THE CALENDAR

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Holiday Extravaganza Dec 11, 18, 12-2pm Sat , Holiday-themed fun includes scavenger hunt, Christmas light show and viewing your colored picture on the Sphere, a room-size globe of which there are only 50 in the world. National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington, 217-523-3130. Santa at White Oaks Mall Dec 09-22, 12pm , Visit with Santa through Christmas Eve, December 24. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave, (217) 787- 0110.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Dec 11, 10am-4pm, “Winter WILDlife.” Fun, handson children’s activities for kids 4-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-6044.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Reading Group Meeting Dec 11, 9:30am, Second Saturday each month, join Middle-Earth Fellowship and discuss Tolkien, his works and major influences. All ages and degrees of knowledge welcome. [email protected], place jrrt in subject line. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy.

ABATE Chapter Meeting Dec 16, 7pm, ABATE Lincoln Land Monthly Chapter Meeting. All motorcycle enthusiasts welcome. Third Thursday of every month. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217- 836-3336.

Association of Information Technology Professionals Dec 21, 5:30-8:30pm, Chapter Elections. Lakepointe Grill, 1386 Toronto Rd, 628-3697.

Central Illinois Referral Network Dec 15, 22, 7:45am, Every Wed, Little over an hour gathering for referrals and new business opportunities discussion. The Real Estate Group, 3701 West Wabash Ave.

Inaugural Meeting of the Grassroots Policy Advisory Committee Dec 13, 10am-3pm, Farmers, consumers and advocates welcome. State policy priorities and 2012 Farm Bill discussed. Register at ilstewards.org. Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, 3435 Liberty Drive.

Snowmobilers Dec 15, 7:30pm, Central Illinois Ditch Riders, of the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs, meets third Wednesday of each month. Bunkers, 220 Old Route 36, Illiopolis, 217- 486-5100.

Springfield Area Disability Activists Dec 21, 5:30-6:45pm, Meets every third Tuesday of month. IL Network of Centers for Independent Living, Fifth and Washington St, Cilla 341-4459 or Mike 971-4802.

Springfield Area Newcomer Holiday Luncheon Dec 14, 7pm, Meets third Tuesday of every other month, large variety of interest groups. springfieldnewcomers.com. Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Rd, 217-546-4614.

Springfield Vegetarian Association Dec 14, 6:30pm, Program film: “Understanding Cruelty.” Free and open to public. 787-0014. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 753-4900.

BULLETIN BOARD

APL Pet Adoptions Dec 11, 11am-2pm, Dogs and cats for adoption. Also, dogs and cats for adoption at the Army National Guard’s Camp Lincoln annual holiday bazaar. Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave, 217-787-5100.

APL Tree of Lights Ceremony Dec 12, 5pm, Individuals are invited to honor a loved one, animal or human, with a memorial light. $5. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, 544-7387.

Angel Tree: Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery Dec 09-10, 13-17, 20-22, 9am- 5pm Mon-Fri, Through Dec. 22, Place donation under decorated Beanie Baby Bears tree and you can take a bear home. List of needed items online in our calendar. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St.

Capital Area Independent Business Alliance Holiday Party Dec 15, 5-8pm, Buffet of local favorites by CAIBA members, cash bar, door prizes. Members, guests and community interested in learning more about LOCAL FIRST movement invited. $10, reserve tickets by e-mailing [email protected]. Pasfield House, 525 S Pasfield St.

Chrisitan Women’s Connection Dec 15, 9:30-11:15am, “Peace through Music” with Poppy Vincent. “Peace and Tranquility.” $12 inclusive. Reservations required by Dec. 10. 564-8773. Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr.

Community Outreach Program Dec 18, 10-11:30am, Third Saturday of each month, CoPCC assists families in need of personal care items such as: paper towels, toilet paper, bath soap, deodorant and toothpaste. Those in need invited. Must be 18 or older, show valid ID, and show proof of how many in household. Cathedral of Praise Christian Center, 2039 E. Capitol Ave, 528-9800.

Giant Flea Market Dec 12, 8:30am-4:30pm, Indoor market. $1.25, age 12 and under free with adult. Illinois Building. For more info call 529-6939. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Youth Night Dec 10, 6-9pm, Second and fourth Friday of each month open mic, table games and a variety of other fun stuff. Holy Ground Coffeehouse, 304 W. Allen, (217) 306-2592.

SPORTS & FITNESS

IBS Girls Prep Classic Dec 11, various times, Annual high school girls basketball shootout. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217-786-2200.

Junior Blues Games Dec 10-11, 7pm, The Jr. Blues take on Michigan Friday and Saturday. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St.

Sangamon Table Tennis Club (Ping Pong) Dec 09, 14-16, 21-22, 6-10pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Level of play ranges from beginner to advanced, ages 12-77. Lessons available. 553-1913. Douglas United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Avenue.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com. Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more.