Books & Authors Book Reading/Signing Dec 08, 10:45am, Sarah Nestler, Chatham Middle School student, reads from her book ‘How to Be a Goddess.’ The Sly Fox Bookstore, 123 N. Springfi eld St (Route 4), Virden, 217- 965-3641. Book Release Reception Dec 12, 5:30-7pm, Vachel Lindsay Association’s new book, “The Little Turtle.” Vachel Lindsay Home, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901. Book Signing Dec 07, 7pm, ‘Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency, The Eighth Circuit’ Guy Fraker. Horsefeathers, 104 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart, 217-947-2100.

Book Signing Dec 10, 5-7pm, Jacqueline Jackson, professor emeritus of English at UIS signs copies of her newest book, The Round Barn, Vol. 2. Holy Land Diner, 106 W. Cook St. 217-544-5786.

Book Signing Dec 07, 5-7pm, Ken Bradbury and illustrator Steven Varble, ‘The Place Where We Live.’ Poems and doodles for adults and children. Our Town Books, 64 East Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville,

217-245-2665. Book Signing and Talk Dec 06, 6:30pm, Guy Fraker, ‘Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit.’ Reservations, 558- 8934. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782- 5764. Middle-earth Fellowship Dec 08, 10am, Second Sat. of each month discussing “The Hobbit.” dpbnlb@yahoo.com, hobbit in subject line. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Theater & Comedy Annie the Musical Dec 07-09, 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 Chris Boom Boom Johnson Dec 14-15, 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Energetic, fast-paced delivery. $15-$13. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke. Comedian Open Mic Dec 19, 7pm, Register by 6:30 p.m. Free

to public. Donnie B’s Den, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 679-5620.

The Nutcracker Dec 15-16, 2pm and 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Classic holiday stage production presented by The Summer Repertory Theatre at Blackburn College. $10. Bothwell Auditorium, Blackburn College, 700 College Ave, Carlinville, 854-5518.

Music: General Events A Gift of Music for Christmas Dec 09, 4pm, The Westminster Choir; Dale Thomas Rogers, organist; Dee Dee Gain, accompanist; Ann Collins, violin; The Walnuts. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522- 4415. Hee Haw Dec 07-08, 6pm, Land of Lincoln Chorus with southern chicken dinner. Tickets, 953-0225 days. $15-$20. Little Flower School Activity Center (south of school), Stevenson Dr.

Illinois Chamber Orchestra Dec 07, 7:30pm, Fabulous French fairy tales celebrating Claude Debussy’s 150th Birthday. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St, 217-793-1330.LLCC Madrigal Singers Dec 09, 4pm, Free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St, 217-544-5135.

Martina McBride Dec 12, 7-9pm, Joy of Christmas: favorite Christmas classics by CMA seven-time Female Vocalist of the Year. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Winter Concert Dec 17, 7pm, Local youth perform in auditorium. $10 cash or check. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St, 217- 753-8000. Soup & Song Dec 12, 12pm, Soup/dessert luncheon.Sangamon Brass Quintet. Open to public. $5 donation. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 793-3933. Soup & Song Dec 19, 12pm, Soup/dessert luncheon. Entertainment by Jane Hartman Trio. $5 donation. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 793-3933.

The Joy of Christmas Dec 09, 4pm, The Capital City Men’s Chorus. $10. 622-9917.

Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W.

Dance A Country Dance Dec 12, 7-10pm, All dancers welcome. Lessons 7-8 p.m. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560. A Country Dance Dec 07, 7-11pm, $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

A Country Dance Dec 14, 7-11pm, CANSgiving Party - Bring non-perishable food. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

A Country Reunion Dance Dec 08, 6pm, Christmas dance with potluck. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560. All About Country Dance Dec 14, 7:30-11pm, Free lesson at start. DJ Marilyn Ferry. $6. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438. All About Dance Dec 12, 19, 7-10pm, Every Wed. hour line dance lessons with Marilyn Ferry before dance. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

Dance Dec 07, 7-9pm, Free dance fi rst Friday of every month for individuals with disabilities. Semi-formal dress attire. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702.

