Holiday Happenings

Boo Crew Haunted House Nov 2-3, 7pm Fri-Sat. Ranked in the top $17 general, $20 blackout, $30 VIP. boocrew.com. Boo Crew Haunted House, 11083 Buckhart Road, Mechanicsburg.

Christmas Open House Nov 2-4, 8am-6pm Fri-Sun. Free. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Holiday Boutique Nov 3, 9am-3pm Sat. Talk with Scheels home decor experts and see the latest trends for this holiday season, from tables and shelving to mantles, trees and wreaths. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 726-6330.

Books & Authors

44 Lessons from a Loser Book Launch Party Nov 2, 6:44pm Fri. Author Sonya Jones talks about, shares stories from and answers questions about her book, 44 Lessons from a Loser, as well as her time at the "Biggest Loser" ranch. Free. sonyajones44.com. 899-3155. Calvary Church Hazel Dell Campus, 501 W. Hazel Dell Road, 546-9700.

Book Sale Nov 2-3, 10am-4pm Fri-Sat. Featuring hundreds of titles. $5 per bag. tricity.lib.il.us. Tri-City Public Library, 600 S. Main St., Buffalo, 364-8181.

Music and Masters Nov 2, 7-9pm Fri. Dr. Herbert Russell, author of Edgar Lee Masters, A Biography, presents a program titled “Writing the Edgar Lee Masters Biography” plus a short concert by Wild Columbine. Free. Rolling Globe Coffeehouse, 105 S. Seventh St., Petersburg, 525-2518.

Sonya Jones Book Signing Nov 3, 11am-2pm Sat. Book signing for 44 Lessons from a Loser, the story of Sonya Jones’ life both on and off the "Biggest Loser" ranch. Free. SonyaJones44.com. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 546-9440.

Sonya Jones Book Signing Nov 4, 9am and 10:30am Sun. Book signings for 44 Lessons from a Loser, the story of Sonya Jones’ life both on and off the "Biggest Loser" ranch. Free. SonyaJones44.com. Calvary Church Hazel Dell Campus, 501 W. Hazel Dell Road, 546-9700.

Theater & Comedy Against the Tide Nov 1-4, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. A historical drama set in the early days of Illinois College history. Written by Tara McClellan McAndrew. Directed by Aasne Daniels. $10. ic.edu. 245-3471. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Lincoln and Shakespeare Nov 2-3, 7pm Fri-Sat. A one-man show featuring Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln. Written and directed by Kevin Purcell. $20, $25. hcfta.org. 523-2787. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

Murder Mystery Dinner Nov 3, 7pm Sat. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.

Myke Herlihy Nov 2-3, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. Former bartender turned witty comedian. $15 general; $17 VIP. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

One Destiny Nov 1-2, 1:30pm Thu-Fri. A play by Richard Hellesen that is set on the stage of Ford’s Theatre in the days following President Lincoln’s death in April 1865. Free with museum admission. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Todd Yohn Nov 2-3, 8-9:45pm Fri, 7-9pm Sat. Featuring accomplished musician, songwriter and comedian Todd Yohn. $16 general admission; $18.50 VIP. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 482-5233.

Music: General Events

Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’ Nov 3, 2pm and 7:30pm Sat. Hear the Millikin Chamber Orchestra provide live accompaniment to the classic 1921 silent film titled The Kid. $10, $15. Avon Theater, 426 North Water St., Decatur, 422-8151.

Mid-Day Music Mini-Concert Nov 7, 12:15pm Wed. Featuring Amy Catron (cello), Jeremy Brunk (percussion) and Pei-I Wang (piano) performing contemporary classical music selections from their recital titled “Horizons: Trios for a New Century.” Free. decaturarts.org. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Organ Concert Nov 4, 3pm Sun. Featuring maestro Hector Olivera, an internationally-acclaimed organist. Reception to follow program. Free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 544-5135.

The Christian Gospel Singers Nov 7, 10am Wed. Every Wednesday. All are welcome. 303-2422. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.

Dance Dance for Hope Nov 2, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every first Friday of the month. $8 per person. Free admission to one dance of your choosing during your birth month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Art & Architecture A Mixed Media Showing Opening Reception Nov 3, 6-8pm Sat. Gallery talk at 6:30pm. An art exhibition by Swietlan Kraczyna. On display through Nov 25. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Art of Illinois Exhibition Tour Nov 1-5, 7, 3-4:30pm Thu-Mon, 3-4:30pm Wed. Co-curated by Wendy Greenhouse and Sharon Darling, Art of Illinois features pieces dating back 750 years through the present day. Registration. Free. illinoismansion.org. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 782-6450.

