HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Chatham Holiday on the Square Nov 23, 10am-2pm. Santa Claus (bring your camera), free holiday crafts for the kids, and free hot chocolate and cookies. Chatham town square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham.

Chatham Light Up the Park Holiday Display Nov 29, Through Dec 21. 6pm-9pm. Friday and Saturdays, Drive-through display. 217-416-1142. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St., Chatham.

Christmas in the Country Nov 30, 8am-3pm. Craft tour in Athens area. Maps available at Athens businesses. 691-0504. Athens Community, Athens.

Christmas Parade - Jacksonville, IL Nov 29, 12pm. Santa’s arrival downtown. 217-245-0431. Jacksonville square, 200 E. State , Jacksonville.

Christmas Vendor Fair Nov 30, 10am-3pm. Supporting all youth projects of the Sugar Creek Youth. Handcrafted items, homemade candies and lunch. 217-725-4359. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Nov 23, 5:30pm-9pm. Bring side dish to share. Main dishes provided by C.O.R.A.L. Can goods collected for Renaissance/SARA Center. 217-498- 9930. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair Nov 23, 9am-3pm. 217-546-6363. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 23, Through Dec 1. 10am- 8pm M-W, Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. More than 150 trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. (Thanksgiving 4-8 p.m.) $5-$3. Orr Building. 217-788-4301. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

New Berlin Angel Tree Auction Nov 30, 6:30-11pm. Providing shoes, coats for kids in District 16 School District. Food and music. 217-488- 6264. Knights of Columbus 4372 New Berlin, 715 E. Illinois, New Berlin, 217-488-7640.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 4, Through Dec 18. 5-8pm. Wednesdays and Dec. 5, unique shopping and dining, entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, Santa House and more. Downtown

Springfield.

Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Expo Nov 23, 10am-4pm. Vendors, children’s corner, entertainment, New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby from 11am- 1pm. Free admission. Eagles Club, Springfield, 2700 E. Ash St, 544- 9849.

Thanksgiving Day Volunteers Sought Nov 28, 9:30am. Packaging and delivering meals to home-bound citizens. Phone if you can help. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Twice Giving Gifts Christmas Open House Nov 23, 9am-3pm. Unique, handcrafted, international gifts. Purchases from this nonprofit ministry also gift for disadvantaged artisans. Twice Giving International Gift Store, 1022 New City Road (Midwest Mission Distribution Center), Chatham, 217-483-1106.

Xmas ARTicles Gift Shop Dec 4, Through Dec 30. 8:30am- 4:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm. Original art and fine crafts from over 50 artists. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Book Reading Nov 21, 7pm. Ted Morrissey reads from his new novelette, Figures in Blue. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273.

Book Talk Nov 30, 11am. Local author Louise Jett talks about her new book Carlinville and signs copies. The Sly Fox Bookstore, 123 N. Springfi eld St (Route 4), Virden, 217-965-3641.

Book Talk Dec 2, 7pm. Springfi eld author Sarah Hathaway Thomas talks about her two books and her Lincoln biographer father Benjamin Thomas. The Sly Fox Bookstore, 123 N. Springfi eld St (Route 4), Virden, 217-965- 3641.

Flash Fiction and Prose Poetry Nov 24, 2pm. $10-$5. Registervachellindsay@gmail. com. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

THEATER & COMEDY

Comedian Alex Ortiz Nov 22, Through Nov 23. 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. BET Comedy Central veteran. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

Comedian Lenny Schmidt Nov 22, Through Nov 23. 8pm. Veteran L.A. and Chicago comic. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Potluck Nov 22, Through Nov 24. 6:30pm. New musical by Ken Bradbury. All tickets include “church potluck themed” dinner by Arena Food Service. $30. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

The Exonerated Nov 24, 2pm. Staged reading. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217- 491-3977 .

The Rev Nov 23, 1pm. Free preview of new musical comedy with short description, dialogue and songs. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry.

MUSIC:
GENERAL EVENTS

Advent Concert Dec 1, 4pm. Blessed Sacrament choirs, Seraphim, orchestra including several from Springfi eld symphony. “Vivaldi “Magnifi cat.” $10. Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut Street, 528-7521.

Bells In Motion Concert for ADA Nov 23, 2pm. Healthy snacks and unique gifts from around the world with A Ringing Christmas 2013 (starts at 3 p.m.) performed by Bells in Motion. $20-$25. Benefi ting ADA. 217-652-7009. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 793-3933.

Brad Paisley Nov 21, 7:30pm. Country star with guests Chris Young and The Voice Season 4 winner Danielle Bradbery. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

Classical Guitar Series Nov 25, 7pm. Classical guitarists followed by Springfi eld-area guitarists. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Nov 22, 7pm. Award-winning gospel singers. $30-$27. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Nov 23, 8pm. Holidays in the Heartland: Holiday Pops. Preconcert conversation at 7 p.m. $5-$60. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Michel Chatara-Morse Dec 1, 4pm. Free concert with classical guitarist. 217-243- 5435. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 904-630-2665.

Open Mic with a Mission Nov 23, 6pm. Music and spoken word, any talent welcome. Family-friendly atmosphere, food and refreshments available for donation. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave, 546-6951.

The Alley Cats Dec 4, 7:30pm. Christmas show. $15 with dinner at 6 p.m. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

DANCE

A Ballroom Dance Nov 23, 7pm. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560.

All About Dance Nov 27, 6:30-10pm. Open Dance 8-10 p.m. 217-836- 1438. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Dance Nov 22, 29, 8pm. Every Friday night. The Music Men. Kevin Tucker (29). VFW Post 755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road. 217-546-9515.

