Books & Authors

Winter Book Sale Sat., Jan. 11, 10am-2pm. The Friends of Lincoln Library have stacks of paperbacks. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Theater & Comedy

Annie Get Your Gun Fri. and Sat.,Jan. 10-11, 8pm and Sun., Jan. 12, 2pm. This rousing, sure-fire story hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. $18-$20. Springfield Theatre Centre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Jodi White Fri. and Sat., Jan. 10-11, 7:30 & 9:30pm. Tickets $17 and $19. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Peter Daniel Sat., Jan. 11, 8pm. Daniel gives a fresh perspective on the state of things in the world. $10. Godfather’s Pizza, 1549 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-741-9955.

Sonya White - LOL UIS Comedy Series Sat., Jan. 11, 8-10pm. White’s observational comedy is enhanced by dead-on impersonations and appropriate sound effects. $15 in advance; $20 day of show. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Two Canadians All American Comedy Tour Fri., Jan. 10, 8-9:30pm and Sat., Jan. 11, 7-8:30pm. Comedians Jeff Leeson and Tige Wright bring their national comedy tour to Mason City. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.

Special Music Events

Burr Oak String Band Thu., Jan. 9, 7-9pm. The band offers up a mix of lively instrumentals and heartfelt harmonies. American old-time string music, close harmonies and the interplay of mandolin, guitar, fiddle and clawhammer banjo bring their sound to other musical genres and traditions. $15 adults, $12 Members. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-558-6696.

Joseph Hall: Elvis - Rock n’ Remember Sat., Jan. 11, 8pm. This performer earned the Branson, MO 2014 Male Performer of the Year award and 2014 Tribute Show of the Year honors. Advance tickets $25, VIP $35 and day of show $30. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

The Met: Live in HD Sat., Jan. 11, 11:55am and Wed., Jan. 15, 6:30pm. Wozzeck, a new production, set in an apocalyptic pre-World War I environment. Adults $22, seniors age 60 and over $20 and children age 12 and under $18. AMC Classic Springfield 12, 3141 Mercantile Drive.

Rock and Rolled Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-4:30pm and Sundays, 12-4:30pm. A celebration of music that has defined the culture combined with timeless geological specimens embodying the structure of the earth from our permanent collection. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Art & Architecture

“Art is Exceptional” opening reception Sat., Jan.11, 5:30-8pm. Celebrating student artists with special needs. This show will feature the artwork of students from many District 186 schools. Curated by Elizabeth Marcy. Through Jan. 25. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 523-2631.

Eleanor Spiess-Ferris: “Daphne’s Sister” Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-4:30pm and Sundays, 12-4:30pm. Paintings and drawings trace the development of the artist’s distinctive figures across her career. Curated by Doug Stapleton. Museum admission. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

“Facing Homelessness” Saturdays, 12-3pm and Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm. The SAA, in cooperation with Helping Hands Shelter, is proud to open this moving exhibition, which will be on display through January 24. This portrait exhibition documents the stories, trials and innovations for survival of homeless men of Springfield. Free. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 2175232631.

Unusual Stories about the Dana-Thomas House Wed., Jan. 15, 6pm. Frank Lloyd Wright expert, Frank Marchant, will share unusual stories and facts about the architect and the house. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Film & Television

The Biggest little Farm Sun., Jan. 12, 1 and 4pm and Tue., Jan. 14, 7pm. Two dreamers and their dog embark on an odyssey to find harmony in their lives and the land. Part of the Molly Schlich Independent-International Film Series. Adults $8, students $4 with ID. springfieldart.org. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue.

Peanut Butter Falcon Sat., Jan. 11, 2pm. A Saturday movie matinee. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Sandition Thu., Jan. 9, 7pm. Experience one of Jane Austen’s last great tales where entrepreneurs, love interests, legacy hunters, hypochondriacs and medical mountebanks come together at a struggling resort aimed to be the next fashionable playground in early 1800s England. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Children’s Corner

Day at the Beach Tue., Jan. 14, 10-11am. Escape the cold and snow with a fun-in-the-sun beach party. Learn about the plants and animals that call the beach home, build a sand castle, and make a mini underwater aquarium. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Morning Story Time Wed., Jan. 15, 10:30am. Rochester Public Library, Rochester, 1 Community Dr., 217-498-8454.

Nature, Science & Environment

Illinois Specialty Crop Conference Featuring nearly 60 trade show exhibitors. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

Lectures & Meetings

Moving Pillsbury Forward Wed., Jan. 15, 5:30-7pm. Pillsbury area neighborhood information meeting about the site. Join the conversation. Use east parking lot entrance. Handicap accessible. Food provided. Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th St., 217-899-2749.

