Holiday Happenings

Springfield Holiday Farmers Market Feb 16, 9am-1pm Sat. A one-stop shop for holiday feasts and winter meals. Free admission. 217-528-1563. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 217-528-5100.

Books & Authors

Memoir Writing Workshop Feb 16, 9:30am-12:30pm Sat. Local author Ken Mitchell will present how to plan, organize and write a personal or family memoir. $39 or $50 for couples. Reserve your seat at 787-7100. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Poets in the Parlor Feb 17, 2-4pm Sun. Poets in the Parlor returns in 2019 with ReVision: Colorism Healing Writing Workshop. An open mic will immediately follow the workshop and will be limited to participants wanting to share their writing from the workshop. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

Sherlock Holmes Society Pondicherry Lodge Meeting Feb 16, 9am Sat. The discussion will be about “The Adventure of the Retired Colourman.” The public is invited. Free. 217-546-8387. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

Spoken Word

Building Your Trans Ally Toolkit or Beyond Black Trans Death and Doom Feb 20, 4pm Wed. Black gender-expanding activist, educator and musician, Jay- Marie Hill. 206-6716. uis.edu. UIS Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room, Vachel Lindsay Dr., 206-6600.

Poetry at Robbie’s Open Mic Feb 20, 6-8pm Wed. Sign up to read some poetry, prose or non-fiction, or just relax and listen. springfieldpoetsandwriters.com. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

Showcase Your Talent - An Expression of Art Feb 19, 5-7:30pm Tue. An open mic event sponsored by the LLCC Black Student Union. In A. Lincoln Commons. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

Soup and Stories Feb 20, 11:45am-1pm Wed. “The Conversation” presented by spoken word artist, Roderick Borisade. llcc.edu. Free for students with ID; $3 for non-students. Register at 217-786-2241. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Theater & Comedy

Claude Stuart Feb 15, 7:30 and 9:30.. Tickets are $18 for VIP or $16 for general seating. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391- JOKE.

Dan Chopin Feb 15-16, 8-9:30pm Fri, 7-8:30pm Sat. Dan Chopin delivers a fast-paced comedy show driven. $12.50 prepaid online or cash only at the door. 217-899-7128. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Farce of Nature Feb 15-17, 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday; 2:00pm on Sunday. This Southern-fried farce highlights one day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, AR. $15/$10 students. decaturciviccenter.org. 217-433-4349. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur, 217-422-7300.

Junie B. Jones, Jr. Feb 15-17, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Admission. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Music: General Events

Carillon Winter Concerts Feb 17, 20, 24, 27, 2pm Sun, 12pm Wed. Carillonneur Carlo van Ulft. Free. carillonrees.org. 217-546-3853. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

Disney in Concert: Around the World Feb 16, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents music from Disney movies accompanied by clips and stills from the films. $21-$63; $6 students age 6-26; students age 5 and below are free with a paying adult. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Dwight Yoakam Feb 21, 7:30-9:30pm Thu. Multiple Grammy Award-winner Dwight Yoakam. $39+. uispac. com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Evolution of Music/Throwback Thursday Feb 14, 11am-1pm Thu. Co-sponsored by the African- American History Month Committee and the LLCC Black Student Union. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Gospel Concert Feb 16, 5pm Sat. Fellowship and snacks at 5pm, open mic at 6pm and Anticipation takes the stage at 7pm. Love offering. 522-8618. Kumler United Methodist Church, 600 N. Fifth St., 217-523-2046.

Music at the Museum: The Deep Hollow Feb 14, 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 members and children under 12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Dance

Valentine Day Fun Feb 14, 11am-1pm Thu. Music from the 50’s and 60’s. Do the Twist and the Mashed Potato. Swim dance contests, Green Rivers and Cherry Cokes. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Valentine’s Dance with Judy Fulton Feb 14, 2-4pm Thu. Dance to Judy Fulton and her band. Come early to reserve a seat. Free. HickoryGlenSeniorLiving.com. Hickory Glen Senior Living, 1700 W. Washington St., 793-0431.

Art & Architecture

10th Annual Call to Entry Art Show Feb 16, 9am-4pm Sat. "A Decade of Vision and Literature" will feature the talents of 24 local artists. Free. chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483- 2713.

Celebration of African American Art - Paint and Sip Feb 15, 6:30-9pm Fri. Free and open to the public. millikin.edu. Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217-424-6211.

