January 2015 Thrive Entertainment Guide

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE: Mowry Baking Co.

READiculous Freeze Your Butt Off Camping Trip Q&A: Chuck Beck

FREE

Jan 2015

SPOTLIGHT// The Fabric Cobbler

ART SPEAK// What's Your Thing?

FOOD DUDE// Raspberry Tea Room

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS Listing your entertainment event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your information by the 15th to events@thrivedecatur.com THRIVE is a free, monthly entertainment guide published by Showcard Studio and distributed on the first of the each month.

PO Box 6195 • Decatur, IL 62524 217.791.5653 www.thrivedecatur.com Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Editor and Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein Copy Editor: Teena Zindel-McWilliams Photography Coordinator: Sarah Jane Contributors: Jo Caulkins Jerry Johnson Kim Mangan Rachel Peabody Robin Walters Photographers: Sarah Jane Gil Lebois Kim Mangan Alida Duff Sullivan Robin Walters Layout Design: Showcard Studio Printing: 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.

02 | January 2015

DECATUR DOWNTOWN • All Things Beautiful Collectibles and Gifts • Allen Chiropractic Clinic • Ameren Illinois • Avon Theater • Be Yoga Decatur • Bizou • Blue Connection • Board Knight • Central Illinois Title Company • Child’s Play Photography • Citizens Barnes Building • Cohn Furniture • Coney McKane’s • Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau • Decatur Civic Center • Decatur Professional Plaza • Decatur Public Library • Doherty’s Pub & Pins • Downtown Cafe • Downtown Fitness Club • Earthen Pottery • Embroidered Expressions • Fringe Salon • G-B’s CDs • Giggles • Goodfellas • Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce • Haines & Essick Co. • KC Hall • Lockhart’s Barbershop • Madden Arts Center • Merle Norman • Millikin Bank Building • Mowry Baking Co • Neuhoff Media • Never Forgotten Thymes • Nova Framing/Gallery 510 • Novel Ideas • One Main Place • Paco’s Sol Bistro • Park District • Pastabilities • Rack's • Regions Bank • Robbies Outlet • Salon 402 • Shear Learning Academy • Sloan’s Calzones • Soy Capital Bank • Speed Lube • Speed Lube Total Care • St Nicholas Grille • Studio 7 Salon & Day Spa • Taproot • The Decanter Fine Wine & Spirits • The Decatur Club • The Newsstand • Tournesol • Victory Pharmacy • Wabash Depot Antique Center • Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe • Zips Flowers by the Gates • DECATUR EAST • ADM • Archers Alley • Beach House • Boys & Girls Club of Decatur • C&K Custom Signs • Caterpillar • Children’s Museum of Illinois • CrossFit Enhanced • Culver’s • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Earthmover Credit Union • DMH Family Medicine • Exsalonce Studio & Day Spa • Healing Arts Boutique & Studios • Jan’s East End Grill • Kroger • La Gondola • Land of Lincoln Credit Union • Linda’s Music • Loretta's Work Boot • Macon County Health Department • Monical’s Pizza • Park City • Pride Coin Laundry • RC Shack • Reflection Salon • Rendezvous Bar & Grill • Renew Total Wellness • Richland Community College • Schaub Floral Display Center and Greenhouse • Signature Salon • Solar Tan • Soy Capital Bank • Star Silkscreen • Sunrise Bakery • Tate & Lyle • The Main Hangar Restaurant • Timbuktu • Tri Manor Motel • DECATUR NORTH • Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers • Aloha • Area One Realtors • Benny’s Grill • Bob Brady Dodge • Brinkoetter & Associates • Cartridge World • Central Illinois Hand Center • Chicago Title Insurance Company • Coffee Connection • Corley Family Dental • Culver’s • Curly’s Bar • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Back & Neck Center • Decatur Family YMCA • Decatur Memorial Hospital • Diane’s Mane Strategy • Dragon Buffet • Dynagraphics/Fast Impressions • Fox & Hounds • Fuji • George’s Skate Center • Glenda Williamson Realty • Golden Glaze Donuts • Grace’s Dancewear • Homeward Bound Pet Shelter • Humane Society of Decatur and Macon Co. • Il Forno • Krekel's North • Land of Lincoln Credit Union • Macon Resources • Melanie Schelling - State Farm • Miles Chevrolet • Miles Nissan • Millie & Bo’s Barkery • Monical’s Pizza • My Shipping Place • Northgate Pet Clinic • Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Specialists of Central IL • Papa Murphys • Party Warehouse • Pho Golden Noodle Bowl • Pla-Mor Lanes • Play It Again Sports • Poage Auto Mall • Pride Coin Laundry • Priority Health Family Medicine • Regions Bank • Sleep Inn • Smith Tire Co. • Soy Capital Bank • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube - Pershing • The Secret Garden • The Teacher’s Lounge • The Wagon • Up N’ Runnin’ • DECATUR SOUTH • Billingsley BP Service Station • Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Decatur Athletic Club • Guadalajara • Lockhart’s Barber College • Mari-Mann Herb Co. • Personal Medical Supply • Rock Springs Nature Center • Solar Tan • Speed Lube • The Reserve • The Wharf • Tried & True Tattoo • DECATUR WEST • Advanced Disposal • Blue Spoon of Oakwood • Bottoms Up • Bourbon Barrel • Cafe Brio • Casey’s General Store • Cherry Berry • Decatur Conference Center & Hotel • Decatur Indoor Sports Center • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn • Decatur Mutual Insurance • Donnie’s Homespun Pizza • Famous Wine & Spirits • First Wok • Fleet Feet • Garcia’s Pizza • It’s Just a Little Prick Tattoo Co. • Jeffrey’s Meat Market • Keystone Gardens & Meadows • Kirkland Fine Arts Center • Krekel's • Kroger • Land of Lincoln Credit Union • Leo H. Berger Insurance • Lock Stock & Barrel • Lyle Campbell & Sons Realty • Macon County Farm Bureau • Mi Pueblito • Millikin University - Alumni House • Modern Furniture Showroom • Mom's Place • Mystic Tan • Pop’s Place • Pride Coin Laundry • Richland Fairview Park Plaza Center • Secret Garden Express • Sound Check Music Center • Speed Lube • Subway • Swartz Properties • Tasty’s Chicago Grille • The Drive-In Antique Mall • The Glass House • The Winery • University Dogs • Wethington Fresh Flowers & Gifts, Inc • Whitestar Home Healthcare Services • ARGENTA • Gerber State Bank • Village Hall • BLUE MOUND • Blue Mound Village Hall • Dippin’ Merv’s • P&G Quickstop • FORSYTH • Applebee’s • Architectural Expressions • Area 51 Salon • Aspen Dental • Baymont Inn & Suites • Cohn Furniture • Colee's Corner Drugs • Country Inn & Suites • Coziahr Harley Davidson • Kids N’ Fitness • Old Book Barn • Petals • Quality Inn • Ramada Limited • Roots Salon • Speed Lube • St Mary's Family Medicine • Texas Roadhouse • The Fabric Cobbler • Welcome Hotel & Suites • HARRISTOWN • Sanders Harristown Antique Depot • MACON • The Bullet Trap • MAROA • Casey’s General Store • Freedom Gas • Main Street Café • MT. ZION • Bliss Salon • Collect Them • Corona’s • Coz’s Pizza • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn II • Del’s Express • Filippo’s Pizza • Good Naber Specialty Foods • Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham • Krave • Krekel's • M3 Salon • Mt Zion District Library • Mt Zion Village Hall • Neil Tire & Auto Service • Next of Kiln • Pizza Hut • Priceless Smiles/ Styles & Smiles • Russ Proesel DDS • Spa Villa • Temmen Advanced Eyecare • The Fisherman’s Quarters • Unique Boutique • OREANA • Gerber State Bank • Nola’s Hair Salon • Oreana Public Library • WARRENSBURG • Barclay Library • Da Burg • The Perfect Pair Antiques & Salon

