Books & Authors Book Signing and Talk Jan 17, 6:30pm, David Von Drehle visits the Presidential Museum to discuss ‘Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America’s Most Perilous Year.’ Reservations, 558-8934. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764.

PondicherryLodge/Sherlock Holmes Society Jan 19, 9am, Chapters VIIII - XII of “The Sign of Four.” Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-8387.

Springfield Writers Group Jan 19, 1-4pm, Theme is the creative process. Phone 753-2137 for info and directions. Various locations.

Springfield Writers Group Critique Session Jan 30, 6-8pm, New bi-weekly group focusing on prose writing. Carnegie room. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Winter Book and Bake Sale

Jan 19, 9am-3pm, More than 250 boxes of books priced to sell. Friday 6-8 p.m. for Friends (can join at door). Blood drive. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713. Winter Papeback Sale Jan 19, 9am-2pm, Carnegie room. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217- 753-4900.

Spoken Word Pharmacy Open Jan 24, 7pm, Fourth Thursday of month, poetry, prose, song, stand-up and more. 6:30 p.m. sign-up. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273.

Theater & Comedy

Capitol Steps Jan 23, 7:30pm, Satirical humor from group featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS. 245-3069 or [email protected]. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 217- 245-3000.

Comedian Nat Baimel Jan 18-19, 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Positive outlook and boyish charm, wins over audiences with child-like likability, and then blindsides with hysterical punchlines, quips, assertions, ideas, observations, asides, gestures, mannerisms, facial expressions and street cred. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke.

Comedian Saleem Jan 18-19, 8pm, Sharp wit and immediate likeability. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, 482-5233.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Jan 17-19, 24-26, 8pm, Critically acclaimed off-Broadway rock musical about song stylist, her band and sex change gone bad. $20. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838- 3006. The Fantasticks Jan 18-20, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Music: General Events

Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra Jan 25, 6pm and 7:30pm, Tickets at 206-6160 or at door starting at 5 p.m. $5-$20. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St. 528-4311.

LLCC Recital Series Jan 27, 4pm, ‘Dragonfl y Dreams,’ Native American Flutes, Paul van Heuklom. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217-786-2200. Mountain Dulcimer for Beginners Jan 19, 10am-12pm, With retired communications professor Peter Ellertsen. Loaner dulcimer or info, 793- 2587. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 626-1024.

Music Under the Dome Jan 20, 4pm, Fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt playing vibrant French Creole and Cajun music. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-5435. Songwriters Workshop

Jan 26, 6-8pm, Mary Lemanski, “Tools to Get Moving on Your Songwriting Dreams for 2013.” $5. Registration required at songsalive.org. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273.

Time for Three Jan 19, 8pm, Groundbreaking, categoryshattering trio on violins and double bass. $45-$35. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160, 800-207-6960.

Travelin’, McCourys, Henhouse Prowlers Jan 25, 8pm, WUIS Bedrock 66 Series. $24. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Dance Dance Jan 18, 25, 8-11pm, Music by The Music Men. Every Friday. $10 cover. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Singles/Couples Dance Jan 20, 5-8pm, All dancers, music lovers welcome. Live band. $10. Decatur Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St, Decatur, 875-3090.

Art & Architecture 3T: Glaze Jan 17, 6pm-12am, Art show and sale, music, food (restaurant is open). All ages. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 217-691-1301.

Artist John Romang Jan 17-18, 21-25, 28-30, 8am- 4pm Mon-Fri, Jan. 14-Feb. 7, “Illumination,” resin works lit from within. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 217-786-2219. Contrast of Medium Jan 17-19, 21-26, 28-30, 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Jan. 11-Mar. 2, Jennifer Davis, Lynn Hotes. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544- 2787. Gallery Exhibit Jan 17-20, 22-27, 4-6pm Tue- Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Jan. 12-27. Folk Artist Steve Meadows. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Imagine Foundation Exhibition of Nudes Jan 19, 7-10pm, One night group display of nudes from the discreet to graphic. Ages 18 and over only. $5 donation. The Imagine Foundation At the Asa Talcott House, 859 Grove St, Jacksonville, 473-2726. Installation Wars Jan 17-19, 22-26, 29-30, 12-7pm Tue-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat, Eight artists compete by creating installations during January that you can vote on. Reception Feb. 1. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727. Reflections from Salisbury Jan 17-30, 8am-9pm Mon- Thu, 8am-4pm Fri, 12, Through Jan. 31, Pastel drawings by acclaimed local artist, George Colin. Charles E. Becker Library. Closed for Christmas break. Benedictine University at Springfi eld.

