The twinkling of lights, snowflakes lightly falling outside or paper snowflakes taped to windows, the smells of fresh gingerbread baking, adorning presents with ribbons and bows, invitations to celebrations of the season – for some, these are beloved parts of the holiday season. For others, this time of year can bring up trauma, exacerbate mental […]
Community & Lifestyle
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 inArts & Culture
History of the Cliff Hotel
Initially a boarding/rooming house, the Cliff House/Cliff Hotel operated between ca. 1910 and 1960 and by 1965 was abandoned. Florence and George Atkinson were the longest-serving proprietors, operating the hotel between 1915 and 1949. (George died in 1923.) Architect Bruce Ferry acquired the building in 2006. He restored the façade and cleaned the interior, preserving […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Winter events calendar
NOVEMBER Edwards Place Guided Tours Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1, 2pm. Through Dec. 21. A guided tour through the newly restored areas. See the authentic Lincoln courting couch from the parlor of the Ninian Edwards home where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married. Springfieldart.org. Adults $5, children 10 and younger free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Quality, affordability and flexibility in online learning
When it comes to earning a degree or certificate or taking a class to help advance a career, are you one of the many adults looking for quality, affordability and flexibility to be able to pursue your goals? Perhaps you are managing full-time work or working multiple jobs, have family or other personal responsibilities, or […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Springfield
As the director of Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator, I’m excited to share the momentum we’re building within our entrepreneurial community. Since joining iSPI in August last year, our team has worked to ignite Springfield’s startup scene with fresh, dynamic programming. Today, I’m proud to say we’re achieving that vision. Our […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Be thankful for your problems
That most American of holidays has arrived. And, even though the merchants would have us believe that holiday is Christmas, it’s actually Thanksgiving. In many homes throughout the country, the day will be celebrated in the grand tradition of feasting, football and family feuds! Others will pause to reflect on the blessings they enjoy, for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
We gratefully acknowledge
The Thanksgiving holiday which we will celebrate in the coming week is a time for family gatherings and festive meals and for giving voice to our feelings of gratitude – whether by attending special services at our house of worship or by reciting grace as we sit around the dining table. For sports enthusiasts, there […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Joan Bortolon receives First Citizen Award
The First Citizen Award committee has selected Joan Bortolon as the 62nd recipient of the Springfield area’s prestigious First Citizen Award. As board president of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Bortolon has played an instrumental role in honoring local veterans by providing them with memorable, no-cost trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials […]
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Synod: A different field of vision
For most earthlings, the Oct. 27 closing of the Roman Catholic Church’s synod on synodality will have been a tinier blip on the radar than the outcome of the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Whatever your feelings about that election – and I have plenty, as you might – I suspect that over time the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
United Way works to spread holiday cheer across central Illinois
As the holiday season approaches, United Way of Central Illinois is gearing up to spread joy, compassion and support throughout our community. This time of year brings unique opportunities to connect with others and give back, and United Way has organized several impactful initiatives for the season. Whether it’s bringing cheer to seniors, supporting local […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Mayor’s Awards for the Arts recipients announced
The Springfield Area Arts Council and the city of Springfield have announced the winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, recognizing exceptional talent and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Menard counties. This year’s honorees were celebrated at an awards ceremony held Nov. 2 at the Inn at 835. The event brought […]
