FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Annual Train Fair Mar 19, 10am-4pm Sun. Hosted by the Springfi eld Model Railroad Club. Largest train show in downstate Illinois. springfi eldtrainfair.com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Pondicherry Lodge Mar 18, 6:30pm Sat. Sherlock Holmes Society of Central Illinois hosts a viewing and discussion of Dressed to Kill. Bring a light snack or beverage to share. sherlock.lolopop.org. Adjoining Homes of Betty Washko and Bill and Mary Denham, 36 and 40 Westwood Terrace, 546-8387.

Third Thursday Reading Series Mar 16, 6-8pm Thu. Featured author is poet Lisa Higgs, author of Unintentional Guide to the Big City. Monthly event also includes an open mic event plus writing and publishing news and more. Free. twelvewinters. com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

THEATER & COMEDY

Comedian Rob Haney Mar 24-25, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Stand up comedian turns the trivialities of everyday life into common humor. Seen on HBO’s “Comic Relief” and “The Showtime Comedy Club Network.” $12.50. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Historical Fiction: A Comedy Mar 24-25, 7:30pm Fri-Sat. Play showcases the ups and downs that come with community theater. Show is set backstage at a local production of The Life of Abraham Lincoln. $15. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Just Jokin’ J-Ville Mar 18, 8-10pm Sat. Two-hour show featuring 10 hilarious comedians. $10. American Legion Post 279, 903 W. Superior, Jacksonville, 243-5145.

Mauritius Mar 23-26, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sat- Sun. After their mother’s death, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors. $10. millikin.edu/ kirkland. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

Mulan Jr. Mar 23-26, 7-9pm Thu-Sat, 3-5pm Sun. Presented by AJHS. $6 adults, $4 students and seniors. Cantrall Intermediate School, 155 Claypool, Cantrall.

Murder Mystery Dinner Mar 17-19, 24-26, 6:30pm Fri-Sat, 1pm Sun. Theme is “Good Deeds, Deadly Deeds.” Presented by the Springfi eld Theatre Centre. $30. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523- 2787.

Oklahoma Mar 23-26, 7:30-10pm Thu-Sun. Presented by SHG. $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. shg.org. 787-1595. SHG Dominican Hall Theatre, 1200 W. Washington.

Spotlight on Ice Mar 18-19, 2pm Sat-Sun, 7pm Sat. Springfi eld Figure Skating Club presents Spotlight on Ice “Broadway Rhythms.” sfsc4u.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

The Wizard of Oz Mar 17-19, 25-26, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by the Hoogland Kids, Teens and Juniors. hcfta.org. $10, $14, $16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

MUSIC:

GENERAL EVENTS

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Mar 25, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Enjoy silver screen selections from your favorite movies and video games, performed by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. jaxsym.com. 243-5678. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Organist Dale Rogers Mar 22, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Part of the Brown Bag Concert Series. BYO lunch or purchase at door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Steve Hess and Southern Salvation Mar 18, 7pm Sat. Love offering. southernsalvation. com. Springfi eld First Seventh- Day Adventist Church, 3168 W. Jefferson St., 787-7089.

UIS Music Spring Recital Mar 24, 7-8:30pm Fri. Featuring UIS Chorus, A Capella Group and Honorable Mention soloists from the UIS Music Soloist Competition. Free. uis.edu/music. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206- 6073.

DANCE

Illinois Chapter Po.L.K. of A. Dance Mar 19, 2-5pm Sun. Featuring Larry Hallar. Free. illinoischapterpolkofa.org. Riverton Knights of Columbus, 335 S. Fourth St., Riverton, 629-9018.

Juke House Mar 24, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue Mar 19, 7pm Sun. High-energy celebration of India’s new pop music, Bollywood culture and deep traditions featuring costumes, dance and music. $42+. sangamonauditorium. org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Brown Bag Lecture Mar 24, 12pm Fri. Artist Sheri Ramsey on the importance and history of architecture in 2D art. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Craft Day Mar 18, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm. Horsefeathers, Birdsong Books and Vintage, and the Country Bumpkin host craft sessions, offered from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm at each store. $20 per craft session; includes all materials. Reservations, elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947-2238. Elkhart.

Nature and Wildlife Photography Show Mar 16-17, 20-24, 27-29, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. Show titled “Welcome to the Garden.” On display through Apr 30. Free. wavetailart.com. 720-8654. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

Portals into Springfield Mar 23, 7-8pm Thu. Local artist William Crook, Jr. discusses his print series “Portals of Springfi eld,” depicting entry points into the city. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Sarah Smelser Artist Reception Mar 16, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Reception for “Questions We Ask Each Other: Recent Works by Sarah Smelser.” Exhibition on display through Mar 30. llcc.edu/art. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 786-2219.

Shifting Sands Part II Mar 16-17, 20-24, 27-29, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. Exhibition features photographs of 40 Springfi eld historic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Hosted by the Sangamon Valley Collection of the Lincoln Library. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Sip and Craft Mar 24, 6-8pm Fri. Make a signature sign. kathykellyandme.com. West of Wise Winery, 14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg, 632- 6003.

