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Town character
“This is, I think,” explained the author to an interviewer in 1947, “a departure from the usual method.” That departure was to write a novel in which an American town would be the chief character, with the human beings as the background. That novel was American Years.

There’s more to the museum than most know
This letter expresses my objection to closing the Illinois State Museum system. I believe that Gov. Bruce Rauner was given bad advice when told to close the museum.

Why Christie should not be president
When Mitt Romney’s campaign was investigating potential choices to be his 2012 running mate, they gave each prospect a fishthemed code name, such as Lake Fish, Filet- O-Fish, etc. Their name for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a tireless self-promoter known for his bloated ego, was Puffer Fish.

LETTERS
I am also testifying this afternoon at the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability on behalf of the Illinois State Museum system and have created a video that will be released tomorrow [July 14] about the city’s support for keeping the institution open.

A primer on Statehouse weirdness
Baricevic was one of the lawyers representing a host of unions in their successful St. Clair County lawsuit last Thursday to force the state to pay its employees without a budget.

Rail consolidation chugging along
Construction on two new underpasses for the 10 th Street rail corridor is scheduled to begin next summer, and an underpass already under construction is due for completion later this year if weather permits. Meanwhile, the state legislature last week approved a bill creating an oversight panel for the project.

KIDZEUM CALLS
Kidzeum, the proposed Springfi eld museum for kids, is seeking additional TIF funding from the city of Springfi eld, with hopes of starting construction as soon as possible. The joint effort between St.

An uphill battle over coal mining
The 86-year-old Edmiston has been fighting for a decade to shut down the Deer Run Mine near Hillsboro, and her battle may be coming to an end as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources decides whether part of the mine’s permit is valid.

DAZZLING DENTALS
Central Counties Health Centers in Springfi eld has long provided invaluable health care to many people who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Now, CCHC is getting some recognition – in the form of a $100,000 check.

Mud dawgs
In recent years, the running world has witnessed a boom in obstacle courses, mud runs and other themed events. Adventure races have increasing appeal to a wide range of audiences because they present new challenges to seasoned runners and other athletes while also providing an exciting, social activity to non-runners.

Take me out to the ballgame
In almost every large town in the state, base ball clubs have been organized this spring. We notice in our exchanges, not only in this state but all states, that this game is more popular than ever.

Successful Seussical
Muni veterans Dennis O’Brien and Stephan Kaplan co-direct the production. “Our cast has been a gift from God,” Kaplan said. “They are intelligent, wildly talented, compassionate and respectful in every way. They follow direction and there is not a diva among them.

Sauces for summer
Summer is a time for sauces that are fresh and light and don’t require lots of time standing over a hot stove. (I’m designating BBQ sauce as a separate category.) The first four recipes call only for chopping and measuring; the fifth requires a blender or food processor; the last brief gentle cooking.

CuisineScene
institution. For 20 years Coz has been serving up award-winning Chicago thin-crust pizza, the famous two-ply pizza and prizewinning hot wings. Chicagostyle Italian beef sandwiches, incredible burgers, horseshoes and chili. Lunch specials. Full menu. Free salted-in-the-shell peanuts on the bar tables.

Science saves Self/less
Damian Hale (an effectively icy Ben Kingsley) is a self-made man, a billionaire New York City developer who’s been told the cancer he’s been diagnosed with has metastasized and he has only weeks to live. He’s willing to test the maxim that money can’t buy everything when he consults a mysterious company called Phoenix Biogenics.

Mid-July roundup
As readers of this column should know by now, you can see local musicians performing every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer, from noon to 1 on the south side of the Old Capitol Plaza.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Anni Piper
This bass-playing, award-winning, world-traveling blues vocalist recently relocated from her native Australia to Cocoa Beach, Florida, all the while continuing her scorching career in the world of blues music. Anni dropped her first album in 2004, garnering a Best New Talent nod from the Australian Blues Music Awards in the process.

PUB CRAWL
The Complaint Line - CD Release Show with Flamingo and Ragna Rye.

THE CALENDAR
Legacy Theatre’s Mary Poppins selections.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS | A gallery under the stars
Individuals and community groups are invited to purchase six-foot by six-foot squares of street to paint anything they desire. The SAA will provide all necessary painting supplies including paint, brushes, sponges and a goody bag.

ENVIRONMENT | Cruise to community gardens
This event sends those interested in urban agriculture and communal gardening on a self-guided tour of more than 20 school, neighborhood and community gardens plus the rooftop garden at Maldaner’s Restaurant.

THEATER | Anything is possible
Springfield Clinic and The Legacy Theatre are proud to present Broadway’s musical presentation of Disney’s Mary Poppins..