Holiday Happenings

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy Mon., Jan. 20. Nonprofi t community groups may receive free admission (reservations are required). Actor Reggie Guyton will read King’s I Have a Dream speech at 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. presidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8939.

How Do We Remember King Fri., Jan. 17, 12:15-1pm. Presented by Mary Yokem. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 2175284035.

Books & Authors

Friends Book and Bake Sale Sat., Jan. 18, 9am-3pm. Book bargains and tempting treats will be available. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.

Half Price Book Sale Fri., Jan. 24, 4-7pm and Sat., Jan. 25, 9am-3pm. Hosted by the Central Illinois Reading Council. Open to the public. Teachers are asked to bring their tax ID number. Capital Area Career Center, 2201 Toronto Road, 529-5431 x164.

Illinois 114th Regiment History Sat., Jan. 18, 10:30am-11:30pm. Author Stan Buckles will discuss his book, Not afraid to go any whare, 1862-1865: A history of the 114th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which focuses on central Illinoisians who signed up with the Union. Copies will be available for purchase. Free. Books on the Square Springfi eld, 427 E. Washington St., 217- 965-5443.

Pondicherry Lodge Sat., Jan. 18, 9am. The Adventure of the Three Garridebs will be discussed. sherlock.lolopop.org. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-546-8387.

Theater & Comedy

Annie Get Your Gun Fri-Sat, Jan 17-18, 8pm and Sun., Jan. 19, 2pm. This rousing, sure-fire story hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. $18- $20. Springfi eld Theatre Centre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Belly Laffs Fri., Jan. 24, 7-10pm. A fast-paced, high-energy show. $5. Dew Chilli Parlor Pub and Grill, 301 N. Grand Ave. W., 217-670-2530.

Billy D. Washington Jan. 17-18, 7:30 and 9:30pm. Tickets $16 and $18. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Drew Hastings Sat., Jan. 18, 7-8:30pm. $20 general admission. $22.50 VIP. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.

Frozen Jr. Fri., Jan. 24, 7pm, Sat., Jan. 25, 2 and 7pm and Sun., Jan. 26, 2pm. This enchanting modern classic from Disney, based on the 2018 Broadway musical, brings Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life. $15 adults, $14 seniors 60+ and students. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Veterans of Comedy Fri., Jan. 17, 9-11pm. All three of these comedians have served in our military and are now making a living traveling the U.S. to give us plenty to laugh about. $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Northern Lights Lounge, 500 N. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-522-2275.

Special Music Events

Cathy Bolton in Concert Sat., Jan. 25, 4:30-6pm and Sun., Jan. 26, 10am. Singer, musician, songwriter and international recording artist. Love offerings accepted. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.

Magnificent Mozart Fri., Jan. 24, 7:30pm. Hosted by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $20, students ages 6-26 $6 with ID and ages 5 and under are free. Senior and group discounts available. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

Rock and Rolled Mondays-Saturdays, 9am- 4:30pm and Sundays, 12-4:30pm. A celebration of music that has defi ned 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.

Windy City Dueling Pianos Murder Mystery Fri., Jan. 24, 6-10pm. Songs and music are the clues in this who-done-it mystery. Tickets must be purchased in advance in person or by calling 217-635-9900. $40.00. Hill Prairie Winery, Oakford, 23753 Lounsberry Road.

Art & Architecture

“ALIVE to Interpretation” Reception Fri., Jan. 17, 5-7pm. This fi rst show of 2020 will feature paintings by Rick Taylor, ceramic and wood workings by Roland Folse and paintings by Gene Tanta along with works by our juried artist members. Refreshments served. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Art Showcase Sat., Jan. 25, 7-10pm. Three artists, known for a variety of media, will be showcasing some of their work. Live music by Gracia. Free. Dew Chilli Parlor Pub and Grill, 301 N. Grand Ave. W., 217-670-2530.

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 fi gures across her career. Curated by Doug Stapleton. Museum admission. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

“Facing Homelessness” Exhibition 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 Springfi eld. Free. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 2175232631.

Film & Television

Capernaum Sun., Jan. 26, 1-3 and 4-6pm and Tue., Jan. 28, 7-9pm. A part of the Molly Schlich Film Series sponsored by the Michael Victor II Art Library at the Springfi eld Art Association. Adults $8, students with ID $4. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue, 217- 523-2631.

Non-Fiction Sun., Jan. 19, 1 and 4pm and Tue., Jan. 21, 7pm. Set in the Parisian publishing world, this story traces the fallout between friends when lines between fact and fi ction are blurred. Part of the Molly Schlich Independent-International Film Series. Adults $8, students $4 with ID. springfi eldart.org. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue.

Auditions

Open auditions/crew interviews Jan. 21-22, 6-10pm. Crew interviews at 6pm and auditions at 7pm for Twelfth Night. UIS Theatre strives to have our productions refl ect the diversity of our world. As such, actors of all races, ethnicities, gender identifi cations and abilities are welcome and encouraged to audition. UIS Studio Theatre, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 8307.

Children’s Corner

Night at the Museum Overnight Register by Monday, Jan. 27 for this rare opportunity to visit the museum after dark on Fri., Feb. 7, 6:30 pm - Sat., Feb. 8, 8 am. This fun-fi lled nocturnal adventure is open to families and groups with children ages 7-12. Take part in science and art activities, explore the museum and end the night sleeping with the exhibits. $70 non-members, $50 members. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Sensory-friendly evening Sat., Jan. 18, 5:30-7:30pm. A sensory-friendly experience for children with autism and their families. Free. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Lectures & Meetings

Family and Friends of Prisoners Support Group Last Tuesday of every month, 6pm. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.