P.O.L.K. of A. Dance Dec 16, 2-5:30pm, Barefoot Becky. $13. illinoischapterpolkofa.org. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton.

Art & Architecture A Year in Review Exhibit Dec 11, H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544-2787. Artrageous First Friday Dec 07, 5:30-8pm, Seth Adams, up-coming photographer from Springfi eld. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 South 6th St, 217- 753-0262.

Eat, Pray, Love Dec 06-08, 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 06-09, 11-16, 18-19, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Marla Helton & Stu Fabe’s fi ne art gourds. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390. Holiday Exhibit Dec 07, 5-8pm, Free admission to the public, and snacks available. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727.

Kids Art Contest Reception Dec 06, 6-8pm, See work from winning entries. Basement. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories Dec 06-19, 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. Reflections from Salisbury Dec 06-19, 8am-9pm Mon-Thu, 8am- 4pm Fri, 12, Through Jan. 31, Pastel drawings by acclaimed local artist, George Colin. Charles E. Becker Library. Reception is Dec. 6, 12 p.m. Closed for Christmas break. Benedictine University at Springfi eld.

Silent Art Auction Benefit Dec 10-13, 11am-6pm, High caliber works by local, state and national artists. Closing reception with festive music and fi nal bidding, Dec. 13, 5:30-7 p.m. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506. The Life and Legacy of Jim Murray Dec 06-07, 10-14, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Show in honor of Jim Murray. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 217-786-2219.

Film & Television Foreign & Independent Film Series Dec 07, 7pm, Lost in Translation, with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6665. Henry Rollins, Matthew Schultz Dec 06-07, 10-14, 11pm Mon, Wed, Fri, 7am Tue and , Access Magazine Show No. 3 looks at punk icon and local artist. Access-4 Public Access Station, 2141 West White Oaks Dr, 691-1301.

Children’s Corner DSI Santa House Dec 06, 08, 12, 15, 19, 10am-2pm, Dec. 5-6, 12, 19, 5-8pm and Dec. 8, 15, 22, 10am-2pm, Free photo and candy cane. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams. Decorate a Cookie Dec 17, 6pm, Kids Klub event for ages 4-12. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Jingle, Jingle all the Way Dec 08, 10-11:30am, Three to 5 year olds have fun making music with bells, and craft and yummy treat. Class limit. Register by phone. Pavilion. $25-$35. 753-6224. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225. Meet Santa Dec 08, 11am-4pm, Kids Klub event for ages 4-12. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Physics Days - Atoms and Molecules Dec 06, 12-2pm, $6 museum admission. 16 and under must be accompanied by admission-paying adult. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Rd, Decatur, 217-423-KIDS.

Santa House Dec 7-23, 5-7pm Mon-Fri, 1-6pm Sat-Sun, Springfi eld Park District hosts free visit. Pictures $5 or bring your own camera. 753-0700. 1415 N. Grand Ave. East next to Robin Roberts Stadium.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec 08, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm, Every child receives free stuffed animal. Free cookies, candy and hot chocolate. Holiday music 12-2 p.m. Goodwill, 2001 Wabash Ave, 217-789-7496.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Dec 08, 11am-3pm, “Story Time Art.” Kids 4-8 and family. Ongoing. 782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-6044.

Science

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Dec 12, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Robert Faulseit, Tulane University. “Maya 2012: The Calendar and Astronomy of an Ancient Culture.” Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-7386.

