Putting your name above the door
On Sept. 11 a grateful Springfield learned that Tony Kerasotes, head of that family’s movie house chain, had made a gift of $2 million to the YMCA building fund. It is a generous gift, graciously given as a “thank you” to the city that had helped his family’s rise.

To reform the Illinois House, change the rules
Have you ever wondered why the Illinois House of Representatives has never had a vote on common-sense proposals such as allowing voters to recall state public officials or a measure that would restrict everyone’s campaign contributions in the general election?.

Exporting jobs, importing workers
Maybe you’re one of the thousands of young lawyers in America working in some low-skill, part-time job because law firms have cut so many of the starting positions you were educated to take. If so, I have good news: Jobs for young lawyers are now mushrooming in companies that provide legal services to U.

LETTERS
Regarding “Storm over sewers,” by Rachel Wells, Sept. 16: I have fought this battle with the city public works department for about a year and I can tell the poor people who are having this problem what they will hear from Mr. Norris: “Plug your drain and pump your sewage to the sanitary sewer.

AFSCME decides to sit out House Democrats’ campaigns
The union that represents thousands of state and local government employees, AFSCME, was one of the bigger Democratic campaign contributors in the final six months of the 2008 campaign. But this year the union will be sitting out almost all of the Illinois House Democrats’ top races.

DRUG DROP
but they can cause terrible damage when abused. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in five teens have used prescription drugs to get high, and each day 2,500 teenagers use a prescription drug to get high for the first time, which has led to a 400 percent increase in hospital admissions for prescription drug abuse.

HUDDLE HOUSE HONORS
The award is in recognition of top-notch customer service, cleanliness, attitude, appearance and food. Along with the bragging rights, the first place “Best of the Best” award came with $15,000 and last year’s second place came with $10,000.

Congolese march shines light on genocide
“Our country is known today as the World Capital of Rape,” Pappy Bakungola of Springfield said. Tens of thousands have been killed in refugee camps and villages, much of the violence instigated by the President Paul Kagame of neighboring Rwanda, according to individuals demonstrating last week.

United Way grants to help Sangamon County’s needy
The United Way of Central Illinois gave the two grants totaling $46,000 to Springfield-based charities Computer Banc and the Sangamon County Medical Society to support new programs at both organizations as part of the United Way’s “Venture Funds” program.

Bedbugs are back - in Springfield
The flat, brown, oval-shaped critters are about a quarter of an inch long and like to feed on human blood as we sleep. They’ve reemerged in developed countries after a population low credited to the widespread use of DDT and other dangerous chemicals as pesticides after World War II.

Court denies pig farm’s damage claims
Sangamon County circuit judge Leslie Graves ruled on Sept. 7 that Buckhart farmer Robert Young was entitled to $500 in damages from the Rochester Buckhart Action Group (RBAG), which temporarily halted the construction of Young’s pig farm through a court injunction in 2007.

The first wise guy in this old world to...
The first wise guy in this old world to see the truth in the saw, “if you want something done, do it yourself” latched on to a key precept in human endeavors. Another seriously silly saying like, “every great journey begins with a step,” carries a good deal of folk wisdom as well.

“We realized the only way to make money...
After mulling over the music hosting idea for awhile, then receiving encouragement and abetment from many acquaintances, especially Ron Sakolsky, Sean’s former professor at Sangamon State University, fellow DJ at WQNA and confirmed anarchist and...

SVRR turns 10
Jamie’s two rules served the Burns well during the passing years as they moved through a succession of Springfield music clubs after the Alley, including On Broadway (now reopened as Broadway Nights) and the Underground City Tavern in the Hilton...

Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com
When the 2009 Taste of Downtown was a washout due to all-day rains, several of the bands volunteered to perform at Bar None that evening simply to play music.

Mouthwatering meze
Seems as if tapas are everywhere these days, and deservedly so. But Spain isn’t the only country specializing in small plates meant to be shared in bars and informal restaurants. Greece and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean have a similar, yet deliciously unique tradition: meze.

Watermelon and Feta Salad
Garnish with the mint sprigs and/or leaves and serve. May be refrigerated an hour or so before serving, but if serving it later than that, prep the ingredients ahead separately, then combine them just before serving. Serves 4-6..

Intriguing characters populate The Town
Doug (Affleck) is the leader of a fourman crew that specializes in bank jobs in which they wear elaborate masks and costumes. During their latest heist, his impulsive partner Jim (Jeremy Renner) takes Claire (Rebecca Hall) hostage. Realizing later that she lives near them, Doug decides to keep an eye on her and unexpectedly falls in love.

Kids find joy in gardening at the governor’s mansion
Fried okra, collard greens and fresh salsa have become favorite food dishes of junior gardeners from the 21st Century Program, Graham Elementary School. This summer these students nurtured a 484-square-foot vegetable garden at the Illinois Executive Mansion.

BAND SPOTLIGHT |
In an amazing career that spans four decades, Tret Fure began singing professionally at 16, worked with Spencer Davis at 19, soon after signed with MCA/UNI Records and released her major label debut in 1973, produced by none other than legendary Little Feat founder, the late Lowell George.

CARS |
The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival rolls out three days of cool cars, food, music and car-related activities in downtown Springfield.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Hot shots
View and buy the work of exhibitors: Sarah Chatham of New Beginnings Photography, Jake Lieberman, Jennifer Burke-Davis, Ginny Lee, John Muchow, Felicia Olin, Jim Edgecomb, J.R.

WORKSHOPS
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