There are three online signature presentations, in addition to the many other offerings by community organizations. Registration is required. For more details and to register go to https://bit.ly/BigReadSangamonCounty —- March 2, 10-11 a.m. Kickoff Keynote by Kathryn Harris, “Reading Science, Reading Together” Hosted by the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College. Kathryn […]
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 inArts & Culture
How to get a free copy of Lab Girl
Over 1,000 copies of Lab Girl will be available for free and distributed through curbside events and local libraries. For up-to-date information, go to https://bit.ly/BigReadSangamonCounty Curbside pickup: • Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield • March 1, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., Union Baptist Church, 1405 E Monroe […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Relentless forward motion
Getting older, getting better. That is how Steve O’Connor, 57, of Petersburg approaches life and his passion for triathlon competitions. Triathlons vary in length, but all include swimming, biking and running, in that order. The Ironman is a grueling 2.4-mile swim followed by biking 112 miles and then running a marathon (26.2 miles). O’Connor has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A book of birds teaching words
Cinda Ackerman Klickna has seen a lot of bad grammar. She saw it as an English teacher. She sees it on social media. Hearing bad grammar is especially bothersome to Klickna – like fingernails on a chalkboard for those old enough to understand what that means. Klickna, of Rochester, writes for Illinois Times, wrote a […]
Posted inNews
Making Springfield attractive to wildlife
The osprey is a large black and white raptor that feeds on fish. From early spring through late summer, osprey are seen occasionally at Lake Springfield gliding through the air and plunging into the water to catch fish in their talons. Lincoln Memorial Garden director Joel Horwedel is hoping that a pair will decide to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
New $33 million YMCA opens Nov. 30
The new downtown YMCA opens Nov. 30 in the heart of the medical district. It will be an inviting place to work out, whether you exercise individually, participate in fitness classes or enjoy group sports. The new Y is not only a state-of-the-art fitness center, but a community asset serving youth, adults and community organizations. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Share your ideas about the future of Springfield
Do you have an idea – big or small – about the future of the capital city? The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln (CFLL) wants to hear from you. Over the next six weeks, from now until Thanksgiving, local citizens are invited to share their ideas about the future of the greater Springfield […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
A place for your parents
Becoming an empty-nester, retiring and caring for aging parents are life stages familiar to many. Springfield has numerous agencies that help seniors stay in their own home. Determining what’s best for your loved one can be daunting. Senior Services of Central Illinois (SSCI) is a good place to start. SSCI is a nonprofit organization that […]
Posted inOpinion
What made Thompson such a good governor
“Big Jim” Thompson was tall of stature, and he will forever stand tall in the history of Illinois politics. James R. Thompson (JRT) served as Illinois governor from 1977-1991. I had the privilege of working for him during his last five years in office. With the recent news of his passing, much is being written […]
Posted inArts & Culture
No fun and no funds
Many people will have more time on their hands this August. During a typical August, thousands of individuals volunteer at the Illinois State Fair staffing parking lots, admission gates and Grandstand concessions to help local charities and community organizations raise needed funds. No fair means a significant loss of revenue for these organizations. The American […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
COVID-19 takes its toll on museums
This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center. For more stories about the effect of COVID-19 on museums, please visit the Prairie State Museums Project at PrairieStateMuseumsProject.org. It is practically impossible to overestimate the impact of COVID-19 on museums, according to the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). The organization released a survey on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Determined to tell the story
This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center. For more stories about the effect of COVID-19 on museums, please visit the Prairie State Museums Project at PrairieStateMuseumsProject.org. Like museums all over the world, the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum (AAHM) closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the […]
