Holiday Happenings 1850s-style Community Carol Sing Dec 01, 6pm, 5:30pm prelude music, Join Abraham and Mary Lincoln for worship service and carol sing. Attend in period costume if you wish. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St, 528-4311.

Alternative Holiday Fair Nov 30, Dec 01, 4-8pm Fri, 7:30am-1pm Sat, Shopping experience offering fair-trade goods from around world. Dinner/lunch for purchase. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Boston Brass & the Brass All-Stars Big Band: Christmas Bells are Swingin’ Dec 02, 7pm, Exciting classical arrangements, to burning jazz standards and best of the original brass quintet repertoire. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Candlelight Open House Dec 1 and 8, 6-8pm, Enjoy home lit with candles, take a tour from costumed docent and see period - decorated trees. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Capital Chamber Singers Christmas Candlelight Concert Nov 29, 7pm, Free admission hosted by Taylorville Area Arts Council. First Presbyterian Church, Taylorville, 116 E. Franklin St, Taylorville.

Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas Nov 30, Dec 01-02, 8pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun, Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2, 7-8, 9. LLCC Theatre’s newly adapted version. $12. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Children’s Holiday Store Nov 24-25, 27-30, Dec 01-02, 04-05, 4-8pm Tue-Fri, 10am-5:30pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Through Dec. 23, Kids shop with help of volunteers. Benefi ts Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery. Closed Mondays. Holiday Store, 3325 Robbins Road, 217-525-6800.

Christmas Candlelight Service Dec 01, 2pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 8pm, Elkhart Historical Society hosts service in St. John the Baptist Chapel. Reservations by phone or website. 947-2238. Elkhart.

Christmas Gala

Nov 27, Governor Duncan Association with dinner and entertainment. $30. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St, Jacksonville. 243-5390.

Christmas Parade Nov 29, 5:30pm, ‘Sending Holiday Greetings to Your Loved Ones’ in honor of Lincoln Post Offi ce 100th anniversary. Downtown Lincoln, 1555 5th St, Lincoln.

Christmas Parade - Jacksonville, IL Nov 23, Downtown Jacksonville. For more information phone 217-245- 5119. Jacksonville square, 200 E. State, Jacksonville. Christmas Parade - Pana, IL Nov 24, 10am, Santa Comes to Town with free movie following. Kitchell Park, 411 E. Ninth St, Pana.

Christmas at the Mill Dec 01, 9am, Full day of activities including Santa at lunch. Prairie Mills Windmill Hall, Golden.

Christmas in Petersburg Nov 30, Dec 01, 10am-5pm, Saturday includes craft show, home tour and bazaar. 632-4392 or 632-4154. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg.

Christmas in the Country Nov 24, 8am-3pm, Craft tour in Athens area. Maps available at Athens’ businesses. 691- 0504. Various locations.

Evergreen Wreath Making Dec 01-02, 10am-1:30pm, Plant material, wreath frames, wire and simple ribbon provided. Pre-registration required. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116.

Ghosts of the Library Nov 22-30, Dec 01-05, Through Jan. 2, exhibit of 13 Santa Claus fi gures from around world. Museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764.

Holiday Craft Show Dec 01, 9am-2pm, Lunch served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. First Baptist Church of Virden, 157 W. Jackson Street, Virden, 217-358-9772.

Holiday Decorating Seminars Nov 24, Dec 01, 10am, Free 45-minute seminars Nov. 3-Dec 8. (Except Dec. 1 Make & Take, $30 must also buy materials.), GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson, (217) 787-4700.

Holiday Hall Exhibition and Sale Nov 22-24, 26-30, Dec 01, 03-05, 10am-5pm M-F, 10am-3pm Sat, Nov. 9-Dec. 17 (closed Thanksgiving). Unique exhibition featuring more than 45 regional artists. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Home for the Holidays Nov 22-25, 29-30, Dec 01-02, Joyous revue of music, comedy and audience participation during this dinner theater event. $34-$38. Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theater, 1451 Timberline Rd, Goodfi eld, 309-965-2545.

Kleiner Christkindlmarkt - A Little Christmas Market Dec 01, 10am-3pm, SHS German language student choir sings carols, Santa Claus, kids craft corner, bake sale and food outside under tent and free standing fi re-pit. Engel’s on Edwards, 552 S. MacArthur, 217-744- 0607.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 22-25, 10am-8pm M-W, Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm , More than 150 trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. $5-$3. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-788-4301.