in this ISSUE issue #68 | Januar y 2015 www.thrivedecatur.com

On the cover Susan Bishop (left) and Alissa Henkel (right), co-creators of READiculous.

Photo: Alida Duff Sullivan

BEHIND THE THRIVE

December Out & About

SPOTLIGHT: The Fabric Cobbler

Party Crashers' Crash of the Month

ART SPEAK: What's Your Thing?

Publisher's Pick of the Month

FOOD DUDE: Raspberry Tea Room

READiculous-ly Good Fun January Events Calendar Freeze Your Butt Off Camping Trip Q&A: Chuck Beck Spot the Difference Challenge

THRIVE

is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.

04 05 08 09 10 11 12 14 18 28 32 35

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.

THRIVE is a proud member of the MICRO BUSINESS NETWORK January 2015 | 03

BEHIND THE

CONGRATS TO OUR December WINNER:

Paula Marley

December Answers: 1. Window becomes one pane 2. Painting becomes a Van Gogh 3. Brown blanket gets longer 4. Middle lamp base is inverted 5. New pillow appears 6. Headboard gets longer

Play the January Contest on p.35

THRIVE

Cold weather doesn’t have to freeze out all of your action for the winter months. Au contraire, for some diehard Decatur-area campers it’s merely a challenge to be taken. The Freeze Your Butt Off Camping Trip falls every year during the frigid Super Bowl weekend. Snow, blizzard or freezing rain, they’re pitching tents, sparking fires and telling tales.

Of course there’s always something to be said for a good book, and a couple of Decaturites are making them even more interesting – READiculous-ly so.

