November 2017 Thrive Entertainment Guide

SEARCH ALL MACON COUNTY EVENTS AT WWW.THRIVEDECATUR.COM

THE GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER

Heritage & HollyTour

FREE

Nov 2017

FOOD DUDE// The Raspberry Tea Room SPOTLIGHT// Walk to Bethlehem WILDCARD// Mt. Zion Holiday Craft Fair Q&A// Julia Livingston

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THRIVE

If you’ve been reading along with us throughout 2017 you should find yourself quite familiar with our process here at Thrive.

We've made our way around the wheel from brainstorming to last month's feature on Teena and her role as Copy Editor.

What that means is, it's time to talk about print, delivery, and brainstorming. Wait, brainstorming? Funny thing about circles is they tend to loop right back around!

After our Copy Editor gives all of our text a final look (including ads this time), it comes back to me for the edits and to tidy up the layout.

That's right, I proof the layout, too! There are tons of odds and ends that get perfected just before the file goes to print.

I upload the print file to Dynagraphics Wood Printing—often in the wee hours of the night.

Then, what comes next? That's right, more proofing! The Dynagraphics prints me a proof

the very next day so I can check our work one last time and give the official sign-off.

After just five days of production the magazines are delivered to us, sorted by route, and delivered again to each individual route driver. Then they magically reach over 400 locations throughout Macon County.

By magically I mean five route drivers and two awesome teams at Macon Resources, Inc (ECNO & CAPS groups), work like crazy to distribute everything before the 1st of the month hits.

Once delivery is checked off the list we typically have about two weeks to build the next issue. That reminds me—it's time to wrap this up and get to work on the December Gift Guide!

issue #102 | November 2017 | w w w.thrivedec atur.com | Cover Photo: S arah Jane

Macon County events at www.thrivedecatur.com Events submitted by the 10th of the month are considered for inclusion in the next print edition of the Thrive Entertainment Guide.

THRIVE is a free, monthly entertainment guide serving as your guide to events in Macon County.

Published by Showcard Studio and distributed to over 300 locations in Macon County on the first of the each month.

PO Box 6195 • Decatur, IL 62524 217.521.6171 @THRIVEDecatur

IN THIS ISSUE

SUBMIT + SEARCH

BEHIND THE THRIVE

October Out & About

SPOTLIGHT: Walk to Bethlehem

FOOD DUDE: The Raspberry Tea Room

WILDCARD: Holiday Craft Fair

The Great Russian Nutcracker

Q&A: Julia Livingston

Spot the Difference Contest

November EVENTS Heritage & Holly Tour

02 05 08 10 12 14 18 28 33 35

Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Eventor II: Tara Mata Editor and Senior Writer: Joli A. Hohenstein Copy Editor: Teena Zindel-McWilliams Photography Coordinator: Sarah Jane Photographers & Contributors: T.F. Dude Stephanie Gagnon Sarah Jane Olivia Jones Kim Mangan Angela Myers Robin Walters Layout Design: Showcard Studio Printing: Dynagraphics/Wood Printing Special thanks to the Macon Resources CAPS Program (Community Awareness, Possibilities & Supports) and ECNO Group (Empowering Community Network Opportunities) for all your help with delivering THRIVE each month!

Disclaimer: The contents of this magazine are covered by copyright.

Reproduction in-part or in-full is forbidden, without the express permission of the publisher. It is not our intention to print any matter that discriminates on the grounds of race, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Every effort has been made to present all information accurately; however, no liability is accepted for any inclusions or omissions from the publication.

04 | November 2017

THRIVE

is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.

WE RECYCLE!

Do You? Hand THRIVE to a friend or toss it in your bin!

THRIVE is printed using 10% Post Consumer Waste, SFI, FSC, Green-eCertified papers.

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Decatur Craft Beer Festival A giant tent in a downtown Decatur street was filled with more than 100 unique craft beers, ciders and local breweries from across the state, along with live music and food trucks for this annual fundraiser hosted by MRI and the Decatur Area Arts Council.

CAFÈ Girls Fall Kick-Off

CAFÈ Girls, a non-profit character development program for girls aged 7-17, hosted its fall kick-off session October 7. Attendees made yard signs reinforcing a positive self-image while learning about the program and meeting the leadership team.

WSOY Community Food Drive

Thanks to generous businesses, schools, community members and hundreds of volunteers, the WSOY Community Food Drive surpassed the 1.5 million pounds goal during the 16th annual event. All donations will benefit local food pantries in Decatur and Macon County.

November 2017 | 05

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Millikin Homecoming

Millikin University welcomed home over 600 alumni during the first weekend in October for a variety of Homecoming activities hosted in the new University Commons. In addition to the traditional football game, alumni were treated to a special cabaret performance titled "Blue to Broadway" featuring Millikin alumna Lavon Fisher-Wilson '95 turned Broadway star.

Fleet Feet - Ladies Night

Fleet Feet kept the doors open a little later for its annual Ladies' Night Out event in early October. More than a dozen vendors hosted booths featuring boutique clothing, jewelry, crafts, and racing apparel while refreshments were served in Spin City Cycles.

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Fan Favorite

Ari, a Spot the Difference regular, sent us this pic and a shout out on the coolness of a woman-run magazine.

Who inspires you?

Fire Prevention Week Decatur Fire Department Station #1 promoted Fire Prevention Week, the second week in October, by opening its doors to eager learners.

A puppet show, equipment tour, hose test and pole slide kept the children engaged and eager to "plan two ways out!"

Scovill Zoo's New Learning Curve

Aaron McIntosh, New Era Signs, Inc., unearthed a new sculpture near the Scovill Sculpture Park entrance on October 11. Learning Curve was custom-designed with a mirror back and curved LED display that reflects into a pool of water.

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SPOTLIGHT

by Stephanie Gagnon

Walk the Holiday Walk – All the Way to Bethlehem!

If you're looking for a new way to take care of your heart and soul while preparing yourself for the holiday season, why not take part in the Walk to Bethlehem? Decatur First United Methodist Church created this 12-week walking program as a way to increase the physical, spiritual and emotional health of church members and the community. First UMC describes itself as a church on the move.

Marilyn Stevens, the organizer for this enticing event, says although the church may look quiet on the outside, you won't find anyone sitting still other than on Sunday mornings. “When Pastor Mike Fender joined us a little over a year ago, it was like jumping on a moving train,” she says. Since then First UMC has created various activities that encourage taking better care of the planet and improving the way we care for our bodies, minds and spirits, as well.

The Walk to Bethlehem is free, motivational and fun for all ages 5-95. The virtual walk will be taking place from November to early December and maps a path from Decatur all the way to Bethlehem. It travels via New York, the Atlantic Ocean, Northern Africa and Egypt, which covers 7,256 miles, with several ways to participate.

Participants can report their mileage each Sunday on the attendance card and drop it in the offering plate, register and record their miles online at www.decaturfirstumc.org, or call the office at 423-9711. Those who register online will receive weekly emails tracking everyone's progress, tips for activities and a weekly devotional. You can even earn bonus miles for eating five fruits and vegetables each day and for every time families turn off their electronics and do something active together.

Don't delay because the fun will end on December 13 with a Bethlehem Celebration!

The final event will include First UMC's traditional Christmas potluck, a play, Middle Eastern foods and activities for all!

GET THERE Walk to Bethlehem Decatur First United Methodist Church 423-9711 www.decaturfirstumc.org

Stephanie Gagnon is a photographer and freelance writer.

