Holiday Happenings

Christmas in the Park Nov 17-18, 4-8pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat. Holiday craft sale features Christmas decorations, ornaments, hand-pieced pillows, themed trees and plenty of Santas, snowmen and angels. Free. 626-1738. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2 mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2 mile north of North Cotton Hill Road.

Festival of Trees Paint Night Nov 14, 4:30-8:30pm Tue. Paint a piece of metal art exclusive to Memorial’s Festival of Trees and enjoy a sneak peek at 2017 festival designs. memorialmedical.com. 788-4301. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725- 8047.

Holiday Event Nov 11-12, 10am-6pm Sat-Sun. Vintage holiday decor, refreshments and more. Free. 628-3333. Lisa’s Antique Malls, I-55, Exit 82, IL 104, Divernon, 741-3333.

Little Flower Holiday Craft Bazaar Nov 11-12, 9am-4pm Sat, 10am-2pm Sun. Featuring more than 75 vendors offering hand-crafted items plus a concession stand and bake sale. Crafts for kids and pictures with Santa on Sunday. Donations. 529-4511. Little Flower Parish Center, 800 Stevenson Dr., 529-1606.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Gala Nov 11, 7-11pm Sat. Black-tie event features the fi rst viewing of the 2017 Festival of Trees plus music and a silent auction. $100 includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks and dessert.

memorialmedical.com. 788-4301. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Rudolph’s Express Craft Show Nov 9-10, 10am-7pm Thu-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat. 691-0504. Montvale Estates, 2601 Montvale Dr.

Surviving the Holidays Nov 12, 1-3pm Sun. A GriefShare seminar offers support and practical strategies for making it through this holiday season after the loss of a loved one. Free. trinity-lutheran.com. 899-9418. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787- 2323.

The Polar Express Nov 17-19. Read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole. mrym.org. Monticello Railroad Museum, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello, 762-9011.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Autumn Coin Show Nov 12, 9am-4pm Sun. Central Illinois Numismatic Association show. 72 dealer tables featuring US and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters, paper money and more. $1 admission; CINA members and children under 16 free. 787-3241. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Midwest Holistic Fest Nov 11-12, 10am-5pm Sat-Sun.

Largest holistic festival in the tri-state region. Fifty-plus vendors, complimentary lectures and more. $5 admission. midwestholisticfest.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Springfield Jaycees Beerfest Nov 11, 2-8pm Sat. Featuring local and regional craft beers, wine vendors, local breweries and liquor stores. $25 in advance; $30 day of; $40 beer enthusiast; $7 designated drivers. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

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. Poets in the Parlor Nov 12, 2-3pm Sun. Featuring Karen Craigo, author of the poetry collections No More Milk and Passing Through Humansville. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524- 0901.

Springfield Comic Book Convention Nov 12, 10am-4pm Sun. Large variety of comic books (new and old) plus toys and collectibles. Free. epguides.com/ comics. 309-657-1599. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 529-6626.

SPW Open Mic Nov 15, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfi eld Poets and Writers event. Hosted by Théa Chesley,

third Wednesday of every month. Free. 544-3611. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 528-1901.

The Gift of Haiku Nov 16, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Dr. Randy Brooks titled “The Gift of Haiku: The Literary Art of Sharing Our Lives.” Complimentary sushi samples provided. Free. Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville, 824-4736.

Theater & Comedy

All Shook Up Nov 10-12, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. High-energy musical mixes Elvis Presley’s 1950s rock n’ roll with all the twists and turns of a Shakespearean plot. $8 adults, $6 students and seniors. Glenwood High School, 1501 Plummer Boulevard, Chatham, 483-2424.

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 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 Rob Little Nov 10-11, 9:30pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat, 9:30pm Sat. Seen on HBO, Comedy Central and “Last Comic Standing.” $16, $18. donniebs. com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Once on This Island, Jr. Nov 10-12, 17-19, 7pm Fri- Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by Springfi eld Theatre Centre. Directed by Becky Collins. springfi eldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Peculiar Inspirations: An Original Play Nov 17-18, 7:30-9pm Fri-Sat. Fictional play about modern Springfi eld writer Amy Lombard, who is commissioned to write a play about Abraham Lincoln. $15 SAA members, $20 non. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

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

Fall Showcase Concert Nov 10, 7:30pm Fri. Featuring performances by the UIS Orchestra, UIS Chorus and UIS Band. Free. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Mariachi Sol De México de José Hernandez Nov 12, 7pm Sun. Thirteenmember mariachi ensemble performs bright, splashy compositions led by mariachi master Jose Hernandez. $40+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Millikin University Symphonic Wind Ensemble Nov 10, 7:30pm Fri. “Veteran’s Day Salute” concert featuring guest conductor Colonel (Ret.) Thomas Rotondi, Jr. Free. kirklandfi nearts. com. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424- 6318.

