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Is Springfield welcoming? Why doctors need to know
Since the founding of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in the 1970s, there has been steady growth not only of the SIU clinics but of both Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital as well as private clinics in town.

Shame on you
The news from the Illinois Statehouse almost makes one nostalgic for the Illinois politicians of old, those sticky-fingered but charming rogues. Today’s Capitol, we learn, is a playpen for not at all charming jerks, creeps and pervs who feel not only empowered but entitled to prey on any females who cross their paths.

Why Al Franken should not resign
The chorus of loud demands for Senator Al Franken’s resignation began from the moment that Leeann Tweeden accused him of sexual harassment. Those calls intensified after three more women – two of them anonymous – said the Minnesota Democrat had touched them inappropriately.

LETTERS
Some of that whitewashing tars some of our most prominent public spaces. In 1918, in a stunning display of political and moral relativism, Illinois officials unveiled on the Illinois State Capitol grounds a beautiful bronze statue of Lincoln and an adjacent one of his nemesis, former U.

Payback time
During the 1990s, TIF money was used to make loans for downtown development projects, with interest rates ranging from 3 to 5 percent. Langfelder cites the Lincoln Square Apartments in downtown as a TIF loan success story. Loans used to develop the complex recently were paid back, Langfelder said.

KEEPING UP WITH BRANDON SHEPPARD
Remember Brandon Sheppard? He’s the New Berlin race car driver we wrote about last summer, midway through a breakout season that saw him speed and slide his way to the top of the national dirt car racing scene.

HORACE MANN GIVES BACK
Horace Mann, the Springfieldbased insurance company for educators, donated $22,500 to the Springfield Public Schools Foundation (SPSF), representing half of $45,000 raised during the company’s annual Charity Golf Classic on Aug. 14.

Tune in now, comrade
He could be anywhere. In front of you in the HyVee checkout line, or maybe behind. Go to church? Careful, now: The man known as Driftglass is an usher. The church’s name, like Driftglass’s true identity, is best kept confidential. He claims, even swears, that he does not take money from the collection plate.

Holiday events calendar
Heritage Site Coalition Historic Christmas.

Three million lights and Puff the Magic Dragon
East Peoria claims its Festival of Lights is “one of the largest, lighted nighttime festivals in the Midwest.” While such a boast is difficult to prove, visitors will encounter enough colorful, twinkling wattage to satisfy even the Grinchiest among them.

Edible treats for holiday giving
But my clearest, most evocative memories are centered on food. The rich aromas of roast turkey and mashed potatoes and dressing and gravy. The joy of licking sugary frosting off the beaters of my mother’s mixer. Sipping eggnog from a Santa mug. Trays of homemade baked goods: sugar cookies adorned with colored sparkles and little silver balls.

Ronan, Gerwig soar with Lady Bird
Tell me if you’ve heard this one – a teenage girl, feeling lost and misunderstood, goes to a new high school where her feelings of isolation are assuaged a bit when she meets and becomes friends with a fellow outsider.

Hot December music
This oddly warm week for the end of November is fitting to heat us up for a weekend of scorching good music on the roster. Be sure to check the community calendar for holiday music happenings along with the regular bar scene stuff. It’s that magical, mystical time of year where merry things appear at random times.

PUB CRAWL
Find more details and gigs in our online calendar at.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Christian Lopez
This West Virginia native now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, and uses the Music City for a home base to bring his particular style of Americana music to the masses. Lopez recorded his debut album, Onward,.

THE CALENDAR
Musical highlights Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160..

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS | Doo-wop Christmas
See The Alley Cats, the United States’ premiere doo-wop comedy act, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, as part of their 2017 nationwide holiday tour. The seasonal serenade will feature classic and traditional holiday tunes paired with The Alley Cats’ signature comedy act.

BOOKS & AUTHORS | Experience the wizarding world
Attention witches, wizards, muggles and squibs of all ages! On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 6-9 p.m., don your wands, cloaks and brooms and celebrate the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Lavish lights
Join the Springfield Park District for their annual Holiday Zoo Lights event, on display Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17, Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-30, from 5-9 p.m. nightly. Thanks to a new partnership with Winterland, Inc., a national holiday décor company, 2017’s seasonal light show is bigger and better than ever.