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As the crow is bent
My surname, as most people guess, is German in origin, as were my father’s clan. Most surnames derive from one’s ancestors’ family trade. The old Krohes were farmers and flax weavers, and according to the ancient European way, might well have become known as Bauers or Webers, after their crafts.

Pause amid a bloody war
The holiday itself has its roots in the Civil War. The first official proclamation declaring Thanksgiving as a national day of remembrance was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, partly in honor of Northern successes in the war that year. Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise.

Takeaways from the election
Start with Day One for President Trump (gotta get used to saying that). He will need to be up-and-at-’em no later than 12:01 a.m.

THIS WEEK
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LETTERS
Surely we can at least agree we’ve all experienced the same unprecedented fear over the past months. We’ve been afraid for different reasons, but the fear is the exact same fear. In elections there are always two sides who blame one another. Had the other side won, we’d see other protesters with their own brand of apocalyptic fear.

THE MODERN WORLD
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Out of date and out of touch
During the national Republican electoral wave two years ago, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn lost by four points to Republican Bruce Rauner and Quinn won no counties at all outside Cook. The Democrats lost the 10th and 12th congressional district races and just barely managed to regain the state treasurer’s office.

In Illinois, public access is broken
Four years later, Kirk Allen and John Kraft are still waiting to obtain public records – audio recordings of jailhouse interviews – they believe could shed more light on their suspicions. The delay continues despite a ruling from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan that Allen and Kraft deserved access to the recordings.

Time for a change
Gadflies and journalists have learned that the public access counselor’s office, conceived and nurtured by attorney general Lisa Madigan, is the appeal of last resort when government agencies refuse to release public records.

Letter from Beardstown
Stunned by Donald Trump’s victory, mainstream media has pointed to the Rust Belt, saying that out-of-work or underemployed white folks are to blame for this.

Speaking out of school
Kelly Wickham Hurst spent about 20 years with Springfield School District 186. As guidance dean, she frequently took to her blog and social media to share stories of black students being treated unfairly, and her efforts to advocate on their behalf.

Response from Springfield School District 186
The District does not comment on individual past or present employees. Further, under FERPA and the Illinois School Student Records Act, the District cannot discuss any incidents regarding individual students. However, we would like to share some of the initiatives that have occurred or will occur in the coming months.

Three cheers to a happy holiday
No dinner party or celebration is complete without a seasonal beverage. A unique mixed drink allows hosts to put their personal stamp on the affair without having to stock a full bar, which also helps control cost and mess. It also eliminates the need for a host to spend the night playing bartender.

Decorate yourself
Shay recommends finding an old sweater from your closet and going to the ornaments aisle at the local dollar store. “Find the flashiest, most glittery, over-the-top ornaments you can find and get to work with your glue gun,” she says.

Set electronic boundaries at holiday celebrations
Just about everyone has had that moment when they gave up trying to communicate with someone engrossed in a smartphone, tablet or other electronic device. There’s not much gratification in talking to the top of a bowed head, especially when that person hasn’t heard a word you’ve said.

Beasts a worthy addition to Potter canon
Based on a “textbook” written by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a tome supposedly part of the curriculum at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the film recounts the adventures of a wizard/explorer who has set out in the mid-1920’s to catalogue and collect as many oddball, magical creatures as he can find.

Making Thanksgiving dreams come true
Many of us dream of hosting a Rockwell-esque Thanksgiving. Happy children playing board games as they patiently await dinner, contented guests allowing the host to calmly finish up the meal, glass of wine in hand. In reality though, putting on the Thanksgiving meal can be an incredibly stressful experience.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys
On the trail of making marvelous music since 1988, Robert “Big Sandy” Williams brings the boys back to town one more time for a go around the stage. The 2016 tour takes the fellers across the U.S. and back again from Los Angeles to Brooklyn, Maine to New Mexico, Nashville to Springfield, and plenty of places and stage stops in between.

PUB CRAWL
The Raceway Bar and Sports Complex, New Berlin, 8pm..

Remember November
Wake up to Thursday night with a “James Armstrong Presents” show at The Alamo featuring the friendly and famous Johnny Rawls from 6 to 9 p.m. The award-winning Mississippi native is steeped in the traditions of blues and soul with a lifetime of experience to back it up.

THE CALENDAR
Nov 18-19, 4-8pm Fri, 9-3pm Sat. Featuring Christmas decorations, ornaments, small themed trees, santas, snowmen, angels and more. Free. 217-626-1738. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2-mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2-mile north of North Cotton Hill Road.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Just in time for Thanksgiving
Since many farmers have found creative ways to extend growing seasons into the colder months, it is easier than ever to enjoy fresh, locally grown food during the holidays. On Saturday, Nov.

SPORTS & RECREATION | Girls on ice
Ice skating enthusiasts and American Girl fans unite! The Springfield Figure Skating Club is excited to host their annual fall skating even and tea party on Sunday, Nov. 20, from 12-2 p.m.