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Phoning home
For months, my father had prepared for this trip to Canada. At 84, he figured this might be his final return to the country where he had lived for his first three decades. He wanted to see the North Vancouver house of his childhood and the nearby stream where he had once fished for trout.

I too waited 40 years to report sexual assault
I know that now. But back then I blamed myself. It was especially hard because I was forbidden to ever speak of it. I wondered what I did to provoke him. What did I do to bring this on myself? Was I a bad person because this happened to me?.

Gentrification begets gentrification
It occurs when wealthy, politically connected interests make decisions in closed-door meetings to take over the neighborhoods of people who have little money and power and thus no effective voice or recourse in the taking.

LETTERS
REMEMBER THE CENTENNIAL Among other things, the State of Illinois Bicentennial represents a golden opportunity to look back and appreciate the state’s centennial celebration. Events were held throughout Illinois back then as well but, without question, the most significant was the commitment to build the Centennial Memorial Building.

Most normal people practice daily wisdom
After losing the budget and tax hike veto battle last year, Rauner eventually found a way to accept a win by signing a historic education funding reform bill. And then he agreed to his very first budget this year, which spent every dime of that 2017 tax hike and more.

Alleged prison rape prompt lawsuits
Two of the lawsuits, including one filed this week, are buttressed by criminal charges filed against accused employees.

INDIA NIGHT BENEFITS HOMELESS
The Asian Indian Women’s Organization (AIWO) will host “a vibrant evening of music, dance, elegant Indian fashion and fi ne cuisine,” in the form of its 11th India Night, which will be Friday, Sept. 28, at the Crowne Plaza. Attractions will include a bazaar featuring ethnic items and a live auction.

NOMINATE GOOD FOOD
Got a favorite healthy local restaurant, chef or market? Now is the time to let the world know by nominating them for the coveted Snail of Approval.

Young activists host advocacy summit at UIS
“After March for Our Lives we all decided we wanted to stick together and continue to do things like this,” said Farnsworth. This resulted in the formation of Youth Activists for Action Illinois (YAAI) which will be hosting “The Day of YAAI” on Saturday, Sept.

ONE ANSWER TO THE TEACHER SHORTAGE
Like most states, Illinois is struggling with a severe teacher shortage. And, also like most states, that shortage is felt most profoundly in the area of special education. There is, however, an army of teacher assistants already on the job. Could they help relieve this shortage?.

Springfield’s World War I hero, Otis B. Duncan
One hundred years ago, after four long and brutal years, the end of the Great War was finally in sight. By late summer of 1918, Allies had pushed the German forces into retreat. Among the American forces in pursuit of the fleeing German army was the Third Battalion of the 370 th Infantry Regiment.

Hemp seed recipes
Last month Governor Rauner signed a bill that will allow Illinois farmers to begin growing and processing industrial hemp. This is exciting news for farmers like Chad Wallace of Oak Tree Organics, a small family farm in Ashland. Wallace sells pasture-raised pork and organic produce to local restaurants and at the Old State Capitol Farmers Market.

Favor a mixed bag of good intentions
Widow Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) is a woman who’s drowning, though you wouldn’t know it from outward appearances.

Makings of music
Let’s first pay our respects to a recently departed friend of the local music scene and fan of all the cool music out there. Keith Perks passed away a few weeks ago from natural causes due to recent health issues. We miss his smiling face and cordial company as well as his compelling interest in live music.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Black Lillies
Now stripped down to a rocking and focused quartet, much closer to the original 2009 band concept than the more expansive lineup last seen in 2016, the current Black Lillies consists of founding member and lead vocalist Cruz Contreras, Sam Quinn on bass, Bowman Townsend on percussion and Dustin Schaefer on electric guitar and vocals.

PUB CRAWL
The Complaint Line, Dead End Lights, Telephone Junkies.

Reflections on a lost highway
Timed to coincide with the 17th annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, the Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space’s most recent group exhibit is entitled “Mother Road.” It will feature many of the group’s member artists, along with guest sculptor Darren Miller, tackling themes both automotive and nostalgic.

THE CALENDAR
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival.

CHILDREN’S CORNER | Illinois plants and animals
Visit the Illinois State Museum on Saturday, Sept. 22 for a fun family event that celebrates the plants and animals of Illinois via games, activities and crafts.

FOOD | An Illinois bicentennial celebration
Celebrate the art, food, history and travel of Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 22 during a special “Made in Illinois Tea” at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

HISTORY | An ECCE Speaker Series presentation
On Tuesday, Sept. 25, take in a panel discussion regarding the Displaced Persons Act of 1948, an act that directly impacted the ethnic composition of Illinois with the influx of a large Lithuanian population in Chicago and Springfield.