Morning Star Reindeer Nov 23, 11am-6pm, Santa and his live reindeer. Photos and reindeer food available for purchase. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726-6330. Nativity Festival Nov 30, Dec 01-02, 2-7pm Fri, 12-4pm Sat- Sun, Public invited to view more than 100 Nativity sets and tour St. Francis of Assisi Church. Free. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Rd, 523-0901.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 05, 5-8pm, Wednesdays and Dec. 6, unique shopping and dining, free entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, (Tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5, 5:30 at corner of Sixth and Adams.) Santa House and more. 544-1723. Downtown Springfi eld. Pancakes, Paws and Santa Claus Dec 01, 8:30-10:30am, See Santa and animal friends. Each child gets free photo with Santa. Reservations and pre-payment required by phone at 585-1821. Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 700 E. Lake Shore Dr, 786-4111. Santa Claus at the Mall Nov 24-30, Dec 01-05, mall hours, Nov. 24 through Christmas Eve get your photo taken with Santa. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave, 217-787-8560. Santa in the Depot Dec 02, 1pm, Children of Chatham, fi nd out what Santa will arrive in this year - a Model T ford, a train? Free. Chatham Railroad Museum, 100 N. State St, Chatham. Taylorville Twilight Christmas Parade Dec 01, 4-6pm, Treats for kids, THS Madrigal Singers and hot chocolate at U.S. Bank. Taylorville square, Taylorville.

White Christmas Nov 30, Dec 01-02, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Nov 30-Dec 2, 7-9, 14-16 Springfi eld Theatre Centre presents. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. Winter Holiday Floral Show Dec 01-05, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, Through Dec 23, Conservatory fi lled with poinsettias among the tropical collection. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546- 4116. Xmas ARTicles Gift Shop Nov 30, Dec 01-05, 8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-4pm Sat-8, Through Dec. 28, original art

and fi ne crafts from over 50 artists. (Open 10am-2pm Christmas Eve.), Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Youth in Mission Christmas Vendor Fair Nov 24, 10am-3pm, More than 25 vendors and lots of handcrafted items, baked sale and lunch available for purchase. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 725-4359.

Books & Authors Chosin Reservoir Talk Dec 01, 12pm, Carl I. Greenwood, retired Korean War Veteran. Reservations strongly encouraged. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-523-7230.

Contemporary Fiction Group Nov 28, 6-7pm, Group discusses popular fi ction and nonfi ction meets fourth Wednesday of month in Carnegie Room South. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Theater & Comedy Annie the Musical Nov 30, Dec 01-02, 7:30pm Fri-Sat and 2pm Sun, Classic musical about orphan girl whose luck turns for the better. $13-$8. Sophie Leschin Theatre, 1201 S. Main St, Jacksonville, 245-1402.

Comedian Dobie Maxwell Nov 23-24, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat, Nationally touring, award-winning comedian. $13-$15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke. Comedian Paul Frisbie Nov 23-24, 8pm Fri, 7:15 & 9:30 Sat, Performed in all 50 sates and six foreign countries. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

The Holly and the Ivy Nov 30, Dec 01-02, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Moving, award-winning 1950 British drama centers on recently widowed, aging country vicar who hosts a family Christmas. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Ventriloquist Marc Rubben Nov 30, Dec 01, 8pm Fri, 7:15pm and 9:30pm Sat, Unique monologue and onstage audience participation. $15. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Music: General Events

Advent Concert Dec 02, 4pm, Blessed Sacrament Choirs, The Capital Chamber Singers, Seraphim and orchestra. $10. Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut Street, 217-528-7521. A Ringing Christmas Dec 2, 7pm, A family-friendly Christmas pops concert with a jazz combo and handbells. $10 at the door. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates. 309-365- 2910.

Hootenanny Nov 24, 7pm, Ken Bradbury, Barry Cloyd and Friends with music and singalongs. Donations or nonperishable food. Grace United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, 400 W. Morgan St, Jacksonville, 217-245-9521.

LLCC Madrigal Singers Dec 01, 6pm, Catered ole fashioned dinner and the sounds of madrigal singers. $50. Reservations and prepayment required. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524- 0901.

LLCC Madrigal Singers Dec 05, 4pm, Free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St, 217-544-5135.

LLCC Madrigal Singers Dec 05, 7pm, Free performance. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 785-9363.

LLCC Recital Series Dec 02, 4pm, “My Grown- Up Christmas Wish” by The Jane Hartman Trio. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-862-2000.

Music Under the Dome Nov 25, 4pm, Michel Chatara-Morse, classical guitarist, performs. Free. 243- 5435. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 904-630-2665.

Sangamon Valley Community Orchestra Nov 28, 7:30pm, “Fall Favorites!” $10. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Soup & Song Nov 28, 12pm, Soup/dessert lunch. Entertainment at 12:15 Gus Pfl ugmacher Trio. $5 donation. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 793-3933. Soup & Song Dec 05, 12pm, Soup/dessert lunch. Ed Clark Trio. Open to public. $5 donation. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 793-3933.