Nature

Springfield Audubon Society Program Dec 18, 7-8pm, Vern LaGesse talks about history and work at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, Washington Park, Wolf Preserve and Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary perserves. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens (BEST) and Parent Transition Support Group Dec 12, 5:30-8pm, Both groups meet. Topic to be determined. 523-2587 v/tty. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St, 217 523-2587 v/tty. Chatham Kiwanis Club Meeting Dec 06, 13, 6:15pm, Civic organization meets every Thursday. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 725-6467. Heads Up Group Dec 16, 1-3pm, Call Dave Munroe to RSVP and get location, 523-2587 v/tty by Thurs. 13, 4 p.m. Various locations, 217 523-2587 v/tty. Mcbrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 51 Dec 06, 13, 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. Public/Nonprofit Sector Engagement in Immigration Dec 06, 11:30am, Marti Jones and Anthony Sisneros. $20, $16 members. centralillinoisASPA.org. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 544-1793.

Q.U.I.L.T.S. Dec 10, 7pm, Second Monday of each month. All skill levels welcome. springfi eldquilts.com. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St, 217-546-7646.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 06, 10, 13, 17, 7:30pm Mon and 6:30pm Thu, For those seeking freedom from addictive sexual behavior. Meeting info, springfi eldsaa@gmail.com. Confi dentiality assured. Various locations.

Springfield African-American History Museum Advisory Board Dec 19, 1:30pm, Third Wed. of month at Springfi eld African-American History Museum Offi ce. Second fl oor. 698-6339.

National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington, 217-523-3130.

Springfield Camera Club Dec 13, 7pm, Meets second and fourth Thursday each month. 546-5021. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217- 528-3407. Women Entrepreneurs - Central IL Dec 12, 11:30am-1pm, $17-$22. Register by Dec. 7 to reservations@ we-ci.org. 725-8500. Dublin Pub at Vinegar Hill Mall, 107 W. Cook St, 217- 679-1775.

Bulletin Board APL Holiday Pet Portrait Dec 15-16, 11am-4pm, Santa, children, adults and family pets. $10. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Dec 08-09, 11am-2pm Sat, 12-3pm Sun, Dogs and cats available. (Sunday cats only at PetSmart.) 544-7387. Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave, 217-787- 5100.

APL Tree of Lights Dec 16, 12-5:30pm, Honor loved one, animal or human with memorial light. $5. Register online. Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, 544-7387.

Adopt-A-Pet Adoptions Dec 08, 12-3:30pm, Rescued, homeless dogs and cats, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated. 835-2538. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217- 698-3091.

Backgammon Club Dec 12, 19, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111 . Bowl For A Cure Dec 07, 6-8pm, Proceeds to benefi t Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Springfi eld. $12 includes shoes. Strike and Spare Lanes, 2660 W. Lawrence Ave, 523-4534.

First Fridays Downtown Dec 07, 5-8pm, Every fi rst Friday stroll, shop eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. 544-1723. Downtown Springfi eld.

Girl-A-Thon Toys for Tots Fundraiser Dec 09, 2pm, Emcee Amie Meneghetti of Cool FM and large lineup of bands. Firefi ghters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr.

International Human Rights Day Candlelight Vigil Dec 10, 5-5:45pm, All welcome to participate in Declaration reading. 220-6206. Lincoln Statue, Second and Monroe. Illinois State Capitol, Capitol and Second St. JTG Christmas Gala Fundraiser Dec 15, 9pm, Wine tasting, food, entertainment and silent auction. $15. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 245-1402. Lions Bowling Fundraiser Dec 07, 6:30pm, AMF Laketown Lanes, 3220 Stanton St, 299-6481. Local First Holiday Party Dec 13, 6-8pm, $25. RSVP by Dec. 7. localfi rstspringfi eld.com. National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington, 217-523-3130. Pet Photo with Santa Dec 09, 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. Red Cross Volunteer Orientation Dec 13, 5:30-6:30pm, American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr # 1, 217-787- 7602.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Dec 12, 11am-12:45pm, Reservations by Dec. 12. $12. 787-8246. Northfi eld Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr, 787-8246.