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

Rebetiki Istoria - Greek Folk Ensemble Nov 11, 8pm Sat. Greek folk ensemble specializing in rebetika, one of the most popular and controversial styles of Greek popular song. $28+. sangamonauditorium. org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

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 10, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Ballroom dance every second Friday of the month. danceforhope3111. com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522- 9106.

Art & Architecture

Art and Craft Day Nov 11, 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. Reservations. $30 per session. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947-2238. Elkhart.

Brown Bag Lecture Nov 17. Lecture by Dr. Christopher Schnell titled “Lawyers in Visual Culture: the Courtroom in 19th Century American Genre Art.” Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Canvas + Cocktails Nov 10, 7-9:30pm Fri. Theme is the fl oral images of Lulie Wallace. Ages 21+. $15 members, $25 non. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

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 9-10, 13-17, 20-22, 9am- 5pm Mon-Fri. 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.

Morphology Opening Reception Nov 10, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. 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 13-14, 20-21, 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 Receptions Nov 10, 6-8:30pm Fri. Featuring “Opposites Attract” by Tom Burtonwood and “The Land And People” by Thad Kellstadt. On display through Dec 3. Free. demoprojectspace.com. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Pedestrian Nov 9-11, 15-18, 21-22, 10am- 5pm Tue-Wed, 12-7pm Thu-Sat. Exhibition featuring artwork by local artists Bernie White Hatcher and Adam G. Perschbacher. On display through Dec. 7. Free. springfi eldart. org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Robert Middaugh: Machines Inherit the Earth Nov 9-22, 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 9-12, 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. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Film & Television

Monkey King II

Nov 16, 6-9pm Thu. Part of LLCC’s “Through a Different Lens: Cultural Perspectives through Film” fi lm and discussion series. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786- 2200.

The Case for Christ Nov 12, 6:30pm Sun. Viewing and discussion of the 2017 movie titled The Case for Christ. Free. trinitylutheran.com. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787- 2323.

Children’s Corner

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.

Zooper Edventures Nov 11, 1-3pm Sat. Theme-related games, crafts, zoo discovery walk, and other fun learning activities for ages 5-6. Advance registration required. $13 resident, $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. illinps.org. 971-1615. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

AARP Chapter 195 Nov 13, 11am Mon. Presentation by Tami Frye of Let’s Make Dinner at 1pm. Business meeting at 2pm. Lunch available for $6. 529- 9763. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Nov 14, 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 St. Road, 757-7700.

Capital City Toastmasters Nov 15, 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 Film Commission Nov 16, 7pm Thu. CIFC promotes central Illinois as a historical and fi lm-friendly region while promoting and supporting the talent, services and experiences of its members. Meets third Thursday of each month. centralIllinoisfi lmcommission. com. 725-1187. Wyndham Springfi eld City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 979-3992.

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

CIDR’s Snowmobile Club Nov 15, 7:30pm Wed. Meetings every third Wednesday of the month. iasc.com. 306-4751. Bunkers Bar, 220 Old Route 36, Illiopolis, 486-5100.

Duncan Wood Nov 9, 7:30pm Thu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Financial Peace University Nov 15, 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 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 14, 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 15, 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.

Hope is the Thing with Little Clear Wings Nov 15, 6pm Wed. Sustainability Week Keynote Address by Clay Bolt, a natural history and conservation photographer with an emphasis on invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. An ECCE Speaker Series presentation. Free. uis.edu. 206- 8171. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table Nov 16, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Ted Henry titled “From the Perspective of a Re-enactor: What You Didn’t Know and Didn’t See Behind the Scenes at the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Re-enactment.” Free. Schnucks, 2801 Chatham Road, 698-2980.

NAMI Springfield Nov 15, 7pm Wed. Meetings fi rst Saturday (1pm) and third Wednesday (7pm) of the month. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. Questions, 522-3571. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

REBOOT Recovery Course Nov 15, 6-7:30pm Wed. Program 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 15, 6pm Wed. First time is free; $5 per entry after that. sangamonvalleybackgammon. com. 622-9447. Capitol Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 546-2111.

