}:

• {Best|Finest} {Dog|Canine|Pet Dog|Pet} {Trainer|Fitness Instructor}, {Lucky|Fortunate} {Dog|Canine|Pet Dog|Pet} Training

• Best Groomer, {Lucky|Fortunate} {Dog|Canine|Pet Dog|Pet} Grooming

• Best Kennel/Boarding {Facility|Center}, Club Paws

• Best {Veterinarian|Vet}, Bethalto Animal {Clinic|Center}

{Senior|Senior citizen|Elder} {Services|Solutions|Providers}:

• {Best|Finest} {Assisted|Helped} Living {Facility|Center}, Asbury {Village|Town}

• Best In- {Home|House} {Health Care|Healthcare}, {Absolute|Outright} {Health Care|Healthcare} {Services|Solutions|Provider} LLC

• Best Memory Care {Community|Neighborhood}, Cedarhurst {Senior|Senior Citizen|Elder} Living

• {Best|Finest} Senior Center, {Senior|Senior Citizen|Elder} {Services|Solutions|Provider} Plus

• Best Senior Living {Community|Neighborhood}, Asbury {Village|Town}

• Best {Skilled|Experienced|Competent|Proficient|Knowledgeable} Nursing {Community|Neighborhood}, Alton Memorial {Rehabilitation|Rehab} & & {Therapy|Treatment} {Services|Solutions|Providers}: • {Best|Finest} Animal Rescue, {Five|5} A’s • Best Auctioneer, Cody Hanold Auctioneering • Best Bank, 1st MidAmerica {Credit Union|Cooperative Credit Union} • Best Chamber of Commerce, RiverBend {Growth|Development}

Association • Best {Credit Union|Cooperative Credit Union}

, 1st MidAmerica {Credit Union|Cooperative Credit Union} • Best DJ, DJ Nick • {Best|Finest} {Financial|Monetary} {Advisor|Consultant}, Rachael Beckemeyer– Thrivent Financial • Best {Funeral|Funeral Service} {Home|House}, Pitchford {Funeral|Funeral Service} {Home|House} • Best {Insurance|Insurance Coverage} {Agent|Representative}, Karen Wilson– State Farm {Insurance|Insurance Coverage} {Agent|Representative} • Best {Law Firm|Law Practice|Law Office}, Schrempf Kelly and Napp Ltd. • {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional} College, Lewis and Clark {Community|Neighborhood} College • {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional}

{Private School|Independent School}, Zion Lutheran School Bethalto • Best {Mortgage|Home Loan|Home Mortgage} {Company|Business}, Town and Country/Sue Cress • Best Non-Profit {Organization|Company}, {Five|5} A’s Humane Society • {Best|Finest} {Real Estate|Realty|Property} Broker, Mary Beiser/Tarrant and Harman Shopping: • {Best|Finest} Antique {Store|Shop}, Alton Exchange • {Best|Finest} {Bridal and {Formal|Official}|{Formal|Official} and bridal} {Wear|Use}, Frew’s Bridal • {Best|Finest} {Convenience Store|Corner Store}, Quik {Trip|Journey} • Best {Florist|Flower shop|Flower designer|Floral designer}, Jeffrey’s Flowers By {Design|Style}

• Best Hardware {Store|Shop}, St. Peters Hardware and Rental Inc. • {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional} {Appliance|Home Appliance|Device} {Store|Shop}, Alton Refrigeration and {Home Furnishings|Furniture|Furnishings} {• {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional} Art Fair,

Jacoby Arts Center|• {Best|Finest} {Local|Regional} Art Fair,

Jacoby Arts} • Best {Local|Regional} {Boutique|Shop|Store}, Rustic Roots • Best {Local|Regional} {Furniture|Furnishings} {Store|Shop}, Pure {Bliss|Happiness} {Home|House} {Decor|Design|Decoration} • Best {Local|Regional} {Grocery Store|Supermarket}, Aldi • Best {Local|Regional} {Jewelry|Fashion Jewelry|Precious Jewelry} {Store|Shop}, Maneke Jewelers • Best {Local|Regional} Shoe {Store|Shop}, Cleary

‘s Shoes and Boots • Best Meat Market, Sever’s Meat Market • Best Pawn {Shop|Store} Sam’s Pawn {Shop|Store} Source:

thetelegraph.com