Holiday Happenings

A Tribute to Veterans Day Nov 8, 12:15-1pm Fri. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Holiday Boutique and Sweet Shop Nov 9, 9am-4pm Sat. Boutique featuring beautiful and unique craft items from local artisans plus a sweet shop with homemade goodies and a cocoa bar. 217-793-2178. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St.

Holiday Craft Bazaar Nov 10, 10am-2pm Sun. Unique, hand-crafted goods. Concession stand and bake sale. Donations of a non-perishable item or cash in lieu of admission fee. Little Flower School, 900 Stevenson Dr., 217-529-4511.

UIS Veterans Day Nov 11, 6pm Mon. Guest J. R. Martinez, actor, author, speaker, veteran and Dancing with the Stars winner. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.

Books & Authors

Mary Magdalene Speaks Nov 10, 2pm Sun. Author Marcia McMahon explores the missing years of Jesus in India, and eye witness accounts of the life of Jesus’ family and the female disciples. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Theater & Comedy

Belly Laffs Comedy Nov 9, 8pm Sat. Chris Speyrer, local legend and owner of Mason City Limits headlines. Featuring Zach Boblitt and Rosa Speaker with host Al Nimpson. $10. Godfather’s Pizza, 1549 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-522-4886 or 217-871-1509.

Bradbury by Bradbury Nov 7-10, 7:30-9:30pm Thu-Fri, 2-4pm Sat-Sun. A collection of oneact plays that chronicle the journey of faith. It is a cross-section of some of Ken Bradbury’s greatest and most personal work. Reservations 217-243-5678. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Charles Bach - Wonders Nov 8-10, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. This amazing show features large-scale Vegas illusions the whole family will enjoy. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Nice Work If You Can Get It Nov 8-10, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 1pm Sun. A fabulous Broadway show featuring some of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved songs. Tickets at the door. $10 adults, $6 for seniors and students. Glenwood High School, 1501 Plummer Boulevard, Chatham, 217-483-2424.

Teacher’s Night Out Nov 7, 5pm Thu. Hosted by the Central Illinois Reading Council. Featuring comedian Rob Little. Light appetizers and cash bar. Seating at 6:30pm. Show at 7pm. $18. Tickets available at Keefner's, 19419 W. Iles, or call 217-414-4071. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Sangamon Songs: A Musical Play Nov 9-10, 7pm Sat, 3pm Sun. Tom Irwin’s Sangamon Songs, based on the diary of Harry Glen Ludlan, set to the stage, including musicians Theresa O’Hare, JD Wilson and Ross Sermons, and narrated by Tom Irwin. $20. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Tim Slagle Nov 8-9, 8-9:30pm Fri, 7-8:30pm Sat. $12.50 prepaid online or cash only at the door. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Music: General Events

An Evening with Mark Deutsch Nov 7, 7-9pm Thu. The musician will be playing his Bazantar, a six-string acoustic bass fitted with an additional twenty-nine sympathetic strings and four drone strings. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Cathy Bolton Nov 10, 11am-12pm Sun. The solon artist covers folk, light pop and light country. Love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Dance

So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 Nov 12, 7:30-9:30pm Tue. Winner of 16 Emmy Awards that sparked America’s fascination with dance is set to captivate audiences again as the top 10 finalists make their way to Springfield. $29-$129. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Art & Architecture

Art Z Festival Nov 9-10, 10am-9pm Sat-Sun. Featuring a selection of fine artists from the local area and beyond, live art demonstrations, face painting, family-friendly fun and more. Curated by Art Z Studio. 636-226-6619. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Arts and Crafts Fair Nov 15-16, 10am-3pm Fri-Sat. Featuring handmade items by vendors. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Monday Glass Demo Days Nov 11, 1-3pm Mon. Glass blowing demonstration by Resident Artist Mario Clarke. $10 at the door. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Rocked and Rolled Through March 1, 2020. A celebration of music that has defined the culture combined with timeless geological specimens embodying the structure of the earth. $5 adults ages 19-64. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Children’s Corner

Creatures of the Night story time Nov 12, 10-11am Tue. Come learn about the fascinating creatures that are awake when we are asleep through stories and a craft. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Santa’s grand arrival Nov 9, 10:30am-1pm Sat. Snowball fight, parade, meet and greet with Santa, dance performance, balloon twisting, crafts. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Environment

All About Electric Vehicles Nov 9, 2pm Sat. Volunteers from Chicago for Electric Vehicles will explain the personal and environmental benefits of switching to electric cars. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Climate change: Illinois agricultural impact Nov 13, 6:30-8pm Wed. Eliot Clay of the Illinois Environmental Council, will speak on the impact climate change is having on Illinois agriculture, affecting both producers and consumers. Free. 217-899-9996. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Lectures & Meetings

Alateen and Al-Anon Nov 10, 17, 6:30pm Sun, 6:30pm Sun. Two separate group meetings that take place at the same time and location, but in different rooms. 502-6777. spi-alanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.