The Chuck Thurow Gift Mar 19-18, 20-29, 9am- 4:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition features more than 100 contemporary artworks given to the ISM by Chicago collector and arts advocate Chuck Thurow. On display through May 7. Admission. 524-5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

SCIENCE

Friday Night Star Parties Mar 17, 24, 8-10pm Fri. Presentation and viewing of skies hosted by John Martin. Free. Weather questions, 206-8342 at 7pm or UIS Observatory on Twitter. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza, 206-6633.

ENVIRONMENT

Community Garden Meeting Mar 19, 5:30pm Sun. Learn about local food and Grandstand community garden requirements. Meeting is free; each garden plot costs $20. agr.state.il.us/garden. 785- 5594. Illinois Department of Agriculture, Administrative Building Auditorium, 801 Sangamon Ave., Gate 11, 782- 4977.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Breakfast Optimist Club Mar 17, 24, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546- 5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Chatham VFW Dinner & Meeting Mar 20, 5-8pm Mon. 414- 9637. Chatham VFW, 501 W. Mulberry St., Chatham, 483- 4613.

Elkhart Historical Society Dinner Lecture Mar 24, 5:30pm Fri. Presentation by Marcy Brooks titled “Legacy: Inspiration from the Seven Daughters of John Dean Gillett.” $40 for full dinner and lecture. Reservations required. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947-2238. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Financial Peace University Mar 19, 12:30-2:30pm Sun. Dave Ramsey and team walk you through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and more. $100, includes all materials and lifetime FPU membership. Registration, fpu.com/1031707. 521-3276. Riverside Baptist Church, 1250 W. Mound Road, Decatur, 875- 7272.

GriefShare Mar 22, 6:30pm Wed. 14-week program built around video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Registration, 414- 0126. griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Single and Parenting Mar 16, 23, 6-8:30pm Thu. 13-week program teaches practical strategies regarding parenting, fi nancial management, relationship issues, emotional guidance and more. Free; light meal and childcare provided at no cost. singleandparenting.org. 685- 8099. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

Stamp Collecting Club Mar 21, 7pm Tue. Meets third Monday of each month. 546- 5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence Ave., 528- 7571.

BULLETIN BOARD

Building Our Children’s Futures Mar 23-24. Conference on the effects of poverty on child well-being in Illinois. $300. Registration. blogs.uis.edu/ ChildreninPoverty. 206-6079. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206- 6073.

Game Night Mar 22, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Drop-off event designed to help develop independence. Featuring group games for ages 5-99 that involve some physical activity. Free. springfi eldparks.org. 585- 2941. 585-2941. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Illinois Women’s Health Conference Mar 23, 7:30am Thu. For those those interested in women’s issues and health professionals interested in educating themselves about diseases and the effects on women’s health. Registration. ipha.com. 522-5687. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 544-8800.

PFLAG Monthly Meeting Mar 20, 7pm Mon. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Mar 22, 11am-1pm Wed. Speaker Karilyn Eastvold on “Getting Off the Merry- Go-Round of Worry.” $15. 303-9768. Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 483-7999.

FOOD

Planting Basics Mar 22, 12pm Wed. Learn how to start growing your own food. Free. llcc.edu. 786- 4993. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200. Winter Farmers Market Mar 25, 9am-1pm Sat. New seasonal farmers market features 15 local vendors selling a wide variety of products. ilstewards.org. 528-1563. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 528-0457.

HISTORY

Grant’s March to War Mar 16, 7-8pm Thu. Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Roundtable hosts a presentation by Greg Olson, reporter and photographer for the Jacksonville Journal- Courier. Free. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761-3910.

KWNM Irish Exhibit Mar 17, 12-1pm Fri. New exhibition pays tribute to the hundreds of Irish sons who fought bravely in the Korean War. Free. kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523-7230.

The Failure of the War on Drugs Mar 21, 6:30pm Tue. Program is “The Failure of the War on Drugs: Finding Humanity in an Unjust System” by Major Neil Franklin. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Trivia Night Mar 18, 7-9pm Sat. Emceed by Mark McDonald. In support of the Sangamon County Historical Society. $10 per person; $100 per table of 10. Registration. sangamonhistory. org. 525-1961. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry Dr., 546-3527.

US Grant at Fort Donelson Mar 25, 2pm Sat. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

HEALTH

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group Mar 21, 6:30-8pm Tue. 816- 8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Affirming a Free and Responsible Search for Truth Mar 19, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Peacemaking in a Post-Truth World Mar 18, 8:30am-3pm Sat. Seminar in the application of Rene Girard’s mimetic theory to praying with and preaching the Judeo-Christian texts. $40. Registration. springfi eldop.org/ bible-strategies. Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., 787-0481.

SPORTS & FITNESS Cubs vs Cardinals: The Rivalry Mar 24, 9am-5pm Fri. An interactive look at the historic baseball rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. On display through Dec 31. presidentlincoln. illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby Mar 18, 5:30-9:30pm Sat. Double header features Decatur’s Prairieland Punishers vs Cedar Rapids’ Roller Girls and Springfi eld’s Midstate Mayhem vs the Twin City Dead Ringers. $15 VIP, $10 adults and $5 kids 12 and under. punishersderby. com. 883-3511. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur.

Springfield Jr. Blues Mar 24-25, 7:05pm Fri, 6:05pm Sat. Hockey team pushes for the NAHL playoffs. $12 adults, $8 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. jrblues. com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

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