Attention to Detail: A Dana- Thomas House Specialty Tour Nov 3, 10:15am-12:15pm Sat. Tour led by Frank Marchant explores details and stories of the House that enrich our understanding of art and architecture and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Brioche Cowl Workshop Nov 6, 1-3pm Tue. Make a reversible cowl with 2 colors and/or types of yarn. Over three sessions, students will learn a stretchy German cast on, knit in the round and the Brioche technique. $55 members; $65 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

First Friday Gallery Walk Nov 2, 5-7:30pm Fri. Featuring exhibitions, music and talks at the Madden Arts Center, Blue Connection and Illinois Art Gallery. Funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Free. decaturarts.org. 423-3189. Downtown Decatur.

Fragmented Remains Reception Nov 2, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition features artworks by Corrin Smithson McWhirter and Nicole Maury. The artists will discuss their work at 6pm. Free. springfieldart. org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Have You Forgotten Yet?: 100 Years Since the Armistice Reception Nov 7, 5:30-7:30pm Wed. Featuring a commemorative display of artifacts and photos from the collection of Chris McDonald, Ph.D., photography by Elizabeth Roehrs, and the recitation of WWI poetry with Dr. Deborah Brothers and David Leitner. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-4967.

Hope For The Holidays Nov 3-4, 10am-5pm Sat, 12- 4pm Sun. Eighth annual juried fine art and craft fair featuring local and regional artists. Free. hopeforspringfield.org. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave., 546-6951.

Love You Bro Reception Nov 1, 6:30-8:30pm Thu. Art exhibition featuring photographs, videos and installations by Stephanie Graham explores relationships and how affection is expressed between black men. On display through Nov 15. uis.edu. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 206-6506.

Of Glass and Wood: A Dana- Thomas House Specialty Tour Nov 3, 10:15am-12:15pm Sat. Tour led by Frank Marchant focuses on details of the amazing art glass collection and the Frank Lloyd Wright designed furniture in the house. Reservations. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

One-Nighter: Printmaking Nov 2, 6-8pm Fri. Learn how to create a design in a linoleum block that you can use to create many prints. BYOB or food. $15 SAA members; $25 non. springfieldart. org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Perspectives on Cuba Exhibition Nov 1, 6-7:30pm Thu. Featuring photography by Illinois College students and Cuban students from the University of Pinar del Rio. Free. 245-3438. Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245- 3000.

Wheel Throwing Nov 3, 6-8pm Sat. Learn the basics of wheel throwing and create 1-4 pieces, depending on your skill level. BYOB or food. $20 SAA members; $30 non. springfieldart. org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Film & Television Route 66 Film Festival Nov 2-3, 7-10pm Fri,11am- 2pm, 3-5:30pm and 6:30-10:30pm. Sat. Complimentary snacks and popcorn during film screenings. Beverages and food service available for purchase. $10 per session; $35 for all four sessions. route66filmfestival.com. 544-3611. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Sunday Matinee: Geronimo: An American Legend Nov 4, 2pm Sun. Film is rated PG-13. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753- 4900.

Children’s Corner Babes in the Woods Nov 6, 11am-12pm Tue. An adultpaced hike designed for parents and caregivers who carry their children. Not recommended for young children who walk. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Naturally Art Super Saturday Nov 3, 11am-3pm Sat. Discover how to create art using objects found in your backyard. Children will be able to paint with leaves, make clay pendants and more. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Nature Garden Family Adventures Nov 4, 1-4pm Sun. Featuring hands-on nature activities for families relating to a monthly topic. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Lectures & Meetings Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Nov 6, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@ yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Breakfast Optimist Club Nov 2, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Capital Area Woodworkers Club Nov 6, 6:30-8pm Tue. Scheduled program: “Building a Jewelry Chest” by Tom Stack. Free. cawspi. org. 416-1819. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave., 787-8706.

Emotional Support Group Nov 5, 6-7pm Mon. Meets every other Monday. Free. burstingbubbles.org. 335-2961. Memorial’s Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller, 545-6314.

Financial Peace University Nov 7, 6:30-8pm Wed. Nineweek study by Dave Ramsey teaches participants the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and more. $109. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Global Exports and Economic Development Nov 7, 10:30am-4:30pm Wed. Speakers will discuss Springfield’s role in the global economy, Illinois’ agricultural exports, Illinois’ manufacturing exports, the Midwest Inland Port of Decatur and the central Illinois technology triangle. Hosted by Chicago Global Chamber. $35 members, $25 non. zgworldwide.com. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Nov 7, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 14-week, Christ-centered, Bible-based support group seminar open to those who have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend through death. Cost of book. griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

NASA Psychologist Dr. Suzanne Bell Nov 1, 7pm Thu. Presentation titled “Composing Teams that are out of this World” by Dr. Suzanne Bell about her research on team compositions for Mission to Mars. Free. Albert Taylor Theatre, Millikin’s Shilling Hall, Decatur, 424-6318.

