The well-loved tale of redemption popular this time of year, A Christmas Carol, wasn’t sparked by joy, but sorrow. When London journalist and author Charles Dickens wrote what became the most copied secular Christmas fiction, he was dejected, financially stressed and fighting for societal reform. To publish Scrooge’s trials in time for Christmas, he had […]
Tara McClellan McAndrew
Tara McClellan McAndrew is a freelance writer in Springfield.
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Christmas 1975: Bell bottoms and the Boss
Fifty years ago was a rocky time for America. While then-President Gerald Ford dealt with fuel’s dwindling supplies and increasing prices (drivers waited hours at gas stations), he survived two assassination attempts, extended tax cuts and hailed the metric system. The latter fared as well as the Vietnam War. Former Teamster president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jacksonville turns 200
This weekend, Jacksonville’s year-long bicentennial commemoration culminates with the Budweiser Clydesdales, a drone show, parades, musical entertainment and other festivities. Jacksonville is celebrating a long and varied history. It has been a prairie town, an Underground Railroad stop and home to one of the state’s first colleges as well as state facilities for special needs […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Not just traditional diamonds
Diamonds had a monopoly on engagement rings for decades. Now, couples are considering other stones and three trends have emerged as a result. Today’s couples are prioritizing color, conscience and cost-effectiveness. Couples have a rainbow of options for stones. According to brides.com, some are choosing sapphires, opals, aquamarines or emeralds. Vogue.com cites other choices as […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Secondhand clothes help you and the planet
Here’s a conversation starter: How many pounds of clothing does the average American throw out annually? According to Material Circular Economy, a sustainable materials journal, it’s 82 pounds. In 2018 alone, 14.5 million tons of textiles in the U.S. were burned or added to landfills, mostly clothing, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
THERESA FAITH CUMMINGS Feb. 27, 1933-Sept. 8, 2024
Some call Theresa Faith Cummings “a force” in the best way. “Aunt Theresa always worked to serve others,” says her niece, Rev. Vanessa R. Cummings of Oxford, Ohio. “She always stood up and spoke up. She could work until two or three in the morning, then be up at six to keep working.” Cummings couldn’t […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A Christmas commutation
On Dec. 20, 1900, then-Illinois Gov. John Tanner granted clemency to seven prisoners. Five were boys; four had stolen chickens and one had “attempted criminal assault.” Two were adult male murderers. One was a cop who killed a colleague while arguing about the Spanish-American War over after-work drinks. The other was a laborer who admitted […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Big benefits for smaller weddings
Thank the pandemic for helping make weddings smaller. The current trend of micro weddings – 50 guests or less – started shortly after COVID began, according to Springfield wedding planner Corrine Mayfield, co-owner of Shawfield Events & Design. “We saw micro weddings really take off after the start of the pandemic, when people were forced […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Winter fun online
If it’s too cold to leave your house or your pajamas are glued on, you can still enjoy the season. Exercise, take a class, learn a craft, visit other locales and find new friends through your laptop or cellphone. While these activities are often better in person, the weather, illness and other conditions can make […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Christmas tree substitutes
Christmas brings out not only credit cards, but creativity, especially for those who seek alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree. Some choose alternatives to be more environmentally friendly, some because they want easier decorations. Others are tight on money or space, or just want something different. There are loads of ideas for tree substitutes. Google […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Christmas 100 years ago
In 1923, the holidays followed a year that saw the lingering aftermath of World War I and the hint of the next, as well as other cultural changes. America’s soldiers finally pulled out of a defeated Germany and our country adjusted to a new president, Calvin Coolidge, after Warren Harding died. Adolf Hitler’s rise began […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding cake trends: A mix of new and classic
Couples are mixing it up this year when it comes to wedding cakes. Some want cakes with new designs or elements, like cupcakes, while others are going back to classic styles. There are many options to suit a variety of preferences. Julie Shuler, owner of The Cake Shoppe in Springfield, has received multiple requests for […]
