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 […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inFilm
Jay Kelly provides reminder, Fackham Hall casts wide net to get laughs
Jay Kelly: Portrait of an empty man Jay Kelly is very good at being Jay Kelly, that is Jay Kelly the international film star who’s been gracing audiences with his presence on the world’s movie screens for 35 years. It’s a role he can play in his sleep. But the other Jay Kelly, the eager, […]
Posted inPoetry
Silence
All silences are not silent: most are filled with meaning. One, whose nothingness is pregnant, comes after the end of the introduction to “Handel’s Messiah”: A long, waiting silence: I hold my breath. When the silence can last no longer, the voice of the tenor comes: “Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people.” And the music […]
Posted inIT Picks
Special Recreation Holiday Dance
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Celebrate the season at Erin’s Pavilion The entire family can celebrate the season with holiday music, refreshments and holiday cheer at this evening of fun and festivities. This all-ages event, hosted by the Springfield Park District, even includes a visit by Santa Claus himself. For more information, call or email Andre Hawkins […]
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 […]
Posted inFilm
Zootopia 2 for kids and adults, Eternity an intriguing premise
Timely Zootopia 2 a vibrant, entertaining fable Adhering to the maxim that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Disney’s Zootopia 2 follows much the same template as the original. Writer/directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard, who were also behind the 2016 hit, once more weave timely, vital social commentary into this kid-friendly animated feature, […]
Posted inIT Picks
Tree lighting, holiday walks set
It’s almost that most wonderful time of the year again. Experience a month of holiday cheer as downtown shops, museums and businesses pull out all of the stops for the Old Capitol Holiday Walks. The fun begins this Saturday with the tree lighting after 4:30 p.m. on the Old Capital Plaza. Abraham and Mary Lincoln […]
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 […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
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.
Posted inPoetry
Dream
I try not to think of my childwho took her own life. Butsometimes I dream. Last night I dreamed she came to me, age maybe sixteen.And said, “I have to leave for a while but I will be back.”I walked with her across the creek and through the backpasture. I saw that she had her violin case in her arms. Good, […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
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, […]