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For more information contact Sue Casey scasey@richland.edu

November 2017 | 09

10

THE FOOD DUDE

by T. F. DUDE

Raspberry Tea Room Want a little slice of heaven? Pop into the Raspberry Tea Room and pick one from the daily chalkboard of goodness.

While my pal’s choice was obvious – coconut cream pie is the go-to – mine was more difficult.

After much deliberation I finally opted for the peanut butter, a super-rich concoction with thick peanut butter mouse and a delightful crust made of Ritz crackers! My dining partner and I also loved the coconut cream, with layers and layers of finely chopped coconut mixed into a delicious mixture on an extra-thin crust.

Light and delightfully coconutty without being overpowering.

Believe it or not, choosing an entrée was even tougher than deciding on dessert! With a quiche of the day and at least eight salads of the day on the menu, it’s no wonder bellies come away from this place fully and happy.

We immediately jumped on the quiche of the day (an absolutely delicious spinach mushroom on a light, flaky crust) but were paralyzed by variety after that. As we pored over the menu, just when we thought we’d have to close our eyes and point, we found it!

The perfect solution: the Sampler.

Spin the wheel of flavor when you order this tummy teaser – you’ll get at least 10 scoops of the Room's famous salads, both meat and fruit, to tickle your taste buds. Tip: Ask for a warm croissant to accompany your dish; sample accordingly and use it to cleanse your palate between bites. You’re welcome.

10 | November 2017

It’s important to remember that the samples rotate per the cook’s whims of the day, but on our visit we enjoyed tarragon potato salad, seafood salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, macaroni cabbage salad, pasta marinated veggie salad, Italian slaw, cranberry walnut salad, sweet potato apple salad and raspberry fluff. Yeah! The only way it could be better is if they served it on a deviled egg plate to keep the scoops separated. Our favorites: chicken salad with walnuts on top, tarragon potato salad (light, flavorful with perfectly cooked potatoes) and the raspberry fluff with its sweet, light flavor. Bonus points for the sweet potato apple’s unique flavor combination.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, comfort food or a light lunch, you’ll find it here and made fresh daily – it’s no wonder one Facebooker calls it a “treasure of a tea room.”

GET THERE Raspberry Tea Room 5025 S Route 51, Elwin 865-2916

The Food Dude is not a professional food critic. He just really, really likes food.

Santa Shuffle December 10

Santa is making a stop at the DISC for a non-competitive, fun run on the indoor track for kids aged 2 - 10!

All participants will receive a medal, cookie, and photo with Santa!

Call 429-3472 or visit decatur-parks.org for details and registration.

at Millikin University

November 2017 | 11

12

WILDCARD

by Olivia Jones

All I Want for Christmas Is ... Crafts Tis’ the season for Christmas crafts! The Mt. Zion Convention Center will be hosting a craft show just in time for you to find the perfect Christmas gifts. The event will take place Friday, November 10, from 7 to 9 pm and Saturday, November 11, from 9 am to 3 pm.

The craft show, which has been around since 2012, is being coordinated by Bonnie Rideout and Judy Roessler. We chatted with Bonnie about what to expect from this festive event.

“We will have 70+ vendors, so we have something for everyone! Handmade baskets, woodworking items, glass items, jewelry, florals, knit and crochet items,” she says.

Handmade items are important to Bonnie, who started her own business, Bonnie’s Baskets, in 2006, selling handmade baskets and basket embellishments. She also shares her booth with friend Debbie Sullivan who makes primitive items.

“Ninety percent of our vendors are selling handmade items,” says Bonnie. Even though the focus is on handmade items, they will also have two direct sales companies available.

With those options, you’ll be sure to find a gift for every relative!

Also, no need to worry about those holiday budgets—the only money you’ll be spending is on crafts because admission to these shows is FREE. The shows has been so popular they

12 | November 2017

have a waiting list of vendors trying to get in. Do you get hungry while you shop? The Kitchen of Doris Yoder and Del’s Popcorn Express are just two of the many vendors at this event!

At the end of the day, Bonnie’s favorite part of the show isn’t selling; it’s buying. “We have so many creative and talented people in this area,” she says. “There’s always something new at each show!” If you want to find out more about the Christmas Craft Show, check out the Facebook page and website.

GET THERE Mt. Zion Holiday Craft Fair November 10, 7-9 pm November 11, 9 am-3 pm Mt. Zion Convention Center 1400 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion 864-5424 www.mtzconventioncenter.com

Olivia Jones is a freelance writer.

Love to act & sing? Join the Decatur Park District’s PERFORM! for a fantastical presentation of Seussical!

Free Audition Workshop November 11 Poage Arts & Recreation Center (2020 N. Oakland Ave.) Grades 1 - 5 10 - 11 a.m.

Grades 6 - 12 11 a.m. - Noon Register by Nov. 9 at 422-5911

Show Auditions December 8 December 9

4 - 6:30 p.m.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fee: $155 ($135 with resident discount) Sibling discount and payment plan available.

Sign ups begin Nov. 13 at 422-5911 Marie Jagger-Taylor directs/choreographs and Christine Smith vocal directs. Live orchestra complements the performances on March 16, 17, 18.

November 2017 | 13

THE GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER Legendary Moscow Ballet production hits Kirkland stage November 4 Brace yourself, Macon County; all of your holiday dreams are about to come true. Maybe you see The Nutcracker every year or maybe you’ve seen it once, but you’ve never seen it like this – and you’d usually have to travel to a major metropolitan area to experience it.

This year, the world-famous Moscow Ballet is ushering in the holiday season for us with the Great Russian Nutcracker on stage at Kirkland Fine Arts Center November 4.

14 | November 2017

In true Decatur style of course, our production will take it up a notch, with the first-ever joint presentation by Kirkland and Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. “Because we have an amazing new conductor, I started thinking about the production accompanied by a live orchestra,” says Jan Traughber, Director of Kirkland. “And the Children’s Choir will perform at the end of the first act. It has really become a community collaboration.”

Written by Joli A. Hohenstein | Photography by Sarah Jane

On top of that, more than 100 local dancers will perform in the production, a once-in-alifetime opportunity, says Jill Feinstein, whose daughter Paige was cast as a mouse. “[It will] give children the unique opportunity to dance on stage with professional ballet dancers,” she says.

While this will be Paige’s eighth Nutcracker, it will be nothing like the seven before. “I think it is exciting to be able to be on stage dancing with the professional ballet dancers and to learn how they put their show together,” says the 11-year-old.

After all, says Jan, “This is an internationalcaliber dance troupe. One of my favorite things is to be able to see the outreach for people who wouldn’t be able to see them otherwise.”

A special treat for Nutcracker aficionados will be the Moscow Ballet’s brand-new LED lighting set design, which was created by the designer of the Grand Budapest Hotel. “They will be using us as a base to test the new LED setup,” she says. “We will be one of the few early on to see the presentation.”

MORE ON PAGE 16

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Local dancers from left to right: Maya Roberts, Paige Feinstein, Annabelle Cheatham.

Moscow Ballet has a long history of performing to Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece score – its website address is even nutcracker.com, and the company has been called “principal keepers of the classical ballet tradition.” The company will be coming to Decatur as part of its 25th anniversary tour.

The production includes several elements unique to the Moscow Ballet, including its exclusive Dove of Peace, in which two dancers balance and leverage with each other to form a soaring white bird with a 20-foot wingspan; 10-foot-tall puppets; a flapping winged owl on the grandfather clock; and life-sized traditional Russian Matryoshka dolls.

