Modern retro style
From “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” to “WandVision,” the popularity of vintage-inspired television is making retro styles more fashionable than ever before. “‘Mad Men’ was great for the vintage industry. Everybody wanted to dress like that,” says Linda Renehan of Springfield Vintage. “People enjoy seeing the past and being inspired to find a way to dress…
Experts in our community
Helping the homeless Scott Payne, from Argenta, has been helping the community as executive director at Inner City Mission of Springfield for over 28 years. The organization provides shelter, sustenance, education and Christian counseling to homeless children, their parents and single women. To give or not to give: thoughts on when and how to help.…
Volunteer extraordinaire
If you commit to something, do it. And, do it right. That’s Susan Helm’s mantra – both at work and while volunteering. Her family, professional colleagues and the many people with whom she volunteers see the results firsthand. Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy environment, healthy community. Helm’s career, extensive volunteer service and personal life demonstrate…
Joni’s journey
As 2018 approached, my thoughts revolved around what turning 60 years old would look like in a few months. Every significant birthday, beginning at age 50, then 55 and on, I had vowed to make a change to improve myself in the year ahead. The years passed quickly. The pounds of weight added on easily,…
Sold-out sewing machines
St. Louis County, Missouri – Margaret Reynolds’ sewing output has come in waves. As a new mom, she made color-coordinated T-shirts for her three boys. When she retired, she sewed dresses for her granddaughters. And during last spring’s shutdown, Reynolds, 77, dug out her machine once again, fashioning reversible masks in florals, checks and polka…
Visit sweet old Funk’s Grove
Funk’s Grove is a sweet spot, especially for those looking for some tall perspective in these pandemic times. Just off I-55 some 15 miles south of Bloomington, the place offers pure maple sirup, a museum full of minerals and towering trees looming over an outdoor chapel. Those trees and their ancestors have been around through…
Small Illinois towns with big names
People look forward to the time when travel will again be possible and dream of places to visit. Maybe to London, Liverpool or Windsor? How about Paris, Venice, Rome, Brussels or Vienna? Possibly to ancient cities of Sparta, Thebes or Troy? Or places in the south such as Bolivia, Cuba, Jamaica or Panama? Visiting faraway…
Disrupting racial disparities among older Illinoisans
The senior advocacy group AARP is backing legislation aimed at addressing racial disparities in health care, economic security and digital connectivity for Illinoisans over 50. AARP Illinois, alongside community advocacy groups such as Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago, the Chicago Urban League and the Resurrection Project, released a report in February analyzing substantial gaps…
Explore Your Community
As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event. “Contemplative Expressions” Through April 1. The work of SAA Collective juried artist members from across central Illinois are on display. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St. 217-544-2787. Jazz…