Five Underutilized Genealogical Websites Thu., Jan. 16, 6-7pm. This lecture will cover fi ve underutilized genealogical websites -- USGenWeb, Daughters of the American Revolution, SteveMorse.org, Gendisasters and Internet Archive. Learn more about each of these resources. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217- 483-2713.

Illinois Community Trees Wed., Jan. 22, 5-6pm. Arborist Mike Brunk will present “Why so any communities are greening up,” an educational program about the importance of trees in the urban environment. Hosted by Springfi eld Urban Forestry Commission. Free. Lincoln Library,, 326 S. 7th Street, 217- 544-6084.

Judging Information Online Sat., Jan. 25, 2pm. This program will look at some of the questions you should ask yourself whenever you view a website or article online. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Lincoln Land ABATE Thu., Jan. 16, 7-8:30pm. Learn how ABATE protects and fi ghts to preserve motorcycling rights in Illinois. Free and open to the public. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 217- 789-4725.

Racial Reconciliation: An Evening with Latasha Morrison Wed., Jan. 22, 6-8pm. Diversity expert and unity champion Latasha Morrison will lead a conversation on race, social justice and what Christians can do to lead the way toward reconciliation. Free. Hope Church, 3000 Lenhart Road, 787-1446.

Retired State Employees Association Wed., Jan. 29, 1:30pm. David Frazier will speak regarding Facing the Unknown - Hearing Health. Meetings are held monthly. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Fridays, 7am. Visitors are welcome. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-5021.

Bulletin Board

1000 Women Strong Thu., Jan. 23, 5:30pm. Habitat Sangamon Halfway Rally. Celebrate fund raising accomplishments and get fi red up to fi nish strong. Enjoy some social time together. Bring friends and family that might enjoy getting involved. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2744 S. Sixth St., 787-7209.

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.

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 Springfi eld Urban League, 100 N. 11th St. Register by calling 217-789- 0400. Goodwill Administrative Offi ces, 1220 Outer Park Drive.

PFLAG Regular Meeting Mon., Jan. 20, 7-8:15pm. PFLAG offers a safe space for LGBTQA persons and their family and friends to come together and share their experiences and give support. aluuc.org. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Wednesday Night Connection Wednesdays, 5:45-7:30pm. January 15 through March 22. Free blood pressure screenings. Supper is served from 5:45- 6:20 p.m. Then classes for all ages meet throughout the building 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.

Food & Drink

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Sun., Jan. 19, 8am-1pm. St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Chatham, 700 E. Spruce St., 217-483-3772.

Seasons of Change on Henry’s Farm Sat., Jan. 25, 5:30pm. Follow the lives of Henry and Hiroko Brockman, who have run an organic vegetable farm in central Illinois for 25 years. The event includes discussion with the fi lm’s producer and director. Slow Food members $5, nonmembers $10 and students are free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

History

Annual Tour Guide Training Sat., Jan. 25, 10am. This training covers the basics of Edwards Place for those wishing to help with our events and programs. RSVP by January 24. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Behind the Scene Stories Tue., Jan. 21, 5:30-6:30pm. Local authors Mike Kienzler, Taylor Pensoneau, Cinda Ackerman Klickna and Tara McClellan McAndrews will discuss some unusual facts and myth busters they discovered in their research of old records, photos or in face-to-face interviews. Sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-652- 1988.

McClellan Thu., Jan. 16, 7pm. Lincoln historian Christian McWhirter will give a presentation on Gen. McClellan at the monthly meeting of Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table. Free and open to the public. Schnucks Montvale Plaza, 2801 Chatham Rd., 217- 698-2980.

Misinterpreting Mary Tour Wednesdays, 10-11am and 1-2pm. A new guided 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.

Sangamon Experience Grand Opening RSVP by Jan. 22 to attend the Jan. 30 ribbon cutting for the presentation of the history of the Sangamon region through an on-campus exhibition space, online projects and community collaborations. uispac.com. 217-206-6058. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

Politics

2020 Women’s March Sat., Jan. 18, 11am. Meet at the Lincoln statue. Hear powerful, inspirational speakers along with talented musicians. Celebrate democracy and get geared up for the 2020 elections. Illinois State Capitol, Capitol and Second St.

Policy Breakfast: What’s in store for 2020? Fri., Jan. 24, 7:30am. A timely and informative session on the future of the greater Springfi eld area. The meeting is open to the public at no cost. Enjoy good coffee, excellent networking and a superb program. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Faith & Philosophy

Forever in Our Hearts Fri., Jan. 24, 10:30am. Remembrance ceremony. Feel free to bring photos or items of your loved ones to share on the Remembrance Table. Refreshments available after the ceremony. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Religion in America Sun., Jan. 19, 10:30am. A refl ection upon the current challenges, health and trends of religion within the U.S. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Talk About the Baha’i Faith Fri., Jan. 17, 6:30-8pm. Dr. Marufi from Turkey. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.

Health

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. $30. Financial assistance is available. memorialmedical. com. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3559.

Sports & Fitness

Indoor Winter Archery Sundays, 2-4pm. All ages are welcome. One room for adults and two children’s rooms based on experience. Free. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.

Springfield Jr. Blues Fri., Jan. 17, 7pm and Sat., Jan. 18, 6pm. The Jr. Blues take on Chippewa Steel. Adults $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Ages 12 and under $5. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217- 525-2589.

St. Louis Cardinals Caravan Sun., Jan. 19, 6pm. $5. Bank of Springfi eld Center, Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.