SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE: Sarah Jane Photography
Decatur
Gamers Mi CASA Es Su CASA Mamma Mia Pizzeria Coney's Cookies Art Speak: Go to Learn!
Visual Guide to Fairy Gardens
FREE
Apr2012 Featuring: The Decatur area’s handiest Events Calendar
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is a FREE, monthly entertainment guide featuring the handiest events calendar for the Decatur, IL area. THRIVE IS ALSO
... a state of Being. To THRIVE is to Flourish. It’s Prosperity. It’s Success. It’s Positivity at all cost. It’s finding the Fun in all you do. It isn’t always easy, but to persevere against those who would have you believe “there’s nothing to do here” is to THRIVE. THRIVE is a publication of Showcard Studio PO Box 6195 • Decatur, IL 62524 • 217.791.5653 www.thrivedecatur.com www.issuu.com/thrivedecatur Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com Copy Editor: Teena Zindel-McWilliams The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein Contributors: T. F. Dude Todd Hauser Photographers: Sarah Jane Alida Duff Sullivan Layout Design: Showcard Studio Printing: Wood Printing Special thanks to the Macon Resources CAPS Program (Community Awareness, Possibilities & Supports) for all your help with THRIVE deliveries! 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.
02 | april 2012
ADM • Aloha • America’s Best Value Inn • An Affair to Remember • Applebee’s • Architectural Expressions • Area One Realtors • Aspen Dental • Attitudes Salon • AVON Theater • Baker Law Office • Baymont Inn & Suites • Beautiful Beginnings • Bliss Salon • Blue Connection • Blue Eggs & Ham • Blue Mound Village Hall • Bourbon Barrel • Brinkoetter & Associates • C&K Custom Signs • Carlos O’Kelly’s • Cartridge World • Casey’s General Store - Maroa • Casey’s General Store - West Mound • Caterpillar • Cedar Lake Gardens and Gifts • Central Illinois Hand Center • Central Illinois Title Company • Children’s Museum of Illinois • Citizens Barnes Building • Clayton Sales • Coffee Connection • Cohn Furniture • Collect Them • Comfort Inn • Coney McKane’s • Coney’s Cookies • Connected Pairs & Herington Counseling • Corona’s • Country Inn & Suites • Coziahr Harley Davidson • Curly’s Bar • Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Das Funky Stuff • Days Inn • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau • Decatur Athletic Club • Decatur Back & Neck Center • Decatur Beach House • Decatur Civic Center • Decatur Conference Center & Hotel • Decatur Dental Care • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn II • Decatur Memorial Hospital • Decatur Mutual Insurance • Decatur Professional Plaza • Decatur Public Library • Decatur Surf Club • Decatur Title • DECU - North • Del’s Express • Diane’s Mane Strategy • Different by Design • Dippin’ Merv’s • DMH Express Care - Fairview • Doherty’s Pub & Pins • Donnie’s Homespun Pizza • Downtown Cafe • Downtown Fitness Club • Dragon Buffet • Dynagraphics/ FastImpressions • Earthen Pottery • Embroidered Expressions • Endless Summer Tanning • Exsalonce Studio & Day Spa • Famous Liquors • Filippo’s Pizza • First Wok • Fox & Hounds • Freedom Gas - Maroa • Fringe Salon • Fuji • G-B’s CD’s • Garcia’s Pizza • George’s Skate Center • Gerber State Bank - Argenta • Gerber State Bank - Oreana • Giggles • Golden Glaze Donuts • Good Naber Specialty Foods • Goodfellas • Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce • Greater Decatur Y • Guadalajara • Gyro King • Haines & Essick Co • Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham • Holiday Inn Express • Homeward Bound Pet Shelter • Humane Society of Decatur and Macon Co • IHOP • It’s a Girl Thing • It’s Just a Little Prick Tattoo Co. • Jan’s East End Grill • Jimmy Ryan’s • JJ’s Uptown Resale Boutique • Katz on Merchant • KC Hall • Krekels Mt Zion • Krekels - Oakland • Krekels North • Kroger - Airport Road • Kroger - Fairview • Kroger - South Shores • La Gondola • La Petite Salon • Lana’s Cakewalk • Land of Lincoln CU - Mound • Land of Lincoln CU - Oakland • Leo H. Berger Insurance • Linda’s Music • Lock Stock & Barrel • Love at First Sight • Lyle Campbell & Sons Realty • Macon County Farm Bureau • Macon Resources Main Building • Madden Arts Center • Main Hangar • Main Street Cafe - Maroa • Mari Mann Herbs Co • Mary Belle’s • Maustell’s Pizza • McGorray’s Golf & Grille • Melanie Schelling - State Farm • Merle Norman • Merry Maids • Mi Pueblito • Miles Chevrolet • Miles/Nissan • Millenium Tan • Millie & Bo’s Barkery • Millikin University/Kirkland • Monical’s • Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce • Mt. Zion Convention Center • Mt. Zion Library • Mt. Zion Village Hall • My Shipping Place • Mystic Tan • Neil Tire & Auto Service - Mt Zion • Neuhoff Media • Nola’s Hair Salon • Northgate Pet Clinic • Nova Framing / Gallery 510 • Novel Ideas • Old Book Barn • One Main Place • Oreana Public Library • Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Specialists of Central IL • P&G Quickstop - Blue Mound • Paco’s Sol Bistro • Party Warehouse • Pastabilities • Perkins • Personal Medical Supply • Petals • Pho Golden Noodle Bowl • Pizza Hut - Mt Zion • Pla-Mor Lanes • Play it Again Sports • Pop’s Place • Porter’s on Merchant • Priceless Smiles/Styles & Smiles • Pride Coin Laundry - Eldorado • Pride Coin Laundry - Mt. Zion • Ralph’s West End Market • Ramada Limited • Ray Eldridge Jewelry • Regions - Decatur Main • Regions - Northtown • Rendezvous Bar & Grill • Renew Total Wellness • Richland Community College • Richland Fairview Park Plaza Center • Robbies Outlet • Rock Springs Nature Center • Roots Salon • RUSH Wireless • Russ Proesel DDS • Salon 402 • Salon Zen • Shear Learning • Shop on Main • Signature Salon • Sleep Inn • Sloan’s Calzones • Smith Tire Co • Solar Tan • Sound Check Music Center • Soy Capital Bank • Spa Villa • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube • Speed Lube Total Care • Star Silkscreen • Studio 7 Salon & Day Spa • Subway - Oakwood • Sun & Fun • Swartz Properties • Tasty’s Chicago Grille - Eldorado • Texas Roadhouse • The Bullet Trap • The Decanter • The Decatur Club • The Fox’s Den • The Newsstand • The Secret Garden • The Teacher’s Lounge • The Wharf • The Winery • Timbuktu • Tournesol • Triple Dog Dare Ya • Tropix Salon and Spa • Unique Boutique • University Dogs • Up N’ Runnin’ • Veolia Environmental Services • Wabash Crossing Antiques • Whitestar Home Healthcare Services • Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe • Zips Florist by the Gates
WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME HERE? 217.791.5653
in this issue
05 18 30 39
14 on the cover One of many unique games the Decatur Gamers play, Sticks and Stones is a hilarious role playing game with cavemen and dinosaurs where talking is outlawed. Players must communicate using grunts and gestures only! photo: Alida Duff Sullivan
30
CASA Raffle
This pirate flag flies high on one of this year's CASA playhouses. photo: Sarah Jane
BEHIND THE THRIVE
04
March: Out and About
05
SPOTLIGHT: Mama Mia Pizzeria
08
The Food Dude: Coney's Cookies
10
Art Speak: Learn Before You Go or Go to Learn 12
April Events Calendar
18
Visual Guide to Fairy Gardens
28
Three Ways: Are You a Bad Storyteller?
33
Spot the Difference: Sarah Jane Photography
35
issue #35 | april 2012 thrivedecatur.com | issuu.com/thrivedecatur
THRIVE
is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.
