Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Megan moved to the Springfield area before she began high school where she's been an active part of the community before she even had a driver's license. Megan is a graduate of Benedictine University and a member of the Rotary Club of Springfield and Illinois Women in Leadership.
MEGAN'S VIEW FROM HERE
What are the top three things a potential resident should know about Springfield & Sangamon County?
Springfield is one of the most amazing places to raise a family! We have some of the best schools, park districts, entertainment options, rich cultural history, and some of the most amazing local restaurants in the state of Illinois. They should also know that when they move to this area, they're joining a group of people who truly care about one another, and that was made abundantly clear at the beginning of the pandemic. Finally, Springfield is nestled in the perfect spot- close enough for a short train ride to both St. Louis and Chicago, but far enough away from the big city to feel completely safe and quiet in their neighborhoods.
Do you have a knowledge base for any specific amenities of the community?: I have worked with numerous organizations within the community such as the Salvation Army, Mini O Bierne Crisis Nursery, MMC and HSHS, Boys and Girls Club of Central IL, Mercy Communities, BCBS, Molina, Meridian, District 186, and many more. I have an active line of communication with most local organizations, food pantries, and community resources.
What do you love most about the Springfield & Sangamon County area?
I love the passion that community leaders have for the people they serve. It is abundantly clear when you walk through our beautiful downtown and see all of the love that the residents pour into their homes.
What makes the Springfield & Sangamon County area unique?
This area has something for literally everyone. So much history, shopping, dining, beautiful neighborhoods filled with old houses, amazing entertainment options with Knights Action Park, the Kidzeum, etc. I work with people from across the country, and every person who visits tells me how beautiful and amazing this community is. We are so lucky to live in a place where the residents truly care about their neighbors.
How are you involved in the community?
I am an active member of the Rotary Club of Springfield and IL Women in Leadership. I am a table chair for the MOCN One Stop Shop. I've spearheaded a monthly meeting for local community event planners where we discuss what we are working on and opportunities for collaboration and partnership. I volunteer regularly with the Boys and Girls Club for their food distributions and am working on bringing mobile dental units to their summer camps as well as to Catholic Charities.
What Springfield area neighborhood is your favorite? Why?
I adore Enos Park. It's right by my office, so I am lucky enough to be over there a lot. It's a beautiful neighborhood, filled with the amazing architecture found in old houses, and wonderful residents. It's a neighborhood that was hit hard, but it is coming back and is on its way to being restored to its formal glory.
What are your favorite things to do around the city and county?
I love to peruse the bounty at the downtown farmers' markets. Eat more often than I would like to admit at amazing local eateries such as Cafe Moxo, Loukinens on 4th, Little Saigon, and Obed and Isaac's. I love to take my children to the drive-in on warm summer nights. To the IL State Fair to see a concert and eat our way around Ethnic Village. I love to tell my family who lives back in Pittsburgh about the wonderful things there are to do in my community and invite them to stay and participate as well. Most of all, I love helping my community thrive.