In 2025, Kidzeum was voted the Best Family Fun Spot in the Illinois Times Best of Springfield competition. Kidzeum is that and so much more. It is a place where children explore new skills, think critically and engage in hands-on learning. Kidzeum recently received a grant of nearly $150,000 from the National Science Foundation to […]
KAREN ACKERMAN WITTER
Posted inCapital City Parent
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
The many benefits of reading to young children are well-documented. The 1000 Books Foundation promotes reading to newborns, infants and toddlers and encourages parent and child bonding through reading. Its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple way to do this. Many local libraries promote this initiative and create incentives to participate as part […]
Posted inBooks
The study of awe
The new year is a good time to read Awe – The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, the 2023 book by Dacher Keltner. He pioneered the scientific study of awe and demonstrated that people who find everyday awe are more curious and open to new ideas and the […]
Posted inArts Features
Evening fun at historic sites
This winter, area residents have opportunities to experience the Dana-Thomas House and Old State Capitol through a wide range of evening programs. These sites are popular tourist attractions in the capital city but are also offering programming designed to appeal to locals. Justin Blandford, superintendent of state historic sites in Springfield, told Illinois Times they […]
Posted inRemembering
STUART ALLEN YAFFE
Gentleness that transcended words Dr. Stuart Yaffe practiced medicine for 60 years. He graduated from medical school in 1956 and retired from family practice at Springfield Clinic in 2016 at age 89. Patients were his priority; he did not have patience when others didn’t share his priority. “One keeps practicing whatever they’re practicing until they […]
Posted inReGen
Coach and caregiver connect
Latasha Friarson is a caregiver with Abcor Home Health. For the past several months she’s been assisting Mike Suhadolnik, a health and fitness coach, to be more independent after a fall a year ago. Friarson goes to Suhadolnik’s home Monday-Friday, three hours each day. Having a caregiver does not come naturally for Suhadolnik, and he […]
Posted inNews
“This is what democracy looks like”
A large, peaceful crowd at the Illinois State Capitol shouted that statement, which was also featured on numerous signs during the No Kings protest rally on Saturday, Oct. 18. Although storms were predicted, there was no rain at the protest rally promoting no reign. Springfield was among more than 2,500 No Kings rallies planned across […]
Posted inCulture
Final year for popular annual tree tour
The public will have one last chance to take part in the popular annual tree tour at Oak Ridge Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 18. This year’s tour, from 1-4 p.m., will feature the Grand Valley, a rolling expanse at the south side of the cemetery. There are no graves due to the terrain, providing a […]
Posted inReGen
Pastel artist, lifelong learner and a teacher at heart
Tracey Maras loves to learn. And teach. She is a retired occupational therapist, highly accomplished pastel artist and engaged volunteer at Henson Robinson Zoo. She teaches pastel painting and is a volunteer animal handler with the zoo’s education department. Getting people to experience things they wouldn’t have done otherwise makes Maras happy. That might involve […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
First Citizen program accepting nominations
The First Citizen award program is accepting nominations through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 12. The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s Copley-owned newspaper. The award had been associated with […]