WE RECYCLE!
Do You? Hand THRIVE to a friend or put it out in your bin!
THRIVE is printed using 10% Post Consumer Waste, SFI, FSC, Green-eCertified papers.
april 2012 | 03
CONGRATS TO OUR MARCH WINNER:
Brenda Clark
March Answers: 1. Garbage can is missing 2. Truck in service center is lowered 3. Electric pole missing crossbar 4. Ice chest sign is red instead of blue 5. Billingsley sign is missing 6. Car wash sign is higher
April Spot the Difference Challenge on p.35
BEHIND THE
THRIVE
With this issue, Thrive would like to help you find the kid inside and remember what it's like to just play. Whether it means learning some new games from the Decatur Gamers, thinking like a kid again to see the fun in building playhouses or looking into the miniature little world of a Fairy Garden, I hope you find some inspiration to relax and play like a kid again. Oh, and did I mention you should eat cookies and ice cream from Coney's Cookies like a kid, too? Hope you enjoy!
Earthen Pottery AND
Shop 201
Irresistible fashion, accessories, garden & home decor
201 N. Main St • Downtown Decatur 217.433.1444 • Monday- Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-4 04 | april 2012
Out & About
A look back at last month’s happenings
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake Teams from all over Macon County line up for this annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters and they had a great turnout this year with over 500 bowlers participating. Caterpillar took the cake, though, with over 90 bowlers!
Photos: Ali Stanton
april 2012 | 05
Out & About
A look back at last month’s happenings
Beer Run
Do these folks look like they need an ice cold beverage, or what? Good thing they're breaking out from the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Decatur and running all the way to the party at Lock Stock & Barrel. It's hard to believe the run to LSB has been around for 23 years, but it isn't hard to believe this was the largest group to take the challenge so far. Anyone who was at the parade can tell you they just kept coming and coming. Runners on a mission, I'd say!
St. Patty's Day Parade photo: Katrina Smalley
Dueling Downtown
Two pianos, one stage, three hours of ridiculous fun. The Children's Museum of Illinois moved their piano party to the Masonic Temple for the first time this year, and it seems they packed the house!
06 | april 2012
Dueling Downtown photos: Sophia Xethalis
Say Hello to the "Decada Cicada"
Decada Cicada photo: Aaron Downs
Melissa Downs, an art teacher at Baum Elementary School, created the "Decada Cicada" using recycled farm materials and metal. You can see the tree bugger at Central Park in downtown Decatur as part of the Tree Huggers public art project put on by the Decatur Area Arts Council. Sue Powell, from the DAAC, shared a description for the "Decada Cicada" application. "A nice reminder from summer time of the abundance of the 17-year cicadas in Decatur."
Polar Plunge photos: Katrina Smalley
Frozen Copscicles
The Decatur Park District Copscicles got down to business and took the plunge at this year's Lake Decatur Polar Plunge (above). Taking first place in our Thrive Craziest Costume Contest was team "Occupy Lake Decatur" (bottom right). The runner up team was the "Frosted Flakes" with Wonder Woman and Super Girl (top right).
april 2012 | 07
08
SPOTLIGHT
by Joli Hohenstein
Children’s Museum
Delivers Fresh Baked Fun Adds delivery car to Mamma Mia Pizzeria
Pizza lovers, take note! There’s a new game in town, and they promise much more than delivery in 30 minutes or less. Serving up fun and frivolity, the Children’s Museum’s new Mamma Mia Pizzeria exhibit just debuted in February, but like any good family business, they’re already expanding. Soon to be part of the mix: a shiny new delivery vehicle, tricked out and ready for play. The bright yellow new Volkswagen Beetle will come complete with a delivery light, colorful graphics and two activities that effortlessly combine education and entertainment. A counting game lets kids see how many pizza boxes they can load up in a set timeframe, while a fractions activity features pizzas in different quantities to help children build pies by the slice while learning about thirds, quarters, and halves. Made possible through a generous gift from the Nims Foundation, the pizza joint (technically, it’s a pizza and gelato stand) was an idea floating around for years, says Executive Director Melinda Shaw. In separate trips, both she and the Nims family vacationed in Italy and saw the potential for channeling life across the pond into education.
photo: Sarah Jane
Murphy’s for the first 500 kids, but the real fun is in the play pizzas ready to “bake” every day. With crust, cheese and toppings made from recycled sweaters, they’re durable, washable and downright delightful. “A lady in Wisconsin makes them,” says Melinda. “We love that they’re washable, and because they’re cloth, kids are less likely to put them in their mouths.” Also on the menu: felt chocolate chip cookies, cucumber, lettuce and tomato courtesy of a Museum staffer. “You don’t want to eat too much pizza—you want to balance with salad and other foods,” Melinda laughs. With nearly 10,000 people through the Museum just since the new exhibit opened, you can bet this pizzeria is seeing its share of popularity, and the delivery Bug is sure to drive more right to it. The Museum’s own in-house building guru, Eric Childress, is fashioning the Bug after one of the Nims family’s own beloved vehicles, giving him even more canvas for creativity. It should be on the road to fun by Good Friday (April 6).
“It’s been so well received, and it’s fun for any age group,” she says. “We have it upstairs near the super service center, so you can have your car worked on and get some pizza and gelato while you wait.”
Get There: Children's Museum of Illinois
The exhibit launched with free individual Mini Murph kid-sized build-a-pizzas from Papa
Tu-Fr 9:30a-4:30p, Sa 10a-5p, Su 1-5p
55 South County Club Road, Decatur 217.423.5437 | www.cmofil.com
Hours:
Joli Hohenstein is a senior contributor to THRIVE. She is an award-winning freelance writer, marketer, and editor. Get more Joli at jolihohenstein.com. 08 | april 2012
Publisher's
Pick of the Month Just a little something we ran across and wanted to share.
Lemon Poppy Seed Soap
$6 from The Secret Garden
I've always liked the idea of handmade soap, but now that I've tried this Lemon Poppy Seed soap made by Wisely Used Herbs, I'm hooked. The company has now transitioned into the Old Barn Soap Company in Illiopolis, so you might have to look for this soap in a different package. Who cares what it looks like, though! This soap is made locally with 100% natural ingredients including oils from Coconut, Olive, Poppy Seed and Lemon Grass. Plus, it leaves your skin feeling amazing. The Lemon Poppy Seed is a perfect spring scent, but I look forward to trying the Orange Creamsicle facial soap and Lavender Vanilla!
photos: Katrina Smalley
april 2012 | 09
10
THE FOOD DUDE
by T. F. DUDE
Coney's Cookies... and more! Does Coney’s Cookies give you a fabulous culinary experience far beyond the average chocolate chip and slice-n-bake most of us settle for? Do they take it one step farther for tastebud-tempting, mouthwatering, can’tstop-popping-them temptation? You bet your booty, and now they have ice cream, too! Each day brings a surprise, with to-die-for desserts joining the always worthy chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, snicker doodle and other stalwarts. Like the one we call lemon dream, a soft, delectable confection with a drizzle of icing over a chewy citrus infused poppyseed cakelike creation. Or white chocolate cranberry macadamia (*drool*), a personal favorite that perfectly pairs the richness of white chocolate with the tartness of the cranberry and the crunchiness of the macadamia. Holidays bring special surprises at Coney’s Cookies, and kids of all ages will delight. Heart-shaped crispy treats for Valentine’s Day, specially iced Santas and trees for the holidays, hauntingly hilarious Frankensteins and ghosts for Halloween, teasing turkeys for Thanksgiving. They’ve got it all. And lest they be left out, businesses, take note, too! Nothing cements a business relationship like a well-baked cookie…right? Well it should. For a “thanks for the business,” “congrats on the deal” or just a “we appreciate what you do,” cookie baskets from Coney’s say it all. Bring your own container, or they’ll provide one for you. Add special personalized cookies for your own signature basket. They’ll put your logo, mascot or just about anything on a cookie— you dream it; they’ll design it!
photo: T. F. Dude
Beyond cookies (beyond cookies, you say? Why?). You’ll scream for Coney’s ice cream, that’s why! The latest addition is a selection of hand dipped deliciousness featuring all of your favorite flavors and then some. Take it up a notch with a personal favorite, the salted pretzel cone with mint chip ice cream, the ultimate sunny day treat. You’ll make your mouth and your tummy happy with this perfect marriage of sweet and salty, like French fries with a chocolate shake. Even the well-seasoned Food Dude dropped not just keys but phone twice racing to the car to sit down and enjoy, all the while, dreaming of a “Coney’s Cookie Challenge” to try a new flavor every week! It’s impossible to be in a bad mood after stopping by Coney’s Cookies!
