Introducing horse care and riding to traumatized children has been proven to be effective therapy. The Refuge Ranch in Rochester utilizes that strategy and will now be able to expand its work due to a generous donation from Glennon and Jan Paul of a seven-acre historic farm in Springfield. Refuge Ranch, started by Stephan and […]
Community & Lifestyle
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A modest proposal
In 1729, Jonathan Swift wrote the satiric essay A Modest Proposal, published in pamphlet form to influence compassion for the starving Irish. The satire ridiculed the British politicians, elites and landowners who did not see the poor Irish as a problem of human misery and suffering but rather as an inconvenience. The ridiculous proposal that […]
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Family-friendly day trips
Now that the weather is warmer, you and your kids may be jonesing for some windows-down, get-out-of-town, road trip-vibes adventures. Springfield offers tons of stay-at-home options, but if you are wanting to leave town and stretch out a little bit, check out the following excursions. Each day trip listed below is close enough that you […]
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Spring into brunch
For those looking to get the most out of their weekend, brunch is undoubtedly the best place to start. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite before heading off to the farmers market or a full-on mimosa soiree, Springfield has a variety of brunch options from which to choose. Here are a few of our […]
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Spring guide calendar
MARCH A Call to Think: On Common Ground Thu., March 27, 5-7:15pm. Part of the Chancellor’s Thinkers Series. Join UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch and UIS alums Ryan Melchin and Matt Van Vossen for a conversation, Q&A and reception. Discover how Melchin and Van Vossen navigated diverse leadership roles on campus, including leading the College […]
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Spring Guide
Spring Guide has information on worthwhile day trips, nearby museums, area vendor fairs, brunch options, an expanded three-month calendar of events and more. Related Related Related Related Related Related Stories
Posted inArts & Culture
Fun museum day trips
You could call Atlanta, Illinois, the land of giants these days. Towering over the community 45 miles north of Springfield is a collection of roadside icons brought together by a small museum. Those itching for a spring road trip should get their motors running and head out on the highway to Atlanta. From there look […]
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Shop these area vendor fairs
“Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.” That motto of the Small Town Dreamers Market seems fitting with many specialized vendor fairs and small-town outdoor markets. The vendor fairs bring together like-minded people to share their passions and buy and sell their goods. Small town markets are outlets for local farmers and […]
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Spring into suspense
If you aren’t ready for the sunshine of spring just yet, there are plenty of local thrills and chills to keep you immersed in winter’s shadow. From interactive murder mysteries to classic psychological dramas, Springfield has something to pique the interest of every suspense enthusiast. The Dinner Detective Murder-mystery dinner series March 29, April 5, […]
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When you can’t see the forest for the trees
The forest – an expanse of land densely populated with lust vegetation, covering and rising above the ground. Animals of varying species and birds of varying types and sizes. Some dwelling above and beneath the ground. Then there are bushes, slopes, changes in rivulets and suddenly changing and an indiscriminately located topography, which may hinder, […]
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Immigrant stereotypes dehumanize us all
Words matter. Immigrants have been an essential part of American culture since our beginning. And throughout our history, references to immigrants have been intentionally framed to stigmatize and dehumanize them. This is particularly the case with immigrants who are Black and brown, from Asia and the Global South. Inflammatory rhetoric has recently included terms like […]
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From struggle to strength: How United Way is changing lives in central Illinois
When Maria lost her job last year, her world turned upside down. As a single mother of two, she had always worked hard to provide for her children, but an unexpected layoff left her without an income. Rent, utilities and groceries became overwhelming expenses, and she didn’t know where to turn. “I remember lying awake […]