UIS Fall Music Showcase

2012 Nov 30, 7:30pm, UIS Chorus, Band, and Chamber Ensemble. 206-6240. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6240.

Dance A Country Dance Nov 23, 7-10pm, $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

A Country Dance Nov 28, 7-10pm, $5 if not taking lesson. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

A Country Dance Nov 30, 7-10pm, $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

All About Country Dance Nov 30, 7-10pm, Line dancing, two step, waltz, swing, etc. Free lesson at start of dance w/ DJ Marilyn Ferry. $6. Decatur Moose Lodge, 3190 N Woodford Street, Decatur, 217-836- 1438. Dance Nov 30, 8pm, Kevin Turner playing 50s, 60s and 70s. Dances every last Friday of each month. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515. Dance Nov 23, 7-10pm, Mike Lewis band from Decatur. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Mix It Up Dance-Jingle Bell Rock Dec 01, 7-11pm, Music with Variety, Dance 4 Fun, all types of dancers. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-652-2128.

Salsa Nights Nov 24, 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 Dec 01, 6-8pm, Local photographer Christine Samoore. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-4415. Carpe Diem Art Show Nov 23-25, 30, Dec 01-02, 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.

Eat, Pray, Love Nov 23-24, 27-30, Dec 01, 04-05, 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Linda Post Lucas (Multiple Media) - Mary Ellen Strack (Oil & Pastel) Evie Wilson (Watercolor & Acrylic/ Calligraphy). H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544-2787.

Gallery Exhibit Dec 01-02, 04-05, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Marla Helton & Stu Fabe - fi ne art gourds. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Gallery Exhibit Nov 25, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Pam Hamilton - acrylic and mixed media paintings; Ken Glass - wood turnings. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories Nov 22-30, Dec 01-05, 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.

Photography Exhibit Nov 23-27, 8am-4pm Mon-Thu, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, John Sevigny’s “Happyland,” photos from Central America. Charles E. Becker Library, Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 North Fifth St.

Roger Shimomura Nov 26-29, 10am-6pm Mon-Thu, Through Dec. 1, “America Behind Barbed Wire,” prints by internationally renowned artist. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217- 206-6506.

Film & Television

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music Nov 23-24, 7pm, Classic movie on big screen and audience participation event with subtitles for all songs. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

White Christmas Nov 24, 1pm, Hosted by Christmas Market with special appearance by Santa. $6 at door. Marvel Theater, Carlinville.

Children’s Corner

DSI Santa House Dec 5-6, 12, 19, 5-8pm and Dec 8, 15, 22, 10am-2pm. Free photo and candy cane, Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723. Safari Sprouts - Sycamore, IL Nov 28, Dec 05, 10:15-11:15am, Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W State Street Sycamore, IL 60178, Sycamore, 815-895-9777.

Wonderous Wednesday Storytime Nov 28, 11am, With Miss Alana, plus activity. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Nature Geocaching Nov 22-30, Through Nov. 30, search for ten caches hidden by Springfi eld Park District at its parks. 753-0700. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225.

Sangamon Valley Group, Sierra Club Nov 27, 6:30pm, Travelogue: Hiking in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753- 4900. Springfield Civic Garden Club Dec 03, 9am, ‘A Funky Twist on the Holidays’ with Trendsetters, Chatham. www.scgc-il.org. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Wed. Morning Pickup Party Nov 28, 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

AWC Springfield/PRSA Program Nov 29, 6-9pm, Dinner meeting with PR lessons from Joplin tornado. $30. RSVP by Nov. 23, programs@awcspringfi eld. org. Northfi eld Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr, 773-817- 8675.

Families of the Incarcerated Dec 01, 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.

Mcbrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 51 Nov 22, 29, 6-7:30pm, Thursdays in the conference room. Public invited. Guests, members welcome. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217-546- 4531.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Nov 26, 29, Dec 03, 7:30pm Mon and 6:30pm Thu, For those seeking freedom from addictive sexual behavior. Meeting info, springfi [email protected]. Confi dentiality assured. Various locations.

Springfield Community Support Advisory Council Dec 04, 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.

Bulletin Board

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 24-25, 11am-4pm Sat, 12-3pm Sun, Dogs and cats available Sat. (Dogs only on Sun.) 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217- 698-3091. Backgammon Club Nov 28, Dec 05, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622- 9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111 .

Beaux Arts Ball Nov 24, Elegant event honors families and volunteers who generously support the SAA with their time, talent and fi nancial resources. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy. Coat Drive Dec 01, 9am-12pm, Eastside Pride collecting clean, slightly used coats. 502-3701. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 908 S. Martin Luther King Dr.

Cookie Walk Dec 01, 9am-12pm, Christmas Cookies, decorated cutouts to snickerdoodles to fudge. $5 per pound. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave, (217) 546-7170.