“The Nutcracker is special no matter who performs it,” says Jan, “but this is just magical.”

Winter Break Why spend the day at home when you can play games and take great field trips?

Kids aged 5 - 14 will love the Winter Break Day Camp at the DISC! Dec. 21 - 22, 26 – 29 and Jan. 2 - 3.

Call 429-DISC for details!

16 | November 2017

The Great Russian Nutcracker Saturday, November 4, 2 pm and 7:30 pm Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Decatur Purchase tickets online (millikin.edu/mevents/ great-russian-nutcracker), or call the Kirkland Ticket Office, 424-6318.

Ticket prices- $35/$45/$65; K-12 student tickets$10 with paid adult (Discount not available online)

November EVERY DAY November Art in Decatur Each location with a unique art exhibit. Specific dates and times determined by each location. Blue Connection [117 N Water St], Decatur Airport [910 S Airport Rd], Decatur Area Arts Council [125 N Water St, 423.3189], Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin St], RCC: Erlanson Gallery [One College Park], Gallery 510 [160 E Main St, 422.1509], MU: Perkinson Gallery [1184 W Main], Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln], Wildflour Bakery [256 W Main] EVERY MONDAY Monday Night Jazz: MU Jazz Quartet (except 11.13) Free, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, donnieshomespun.com] 6-8p

EVERY TUESDAY Yoga DPL: Madden Auditorium [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 12-1p Country Line Dance Come join a fun-filled evening, meet new people and learn to country line dance. $6, Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St] 7-8p (Class), 8-9p (Dance) EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY Stroller Club Socialize and exercise! Throw on your walking shoes and join the stroller club. No need to register! $3.25 for non-members, free for members, DISC [1295 W Wood, 429.3472, mrinchiuso@decparks. com, decatur-parks.org] 9-11a

Baby TALK Times Babies, toddlers and their parents/caregivers meet with a Baby TALK teacher for parenting conversations, playtime, stories, fingerplays & songs. (Birth to 3).

Decatur Barn Colony Artists, Inc Free, DPL: Children's Auditorium Bob Dondeville (11.6, 11.13), [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, Jessica Disabrow (11.20), Anthony Collins (11.27). Madden decaturlibrary.org] 10a (Th) 6:30p (Tu) Arts Center [125 N Water] 7-9p EVERY WEDNESDAY EVERY MONDAY & Toddler Open Gym WEDNESDAY Need some active Pickleball Open Play entertainment? Balls, hoops, Pickleball is easy to learn and building blocks, riding toys, and play, whether you're 5, 85 or somewhere in between. Paddles puzzles provided in a safe play environment for children aged are available for a small fee. $2 infant-5. $2 (child), free (under (non-member), free (member), age 1 or full-facility member), DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 9a-12p decatur-parks.org] 9:30-11:30a

(11.1), Sliderz (11.8), Doherty's Pub & Pins (11.15), Port Royal Gastropub (11.29). $10 (person) 6-9p Open Mic All acts welcome. Free, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, 424.4344, donnieshomespun. com] 8:30p-1a EVERY THURSDAY Storytime Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa] 10-11a Adult Coloring Night - True Colors Release your "inner child" and join us. We provide coloring pages, colored pencils, crayons and markers, light refreshments and background music so all you need to bring is you!

Children over 8 are welcome with an adult. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 5-7p Karaoke We roll out the most high tech karaoke software in town.

Search and select songs with your smartphone! Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, 424.4344, donnieshomespun.com] 9p

EVERY SATURDAY Super Saturday Recess Youth ages 4-11 enjoy a morning with inflatables, scooters, basketball, tumbling, and rock wall (select dates)!

No registration necessary.

Parent must be present. $4 (non-member), free (full-facility member), DISC [1295 W Wood, 5th Annual Budweiser Trivia Series 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] Teams may be up to 4 people.

10a-12p Each week has 75 points available and more than 50 questions per night. Pop's Place

18 | November 2017

WEDNESDAY, 1 Chamber Business Breakfast $15 (adv/member), $20 (door/ non-member), The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, 422.2200, decaturchamber.com] 7-8a

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

Books Between Bites Speaker: Mark Sorensen. Book: Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet. Author: Lyndal Roper.

Free, DPL: Madden Auditorium [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 12:15-1p

Cocktails & Creations: Forest Sunset on Canvas Create a colorful sunset or Northern lights background, and then learn easy techniques to create silhouette fir trees. This is a fairly simple project with beautiful results! All materials are provided. Age 21+. $15 (member), $17 (non-member), Decatur Area Arts Council [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts. org] 6-8p

to death in their home. Their daughter Lizzie Borden was the prime suspect. Lizzie's trial was a coast-to-coast media sensation, and her story has become an American legend. $7-9 (MU student), $11-12 (general), Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 W Wood St, 853.5503, pipedreams@millikin.edu, pdtheatre.org] 7:30-9:30p

FRIDAY, 3 First Friday Gallery Walk Krafty Things with Katie Visit four downtown art galleries Movies @ Your Library!

Table Turkey for a lively evening of varied art, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Need something fun for your live music, tasty hors d'oeuvres Men Tell No Tales. Decatur Public Thanksgiving table? Make and beverages. Galleries include Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, a turkey centerpiece using the Anne Lloyd Gallery, Blue decaturlibrary.org] 5-7:30p up-cycled books! After a little Connection and the 3rd floor at folding and curling--you'll have the Madden Arts Center (125 N. Wednesday Women a one-of-a-kind piece to take Water) and Gallery 510 around Recover from your Halloween shenanigans and regale us with home. Ages 10+. Decatur Public the block at 160 E. Main St. stories of your escapades. Bring Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, Artists speak at 6 pm (Madden decaturlibrary.org] 6-8p Arts Center) and 6:30 pm (Gallery a friend or make new ones!

510). Live music at the Madden TapRoot Restaurant [170 N Pizzazz Arts Center - Rock Springs Merchant St, jccaulkins@aol.com. Put some Pizzazz (high energy Dulcimer Group. Madden Arts com] 5-8p dance band) in your evening!

Center [125 N Water, 423.3189, VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St] decaturarts.org] 5-7:30p THURSDAY, 2 7-10p Lady Palooza Night In The Islands Booths with homemade crafts, Stand Up & Laugh Enjoy a night of music, dancing, delicious goodies to sample, Featuring comedians seen on and drinking for a cause! designer jewelry, purses, salon hit comedy stand-up shows Admission to the event is free, products, and much more! Free, such as BET Comic View, but purchasing a "Boarding Mt Zion Convention Center Showtime, Comedy Central, Pass" offers you the opportunity [1400 Mt Zion Parkway, Mt Zion, HBO Def Comedy Jam, more. to win big prizes! One LUCKY 423.9744, nowdecatur.com] 4-7p DVD taping for Netflix. $12-30, "Boarding Pass" purchaser Infusion Bar & Banquet Center Special Request Live (limited to 300) walks away Dinner, cash bar, and a concert! [2882 N Dinneen St, 450.1960, with the grand prize: a trip to givebackcomedytour.com] Come enjoy the music of the Dominican Republic. Nine 7-11p our regional professional additional winners receive prize musicians! The Decatur Club packages closer to home! The 11.2-11.4 [158 W Prairie, facebook.com/ Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, Lizzie events/1802235616472359] 428.424, bbbscil.org] 5:30-11p A new American musical set 5:30-8:30p to a blistering rock score. On a sweltering summer morning in 1892, in a small New England city, a prominent businessman and his wife were brutally axed

BANK & SHOP LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

NOV 25

Celebrate our community with the small businesses that make it special.