Scholastics Art Show Jan 26, 28-30, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Through Feb 22, Artwork of 7-12 grade students from 21 Illinois counties. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 523-2631.

The Stories Behind the Faces Jan 17-19, 21-25, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Free exhibit of local and national artists accompanied by stories about the artist and subject. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Film & Television Best of Riff-Trax Live Jan 24, 7:30pm, “Hands of Fate.” (Also, Jan. 31 see “Plan 9 From Outer Space.”) AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Drive.

Busted: A Citizens Guide to Police Encounters Jan 22, 7pm, Invaluable info from fun fi lm followed by lively discussion moderated by defense attorney Michael Costello and ACLU. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-652-2639.

Molly Schlich Film Series Jan 27, 29, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue, “Monsieur Lazhar.” French with English subtitles. $8-$4. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Boulevard, 523-2631.

Slow Food Film Festival Jan 25, 6:15-9pm, Documentary Urban Roots about the ag movement in Detroit. $5, $3 members, students free with ID. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 782-4617.

Children’s Corner

Good Morning Games Jan 17, 10am, Art, story and snack. Age 2-5 and grownup. Register in advance online. $40. Urban Sassafras, 200 Broadway, 670- 2391. Scheels Kids Klub - Mad Scientist Jan 21, 6-7pm, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois help explore with experiments and hands on activities. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Nature

Backyard Bird Winter Workshop Jan 20, 1-3pm, Wade Kammin of Wild Birds Unlimited. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Climate Change and Trees Jan 26, 2pm, Guy Sternberg, arborist and Starhill Forest Arboretum owner gives info and advice to help trees survive. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.

Herbicide Training Workshop Jan 19, 9-11am, Several groups host. RSVP 525-1410. Free, donations to cover cost accepted. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473. Hunting the Land

Jan 30, 6:30pm, Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District free informational meeting in auditorium. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000. Springfield Audubon Society Program Jan 17, 6-7:30pm, Raptor Focus with Illinois Raptor Center, Part 1. $5 at door. (Part 2 is Feb. 12, Part 3 March 21.), Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217- 544-2473.

Volunteer Work Day Jan 20, 1-3pm, Tools provided. Help hack and stack invasives with Friends of the Sangamon Valley. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Jan 25, 7:30am coffee, 8am program, Springfi eld area bicycle and pedestrian plan. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Heads Up Group Jan 20, 2-4pm, Free meeting. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217 523-2587.

IWIL Luncheon Jan 17, 11:30am-1pm, Steward Sandstrom, Springfi eld Chamber of Commerce. $23. Reservations online by Jan. 11. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 217-528-2323.

Local First Meeting Jan 18, 11:30am-1pm, Robb Karr, Illinois Retail Merchants Association. Westwoods Lodge Pub and Grill, 2406 W. Jefferson St, 217-698-9256. Personal Assistant Employers Group Jan 29, 3-4:30pm, Free meeting. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217 523-2587.

Post Polio Jan 19, 10am-12pm, Free meeting. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217 523-2587.

Restoration Tour/Talk Jan 29, 5:30pm, Curator discusses plans, progress, and historical discoveries. Free but Registration required. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 523-2631. Springfield Camera Club Jan 24, 7-8:30pm, New Creve Coeur camera store manager gives a presentation. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 546-5021 or 523-8081. Springfield Social Club Jan 30, 5:30-8:30pm, Collecting paintbrushes, paint roller covers and measuring tapes for Habitat for Humanity. Marly’s Pub, 9 West Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-522-2280.

World Affairs Council Jan 28, 7:30pm, UIS Political Science Professor Ali Nizamuddin, “Genetically Modifi ed Crops and World Food Supplies.” Reservations for dinner must be prepaid  [email protected]. American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr # 1, 217-787- 7602.

Volunteers Sought Jan 17-18, Friendly, energetic volunteers to work with visitors in Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum. 782-5507. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Food Cooking Vegetarian Jan 26, 10am-2pm, Register by Jan. 23. Learn to cook great meatless meals. Lunch included. $30. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217- 787-6927. Groundhog Gala Jan 26, 6-9pm, Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W State Street Sycamore, IL 60178, Sycamore, 815-895- 9777.

