Holiday Happenings

Boo Crew Haunted House Nov 4, 7pm Sat. Ranked in the top fi ve scariest haunted houses in Illinois. $15 general, $25 speed pass. boocrew.com.

Boo Crew Haunted House, 11083 Buckhart Road, Mechanicsburg.

Home for the Holidays Nov 4-5, 10-11am Sat, 11am- 12pm Sun. Enjoy treats and learn decorating tips that feature the latest holiday home decor trends. Registration. Free. experience.scheels. com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Weaving a Holiday Gift Nov 3-5, 12-9:30pm Fri, 8:30am- 9:30pm Sat, 8:30am-4pm Sun. Weave your own gift. Registration and deposit required. Call for details. $125. jubileefarm.info. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927.

Fairs & Festivals

This is Our Culture Nov 2, 6:30pm Thu. Featuring authentic west African cuisine and experience-centered interactions with art, customs, religion, clothing and languages from Sierra Leone. $50 per person. thisisourculture.org. 844-610- 5100. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

UIS International Festival 40th Anniversary Nov 3, 5-8pm Fri. Fortieth anniversary event features complimentary ethnic food, live performances and cultural exhibits. Free. uis.edu. 206-6678. The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), 2171 University Dr., 206-7103.

Books & Authors

Book Signing Nov 9, 6-9pm Thu. Featuring local Springfi eld author Kathleen Wheeler. bluedoorart.com. The Blue Door, 3259 W. Iles, 753-0262.

Jackie Jackson’s Book Gala Nov 8, 5-7 pm Wed. Jackie Jackson’s Book Gala: w Cook Lounge, First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. 7th.

Literature and Conversation Nov 6, 12-2pm Mon. Soup and stories program features Sheila Walk reading and David Tell playing the Native American fl ute. Free to LLCC students; $3 community members. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Theater & Comedy

Annie! The Musical Nov 9-12, 7-9pm Thu-Sat, 3-5pm Sun. Presented by Athens High School. $6 adults; $4 students and seniors. Cantrall Intermediate School, 155 Claypool, Cantrall.

Belly Laffs Joke Lab Nov 9, 7:30pm Thu. Stand-up comedy open mic. Limited spots available. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Brooklyn the Musical Nov 3-5, 10-12, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun. Regional theater debut features a story within a story. $20 adults, $18 seniors and students. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Comedian Midnight Swinger Nov 3-4, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 9:30pm Sat. Mr. Showtime aka the Midnight Swinger. $15, $17. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Pat Godwin Nov 3-4, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Heard on Philadelphia’s “Morning Zoo,” “The Bob & Tom Show,” “Last Comic Standing” and more. $15. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

HUNKS The Show Nov 6, 7:30-9:30pm Mon. Just a bunch of ordinary hunks. Ladies 21+ only. $40 VIP, $25 advance, $35 at door. Always After Five, 2741 S. Sixth St., 528-0970.

Machinal Nov 2-4, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. An expressionist play inspired by the sensational 1927 New York murder trial of Ruth Snyder. $8-14. uis. edu. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206-6160.

The Amazing Acro Cats Nov 9-12, 7pm Thu-Fri, 4pm and 7pm Sat, 1pm and 4pm Sun. Cats perform tricks with various hoops, tumblers, skateboards, fl ags, signs and more. $20 advance, $25 day of and VIP, $18 seniors and students. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Music: General Events

Fun Pianos Nov 3, 5:30-10pm Fri. Featuring live entertainment, food and more. Supports the Springfi eld Pregnancy Care Center. $50. 525-5630. Firefi ghters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622- 0099. Guitar Concert by Mark Akin Nov 4, 8-9:30pm Sat. Guitar concert by by award-winning classical guitarist Mark Akin. $15 adults, $10 students and seniors. 816-8832. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., 522-3965.

Joseph Hall: Elvis Rock and Remember Nov 4, 8pm Sat. Elvis tribute concert. atthelegacy.com. $25 advance, $30 VIP, $30 day of. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Music at the Museum: Katie Dahl Nov 9, 7pm Thu. Monthly concert produced by Chris Vallillo featuring singersongwriter Katie Dahl. $10 adults, $8 museum members and children under 12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

This Hope Nov 9, 7-8:30pm Thu. 483- 2270. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953.

Dance

Dance for Hope Nov 3, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every fi rst Friday of the month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

The Great Russian Nutcracker Nov 4, 2pm and 7:30pm Sat. Featuring 40 professional Moscow Ballet dancers, local youth dancers and choir, plus full musical accompaniment from the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. $10-65. millikin.edu. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

Art & Architecture

Artists Kim and John Votsmier Nov 3, 5-8pm Fri. Featuring Kim and John Votsmier, owners of China Towne Ceramics. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522- 8006.

Canvas + Cocktails Nov 3, 7-9:30pm Fri.

Paint movie posters and other images inspired by some of the worst movies ever made. $15 members, $25 non. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Hope for the Holidays Nov 4-5, 10am-5pm Sat, 12- 4pm Sun. Fine art and craft fair featuring more than 22 local and out-of-state artists. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave., 546-6951.

