Jennifer Waters has devoted her life to helping children and families. A children’s author and sole proprietor of Novel Tea Publishing, she writes books designed to help children build both practical knowledge and confidence through everyday experiences. For example, she recently published a book designed around making the kitchen a safe learning environment for children. […]
KAREN ACKERMAN WITTER
Posted inNews
Baseball-related history and art display
Two baseball-related exhibits are now on display on the second floor of the Sangamon County Building. These coincide with the inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Baseball League and games being played at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium. One tells the story of 100 years of women’s baseball and softball in Sangamon County from 1875—1975. The […]
Posted inNews
Octopolis: An audacious endeavor
“The only distance between dream and reality is action,” proclaims Adena Rivas, founder of the Creative Reuse Marketplace (CRM) in Springfield. “Octopolis” is the dream of Adena and her sister, Layna Joy Rivas, who lives in northern California, and the main architect of the project. Action is now underway to make Octopolis a reality. […]
Posted inSummerguide
“Exquisite Creatures”
“Exquisite Creatures”is a unique and inspiring exhibition where nature becomes art, now on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum through Aug. 9. Christopher Marley collects beetles, butterflies, seashells, snakes and other creatures from all over the world. He preserves and assembles them into mesmerizing artistic displays intended to spark curiosity and an appreciation of the […]
Posted inNews
Strategy, not charity
“Why Foreign Assistance Matters” was the topic of the April 14 World Affairs Council of Central Illinois program at Illini Country Club. Chris Milligan, retired senior foreign service officer, told a packed audience “when used effectively, foreign assistance is strategy, not charity.” Milligan discussed the importance of the United States Agency for International Development and […]
Posted inHome & Garden
New community garden available at Hobbs Park
The Springfield Park District is transforming former baseball fields into a community garden at Hobbs Park, located south of Bunn Park near the intersection of Fox Bridge Road and Culver Avenue. Building on the success of the Jefferson Park Community Garden, this new initiative will provide a community garden serving the east side of Springfield. […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Illinois launches paint recycling program
If you have old cans of paint stashed in your basement or garage that you don’t how to get rid of, there’s good news for you. Illinois residents can now recycle latex and oil-based architectural paint products at numerous retail hardware and paint stores, including in Springfield and surrounding communities. This is due to the […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Recycle your household batteries
Illinois residents can now conveniently recycle household batteries. As a result of legislation that took effect Jan. 1, Illinois has a battery stewardship program. Lowe’s in Springfield and Home Depot in Jacksonville are examples of places where people can take household batteries to be recycled at no charge. The Portable and Medium Format Battery […]
Posted inCapital City Parent
A center for STEAM education
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 […]
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 […]