Bringing tall tales to life, Susan Bishop and Alissa Henkel are acting out fan favorites for kids.

When winter’s got you all twisted up, unwind with a little yoga. Release the stress. Harness your energy. Or in Chuck Beck’s case, Be Decatur!

If all else fails, tuck into some good oldfashioned comfort food. This month, Food Dude graciously took one for the team with a stop in at Raspberry Tea Room to review for you. We hear it was a real trial trying to make room for the pie after the croissant.

Let it snow,

04 | January 2015

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Blazing Hockey The Decatur Blaze, Midwest Junior Hockey League members, took on the Traverse City Hounds in a three-game series December 12-14. Catch them on ice through March: see decaturblaze.com for game schedule. All home games are played at the Decatur Civic Center.

January 2015 | 05

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

A Christmas Carol MidSummer Moon Productions presented A Christmas Carol at Heartland Community Church's Grand Palace on December 12 and 13. The adaptation was a children's community theatre production.

Santacon

December 13 marked the 3rd annual SantaCon Decatur, a charitable pub crawl that kicked off at Doherty's Pub and Pins, moved to LSB and The Winery, ultimately ending at Lincoln Square Lounge. Participants donned their most festive Santa and elf outfits for a good cause! Proceeds from the event were donated to Leading the Way Foundation.

06 | January 2015

Festival of Trees

Local business and residents displayed holiday trees at Eagle Ridge of Decatur in December. Each tree was created with a theme, many highlighting healthcare.

Vespers

More than 250 singers and instrumentalists performed during Millikin University's 56th annual Vespers concert held at Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

Songs ranged from traditional Christmas hymns to musical pieces written by Millikin faculty. The audiences during all four performances were also encouraged to sing along.

Dance Centre

The Dance Centre held two charity performances at the Masonic Temple on Saturday, December 13, to benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Santa Claus made an appearance during the show and read Twas the Night Before Christmas to audience members.

Art Freezes Over

Art in Decatur took over many local venues last month. Holiday or winter-themed art was on display across town from the Decatur Airport to Rock Springs. Local talent makes the perfect gift!

FATHER

daughter DANCE January 24

Hickory Point Banquet Facility Ladies aged 5-12 Dinner 5 - 6 • Dancing 6 - 9 RSVP: By Wednesday, Jan. 21

For reservations, please call 422-5911 decatur-parks.org • Find us on Facebook!

2705 N Water, Decatur Illinois

Purchase a $75 SherwinWilliams gift card and get a Free in-home consultation!

To learn more about color consultations call: 217.876.0108

January 2015 | 07

08

SPOTLIGHT

by Rachel Peabody

Not Your Grandma’s Fabric Store interests,” she says. “Before she left, I felt like they were my family, and the result was a very personalized order that the customer loved.”

To Scarlett, there’s a special place for handmade sewn items. “They’re priceless, they’re unique and it’s a lost art,” she says. “Anything handmade is also higher quality and definitely made to last.”

Step inside The Fabric Cobbler’s storefront in Forsyth, and one thing is for certain—this isn’t your Grandma’s fabric store.

Hip, modern and trendy are all words that immediately come to mind when soaking in owner Scarlett Wells’ expansive inventory. With shelves of popular patterns and themes, including chevrons, quatrefoil, ombrés, it’s your Pinterest board come to life in fabric form.

Scarlett is certainly putting a new face on an old industry, whereas most quilt shops are still very traditional. She’s carving her niche with modern inventory and the sheer volume of material that she carries.

Recently moving from an etsy.com/out-of-herhome business, the shift to storefront, although daunting, has been successful for The Fabric Cobbler. Scarlett’s business is a good fit for anybody in the market for fabric, with her collection having something for just about every taste. She’s even working on her own original fabric designs, some of which are already featured in her inventory and sure to give you that one-of-a-kind result you’re looking for. And chenille, that baby-soft, warm and fuzzy feeling fabric that’s typically hard to find?

Well, she has that, along with stretch lace, both popular items with her customers.

Besides her well-laid out and plentiful inventory, perhaps The Fabric Cobbler’s other secret weapon is her attentiveness to each individual customer.

“I had a great-grandma just in the store looking for fabric to make 16 pillowcases for her greatgrandchildren. We spent two hours talking and getting to personally understand each person’s

Scarlett’s mother taught her to sew at a young age starting with quilting blocks and then moving to a machine by the time she was 6. Sewing is in her blood and now is her livelihood as she supports her family through her passion turned business endeavor. Sewing allowed her to become a stayat-home-mom after the birth of her children, but with the popularity of Scarlett’s work and with the momentum-building power of Facebook, her “therapeutic pastime” has developed a life of its own, bringing us to her present-day storefront.