Ladies Night Out Nov 9, 6-9pm Thu. Food fun, fashion and more. bluedoorart. com. The Blue Door, 3259 W. Iles, 753-0262.

Morphology Nov 3, 6-10, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. 10am-3pm Sat., Exhibition features sculptures by Benjamin Lowder. On display through Nov 22. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Open Studio Springfield Nov 6-7, 6:30-9:30pm Mon-Tue. Figure drawing session featuring a clothed model on Mondays. Life drawing session featuring a live nude model on Tuesdays (parent/guardian sign-in required for under 18). Easels, drawing boards and clips provided; bring your own or make use of community drawing materials. All welcome. $15; $10 high school students. Open.Studio. Springfi eld@gmail.com. 789- 9787. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278. Opening Art Reception Nov 4, 6-8pm Sat. Featuring a group show titled “A Place Kinder Than Home.” Gallery talk at 6:30pm. On display through Nov 26. Free. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Opening Art Reception Nov 3, 5-7:30pm Fri. Opening reception for an art exhibition featuring paintings by Minnesota artist Kellie Rae Theiss. On display through Nov 22. decaturarts.org. Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Pedestrian Nov 2-4, 8-14, Exhibition features artworks by Bernie White Hatcher and Adam G. Perschbacher. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Robert Middaugh: Machines Inherit the Earth Nov 2-15, 9am-4:30pm Mon- Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition features 20 artworks ranging in date from 1964-2005. On display through Feb 11. $5 for adults; free admission to children, seniors, veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

The Big Picture: Large-Scale Paintings Nov 2-12, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition showcases abstract and fi gurative large-scale paintings. $5 adults; free to members, youth, seniors, military, veterans. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Film & Television

Ran Nov 3, 7pm Fri. Screening and discussion of the 1985 fi lm titled Ran, by Akira Kurosawa, which explores the human condition through a lens of feudal Japan. An ECCE Speaker Series presentation. Free. uis. edu. 206-8171. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Route 66 Film Festival Nov 3-4, 6:30pm-1am Fri, 12pm-1am Sat. Enjoy independent fi lms from around the world, meet fi lmmakers, and hear them discuss their fi lms. route66fi lmfestival.net. 364-1005. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Children’s Corner

Caddy Stacks Nov 4-5, 5-7pm Sat, 1-3pm Sun. Family-friendly fun, including nine holes of golf and other entertainment. $5 per person; $20 per family. chathamlib.il.us. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713. Junior and Senior Naturalists Nov 4, 12-12am Sat. Junior naturalists (ages 5-8) meet 9am-12pm. Senior naturalists (ages 9-12) meet 1-4pm. Registration required. All three sessions: $40 members; $45 non. One session: $15 members, $18 non. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Kids Night Out Nov 11, 6:30-9:30pm Sat. Activities include swimming, art, games dance and more. Bring your swim suit and money for concessions. $10 members, $20 public. springfi eldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Life in Ancient Illinois Super Saturday Nov 4, 11am-3pm Sat. Complimentary thematic activities recommended for children ages 5 and up each month. $5 adults; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Parents Night Out Nov 4, 6-8:30pm Sat. Kids age 6-12 play, swim, dance and enjoy story time. Bring your swim suit. Pajamas welcome. Pizza available $1 per slice. $10 members, $20 public. springfi eldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Project H.O.W.L. Nov 4, 1-3pm Sat. Program about animals and their ecosystems for children age 10-12 highlights kitty care. $13 residents and members; $15 non. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Nature

Climate and Trees Nov 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. An Illinois Native Plant Society monthly meeting. Presentation by Guy Sternberg will talk about the effects of climate change on trees. Free. ill-inps. org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544- 2473.

Environment

Monarch Butterfly Preservation Program Nov 8, 6:30-8pm Wed. Presentation by Terri Treacy on monarch butterfl y preservation efforts in Illinois. 899-9996. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Outstanding Sustainable Leadership Reception Nov 8, 6pm Wed. Annual awards program recognizes outstanding local leadership in sustainability. $25 in advance; $30 at door. sustainablespringfi eld.org. 652- 7489. Your Corner Offi ce Inc., 427 E. Monroe, 679-4653.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics Nov 7, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@ yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

BEST (Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens) and Parent Transition Support Group Nov 9, 6-7:30pm Thu. Learn about the importance of visual supports and how to use them. Free. scil.org. 523-2587. Noll Medical Pavilion, Suite 2500, 5220 S. Sixth Street Road, 757- 7700.

Capital Area Woodworkers Club Meeting Nov 7, 6:30-8pm Tue. Scheduled program is “Building a New Woodworking Shop” by Michael Mitchell. Free to visitors. cawspi.org. 416-1819. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave., 787-8706.

Capital City Toastmasters Nov 8, 12-1pm Wed. Every Wednesday. Develop public speaking and leadership skills. 131-3356.toastmastersclubs. org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Nov 9, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 528-5740.