Mix It Up Dance Nov 23, 7pm. 217-652-2128. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Nutcracker All Jazz’d Up Nov 23, Through Nov 24. 7pm. Choreography set to funky fresh Nutcracker music performed by the dancers of DCDS In Motion. $17-$12. Riverton High School Auditorium, 841 N. Third St, Riverton.

Salsa Nights Nov 30, 9pm-12:45am. Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St., 217-529-5511.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Art Reception, Silent Auction Dec 2, Through Dec 12. 11am- 6pm. Mon-Thu. Bid until closing reception on Dec. 12 from 5:30- 7pm. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

Beaux Arts Ball Nov 30, 5:30pm-12am. Royal Court reception, dinner, live and silent auction and dancing. $125. Dancing only $5 after 9 p.m. 523-2631. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217- 529-7777.

Brown Bag Nov 22, 12pm. Leonardo Da Vinci with Rosina Neginsky, UIS Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Third Thursday Art Show Nov 21, 6pm-12am. Free, open, all ages art show with local acoustic music and one band at end of night. 217-691-1301. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 323-782-9000.

FILM & TELEVISION

Central Illinois Film Commission Meeting Nov 21, 7pm. Third Thursdays in Highland room. 725-1187. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

Rockumentary Series Nov 29, 7:30pm. Filmage: The Story of Descendant/All (Nov. 29), Broadway Idiot (Dec. 6). $10 each. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838- 3006.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Scheels Kids Klub Nov 26, 6pm. Pilgrim Costume Making: Ages 4-12 make a vest, feather headband and pilgrim hat. No registration needed. Free. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

NATURE

Backyard Birding Identification Nov 21, 7pm. Chris Young and Wade Kammin discuss their new backyard birding video series featured on prairiestateoutdoors.com and offer backyard birding identifi cation tips and advice. 217-725-7650. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

International Survivors of Suicide Day Nov 23, 10:30am. Light lunch. Free. RSVP to attendhttps:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/ SOSDay. 618-889-2542. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217- 789-1530.

McBrian Lincoln Toastmasters Nov 21, 6pm. Weekly meeting dedicated to helping individuals improve leadership and communication skills. 416- 5127. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217-546-4531.

Personal Assistant Employers Group Nov 26, 3pm. Free. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave., West, 216 523-2587.

Speaker Nov 24, 6pm. Janet McCarty, of Jacksonville, missionary in Philippines and Southern Philippines Methodist Colleges Acting Dean of Education and President. Douglas United

Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Avenue.

BULLETIN BOARD

Backgammon Club Nov 27, 6pm. Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111.

Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Nov 22, 7:30am. “Better Government Association.” Andy Shaw - President and CEO. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Doctor Who Day Nov 22, 7pm. Costume contest, trivia, games and themed-cafe specials. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Holiday Book Drive Through Nov. 30, drop off new books for birth to age 12 to Chatham Public Library, Chatham Presbyterian Church, Rochester Elementary 2-3, Rochester High School, Trinity Lutheran Preschool- Auburn, Sherman Elementary, Williamsville Library, Williamsville Methodist Church, State Journal Register, Safe School Program and Bridge Club of Springfi eld.

Native American Heritage Month Nov 25, 12pm. Nov. 18, 25.217-424-6335 Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St, Decatur.

FOOD

Holiday Farmers Market Nov 23, 9am-1pm. Meats, eggs, cheeses, veggies, Illinois wine and more. Holiday gifts, lunch available for purchase. 217-528-1563. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

HISTORY

Gettysburg Address 150 Nov 21, Through Nov 24. 9am-5pm. Special displays, videos, fi lms and events to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782- 5764.

HEALTH

DBSA Central Illinois Nov 26, 6:30-8:30pm. Tuesdays. For those affected by mood disorder, friends/ family. Fellowship Hall, lower level. 414-7368. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217- 528-3407.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Nov 21, 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, 217-525-1866.

Lung Cancer Education Event Nov 21, 5:45pm. Free radon test kits, effects of second-hand smoke and newest treatments for lung disease. Registration starts at 5:15 p.m. Free. 217- 545-3837. Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St.

Memory Loss Conference 2013 Nov 22, Through Nov 23. 7:30am-4:15pm. Fri. for professionals. Sat. for public ($25-$30). Register siumed. edu/cme. 545-7711. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-529-7777.

OCD Self-Help Group Nov 25, 6:30-8pm. Last Monday of month in library. 217-522-8446. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, 545-2155.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Court Madonna Meeting Nov 21, 6:30pm. Monthly meeting. 528-4582. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St, 217- 793-1330.

GriefShare Nov 21, 6:30-8:30pm. Thursdays, grief recovery seminar/support group for people grieving the death of someone close. Crossroads Counseling Center, 1835 E. Walnut St., Chatham, 483-1224.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Nov 24, 7pm. Greater Springfi eld Interfaith Association special service. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Sunday Public Praise & Worship Nov 24, 9:30am-12:30pm. 217-364-5273. Body of Christ Church, 213 N. Main, Buffalo.

Thanksgiving Nov 24, 10:30am. A Litany of Thanksgiving, contents of which are contributed by members and friends. Presented by Rev. Martin Woulfe and Paul Oakley. Guest at Your Table boxes distributed. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Thanksgiving Eve Service Nov 27, 7pm. Festive service with hymns, prayers, scripture reading and Holy Communion. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave, 217-522-7331.

Thanksgiving Service Nov 28, 10:30am. Hour-long service includes Bible lesson, hymns of thanksgiving and expressions of gratitude. Childcare provided, no collection taken. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 601 S. Second St.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Get Your Game On Nov 27, 5:30pm. Games geared to group and may change each week. Minimum two. All participants must register one week in advance! Free. Phone 217-585-2941. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702.

Springfield Jr. Blues Home Game Nov 22, 7:05pm. $12-$8 Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.