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 […]
Community & Lifestyle
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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Winter Guide 2025
Our annual Winter Guide has an overview of holiday happenings around town, a preview of upcoming theater and dance performances, a look back at Christmas celebrations 50 years ago and suggestions on ways that adults and kids alike can give back to the community this season, plus an expanded calendar of holiday activities.
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Giving thanks for a community that lifts its members up
As our community gathers around dinner tables and living rooms this Thanksgiving week, it is impossible not to reflect on the transformative strength and generosity that define our community. Gratitude is woven into the fabric of United Way. Our neighbors consistently show up for one another, especially in moments of need. We are privileged to […]
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For what do you wait? For what do you hope?
This year Thanksgiving weekend is also the start of Advent, and Advent, the start of a new liturgical year in the Christian calendar. Happy Thanksgiving. Happy new year! Once again, we begin the cycle of the church year that flows from the birth of a child to His self-emptying sacrifice and resurrection, and on to […]
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La comunidad nos cuida (Community cares for all of us)
Querida comunidad, (Dear community,) As we witness state-organized violence directed at Latine, Asian and Black and Brown immigrants and refugees, we recognize that the harm inflicted on those we serve carries profound consequences for physical, emotional and spiritual health. The abductions, arrests, detentions and aggression against women, children, elders and families stream across our screens […]
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Amazing grace
This Sunday Christians celebrate “Christ, The King” Sunday, the final Sunday of the liturgical year. Luke 23:33-43 references Christ on the cross between the two thieves, one of whom recognizes the injustice of Christ’s death and asks to be remembered by Christ when he comes into his kingdom. Westminster Presbyterian Church welcomes bagpipers on this […]