History Emancipation Proclamation Jan 17-21, Through Jan. 2013, Museum admission required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217- 782-5764.

Illinois POW Exhibit Jan 19, 2pm, Photos, dairies and personal items. Historian and Proviso East High School teacher Jim Opolony speaks. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761- 3910.

Saturday Mornings at 603 Jan 26, 10am, Erika Holst presents ‘Vachel Lindsay and the Springfi eld Art Association.’ Free. Tour follow. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Auditions Auditions for All the King’s Women Jan 19, 9am-12pm, Roles for women ages 18 and up. The life of Elvis Presley told through the eyes of women. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 245-1402.

Awake and Sing Jan 22-23, 6pm crew, 7pm acting, Cold readings; open to all. UIS Theatre Program April production. 206-661. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Health

Feel Great in 2013: Healthy Eating/Weight Loss Tips Jan 23, 9:30am, Free hosted by Third Age Living. Upper level Bergner’s wing. Free. Limited seating. Register 544-6464 ext. 45230. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave, 217-787-8560.

Forever Strong Exercise Class Jan 17-18, 21-25, 28-30, 11:15am Tue,Thu; 1pm Mon,We, Fri, For Seniors to help strengthen muscles from head to toe using weights, bands, balls and tubes while in sitting position. $3. Walk-ins welcome. 757-6620. FitClub South, 3631 S. Sixth St, 217-787-8348.

Funnercise Exercise Class for Seniors Jan 21, 23-24, 28, 30, 5:45pm, High impact aerobic exercise on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. $3, walk-ins welcome. 757-6620. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry. GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jan 17, 24, 6:30pm, 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816- 1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W.

Meditation Circle Jan 22, 29, 12-12:30pm, Tuesdays, gentle stretching, guided mindfulness meditation for anyone interested. Free. 544-5483. St. John’s Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter St, 217-544- 6464.

Red Cross First Aid Training Jan 17, 5:30-8:30pm, Latest science and meets OSHA guidelines. Register 1-800-REDCROSS or online. $70. American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr # 1, 1-800-733- 2767.

Faith & Philosophy Church Women United in Springfield Jan 22, 9:30am, Mary Jennings of Addus Health Care, Inc. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217-528-3407.

Islam, Shariah and Jihad Jan 20, 12-1pm, Comparative cultures/beliefs of Islam, Shariah and Jihad, Dr. Ali Nizamuddin. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 523- 5897.

Martin Luther King Memorial Service Jan 20, 4pm. Rev. Katrina Jenkins. Ministerial Alliance of Springfi eld. Monroe Street

Church, 1229 E. Monroe.

Sports & Fitness

Blacklight Dodgeball Cancer Fundraiser Jan 19, Teams of six. Benefi ts American Cancer Society via Relay Team CGMS. $6, $30 team, $2 spectators. 473- 7481. A-C Central High School Gymnasium, W. Buchanan St. Ashland, 473-7481. Boating on Rivers and Lakes Jan 26, 10am-12pm, Land of Lincoln Power Squadron. Register, 836-1723. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217- 726-6330.

Capital City CrossFit’s IceBreather Classic Jan 19, 8am-3:30pm, Capital City CrossFit, 1615 W. Jefferson Street, 217-726-3817. Drop-In Derby Jan 20, 8-10pm, First and third Sunday for ages 18 and up. Helmet required. $5, $3 skate rental. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr, 546-4543.

ECA Hunting & Trade Show Jan 19-20, $5, children free with parents. Orr Building. 618-495-2572. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Frozen Open Bocce Ball Tourney Jan 20, 11am, $40 team of four, due at least fi ve days prior to event. Fee includes chili and hotdogs. Prizes. Walnut Street Winery, 309 S. Walnut St, Rochester, 498-9800.

Mid-State Kart Club Winter Kart Show Jan 26-27, 10am-3pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun, Orr Building. $5, children under 12 free. 415- 7619. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886. Springfield Bicycle Club Jan 17, 19, 26, Learn about the club’s local and out-of-town rides and events for all skill levels. spfl dcycling.org. Various locations, 793-9622.

Springfield Junior Blues Game Jan 25-26, 7pm, Jr. Blues vs Jamestown. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.

Team Warrior Concepts Freedom Fight Jan 26, 6-11pm, Illinois Building Main Floor. $30. 698-8040. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

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

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