Just spending 10 minutes in The Fabric Cobbler will make you wish you spent more time in that 4-H sewing class, and her 12,000+ Facebook page fans would certainly agree. Sewing is cool again, and you can see for yourself at The Fabric Cobbler in Forsyth.

Get There: The Fabric Cobbler 324 E. Ruehl Street, Forsyth Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 am-5 pm, Wednesday: 10 am-6:30 pm thefabriccobbler.com, 853-4629 Find them on Facebook & Etsy!

Rachel Peabody is a Freelance Writer.

08 | January 2015

r u t a DecRASHERS C PARTY

CRASH of the Month Winter Greater Decatur Chorale Concert 1.9 -1.11 A Little Dinner Music: Up, Close, and Personal. Cash bar 6p, Dinner 6:30p, concert 7:30p. $23 (dinner, show), $10 (show only) Scovill Golf Course 3909 W Main St 422.5911, www.decatur-parks.org 6p (Fr & Sa), 12:30p (Su)

facebook.com/groups/ DecaturPartyCrashers jccaulkins@aol.com

January 2015 | 09

10

ART SPEAK

by Jerry Johnson

What's Your Thing?

Just about all of us have our “thing.” The thing that interests us, that we read about, devote our time to and spend our money on. Often it’s an activity where we work with our hands and produce something tangible like woodworking, knitting, painting, gardening, photography, beekeeping, video, robotics or cooking. We’re often called enthusiasts, hobbyists or even tinkerers.

If we’re lucky, we know people with the same passion, and there’s even a club or organization for us. Being part of a group with a common interest is the easiest way to learn a new or better way to do our “thing.” It also gives us chance to share our knowledge and creations with others.

But what if you’re looking for something new, or you’d like to share your “thing” with people who aren’t familiar with it? Well, mark your calendar for an exciting new community event coming in April 2015! The University of Illinois Extension Office is hosting Make•Explore•Share Day on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 10 am-4 pm on the Richland Community College campus. It’s an event for people who tinker in the garage, want to get back to basics, want to see where technology can take us or just want to learn more about new ideas.

This gathering of fascinating, curious people is free for exhibitors ($1 for attendees). Exhibitors must be willing to demonstrate part of their craft during the event and have a handout or web link with instructions so that participants can replicate what they see. It’s all about sharing! If you’d rather keep your process and ideas top secret, then Make•Explore•Share Day may not be for you. In addition to demonstrating your craft, exhibitors are welcome to have items for sale on display.

FIND YOUR THING Decatur Area Arts Council offers arts classes for all ages or skill levels, including drawing, watercolor and mixed media, in addition to fun arts events.

The Barn Colony Artists invite everyone to join them at their weekly meetings in the Madden Arts Center to paint and learn.

Richland Community College has a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities like digital photography, cooking and writing.

Theatre 7, Decatur’s community theatre, always needs folks to help with costumes, props and set construction and painting.

The Decatur Park District has terrific dance and drama programs, particularly for kids.

Heroic Age Arts Center in Mt. Zion houses a collection of artists who offer lots of classes and creative activities.

So, take a class, join an organization, plan to be a part of Make•Explore•Share Day or do all three. Whether you’re an enthusiast, hobbyist or tinkerer… whatever your “thing” is… it’s always more fun when you have the chance to learn from and share your enthusiasm with other creative people.

For more information on Make•Explore•Share Day, call University of Illinois Extension at 877-6042 or e-mail maconcountyextension@illinois.edu.

If you think your “thing” might be in the arts, you have so many options to explore your creative side throughout the Decatur area. Here are just a few…

Jerry Johnson is the Executive Director of the Decatur Area Arts Council and may be spotted pretty much anywhere art is happening.

10 | January 2015

Publisher's

Pick of the Month Just a little something we ran across and wanted to share.

Alice in Wonderland Book Puzzle

$15.99

Novel Ideas Books - Gifts 480 East Main Street, Decatur

Photos: Kat Smalley

Backyard birds and various mountain ranges are always pretty. And then, there are the canals of Venice, or maybe a majestic castle from somewhere in Europe. They all make great puzzles.

This year, though, we're really kicking it up a notch! When the weather outside is frightful, we'll be sitting around the dining room table at my parents' house, putting this awesome work of art back together — piece by piece.

Oh, and did I mention it's a book? Well, the box looks like a book, which is cool. Also available were Snow White, Goldilocks, and Beauty and the Beast.

January 2015 | 11

12

THE FOOD DUDE

by T. F. DUDE

We’re Sweet on Elwin’s Raspberry Tea Room Whether comfort food is your thing or you just love good food, then Elwin’s Raspberry Tea Room is the place for you!

Soups, sandwiches and pie abound, and situated right next door is a cute little antique mall so you can walk off the undoubtedly full stomach you’re going to leave with.

