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 […]
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 inSpecial Issues
Museums for all: Dismantling barriers for accessibility
My child is lying on the floor, screaming. Everyone is looking at us. He’s causing a ruckus, but at 70 pounds he’s too big for me to carry out of the museum. My only hope is to calm him down so that we can leave for a safer, less-stimulating environment. Enter the security guard, who […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Low-impact landscaping
“A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule.” – Michael Pollan Low-impact landscaping is a broad term that describes a rethinking of the traditional American lawn. Fading away are the ideals of a weed-free, insect-free emerald green lawn perpetually cut to two inches in height. Coming into focus is the idea that the 40 million acres […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
STEM Fair returns
After a pandemic pause and a name change, the Central Illinois STEM Fair is back. Featuring dozens of exhibitors, the STEM Fair will be held March 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rochester High School Athletic Complex, located at 1 Rocket Drive in Rochester. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Parent volunteer and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Journaling for mental health
Many of us grew up keeping diaries where we wrote of our teen dramas, current crush du jour and our most intimate secrets, though this practice was often dropped with the transition into adulthood. If you are looking to improve your mental health, you may want to get back into this habit with its shiny […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
CARL FISCHER April 19, 1939-March 25, 2022
“Both were very ambitious,” notes Karen Prange of her parents, Carl and Kay Fischer, “both in our family life, and in their careers and professional lives. When people think of my dad, it’s hard to think of him without Kay. They had the most amazing love affair, worked together, sailed together and raised a family […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
CULLOM DAVIS May 2, 1935-Sept. 9, 2022
Cullom Davis began his time in Springfield in 1970, helping to create the innovative learning experience that was Sangamon State University (SSU), which later became University of Illinois Springfield. From planning courses to recruiting and hiring instructors, Davis was far more than an administrative vice-president and teacher of history. Larry Golden, one of Davis’ fellow […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
CULLOM DAVIS May 2, 1935-Sept. 9, 2022
Cullom Davis began his time in Springfield in 1970, helping to create the innovative learning experience that was Sangamon State University (SSU), which later became University of Illinois Springfield. From planning courses to recruiting and hiring instructors, Davis was far more than an administrative vice president and teacher of history. Larry Golden, one of Davis’ […]
Posted inOpinion
Making Springfield a research hub
“A lot of my background for this is very personal,” says Dr. Daniel Fox of his interest in clinical research. “I lost my daughter to a rare disease, and I’m a scientist. I know how things should be happening. I work to develop drugs, write patents, manufacture and ship to clinical research sites. I did […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Plant native pollinators this winter
As more people become interested in low-impact landscaping, native pollinator planting has come to the forefront of transforming lawns into functioning ecosystems. American turf lawns have been the ideal yard for decades, but not without consequences. A contributor of greenhouse gases due to exhaust from lawnmowers and decomposing lawn clippings, lawns use more irrigated water […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Support healthy holiday eating
The holidays can bring a lot of fun and happiness to our lives, but also a few extra pounds. Modeling healthy eating for our children is ideal to help them also eat a healthier diet, but with Aunt Gertrude’s famous pumpkin pie and Uncle Dorsey’s divinity at every family party, how do we do this? […]
Posted inOpinion
Addressing the fears of a new school year
In the wake of the horrific tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, many children and their parents are dealing with additional fears that have arisen in light of returning to school. While some anxiety about starting the new school year is common, beginning school in the wake of such an enormous tragedy has put many children and […]