November

[3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10a-12p

Christian, and other neighboring counties. $5, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, 422.4919, mchmdecatur.org] 1-2:30p

Sign Language Club Stop in and learn basic sign language. Everyone welcome.

MU Football vs Elmhurst College Barclay Public Library [220 S Frank M Lindsay Field [1184 W Main St, Warrensburg, barclay.lib. Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 1p il.us] 10-11a 3D Archery Take a Dip-Holiday Party Dips Rotate through life-like targets Make and sample healthy and featuring bears, deer, turkey, tasty seasonal party dips. On and more. Basic instruction the menu are a Pumpkin Peanut is provided for new or less Butter Dip, a Cranberry-Orange experienced archers. Use our Cheese Dip and a Red Pepper equipment or bring your own.

Holiday Dreams & Hummus. Sign up as a family Ages 10+. Register online Treasures Bazaar

by November 1. Free, Mt Zion

by November 3. $7, Rock Find Christmas gifts, birthday District Library [115 W Main St, Springs Conservation Area gifts, or just something for Mt Zion, 864.3622, director@ [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, you. Homemade baked mtzion.lib.il.us] 10-11a maconcountyconservation.org] goods and homemade soup 2-4p and sandwiches available to STEAM Saturday purchase. Free, Prairie Avenue Drums with Neal Smith The Great Russian Nutcracker Christian Church [2201 E Prairie Come and learn what a Enjoy the immersive Christmas Ave, 413.2572, amandaassit@aol. drumming circle is, join and be classic with 40 professional com] 9a-2p a part of the drumming circle dancers, hand-selected area and make your own drum! $15 young dancers, a local children's Pride of the Prairie (member), $20 (non-member), choir, and a full musical Fall Marble Show Children's Museum of Illinois [55 accompaniment from the Country Inn and Suites [5150 S Country Club Rd, facebook.

MDSO! $10 (K-12 with paying Hickory Point Frontage Rd, com/events/288690964943699] adult), $35-65 (adult), Kirkland 422.8454] 9a-1p 10:30a-12p Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, millikin.edu/kirkland] Saturday Book Sale 8th Annual Veterans Parade 2p & 7p Decatur Public Library [130 N Line up at High School parking Franklin, 424.2900, friendsdpl. lot. Help us honor our veterans! Tour of Monte Rosa org] 9:30a-12:30p BBQ lunch after the parade.

Monte Rosa is the largest massif Free, Old Grade School [275 N in Western Europe, comprising Dulcimer Music Kenwood, Argenta] 11a-1p 10 peaks over 4,000 meters Enjoy live music. Free, Rock in height, in the Alps on the Springs Conservation Area Gun Makers of Illinois border between Switzerland and and the Macon County Area Italy. Bruce Nims and Jo Carter Brief history of gun making discuss and display images of in the state from the French the challenges and difficulties, Colonial Period (1683) to 1900. the views and scenery, and Highlights gun makers who the people and cultures they worked in Macon County and encountered along their hike. the surrounding area. Guns DPL: Madden Auditorium made in Decatur, Sangamon, [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 2-3:30p SATURDAY, 4 Boys Lacrosse Winter Skills Camp Begins In this 5-week clinic, boys ages 7-18 learn passing, catching, shooting, cradling, and scooping, along with the basic rules of lacrosse. All necessary equipment provided. $52, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 9-11a

West End Boogie Project Feeling Lucky [3775 N Woodford] 4-8p

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

$100 Dinner and Reverse Raffle $5,000 Grand Prize. Only 200 tickets available. Choose and decorate your VIP table the day before the event (contest for best table decoration). 50/50 raffles, basket raffles, music and dancing courtesy of Pizzazz from 8-11pm, catered by Angelos, cash bar. Only VIP reserved seating. $100 (couple), Mt. Zion Convention Center [1400 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion, 864.5424, mtzion.com] 6-11p Bands 4 a Stand Come join us for a night of awesome music and raising awareness of human trafficking.

Is it happening locally? What agencies are involved? How you can help? $15, free (ages 12 and under), Heartland Community Church: Grand Palace [3253 N Brush College Rd, facebook.com/ events/100730044008765] 6-9p

Ru Rah Presents: Infused Saturdays Live music and DJs! Check out Facebook to see who is featured.

Infusion Bar & Banquet Center [2882 N Dinneen St] 10p-2a

11.4 & 11.11 Clay Hand-Building Techniques (2 sessions) In this two-day workshop Xin Zhao teaches you hand building techniques to create your own functional one-of-a-kind pottery.

All materials provided. Ages 10+. $75 (member), $85 (nonmember), Decatur Area Arts Council [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] 10:30a-12:30p 11.4-11.5 Blue Horses Golden K Kiwanis' 25th Annual Children's Play. A one-hour play for children ages 3+ about the trials and tribulations of growing up, gaining self-confidence, and making friends. $4 (child) $6 (adult), MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St] 1-2p

SUNDAY, 5 Rock Club Monthly Meetings & Field Trips Programs and education about minerals, gemstones, lapidary, beading and workshops. Open to the public! Free, Clare's Live Pro-Wrestling Show Restaurant [2502 E William St, $10 (adv), $12 (adults), $15 (front 433.9585, rmkapta.wix.com/ row), Maroa City Hall [120 S cigmc] 12-2:30p Locust St, Maroa, wwwzero1usa. com/tickets.html] 7p Autumn Spectacular Cross Country Meet The Fabulous Hoedads Ages 7-18. $6, Fairview Park $5, VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, St, thefabuloushoedads.com] 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 8-11p 12:30p (registration), 1p (walk), 1:30p (race) Brushville Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9:30p Trivia Night Doors open at 5:30! $10.00 per person plus a jar of peanut butter. Decatur First Nazarene [1177 W Hickory Point Rd, D1Naz.com] 6-9p

Tour Conservation Areas in Fall We look for wildlife and colorful fall foliage as we learn about the history of the conservation areas and what natural area restoration work is underway. Free. Register online by November 3. Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-4p Girls Lacrosse Winter Skills Camp Begins In this 5-week clinic, girls ages 7-18 learn passing, catching, shooting, cradling, and scooping, along with the basic rules of lacrosse. All necessary equipment provided. $52, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 3-5p MU Women's Basketball vs Knox College Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 3p Nigel Mack Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Celtic Revival!

Fast-paced music and highenergy dance combined with humor and inspiration makes a toe-tapping time for the whole family! Maranatha Assembly of God [555 W Imboden Dr, facebook.com/ events/302552226817922] 6-8p Grateful-Paint Like Me! Party Paint a textural, layered 8x10 Thanksgiving canvas, ages 14+. $25, Burger Theory [5150 N Wingate Drive, paintlikemeparty. com] 7-9p

November MONDAY, 6 Intermediate Junior Golf Begins Junior golfers can take their swing to the next level with assistance from the Park District golf pros! Ages 10-13 and previous experience in the Junior Golf program. $63, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 5:30-6:30p

by a book signing. Open to the public. The first 200 guests to arrive receive a free copy of Hiddensee. Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.2900, millikin.edu/kirkland] 7-9p Trivia Night Cost to play is purchase of liquid refreshment. Decatur Brew Works [101 N Main St, 330.8683, decaturbrewworks.com] 7-9p

WEDNESDAY, 8 Mini Camp: Night Sky Movies @ Your Library!

