Cover Story
Mentoring young men
“Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.” Habbakuk 2:2 NRSV “You have to have faith,” says Michael Phelon of Springfield. This is a perpetual mantra for Phelon, who founded The Outlet in 2005. It is a faith-based nonprofit organization that…
The wild west end
A Springfield businessman is facing federal drug charges and loss of his home in one of the city’s toniest neighborhoods following a September bust. Joshua D. Lindvall, president of Nelson’s Catering, was indicted in October following the September arrest of Tod Dunbar, a convicted drug dealer who was reportedly living at Lindvall’s home in The…
A dark chapter of U.S. history brought to screen
While much has been written about the plight of Japanese Americans during World War II, the story of how the U.S. government persecuted Italian Americans has largely gone untold. A trio of central Illinois filmmakers is changing that with the documentary Potentially Dangerous, which tells the story of the internment of Italian Americans as well…
County backs new $5 million homeless shelter
Helping Hands of Springfield’s emergency and transitional shelter would move from its current downtown location to a larger site more than three miles away through a proposed partnership with Sangamon County government that both Helping Hands and county officials view as a step forward in reducing homelessness. Vacant space at the county’s complex at 2201…
Dinner on a dime
With groceries more costly than ever, let’s talk about how to make the most out of what’s in season and in your pantry. Produce is still available at many local farm stands like Suttill’s Gardens and Jefferies Market through Thanksgiving, with prices that often rival grocery stores, especially for items like broccoli, squash, cabbage and…
Assorted music mash-up
Welcome back my friends, to the show that, hopefully (and I have no reason to believe otherwise at this point), never ends as we continue to waft through the various music acts performing in Springfield. This week doesn’t seem to have a theme, as they sometimes appear to do, so therefore and herewith, let’s get…
Editors note 11/10/22
This week’s cover story features The Outlet, its new home and big plans for the future. It is a story of Springfield coming together to address the crisis of men and boys. Boys are struggling in the classroom. By high school two-thirds of the top 10 percent of the class are girls, while about two-thirds…
Commemoration and honor
The armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Armistice Day is now a national holiday in many Allied nations; in the United States it is celebrated as Veterans Day. The Illinois Department…
Lincoln Top Hat restored
Felicia Olin was voted best visual artist for Illinois Times Best of Springfield 2022, continuing her many consecutive wins. In 2009, she painted a large fiberglass Lincoln top hat for the Hats Off To Lincoln Bicentennial Project sponsored by Springfield Rotary. This was Olin’s first big project when she was an emerging artist. Her inspiration…
Enola 2 a showcase for Millie Bobby Brown, Armageddon Time is muddled, Estate a waste
Brown charms in convoluted Enola 2 If you’re a serious Sherlock Holmes fan, avoid Enola Holmes 2 at all costs. This sequel, based on the YA book series by Nancy Springer, plays fast and loose with the canon established by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. No, these features are, by and large, used as a showcase…
A podcasting prosecutor
Although he has spent much of his life working in courtrooms and at the Statehouse, David Risley has found a new platform for advocating for criminal justice reform: a podcaster’s microphone. “If things are going to change in the way we approach crime and criminal justice, it won’t be working from the top down,” he…
Barn Stories
I spent more time in the barns than my sibs not sure why but found them interesting also I always had a pet goat I had to sit astride her to trim her hoofs no crags to wear them off it meant though that I put her to bed nightly so I was alone in…
Letters to the editor 11/10/22
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- VERY DESERVING I loved to see the article on the city cannabis grant program and the recent release of $622,000 in grant funds, plus another $400,000 or so in TIF money to 22 businesses,…
Big money spent on Amendment 1
I’m writing this a few days before election day, but, from where I sit, if the so-called Workers’ Rights Amendment fails to pass muster with voters, a campaign fueled by the Illinois Policy Institute could take a big share of the credit. The proposed constitutional amendment is backed to the hilt by organized labor. They’ve…
The long goodbye
As I sat in the barber’s chair Friday, an old man came up to me and extended his hand and introduced himself. As the fellow left the shop, my barber said it was nice of him to introduce himself. I nodded and explained I’ve known him for more than 20 years. And it is the…
Reading American authors, and appreciating their impact
November 1 was National Authors’ Day, so this month is a particularly good time to remember a favorite author, or book, that has had an impact on you. And here in Illinois, we should especially be aware of this reading-focused, author-celebrating observance – because it originated in our state, which has such a wonderful literary…
Lanphier graduate on a path to live his dreams
Brendan Barnhart of Springfield graduated from Lanphier High School last spring and now is a freshman at Lincoln Land Community College majoring in psychology. He is also taking introductory Japanese. His goal is to move to Japan and teach English. Barnhart’s interest in Japan stems from his love of Anime – Japanese hand-drawn animation –…
Boys will be men
Michael Phelon birthed The Outlet in 2005 and has nurtured it ever since. His vision was to provide an outlet for young males to plug into something positive. The Outlet serves males ages 8 to 22 who are from single-parent homes. Its mission is to help boys develop the capacity and skills to make responsible…
Springfield Theatre Centre stages a powerful musical
This week a recent Broadway musical makes its Springfield debut as Fun Home opens Friday at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, running Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13, as well as next week, Nov. 18-20. Directors Joe-Michael Jackson and Ginny Racette began planning this even before the pandemic. The wait is well worth the time. Alison Bechdel…
