Kidzeum recently received good news. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded Kidzeum a $355,400 public museum capital grant to transform undeveloped space into a center for STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics). This is funded through DNR’s allocation of $27 million from the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program for grants to […]
Karen Ackerman Witter
Karen Ackerman Witter started freelance writing after a 35-year career in state government holding various senior leadership positions. Prior to retiring she was associate director of the Illinois State Museum for 14 years. She is the past president of the Kidzeum Board of Directors and is an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, Women for Women giving circle of the Community Foundation, NPR Illinois and other community organizations.
Posted inOpinion
Mobile Museum of Tolerance visits here
The Mobile Museum of Tolerance was in Springfield last week at the request of Senator Doris Turner, D-Springfield. The Simon Wiesenthal Center created the mobile museum to inspire and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to raise their voices and combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance. The bus is adorned with images of […]
Posted inOpinion
Black Lives Matter SPI helps kids
This is the inaugural year for Black Children’s Book Week, to be celebrated globally Feb. 27-March 5. The goal is to ensure Black children see themselves represented in literature. Veronica Chapman, founder of Black Baby Books, launched the initiative to celebrate Black children and the Black-authored books that represent them. Black Lives Matter SPI is leading this […]
Posted inOpinion
Think spring. Buy a tree.
It’s time to get ready for spring. Now through the end of February you can order trees through the Springfield Parks Foundation. Purchase a tree for yourself or donate one for the Springfield Park District to plant. All proceeds from the tree sales will be used by the Springfield Parks Foundation to help fund local […]
Posted inOpinion
Black History Month
Here’s a sampling of Black History Month programs in the capital city. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Alderman Shawn Gregory, are offering creative hike and bike tours. Put on your hiking shoes and join a guide for a 90-minute hike around Oak Ridge Cemetery. Learn about the history of Springfield’s Black community, including […]
Posted inOpinion
Plans for a downtown master plan
A revitalized and resilient downtown is a priority in The Next 10, A Community Visioning Plan for Greater Springfield released in spring 2021. The report identified the need for a downtown master plan that addresses a strengthened connection with the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) recently solicited proposals for a multidisciplinary planning effort […]
Posted inOpinion
Student art on display
It’s well-documented that participation in the arts has a positive impact on the cognitive development and well-being of children and young people. Local organizations and volunteers are partnering with District 186 and surrounding schools to showcase the creative talents of our youth. Art for the Ages, at the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History […]
Posted inOpinion
Cookbooks are more than recipes
Food is inextricably linked to one’s heritage and culture. Cookbooks are much more than recipes. They reveal life, culture and foodways of the times. Kathryn Harris – local historian, librarian and Springfield’s 2020 First Citizen – has an impressive collection of African American cookbooks. They are now in the “Follow the Recipe” exhibit at the […]
Posted inOpinion
COVID fatigue in cap city
COVID vaccines are readily available; however, a significant percentage of people refuse to get vaccinated. Many of us enjoyed holidays with family; a year ago we hunkered down anxiously awaiting the vaccine. Now COVID cases are surging. On Jan. 5 Sangamon County reported 3,732 new positive cases over seven days, the highest number during the […]
Posted inNews
Dreams of a year-round fairground
The new year is a good time to imagine new possibilities and take action to achieve positive change. The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln (CFLL) is doing just that, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), by launching a process to reimagine the Illinois State Fairgrounds. For 10 days each year, […]
Posted inOpinion
For hope in 2022, read this book
“Where there’s life, there’s hope,” my husband’s Swedish grandmother used to say. Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall provides greater insights to hope in her 2021 book coauthored with Douglas Abrams, The Book of Hope, A Survival Guide for Trying Times. It’s a stimulating read for a new year. With so many challenges facing the world today, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Community leader and volunteer, devoted to family
Peggy Ryder was fearless, vibrant and alive in all ways, says her youngest son, Tim. Everyone who knew her was touched by her warmth, beautiful smile, generosity, good humor and positive attitude. She left her mark on Springfield as an extraordinarily dedicated community leader and volunteer. Sadly, she passed away on Sept. 16, after valiantly […]