The first thing you spy right by the door is a cooler filled with Grandma-worthy homemade pies to suit anyone’s palate. The perfect way to encourage saving room for dessert – that is, until you see the menu. Filled with homestyle favorites with a creative flair, you’ll have your pick, whatever your mood. I went for the Quiche of the Day, Spinach and Bacon, and boy was my mouth happy – pretty sure the quiche has the tasted like pecan pie on steroids. Next, a same crust as the pies! Light, airy and full of delectable homemade pie with a chocolate brownie crust. Sure enough, we decided if deliciousness and flavor. someone made pudding out of hot chocolate, My gal pal opted for a Raspberry Room signature, then filled the inside of a hollowed out brownie the chicken salad. A creamy delight loaded with and set it on a bed of homemade caramel walnuts, grapes and bacon, stuffed inside a flaky sauce, this would be it. To die for! croissant. She had it served alongside the soup of the day, a hearty, flavorful cheesy vegetable One thing’s for sure, you’ll leave with your mouth happy and your belly full – guaranteed! and pasta recipe.

Of course dessert is top of mind at the Tea Room, and the choice was not an easy one, let me tell you. After much – and I mean much – deliberation, we committed to splitting two.

First, the Sawdust, an oddly named yet heavenly blend of oatmeal, pecans and coconut that

Get There: Raspberry Tea Room 5025 US 51 Business, Elwin 865-2916

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

12 | January 2015

HAVING TROUBLE applying for financial aid ? We can help!

FAFSA WORKSHOPS Free Application for Federal Student Aid Tuesdays

Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10 | 10:30am – Noon in W142

Wednesdays

Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm in W142

Thursdays

Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12 | 5:00pm– 6:30pm in the Workforce Development Institute

FAFSA Frenzy

Feb 7 | Noon – 2:00pm at Fairview Park Plaza Extension

Center

Please contact Financial Aid @richland.edu or call 875.7211 ext. 288 or 274

January 2015 | 13

READiculous-ly Written by Beth DeBouck | Photos by Alida Duff Sullivan

14 | January 2015

Good Fun Some of us might remember Book It from our grade school days and how it encouraged children to read, to sign up for a library card, and certainly not as important, but I do recall that the reward for participation might have included a lot of family trips to Pizza Hut.

Alissa, who has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and a background in literature and history, says it wasn’t until the last seven years that she even considered the idea of acting.

More recently, though, another local program has taken up the reins of getting children excited about reading by providing a much more interactive experience. Coordinated by two Decatur Public Library Children’s Department employees, READiculous offers students in Grades K-6 the opportunity to see live performances of some beloved children’s books, including Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems and Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude by Kevin O’Malley.

She gives props to her partner Susan for encouraging her to perform. “She supports me, and we have so much fun together,” says Alissa. “We trust each other to carry the show come rain or shine.”

“I perform in the occasional skit at church,” says Alissa, “and I actually have a Theatre 7 play under my belt now. But if you had asked me 10 years ago if I would ever do something like this, I would have said no. Maybe – absolutely not.”

Since its first show in November 2011, READiculous has performed for over 16,000 readers and has been invited to perform at 46 grade school assemblies, 18 area library programs, eight public performances at the library and several other children and adult venues. And amazingly, it’s completely FREE! Susan Bishop and Alissa Henkel, cocreators of READiculous, founded the program as a means to continue reaching out to Decatur students despite the library having lost its Extension Division due to budget cuts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 January 2015 | 15

Not exactly an acting novice, Susan recalls taking drama with Mr. Waller at MacArthur High School and Lonn Pressnall at Richland Community College.

“The kids giggle and laugh, and the teachers and parents do, as well. It is so exciting to see our audience enjoying themselves. It makes us act even sillier,” says Alissa.

“I didn’t do much with theater work after that until I taught drama and improv for a home school cooperative for a couple of years while I was raising my kids,” says Susan. “I have also done some church drama with my husband, Doug. He has also been very involved with Theatre 7 since 1999, and I get to learn a lot from the people in that organization.”

Certainly the shows are on the fun and silly side, but one fact remains: READiculous is having great success at drawing students to the library, sometimes even for the first time.

“We have had kids come in and get Elephant and Piggie books, or the You Read to Me, I Read to You books and act them out in the department like we do,” says Susan. “We keep statistics about Although they anticipate creating a fifth how many kids and families come in as a result show after the beginning of the New Year, of seeing READiculous...We know if we can get READiculous currently offers four unique shows, them here once, them coming back is easy!” each of which lasts approximately 45 minutes While getting kids to visit the library is definitely and includes seven to 11 “books, stories, poems part of the program’s goal, Alissa and Susan or chapters.” The selected stories, which often say they’ve both experienced other positive revolve around a theme, are acted out with the reactions after performing at schools. help of various props, audience participation “When we performed at Harris School,” says and even live volunteers.