Bulletin Board

Adult Coloring Club Nov 14, 5:30-7:30pm Tue. Ages 16+. All supplies provided. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

APL Fall Trivia Night Nov 17, 7-10:30pm Fri. Play trivia in support of the APL. Tables of 8-10. $20 per person at door. IllinoisTrivia.com. 544- 7387. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 787-2360.

APL Pet Adoptions Nov 11, 11am-4pm Sat. Adoptable cats and dogs. aplshelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.

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

Business After Hours Nov 16, 4:30-7pm Thu. Monthly mixer provides a casual atmosphere conducive for networking. Hosted by the Greater Springfi eld Chamber of Commerce. $5 members, $15 non. business.gscc.org. 525- 1173. Ace Sign Co., 2540 S. First St., 522-8417.

Holiday Camps Nov 10, 8am-5:30pm Fri. One-day camps feature crafts, games, movies, sports and more. Geared for ages 5-22 with disabilities, but all are welcome. Bring a cold sack lunch. $20 per resident, $25 non. springfi eldparks.org. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525- 2589.

Illinois Stories Nov 15, 11:30am-1:30pm Wed. A UIS Lunch & Learn Series presentation by Mark DePue titled “Illinois Statecraft.” Reservations. $23 per person. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206- 6073.

Reducing Disparities Nov 13, 6-8pm Mon. Presentation titled “Reducing Disparities: Strategies for Achieving and Sustaining Healthy Communities” by Mushtaque Chowdhury. Free. 206-8485. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Nov 15, 11am-1pm Wed. Speaker John Burnham, former professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles Organization. $15. 303-9768. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Stuff A Truck Nov 16, 18-19, 10am-7pm Thu, 10am-7pm Fri, 8am-7pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun. Featuring nonperishable food items. Hosted by Mid-West Family Broadcasting stations. wnns.com. 629-7077. Hy-Vee, 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd, 726-1001.

Trivia Night Nov 10, 7pm Fri. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite decade. Reservations. $100 per table; 10 people per table. 544-9846 x115. springfi eldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

US Veterans MC Party Nov 11, 6pm-12am Sat. Major Leagues, 105 N. Walnut, Taylorville, 713-2268.

History

Brown Bag Lecture Program Nov 15, 12-1pm Wed. Program titled “How We Lied to Get Statehood and Other Funny Stories from Springfi eld and Illinois History” by Tara McClellan McAndrew. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Remembering Our Veterans Nov 11, 9am-5pm Sat. Free of charge to all military personnel and veterans. presidentlincoln. illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Secrets of Historic Trees Nov 14, 5:30-7pm Tue. Dr. Glen Freimuth and Guy Sternberg speak on interpreting tree ring data from two Springfi eld historic sites. Free. sangamonhistory.org. 525-1961. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

The Gettysburg Address Nov 13-22. View a copy of the Gettysburg Address, written by Abraham Lincoln himself. PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782- 5764.

Wright Concepts Nov 10, 10:15am-12:15pm Fri. Specialty tour led by Larry Betz. $20 suggested donation. Dana- Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Health Caregivers Presentation Nov 17, 12:30-1:30pm Fri. Hosted by FitClub and HSHS St. John’s Hospital Community Outreach. Free. FitClub South, 3631 S. Sixth St., 787-8348.

Faith & Philosophy

Cowboy Church Nov 12, 5pm Sun. Held the second Sunday of each month. Meal at 5pm; music at 6pm. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

Interfaith Devotional Service Nov 12, 12-1:30pm Sun. Prayers, readings, music, followed by light refreshments. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Privilege and Spirituality Nov 12, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Religion Renewed Nov 10, 7-8pm Fri. Elevated topics on various spiritual subjects. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Abe’s Trail Trek Nov 11, 8:30am Sat. 5K, 10K and half marathon distances through a historic venue with hills, scenic river views and an 1800s pioneer village. Registration. triharderpromotions.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000. Biggest Loser Nov 13, 16, 6:30-7:30pm. An interactive, modifi ed fi tness challenge. $50. 638-8989. St. John AME Church, 1529 E. Capitol Ave., 533-3969.

Run, Walk, Remember Veteran’s 5K Nov 11, 7:30am Sat. Run or walk in support of veterans and a local Iraq and Afghanistan memorial. wjvofm.com. 245- 5119. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.