Professional Santa Santa Ray, from Springfield, has been seeing kids of all ages for 15 years and is a real-beard and real-belly Santa. He also has a Mrs. Claus who comes with him on visits. Never promise a specific gift. One of the worst things a Santa can do is promise children they’ll get what […]
Joseph Copley
Joseph Copley is production designer for Illinois Times and co-publisher of Activator, the music and arts magazine.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Experts in our community
High school teacher Jill Turley, 60 Newly retired after 35 years in special education Jill Turley worked for Sangamon Area Special Education District at Virden junior high for a semester, then taught in a self-contained classroom for emotionally disturbed students at a separate facility. Later she worked as a behavior interventionist. The past 18 years […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Bold 70s fashion
Miniskirts, floral shift dresses, sleeveless jumper dresses – there’s a reason the 70s is considered one of the most stylish decades. “Bold colors, big earrings, big hair – everything had a little more attitude,” says Linda Renehan of Springfield Vintage in downtown Springfield. “You are post-Kent State, post-Woodstock. There is a little more unrest in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Experts in our community
Tattoo artistKevin Veara, 58 28 years of experience. Owner of Black Moon Tattoos, Springfield. Don’t get a tattoo in the summer. The best time of year for bikinis and pool parties is not so good for tattoo work. Too much direct sunlight is one of the worst things for your healing tattoo. “It’s a double-whammy,” […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Bold 60s fashion is always in style
Setting the tone for modern style, the trends of the 60s are still popular today. Bold colors and striking cuts defined the decade in fashion. “When I choose things for my shop I try to find pieces that look current, look classic,” says Linda Renehan of Springfield Vintage in downtown Springfield. “And I think that’s […]
Posted inOpinion
Black Lives Matter protest
Black Lives Matter protest held at the Capitol, in Springfield, Illinois on June 1, 2020. Photos by Rachel Otwell.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Simple books with happy endings
Frustrated, excited, nervous, sad, jealous, embarrassed – sometimes we forget that kids deal with many of the same feelings as adults. Teaching them emotional awareness is important and can be complicated. “Reading fiction is a great way to develop empathy and social skills,” says Melissa Morrissey. In her books, Morrissey creates characters that speak to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Foot traffic
Sidewalk portraits of those who come by. Photo by Rich Saal Photography
Posted inSpecial Issues
Spring Home & Garden 2020
Most of us are spending a lot more time at home these days, so perhaps you’ve been compiling a list of projects you want to tackle. Our annual spring Home & Garden issue offers tips on decluttering and minor home projects you can tackle yourself or ideas for spending that stimulus check to spruce up […]