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Explore the night sky filled with stars, planets, and Earth's moon Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary. through hands-on activities and songs. For ages 1-5 with org] 5:30-8p adult buddy. Register online TUESDAY, 7 by noon on November 7. $6, Preschool Activity at the DISC: Rock Springs Conservation Area Sports Sampler [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Parents participate, helping their maconcountyconservation.org] children learn the fundamentals 9:30-10:30a of t-ball, basketball, tumbling, Illustrating a Children's Book running, and more! For ages MembersPlus Event 2-5. $36, DISC [1295 W Wood, How does an artist work with 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] an author to create just the 10-10:40a right images for a children's Junior Golf Begins book?Light refreshments served.

Juniors ages 5-12 learn Free, Decatur Area Arts Council ball striking and putting [125 N Water, facebook.com/ fundamentals, golf rules and events/1490163757739601] etiquette. Clubs are available 6:30-7:30p if needed. $63, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks. Millikin Jazz Band Free, Westminster Presbyterian org] 5:15-7p Church [1360 W Main St] 7:30A Wicked Evening with 7:30p Gregory Maguire Join us to hear renowned author THURSDAY, 9 Mini Camp: Night Sky Gregory Maguire present his For ages 3-5 with adult buddy. new book Hiddensee. Stick Register online by noon around for a time of Q&A with on November 7. $6, Rock the audience to be followed Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 9:30-10:30a

22 | November 2017

Veterans Recognition Program Richland Community College wants to honor you! Join us and bring a veteran you know. Open to all veterans and their families.

Free, RCC: Shilling Center [One College Park, richland.edu] 11a-12p Book Club Argenta Public Library [100 E Water, Argenta] 1:30-2:30p 2nd Annual Christmas & Cocktails 40+ vendors to make us your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs. Bourbon tastings, a tap takeover by Two Brothers Brewery, and massage chairs.

Admission is free, but we ask that you bring an item to donate.

Free, Infusion Bar & Banquet Center [2882 N Dinneen St] 4-7p Preschool Golf Begins Youth ages 3-4 learn the basic fundamentals of golf by focusing on coordination, simple techniques and motor skills.

Adults also learn ways to help their child practice and develop these skills. $45, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks. org] 5:30-6:45p Shades of Gray Band VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St] 7-10p MU Science Entrepreneurship Speaker Series Free and open to the public.

Speaker: Paul Bloom, Vice President, Process and Chemical Research, Archer Daniels Midland Company. Free, MU: University Commons [1184 W Main St, 424.6392, millikin.edu/ InstituteForScience Entrepreneurship] 7:30-9p 11.9-11.12 9 to 5 The Musical Based on the iconic 1980 movie, 9 to 5 is a hilarious, high-energy story of friendship and revenge.

Three female coworkers (and unlikely friends) concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

bigot of a boss and learn that there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world. $16-18, MU: Albert Taylor Theatre [1184 W Main St, 424.6282, millikin. edu/theatre] 7:30p (Th-Sa), 2p (Sa-Su)

reception. Open to the public.

No RSVP or ticket required. Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.6383, millikin.edu/ alumni-friends] 6:30-9:30p

Hallow Point/Grays Divide/Shoot the Messenger FRIDAY, 10 All ages welcome. $5, Doulos Emojis [242 W Packard St, facebook.

Whether you are happy or sad com/events/660114040858940] or even laughing out loud (LOL), 7-11p this is for you! Make five different The Fabulous Hoedads Big Band emoji medallions of your Ron Stockert is in the house choice, designed and painted for this concert/dance event. the same day. $14, Fletcher It's always a special night Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion, 864.5424, when Ron shows up! $5, VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St, mtzion.com] 4-6p thefabuloushoedads.com] 8-11p United States Marine Corps 11.10-11.11 242nd Birthday Camp Rock The Musical Honor the heritage & tradition of celebrating the United States Maroa-Forsyth Middle School Marine Corps birthday. Food and production. $7, Maroa-Forsyth cake available. Woody's Bar [1190 High School [610 W Washington, W South Side Dr, facebook.com/ Maroa] 7-8:30p events/502146550143540] 6p Mt Zion Christmas Craft Show Over 70 vendors for all of your 6th Annual Alan Thomas Christmas shopping needs.

Christmas Auction Concessions by the Kitchen All new merchandise - toys, of Doris Yoder. Free, Mt. Zion tools, collectibles, dolls and Convention Center [1400 Mt. household items. Food and Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion, 864.5424, drinks available (beginning at 5:30p). Argenta Fire Station [303 mtzion.com] 7-9p (Fr), 9a-3p (Sa) S North St, Argenta, facebook.

11.10-11.12 & 11.17-11.19 com/pages/Friends-ofMy Fair Lady Argenta/414710821983001] 6-8p Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, becomes the experiment MidState Indoor Soccer of Professor Henry Higgins, a 3 v 3 Club League Begins snobby phonetics professor Teams play one 40-minute whose goal is to transform Eliza game each Friday night, with into a "proper lady" of high 3 players and no goalie. Six society. $10-20, Decatur Civic players allowed per team. $66, Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, DISC [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decaturunderground.com] 7p decatur-parks.org] 6-8p (Fr, Sa), 2p (Su).

Veterans Day Salute SATURDAY, 11 A special Veterans Day concert Annual Craft Bazaar by the Millikin Symphonic Open for breakfast and lunch.

Wind Ensemble, featuring Decatur First Nazarene [1177 guest conductor Col. Thomas W Hickory Point Rd, 412.6180, Rotondi Jr. '74, retired leader and D1Naz.com] 8a-3p commander of the U.S. Army's Power In Pumps Conference band, Pershing's Own, and This one-day experience is soprano vocalist Ann Borders '81. Come early for a pre-concert designed to educate, empower and impact, to help women take chat from 6:30-7p and stay back the power that so many for a complimentary dessert

have let slip away while they were busy keeping things going for those around them. $40, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, 358.5348, thepowerinpumps. com] 8a-4p

Gettin' on Track 5K Course goes through the town of Mt. Zion and finishes with a lap around the high school track! $10-18, Mt Zion High School [315 S Henderson St, Mt. Zion, secure.getmeregistered.com/ get_information.php?event_ id=128154] 9-10a Winter Craft Show Crafts to buy, picture with Santa, and BBQ lunches for sale. Come and enjoy the fun. St Patrick School [407 E Eldorado St, 423.4351, decaturstpatrick.org] 9a-2p Birds of a Feather Hike Many birds travel to warmer climates in the fall. On this fall migration hike, explore which species leave Macon County in the fall, and which spend their winters here. Bring your camera if you like. Binoculars available.

Register online by November 10.

Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10-11a H3F Veterans Day 5K Fun Run/ Ruck March Veterans day fun run - ruck march to help the heroes. 10a (registration), 12p (race). $20, $15 (run in combat boots), free (ages 12 and under), Fairview Park Large Pavilion [facebook. com/events/352040391887363] 10a-2p Kids Club Starring Doodles the Dragon & Granny Giggles. Games, concessions, and classic cartoons. Pre-school-6th grade. $1 (child), Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion, fpkidsclub.wixsite.com/mtzionil] 2-4p

Search ALL Macon County events at www.ThriveDecatur.com

November SkyMax Fight Night!