Inhabited Feb 14-16, 19-23, 26-27, 12-7pm Thu-Sat, 10am-5pm Tue-Wed. Featuring Skyler McGee, Rick Larimore and Kate Worman- Becker. The gallery will also have work by over 85 exhibition artists and new work will be featured in the BACKdoor gallery. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544- 2787.

Valentine’s Day Craft Class Feb 20, 6:30pm Wed. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Film & Television

Cornbread, Earl and Me Feb 15, 7pm Fri. Join us for this movie screening and panel discussion. It is being held in conjunction with the Stranger Fruit documentary screening and discussion. 206-6716. uis.edu. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Stranger Fruit Feb 19, 8pm Tue. The fi lm tells the story of Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri on April 9, 2014, and views it through the eyes of Brown’s family. There will be a discussion on the rights and responsibilities of citizens and police officers in the U.S. 206- 6716. uis.edu. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.

In the Fade Feb 17, 19, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. The sixth film in the Molly Schlich Independent and International Film Series. Single showing: $8 adults, $4 students with ID. Series pass: $50/$45. springfieldart.org. 217-523-2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Blvd., 888-262-4386.

Children’s Corner

Story Time Feb 14, 21, 11am-12pm Thu, Join us for a short story time in the Little Free Lincoln Library. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Kids Express 6-9-year-olds Feb 16, 23, 10-11am Sat. Variations of painting and drawing will be explored as will using several techniques to create ceramic pieces. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217- 243-9390.

Pottery 10-12-year-olds Feb 16, 23, 11am-12:30pm Sat. Basic techniques of handbuilding with clay and use of the wheel, plus advanced instructions for continuing students. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243- 9390.

Tots Variety 3-5-year-olds Feb 16, 23, 9-10am Sat. Young artists will explore hand building with clay, painting and drawing. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Valentine’s Day Event Feb 14, 10am Thu. Learn about cardiovascular health and meet a doctor. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217- 971-4435.

Winter Overnight Feb 16, 6pm-9am Sat. Senior Naturalists ages 9-13. Play Predator/Prey under the stars. Enjoy hiking, stories, and s’mores around the campfire, pizza, indoor games, nature crafts and a movie. Dress for the weather and wear your camouflage for Predator/Prey. Limited to 25. Registration required. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Nature

Off-Target Impacts of Ag Herbicides on Native Plants Feb 14, 6:30-8pm Thu. Environmentalist Lou Nelms helps us understand the negative impacts of ag herbicides on our trees and other native plants. Free. 217-971-1615. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Young Explorers Club Feb 16, 11am Sat. 217-243- 8457. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Feb 19, 26, 5:15pm Tue. Meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. 217-544-9049. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Blackness Across Borders Feb 19, 1pm Tue. Speaker Roberto Rincon will offer an analysis of black racial identifi cation among Afro- Mexicans in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 206-6716. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6073.

Brown Bag Program: Brooklyn Beginnings Feb 20, 12-1pm Wed. “Brooklyn Beginnings: The Settlement and Founders of a Historic Black Town in Southern Illinois,” presented by Miranda Yancey- Bailey. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Meeting Feb 14, 7-10pm Thu. Monthly business meeting followed by an auction. Meetings are open to the public. 217-793-2178. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Group Feb 20, 27, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 13-week, Christ-centered, biblically based support group seminar for those who have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend through death. Registration. Donation of cost of book. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217- 636-8463.

Hope for Helpers Feb 16, 23, 12-1pm Sat. A peer support group for social workers, therapists, counselors and other helping professionals. Prevention First, Inc., 2800 Montvale Dr., 217-793-7353.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance Annual Meeting Feb 19, 3-5pm Tue. Reflect on the upcoming challenges in launching Buy Fresh, Buy Local statewide and hear about the planning strategy. A networking happy hour will follow. Free for members, $25 non. ilstewards.org. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway, 217-679-6235.

Navy Club Sangamon Ship 32 Auxiliary Feb 14, 7-9pm Thu. Discussion of the auxiliary’s 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., 217-585-9132.

Taylor Sweeting Discusses Autism Feb 19, 7-8pm Tue. Taylor Sweeting, autistic, autism advocate and culture enthusiast will be the guest speaker at The Adult Autism Group’s (TAAG) regular monthly meeting. Public is invited. $5 donation at the door is suggested. themcli.org. 217-553-5478. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3000.

