Construction for Springfield’s Rail Improvement Project began in 2014 with construction of an underpass at Carpenter and 10th streets and the final phase will begin next month. Over the last decade-plus, new railroad bridges have been constructed at Fifth, Sixth, Ash, Laurel and Cook streets and South Grand Avenue with underpasses constructed at Madison and […]
Carey Smith
In addition to freelance writing, Carey Smith also manages the Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens. She's a big fan of trees, prairies, board and card games, her family, and assorted nerd-out topics like soil science, archaeology and systems thinking. She loves living in the Enos Park neighborhood.
Posted inArts & Culture
Engaging people with poetry
Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson fell in love with poetry at a tender age, thanks to a poem called “Eletelephony” by Laura Elizabeth Richards, which begins: “Once there was an elephant/Who tried to use the telephant.“ “The musicality, the rhyme,” Jackson said. “I was in love.” When Jackson was 8 years old, she wrote a […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Third spaces for kids
Third spaces used to be ubiquitous in our cities, for both adults and children. A third space can be described as a place other than home or work (or in the case of children, school) where people to go to connect with others. Often it is intended to mean places that do not charge money […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Break the sedentary lifestyle habit
Leading a sedentary lifestyle does not promote health. Though definitions vary, sitting for four or more hours a day is generally considered sedentary. Transitioning to a more active lifestyle can improve the outlook of many health conditions, including blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Always talk to your doctor before beginning […]
Posted inOpinion
Adams Street at a crossroads
In recent years the section of downtown known as the Adams Family has been a vibrant focal point of revitalization efforts. But following a devastating fire over the summer, there are now concerns about demolition plans, failed efforts to showcase spaces in need of renovations and a stalled project that could serve as a catalyst […]
Posted inOpinion
Equal pay for equal work
“This is a milestone accomplishment for people with disabilities across Illinois,” said Ryan Croke, first assistant deputy governor, of the state’s decision to end subminimum wage. On Nov. 21, the Senate took a bipartisan vote and passed legislation known as the Dignity in Pay Act, sending it to Gov. JB Pritzker for signature, who has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ho ho hum
The twinkling of lights, snowflakes lightly falling outside or paper snowflakes taped to windows, the smells of fresh gingerbread baking, adorning presents with ribbons and bows, invitations to celebrations of the season – for some, these are beloved parts of the holiday season. For others, this time of year can bring up trauma, exacerbate mental […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Children can benefit from playing Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons was released 50 years ago, and quickly fell into the stereotype of being a game for nerds. In the 1980s, DND got swept up in satanic panic. Despite its rough start, DND has been thoroughly enjoyed through the decades, and with the 2023 DND movie, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, has […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Reaching out with art
The Springfield Art Association and Springfield School District 186 have entered into a partnership that allows art to flourish for students selected to participate. The program in total involves 52 District 186 students this year, with 16 high school and 10 grade school students participating each semester. SAA asked art teachers from the three Springfield […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
EMMA SHAFER April 13, 1999-July 11, 2023
“She was so empathetic, generous, humble and her leadership was so subtle, so loving, so free of ego that it almost defied the usual ways leadership is defined in our society,” said Alyshia Galvez, a professor at the New School in New York City, where Emma Shafer earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies. Emma’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Take time off from toxic relatives
The holiday season usually brings to mind happy families celebrating. But for people who have little or no contact with their family, by choice, this time of year can bring stress, anxiety and dread. The most common reasons for limiting contact with one’s family include emotional and other abuse, unresolved addiction and toxic family patterns […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Kidzeum and the STEAM experience
Kidzeum occupies a unique niche in Springfield. As a science museum, children of all ages enjoy the exhibits centered around learning about a healthy body, healthy earth and healthy community. Kidzeum also offers many STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Its flagship program, STEAM Residency, began as “we were looking for a way […]