The biggest amateur boxing show in the Midwest! $20-50, SkyWalker International Sports Complex [400 E Eldorado St] 7p

Bluegrass Music Jam Bring your instrument to play or just enjoy the music. For all ages.

Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 1-4p

Artini Annual Gallery 510 fundraiser.

Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main, 422.1509] 6-9p

Why Stop the Logging?

Informational presentation about logging in Decatur.

Illini United High School Volleyball Speakers explain the current Club Try-Outs situation, as well as the West End Boogie Project DISC [1295 W Wood, decaturconsequences of logging and VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St] parks.org] 2:30-4:30p why we should have a forest 8:30-11:30p management plan that takes Jim Suhler into account both economic and Cactus Ranch Lead guitar for George ecological factors to promote Acoustic bluegrass, country Thorogood. Pop's Place [4335 W a healthy community. Decatur and gospel. Free, Donnie's Main St] 3-6p Public Library [130 N Franklin, Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, decaturlibrary.org] 6-8p Don & Jerry Duo donnieshomespun.com] Jerry's first official gig since his 9:30p-12:30a TUESDAY, 14 illness in Oct 2015. Listen and Christmas Designs SUNDAY, 12 dance to some favorite blues Garden Club monthly Swap & Shop tunes. Free, JB's Hideout [341 N meeting. Presented by Open to public. Food by Railroad, Blue Mound] 4-7p Heather Wilcox from Growing Richland CafĂŠ. $5, Richland Grounds in Bloomington.

MONDAY, 13 Community College [One First Lutheran Church [250 W Super Snackers: Pepperoni & College Park, 706.5531, Decatur St, facebook.com/ Cheese Crescents wavemangrip@gmail.

Children ages 2-5 follow a recipe gardenclubofdecatur] 12:30com, facebook.com/ 2:30p events/873411956144245] 9a-2p and create a delicious treat!

We read a book while we cook Brooks and Amphipod Fun Run Mermaid for a Day Workshop pepperoni and cheese crescents 1- and 3-mile fun run/walk. We Have you ever dreamed of and then enjoy our creations. $8, run a dark path so make sure to becoming a mermaid? Cost Johns Hill Center [601 S Jasper, come prepared. Raffle prizes! includes your very own tail, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] Fleet Feet Sports [1090 W Wood handmade shell necklace and 1-1:40p St, 330.9904] 5:30-6:30p underwater pics! Payment due MidState Indoor Little Kritters at registration. $135 (member), Graphic Novel Book Club Soccer Begins $150 (non-member), Decatur The Savage by David Almond.

Athletic Club [1010 W South Side In this 5-week program designed DPL: Staley Room [130 N Franklin for U4 & U5 players, a story Dr, 329.4700] 12-2p St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] book is provided that highlights 6:30-8p animal characters who possess unique soccer skills. MidState WEDNESDAY, 15 coaches help participants learn Adult Bingo these soccer skills through fun Free, Fletcher Park: Recreation activities. $56, DISC [1295 W Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks. Zion, 864.5424, mtzion.com] org] 4:30-5:30p 10-11a The Decatur Genealogicial Society Annual Meeting Speaker: Linda Hanabarger of the Fayette County Genealogical and Historical Society, Vandalia, IL. Topic is the book Personal Recollections of Early Decatur

by Jane Martin Johns. Scovill Banquet Facility [3909 W Main

24 | November 2017

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

St, 429.0135, decaturgensoc@att. [125 N Water, facebook.com/ net] 6-9p events/407731916308147] 6-8p The Decatur Vegetarian Society Please bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share (with ingredients written down) and your own table service and drink. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 6-8p THURSDAY, 16 Book Club The Last Painting of Sara de Vos

by Dominic Smith. Free, DPL: Board Room [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 1-2p

FRIDAY, 17 Early Explorers Preschool Activity: Pirate Party Children ages 2-5 learn about pirates! $7, Johns Hill Center [601 S Jasper, 422.5911, decatur-parks. org] 10-10:40a Johns Hill Center Thanksgiving Lunch RSVP by November 10. $10, Johns Hill Center [601 S Jasper, 429.7750, decatur-parks.org] 12-1p

Decatur Masonic Temple [224 W William St, mildredgroup. eventbrite.com] 6-9p

SATURDAY, 18 Turkey Trot Kick off the holiday season with a 5K or 10K run, 5K recreational walk, or 1/2 mile Turkey Tot Trot. $16-31, Fairview Park: Pavilion #1 [US-36, 422.5911, decatur-parks. org] 8-10a

Mistletoe Market Do your holiday shopping at our event, which includes antiques, arts, crafts, and independent business reps. You can also A Golden Spike & a Silver Hammer purchase delicious baked goods This show begins with the and enter to win raffle items. $1 driving of the golden spike L'Art Theory - Acrylic (adult), Dennis Lab School [1499 Dirty Cup Pour Class at Promontory Point on May W Main St, 424.3236] 9a-2p 10th, 1869, and continues Learn the new art craze! Mix on from there into the song Dulcimer Music pouring medium and acrylic paints to create your own Acrylic "Drill Ye' Tarriers Drill�. Then the Enjoy live music. Free, Rock legendary folk hero "John Henry", Springs Conservation Area Dirty Cup Painting. All supplies included. Bring your own apron an African/American Civil War [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, veteran who made a name for or wear appropriate clothing maconcountyconservation.org] himself by his work as a steel to paint in. $25, Burger Theory 10a-12p [5150 N Wingate Drive, 433.6985, driver on the C&O railroad makes Saturday Scrap & Craft Crop an appearance. DPL: Madden laurie5995@gmail.com] 6-8p Bring your scrapbooking Auditorium [130 N Franklin St, Outside the Lines supplies or craft projects. Create 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] Adult Coloring Club with like-minded people in a 3-5p Just color, chat, and relax! Barclay peaceful environment without Public Library [220 S Main St, WINOS day-to-day distractions! $15, Warrensburg, barclay.lib.il.us] (Women in Need of Sanity) Fletcher Park: Recreation Center 6-7p Moms, need a break now that [400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion, the kids are back in school?

864.5424, mtzion.com] 10a-10p Trivia Night We've got the perfect thing for Put your thinking caps on Holiday Houses with you! Fee varies based on the and join us for a night of fun project. Fletcher Park: Recreation Xin (Water) Zhao and friendly competition. Test Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Use a variety of papers, sturdy your knowledge of TV/movies, card stock, cardboard and Zion, 864.9300, mtzion.com] music, history, and culture. much more to create a series of 6:30-10p This fundraiser supports our charming houses. Add windows, local Jean Reid Scholarship.

Coyote Ugly Drag Show building fronts and other $10, The Decatur Club [158 W Doors open at 7p. Dolly Parton element to create your own little Prairie, 454.5527, facebook.com/ impersonator, audience village. All materials provided. events/314042435731792] 6-9p contests, and a great soundtrack Ages 10+. $15 (member), $17 to the evening! $5, Infusion (non-member), Decatur Area Winter Sign on Wood Bar & Banquet Center [2882 N Arts Council [125 N Water, (Cocktails and Creations) Dinneen St, facebook.com/pg/ 423.3189, decaturarts.org] Bring your friends and your infusiondecatur] 9-11:30p 10:30a-12:30p favorite adult beverages and snacks. Using treated pieces 11.17-11.18 Movies @ Your Library! of wood, stencils and special Variety Seventeen Concert Series Polar Express. Decatur Public paints, learn how to create The time has come! It's a Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, your own charming wintery community affair! You won't decaturlibrary.org] 3-5:30p sign. All materials provided. $25 want to miss this! Hosted by (member), $30 (non-member), Mo Lowery with DJ Tre Smith.

