Joan Bortolon receives First Citizen Award
The First Citizen Award committee has selected Joan Bortolon as the 62nd recipient of the Springfield area’s prestigious First Citizen Award. As board president of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Bortolon has played an instrumental role in honoring local veterans by providing them with memorable, no-cost trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials…
The museum based on children’s books
If you’ve ever imagined going down a rabbit hole and emerging into a magical world, then make it come true with a visit to a new museum fashioned as an ode to children’s literature. The entrance to The Rabbit hOle in North Kansas City, Missouri, winds visitors through a grotto-like maze to land amidst dozens…
Children can benefit from playing Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons was released 50 years ago, and quickly fell into the stereotype of being a game for nerds. In the 1980s, DND got swept up in satanic panic. Despite its rough start, DND has been thoroughly enjoyed through the decades, and with the 2023 DND movie, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, has…
Music for kids and parents to enjoy together
Put two parents of preschool-age children together in the same room and there’s a good chance they’ll end up having a conversation about “Bluey,” the wildly popular animated Australian TV series that’s captivated both children and parents alike. It’s a kids’ show but it can thoroughly entertain the adults in the room as well, clearly…
Help kids learn to give back this holiday season
For many families, the winter holidays offer a chance to reflect on good fortune. The opportunity to practice gratitude is at the center of the Thanksgiving holiday, and the importance of helping others through the darker, longer days ahead is a theme that comes up again and again this time of year. Whether it’s doing…
Family event calendar
NOVEMBER This Is Our Culture Fundraising Event Fri., Nov. 15, 7-10pm. Experience West African-inspired appetizers, interact with Sierra Leonean culture and help orphans in this fundraiser for the Hope Orphan Home in Sierra Leone. Includes an interactive gallery showcasing each child’s journey, a replica fishing boat exhibit and partake in our auction showcasing artisan-made pieces.…
Synod: A different field of vision
For most earthlings, the Oct. 27 closing of the Roman Catholic Church’s synod on synodality will have been a tinier blip on the radar than the outcome of the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Whatever your feelings about that election – and I have plenty, as you might – I suspect that over time the…
United Way works to spread holiday cheer across central Illinois
As the holiday season approaches, United Way of Central Illinois is gearing up to spread joy, compassion and support throughout our community. This time of year brings unique opportunities to connect with others and give back, and United Way has organized several impactful initiatives for the season. Whether it’s bringing cheer to seniors, supporting local…