Get There: Coney’s Cookies 231 N. Main St., Decatur | 428-4444 www.coneyscookies.com or find them on Facebook!
Agree? Disagree? Join the discussion at Facebook.com/DecaturFoodDude. The Food Dude is not a professional critic. He just really, really likes food. 10 | april 2012
What are you? An...
Optimist - or Pessimist? Here’s how I see April: Let’s start with a day where all the tired old pranksters play the same tired old pranks. Halfway through the month we are still paying off taxes. What happens in between is thirteen days of rain. The second half of the month is a hazy blur of trips to the pharmacy for more allergy medicine and six walks around the block between the hours of 2 and 5 am when your dog gets sick from the pesticide on your neighbor's lawn. What's not to love about April? I think that is plenty to be pessimistic about. But what does Decatur think? When it comes to April, are you an optimist or a pessimist?
92%
Heck yeah! I'm an optimist!
8%
Are you kidding? I loathe April.
Lots of 78° and sunny days mean lots of optimists. See you in allergy season. Based on 2010 Census data, margin of error for this survey is +/- 22%. Seriously, this is the opposite of scientific.
april 2012 | 11
12
ART SPEAK
by Jerry Johnson
Learn Before You Go or Go to Learn
DAAC Member's event A Night at the Opera with voice coaches Ann Borders (speaking, right) and Nicole Leupp (standing against wall). photo: Jerry Johnson
Have you ever had someone invite you to an event, but you turned the person down because you didn’t know anything about it or because “it’s not your thing”? I’ve discovered a Catch-22 when approaching something that I’ve never experienced or I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy. If I don’t really know anything about it, I don’t know if I’m going to enjoy it, and enjoying something new is difficult when I don’t know much about it. My solution is to learn a little about it before I go. A little knowledge helps me know what to expect and how to determine whether I’m experiencing a quality performance. Also, the act of attending the event helps me learn more about what makes it unique and develop a greater appreciation for the skills and experience required to deliver real quality. In February, I attended my first opera, “Orpheus in the Underworld,” at Milllikin University. Opera has always seemed foreign to me with the unfamiliar singing style and the struggle with the foreign language. Fortunately, I didn’t have to go totally ignorant about what to expect. Earlier in the month, The Decatur Area Arts Council hosted two Millikin voice professors, Ann Borders and Nicole Leupp, at a Members’ Event to talk about opera. I learned that singing opera is a skill that takes time to master and that it is a physical process. Ann Borders remarked that opera singers are the Olympic gymnasts of vocalists. They work
for years on the proper technique and physical conditioning that allow them to perform their amazing vocal feats. With these new insights, I watched the Millikin production. After the performance, I spoke to my friend, and Ann’s husband, Dick Borders, who told me that he has come to really enjoy opera. He was once a novice, but the more he has experienced it, the more he has learned to judge the elements necessary to present a quality opera. I enjoyed “Orpheus in the Underworld,” but I think I’m going to have to learn more about opera and attend a few more before I make up my mind about it. The Arts Council’s Members’ Events present information about different art forms to help members better understand and appreciate them. In April, Kevin Graham from The Decanter will talk about the subtleties of wine to prepare us for Corks & Forks on April 26. The topic in June will be conducting musicians and voices. Hopefully, the next time I go to hear the Muni Band or Opus 24, I’ll understand what all that hand waving is about. It occurs to me that I’ve never been to a ballet and don’t know much about it. Hmm?
Get There: Corks & Forks Thursday, April 26th, 6-9:30p Decatur Conference Center and Hotel 4191 US 36 West, Decatur | 217.423.3189
Jerry Johnson is the Executive Director of the Decatur Area Arts Council and may be spotted pretty much anywhere art is happening. 12 | april 2012
A
D
V
E
R
T
O
R
I
A
Dear Miss Manners,
L
I am ready to select my wedding invitations. Do you have any advice I should follow? - Teri
Teri - Miss Manners offers the following guidelines for invitation selection: 1. Visualize your wedding. Your invitation should reflect the theme and tone of the experience your guests can expect to receive. 2. Determine the number of guests to be invited. Remember that a couple or family receives only one invitation. 3. Determine a budget amount for invitations. Include postage and postage for response envelopes. 4. Begin the process of looking at invitations. Use a local company. They have samples that you can touch, feel and see... often at competitive prices. 5. Send the invitations NOT 6-8 weeks from the wedding date, but 6-8 weeks prior to your caterers food count date. 6. Determine your response information carefully. Do you want people to respond only if they are coming? Or do you want to hear from everyone? Do you need food selection? Who will be responsible for collecting the information and making sure the caterer and venue have the correct number? 7. Manners matter! Be sure to address your invitations properly. Remember, the invitation not only sets the tone, but also provides you with important information. The more accurate the guest number, the less waste not only of food but also associated costs.
To speak with Miss Manners, call
E
vents Plus. 217.233.3391 or email stephanie@eventsplusdecatur.com www.eventsplusdecatur.com
april 2012 | 13
Decatur
Gamers
words: Todd Hauser photos: Alida Duff Sullivan
Some of the Decatur Gamers' tools of the trade: 20, 12, 10, 8, 6 and 4 sided die.
14 | april 2012
I don’t want to dignify the stereotype, but I also want your attention. So let’s knock down some misconceptions: The “gamer” in Decatur Gamers isn’t a euphemism. It isn’t a secret code for Dungeons & Dragons or Magic: The Gathering. Both games are part of the larger Decatur Gamer schedule, but they are also confined to their nights on the calendar. When considering open game nights, the word “gamer” is code for people who play games. Here’s how open game night works. Visit decaturgamers.com to find a date and time that works for you. Then arrive at the specified location at the specified time, and play an available game. That’s it. If you want to play Monopoly or Risk, bring your copy along. You might get a game going, but you might find yourself playing one
Cards from Poo - the Card Game, a fast-paced game for two to eight players. Each player takes on the role of a monkey and the winner is, how do we put this, the cleanest.