Bulletin Board

2020 Census, Everyone Counts Thu., Jan. 9, 12:20pm. Information session presented by Sarah Tapscott. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

APL Pet Adoptions Saturdays, Sundays, 12- 4pm. All animals for adoption will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all age appropriate vaccinations by the time of their adoption. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Burned County Research Methodology Thu., Jan. 9, 2-3:30pm. Vic Dunn discusses the effective use of surviving county records and the federal and state records that provide genealogical information. Part of the Genealogy Webinar and Discussion Series. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.

Chill and Build Sat., Jan. 11, 12-3pm. Create pallet furniture and repair and repurpose items for the ReStore sales floor. Learn new skills, paint and build. Space is limited. Closed-toe shoes required. Advance registration is required. Free. habitatsangamon.com. 217-523-2710. Ages 18+. Free. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2744 S. Sixth St., 787-7209.

Free computer classes Wednesdays, 10-11, 11:15am-12:15pm & 2-3pm. Computer basics, online safety, social media, cloud storage and more. Afternoon classes at 2pm are held at the Springfield Urban League, 100 N. 11th St. Register by calling 217-789-0400. Goodwill Administrative Offices, 1220 Outer Park Drive.

Indoor Plants Field Trip Thu., Jan. 9, 6-7:30pm. Greg Pierceall will share information on how to best care for your indoor plants this winter. Learn tips, tricks and what kind of plants do best indoors. Sponsored by Chatham Area Public Library. Free. House + Garden, 1133 W. Governor, 217-483-2713.

Spelling Bee Thu., Jan. 16. 10 a.m. Register by Mon., Jan. 13. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Wednesday Night Connection Wednesdays, 5:45-7:30pm. Through March 22nd. Free blood pressure screenings start at 5:30 p.m. Supper is served in the church’s Family Life Center from 5:45-6:20 p.m. Then, studies and classes for all ages meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m., with nurseries provided. The gym will open for students (grades 7-12) from 7:30-8:00 p.m. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.

Young at Heart Second Tuesday of every month, 9:30-11:30am. Senior and retirees are invited to join us for our monthly fellowship. Free blood pressure checks, a program presentation, a short devotion, followed by a free lunch. Free. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.

History

Exploring your family roots Fri., Jan. 10, 3pm. An introduction to the online genealogy resources offered and compiled by the library. Computer experience is necessary. Preregistration is required. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Misinterpreting Mary Tour Wednesdays, 10-11am and 1-2pm. Tour will take guests through the museum to learn more about Mary Lincoln’s life before, during and after Abraham Lincoln. Included with museum admission. Sign up in person the day of the tour. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-588-8844.

Politics

Voter Services and Election Security Wed., Jan. 15, 6pm. Don Gray and Matt Dietrich will discuss election services and infrastructure including voter registration, cyber threats and the operation and security of vote tabulation equipment. 217-753-8683. sangamoncountyclerk.com. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding the Pathway to Unity Fri., Jan. 10, 6:30-8pm. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.

Forever in Our Hearts Mon., Jan. 13. Remembrance ceremony. Feel free to bring photos or items of your loved ones to share on the Remembrance Table. Submit names to Barb Hipsher by Jan. 13 if you would like them to be included in the Remembrance program. Refreshments available after the ceremony. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

The Midnight Sighing of the Poor Sun., Jan. 12, 4:30-6:30pm. Interfaith readings, prayers and reflections. Director of Kumler Outreach Ministries, Sharon Brown, will be the guest speaker. Dinner and fellowship will follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.

Health

End Dieting Forever Tue., Jan. 14, 6:30-8pm. Video featuring Dr. Joel Fuhrman shows how to break free from the dieting cycle. Fuhrman lays out all the dietary and nutritional advice necessary to eat our way to a healthier and happier life. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-546-9171.

Freedom from smoking class Tuesdays, 5-6:30pm. Set a quit date, create a personalized plan to prepare for quitting and build strategies for managing stressors during and after your quit. Meets weekly through Feb. 25. Financial assistance is available. memorialmedical.com. $30. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3559.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Wed., Jan. 15, 12-1pm. Brown Bag Program presented by Hadley Karrick of the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn about the tools to incorporate into your plan for healthy aging. Bring your lunch and join us for a different speaker and topic on the third Wednesday of each month. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

How to Control Your Blood Pressure Sun., Jan. 12, 1pm. A representative from Molina Healthcare will discuss how to control blood pressure using diet and exercise. Light refreshments. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Sports & Fitness

Springfield Jr. Blues Fri., Jan. 10, 7pm and Sat., Jan. 11, 6pm. The Jr. Blues take on the Minnesota Magicians. Adults $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Ages 12 and under $5. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com

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