Bulletin Board Abate Swap Meet Feb 17, 7am-3:30pm Sun. Motorcycle parts, clothes, jewelry, leather vendors. Bring your patches and get them sewed on. Bill Sankus owner of Neon Cycle will be in attendance. Admission. 217-638-4247. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.

APL Pet Adoptions Feb 16 & 17, 11am-4pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun. All animals presented by APL for have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all vaccinations by the time of their adoption. aplshelter.org. 217-544-7387. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Bingo Nights Feb 20, 27, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Min. of 10 people, max. of 30 people. Free event for people of all abilities ages 8+. springfieldparks.org 217-503- 4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 585-2941.

Career Connections Expo Feb 14, 11:30am-2:30pm Thu. Hosted by the University of Illinois Springfi eld and Lincoln Land Community College. A great way to connect students, alumni and community job seekers with employers who are looking for candidates for jobs, internships and future connections. Free. uis.edu. 217-206-6508. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 217-206- 6073.

Comic Book Convention Feb 17, 10am-4pm Sun. Comic books bought and sold. Free and open to the public. 309- 657-1599. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 217-529-6626.

Contact Ministries' 11th Annual Prom Feb 15, 6-11pm Fri. Celebrating 40 years of service in supporting two women’s and children’s shelters. Limited seating and advance reservations required. 217-753-3939. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 546- 4614.

Credit Coaching Workshops Feb 19, 12-1pm Tue. Free, monthly credit coaching workshop for anyone who lives in Sangamon County. Local fi nance professionals will present the information and work with participants to obtain their credit report, assist them in interpreting it and suggesting methods to improve the score. Free. Sangamon County Department of Public Health, 2833 South Grand Avenue East, 217-535-3100 or 888-217- 3505.

Decoding U.S.-China Trade Feb 19, 7:30pm Tue. Led by Illinois College professor Winston Wells, this is a part of an 8-week discussion series that addresses critical global issues. The 2019 Briefi ng Book that is used for the discussions is available for $32. Free. ic.edu. Illinois College Baxter Hall, Jacksonville, 217- 245-3000.

Downtown Traffic Signals Modernization Feb 20, 5-7pm Wed. Public hearing regarding downtown traffic signal modernization and operational versions. springfield.il.us. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

GriefShare Feb 14, 21, 6:30-8pm Thu. Pastor Nicole Cox of First United Methodist Church will lead this 11-week program to help walk you through one of the difficult of life’s experiences. Free. Staab Funeral Home - Sherman, 2626 East Andrew Road, Sherman, 217-528-6461.

High School-College Mixer Feb 15, 9:30am-12:30pm Fri. High school juniors and seniors are invited to a campus visit where they will interact, learn and socialize with many current African-American student leaders at UIS. 206-6716. uis.edu. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206- 4782.

LLCC Campus Visit Day Feb 18, 10am-12pm Mon. Prospective students can view exhibits and speak with LLCC representatives, take a short career assessment, apply for admission and get assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Refreshments will be provided. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

The State of the Heart Feb 16, 6:30pm Sat. Benefits local heart and vascular research, new technology and patient access to care, as well as public and professional education programs. Great food, dancing and live music. prairieheart.org. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585- 2941.

Voter Registration Day Feb 14, 11-1am Thu. Cosponsored by the African-American History Month Committee and the LLCC Black Student Union. In A. Lincoln Commons. A part of LLCC’s African-American History Month series “Still: We Rise as the Journey Continues.” llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

Watching Your Home While You Are Away Feb 20, 12:20pm Wed. Kim Elliott and Deb Sarsany from Home Quarters, LLC Project Watch will discuss “Watching Your Home While You Are Away.” centralILseniors.org. 217-528- 4035. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

Food

11th Annual Chai Tea Feb 17, 3-5pm Sun. Afternoon tea with scones, savories and sweets, adult and children’s Parade of Hats and a raffle for prizes. Reservations. 787-7223. shalomspringfield.org. Temple Israel, 1140 Governor St., 546- 2841.

16th Annual Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cook Off Feb 17, 11am-5pm Sun. The winner will qualify for the 2019 International Chili Society World Championship Cook Off. 50/50 drawings, silent auction and a raffle prize. Doors open at 11am. $10 at the door includes all you can eat chili, hot dogs and competition samples. 217-793- 7728. Boondocks Pub, 2909 N. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-679-0145.