of the challenging games brought by a regular member. There are board games, strategy games, and war simulation games. You can wage war along the entire Eastern front of World War II if you’d like, in the aptly titled, War in the East. Another misconception to confront: gamer is not code for a maladjusted man-child living in his mother’s basement. “As a kid I played sports and went outdoors, says Jeff Wells. “We played board games if it rained.” “I was really into sports as a kid,” says Steve Sanders. “I played soccer. Baseball too, but mostly soccer. I still coach soccer. I work for the school district. We just blend into society, and you can’t really tell who are gamers and who aren’t.” Sanders has been coming to the open game night since its second night, about three years ago. The idea of playing games, especially
board games, can evoke intimate moments of your childhood. It might be off-putting to think about the unchecked competitiveness of knockdown, drag-out games of Monopoly with your siblings or Sequence with your parents, juxtaposed against replaying those games in public with people you barely know. You might be surprised to know, however, that not all games are competitive. In fact, you can choose from many cooperative games. For example, in Forbidden Island, players must work together to retrieve a treasure chest and then get off a sinking island safely. “There are actually a lot more ways to lose to this game than there are to win it,” says Wells. Open game night is also not a euphemism for a tight-knit group who continued on page 16
april 2012 | 15
western cowboy theme. What struck me most was the lack of will exclude you because they know hipster attitude. No one looked down the rules forward and back and don’t their nose at The Game of Life or Sorry, have time for n00bs. Of the twelve and the regulars were happy when people gathered, three were there games they’ve been playing become for the first time. Open game night popular. is usually an opportunity for people “It’s really fun to see Settlers of Catan to try out a new game they’ve just bought, which means everyone at the becoming mainstream and, in some ways, the new Monopoly,” says table is learning to play at the same Sanders. time. Decatur Gamers meet for their open “Once we had to restart a game five game night the last Tuesday of the times because we kept getting it month at the Godfather’s Pizza in wrong,” says Kathleen Dudley. the Airport Plaza near Route 36 and While the Decatur Gamers hosts the second Thursday of month at four open nights of games, they also Wildflour Bakery. They also meet on have game-specific events sprinkled the first Saturday of the month in the through their calendar. That’s how Salvation Army Community Center Bob Jonquet found himself at his and have a standing date at the first open game night. He joined Decatur Club on the third Wednesday Decatur Gamers to play Pathfinder, an of every month. extension of Dungeons & Dragons, but on this Tuesday night, he finds himself TYPICAL GAME NIGHT GAMES playing BANG, a strategy based on a Classic board games - Sorry, Life, Decatur Gamers continued from page 15
16 | april 2012
Monopoly, Risk, Yahtzee, Scrabble, Othello, Trivial Pursuit. Popular board games you may not know - Blokus, Bananagrams, Pictureka, Apples to Apples, Fluxx "Euro Style" games - Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Agricola, Puerto Rico Role playing games - Dungeons and Dragons, Hollow Earth Expedition, Mutants and Masterminds, Savage Worlds, Pathfinder Fantasy-style games - Munchkin, Descent, Red Dragon Inn, Talisman, Killer Bunnies, Loot Miniature wargames - Warhammer, Warhammer 40K, Warmachine, The Lord of the Rings, Flames of War, Axis and Allies Collectible card games - Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh
Decatur Gamer Ben Williams playing LEGO Heroica, a game of building and adventuring.
april 2012 | 17
April Events EVERYDAY
The World We Overlook This exhibit will feature plants, animals, rocks, minerals, bones, mushrooms, insects and archaeology specimens. Exhibit Hall: Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln] Lance Merry Photography Show Exploring the intricate details of orchids, native fish, reptiles and amphibians present in our local environment. North Wing Gallery: Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln] Art Exhibit Decatur Airport Gallery White House Gardens 2nd Floor Gallery, Decatur Library Gallery
EVERY TUESDAY
Storytime Stories, snacks, and a craft. AM: 3-5 year olds. PM: families and children of all ages. Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 10:30a & 6:30p Chess Club www.decaturchessclub.com, Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St] 6-10p Knit Night Bring your own knitting projects. Madden Arts Center Classroom [125 N Water] 7-9p
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY
Exercise Class Blue Mound Memorial Library, 692.2774. 6:30-7:30p
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Story Time (thru 4.18) Stories, crafts and food. Lunch provided. Children ages 2+. Blue Mound Memorial Library [213 N St Marie, Blue Mound] 692.2774, 10:45a
DJ Stevie Ray Kelton-aoke Jabroni's, 9p Open Mic Donnie's Homespun Pizza, 9p
EVERY WEDNESDAYSATURDAY Docta LD DJ/Karaoke Curly’s Bar & Pizza [2683 N Water] 875.9800, 9p-2a
THURSDAY
DJ Stevie Ray Kelton Timbuktu [5843 E State Rt 36] 9p
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Wine Tastings The Decanter Fine Wines [215 N Main St] 422.9463. 4-7p (Fr), 1-6p (Sa)
N Franklin] 2p
1st Church of the Nazarene Crosswalk Central Park [Downtown Decatur] 3-5p Whoopee Cats Pop's Place [4335 W Main] 330.6546. 3-6p
Monday, 2
MDSO Lullaby Concert Music, stories and fun for families with very small children, Free, Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 6:45p One Act Opera Free, Kaeuper Hall: MU [1184 W Main] 7:30p
4.2-4.27
Forgottonia J. Michael Duvall's documentary work has been Classical Guitar Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 broadcast nationally on PBS stations and the History S Oakland] 7-9p Channel. He also produces freelance commercial projects Sunday, 1 along with photographic Open House works. Erlanson Gallery: Triathlon Coach USAT Certified Level 1 Triathlon Richland Community Coach. Spin City Reps available, College[One College Park] 10a3p Mo-Fr Decatur Family YMCA [220 W McKinley Ave] 1-3p
EVERY SATURDAY
Decatur Youth Symphony Concert Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main] 2p Nature's Foolers Hike Discover how plants and animals fool their enemies as we venture along the trails with the naturalist. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 2p The Tea Ladies: Beautiful Hats Through Time Enjoy a breathtaking presentation of the history of hats through the ages (1860's-1920's). A visual delight. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130
4.3
Edible Books Festival The RCC Culinary Arts Students are entering "Huckleberry Finn" at this year's festival. Millikin University, Staley Library. 12-2p.
4.3-4.4
Blooming Trees Did you know that trees have flowers? Some have beautiful showy flowers, while others have flowers that blend in to their surroundings. Discover the secrets of trees in the spring and meet a few local trees. $10, Rock Springs Nature Center. 1p (Tu Ages 3&4) & 9a (We Ages 1-4)
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first! 18 | april 2012
Wednesday, 4
Greater Decatur Chamber Business Breakfast John Vivian, Asst Deputy Comptroller for Champaign. Banking: Coming out of the financial crisis, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie] 7-8a Wednesday Book Club We get the books and you read them! To reg contact library, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621.10:30a Books Between Bites The Tectonic Theater Project arrived in Laramie one month after Matthew Shepard's brutal murder and through a series of visits and interviews created a narrative that tells the story of the murder and of the impact on the town. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 12:15p After 5 Live Featuring painter Jess Black. Enjoy live music and complimentary refreshments. Free, Blue Connection: Downtown [117 N Water St] 428.0112. 5-7:30p Artist Reception: Sue Watts Watercolor paintings, Gallery 510 [160 E Main] 5p
4.4-4.6
Passion 2012 Presented A musical of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Free, 1st Church of the Nazarene [1177 W Hickory Pt Rd] 875.0616. 7p (We-Fr)
