Here it is, the 52 nd issue of 2014, completing another year of publishing Illinois Times. This is a good time to remind us all that IT is a minor miracle, an unlikely business that somehow survives and sometimes thrives in the relatively small market that is Springfi eld.

Quick – how big a part of Illinois’ population in recent years has consisted of unauthorized immigrants. Ten percent? Fifteen? Twenty? In 2012, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, it was 3.7 percent.

During the hectic holiday shopping season, Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.com may seem like a great option, especially for us procrastinators. Anything you want can be shipped directly to your doorstep. All it takes is a few clicks on the Amazon website and – of course – some of your hard-earned money.

James Krohe certainly hit the mark with his column on naming state buildings (“Official Graffiti,” Dec. 18). Illinois has a proud tradition of honoring people we’d just as soon forget by carving their names in stone – for example, William G. Stratton, whose main distinction was being the only governor tried for corruption and acquitted.

The local theater community lost one of its finest treasures this past February when our beloved friend, Marge Roth, passed away suddenly. Marge was a talented costumer for local theater groups, but she was so much more than that.

I knew Mr. Preston at the earliest of ages; he was my dad’s (James Thomas Woodson) best friend and neighbor, and in childhood, his daughter, Cheryl, was my best friend as well. Needless to say, I loved him and, more importantly, liked him, too.

Former U. S. Senator Alan Dixon is remembered here (‘We’ll do the right thing for people,” p. 10) for the progressive and courageous stances he took in his early career. Gene Callahan, the behind-the-scenes political aide who helped both Dixon and the late U.

Carrie Risdon David was born on July 29, 1976, in Burlington, Iowa. She graduated from Taylorville High School and went to college for drama but wound up becoming a teacher instead. Carrie taught at Pleasant Plains Middle School until her abrupt death on Jan.

Our dad is remembered as a classic example of the greatest generation. John Hine died Jan. 2, 2014, at the age of 89. He was born just before the Great Depression in northern Indiana, the youngest of three children and the first to be born in a hospital.

A first impression of David Kenney revealed a fraction of the man. He was mildmannered, openly friendly, never cursed, and his manners were almost Victorian. To those who discovered his career as a university professor, he came across as a kind of southern Illinois version of Mr.

Tayla loved children and assisted with many programs at the former Pleasant Hill Elementary School. She often took children in from her neighborhood that were misguided and needed a little kindness, love and understanding. Not that she didn’t have her hands full; she had three boys of her own, Derrick, Devon and Cale, plus her husband T.

J.D. Washington was the first African- American principal in Springfield Public Schools. He was the first African-American recruiter for the U.S. Peace Corps. He was a 33 rd degree Mason and an educator for more than 40 years. Most importantly, however, he was a man of integrity and determination.

He was blessed with a keen sense of understanding opportunities and grabbed them the moment they appeared, which made him a lot of money. However, as soon as the cash was counted, he was busy making plans to spend it on his family and friends. We were his guests on family trips, elegant dinners and elaborate gifts.

To the Illinois political world he was “Al the Pal.” During his 42 years as an elected public official he had the broadest grin around. He signed his letters “Your friend,” whether they were friends or not. By his own account he may have consumed more beer than the Anheuser and Busch family members combined.

After working for the local Pillsbury plant in Springfield for 30 years, he retired in 1977 and began painting in oils, then switched to oil pastels in the mid-1980s. He also painted chairs, benches and tables in a folk art manner, with bright colors and themes of mermaids, flowers and cigar store Indians.

Evelyn graduated valedictorian of Neoga High School Class of 1954. Upon graduating high school, she passed on the college scholarship she earned to continue working as an employee and officer of Cumberland County National Bank for the next 20 years.

His first relationship with Paul Simon other than as a source for newspaper columns occurred in 1967 when Callahan worked as a public relations volunteer in downstate areas. As compensation for expenses, Simon sent Callahan a monthly check for $35. Callahan never cashed any of the checks.

