Every parent on the planet likely knows the importance of reading as it relates to their kids’ future literacy. You probably also know that when very young children are read to their vocabulary increases and their language development blossoms. Reading with your kids is also quality time that ultimately strengthens the parent/child bond. And it’s […]
Newsletter – Parent
Posted inSpecial Issues
Family event calendar
FEBRUARY Lilacs and Letters Through March 22. This one-act play features a single actor portraying Walt Whitman, one of America’s most influential poets, as Whitman processes the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and tends to wounded Civil War soldiers. Free with admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844. Ho Etsu Tauko Drummers Sat., […]
Posted inNews
Dolly Parton Imagination Library officially launches statewide in Illinois
Illinois families with infants and toddlers now have access to free children’s books that can be sent directly to their home, regardless of their income. Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday announced the official launch of the state’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program founded by the country music legend in 1995 in her […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
New books for the holiday season
One of my favorite children’s book authors is Mac Barnett, who has authored numerous picture books and middle-school chapter books. Each book I’ve read that he has written brings a smile to my face, and often also a chuckle. The likelihood that my kids and I laughed while reading one of his books is at […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Take your infant to work
We know about “Take Your Daughter/Son to Work” days, but what if you could take your infant to work every day? That is what is happening at the Illinois Educators’ Credit Union here in Springfield, and many companies across the U.S. have implemented a program known as Infant at Work. According to the Parenting in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Big holiday feelings – for kids and parents
As the end of the year approaches, so do the winter holidays. As magical and wonderful as this time of year is, it can also feel chaotic and hectic. Families are dealing with a unique mixture of too much sugar and too little routine. For kids, the holidays can seem like they are filled with […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Kidzeum and the STEAM experience
Kidzeum occupies a unique niche in Springfield. As a science museum, children of all ages enjoy the exhibits centered around learning about a healthy body, healthy earth and healthy community. Kidzeum also offers many STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Its flagship program, STEAM Residency, began as “we were looking for a way […]
Posted inBest of Springfield®
Best Of Springfield 2023Ⓡ
Every year, we ask our opinionated readers to tell us about their favorite people, places and things in the Springfield area. Over the decades we’ve been doing this, we’ve continued to tweak both the process and the results issue to try to keep things fresh and interesting. While one out of every three votes cast […]
Posted inBest of Springfield®
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: RETAIL
Antique or vintage store Springfield Vintage 215 S. Fifth St., (217) 652-8413 Finalists: Abe’s Tradin’ Post, Dear Yesteryear, Barrel Antique Mall, Silvernicks New & Used Auto dealer new Isringhausen Imports 229 E. Jefferson St., (877) 364-6099 Finalists: Green Hyundai, Freedom Chevrolet – Virden, S&K GMC, Friendly Automotive, Green Subaru Auto dealer used Isringhausen Imports 229 […]
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WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CANNABIS
Biggest cannabis selection Ascend Horizon Drive 3201 Horizon Drive, (217) 718-6355 Finalists: Ascend Downtown, Maribis – Lindbergh Boulevard, Maribis – Denver Drive Biggest CBD selection CBD Botanicals 2538 S. Koke Mill Road, (217) 588-8161 Finalists: Penny Lane, Prairie State Hemp, Simply CBD, Happy Daze Budtender and location Samantha Allen – Maribis of Springfield 3025 Lindbergh […]
Posted inBest of Springfield®
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Abraham Lincoln historic site Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 212 N. Sixth St., (217) 558-8844 Finalists: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb, Old State Capitol State Historic Site Actor – Female Chrissy Mauck – Beauty and the Beast Finalists: Alyssa Shultz – Fiddler on the Roof and […]
Posted inBest of Springfield®
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: MUSIC
Bass player Ty Ellis Finalists: Kortney Leatherwood, Chris Harris, Bruce Williams, Harrison Ketchum Choral group Rochester High School Madrigals 1 Rocket Drive, Rochester, (217) 498-9761 Finalists: Springfield High School 7 & Senators, Glenwood Titan Fever, Lincoln Troubadours, Sound Celebration Chorus Cover music band Deja Voodoo Finalists: UNCHAiNED, Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters, Off […]