headed to the Cross. Anointed 4.6-4.7 Lives Ministries [2510 Parkway Jon Sadomytschenko Ct] 233.9000. 7p (We-Sa), 4p (Sa) One-man band variety show for all ages with music from 4.4-4.28 several generations, The Main Reflections: Fibers & Glass Hangar [910 S Airport Rd] 6-8p Partners two seemingly unrelated art forms that in Saturday, 7 reality share bold colors, FOZ Breakfast with textures, unique materials, and the Easter Bunny layers of reflection. Madden Join us for breakfast and Arts Center, 423.3189 [125 fun activities with the Easter N Water] 8:30a-4:30p Mo-Fr, Bunny! Limited to Friends of 10a-2p Sa the Zoo. Not a FOZ? Call today to join, $5, Scovill Zoo [71 S Thursday, 5 Country Club Rd] 421.7435. Whoopee Cats 9-10:30a Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St] 428.5612. 7:30-9:30p Annual Easter Egg Hunt Rain or shine. Bring a basket, 4.5, 4.19 Maroa Public Library [305 E Meridian Tapping Garfield St, Maroa] 10a Tapping Pain Away Tapping with your fingertips Annual Forsyth on acupressure points while Easter Egg Hunt acknowledging your aches Forsyth Park, 10a and pains, phobias, perceived limitations, worries, and Book Signing unpleasant memories helps Rick Ackerly, nationally to neutralize emotional and recognized expert on physical stress. $10, Mari-Mann education and parenting Herb Farm [1405 Mari Mann and author of "The Genius Ln] 6-7:30p in Children." Books available for purchase. Free, Wildflour Friday, 6 Artisan Bakery & CafĂŠ [256 W Scovill Zoo Opening Day Main] 10a-12p Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd] 10a-5p Decatur, IL Moms Egg Hunt Kiwanis Park [Decatur] 10a Jenny Campbell Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Easter Egg Hunt Oakland] 9p People's Church of God [833 W Pershing] 877.7224. 10a Chris Bradley & Jennifer Hood Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 424.3433. 10-11p
4.4-4.7
Road to Calvery Presented Experiencing the heart, mind and steps of Jesus as he
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April Events Macon County's Largest Easter Egg Hunt 65000+ easter eggs & prizes. Registration and check-in at 9:30a. Carnival Games, Blacklight Puppet Show, & Egg Hunts for different ages throughout the event. Heartland Community Church [3253 N Brush College Rd] 877.9529. 10a
Diversity Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 4-6p Whoopee Cats Sliderz [5995 E St Rt 36] 864.9227. 4-7p Decatur Derby Dames v Lincoln Land Roller Derby Season opener. After Party at DCCH immediately following, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Plaza] 6-10p
Preschool PeepersBunny Tail Children ages 3-5 will put a spring into their step as we hop into the lives of bunnies through a story, activity and nature hike. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 10a
Maroa-Forsyth Alumni Banquet Cocktails, dinner, and dancing, TBD [Maroa] 841.7331. 6p
Veggie Gardening Seminar Free, Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts [3231 E Mound] 875.3331. 10:30a
Decatur Underground Theatre Trivia Night Raffle prizes, 50/50. Order dinner and enjoy a full night of trivia. $10 ind, $70/table 8, $30/ table of 4, Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St] 791.1966. 7p
Main Hangar Car Show Cruisin' Roosters Car Show, Decatur Airport [910 S Airport Rd] 12-4p Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. For more info, www.decaturgamers.com, The Salvation Army [229 W Main St] 1p Live Music Kyle (Kieszling) the Banjo Man, playing blues, folk, and rock. Free, donations encouraged, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Café [256 W Main] 1-3p Critter Egg Hunt Search for treats and enjoy free zoo admission all day (carousel & train fees still apply)! Song/ Dances at 1:30p, Free, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd] 421.7435. 2p
5th Annual Spring Fling/ Season Opener Macon Speedway [205 N Wiles, Macon] Time TBD
Acoustica Katz [112 N Merchant] 8-11p The Hitmen and a Dame Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8p-12a Mondope: DUBSTEP Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 424.3433. 9:30p-12a
Monday, 9
Kids Movie Schools out so join us for movie and popcorn, Free, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. 1p
Tuesday, 10
Greater Decatur Chamber After Hours Dawson & Wikoff -North Chapel [4020 N Water St] 5-7p
D' Brew Crew Decatur area home-brewers meeting. Are you a home brewer, or interested in starting? Come check us out, and bring your homebrew with you. Call or email for location each month. dbrewcrew@facebook.com, TBD [Decatur] 309.824.8573. 7p
Wednesday, 11
Mt Zion Chamber Luncheon Speaker Mayor Don Robinson, Exhibitor Secret Recipes, Mt Zion Convention Center [1400 Mt Zion Pkwy, Mt Zion] 11:30a Book-A-Movie: Midday Matinee Join us for a light lunch and showing of War Horse. Reg reqd, Free, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. 12p Rose Gardening Enjoy a program on rose gardening with Dan Keil. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 6p
Thursday, 12
Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. For schedule of games and info, www. decaturgamers.com, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Café [256 W Main] 5p Take Back the Night Sexual Assault Awareness program, Central Park [Downtown Decatur] 6:30-9:30p Live Music Original music by student songwriters playing light rock and country, Free, donations encouraged, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Café [256 W Main] 7-9p
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first! 20 | april 2012
4.12-4.14
23rd Annual Pride of the Prairie Marble Show Room trading, buying, and selling, Free, Country Inn and Suites [5150 Hickory Point Frontage Rd]
4.12-4.15
Association of Lincoln Presenters National Conference Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US Hwy 36 W]
Friday, 13
The Curators Live old-timey, folk music played in a family friendly environment. $5, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & CafĂŠ [256 W Main] 6-8p Haunted Decatur Tour Travel throughout the city of Decatur in search of history, hauntings and spirits! Hosted by Troy Taylor, $30, The Avon Theatre [426 N Water] 7p Lucky Night Out A great time for a great cause. Mt Zion Foundation for Quality Education. Silent and live auctions, food, fun & games, cash bar, $40, Mt Zion Convention Center [1400 Mt Zion Pkwy, Mt Zion] 7p Acoustica Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8-11p
The Innkeepers Join Troy Taylor on a special screening of The Innkeepers, Free, The Avon Theatre [426 N Water] 10:30p
Saturday Book Club We get the books and you read them! To reg contact library, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. 11a
Saturday, 14
Indoor Community Garage Sale Macon County Fairgrounds [3700 Westlawn Ave] 421.6961. 7a-2p Annual Moonshine Lunch Run Freedom By Choice Abate of Illinois will be leading the way to Moonshine for a tasty moonburger. Meet at Rural King [1920 S Mt Zion Rd] 358.0526. 7:30a
Open House - Customer Appreciation Day In-House Poker Run, Free Dyno runs (spots are limited), Used bike demo rides. Coziahr H-D [150 W Marion Ave] All Day Kite Day Dozens of kites will paint the sky for this annual spring tradition. Bring your favorite kite and join the fun! Sinawik Park [Decatur] 1-3p
Macon County Heart Walk 5K American Heart Association 5K honoring Darrell Beck, $25 before 4.13, $30 race day, Nelson Park [Decatur] 8a-12p 2nd Saturday Book Sale Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 9:30a Down on the Farm Animal Crackers Class. Children ages 3–5 can listen to a story, meet an animal, create a craft with their adult guests and snack on animal crackers! $10, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd] 421.7435. 9:30-10:15a & 11-11:45a
Dulcimer Club Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the music. Rock Springs Nature LHP Center [3939 Nearing Lane] Live music, no cover, call for dinner reservations! Free, Paco's 10a Sol Bistro. 330.6483. 8-11p Fairy Gardening Seminar Free, Cedar Lake Gardens & Justin Torres Loop Project Gifts [3231 E Mound] 875.3331. Donnie's Homespun Pizza 10:30a 424.3433. Time TBD Hipbone Sam Timbuktu Saloon, 8p
Macon Speedway Racing Full Weekly Racing, Macon Speedway [205 N Wiles, Macon] Time TBD
Presidents and Poetry: The White House Garden The White House gardens are more recent but no less important: they are intimately bound up with the stories of some of our most famous presidents and their first ladies. Free, Decatur Public Library, 1p Spring Wildflower Hikes Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 2p Decatur Big Band Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 4-6p
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April Events The Still Sliderz [5995 E St Rt 36] 864.9227. 4-7p Second Saturday Sow Sow Good Sow Sweet Ministries will host this spoken word/poetry reading. All welcome. Free, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & CafĂŠ [256 W Main St] 422.3300. 5-7p Prairieland Punishers v Delevan Dolls of Derby $10, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Plaza] 6p GLAD Social 6:30 start, 7p potluck followed by program. Gladdecatur.com, TBD [Decatur] 6:30p Bellies for Bellies Belly dancers from the mid-west community. Tickets available at the door. Richland Community College, 917.2359. 7p David Allan Coe $25, Bunker's [220 Old Rt 36, Illiopolis] 486.5100. 7p Environmental Film Series Are You Addicted To Plastic? From Styrofoam cups to artificial organs, plastics have costs for our environment now and in the future. Free, Unitarian Universalist [3773 N MacArthur Rd] 7p Rhythmic Circus The combined and highly integrated talents of the dancers and musicians alike have built a reputation for leaving audiences on their feet and dancing in the aisles! $12-24, Kirkland Fine Arts Center. 7:30p A Piece of Mind Staring Jay Deep. Barbershop, BET Comicview, Def Comedy Jam, $15 (adv), $20 (door), Decatur Masonic Temple [224 W Williams] 848.0419. 8p