Financial Peace University Nov 8, 6:30-7:30pm Wed. Nineweek Dave Ramsey program takes participants through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and more. $102.30. daveramsey. com. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636- 8463.

Financial Peace University: FLEX Nov 5, 12, 6:30pm Sun. Weekly meeting held every Sunday for nine weeks includes discussion, activities and accountability. Registration. daveramsey.com. 801-7464. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

GriefShare Nov 7, 6:30pm Tue. Nondenominational grief-recovery program utilizes video seminars, a workbook and a support group environment. Two-hour sessions weekly for 13 weeks. $15. 899-9418. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Nov 8, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 14- week program built around video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Cost of book. griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

REBOOT Recovery Course Nov 8, 6-7:30pm Wed. Program helps helps combat veterans and their families heal from the moral and spiritual wounds of war. Free. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Springfield Backgammon Club Nov 8, 6pm Wed. First time is free; $5 per entry after that. sangamonvalleybackgammon. com. 622-9447. Capitol Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 546-2111.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Nov 6, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting features Dr. James Herkert on “Illinois Birds and Update of Illinois Audubon Society.” Free. 563-940-5735. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522- 4415.

Bulletin Board

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 4. Cats available 11am- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 5. Cats available 12- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

Immigration Q-and-A Session Nov 2. Immigration Project attorneys offer legal consultation for individuals with immigration questions. Reservations. 309-829-8703. Catholic Charities, 120 S. 11th St., 523-4551.

Tim Puro Wood Finishing Workshop Nov 4, 9am-4pm Sat. Handson wood fi nishing seminar hosted by the Capital Area Woodworkers Club. Register by Nov 1. $20 CAW members; $45 non. cawspi.org. 416-1819. Prairie Pride Custom Cabinetry and Finishes, 5137 Old Route 36, 522-9123. Trivia Night Nov 4, 6-10pm Sat. Max of 10 per table. $10 per person. 836- 7200. Lake Springfi eld Christian Assembly, 1674 Lick Creek Lane, Chatham, 529-2625.

Trivia Night Nov 3, 7pm Fri. Ten people per team. $10 per person. Black Hawk Elementary School, 2500 S. College St.

Food

Kegs, Corks and Forks Nov 3, 5-9pm Fri. Featuring wines, local microbrews, delicious food, music and more. Cash bar. Adv: $12 singles, $10 couples. Day of: $15 singles; $25 couples. chathamil-chamber.com. 483-6450.

Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 483-7999.

Mostaccioli and Sausage Dinner Nov 5, 11:30am-5pm Sun. $8 adults, $4 ages 4-11, free to children under age 4. 725- 8413. St. Joseph the Worker Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, 483-3772.

Politics Sangamon DSA November Meeting Nov 6, 6-8pm Mon. Monthly meeting. Free. sangamondsa. org. 320-566-9420. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

History

Attention to Detail Nov 4, 10:15am-12:15pm Sat. Tour explores the details and stories of the House that enrich our understanding of art, architecture and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Reservations. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782- 6776.

Learn From Lincoln, Live Like Lincoln Nov 3. 12am Fri. Lincoln Heritage Museum, 1115 Nicholson Road, Lincoln, 735- 7399.

Of Glass and Wood Nov 4. Tour focuses on the details of the House’s amazing art glass collection and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed furniture. Reservations. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776. Throttle Time Nov 4-5, Sat-Sun. Try your hand at engineering a train. mrym.org. Monticello Railroad Museum, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello, 762-9011.

Auditions

Cinderella Nov 5, 4:30pm Sun. Dance auditions open to children ages 7-13. Parts available for boys and girls. Children must be enrolled in a ballet class prior to audition. Email sypg@comcast.net for audition packet. 553-4475. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Student-Directed Scenes Nov 6-7, 7-9pm Mon, 2-3:40pm Tue. Open auditions for upcoming student-directed scenes featuring 15-20 minute scenes from various plays. Callbacks on Nov 8. Performances Dec 4-5. uis. edu. Visual and Performing Arts Building, University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206-6073.

Faith & Philosophy

Creation Stories Nov 5, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc. org. 585-9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road,

One God: Two Sanctuaries Nov 5, 1-3pm Sun. Docentguided architectural tour of Grace Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Catholic Parish, plus make-and-take art sessions.

Free. Grace Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 714 E. Capitol and 1345 N. Sixth St., 522-3965.

Peacemaker Group Nov 6, 5:30pm Mon. Interfaith service features prayers, meditation and music with the Islamic Society and the Springfi eld-area Jewish, Hindu, Christian and Baha’i communities. Open to all. 553- 3381. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866. What do Baha’is Believe? Nov 3, 7-8pm Fri. Main Baha’i beliefs presented and discussed. Public invited. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Biggest Loser Nov 2, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. An interactive, modifi ed fi tness challenge. $50. 638-8989. St. John AME Church, 1529 E. Capitol Ave. 533-3969.

Celts Rugby Annual Bags Tournament Nov 4, 2pm Sat. $30 per twoperson team. Chatham VFW Post 4763, 501 W. Mulberry St. , Chatham, 483-4613.