Cover Story
Help wanted
For those dining out, hitting the drive-thru lane, dropping their children off at the bus stop or walking through the aisles of retailers in Springfield, the news that 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs in August likely comes as no surprise in light of the many “Help wanted” and “We’re hiring!” signs on display in…
See Dune on the big screen, skip Halloween Kills, Knocking is haunting
Epic Dune a big screen must-see Denis Villeneuve has made no small plans where his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune is concerned. You’d be hard-pressed to find a film with such an epic scope both visually and narratively as the director rises to the challenge of realizing this sprawling story. Politics, religion, ecology and social…
The flour alternative
For the past six months one of my jobs at the restaurant has been making pasta from scratch using freshly milled flour from heritage grain, and the taste is really superior. But unfortunately, many of our guests can’t tolerate gluten so I always make gluten-free alternatives using rice flour and chickpea flour. I’ve worked with…
A loss, the blues, lotsa music
What’s happening out there, all you crazy kids? Everything at once and nothing at all with a little something left in the middle would be a fine answer to a question of such nature. Let’s go see what’s going on in the Springfield region of live music-making. First, a moment of reflection on the life…
OUT on Adams
Phoenix Center, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting equality, well-being and social and educational growth for LGBTQ individuals in central Illinois, has opened a new resource center and retail space. OUT on Adams will have LGBTQ resources available, such as information regarding local medical providers, materials addressing how to support LGBTQ individuals and the services offered…
Editor’s note 10/21/21
One of this state’s wicked problems is that health in Illinois isn’t equal or equitable. The George Floyd protests in the midst of a pandemic were a stark reminder that Black Lives don’t last as long as others, and that racial and low-income health disparities have been neglected. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois…
The world through a complex series of lines and tangles
Betsy Dollar serves as the executive director of the Springfield Art Association and has worked both as a commercial artist and a fine artist. She works primarily in handmade paper and is known for her works that span from functional handmade books to large-scale immersive installations. Her work can be found in both private and…
The driver behind the coat drive
During the brisk morning, a visitor held up a coat wondering if the item would be a good fit. Sherrie Henderson said the coat and blanket drive held by Freedom in Holiness Mission on Loveland Avenue is convenient because it occurs right before winter arrives. “They wash everything and there are no bugs,” Henderson said.…
Art on the menu at Obed and Isaac’s
At Obed and Isaac’s, you can acquire art along with your amber ale. Several dozen original works of art by Springfield artists grace the walls surrounding the dining tables. The art contributes to the décor of this popular microbrewery and eatery in downtown Springfield. All of the work is for sale. While enjoying your food…
Legislators back in town
Illinois’ first congressional remap draft is out but changes could be in store as lawmakers returned to Springfield this week for the first of their final two weeks of scheduled session in 2022. It’s customary for lawmakers to meet each fall to consider overriding or accepting any of the governor’s vetoes or amendatory vetoes of…
Don’t give up on fall colors
It’s that special time of year in the Midwest when we are treated to the beauty of trees turning vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange. As temperatures and daylight hours drop, so does the production of chlorophyll which allows the carotenoids in the leaves to reveal their colorful pigments. With the onset of fall,…
Archival memory #35
My grandpa – minister turned farmer didn’t go to church, said his deafness prevented his getting much from it but grama loved all meetings she had a willing escort in Mr. Griffeths a long-time employee until Mr. G started courting Josie grama’s helper with all the big housework grama lost her driver into town events…
Letters to the editor 10/21/21
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- KUDOS TO OFFICERS With all that is going on in this world, I felt moved to personally acknowledge the officer in this picture, along with a fellow officer who came to All In One…
Governor under pressure to address gun violence
Catholic priest and Chicago community activist Michael Pfleger has now twice called on Gov. JB Pritzker to declare a “state of emergency” over his city’s notorious gun violence problems. The first time was this past July, when Fr. Pfleger demanded that Pritzker issue a similar emergency declaration to the one announced by New York’s then-governor…
Forgiveness or enforcement?
I’m not sure if I really understand forgiveness, but I can acknowledge its value. I’m sure at a loss as to how it works, though. By one count, the Bible has 62 passages with the word “forgive” and 27 with “forgiveness,” but nowhere does it say exactly how to do it. I remember sitting in…
Public meetings should be in-person
Should residents be allowed to have chickens within city limits? Should the city-owned hospital be sold? What programs should the school district cut to have a balanced budget? How should students be allowed to dress in school? Every city council or school board has issues large and small that impact the lives of the people…
A nurse’s plea: Help us fight this war
Carleen Hinkle worked as a registered nurse at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield for 22 years, including many years in the intensive care unit and two years as a CVICU (cardiovascular intensive care unit) nurse manager. She left MMC and worked as a travel nurse in Chicago from April to July 2020 in the beginning…
