Holiday Happenings

Christmas Open House Nov 9-11 8am-6pm Fri-Sun. Free. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Family Fun Fest Nov 10, 10am-4pm Sat. A holiday-themed arts, crafts and vendor show with a kids’ activity corner, visits and pictures with Santa, a charity toy drive, plus food, drinks and more. Hosted by Dads Can Too. $3 for ages 12 and up, $2 ages 3-12 and free to veterans and ages 2 and under. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Holiday Craft Bazaar Nov 10-11, 9am-4pm Sat, 10am-2pm Sun. Featuring more than 55 vendors selling hand-crafted goods, a kids’ craft table, plus a concession stand, bake sale and more. No admission fee; donation of non-perishable food items or cash instead. Little Flower School, 900 Stevenson Dr., 529-4511.

Honoring our Veterans Nov 11, 3-4pm Sun. Special event to honor our nation’s Vietnam War veterans. Featured speaker is Al Lynch, Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran. Free admission to veterans and current members of the US Armed Forces. PresidentLincoln. Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Gala Nov 10, 7-11pm Sat. A black-tie event featuring live entertainment and a silent auction. $100. MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com. 788- 4700. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Veterans Day Program Nov 12, 2-2:45pm Mon. Presented by students of Our Savior’s Lutheran School. Free. oursaviors-school.org. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Veterans Day Parade Nov 11, 10-11am Sun. A celebration of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. downtownspringfield.org. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Veterans Day Ceremony and Reception Nov 12, 1pm Mon. Reception to follow ceremony. Free. 786-2241. A. Lincoln Commons. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786- 2200.

Books & Authors

Book Signing with Wm. Stage Nov 10, 11:30am-1pm Sat. Local writer Wm. Stage will be signing copies of No Big Thing and reading from No Big Thing and Litchfield: A Strange & Twisted Saga of Murder in the Midwest. Free. Prairie Archives Antiquarian Booksellers, 522 E. Adams.

Sonya Jones Book Signing Nov 10, 10am-12pm Sat. Book signing with “The Biggest Loser” finalist Sonya Jones in honor of 44 Lessons from a Loser. Free. shermanlibrary. net. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Springfield Comic Book Convention Nov 11, 10am-4pm Sun. Large variety of comic books (new and old) plus toys and collectibles. Free admission.epguides.com/comics. 309- 657-1599. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 529-6626.

Theater & Comedy 13, The Musical Nov 9-11, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A musical about fitting in and standing out. $18, $20. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Civiloquy Nov 9-11, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A moving compilation of fi rsthand accounts from the Civil War as told by the people that experienced it. $15 SAA members; $20 non.edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Jeremy Nunes Nov 9-10, 8-9:45pm Fri, 7-8:45pm Sat. Front porch comedy by the wise-cracking mayor of Dawson, Jeremy Nunes. $12.50. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 482-5233.

Monty Python’s Spamalot Nov 8, 7:30-9:30pm Thu. Tony Award-winning musical is a loving rip-off from the film classic titled Monty Python and the Holy Grail. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

‘Mr. Showtime’ David Scott Nov 9-10, 7:30 and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. Also known as the “Midnight Swinger.” $16 general; $18 VIP. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Sister Act Nov 9-11, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. After witnessing a violent crime, night club singer Deloris Van Cartier takes refuge in a Philadelphia convent where she awaits a date in court to testify against the perpetrators. $18-$24 adults, $10 children. kirklandfinearts.com. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

Music: General Events

Album Release and Film Premiere Nov 9, 7-10pm Fri. 8pm album release for When You Need Me by Arlin Peebles. 9pm film premiere for Emily by Dave Heinzel. $15. arlinpeebles.com. The Studio, 401.5 S. Grand Ave. W., 670-3473.

High School Band Concert Nov 9, 7-7:45pm Fri. Featuring the concert band from Lutheran Northwest High School under the direction of Mr. Brian Pollatz. Free. lutherannorthwest.com. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546- 4531.

ISO’s Simply Strings Concert Nov 9, 7:30pm Fri. A concert by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra featuring Britten’s playful “Simple Symphony” and Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Serenade for Strings.” $20 general admission, $6 for students with valid ID. ilsymphony.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Mountain Dulcimer Christmas Music Workshop Nov 10, 10am-12pm Sat. Hosted by Mike Anderson, mountain dulcimer player and folklorist of Jacksonville. Open to all levels of mountain dulcimer players. Reservations. $25. mike@dulcimerguy.com. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984.

Music at the Museum: Tim Grimm Nov 8, 7-9pm Thu. A monthly concert series produced by Chris Vallillo featuring the best in contemporary and traditional folk and acoustic music of all styles. $10 adults; $8 museum members and children under 12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

The Christian Gospel Singers Nov 14, 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 9, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Ballroom dance every second 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 2nd Saturday Paint Party Nov 10, 5pm Sat. An evening of guided painting, refreshments and fun. $35. greenview.com. 309-243- 7761. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787- 4700.

