Carolyn Dungan, a lifelong resident of Springfield, had a profound influence on her family, friends and the Springfield community. “Carolyn was an incredibly kind and generous person,” said John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. “She and her family have supported countless causes in our community, and her legacy […]
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
A long-silent hotel comes to life as art
Robert Mazrim is doing it again – turning what some see as simply old, abandoned buildings and spaces into a medium for art and a window to the lives of people who once lived and worked there. This time he is partnering with Leah Wilson and the Kidzeum, installing a contemporary art exhibit at 414 […]
Posted inNews
Surgeon, a Springfield grad, shares life lessons
Dr. Andrew Lam – doctor, surgeon, author and storyteller extraordinaire – spoke to students at Springfield High School Nov. 1, 30 years after graduating from SHS. In the audience were his former guidance counselors, tennis coach and teachers who taught history, Spanish, physics, P.E., English, math and economics. All were delighted to witness his induction […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This I believe Illinois
Th is I Believe is an annual essay contest for high school seniors produced by NPR Illinois. Modeled after the program started by radio journalist Edward R. Murrow in 1951, students are invited to write an essay sharing their own personal beliefs. This year, 245 students within the NPR Illinois listening area submitted essays – […]
Posted inNews
First Citizen program revamped
After 61 years, the First Citizen award program is getting a reboot. Applications are now open through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 13. The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s […]
Posted inNews
Saluting Branches
On Sept. 18, landscape and tree care companies donated their services at Camp Butler National Cemetery as part of the annual national day of service sponsored by Saluting Branches – Arborists United for Veteran Remembrance. For 10 years this nonprofit organization based in Minnesota has honored veterans by organizing tree care professionals to volunteer their […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Helping people with their stuff
When seniors get together and socialize, grandchildren are often a topic of conversation. So is commiserating that “our kids don’t want our stuff.” It’s common that homes are filled with a lifetime of accumulated possessions. Deciding what to do with it all is an issue for many seniors. And, the next generation typically doesn’t want […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Art from the former Pillsbury site
The current exhibition at the Springfield Art Association is nontraditional in many ways. In contrast to a juried exhibition, Pillsburied: Multiple Resurrections is the result of an open invitation for any artist to create a work of art using objects from the Pillsbury site or inspired by the ruins of the Pillsbury Mills plant. No […]
Posted inNews
Downtown fire sparks calls for action
“A revitalized and resilient downtown” was the No. 1 initiative in The Next 10, A Community Visioning Plan for Greater Springfield released by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln in spring 2021. The report described downtown as “the heart of the community and region, the seat of state and local government, our cultural […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Baseball art double-header
Summer means baseball. Whether you are a baseball fan or prefer art over baseball, there is a not-to-be-missed opportunity this summer to experience baseball at the Springfield Art Association (SAA). Springfield artist Rod Buffington has teamed up with nationally renowned sports illustrator James Fiorentino to take you out to the ballpark while also seeing some […]
Posted inNews
Big plans for future of the State Fairgrounds
The Illinois State Fair has a rich history dating back to 1853 when the first fair was held in Springfield. Multiple cities hosted fairs before Springfield became the permanent home of the Illinois State Fair in 1894. For the first time in this long history, there is now a long-term master plan for the Illinois […]
Posted inNews
Growing with Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens
Last year the Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens, located at 1022 N. Fifth St. in Springfield, generated 1,200 pounds of fresh produce, which was shared with Kumler Outreach Ministries, Intricate Minds (a nonprofit that promotes harm reduction) and the local community. Now in its 12th year, the garden is a partnership between Kumler Outreach Ministries and […]
