On June 21 at 5:07 a.m., the sun will reach its furthest point north of the equator, and we will enjoy our longest day of the year: the summer solstice (south of the equator it will be the winter solstice). Here in Springfield, the sun will rise at 5:30 a.m., and it won’t set until […]
Elizabeth Watson
Posted inSpecial Issues
Find an outdoor oasis
“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson Are you wishing for a chance to get outside this summer and enjoy the fresh breezes and sunny skies? Do you have kids or dogs to entertain? If you’ve tired of the familiar confines of your own backyard or neighborhood, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Learn from my mistakes
During the pandemic, I was one of those extremely fortunate individuals whose worst hardship was having too much time on my hands. In hindsight, I can see how I could have more virtuously used that extra time – say, by filling food pantries or checking on elderly neighbors – but as it was happening, it […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Flower power
The Washington Park Botanical Garden is a tropical respite for skilled hobbyists and curious amateurs alike. What better way to kick off your spring season than by seeing some of the best flowers Springfield has to offer at the Washington Park Botanical Garden’s 49th annual Spring Floral Display? Alexa Bryan Potts, botanical general manager, says […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Custom glam
When Emily Yohn went bridal dress shopping for her April 2022 wedding, she started out searching for a white dress in a modern bohemian style. She knew she didn’t want a ball gown. Dress after dress was cast aside, Yohn says, “because it just wasn’t giving me ‘the feeling.”’ Just as she began to grow […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Musically related
Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” For the families of Sangamon County, music also gives a way to pass time spent in the car, a cross-generational bonding experience and, sometimes, ample fodder for parent/child disagreement. Passing down a passion Nick […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Maintain a healthy lifestyle all winter
Don’t throw yourself into an all-or-nothing New Year’s resolution mindset, only to give up by mid-February, but don’t give into the temptation to relax your healthy habits over the winter with the justification that you’ll get back on track when spring comes. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a safe and healthy winter season, says Dr. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Essential guidelines
I first started using essential oils on my kids last winter. We were packing for a trip to Disney World during Christmas break, and all three of my children were coughing, congested, tired and cranky – in short, not at all ready for the physical exertion necessary to navigate Disney. Plus, I was worried about […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Becoming a more engaged citizen
For Springfield residents who want to learn more about the issues facing their community and how to become more civically involved, the Citizens Club of Springfield is a great place to start. Since 2005, the Citizens Club has held open discussions at 8 a.m. on the fourth Friday of each month at the Hoogland Center […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Senior Olympics
Local seniors are staying accountable to their exercise routines – while having fun – by participating in the Illinois Senior Olympics (ISO). A little friendly competition spurs many people in their 50s and beyond to go that extra mile, swim that extra lap, or hop out of bed for a morning workout instead of hitting […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The doula advantage
We all agree on the desired outcome of every pregnancy and birth – healthy, happy baby and healthy, happy mom. In fact, if there were a shortcut that could decrease complications during pregnancy and birth, raise babies’ Apgar scores, increase mothers’ senses of well-being and self-efficacy, and reduce the likelihood of needing costly and invasive […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
A recipe for gratitude
What’s your family thankful for this holiday season? If the answer doesn’t come easily, keep pondering. Research shows cultivating gratitude can positively affect health, relationships and happiness, for kids and adults alike. Sometimes life’s most basic pleasures – like a meal prepared and served with care – can inspire the most thankfulness. For instance, family […]