Alissa, “A blind girl talked to Susan afterwards

16 | January 2015

and said it was the best show she had ever seen! We have also performed for deaf children with an interpreter. We noticed that the children never took their eyes off of us. I even got a marriage proposal at Macon Resources.

Which reminds me, one of the residents there, the second time we performed, got up in the middle of Green Eggs and Ham and wanted to act it out with us!”

On December 30, READiculous performed its 100th show in the children’s department at the Decatur Public Library. Find other performance dates on the READiculous Facebook page, and if you sign up for the library’s monthly newsletter, you’ll receive alerts about upcoming programs.

Book It If you’re a part of a school or institution within the Decatur City limits, you can book READiculous or see more about them: Email: ReallyREADiculous@live.com Phone: 424-2900, ext. 141 www.facebook.com/ReallyREADiculous www.youtube.com/userreallyREADiculous www.decaturlibrary.org

January 2015 | 17

January Events EVERY MONDAY Jujutsu Ages 13+. $25-50, Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 6:30-8p Country Line Dance Come join in for a fun-filled evening, meet new people, and learn to country line dance. Great exercise. Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St, 764.3070] 7-9p Miniatures Monday Board Knight [228 W Main St, 706.5373, www.boardknight.com] 5:30-10p MidState Indoor Little Kritters Soccer (thru1.26) In this 5-week program for players ages 3-4, a story book is provided that highlights animal characters who possess unique soccer skills. $42-50, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 5-5:30p MidState Youth Indoor Soccer (thru1.26) Soccer players U6-U14 learn fundamentals and improve their soccer skills in these fun, instructional sessions. $51-60, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 5:30-8p

Adult Basketball Leagues (thru 3.24) Sign up for our intense, fast-paced basketball leagues! Teams play 10 games and an end-of-the-season tournament. Ages 16+. $435-455 (team), Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks. org] 6-10p

Kung Fu Ages 10+. $25-50, Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 7-8:30p

EVERY TUESDAY Board Game Gauntlet & Magic the Gathering Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 5p (BGG), 6p (MTG)

EVERY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY Junior Golf (1.12-2.28) Pros offer youth ages 5-12 an introduction to golf, teaching hitting and putting fundamentals, golf rules and etiquette. $50-60, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 5:15-7p

Adult Indoor Soccer Open Play (1.12-1.26) Enjoy casual matches during this friendly open play session.

Ages 18+. No pre-registration is required. $6, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Intermediate Junior Golf (1.12- Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur1.26) parks.org] 9-10p Juniors can take their swing to the next level with assistance Stained Glass (1.20-3.17) from the Park District golf pros!

The Glass House [2895 N Oakland, Ages 10-13. $50-60, Decatur 875.7077] 6:30-9p Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.

EVERY TUESDAY & decatur-parks.org] 5:30-6:30p THURSDAY Wrestling (begins1.20) Amateur wrestlers (ages 7-14) EVERY MONDAY, will learn basic fundamentals, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, rules, and skills necessary to SUNDAY gain the winning edge. Sessions Pickleball are offered by experienced Open for all skill levels. $5 (nonmember), Free (member), Decatur area wrestling coaches. $30-35, Mueller Park Frontier Building [745 YMCA [220 W McKinley, www. facebook.com/DecaturPickleball] E Riverside, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 1-3p (Mo), 7-9p (Th), 8-10a (Fr), 5:30-6:30p 10a-12p (Su)

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY D&D Casual Board Knight [228 W Main St, 706.5373, www.boardknight.com] 5-9p

Karate (begins1.8) Ages 5+. $25-50, Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 6:30-8p

EVERY SATURDAY Pokémon & Dice Masters Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 11a (Pokémon), 2p (Dice Masters)

Evening Storytime (1.8-1.31) Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa, 794.3005, www.maroa. Super Saturday Recess League Night & YuGiOh lib.il.us] 7-8p Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy Youth ages 4-11 will enjoy an 121, Mt Zion] 5p (Leagues), 6p active morning with inflatables, Storytime (begins1.8) (YuGiOh) scooters, basketball, tumbling, Enjoy art activities, playtime, and more! Parent must be story time and snacks! Don't miss present. Need not be a member EVERY WEDNESDAY out on the fun! Ages 2-6. Maroa of the DISC to participate. $3.75, & FRIDAY Public Library [305 Garfield St, Decatur Indoor Sports Center Tai Chi Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield Maroa, 794.3005, www.maroa.lib. (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 10a-12p St, Maroa, 794.3005, www.maroa. il.us] 10-11a lib.il.us] 9-10a Adult Co-ed Indoor Baseball Instructional Volleyball Leagues Clinic (1.17-1.31) EVERY THURSDAY (1.15-3.19) Millikin University coaches and Tactical Thursdays Grab your friends and sign up. players assist participants ages & Open Gaming 8-14 with throwing, hitting, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Teams play once a week with a schedule of 8 self-officiated catching, fielding and base Mt Zion] 5p (miniature gaming running. Players are divided into and painting), 7p (open gaming) games. $180 (team), Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 age groups and use the batting W Wood St, 429.3472, www. cages and full gym. $45-54, Preschool Golf (begins 1.8) decatur-parks.org] 6-10p Decatur Indoor Sports Center Children ages 3-4 will learn the (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, basic fundamentals of golf by www.decatur-parks.org] 1-2:30p focusing on coordination, simple EVERY FRIDAY techniques and motor skills.