Alligator Wine Come one, come all to the greatest show on earth, well at least a good show! Katz [112 N Merchant] 8-11p Indras Band Pop's Place [4335 W Main] 330.6546. 8p-12a Reefer Madness Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 424.3433. 9:30p-12a
4.14-4.15
Plantation Junior Golf Tour [Red Tail Run] Times Vary
Sunday, 15
Sports Card & Collectible Show Sports cards vintage 50's to current, autos, photos, memorabilia, collectibles. Free, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US Hwy 36 W] 9a Wildflower Photo Safari Workshop Go on a wildflower photo safari with volunteer and photographer Jerry Sievers. Participants need to bring their cameras. Reserv by 4.9, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 1p KirkOut: String Performance Free, Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 2p Spring Wildflower Hikes Fort Daniel [Mt Zion] 2p
M ike Lewis. $10, Knights of Columbus 577 [520 E North St] 875.3090. 5-8p
Just Flicks Earth 2100. Refreshments served. Discussion follows each film. Free, Central Christian Church [650 W William St] 6p
Monday, 16
Monday Night Jazz Free, Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 6-8p War and Peace and Roses: Famous Speeches in the White House Garden The White House garden, especially the Rose Garden, has been an important location in domestic and foreign policy for the United States. Join us to learn more about the role of the gardens in shaping American history. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 6p A Night of Poetry Original verse, celebrated poets, and heartfelt readings, live original music, refreshments and an open mic! Free, Madden Arts Center [125 N Water] 423.3189. 6:30-9p Secrets of Growing Great Tomatoes Richard Zerfowski from the Macon County Master Gardeners will talk about how you can improve your tomatoes and how to prevent diseases. Oreana Library [100 S Rt 48, Oreana] 468.2340. 7-8p
Blues Jam/Open Mic Triple Shot. If you play, sing or just enjoy the music, come join Tuesday, 17 us. Cornerstone Tavern [1190 W Decatur Garden Club: Container Gardening South Side Dr] 3p Join us for a program from Connie's Greenhouse West End Blues Project featuring three different Pop's Place [4335 W Main] container gardens with three 330.6546. 3-6p different designs. This is a Singles/Couples Dance With live band BAM. B ill and A dam Cunningham, and
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first! 22 | april 2012
great way to start your spring flower gardening!, Madden Auditorium: DPL,12p
Show Choir Spaghetti Dinner Mt Zion Show Choirs to perform, Mt Zion High School [315 S Henderson St] Time TBD Jazz Band I & II Concert Free, Westminster Presbyterian Church [1360 W Main] 7:30p T.W. Samuels Lecture James Bradley, author of "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Flyboys." Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main] 7:30p
Wednesday, 18
Library SnapShot Day! The Barclay Library will be chronicling a typical library day. The results collected will be added to libraries across Illinois to show lawmakers how libraries provide invaluable services. Free Popcorn to boot! Free, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. All Day Culinary Arts Luncheon Food prepared by the students of the Richland Culinary Arts Institute. $10, Shilling Center: RCC, 875.7211 x740. Seatings at 11:30a or 12p Artist Reception: Forgottonia J Michael Duvall, Erlanson Gallery: RCC, 12-1p Wii Games School's out early - join us for Wii games on the big screen and snacks. Free, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. 2-3:30p
Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. For schedule of games and info, www. decaturgamers.com, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie] 5p Motorcycle Bootcamp Basic training for those who are ready to ride. Learn about everything from the headlights to the tailpipes! Coziahr H-D [150 W Marion Ave] 877.7115. 6:30-9p Decatur History Club History topics discussed. Free, Staley Room: DPL. 7p
treat!, $9 non-member, $6 mem, Children's Museum of Illinois, Time TBD
Friday, 20
Be an Angel of Change 7th Annual Celebration Day. Krispy Kreme doughnuts by the dozen on sale. Lunch with Turasky's. Online auction from 4.13-4.22 (www.biddingforgood. com/cidecatur). Doughnuts 6-10a, Lunch 11a-1:30p, $7 (doughnuts); $6.50 (lunch), Central Park [Downtown Decatur] 6a-2p
Noon Women's Network 20th Anniversary Luncheon Bruce Nims will be presenting 4.18-4.19 the Grow Decatur Initiative and will be conducting a focus Caterpillar Crawl group activity. The Decatur Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle! Caterpillars are amazing insects Club [158 W Prairie] 519.4783. that change into butterflies and 11:45a-1p moths. Come explore the life of little caterpillars through Day by Day movement, activities and The Mayan Way more. $10, Rock Springs Nature Learn all about the Mayan Center. 1p (We Ages 3&4), 9a Clendrics and their view on the (Th Ages 1-4) universe. $5, Mari-Mann Herb Farm [1405 Mari Mann Ln] 4-5p
Thursday, 19
DPL Book Club "The Razor's Edge" by W. Somerset Maugham, Board Room: DPL [130 N Franklin] 1p Greater Decatur Chamber After Hours Macon Resources, 5-7p Maggie Boland Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 424.3433. 9:30p-12a
Caribbean Art Auction Caribbean Art Auction and Presentation "Microfinance: How It Works, How It Helps, and How You Can Make a Difference." Presented by the Millikin Microfinance Fund. $20, Blue Connection: Downtown [117 N Water St] 853.3723. 5-7p
4.19-4.20
Fairy Tale Ball Wear your favorite princess dress and dance the evening away! We will make a very special craft, read a princess story, and enjoy a majestic
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April Events Heartland Heroes Speaker: Debi Meeds, Executive with the Red Cross & coordinator of the Joplin, Missouri, tornado response. Dinner & Silent Auction, $50, $350/table of 8, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel 428.7758. 5:30-9p KASH'D Cornerstone Tavern [1190 W South Side Dr] 8p Smooth Time Instrumental Katz [112 N Merchant] 8-11p The Still Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 429.7411. 8p-12a Sugar Prophets Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main] 330.6483. 8:30p-12a
4.20-4.21
Book & Bake Sale All proceeds benefit the summer reading club. Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. 9a-5p (Fr), 9a-12p (Sa)
4.20-4.22
60th Annual Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show Jewelry, rough gems, finished gemstones, lapidary, beads, findings, and mineral specimens from all over the world. Kids Corner with fossil dig. $5, Macon County Fairgrounds [3700 Westlawn Ave] 9a-6p (Fr-Sa), 10a-4p (Su) MidState Classic Cup Soccer Tournament All are invited to attend the MidState Classic Cup Tournament, featuring U8-U14 boys' and girls' club teams from Illinois and surrounding states. Free, Decatur Soccer Complex [1 Educational Park Dr] 429.3472. Time Varies
Youth Baseball Tournament With John Piertz, [Decatur] Time Varies Reefer Madness Student Theatre Production, $5 Stu, $8 Gen, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 W Wood] Midnight-2a (Th), 8-10p (Fr), 2-4p (Sa & Su), 8-10p (Sa)
4.20-4.22, 4.27-4.29
The Laramie Project The play draws on hundreds of interviews conducted by the theatre company with inhabitants of the town, company members' own journal entries, and published news reports regarding the reaction to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, Shilling Center: RCC [One College Park] 7:30p (Fr & Sa), 3p (Su)
Saturday, 21
Bird Banding Demonstration Dr. Travis Wilcoxen of MU presents a bird banding demonstration; featuring wild birds at close range and describing capture techniques. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 8-10a Hercules Challenge 5K Run/1 Mile Walk Enjoy music, food, and drinks, plus activities for the kids! Fletcher Park [Mt Zion] 8-11a