Community-based environmental justice and beyond Nov 13, 6pm Wed. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. Free. uis.edu. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Human Rights Atrocities in Western China Nov 8, 7:30pm Fri. Terror Capitalism: Uyghur Reeducation and the Chinese Security Industrial Complex. Presented by Darren Byler. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

What is hospice? Nov 13, 12:20-1pm Wed. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Bulletin Board

Coin Show - Central Illinois Numismatic Association Nov 10, 9am-4pm Sun. Fifty dealers fill 72 tables with coins, paper money, tokens, medals and bullion. Dealers both buy and sell items. Early bird entry at 7am, $20. General entry $1 from 9am-4pm, ages 16 and under are free as are CINA members. 217-793-2178. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.

Community organizing in Chicago's Little Village Nov 13, 6pm Wed. Kim Wasserman of Chicago’s Little Village Environmental Justice Organization will speak about community-based environmental justice and beyond. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Ladies luncheon Nov 13, 11am-12:45pm Wed. All women are welcome. Jim Price will discuss fire safety and Lois Kording will talk about miracles. $15 includes meal. 217-691-8883. 217-358-1268. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.

Springfield ICON: PechaKucha Springfield 2020 & Beyond Nov 18, 5pm Mon. Including the Good Neighbor Awards which recognize those who embody ICON’s mission to improve the quality of life for residents of Springfield’s older inner city neighborhoods. $35 includes dinner and soft drinks. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 217-523-4466.

This is Our Culture Nov 8, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. Authentic West African cuisine with displays and information about Sierra Leonian culture. $35 with limited tickets available. 217-652-5621. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Young at Heart Nov 12, 9:30-11:30am Tue. Lewis Memorial Village will offer blood pressure checks followed by a program, devotion and lunch. Open to all area seniors. Free. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.

Food

Chilli Dinner Nov 10, 11:30am-6pm Sun. Chilli (meat and vegetarian) kosher hot dogs, chips, dessert and drink. Eat in or carry out. Adults $8 and children under the age of 12 are $3.50. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 217-525-1360.

Inflammatory arthritis Nov 12, 6:30-8pm Tue. Video featuring Dr. John McDougall, MD. Scientific medical research and patient case histories presented to show that inflammatory arthritis can be prevented and reversed by diet. Free. 217-546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

History

An Evening with Vincent Speranza Nov 13, 6-7:30pm Wed. In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day and Veterans Day, World War II veteran and author Vincent Speranza of Auburn will tell his gripping and inspiring life story. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Nov 14, 9am Thu. The speech was delivered at the dedication of a military cemetery. One of the five remaining handwritten copies of the speech will be on display through Dec. 2. lincolnlibraryandmuseum.com. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Storytelling at New Salem Nov 9, 1-3pm Sat. Members of the Top Hat Tellers will share stories of real life characters who lived in or visited New Salem in the 1830s. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

Taxidermy and Natural History Museums Nov 7, 12-1pm Thu. Explore the history of animal taxidermy and the development of museum natural history displays. Taxidermy mounts from the State Museum Zoology collections will be displayed. Free. Donations accepted. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Veterans Day Panel Discussion Nov 7, 6:30pm Thu. A panel discussion with several World War II veterans and moderated by Dr. Mark DePue. Come hear stories of bravery, sacrifice and humor. Free but registration required. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Veterans Day Nov 11, 9am-5pm Mon. Veterans Day admission to the museum is free for military veterans and active-duty personnel. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Health

Heart Healthy Nov 7, 6-7pm Thu. Enjoy a fun workout and hear heart healthy tips from health professionals. Free. st-johns.org/go217. Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason.

Senior Living Expo Nov 8, 8am-12pm Fri. Seniors 50+. Free MMC health screenings, flu shots from Sangamon County Health Department, Central Illinois Blood Mobile. Door prizes. Free refreshments. Prairie View Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 217-483-7999.

Faith & Philosophy

A Course In Miracles Nov 12, 6-7:30pm Tue. If you have wanted to know more about A Course In Miracles, this is the right time to get started. Class meets every Tuesday. Free, donations accepted. 217-415-5823. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Hope Nov 20, 6:30-8pm Wed. Cancer Companions ministry team will conduct nine group sessions offering encouragement and support to anyone in treatment, post treatment or caregivers. Free. stjohns-springfield.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Where Do We Go From Here? Nov 10, 4:30-6:30pm Sun. Life after death interfaith readings and reflections. Refreshments. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Women Make Up Half the Sky: Recognizing Their Qualities and Inequalities Nov 7, 6pm Thu. A part of the Food and Faith Dinner Series conversations. With Vicki Schmidt, Sara Unger Isbell, Rikeesha Canon Phelon and Carolyn Bodewes. $20. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Sports & Fitness

5K Turkey Trot Nov 16, 9am Sat. A family oriented run/walk event. All skill and age levels are welcome. Benefits Central Counties Health Centers’s patient and community education programs. $20 adults, $10 ages 3-12. Washington Park Playground, 1021 South Grand Ave., 753-6225.

Abe’s Trail Trek Nov 16, 8:30am Sat. 5k, 10k and half marathon trail runs. triharderpromotions.com. 217-341-1309. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.

Girls on the Run 5k Nov 9, 10am-12pm Sat. Girls in the 15-county territory who have completed the 10-week GOTR after-school program will participate in this 5k. This event is non-competitive and is not chip-timed. gotrcentralillinois.org. 217-726-9808. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.