From the moment he came to us, Zander gave all of himself daily and packed a lifetime of happiness and love into his short 8 years. He prided himself on loving others and helping his family and friends. He freely gave hugs to people he had just met and never knew a stranger.

Harold was behind the counter at Allen’s Market for over 50 years. He was seldom without a smile and never knew a stranger. He loved talking to customers and catching up. Lots of people (including his six children and many of his grandchildren) had their first job there and he bragged on marriages that came from store romances.

In most families, after the patriarch and the matriarch have passed on, there is one shining beacon to bring everyone home again, especially around the holidays. The one family member determined to keep the home fires burning. To keep the hearth warm and inviting, to remind the other family members of holidays gone by.

Juhlann Davis Gibbs was a woman steeped in family history: her family had been residents of central Illinois for nearly 200 years. Yet as much as she appreciated where she came from, ultimately Juhlann’s greatest joy came in the legacy she left for the future: her three granddaughters.

That was Henry Humphrey, owner of Humphrey’s Market in Springfield. A dedicated, hardworking businessman and philanthropist, Henry Humphrey died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of generosity – both in deeds and in spirit..

On the one hand, he served as a priest in Episcopalian parishes throughout central and southern Illinois, low-key enough that his name rarely appeared in local media outside announcements of weddings and funerals he oversaw.

Folder’s was a business built on passion, hard work and, ultimately, his reputation. He started tying flies full time in 1977 and peddled them, mainly to wholesalers, at sporting goods shows throughout the nation. He worked until 2012 and never had a website.

His last position was as director of community affairs and marketing at WUIS Public Radio. At its core, he was our salesperson. A very good one who practiced the quiet, subtle approach. He would identify businesses that were a good match with the audience, knowing it would get him more than half way to a sale.

When Bob Murray passed away this year we lost more than a voice – and what a voice. The familiar tones of a friend who always greeted you warmly and happily, no matter whether it had been years, or just a day, since you last crossed paths.

Expectations proved wrong. Belton’s B-17 was hit by fire from the ground as he guided the aircraft to the target. A severed hydraulic line spewed fluid inside the Flying Fortress. Fire broke out in an oxygen tank. A bomb got stuck with the bomb bay door open.

In a personal tailspin, Strayed decided to walk the Pacific Crest Trail on her own, a journey that would take her over three months to complete, going from the high desert to the snow-covered mountains while covering over 1,100 miles. While her intentions are sincere, it becomes evident early on that she’s bitten off far more than she can chew.

The days before New Year’s Eve can be a respite from holiday excess. Not always, especially when families are frequently scattered and celebrations occur not on exact dates, but when it’s possible for everyone to assemble.

Monica and Josie are heading back to Memphis to participate in the annual International Blues Challenge competition, bringing their own brand of blues highlighted by a special blend of guitar playing and vocal harmonies.

Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

The Springfield Area Arts Council’s annual First Night celebration is a year-end smorgasbord of art, music, dance, fireworks, friends and fun.

The ‘tween time from Christmas to New Year’s can often be an exciting part of the local music scene. With the weekend falling directly after the big day on Thursday, we receive another holiday gift in the excellent opportunity to see live music during the season.

Afternoon free activities for kids at Springfi eld High School. Evening music, dance and more at various downtown locations. Hosted by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. springfi eldartsco.org..

Get the kids out of the house and keep their brains sharp this winter break with the Illinois State Museum’s Winter Holiday Search. The free activity is available for pickup at the museum’s front desk Dec. 20 through Jan. 5 during normal museum hours (8:30 a.

Children ages 5-12 are invited to enjoy a New Year’s Eve celebration that won’t keep them up past their bedtime but still involves a countdown until 12. Noon Year’s Eve is an annual New Year’s Eve party hosted by the good folks at the Henson Robinson Zoo.

Put on your game face, round up the troops and prepare for some friendly, familial competition with a new-old-fashioned game night. The Rochester Public Library is the place to be on Friday, Dec. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m., as they host a family fun game night featuring a variety of traditional board games, Wii games and rousing editions of Winter Bingo.