Kids' Earth Day Seminar Free, Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts [3231 E Mound] 875.3331. 10:30a Krekel's Custard West Car Show Cruisin' Roosters Car Show, Krekel's Custard West [1355 N Rt 48] 12-4p Rebel Yell Live music featuring Margaret Eby and Caleb Busher. Free, donations encouraged, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Café [256 W Main] 1-2p Rock Springs Ground Squirrels vs St Louis Brown Stockings Would you play base ball without a glove? Even though that sounds crazy it is just another game of vintage base ball for the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels who compete with authentic 1858 rules. Come “huzzah” for your club nine. Beautiful Trobaugh Field [Rock Springs Nature Center] 1p Decatur Trail Riders Big Creek [Decatur] 3p Romaniacs Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 4-6p Soul Purpose Sliderz [5995 E St Rt 36] 4-7p
Hog Wild Golf Scramble Beer and lunch provided, prizes. $100 entry. Moweaqua Golf Course [2566 County Rd 1900 N, Moweaqua] 413.1658. 8:30a
Macon Speedway Racing Driver-Sponsored Appreciation. Photos & Autographs/Kids Club, Macon Speedway. Time TBD
Festival of Spring Wagon rides, live wild tropical animal shows, canoe rodeo, magicians, storytellers, fishing derby, and more. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 10a-4p
MDSO: Masterpieces in Miniature Orchestra, MU soloists, and Opus 24. Schubert's Third Symphony. $13-16.50, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main] 424.6318. 7:30p
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first! 24 | april 2012
Round 1 Fight Nite Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. 7:30p Whoopee Cats Katz [112 N Merchant] 330.7802. 8-11p Rock Kandy Cornerstone Tavern. 9p
Sunday, 22
Earth Day Focuses on building the environmental movement and engaging new environmental activists around the globe. Conservation-themed talks throughout the day. Scovill Zoo. 10a-5p Mary Todd Lincoln, Taking Leave Mary is readying herself to finally vacate her home of the past four years. The memories, good and bad, overwhelm her. She takes the time to share the special memories with the 'last visitors' to the White House ...the audience. Free, Decatur Genealogical Library [1255 W South Side Dr] 429.0135. 1-4p Family Fun-Mother Earth Celebrate Earth Day at the Nature Center! We will find out about the history of Earth Day and learn how to be green in our homes, community, and workplaces. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 1:30p Blessing of the Bikes Coziahr H-D. 2p Spring Wildflower Hikes Sand Creek [Decatur] 2p Brook Thomas & The Blue Suns Pop's Place [4335 W Main] 330.6546. 3-6p
Monday, 23
875.7211 x740. Seatings at 5:30 or 6p
Shakespeare Day Come celebrate William Shakespeare's bday! Answer up to five trivia questions about the Bard and his work to win prizes. Contact the library 4.16-4.21 to research trivia questions. Argenta and Oreana Library [100 E Water St (Argenta), 100 S RT 48 (Oreana)] 795.2144. 9a-7p
Corks & Forks Taste exquisite wines and delightful food from area chefs. Bid exciting auction packages featuring weekend getaways, sports events, and more! $50 adv, $55 door, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US Hwy 36 W] 423.3189. 6-9:30p
Monday Night Jazz Free, Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 6-8p
Going Green @Home Become an environmentally smart consumer, learn how to reduce your energy and water bills, and discover new resources for living a greener lifestyle. Register online by 4.19 www.decatur.lib.il.us under "Programs" or www.richland. edu. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 6p
Tuesday, 24
Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. For schedule of games and info, www.decaturgamers.com, Godfather's Pizza [4829 E US Route 36, Mt Zion] 5p Everything You Thought You Knew About Baseball’s Creation is Wrong Bob Sampson leads an exploration of this contested ground, introducing charlatans, manipulators, and the fascinating, unknown people who played a role in shaping America’s national pastime. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 6p
Whoopee Cats Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St] 428.5612. 7:30-9:30p
4.26-4.29
AKC Dog Show Progress City: RCC. Time TBD
Friday, 27
Soul Purpose Decatur's Office Party, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US Hwy 36 W] Time TBD
Wednesday, 25
Coffee Club Plus Get Ready to Garden. Tips from Master Gardeners, Free, Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 672.3621. 10:30a
Thursday, 26
Culinary Arts Dinner Italian Theme, $15, Shilling Center: RCC [One College Park]
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Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to events@thrivedecatur.com april 2012 | 25
April Events Evening Insects Crickets, and Mosquitoes, and Fireflies! Oh, my! Delve into the delightful evening world of insects, armed with magnifying glasses while strengthening the love of nature with your little one (ages 1-4). $10, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 6:30-7:30p The Still Katz [112 N Merchant] 8-11p Closing Time The Midwest's Raddest '90s Band, Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 9p-12a Illinois Nationals Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 424.3433. 11p-12a
4.27-4.28
Southern Illinois Team Penning Association Big Creek [Decatur] Time Varies Spring Dance Recital A Time to Celebrate, $7 reserved seating, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Plaza] 422.5911. 7p (Fr & Sa), 2p (Sa)
Gifts [3231 E Mound] 875.3331. 10:30a
Picnic at the Cattail Ponds Sit back and relax at pavilion #2 with your “green” lunch. After lunch explore the plants and animals of the Cattail Ponds with the naturalist. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 12p Guitar Blues with Joe Asselin Decatur Blues Society event. Open to public, Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 1p Researching Your Roots Come learn how to navigate the library’s genealogy databases, Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest Online. Register early, Computer Lab: DPL [130 N Franklin] 1p Aquafina MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Show off your softball and baseball skills (ages 7-14). Participants may advance to the team championships! Register at the DISC by 4.26, South Shores Park [Field #3] Check-In 1-1:45; Compete 2-3p
Oakwood Street Festival Chris Bradley, Alligator Wine, David Jackson England Chambers Band, Great The Main Hangar [910 S Airport Waltz, Emerson Holliday, and Rd] 6-8p The Sons of Robert Johnson. March of Dimes: March for Saturday, 28 Babies at 4p (Reg at 3p). BBQ Spring Open House Contest, Oakwood St [near Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts MU] 3-10p [3231 E Mound] 875.3331. 9a-6p Dixie Daredevils Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Dulcimer Club Oakland] 4-6p Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy Dave Bennett and His the musical talents of our All Stars in concert volunteers. Rock Springs Dave Bennett, Dave Majchrzak, Nature Center [3939 Nearing Bob Stout, and Jack Tartar, Lane] 10a $20, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie] 546.1363. 5-8p Winning Plant Combo Seminar Free, Cedar Lake Gardens &
Macon Speedway Racing POWRi Midgets Plus Full Weekley Racing, Macon Speedway. Time TBD Whoopee Cats Moose Lodge #684 [3190 N Woodford St] 877.0143. 7-10p Percussion Ensemble Masterworks Contemporary percussion chamber music, Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main] 7:30p Acoustica Katz [112 N Merchant] 8-11p Soul Purpose Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8p-12a
Sunday, 29
1-72 Disc Golf Tournament PDGAA-Tier tournament. Free Lunch, $3500 in prizes.Reg at 7:30a; Tee-Off 9a, $60 adv, $40 reg entry, Nelson Park [Decatur] 9a Feed the Animals What’s on the menu? Help the naturalist figure out what the Nature Center’s fish, turtles and frogs eat as we feed the animals. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Lane] 1p Spring Choral Concert Free, Central Christian Church [650 W William St] 4p & 6p
Monday, 30
Monday Night Jazz Free, Lock Stock & Barrel. 6p The White House and the People Who Lived There The White House families are in a “glass house,” a public place where families must be willing to share their private lives. Madden Auditorium: DPL [130 N Franklin] 6p
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first! 26 | april 2012
april 2012 | 27
Visual Guide to Fairy Gardens Word s : Ka t ri n a S malley | image s: S arah Jane Photo graphy
Fair y Gardens seem to be quite popular these days and I figured it's time to get down to the bottom of the matter. What does it take to make a little world for a Fair y? Are there do's and don'ts? I did a lot of asking around and it seems that you can find workshops (Cedar Lake Garden's & Gifts, April 14) and kits or supplies available (Farmer's Market Garden Center or Giggle's on Merchant to name a couple), but it's really up to you to figure out what you're looking for and do some playing. I decided to star t by finding my fair y and determining where she wanted to live!
fig.1
Orchid Fairy Ornament from Tournesol.