Art of Illinois Exhibition Tour Nov 8-11, 13-14, 3-4:30pm Thu-Sun and Tue-Wed. Cocurated 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.

Artisan Holiday Boutique and Sweet Shop Nov 10, 9am-4pm Sat. Featuring beautiful and unique craft items from local artisans and crafters plus a cookie walk, bake sale and more. Free admission. 793-2178. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfi eld St.

ArtZ Festival Nov 9-11, Fri-Sun. Featuring a selection of fi ne artists from the local area and beyond, live art demonstrations, face painting, family-friendly fun and more. Curated by Art Z Studio. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787-0110.

Brioche Cowl Workshop Nov 13, 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.

Holiday Nature Craft Event Nov 10, 2-4pm Sat. A nature crafting session for teens and adults featuring tree cookies. $15 members, $20 non. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529- 1111.

Holiday Nature Craft for Kids Nov 10, 10-11am Sat. A nature crafting session for youth ages 5-12 featuring tree cookies as well as snowmen and reindeer ornaments. $15 members, $20 non. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529- 1111.

One-Nighter: Enamel Pendant Nov 9, 6-8pm Fri. Learn techniques to create a colorful enameled pendant. BYOB or food. $15 SAA members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Wright Concepts Nov 9, 10:15am-12:15pm Fri. Larry Betz leads a tour and discussion on the design principles behind Wright’s “Prairie School” architecture. $20 suggested donation. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Film & Television

Enemy Nov 13, 6pm Tue. Screening of the 2013 fi lm Enemy. Part of the “Tuesday Nights at the Movies” film series hosted by the Lincoln Land Community College Arts and Humanities Department. Free. Menard Hall, Room 2209, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Sunday Matinee: Flags of our Fathers Nov 11, 2pm Sun. Film is rated R. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Children’s Corner

CINA Youth Coin Auction Nov 11, 1-3pm Sun. Each child is given $200 in play money to bid on coins, currency and medals that have been donated by area coin dealers and numismatists. Preregistration required. Free. 899-9996. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 523-7900.

Who? Who? Owls! Story Time Nov 13, 10-11am Tue. Learn about owls with stories and a craft. For children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Nature

Bat Conservation Nov 8, 6:30-8pm Thu. Featuring speaker Mary McMahon. Hosted by the Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Free. ill-inps.org. 971-1615. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Local Environmental Restoration Efforts Nov 14, 6:30-8pm Wed. Monthly Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club meeting. Featuring a presentation by representatives of the Friends of the Sangamon Valley on their work in our local watershed. Free. 899-9996. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Environment

Sangamon Watershed Celebration Nov 10, 9am Sat. Annual celebration spotlights the people, history and natural resources of the Sangamon River Watershed with familyfriendly activities, educational speakers and exhibits and a Sangamon River film. Free except for meals. agwatershed.org. 877-5640. Richland Community College, 1 College Park, Decatur, 875- 7200.

Lectures & Meetings

Blacks in Green: Principles of Green Village Building Nov 9, 6pm Fri. Presentation by Naomi Davis, founder of the Chicago-based Blacks in Green organization, which works on urban systems to build green local economies in black communities. Free. uis. edu. 206-8171. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 206-6073.

Breast Cancer Support Group Nov 13, 5pm Tue. Meets second Tuesday of the month. Winter social. 757-7684. Olive Garden, 2991 S. Veterans Pkwy, 793-0318.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Meeting Nov 8, 7-9:30pm Thu. Monthly business meetings open to anyone interested in collecting coins or paper money. Free. 899-9996. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 528-5740.

Education Meeting Nov 13, 6pm Tue. Meetings held on the second Tuesday of every month. Hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. faithcoalition-il.org. 717- 1525. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544-8115.

Financial Peace University Nov 14, 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.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Nov 14, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 14- week, Christ-centered, Biblebased 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.

Memory Cafe Nov 13, 3-4pm Tue. Engaging conversation, crafts, activities, music and shared experiences for those with memory loss and their caregivers. Free. 726-7900. Bella Milano, 4525 Wabash Ave, 547-0011.

Navy Club Sangamon Ship 32 Auxiliary Nov 8, 7-9pm Thu. Discussion of the auxiliary’s future plans future plans and ways to help the community. Open to those with past or present family members in the water borne forces. Navy Club Ship 32, 3100 Stanton Ave., 585-9132.

North End Association Take Two Nov 13, 6-6:45pm Tue. Open to all with an interest in improving Springfield’s north end. Free. 502-682-6165. Fulgenzi’s Pizza and Pasta, 1168 E. Sangamon Ave., 544- 8520.