Decatur Area Arts Council

Search ALL Macon County events at www.ThriveDecatur.com

Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, Movies @ Your Library! donnieshomespun.com] Wonder Woman. Decatur Public 9:30p-12:30a Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 5-7:30p 11.18-11.19 Christmas in Downtown Decatur Midwest Open Taekwondo Nile Flow Movement Monday 2nd Annual Lighting Ceremony Championship Come enjoy a night of live (5p), Annual Lighted Christmas Decatur Conference Center & entertainment, vendors, and Parade (5:30p), Santa House in more. $10, Infusion Bar & Central Park opens after parade! Hotel [4191 US 36 W, 875.5031, midwestopentkd.com] 10a-5p Banquet Center [2882 N Dinneen Central Park [N Park St] 5-8p St, 450.1960, facebook.com/ SUNDAY, 19 Candlelight Tour nileflowmovementmondays] Snake & Turtle Show Experience 1860's life by 7-10p Learn about some of Macon candlelight and lamplight, County's resident reptiles, find TUESDAY, 21 led by tour guides dressed in out what makes them important Mini Camp: Turkeys period clothing. Refreshments Turkeys are one of the biggest served; registration not required. in nature, and discover their special characteristics. Look at birds in our forest. Feel turkey Free, Homestead Prairie Farm and touch some live animals. feathers and look for clues to [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] Register online by November 17. see what we can learn about $2, Rock Springs Conservation them. For ages 1-5 with adult 6:30-8:30p Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, buddy. Register online by noon The You Might Have maconcountyconservation.org] on November 20. $6, Rock Heard of Us Tour 2-3p Springs Conservation Area Puff Puff Poseidon, Resistant [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Noah Williams Band To Reason, Assemble The Pure, maconcountyconservation.org] Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] taking the stage to bring you 9:30-10:30a 3-6p an amazing show. $7 cover for 65th Annual Community 4 bands and tons for the kiddos Couples & Singles Dance Thanksgiving Luncheon to do, including air hockey and Keep ballroom dancing alive Brings together leaders and basketball! $7, Doulos [242 with a live band! Our house residents in our community to W Packard St, facebook.com/ band, BAM! can play almost give thanks for the things that events/354642051627589] any song requested. The floor make Decatur-Macon County a 8p-12a is huge so country dancers great place to do business, live can line dance to many of the Pizzazz and raise families. $20, Decatur songs without interfering with Come hear Decatur's favorite Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson flow dancers. $10, Knights of high energy dance band! $5, Plaza, 422.2200, decaturchamber.

Columbus Hall [520 E North St, VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St] com] 12-1:30p 875.3090, gui.dance.jwl@gmail.

8:30-11:30p com] 5-8p 4-H Kokedama Workshop BongoJak Try your hand at string Diversely talented musician who MONDAY, 20 gardening! Make a cool Calendar Kids Preschool Activity: Japanese moss ball plant that plays in a number of bands. He Happy Harvest plays many original and classic you get to take home! Ages 8-18 Children ages 2-5 learn about tunes from artists like Bob years old. Registration required the fall season through handsMarley, Phish, Grateful Dead,

by November 13. $10 (4H on crafts, games, and snacks! $7, and Sublime. Free, Donnie's member), $15 (non-member), Johns Hill Center [601 S Jasper, University of Illinois Extension, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] Macon County Office [3351 N 10-10:40a President Howard Brown Blvd, 877.6042, go.illlinois.edu/dmp] 6-7p

November

MU Women's Basketball vs MacMurray College Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, millikin.edu] 7p

26 | November 2017

Trivia Night See Facebook for details. Cost to play is purchase of liquid refreshment. Decatur Brew Works [101 N Main St, 330.8683, decaturbrewworks.com] 7-9p Opus 24 Presents Wintertide The concert features scholarship contest winners, brass players from Millikin University, and the premiere of local composer Randall Reyman's "Bring a Lantern, Bring a Light." $10 (adult), $5 (full-time student), St Patrick Church [407 E Eldorado St, decaturopus.com] 7:30-9:30p WEDNESDAY, 22 Mini Camp: Turkeys For ages 3-5 with adult buddy.

Register online by noon on November 20. $6, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 9:30-10:30a West End Boogie Project VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St] 7-10p

Movies @ Your Library!

Disney's Descendants and Descendants 2. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 1-5p Shades of Gray Band VFW Post 99, 8-11p Black Friday with the Jason Gotts Band The Winery [1093 W Main St, thefabuloushoedads.com] 9p-12:30a 11.24-11.25 Heritage & Holly Tour Christmas walking tour of historic buildings and homes in Decatur, Illinois Near West Side.

Tickets are good for both days. $19, First Evangelical Lutheran Church [433.0611, eventbrite. com/e/2017-heritage-holly-tourtickets-35943094764] 4p-8p Santa House Central Park [N Park St] 4-8p (Fr), 11a-5p (Sa)

SATURDAY, 25 Fireside Relics Black Wednesday with Matt Livasy Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main] 9p-12a One man looping artist Matt Livasy returns. He's bringing Josh Holland Band his usual palette of funk, Songs from Alice In Chains, jams, classic rock and smooth Hank Jr, Jason Aldean, Metallica, danceable grooves. 21+. $5, Sublime, Chris Stapleton, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 Tom Petty, Cody Jinks, Lenny S Oakland, donnieshomespun.

Kravitz, John Pardi, Garth com] 9:30-11:30p Brooks, Brantley Gilbert, a few originals, and more! Sliderz Feudin' Hillbillys [5995 E Route 36, facebook.com/ Sliderz [5995 E Route 36, events/1931498836866612] 9p facebook.com/events/ 2158522387707967] 10p SUNDAY, 26 First Baptist Church Nativity Tour 11.22 & 11.24 Live music, refreshments, over School's Out Day Camp Play games and take great field 500 nativities displayed. Free, trips (ages 5-14). $40, DISC [1295 First Baptist Church (Decatur) [1320 Arbor Drive, 875.8034, W Wood, 422.5911, decaturdecaturfbc.com] 1-4p parks.org] 6:30a-6p Governor Oglesby Mansion FRIDAY, 24 Open House Bike Black Friday Immerse yourself in the rich Join us for 40 miles on Black Friday. Please bring your helmet history of the home's inhabitants and water bottle. Store is closed. and discover their late 1800s lifestyle. $2 (non-member), free Decatur Bicycle Shoppe [1230 (member), Oglesby Mansion E Pershing Rd, facebook.com/ [421 W William, 423.7708, events/132116007439421] oglesbymansion.org] 2-4p 8-11:30a

Preschool Peepers: Talking Turkeys Discover how the turkey almost became our national bird, learn facts about wild turkeys, and create a turkey-themed craft to take home. Register online

by November 22. Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-3p King T’z Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p MONDAY, 27 Men's Basketball vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, millikin.edu] 7p TUESDAY, 28 Non-Fiction Book Club Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time by Michael Shermer & Stephen Jay Gould. Free, DPL: Board Room [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 1-2p Movies @ Your Library!