This 18" shallow pot came from Earthen Pottery & Shop 201. It got a few rocks in the bottom for drainage and then filled with potting soil. To create the landscape I used sand, pebbles, rocks and some cut & polished stones I found at Forgotten Thymes Antiques.
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A s i t t u r n e d out, I didn' t ac tually know whe re s h e wanted to live but I did know she need e d a p l a ce to play, fig.2 , so mewhere to work , f i g. 3, a nd somewhere to sit and relax whe n s h e g o t worn out, fig.4 .
fig.3
Tiny pots (from Tournesol), broom (rope, stick & wire) plus stones and dirt.
fig.2
Wood and chain (necklace) swing.
fig.4
Garden wire and found object furniture
The toughest part, by far, was finding the right plants. I decided to use a Blue Princess Holly fig.5 as a miniature tree. They typically grow to be pretty huge, so I plan on pruning the new shoots and maintaining it as a bonsai. The Red Heart Hens & Chicks fig.5 were a great find and will stay to the right scale. To fill in the rest of the space I used wild Violets from my yard and lots of moss. Since most of these plants need plenty of sun, the moss will fade and I'll replace it with ground cover as it becomes available in our area. I know for a fact that Cedar Lake Garden's and Gifts will be getting a shipment in around the middle of April.
O u r Fa i r y G a rd e n p h o to g ra p h e r S a ra h J a n e came up with t h e i d e a fo r t h e va s e u s i n g a s t raw, t i ny p e b b l e fo r we i g ht a n d b l a d e s o f g ra s s !
fig.5
Are you worried about keeping the plants alive? Maybe you need to find a desert fairy to create a sandy, succulent garden for. What about building a fairy house in a tree? I've heard they like shiny, sparkly things. If so, where would they keep them? Have fun creating your own custom fairy garden that is the perfect haven for your fairy.
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Mi CASA Es Su CASA Volunteers Build, Give Away Playhouses Built for Fun
words: Joli Hohenstein | images: Sarah Jane
“Mi casa” really can be “su casa” with CASA’s Russell A. Goodwin Memorial Playhouse Raffle and giveaway. This year, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children (CASA) volunteers have taken fun to new levels with two custom-built playhouses constructed for fantastic fun times. The ultimate girly girl haven, the Pinkalicious Palace puts whimsy front and center in a frothy pink, white, pink, pink and more pink wonderland designed for hours of cupcakes, princesses, dressing up and of course, playing with all things pink. For the swashbucklers in the crowd, a massive pirate ship with high masts invites hours of imagination, defending
the shores of Macon County from wouldbe marauders and invaders on the high seas with PVC pipe water cannons on both sides. All adventure aside, CASA volunteers know more than a little about why kids want to replace reality with fantasy, and they’re dedicated to bringing fun back to little lives across the County. “We are an advocate for children’s best interest, whether that’s foster care, adoption, or going back with their parents or grandparents,” says Ollie Dash, an advocate for four years. Some children have been physically abused, some neglected; all just want a common thread in their lives, and Ollie and the nearly 80
volunteers provide that little-known service for the littlest victims. “This event draws the focus toward the children, and gets a lot of children excited—it helps us with our mission,” he says. “Over 550 abused children are in the juvenile court system in Macon County now. We currently serve about 170 of them.” That’s where Ollie, a retired Cat employee, and his fellow advocates come in. After 50 hours of training, they become official officers of the Macon County court system. For the children they serve, though, they’re so much more. They spend extensive time with the kids, talking, listening, giving them what they’re not getting at home. “On my first case I took a boy fishing; to take a young boy fishing again, that really warms an old man’s heart,” says Ollie. “Some of the cases you’ve got closed, they never go away. They call you and invite you to birthday parties.” It’s a connection that’s hard to describe and a service the kids in our county can’t do without. CASA builds hearts and homes, big and small, and the Playhouse Raffle shows the community just how much volunteering can do. This year’s creations have been built with love by two of the area’s master craftsmen, former judge Ted Paine and builder Mike Horve. Each starts with an 8-foot cube and lets creativity run from there. Using materials provided by their generous sponsors, they’ll assemble shingles, doors, lumber, Plexiglas windows and trim into houses any princess or pirate will love. (Lowe’s provided all lumber for the Pinkalicious Palace; Sims contributed the lumber for the pirate ship. Don’s Paint donated all of the paint needed for both playhouses.) Additional touches like caulking all joints ensure these houses stand the test of time. Each is built on casters for easy transportation. (The casters are removed after delivery, of
4335 W. Main Decatur,Illinois
Every Friday: Catfish,Cod and Walleye
April Bands
Whoopee Cats - Apr 1: 3-6p Indras - Apr 14: 8p-12a West End Blues Project Apr 15: 3-6p
Brook Thomas & The Blue Suns Apr 22: 3-6p
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course.) Yes, delivery—this is a full-service operation, and delivery is free within 50 miles.
98 FM, Talk 101 FM, Trump Direct and WAND Storm Center 17.
Both playhouses will be on display at Hickory Point Mall from April 1-28, along with a booth offering the chance to buy tickets. As Ollie likes to say, “Every dime goes back to the organization.”
For more info contact Macon County CASA at 217.428.8424
All proceeds benefit Macon County CASA.
Houses will be open for play Fridays 6-8 pm, Saturdays 10 am-8 pm and Sundays 12-4 pm. The raffle winner will be drawn April 28 at 4 pm at Hickory Point Mall. You need not be present to win. Tickets are available for 1 for $5, 3 for $10, 10 for $25, 20 for $50 or 50 for $100. Get your tickets at the Macon County CASA office, 140 S. Water St., Suite 100, Decatur; or at Glenda Williamson Realty, 1110 W. Arbor Dr. Suite D., Decatur.
left: Pinkalicious Palace just before pink paint trimmed with more pink and finished with more pink. below: pvc water cannon detail from the Pirate ship playhouse.
Platinum sponsors include Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and Miles Chevrolet Nissan. Gold sponsors include Glenda Williamson Realty, Lowe’s, Magic
richland communit y college theatre presents
THE LARAMIE PROJECT w r i t te n by m o i s e s kau f m an a n d t h e m e m be r s o f te c tonic theater pr oject
RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SHILLING AUDITORIUM Friday, April 20, 27 | Saturday, April 21, 28 | Sunday, April 22, 29 Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm | Sunday at 3pm
TICKET INFORMATION: 217.875.7211, EXT. 6888 OR VISIT RICHLAND.EDU 32 | april 2012
laramieproject_thrive.indd 1
3/16/12 4:21 PM
april 2012 | 33
KIRKLAND FINE ARTS CENTER
Rhythmic Circus
Saturday, April 14 - 7:30 p.m. TICKETS: adult $12-14 child $6-10
ABBA Mania
Saturday, May 12 - 7:30 p.m. TICKETS: adult $12-14 child $6-10
Tickets available at www.kirklandfinearts.com or call (217) 424-6318.
34 | april 2012
kfac-5X3_875ThriveAD-0312
ENGAGE THE ARTS
2011-2012 SEASON
SPOT THE 6 DIFFERENCES For a chance to win $185 Wall Art & $75 Session from Sarah Jane Photography Contest ends at midnight on April 15th!
www.sjanephotography.com | 217.330.7012
original ^
2 WAYS TO WIN:
1. Find all 6 differences and earn 2 entries! Send an email by April 15th 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 April 15th to see the passphrase. Email us the word along with your name to earn 1 entry. Winners will be drawn on April 16th, notified by email and published in the May issue. One entr y per email address.