Bulletin Board

Building Trades Apprenticeships Career Day Nov 13, 9am-3pm Tue. An informational sessions for high school students, parents, administrators, teachers and counselors about construction apprenticeships. Free. eventbrite.com. 899-2022. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

CINA Coin Show Nov 11, 9am-4pm Sun. 72 tables and more than 50 dealers from throughout the Midwest featuring US and foreign coins and currency, gold and silver bullion, medals and ancient coins. Free to CINA members and children 16 and under; $1 general admission. 899-9996. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Drinkin Lincoln Craft Beer Walk Nov 9-10, 2-5pm Sat, 7-10pm Fri. 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.

Girls’ Night Out Fair Nov 8, 6-8pm Thu. Featuring more than 20 booths, games, door prizes and more. $5 admission. 971-5504. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 793-7728.

Handmade Trivia Nov 14, 7-9pm Wed. Donna Smargiassi doles out seven rounds of five trivia questions each. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co, 406 E. Adams, 679-4157.

Hearts and Hammers Rai$e the Roof Nov 9, 6-9:30pm Fri. A one-of-a-kind game where participants compete against each other to “build a house” while experiencing some construction bumps and fun along the way. $20 per ticket; includes dinner. 523-2710. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622- 0099.

Intro to Contemporary Parents Nov 12, 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.

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop Nov 10, 10am-3pm Sat. Presented by Rev. Gerald G. King, commissioned presenter of Contemplative Outreach. Registration. 502-2385. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Planned Giving Seminar Nov 8, 5:30-7pm Thu. Learn how to leave a legacy that provides for your family and supports your values. A presentation by Sarah Delano Pavlik. Registration. Free. springfieldop.org. 787-0481. Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Nov 14, 11am-1pm Wed. “Turkey Time” luncheon. Speaker Laura Wells talks about “Fear, Facts and the Future.” $15. 303-9768. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 523-7900.

World Community Day Program Nov 8, 1-3pm Thu. “Reaching for Wholeness” program sponsored by Church Women United of Springfield. Theme is “In Harmony.” Refreshments available. Rochester United Methodist Church, 555 S. Walnut St., Rochester, 498- 7179.

Young at Heart Nov 13, 9:30-11:30am Tue. Featuring a program, short devotion and complimentary lunch. Open to all area seniors. Free. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Food Forks Over Knives Nov 13, 6:30-8pm Tue. Video follows four sick people who all regain their health after starting a vegetarian diet. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. Free. 546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Politics

Midterm Elections - Implications for Women Nov 8, 7-9pm Thu. A panel of local public policy experts and advocates will address the implications of the midterm election with regard to gender politics and public policy affecting women, women of color and young women. Free. aauwspringfieldil.com. AFL-CIO, 534 S. Second St., 544-4014.

History

Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection Nov 8-14, 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.

South Side Girls: Growing Up in the Great Migration Nov 8, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by historian Holly Kent, University of Illinois Springfield. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558- 8844.

Springfield Through the Wars Nov 13, 6pm Tue. Featuring speaker Laura Reyman on Springfield’s Soldiers’ Aid Society during the Civil War and FBI speaker Craig King on his time serving at Guantanamo. Part of the Yesterday, Tomorrow and Today: Illinois Realtors Town Hall Speaker Series. The State Journal Register, 1 Copley Plaza, 788-1326.

Health Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Nov 8, 6-7:30pm Thu. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatments, resources and more. Includes complimentary dinner. Registration. 726-5184. Riverton Village Library Central Library, 6500 Dawson Lane, Riverton, 629-6353.

Faith & Philosophy

Death Cafe Nov 13, 10:30am and 7:30pm Tue. Drink tea, have cake, and talk about death with others in a safe space. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Nov 9, 7-8:30pm Fri. Light refreshments and fellowship to follow. Free. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Interfaith Devotional Service Nov 11, 4:30-6pm Sun. Prayers, readings and music, followed by light refreshments. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Joy! A Spirituality of Community Theater Nov 8, 6-8pm Thu. Dinner and a presentation by Craig Williams, an impresario whose faith and charisma summon forth some of the most heartening musical theater productions in our area. $20 per person; $35 per couple. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

Wednesday Night Connection Nov 14, 5:45-7:30pm Wed. Free. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

Sports & Fitness Blaze Days Nov 14, 9am-9pm Wed. Kick off shotgun season with free knife sharpening, prizes and more. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 726-6330.

Girls on the Run Fall 5K Nov 10, 10am Sat. A non-competitive, non-timed family-friendly 5K race at 10am, plus family-friendly activities beginning at 8:30am. Registration. raceplanner.com. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Monday Night Basketball Tournament Nov 12, 4-8pm Mon. A 3-on-3 basketball tournament and 3-point shooting contest. $3 admission per person; $25 entry fee per team (up to 5 players); $5 3-point contest entry fee. 414-9758. Fresh Visions Community Church, 1551 J. David Jones Pkwy, 726-5988.