Holiday Happenings

Christmas in the Park Nov 14-15, 4-8pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat. Holiday bazaar with decorations and more. 217-626-1738. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2 mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2 mile north of North Cotton Hill Road. Annual Holiday Open House Nov 15, 10am-5:30pm Sat. Holiday season kick off, handmade Christmas ornament reveal. Food, drink, shopping, door prize. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 S. Sixth St., 217-753-0262.

Gifts From the Heart Bazaar Nov 15, 12-3pm Sat. Handmade gifts, bake sale, auction to benefi t mission work. Midland United Methodist, 600 Tower Place, Kincaid, 217-237-2086. Lincoln Memorial Garden Holiday Market Nov 15, 9am-5pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun. Split Rail Shop specializes in art and handcrafted items such as wreaths, centerpieces, ornaments and unique items for gardeners. 217-529-1111. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. South Fork Holiday Fiesta Nov 15, 9am-1pm Sat. 40+ vendors, holiday shop just for kids. Photos with Santa, crafts, cake walk, bake sale and more. Free. 217-454-2043. South Fork High School, 612 Dial St., Kincaid, 217- 237-4331.

Books & Authors

ArtLiterations Nov 20, 5-7pm Thu. A celebration of art, authors and aesthetically pleasing sounds hosted by the Prairie Art Alliance. Featured artists, music by Ocean State and author John Paul Jaramillo. Free to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544- 2787. Program and Book Signing Nov 13, 6:30pm Thu. Sue Post and Michael Jeffords talk about their new book about butterfl ies. Free to public. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Standing Together: A Veterans Book Group Nov 13, 6pm Thu. Informal setting for veterans to connect, build relationships and share experiences. Nov. 13 meeting features author and Marine Corps veteran Phil Klay. All discussions facilitated by Jim Warner, managing editor of Quiddity and adjunct instructor at Benedictine. 312-422-5589. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 785-9363.

Spoken Word Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Nov 19, 6-8pm. Every third Wed. sign up to read some poetry, prose, nonfi ction. Listeners welcome. Food available for purchase. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Brighton Beach Memoirs Nov 13-15, 7:30pm Thurs-Sat, 2pm Sun. Neil Simon’s comedy chronicles the life of 15-year-old Eugene Jerome in 1937 Brooklyn. Directed by Missy Thibodeaux- Thompson. Studio Theatre. $14-$6. 217-206-6160. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073. Comedian Dr. Gonzo Nov 14-15, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. The Doc of Comedy Rock. $12.50 cash only. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233. Comedian-Actor Bobcat Goldthwait Nov 14-15, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

Harvey Nov. 14-16 and 21-23. 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A sister attempts to commit her adult brother to sanitarium after he introduces his imaginary friend, a 6-foot rabbit named Harvey, to guests at a soiree. $16-$18. Springfi eld Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. Peter Pan Nov 14-16, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Fly with Peter, Wendy, John and Michael on a magical journey to Neverland where imagination and adventures inspire. Millikin University’s Department of Theatre and Dance. $14-$20. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217-424-6318.

The Last Full Measure Nov 13-16, 7:30-9:30pm Thu-Sun. Play by Illinois author Ken Bradbury. A journey into the mind of Abraham Lincoln after he had been shot by John Wilkes Booth. Starring leading U.S. Lincoln impersonator, actor Richard “Fritz” Klein. $12. 217-558-8914. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217- 782-5764.

The Odd Couple: Female Version Nov 14, 7pm Fri. Neil Simon’s production presented by Lutheran High School Drama Department. $8 adults; $6 seniors and students. 217-546-6363. Springfi eld Lutheran High School, 3500 West Washington, 217-546- 6363.

Music: General Events Acoustic Circle and Open Mic Nov 14, 7-9pm Fri. Family friendly music and poetry. 217-720-1491. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391- 7628.

Bluegrass for the Tallgrass Nov 15, 7pm Sat. Traditional and contemporary bluegrass by the Harman Family Bluegrass band. Hosted by Friends of the Sangamon Valley. 217-525- 1410. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

Fall Tour Band Concert Nov 13, 7-7:45pm Thu. Concert Band of Lutheran High School Northwest of Rochester, Michigan. Directed by Mr. Brian Pollatz. Sacred and secular works. Free will donation. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 4531.