Ben Hur (2016). Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 5:30-8p WEDNESDAY, 29 Table For Ten Decatur Emerging Leaders Meet, converse and reconnect with other emerging leaders in your community. Register

by November 27. Anna Thai Restaurant [253 N Main St, decaturchamber.com] 12-1p THURSDAY, 30 Art Bazaar Juried art sale featuring items from students, faculty, staff, and local artists. Richland Community College [One College Park, 875.7200, scasey@ richland.edu] 10a-3p The Fabulous Hoedads $5, VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St, thefabuloushoedads.com] 7-10p

Search ALL Macon County events at www.ThriveDecatur.com

History Is Sweet on the Heritage & Holly Tour

By Angela Myers

“Dove has been going about helping neighbors, combating homelessness, sheltering families, and talking to the elderly—so nobody feels they’ve been forgotten—for many years,” says Dove, Inc., is taking over the holiday event Christine. “People really are our heritage.” from the Near Westside Restoration and Homes and businesses on the tour include Preservation Society, which has organized the • The Cake House, 531 W. Prairie. tour since 1991. This year’s theme is “Sweet • The Texaco Station, 266 W. Main, built in Beginnings.” Dove will share the beginnings the 1930s, was winner of the 2012 Richard of current programs and tie the theme into H. Driehaus Foundation preservation several stops on the tour. award. It sports the signature Texaco color Visitors will again have the opportunity scheme and period signage. to learn about Decatur’s heritage through • The Holt House, 366 S. Edward, was historic homes decorated for the holidays. built by the family who owned the Linn The telephone room under the stairs of the & Scruggs Department Store. A former Vanzetti home, for example, housed one of the duplex restored to a single-family home, first telephones in the area. It will be Santa’s the house has a ballroom and 75 windows, Workshop for the tour. many of which feature benches, pillows The Anna B. Millikin Home, Dove’s shelter for and an unspoken invitation to sit a while. women, has frequently been part of the tour.

• The First Evangelical Lutheran Church, The home and Dove have a rich heritage in 250 W. Decatur St. the near Westside that Christine Gregory, Dove Executive Director, wants to share along with MORE ON PAGE 30 current needs and services. The organization depends on many grassroots volunteers to spearhead its ministries.

28 | November 2017

Photo by: k2photostudio / Fotolia.com

Changes are coming to Decatur’s Heritage & Holly Historic Home tour, but the important things, especially the heritage, are staying the same.

HERITAGE & HOLLY TOUR FROM PAGE 29 • Wildflour and the Root Cellar, 256 W. Main, are located in a 100-year-old building on brick-paved West Main Street.

An antique store in the past and again, the site has a vintage ambiance with an eclectic mix of treasures.

• The Olstead residence, 531 W. Prairie, is a Dutch-style restoration with painted exterior.

• The Vanzetti home, 605 S Crea, is a four-square Georgian built in 1933 by the family who owned the Vanzetti Bakery in downtown Decatur for many years. Live music will be featured, and present owners Mr. and Mrs. Cleary will sell collectable Dickens houses to benefit Dove and the Northeast Community Fund.

• The Anna B. Millikin Home, 302 S. Union, was designed to be a care facility for women. Details include columns, dental molding and many built-in features.

Nigel Mack Sun, Nov 5, 3-6p Jim Suhler (lead guitar for George Thorogood) Sun, Nov 12, 3-6p Noah Williams Band Sun, Nov 19, 3-6p King T'z Sun, Nov 26, 3-6p

GET THERE Heritage & Holly Tour Tickets are $18 November 1 through November 22 at Dove locations, Land of Lincoln locations, All Things Beautiful, Novel Ideas, Wildflour Café or online at https://2017heritageandholly.eventbrite. com. The Heritage & Holly tour will start at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church on November 24 from 4 to 8 pm and November 25 from 12 to 6 pm. Tickets purchased in advance may be exchanged here for a brochure that will allow admittance to each home. Tickets purchased at the door are $20.

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEATRE & DANCE

By Charles L. Mee Jonathan brings his girlfriend, Ariel, to his family's vacation home for a romantic weekend. Unfortunately, his parents, each with a lover of their own, have had the same idea. Shattered romances, deep passion, indescribable pain, and dark comedy abound in this absurd, tragic comedy about dysfunctional relationships.

Albert Taylor Theatre ¡ Tickets: $12 - $14

217.424.6318 • kirklandfinearts.com

December 7 at 7:30PM December 8 at 7:30PM December 9 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM

millikin.edu/theatre

millikin.edu/visit

HOLIDAYS

32 | November 2017

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THRIVE Q&A

JULIA LIVINGSTON

WHY YOU’RE PART OF THE JUDY MASON THANKSGIVING BASKET PROJECT:

Photo: Stephanie Gagnon

In addition to the obvious turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings, November makes us think of thankfulness – and giving thanks in Decatur leads our minds to the Judy Mason Thanksgiving Basket Project, the longrunning local effort to make sure Macon County families have things in their bellies and hearts to be thankful for. So who better to ask how to give thanks than the project’s own coordinator, Julia Livingston?

FAVORITE FALL FAMILY OUTING IN MACON COUNTY:

My family loves Black Bart’s Pumpkin Patch! We usually go multiple times in the autumn (on field trips and together as a family). There are so many pumpkin patches in the area, but we love Black Bart's for the close proximity and the family-owned atmosphere, as well as the new activities added there each year!

FAVORITE FALL DATE NIGHT IN MACON COUNTY:

Does the soccer field count? Between our daughter, Joella, and sons, Stanford and Silas, playing travel, MYSL and Little Kritters soccer respectively for MidState Soccer Club, and my husband coaching our daughter's travel team and helping to coach the St. Teresa boys soccer team, we spend a considerable amount of time at soccer fields. So, although we’re all together, the soccer fields prove to be a pretty good "date!"

I fell in love with the project, the cause, and for a lifetime, I've been in love with this community.

With the Judy Mason Project, we are able to ensure that 4,000 families (approximately 20,000 Macon County residents) are able to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with the tradition of food like so many others might take for granted.

I love that this is a project that everyone in the community can get involved in—from Thanksgiving cards made by students in most of the local schools to thousands of volunteers coming out to help at one or all of the six volunteer dates to the $100,000 that is raised each year…every member of our community can contribute.

SOMETHING ABOUT THE JUDY MASON THANKSGIVING BASKET PROJECT THAT WOULD SURPRISE US:

Every dollar that’s donated to the Judy Mason Project is used to purchase food items. Each box contains 15-25 food items, which can assist a family of 5 in eating the week of Thanksgiving.

Every other item that we use for the project [is] donated from community businesses and individuals. The fact that the Judy Mason Project is in its 21st year is telling about our community's commitment to giving.

HOW PEOPLE CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THE JUDY MASON THANKSGIVING BASKET PROJECT:

Through the Community Foundation of Macon County, we send brochures each year to over 1,300 community members asking for donations and volunteers. Please consider calling 429-3000 to be added to this mailing list. If you visit www. feed5for25.com, you can stay up to date with this year's volunteer dates and location, and you can donate financially to the success of the project.

For just $25, a person can help to feed a family of 5 right here in Macon County for Thanksgiving.

WWW.FEED5FOR25.COM

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1. Find all 6 differences and earn 2 entries! Send an email by November 15 to contests@thrivedecatur.com that includes your name and the 6 differences. 2. Couldn’t find all the differences?

Visit THRIVE Decatur on Facebook on November 15 to see the password. Email your name and password to earn 1 entry. Winners will be drawn on or around November 20 and notified by email. One entry per email address.

All entrants names and email addresses will be used to promote future contests by Thrive and shared with the Spot the Difference Challenge Sponsor for promotional usage.

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