woodburnings, wood, tools and books for sale. How-to seminars. Door prizes. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Illinois Building. $2. For info, call 546-8792 or email [email protected]. svwoodcarvers.org.
POLITICS
Crisis in Diplomacy Sep 14, 7:30-9:30pm, In an era when United States military expenditures are almost as great as all the military expenditures of all other countries combined, Retired Amb Pearson supports diplomacy. Free. Brookens Auditorium, UIS Campus. For more info, contact Kimberly Craig at 206-6245.
Drinking Coffee Liberally First and Third Sat, 9am, Enjoy coffee, breakfast and conversation with fellow progressives. Free. Trout Lily Cafe, 218 S. Sixth St. For more info, e-mail [email protected].
HISTORY
Courtship, Marriage and Mourning in Victorian America Sep 6, 1pm, Learn about the rituals and etiquette binding Victorian-era women like Mary Lincoln. Lincoln’s Home Visitor Center’s Theater 1. For more info, contact Lincoln’s Home at 492-4150.
His Name is Mudd Sep 5, 2pm, Learn about the controversial trial and imprisonment of Dr. Samuel Mudd - a man whose name if forever linked to Lincoln’s assassination. Lincoln’s Home Visitor Center’s Theater 1. For more info, contact Lincoln’s Home at 492-4150.
Taking Leave Sep 5, 11am-2pm, Drama written and directed by Ken Bradbury. The program dramatizes what Mary Lincoln, portrayed by Pam Brown, did when she left the White House without her husband. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old Capitol Plaza. For more info, contact Justin at 785-7960 or visit www.oldstatecapitol.org.
Historic Bicycle Ride Sept 12, 1-3pm, Free 10-mile tour by bicycle of Lincoln-related and other Springfield historic sites sponsored by Springfield Bicycle Club. Departs from Capital Complex Visitors Center, 425 S. College St. For info visit www.spfldcycling.org.
Historic Photography Display Aug 15-Sep 7, 12-4pm, View photos of Washington Park as far back as 1902. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden.
Transforming “China” in American Eyes Sep 9, 2-4pm, Dr. Liu discusses the transformative images of China and Chinese in the United States, while addressing Chinese American immigration history. Free. Brookens Auditorium, UIS Campus. For more info, contact Kimberly Craig at 206-6245.
HEALTH
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings daily. Various times/locations. 24 hour answering service 525-5795 or toll free 1-866-525-5795. For more info visit www.aaspringfield.org.
ALS Support Group Through Dec 8, 6-7:30pm Tuedsays, For patients with ALS and their caregivers. Springfield Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave W. For more info, contact Joy Meachum at (888) 873-8539 x 9 or visit www.alsa-stl.org.
Asperger Support Group First Thu, 7 pm, Asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness of Central Illinois meeting with Dr. Karen Kirkendall. UIS, J Building, Rm 153.
Depression & Bipolar Support Group Sep 8-Dec 8, 6:30-8:30pm second and fourth Tuesday, The Central IL Chapter of DBSA offers a free peer-led support group for those affected by depression or bipolar disorder (including family & friends). Not sponsored by SIU Med. School. SIU School of Medicine Library, 801 N. Rutledge, 4th floor. For more info, contact Rebecca at 414-7368 or visit www.dbsalliance.org.
GROW in Illinois Mental Health Support Group Thursdays, 7:15-9:15pm, 12step program for anyone experiencing mental health issues, emotional problems, addictions or difficulties coping. Free, anonymous, confidential, open to all. Laurel United Methodist Church, room 200, 631 South Grand Ave West. For more info, contact Grow at 622-7953 or visit www.growinamerica.org.
GROW in Illinois Mental Health Support Group Thursdays, 4-6pm, 12-step program for anyone experiencing mental health issues, emotional problems, addictions or difficulties coping. Free, anonymous, confidential, open to all. Peoples Church, 1109 E. Ash. For more info, contact Grow at 622-7953 or visit www.growinamerica.org.
Healthy Pets, Healthy People Sept 12, 1-4pm, Open to the public and their dogs. Tips on diet & exercise for dogs, dog costume contest, dog training tips. Free blood pressure, cholesterol checks, wellness tips for people. Free. Washington Park. For more info, contact Brenda or John at 529-4211.
HIV Anonymous First Tues monthly, 6:30-8:30pm, first Sat monthly 2:30-4:30pm. Free 12-step support group for people living with HIV and AIDS, Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence, 528-5253.