Lost & Found Nov 13, 7pm Thu. Farewell tour. Interactive concert by a guitar and piano duo described as “the intersection of the Ramones and John Denver.” $15. Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 515 S. MacArthur, 217-546-4055.

Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra Fall Concert Nov 16, 4pm Sun. 2014-2015 season opener. Features violinist Kamen Petkov as Guest Concertmaster and guest artist Elizabeth Thompson, Soprano. Music Director and Conductor Eugene Power. $10 adults; $5 children; free 10 and under. Theater III. 217-753-8000. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Art & Architecture

A Moment in Time Nov 13-15, 9am-5pm Thu-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631. Amor Discendi Nov 13-14, 17-20, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri. Murray Gallery, second fl oor of Menard Hall. Opening reception Nov. 14, 5:30-7:30pm. Artworks by Trish Duknoski and Suzanne Traylor, LLCC students. Free to public. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Art Mingle Nov 15, 4-7pm Sat. Display of art by local artists available for purchase. Artists on-hand to discuss their work. Wine and cheese reception. Free. The Art Room Hair Studio, 2700 W. Lawrence Suite U, 217-299-0116.

Full Spectrum Nov 13-15, 18-22, 25-26, 12- 7pm Tue-Sat. Acrylic/watercolor paintings by Debbie Megginson and photography by Beth Sumner. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

L. Philip Trutter Commemorative Exhibit Nov 13, 18-20, 25-26, 10am- 3pm Tue, Wed, Thu. Through July 2015, Trutter’s artwork including one-of-a-kind handmade puzzles, interview excerpts of his thoughts on growing up in Springfi eld, his art and architecture. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Photography Exhibit Nov 19, 5-7pm Wed. Exhibit of current work by photographers Lou Fremgen, Tom Handy, James Hawker and John Record. Gallery 1227, 1227 S. Pasfi eld Ave. Studio Hop | Japan Nov 14, 6pm Fri. Hop from studio to studio sampling new, culturally informed medium in each room. Enjoy sushi, sake and three Japanese art forms. $50 members; $60 non. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Film & Television

Pray the Devil Back to Hell Nov 18, 7-9pm Tue.

Documentary on Liberian women who risked their lives and took to streets to end years of violence and civil war in 2003. Speaker Teleschia Wordsworth on Libera today and the Ebola crisis. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

The Wizard of Oz and Art Exhibit Nov 14-16, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Watch the 1939 MGM classic on the big screen. The Pharmacy artists display art inspired by fi lm. Gallery opens one hour prior to screening. $10. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800- 838-3006.

Children’s Corner An American Ice Princess and Her Doll Nov 16, 1:30-3:30pm Sun. Fall skating event and tea party. Skating/skate rental, goodie bag and skates for your doll, manicure station, doll hair salon, tea, hot chocolate, elegant desserts, win an American Girl Doll. $15 advance; $20 door. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Biodiversity Blitz! Family Event Nov 15, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about Illinois’ threatened and endangered species via games and activities. Live-bird program 11:30 am and 1:30pm. Free. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St,. 217- 782-7386.

Nature Discovery After Dark Tour Nov 14, 7-9pm. See the zoo in a new light during this after hours guided tour for families. $6 adult, $4 child. Pre-registration required, 217-753-6217. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217- 585-1821.

Environment Brown Bag Session Nov 20, 12pm Thu. Global Climate Change; Global Problem, Global Solutions & Implications for Illinois. With panelists Rick Stuckey, Dr. Tih-Fen Ting and Tom Heavisides. Bring your lunch; coffee and sweets provided. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Lectures & Meetings Association of Information Technology Professionals Nov 18, 5:30-8pm Tue. Dana Smith, Director of Member and Public Relations, Auburn RECC. Program topic, “Rural Electric - A Challenging Management Environment.” Program free at 6:15pm; meal $15. 217-971- 7005. Top Cats Chill and Grill, 1822 Stevenson Dr., 217-529- 4005.