Outsmart the Scammers Nov 2, 10-11am Fri. A presentation by Nate Clemmer, financial advisor at Edward Jones. Free. shermanlibrary.net. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Spielberg, Diddy, Oprah and Me Nov 1, 5:30pm Thu. Curator, writer and artist-advocate Tempestt Hazel gives a lecture and leads a discussion and Q-and-A session with Chicago artist Stephanie Graham. Free. uis.edu. 206-8171. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 206-6073.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Nov 5, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting and community fair. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415. Voter Engagement Meeting Nov 1, 6pm Thu. Meetings held on the first Thursday of every month. Hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. faithcoalition-il.org. 717-1525. Calvary Baptist Church, 2208 E. Kansas St., 544-1424.

Workshop and Hiring Event Nov 1-2, 9am-3pm Thu- Fri. Learn about interviewing and resume writing as well as how to navigate barriers to your employment. Free. eventbrite.com. 789-0400. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 789-1530.

Bulletin Board Annual Persimmon Party Nov 3, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring the Little Miss Persimmon Pageant at 10am, speaker Kristin Hoganson at 11:30am and more. christiancountyhistorical. com. Christian County Historical Museum, Near IL Routes 29 and 48 on Morrison Dr., Taylorville, 824-6922.

Beneath Scandals - Beyond Policies Nov 1, Thu. One-day seminar considers the implications of the Me Too and Time’s Up movements and what facilitated them in the workplace. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523- 0901.

Drinkin Lincoln Craft Beer Walk Nov 2-3, 7-10pm Fri, 2-5pm Sat. Journey through the downtown historic Levy District, walking in Lincoln’s footsteps as we explore Springfield’s growing craft beer scene. Ages 21+. $45 per person. springfieldwalks.com. 502-8687. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.

DSI’s Trivia Night Nov 2, 6-10pm Fri. In support of the revitalization of Downtown Springfield. Tables seat 8-10 people. VIP: $250 per table. Regular: $100 per table. eventbrite.com. 544-1723. Ace Sign Co., 2540 S. First St., 522-8417.

Fire Prevention Nov 3, 10-11am Sat. A morning of fire prevention with the Rochester Fire Department. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498-8454.

Intro to Contemporary Parents Nov 5, 7-8pm Mon. Parents learn how to build an encouraging child safety file and discover why it is important. Free. Decatur Township Community Room, 1620 S. Taylorville Road, Decatur, 464- 0406.

Microchip Clinic Nov 3, 8am-4pm Sat. Complimentary microchip clinic for dogs and cats courtesy of ASPCA, Subaru Loves Pets and Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control. Free. friendsofscac.org. 816-5592. Farm and Home Supply, 3030 Wabash Ave., 546-6680.

Rape Aggression Defense System Self-Defense Course Nov 1, 6-9pm Thu. Self-defense training course for girls 12 and older focuses on teaching realistic physical techniques to defend against sexual assault. Led by Beth Capo. $20 enrollment fee. ic.edu. 245-3346. Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245- 3000.

Teen Advisory Board Nov 2, 5pm Fri. Ages 13-18 are invited to share ideas for community projects or activities. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498- 8454.

This is Our Culture Nov 1, 6:30pm Thu. Featuring authentic west African cuisine and experience-centered interactions with Sierra Leonian art, music, technology, economy, customs and traditions. Hosted by Lifegate. $50 per person. thisisourculture. org. 844-610-5100. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 585-2941.

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

History Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection Nov 1-7, 9am-4:30pm Mon- Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition features rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the Museum’s 13.5-million-object Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782- 7386.

Paul Mickey Learning Series Lecture Nov 7, 7-8:30pm Wed. Presentation titled “A Law Unto Themselves, Squatters and their Constitutions: Dividing the Public Domain in Early-Statehood Illinois” by Christopher A. Schnell. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Tomb Robbers Nov 7, Wed. Moderated by James Cornelius. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Faith & Philosophy Companions on the Journey Nov 5, 11:30am-12:30pm Mon. A lunchtime gathering for seniors on the first Monday of each month. Includes meal, speakers and discussion period. Reservations. $20. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523- 0901.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Nov 2, 7-8:30pm Fri. Short presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Parent/Child Dedication Service Nov 4, 8-9:15am Sun. A service for parents who wish to dedicate their children to the Lord and to raise them to know and love the Lord. Free. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

This Land is Your Land Nov 4, 10:30-11:30am Sun. A presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Wednesday Night Connection Nov 7, 5:45-7:30pm Wed. Free. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.