Dance Oct 05, 7-9pm, Free dance first Friday of every month for individuals with disabilities. Semiformal dress attire. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702.

Party-in-Pink Sep 28, 7-9pm, Zumba fundraiser for Susan G. Komen Foundation. Prizes and music. Info via email. Gold’s Gym, 1600 Clear Lake, 789-4653.

Salsa Nights Sep 29, 9pm-12:30am, Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St, 217-529-5511.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Art Reception Oct 06, 6-8pm, Local artist Janet Sgro. Paintings on dis play through Nov. 29. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St, 217-523-4415.

Artrageous First Friday Oct 05, 5-8pm, Meg Grider demonstrates dyeing and painting on fabric. Food, drinks. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 South 6th St, 217-753-0262

. Brown Bag Art Talk Sep 28, 12pm, Professor Patricia Reyhan explores legal issues when original owners and good-faith purchasers both claim title to stolen art. Free. Michael Victor II Art Library, SAA, 700 N. Fourth Street, 523-2631.

Carpe Diem Art Show Sep 28-30, Oct 05-07, 12-4pm Fri-Sun, Through Dec. 2, eclectic display of local art. Featured artist Kevin Atterberry, Petersburg. Prairie Palette Art Gallery, on the square, Petersburg, 217-971-7431.

Craft: Art Show Oct 07, 6-9pm, Local artists display their work and live music. All ages. American Harvest Eatery, 3241 W. Iles, 217-546-8300.

Gallery Exhibit Sep 27-29, Oct 01-06, 08-10, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Through Oct. 11, watercolors of Carolyn Owen Sommer. Talk Oct. 4, 4:30 p.m. Room 2207. Reception 5:30 p.m. in the

gallery. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 217-786-2219.

Gallery Exhibit Oct 06-07, 09-10, 4-6pm Tue- Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Michelle Schneider - watercolor illustrations; Richard Bilinsky - bronze sculptures. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Gallery Exhibit Sep 27-30, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1- 3pm Sun, Sept 8-30, Thomas Trausch - Watercolor and Oil Paintings. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Heavy Hitters Sep 27, Graffiti and street art from around the world. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Juried Associate Member Exhibit Oct 05, 5-8pm, Free and open to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727.

Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories Sep 27-30, Oct 01-10, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Through Jan. 2013, view the work of eleven older Illinois artists, ages 78 through 90. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Pied Piper Architectural Tour Oct 03, 5:30pm, Free professionally-guided architectural tour. Meets outside. 544-1723. Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, 112 North Sixth St.

Roger Shimomura Oct 01-04, 08-10, 10am- 6pm Mon-Thu, Through Dec. 1, “America Behind Barbed Wire,” prints by internationally renowned artist. Reception/talk Oct. 11, 5:30-8 p.m. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

Rx Exhibit Oct 02, 6-9pm, Mark Rice from South Carolina. Rx Project Space, 940 S. Pasfield Street.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Exhibit Opening Oct 06, 5:30-7:30pm, Enjoy the talents of local watercolor artists at this beloved annual exhibition. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Meeting Sep 27, 7pm, Fourth Thursday of month in third floor boardroom. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523- 2787.

FILM & TELEVISION

Maloof Money Cup World Skateboarding Championship Event Oct 02, 7:30pm, World-class street competition skateboarding, highlights, behind-thescenes footage and more. AMC Showplace Springfield 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Nature Story Adventures Sep 27, Oct 04, 9:30-11am, Children ages 3-5 years old and adult explore different topic each week. $5-$10. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.

Wonderous Wednesday Storytime Oct 03, 10, 11am, With Miss Alana, plus activity. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

YMCA Arts Week Oct 01-07, 8am-7pm, Free, week-long activities for children, teens and their families. Gallery night, Oct. 3, kids/adult work, music, activities and demos. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St, 217-544-9846.

SCIENCE

Friday Night Star Parties Sep 28, Oct 05, 8-10pm, Fridays in Sept. and Oct. weather permitting. Observatory, roof of Brookens Library. Free. uis.edu/astronomy. University of Illinois at Springfield, 217-206- 6073.

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Oct 10, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Michael Conner, Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds, presents “Exploring a 14th Century Multicultural Village.” Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.

NATURE

Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show Oct 06-07, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Demo, kids activities and more. $2, kids under 12 free. Illinois Building. 498-7713. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Illini Bird Fanciers Club Bird Fair/Sale Sep 30, 9am-4pm, Breeders with varieties of birds and supplies. $3, kids free with paid adult. IlliniBirdFanciers.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Leaf Collecting Hikes Sep 30, Oct 07, 2pm, Sundays through Oct. 7, naturalists lead student hikes to collect 25 types of leaves. $4. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.

Prairie Pedal Bike Ride Sep 30, 9am-1pm, 62, 40 or 20-mile ride with chili after party. Support conservation of natural areas and wildlife diversity in Macon County. $25. Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL 62522, Decatur, 217-423-7708.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Oct 01, 9am, Seasonal Decorating. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Tonic of Wildness - Nature Writing Workshop Oct 06, 9am-4pm, One-day workshop conducted by authors Tracy Zeman, Lisa Higgs and Ted Morrissey. $50, discounts available, see webpage. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Volunteer Work Day Sep 30, 1-3pm, Tools, water and cookies provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Wed. Morning Pickup Party Oct 03, 10, 9-10am, Weather permitting, help pick up trash. Garbage bags and long handled pickers provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Activist Tom Hayden Sep 27, 7pm, Co-founder of 1960s group, Students for a Democratic Society, and author of Port Huron Statement. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Capital City Toastmasters Meeting Oct 03, 10, 12pm, Every Wed. hone your speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. IDOT Hanley Building - Room 214, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, 524-4683.

Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Sep 28, 7:30am coffee, 8am program, “Residency requirements for City of Springfield employees on Nov. ballot.”, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Families of the Incarcerated Oct 06, 11am-1pm, First Saturday of month, free support group luncheon for parents, friends and family. RSVP required, ext. 228. Tower of Refuge, Inc. 329 S. New St, 241-9911.

Lincolnland Depression Era Glass Club Oct 01, 6-8pm, “Grandma’s Vaseline Glass by Verna Boucher.” $5 a year membership. Carnegie Room. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 793- 2128.

Near South Neighborhood Association Fall Meeting Oct 01, 7pm, 10th Street corridor, garbage pick up plan, recent zoning challenges, summer crime and safety an more. Room 201. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W, 217-801-0128.

Q.U.I.L.T.S. Oct 08, 7pm, Second Monday of each month. All skill levels welcome. springfieldquilts.com. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St, 217-546- 7646.

Spare the Rod: Spoil the Child? Oct 05, 6-9pm, Friends of Funshop present Karen Hickman. $30, $35 couple. Funshop Facility. 753-6234. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751.

Springfield Community Support Advisory Council Oct 02, 1-3pm, First Tuesday of month, identify reentry barriers, solutions and resources. Open to public. Tower of Refuge, Inc. 329 S. New St, 241-9911.

Springfield Parental Alienation Advocacy Group Meeting Oct 01, 6-8pm, First Monday each month. Conference room 3. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams, 217-793-3586.

BULLETIN BOARD

AAUW Used Book Sale Sep 28-29, 3-7pm Fri and 8:30am-1pm Sat, Books, CDs, DVDs, VHS and audio books with proceeds to fund scholarships for women. $5 Friday. Free Saturday. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 652-8730.

Afriky Lolo Sep 29, 6pm, Nigerian Independence Celebration. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Dance at 8:30 p.m. $20, $10 (16-6), Tickets: Georgeded Int’l Stores, Little World Market, Donkem Int’l Stores. 553-1448. Little Flower School, 900 Stevenson Drive, 217-529-4511.

Area Institute Sep 29, 9:30am-2:30pm, “Promote the Health & Wellbeing of all People.” $12. Register, 544-0274. Woodside United Methodist Church, 3519 Sheffield Rd, 217-529-2736.

Backgammon Club Oct 03, 10, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622- 9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111 .

Blessing of the Animals Oct 07, tba, Get your pets blessed. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, 544-7387.

Boy Scout Trailblazer Award Dinner Sep 28, 6pm, Dinner, live entertainment, auctions. $100. 529- 2727 or alicnolnbsa.org. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-529-2727.

Brew Ha Ha 2012 Oct 06, 6pm, Decatur Area Arts Council hosts with German food, free domestic draft beer, cash bar of craft German and Oktoberfest beers. Imagine That Band, beer drinking games, best costume. 423- 3189. Hickory Point Golf Course Club House, 727 Weaver Road, Forsyth.

Christmas Assistance Applications Oct 08-09, 9am-12pm, 1-4pm Mon-Wed, Fri and, Bring all necessary ID. Cannot be registered with other agencies. Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 530 N. Sixth Street, 525-2196.

Class Reunion Sep 29, Springfield High School class of 1967. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St.

Curran Car & Motorcycle

Show Oct 07, 11am-6pm, Trails End Saloon, 6445 Old Route 54, Curran, 217-483-7078.

Dinner/Reception Oct 10, 5pm, Join Springfield Green for a BBQ dinner. In advance or at door, $50, $125 family. Illinois Executive Mansion, 410 E. Jackson .

Essay Contest “If I Were Santa Claus.” Open to grades 5-12. Deadline Nov. 2. facebook.com/lincoln.museum. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217- 782-5764.

Expressions of Freedom Deadline Oct 15, teen photography, poetry, short film competition for Emancipation Proclamation 150th anniversary. nps.gov. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St, 217-391-3221.

Fall Fun Anniversary Celebration Oct 05-06, Kicks off Fri. evening with fireworks and music. Family fun on Sat. starts at noon. Quaker Steak & Lube, 1121 West Lincolnshire Blvd, 217-787-5823.

First Fridays Downtown Oct 05, 5-8pm, Every first Friday stroll, shop eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Kelly Miller Circus Oct 06, 2pm and 5:30pm, Watch unloading of animals and raising of big at 7:30 a.m. Two performances. Best Western Lincoln Inn, 1750 5th Street Lincoln. 217-732-9641.

Low Lake Picnic Sep 27, 6-8pm, Local First Springfield grills hotdogs and hamburgers, served with summer salad and beverage. $10. Reservations, 528-5673. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 217-529-5418.

Our Savior’s Craft Festival Sep 29, 9am-3:30pm, Browse 80 vendors with kettle corn, clothing, fine arts, crafts adn more. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 793-6433 or 891-9381.