BEST (Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens) and Parent Transition Support Group Nov 18, 6-7:30pm Tue. Support group for teens w/ disability and parents. Free. 217-523-2587. Lawrence Education Center, 101 E. Laurel, 217-528-0969.

Free Market Environmentalism Nov 13, 4-5:30pm Thu. 217-206- 8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073. Heads Up Group Nov 16, 1-3pm Sun. Support group for those who have had a head injury. Free. 217 523- 2587. 217-528-0969. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217- 523-0427.

Open Policies and Open Access for Social Responsibility Nov 13, 7pm Thu. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073. Bulletin Board

An Evening of Cultural Experience Nov 15, 5-7pm Sat. African Ensemble of Central Illinois, ISU African Dance Troupe, African fashion show, African artifact silent auctions, African hor’s d’oeuvres, more. In support of Doctors without Borders and their Ebola missions in Africa. Hosted by Africans in Central IL United in Fight Against Ebola and Grace United Methodist Church. $20 adults; $10 children. 217-299-7260. Southeast High School, 2350 E. Ash.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 14-16, 4-8pm Fri; 11am- 5pm Sat; 11am-4pm Sun. Cats and dogs available. PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091. Springfield Christian Women’s Connection November Luncheon Nov 19, 11am-1:45pm Wed. Speaker Connie Harris plus beautiful holiday styles from The Dress Barn. $15. Resgister by Nov. 14, 217-787-8246. 217- 787-1870. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523-7900.

Starting Your Business in Illinois Nov 19, 1:30-3:30pm Wed. Illinois Small Business Development Center workshop on preparing a business plan, fi nancing, legal forms, registering a business name and taxes. Registration, 217- 544-7232. LLCC Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason, 217-786-2200.

The Price is Right Live! Nov 17, 7:30pm Mon.

Interactive stage show that gives contestants pulled from the audience a chance to win appliances, vacations and even new car. $32.50-$52.50. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Nov 20, 6-7pm Thu. Free to public. Conference room. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253.

Food

LGBT Community Thanksgiving Dinner Nov 15, 5-9pm Sat. Bring side dish to share. Main dishes provided by C.O.R.A.L. Meal at 6 pm. Canned goods collected. Lincoln Park Pavilion. 217- 741-7739. Lincoln Park, Fifth St. and Sangamon Ave., 217- 544-1751.

History

Sangamon County Historical Society Nov 18, 5:30-7pm Tue. Taylor Pensoneau, former political reporter and author, will share his stories about people and events during his career. 217- 525-1961. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900. Stories from the Stacks Nov 19, 5:30pm Wed. New series. A peek into the library’s vast collections on Illinois history. Using documents, pictures and artifacts, library experts highlight a variety of topics beyond Abraham Lincoln. Free. Reserve your seat today. 217-558-8934. Abraham Lincoln Presidential

Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217- 558-8844. Auditions Old State Capitol Chorale Openings Nov 18, 25. 5:30-6:30pm Tue. For those who enjoy singing, fellowship and dressing in period attire. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at 5:30. For more info, directions to rehearsal site, email [email protected] 217-960-6060. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Theatre in the Park Auditions Nov 15, Sat. Registration 9:30-10am. Auditions 10am- 1:00pm for Two Gentlement of Verona, May 29-31 and June 4-6. 217-241-3241. Western Oaks Baptist Church, 5345 Old Jacksonville Rd, 698-8622.

Health MDA Educational Event Nov 15, 10am-4pm Sat. Free seminar to families and medical professionals on the comprehensive care challenges of living with neuromuscular disease. By

Central Illinois MDA Offi ce. Registration 9 am. 217-351- 1853. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523-7900.

Sports & Fitness

Abe’s Trail Trek Nov 15, 9:30am Sat. 5k is runner, walker and newto-trails friendly, 10k and 15k will test even seasoned trail runner. triharderpromotions. com. 217-341-1309. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

Jr. Blues Home Game Nov 14-15, 7:05pm Fri-Sat, 3:05 Sun. Jr. Blues hockey continues this weekend with a two-game series versus the Topeka Roadrunners. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk Nov 15, 10am-1pm Sat. Wear a costume or tie jingle bells to your shoelaces and walk or run to fi ght arthritis. 317-879- 0321. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.