Seafood Boil Feb 15, 6pm Fri. Doors open at 6pm, hors d’oeuvres at 6:30pm, dinner 7-9pm. Only 300 tickets available from any board member or at the bar. $30. firefighterspostal.com. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622- 0099.

Soul Food Festival Feb 17, 6pm Sun. Soul food and music along with educational and cultural exhibits. 206-6716. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6073.

Politics

Sangamon County DSA February Meeting Feb 16, 4-6pm Sat. The topic is housing justice. Helping Hands of Springfield will also be joining us to discuss housing and poverty in the Springfield area. Free. sangamoncountydsa.org. 815- 570-9348. Union Hall, 615 S. Fifth St., 320-566-9420.

History

American Visionary: John F. Kennedys Life and Times Feb 15, 10am-5pm Fri. A new exhibition of photographs from JFK’s life. The photos offer a new perspective on JFK and Camelot. Through May 19. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Fact vs. Fiction: Lincoln and Kennedy Feb 19, 6:30-8:30pm Tue. Do you know about all the eerie parallels between Abraham Lincoln and John Kennedy? Join our experts Illinois State Historian Dr. Samuel Wheeler and author John T. Shaw for a fun look at what’s fact and what’s fiction. Registration required. $5 members; $8 public. lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217- 558-8844.

Getting Started as a Reenactor Feb 16, 1-4:30pm Sat. Military and civilian reenactors from the Civil War through World War II will be on hand to answer questions. Discussion at 2:00. Free. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., 217-761-3910.

Illinois State Fairgrounds Photo History Feb 19, 5:30-7pm Tue. A presentation by historian Tom Fitch will include rare photos. Free. 217-525-1966. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217- 753-4900.

Lincoln on the Circuit and Mary Lincoln in the White House Feb 26, 12pm Tue. With retired attorney, author and Lincoln historian, Guy Fraker and immediate past president of the Abraham Lincoln Association and former director library services at the ALPL, Kathryn Harris. $23 includes hot lunch, $60 for series subscription. Registration required one week prior. 217/206-6058. historyillinois.org. UIS Student Union, 1 William Maxwell Lane, 217-206-4782.

New Salem Lincoln League’s Annual Membership Meeting Feb 17, 3pm Sun. Featuring a presentation by Guy Fraker. A social hour with refreshments and music will follow. Nonmembers are welcome.lincolnsnewsalem.org Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

Tales from the Vault: Love and Romance Feb 14, 12-1pm Thu. ALPLM manuscripts curator Christopher Schnell will present and discuss changing attitudes about love, romance and relationships in the 19th and 20th centuries. lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217- 558-8844.

Auditions

Audition Workshops Feb 16, Children at 10am and adults at 1pm. Hosted by The Muni. Learn how to sign up for an audition slot via the online registration form and how to prepare for an audition. Shows this year include Peter Pan, Evita, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Wizard of Oz. themuni.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

Health

Healthy Steps Feb 20, 12-12:45pm Wed. Gentle exercise, stretching and chair yoga for healing movement. Free. st-johns.org/go217. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217- 753-4900.

Violence as a Disease Feb 20, 5:30-7pm Wed. A presentation by a physician regarding the impact of violence on our health. A panel discussion on gun violence in the Springfield community will follow. siumed.edu. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge St., 217-545-2155.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding the Pathway to Unity Feb 15, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. 217-546- 9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544- 9595.

Gandhi and Non-Violence Feb 17, 10:30-11:30am Sun. What exactly were the teachings of Modandas Gandhi and how did they influence Martin Luther King, Jr. and the UU Movement? Are those principles still relevant today? Presented by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

9th Annual Hockey with Bishop Paprocki Feb 20, 7-9:30pm Wed. The Holy Goalie and Chicago Blackhawk alum, Grant “Granny” Mulvey, will again be working to defend the goal and defend against injustice to benefit Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) program. $7 adults, $5 children 5-13. Tickets online or at the door. cc.dio.org. 217-321-8304. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Indoor Archery Ministry Feb 18, 25, 6-8pm Mon. Shoot for fun or for competition. Three-D targets with ASA scoring. All ages are welcome. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.