My sister gave violin lessonsHer studio was her home nearour dairy. When her own daughterhad a scheduled lesson she had toput on hat, coat, and boots, go outthe back door, come around andknock on the front door, and belet in for her lesson – just like allthe other students she had! 2026 Jacqueline Jackson
Joseph Copley
Joseph Copley is production designer for Illinois Times and co-publisher of Activator, the music and arts magazine.
Posted inRemembering
JAMES AUBREY DURKIN
It’s been almost a year that I lost my Jim. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and I miss him even more. My wonderful husband was smart, funny, handsome, loving and giving. Jim was the youngest of four sisters and a true gentleman. A wonderful dad/stepdad, granddad/step granddad, great granddad, […]
Posted inRemembering
JANET I. EDEN
Janet Eden, 88, passed away on Aug. 9, 2025, in Springfield. Seven years earlier her husband, John Eden, passed away after 59 years of mutual respect and devoted married life. Janet lived a quiet life as a homemaker. For most of their marriage they lived on three partially wooded beautiful acres on State Park Road […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor 10/9
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. UNDERSTANDABLE Dean Olsen’s cover story about the local impact of cuts to Medicaid was excellent – thorough, well-researched, with multiple perspectives (“Losing health care coverage,” Oct. 2). You made a complicated issue easier to understand […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Blacks in Springfield theater
You have been in theater for nearly 20 years. What is it about the stage that keeps you coming back for more? Reggie Guyton: Theater has saved my life. It gave me purpose and understanding. There’s something about sinking into roles or a script that gives you a sense of distraction. During some of my […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wearable art comes alive
Recycled fabric, cardboard and plastic found new life on the runway at this year’s annual fashion show at The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space. Some of the best creative talent Springfield has to offer was on display with dynamic style. “It has become a yearly tradition of the Pharmacy to have a fashion show,” said […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Experts in our community
Reggie Guyton, from Springfield, has been doing theater for close to 20 years. His current project is directing the Muni’s performance of Ragtime The Musical, June 17-19 and 22-26. He is also a regular actor on staff at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Guyton recently took the time to give ReGeneration his thoughts […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Spring Home & Garden 2022
As the weather warms up, it’s a good time to think about ways to refresh our home and yard. This year’s Spring Home & Garden issue has tips on decluttering (yes, even if you live with kids), suggestions on planning your garden so you’ll have enough to can and enjoy this winter, ideas for pollinator […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
New business casual for men
Men’s casual fashion is evolving and starting to take over the workplace. Trendy style and comfort are replacing the traditional starchy dress shirt, suit and tie. “The new business kind of dress has been either a nice pair of casual pants or some really nice dressy jeans, a sport coat and a sport shirt,” says […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Sharp-dressed groomsmen
After a lean year, weddings are beginning to make a comeback. “We’re starting to see people wanting to get dressed up again, believe it or not,” says Marc Maslauski, owner of Jim Herron Ltd. “I think we have 13 different weddings booked this year.” The big trend in wedding attire right now is groomsmen suit […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Experts in our community
What they know that you should Local celebrity Gus Gordon from Springfield has been involved in theater since 1980 and is celebrating his 41st year as a performer. He has been in well over 100 shows during that time, and has either been in, worked on, produced or directed over 200 productions. He has been […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The modern gentleman
Clothing is more than just pieces of fabric that you wear – it is a means of self-expression. In men’s fashion, one of today’s most popular forms of this is the stylish windowpane pattern suit. “For the last five years or so that is the style everyone is looking for,” says Marc Maslauski, owner of […]
