“Every little thing I did, I felt like I was in their way, even breathing.” This statement, shared during a focus group by a young person in our community without stable housing who relied on relatives and acquaintances for a place to stay, highlights the emotional toll youth face as they try to meet their […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inArts & Culture
The circle of life at the Muni
The Muni closes out its summer season with its first junior production – an enchanting popular story that’s sure to inspire as well as entertain. With music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King, Jr. is packed with memorable tunes, carefully crafted and colorful costumes, and a talented cast of kids. Based […]
Posted inFilm
Don’t Say Good Luck realistic and moving, subplots derail Brink of War
Realism buoys Good Luck There are numerous ways a film like Don’t Say Good Luck could go wrong and yet director Julia Hart applies just the right touch to pull off this small miracle of a movie. Working from a script she co-wrote with husband Jordan Horowitz and first-time scribe Laura Hankin, the filmmaker handles […]
Posted inPoetry
Letter from Ron Dougan to daughter Jackie
“At the risk of establishing a precedent,I take my pen in hand! About detasseling,we are letting out most of the boys but keeping on 7 or 8. They are older this year,high school seniors. The corn has come outall at once and we are getting it detasseled cheaper and better than usual. There is nothing new of course, […]
Posted inIT Picks
Top state fair returns to north end
Yes, it’s that time again, Springfield! It’s time to get a corndog at Vose’s, see a Grandstand show or two and take that ride on the Sky Glider. The Illinois State Fair begins bright and early today at 7 a.m. Today’s big event, of course, is the Twilight Parade from Lincoln Park to the fairgrounds […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“DOGtors on Call” at Memorial Hospital
Springfield Memorial Hospital has expanded its animal-assisted therapy program with four newly certified therapy dogs, thanks to a $4,500 grant from the Springfield Memorial Foundation. The program, called “DOGtors on Call,” pairs hospital staff members who volunteer their time and their dogs to interact with patients. “We were delighted to help fund the DOGtors on […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The mail carrier, the grocery clerk and the barista
No, the next line isn’t “walk into a bar!” although creating such a joke might be an interesting challenge. What, then, is the relationship between these three? They each represent the kinds of relationships sociologists call “weak ties.” That is, the kind of casual relationships that don’t generally lead to strong emotional bonds, although they […]
Posted inFilm
Night lacks chemistry, Man is a vile piece of work
Narrative pieces lack chemistry in Night Your ability to compartmentalize will determine whether you like Will Gluck’s odd new rom-com One Night Only. If you can accept an oppressive dystopian society pitched in a kinda light-hearted tone and forget about a key part of the premise, you’ll likely be charmed. But if, like me, you […]
Posted inPoetry
Tizzathee
Radio introduction to Jackie’s writing show for kids: My co-teacher and friend said he long thought “Tizzathee” was the name of our country, for he sang My country Tizzathee in school. “Today let’s write on Tis of Thee, what it really means to you.” Linus says in Charlie Brown “I love mankind, it’s people I […]
Posted inArts Features
Persistence pays for local writer
A new jukebox musical, featuring the music of the iconic artist Cher, is on a hopeful trajectory for possible off-Broadway or better yet, Broadway fame. Before you say “not another jukebox musical” and ask, “Isn’t there already a Cher show?” this one follows a very different plot and interesting origin story. Writer Mike Sheedy is […]
Posted inIT Picks
La Esquina del Movimiento
DANCE | Display those dance moves at downtown party Would you like to show your dance moves or learn how to dance? Here’s your chance to try some Latin dances including salsa, merengue and bachata. This free pop-up Latin dance party started last Saturday and will continue on Saturdays through Aug. 29. The event includes […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The way begins with me
United Way has never been simply an organization I volunteer with; it has been a part of my life. First through my Dad, then through my own service and now through the opportunity to lead. For me, United Way is more than a commitment; it is a purpose. Over the years, I have seen firsthand […]