Cookie Walk Dec 01, 8:30am-12pm, Homemade cookies, candy, sweet bread and holiday craft items for Committee for Children. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 793-3933.

Drive To End Hunger AARP Donation Days Nov 28, 8am-12pm, Wednesdays in Nov. receive a cloth shopping bag when you donate non-perishables for the center’s pantry. Springfi eld Senior Center, 701 W. Mason St, 1-866-448-3613.

Fair Trade Fair Dec 03-04, 11am-1pm and 4-6pm, Proceeds support work of Pax Christi Springfi eld. Dawson Hall. 544-3997. Benedictine University at Springfi eld.

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dec 01, 1pm, The 66 soldiers still listed as prisoners of war or missing will be remembered. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave, 217-789-2340.

Mission Day Dec 01, 10am-1pm, Free kitchen, bath and paper towels.

Board games tournaments. Sponsored by Freedom in Holiness Mission. 522- 2527. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Pet Photo with Santa Nov 25, 6pm, After mall closes. All pets must enter through ITT entrance and be on a leash. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave, 217-787-8560.

Pharmacy Open Nov 23, 7pm, Fourth Thursday of month except Thanksgiving week, poetry, prose, song, stand-up and more. 6:30 p.m. sign-up. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652- 3273.

Pilot Home Tour and Tea Dec 01-02, 7-9pm Sat, 1-5pm Sun, Tour fi ve homes followed by tea served at the Jacksonville Theatre Guild. 479- 4610. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 245-1402.

Vigil for Peace Nov 24, Dec 01, 12pm, Each Saturday at noon on corner of Sixth and Monroe, outside Federal Building. All are welcome. 544-3997. Downtown Springfi eld.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Meal Nov 22, 12-2pm, Free dine-in or request meal delivery. Reservations, 523-3639. Central Baptist Church, 501 S. Fourth St.

History Boys in Blue Exhibit Nov 23, 26-30, Dec 03-05, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, New images and artifacts, including original Civil War battle fl ag. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217-558- 8844.

Emancipation Proclamation Nov 23-30, Dec 01-05, Through Jan. 2013, Museum admission required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764. Mary Lincoln Exhibit Nov 23-30, Display of Mary Todd Lincoln’s extravagances and jury verdict form declaring her insane. Paid museum admission required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764.

To Kill and to Heal Exhibit Nov 23-30, Dec 01-05, 9am-5pm, Through 2013, “Weapons and Medicine of the Civil War.” $12 adults, $6 kids. ($5 to visit display only.), Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764.

Health Connection Support Group Dec 01, 1-2:30pm, First Sat. each month. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group for persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570.

DBSA Central Illinois Nov 27, Dec 04, 6:30-8:30pm, Tuesdays. For those affected by mood disorder, friends/family. Fellowship Hall, lower level. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 414-7368.

Lincolnland Stroke Support Network Dec 01, 1-3pm, First Saturday each month. Details, 793-2000. Dream Suitezzz, 3233 Mathers Road.

NAMI Support Group Dec 01, 1-2:30pm, First Sat. of month, National Alliance on Mental Illness support group for family and friends of persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891- 5570.

Reiki for Cancer Patients Nov 26, Dec 03, By Appointment, Open to all cancer patients regardless of where they are treated. Register phone. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217-545-5408.

Faith & Philosophy

Advent Day of Reflection Dec 01, 10am-3pm, Quiet refl ection and input amidst the frenetic holiday schedule. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787-6927.

Thanksgiving Day Service Nov 22, 10:30am, Hour-long service includes Bible lesson, hymns of thanksgiving and expressions of gratitude. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 601 S. Second St.

CWU Meeting Nov 27, 9:30am, Kay Coach speaks about the Women of Promise, a group of Athens United Methodist Church who sponsor monthly sessions with speakers whom discuss their mission to help others. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark Nov 25, 10:30am, Mary Ryan, M.S. on being open to dark nights of the soul. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585- 9550.

Healing Crystal Bowl Meditation Dec 04, 6pm, Peggy Patty leads with healing sounds of Unity’s crystal bowls every fi rst Thursday. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 217-523- 5897.

The Spirituality of George Harrison Dec 02, 10:30am, Words and music of “the quiet Beatle” and how his spiritual journey affected us. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

2012 Air King Shootout Nov 24, 1pm, Indoor dirt kart racing. Coliseum. $20-$5. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782- 8886.

Guns and Hoses Hockey Game Dec 1, 4pm. 4th annual charity hockey game. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St. 753-2800.

Jr. Blues Can Food Drive Nov 22-30, Dec 01-05, 6-9pm, Through Dec. 8, for every can-food item, get dollar off adult ticket. $3 max. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 525-2589.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more.