Springfield Urban League Awards Dinner Dec 07, 5:30-10:30pm, Keynote speaker James A. Lewis. Live band during social hour and after dinner. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Technical Design Workshop Dec 08, 3-5pm, Paul Presney explains ideas behind creation of theatrical scenery. Free. RSVP, hooglandeducation@gmail.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. Vigil for Peace Dec 08, 15, 12pm, Each Saturday at noon on corner of Sixth and Monroe, outside Federal Building. All are welcome. 544-3997. Downtown Springfi eld. Warm Our Warriors Dec 06-17, Though Dec. 17, Helping military families in Illinois by donating winter clothing. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 9363.

Food

Holiday Farmers Market Dec 15, 9am-1pm, Everything you need for your holiday dinner. Artisan’s Building. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 528-1563.

Politics

Return of Illinois Hosts Scott Reeder Dec 10, 6:30pm, Reeder, Illinois Policy Institute, talks about need for transparency in state government. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217- 494-0512.

History

African-American Civil War Heroes Dec 08, 10am, Meet Andrew Jackson Smith and Martin Delany as portrayed by reenactors. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217-558-8844.

Boys in Blue Exhibit Dec 06-07, 10-14, 17-19, 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. Different Perspective of Korean War Dec 15, 1pm, Mike Zimmerman, former 7th Infantry Division company commander. Reservations encouraged. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-523-7230.

Emancipation Proclamation Dec 06-19, Through Jan. 2013, Museum admission required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217- 782-5764.

Forgotten Homefront: Politics, Economics, Culture during Korean War Dec 08, 1pm, Dr. Edmund Wehrle, Professor of History, Eastern Illinois University. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 523-7230.

Life with Susan Dec 08, 9am-4pm, Portrayals of key people in Susan Lawrence Dana’s life each second Saturday of month through Dec. with music and poetry. Admission. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782- 6776. Meet a Boy in Blue Dec 08, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, Soldier will discuss the Battle of Fredericksburg. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Sangamon County Historical Society Holiday Event Dec 11, 5:30-8pm, Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960. To Kill and to Heal Exhibit Dec 06-19, 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 19, 7-8:30pm, Third Wednesday. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group for persons who have a mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570. DBSA Central Illinois Dec 11, 18, 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.

Laugh Yoga Club Dec 09, 16, 4pm, Second Sundays. Free and open to all. Trained Hatha and laughter yoga instructor. laughteryoga.org. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217-528-3407. NAMI Support Group Dec 19, 7-8:30pm, Third Wed. National Alliance on Mental Illness for family and friends of persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570. Reiki for Cancer Patients Dec 10, 17, 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 Dinner and Devotions Dec 12, 19, 6pm, Public invited to share dinner and the joy of the season. 522-3965. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 East Capitol Ave, 217-891-1680.

Ivan Parker Dec 09, 6:30pm, Favorite Male Vocalist 12 times and Favorite Lead Vocalist six times in southern gospel Singing News Fans Awards. $15. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 West Main, Decatur.

Privacy, Transparency and Spirituality Dec 09, 10:30am, Cultivating privacy and spirituality. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550. Second Sat. Sow - Holiday Party, Open Mic Dec 08, 2:30-5pm, Inspirational messages through songs, poems and sing-a-longs. RSVP by Dec. 1 260-804-0049. Decatur Public Library, 130 N Franklin St. Second Saturday Sow - Open Mic Dec 08, 5-7pm, Spoken Word/ poetry/singing. Free, family friendly. Wildfl our Artisan Bakery/ Cafe, 256 W. Main St, Decatur, 260-804-0049.

Sports & Fitness 5K Run/Walk Dec 15, 10am, Washington and Cooke check in. For family of fallen State Trooper Kyle Deatherage. $10. 217-962- 1055. Mount Pulaski.

Capital Classic Kids Wrestling Tournament Dec 09, 9am-2:30pm, Ages 6-14 take to the mat to raise funds for club. $3, $1 kids. 698- 7571. Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th St. Jr. Blues Can Food Drive Dec 06-08, 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. Springfield Junior Blues Games Dec 07-08, 7pm Fri-Sat, The Blues take on Topeka Friday and Saturday. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.

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

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