HIV Free Testing & Counseling Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, Linkage to free health services providing medication though ADAP. Edwin A. Lee Resource Center, 501 S. 13th. For more info, call 557- 0045.
MGF Support Group Meeting Through Nov 15, 2-4pm, MGF of Illinois support group meeting. SIU School of Medicine Library, Dirkson Room on the 4th Floor, 801 N. Rutledge. For more info, call 800-888-6208 or go to www.myastheniagravis.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous For those seeking freedom from compulsive sexual behavior. Twelve-step meetings M & Th evenings. Serious inquiries only. Provide first name only, and where to reach you to [email protected].
STD Screening, HIV Testing & Support Group Every second and fourth Tue, 4- 6pm, Receive STD screening and HIV testing. Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm, Free HIV testing. Every first and third Wed, 1pm, HIV Support Group, open to both men and women who are HIV positive. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave. For more info, call 528- 5253.
FAITH & PHILOSOPHY
Iran and the Recent Election Sep 6, 10:30-11:30am, Dr. Towfig Arjmand, a retired Springfield physician, discusses his continuing concern for his native country, Iran. All are welcome to attend. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd. For more info, contact ALUUC at 585-9550 or visit www.aluuc.org.
Taizé - Healing and Wholeness Service Sep 11, 7pm, Candlelit participatory service of meditative music. Krista Steller, oboe; Carly Piland, flute; Nate Moss, bass and others. Light refreshments follow. Free event for all ages with donations going to Illinois Capital Area Chapter of the Red Cross. First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Illinois, 321 S. Seventh St. For more info, contact church at 528-4311 or visit www.lincolnschurch.org.
The Wanda Mountain Boys Sep 12, 6pm, Also appearing are Harmony Trio, The Peeks, Ken and Lisa Runkle, Jill Layne and Gary Eby. Refreshments at 5pm. Kumler United Methodist Church, 600 N. Fifth St. For more info, contact Gary Eby at 522-8618.
Unity’s World Day of Prayer Sep 10, 5:30-7:30pm, Silent prayer gathering followed by a 6:30 p.m. prayer service led by Unity’s Rev. Leslie Bradshaw and Maryam Mostoufi of the Springfield Muslim community. Free. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia. For more info, contact Rev. Leslie Bradshaw at 523- 5897 or visit www.unityofspringfield.com.
SPORTS & FITNESS
37th Annual Capital City Century Sep 13, 7am-5pm, Come ride 10-100 miles with Springfield Bicycle Club on this recreational ride. Food stops, SAG and postride party. Bicentennial historic ride day prior. $20 metric/century; $5 extra after 8/21. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr. For more info, contact Tom Clark at 726-5560 or visit www.spfldcycling.org.
Central Illinois Lung Walk Sep 12, 8am, Registration begins for three-mile walk that starts at 9 a.m. Lincoln Home National Historic Site. For more info, contact ALA at 787-5864 or visit lungwalk.org.
IMDA Springfield Short Track Motorcycle Races Sep 4-5, Amateurs on Friday 5pm. Pros on Saturday 7pm. Multi-purpose Arena, IL State Fairgrounds. $30-$5. For info, call Tommra Kiesow at 753- 8866.
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant 5K Run/Walk Sep 12, 8am, Memorial Medical Center’s 5th annual run/walk. Proceeds benefit transplant patient assistance fund. Registration begins at 7am. $20- $10. Washington Park, Pavillion. For more info, contact Sara at 788-3441 or visit www.memorialtransplantservices.com.
Moonlight Paddle & Potluck Sep 4, 6:30pm, Potluck then paddle sponsored by Sangamon Paddlers. Free. Jim Edgar State Park, Prairie Lake. For more info, contact Sangamon Paddlers at or visit sangamonpaddlers.wordpress.com.
SportsCare’s Women’s Biathlon Sep 13, 8am, 20-kilometer bike ride and a 5-kilometer run for women, with a relay option, sanctioned by USA Triathlon. $25-$45. Koke Mill Medical Center, Koke Mill and Old Jacksonville Roads. For more info, contact KMMC at 862-0444 or visit http://www.sportscarewomensbiathlon.com.
Springfield Celts RFC Sep 12, 1-2:30pm, Local rugby club, Springfield Celts vs. ISU. Kennedy Park, across from Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport. For more info, visit www.celtsrugby.com.
Springfield Mile Sep 5-6, The best flat track racers descend on Springfield for a weekend of motorcycles on a one mile dirt track. $25-$5. For more info, call 753-8866. Commodity Pavilion Grandstand, Illinois State Fairgrounds.