After six long years of fits and starts, community radio station WQNA is nearly ready to begin broadcasting again, this time from the space in the Myers building in downtown Springfield that most recently housed Prairie State Hemp. In 2019, the Capital Area Career Center unceremoniously pulled the plug on the station which, starting in […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Just win? At UIS, success runs deeper
Raiders owner Al Davis made “Just win, baby” a famous rallying cry in the NFL. Some people assume that motto applies to college sports, too. And while winning is absolutely part of what we do at the University of Illinois Springfield — and yes, we enjoy it tremendously — it isn’t our only goal. In […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Getting ready for the real Christmas
God’s salvation plan for fallen mankind was underway. That plan included and involved Zacharias and Elizabeth. Symbolic of God’s creation proclamation of “Let there Be,” plans for a forerunner of the savior were also underway. Many years had elapsed before the time for the savior to enter the salvation scene arrived. Elizabeth was already expecting […]
Posted inReGen
REGEN – Grownups getting stronger
The articles presented in our special section beginning on page 14 constitute the winter edition of REGEN, for “Grownups getting stronger.” Published quarterly by Illinois Times since 2020 as a standalone magazine, REGEN has highlighted active and energetic seniors (who don’t like being called seniors). The first issue explained, “We reject the notion that older […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Why personal enrichment matters more than ever
Change has a way of arriving whether we’re prepared for it or not. Careers shift, routines evolve, families grow and move and the pace of daily life can feel both demanding and repetitive. In the middle of all that, it’s easy to lose track of the interests or abilities that once brought us a sense […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The gift of silence
Knowing my own faults and foibles, I try to be tolerant of such things in others-even those who think that Brussels sprouts are actually edible or who don’t like animals! There is one habit I find difficult to understand, though: so many people seem to have an aversion to silence. More than one person has […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
A season for being grateful, for sharing and for bonding
In this season of early sunsets, chilling winds, snow and ice and freezing temperatures, our holidays offset the bleakness and despair we might otherwise feel with joy, optimism and celebration. Thanksgiving has now come and gone. For Christians this is the season of Advent and preparing for Christmas. Two weeks from now Jews will be […]
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Get the whole family involved in giving back
Supporting our community during the holidays reaps benefits for everyone. Here are some opportunities to donate, serve and give back during the month ahead. Springfield area Micropantries Food scarcity is a major issue all of the time, but especially during the holidays, and particularly in 2025. Many of our readers are already aware of micropantries, […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
What to see this winter
The cold, dark days of winter may be upon us, but area stages will be merry and bright with plenty of music, dance and theater shows to keep us entertained. Here’s a sampling of what we have to look forward to for the next few months. Bye Bye Birdie A loving send-up of 1950s small-town […]
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Enjoy Christmas Traditions in St. Charles
If you are longing for a nostalgic holiday experience devoid of blow-up Santas, crammed retail stores and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” played endlessly on the radio, look no further than St. Charles, Missouri. The historic city’s Christmas Traditions festival runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Visitors will find unique holiday characters strolling […]
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 inCommunity & Lifestyle
Mapping merriment
From the west side to downtown and beyond, area businesses and organizations are preparing for this season with cheerful events, shopping and nostalgic traditions for the whole family. We’ve charted a complete winter route with a little something for everyone this yuletide season. WHITE OAKS MALL WINTREE WONDERLAND If it’s been a while since you […]