Magic the Gathering Adults also learn ways to help Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, MidState Indoor Soccer Co-ed 3v3 League (1.17-1.31) children practice and develop Mt Zion] 5p Soccer players ages 7-14 can these skills. $37-42, Decatur extend their season with Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 Friday Night Magic MidState’s new co-ed 3v3 league.

W Wood St, 429.3472, www.

Board Knight [228 W Main St, decatur-parks.org] 5:15-6:45p 706.5373, www.boardknight.com] $54-64, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 6:30-11p 429.3472, Warhammer & Yu-Gi-Oh www.decatur-parks.org] TBD Board Knight [228 W Main St, EVERY FRIDAY & 706.5373, www.boardknight.com] SATURDAY 5:30-10p (Warhammer), 6-9p Wine Tastings EVERY SUNDAY (Yu-Gi-Oh) The Decanter Fine Wines [215 YuGiOh & HeroClix N Main St, 422.9463, www.

Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, thedecanterfinewines.com] 4-7p Mt Zion] 2p (YuGiOh), (Fr), 1-6p (Sa) 5p (HeroClix)

January 2015 | 19

January Events D&D Expedition Board Knight [228 W Main St, 706.5373, www.boardknight.com] 3-7p Wednesday, December 31 Happy Noon Year!

Perfect for those who don't stay up late, the confetti will fly at our balloon drop at noon! Enjoy a dance party, fun photo booth and festive crafts! $1 (member), $6 (non-member), Free (under 2), Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club, www.cmofil.org] 10a-2p 2 Miles to Miles 5K The race starts at the Y, winds through the neighborhood and in front of DMH and then on to Miles Nissan on an out-and-back course. 5k and 2k option. $18/23 (adv), $23/28 (day), Decatur Family YMCA [220 W McKinley] 2p Kidd Kadillac Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 5p New Year's Eve Party Ribeye dinner (6-8p), Mike Lewis Band (9p-12a). $15, American Legion [1535 Legion Dr] 6p-12a

New Year's Eve Party Join us as we ring in the New Year. Ages 21+.$109-260, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, 422.8800, hoteldecatur. com] 6-7:30p (Dinner), 8-9:30p (Josh McVicar "The Trickster" Hypnotist), 9:45p-12:45a (Dueling Pianos) Great Gatsby Casino Night Gala & Fundraiser When the gin was cold and the piano was hot! Come ring in the New Year while stepping back in time to the 1920's! Ticket price includes casino, $50 of free chips, band, piano bar, all you can eat appetizer and dessert bar, cash bar, raffle and more! $60, Mt Zion Convention Center [1410 Mt Zion Parkway, Mt Zion, 864.5424] 6:30p Pop's Concert Free, Central Christian Church [650 W William St] 7:30p

Thursday, 1 MU Men's Basketball vs. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin. edu] 3p Open Gaming Bored with nothing to do? Join us for an evening of board game fun!

Board Knight [228 W Main, www. decaturgamers.com] 5:30p Friday, 2 Winter Break Day Camp Youth ages 5-13. Olympics at the DISC. $32-37, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decaturparks.org] 6:30a-6p 1.2 -1.3 Comedy Hour Mike Brody with Brent Trehune. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. net] 8:30p

Hipbone Sam $5 cover, DAV Club [1700 N Lake Shore Dr, hipbonesam.com] 9p-1a 1.2-2.28 Decatur Camera Club X-Krush Enjoy photographs of flowers, Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p animals and scenic views of central Illinois. North Gallery.

Antics Rock Springs Nature Center Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, William St] 9:30p-12:30a maconcountyconservation.org] 8a-5p (Mo-We, Fr), 8a-8p (Th), 9a5p (Sa), 1-5p (Su)

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

Julie Carter & Gil Lebois View fine art photography of the Midwest. South Gallery.

Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 8a-5p (Mo-We, Fr), 8a-8p (Th), 9a5p (Sa), 1-5p (Su)

Monday, 5 Kids Archery Shoot Enjoy archery in our indoor shooting range. Free (kids under 15), Archers Alley [3113 N 22nd St, 853.5961]

1.5-1.9 Winter Break Day Camp Youth ages 5-13. George's Skate Saturday, 3 Center (1.5), movie at the Strand DISC Open House (1.6), bowling (1.7), Children's Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, Museum (1.8), Next of Kiln (1.9). $32-37, Decatur Indoor Sports www.decatur-parks.org] 9a-12p Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] Dulcimer Club 6:30a-6p Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our 1.6-1.31 volunteers. Open to the public.

Young Artists Showcase 2015 Free, Rock Springs Nature Center Exemplary juried art in varied [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, media by area students in grades maconcountyconservation.org] 5-8, presented by Gallery 510 10a-12p Artists Guild, Ltd. Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, Making Tracks: Who's Who www.decaturarts.org] 8:30a-4:30p Winter snows provide a great way (Mo-Fr), 10a-2p (Sa) to discover who’s been walking through your yard. Wildlife leave Wednesday, 7 evidence behind in the form Book Discussion of tracks and other clues. Help We get the books and you read track them and discover who’s them! Barclay Public Library [220 who. Each family receives a track S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621, book. Refreshments served. barclay.lib.il.us] 10:30a Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Books Between Bites maconcountyconservation.org] On Immunity: An Inoculation 10a-12p

by Eula Biss. Book reviews and book talks presented by various Dixie Daredevils members of the community. Feel Lock Stock & Barrel free to bring a sack lunch; coffee [129 S Oakland] 3:30p will be provided. Registration is not necessary. Free, Decatur Jesse & the Hogg Brothers Public Library [130 N Franklin, Prairieland A.B.A.T.E. [1901 N www.friendsdpl.org] 12:15p-1p Railroad Ave] 9:30p

MU Men's Basketball vs. North Central College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 7p Thursday, 8 Book Discussion Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter.

Argenta Public Library [100 East Water, Argenta, www.aopld.lib. il.us] 1:30p Book Club The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Everyone welcome.

Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, 864.3622, www. mtzion.lib.il.us] 6:30-7:45p Fabulous Hoedads Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E William St] 8-11p Friday, 9 First Friday Gallery 510: Hua Nian's paper tearing, pen & ink, abstracts.

Madden Arts Center: Young Artists Showcase. Free, 5-7:30p Family Night Live Tired of this cold weather? Bring the whole family for a fun beach night. We are turning up the heat, so wear your beach attire.

We will also have sand, games, and snacks. Come and meet some new families! Antioch Christian Church [5409 E US Rt 36, 864.3444] 6-8p 1.9 -1.10 Decatur Bridal Expo Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, decaturbridalexpo.com, hoteldecatur.com] 5-9p (Fr), 12-4p (Sa)

January 2015 | 21

January Events 1.9 -1.11 Winter Greater Decatur Chorale Concert A Little Dinner Music: Up, Close, and Personal. Cash bar 6p, Dinner 6:30p, concert 7:30p. $23 (dinner, show), $10 (show only), Scovill Golf Course [3909 W Main St, 422.5911, www.decatur-parks.org] 6p (Fr & Sa), 12:30p (Su)

Book Discussion We get the books and you read them! Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621, barclay.lib.il.us] 11a

A Living Symbol: The American Bald Eagle Learn about our national symbol, the bald eagle, and its incredible attributes. View a live bald eagle, closer than you ever could in 1.9-1.11 & 1.16-1.18 the wild. Register online by The Hallelujah Girls A feisty group of women decide 1.2. $5 (person), $20 (family), to shake up their lives at the Spa- Rock Springs Nature Center Dee-Dah!, an abandoned church- [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] turned day spa, where they gather every Friday afternoon to 2-3:30p talk about how they’re going to Kids Club - The Wonderful change their lives and achieve their dreams. RCC: Shilling Center World of Disney Doodles the Dragon, Granny [One College Park, theatre7.net] Giggles and the Gary Strong 7:30p (Fr & Sa), 2p(Su) Marionette Show. Concessions, live entertainment, old time Saturday, 10 movies, classic cartoons and Animal Crackers: prizes. Includes Disney games, Deserts are Hot music, and a big screen classic Children ages 3-5 listen to a cartoon festival. $4 (adult), $1 story, meet an animal, create a craft with their adult guest(s) and (child), Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt snack on animal crackers! $9-10, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, Zion, 864.5424] 2p 421.7435, Diversity www.decatur-parks.org] Lock Stock & Barrel 9:30-10:15a & 11-11:45a [129 S Oakland] 3:30p

MU Women's Basketball vs. Elmhurst College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 5p Karaoke DJ Jeff spins your favorite songs to join in and sing! American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr, 423.1411] 7-11p MU Men's Basketball vs. Elmhurst College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 7p Hot Bag O' Doughnuts Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8-11p The Pearl Handle Band Bottoms Up [4380 W Main St] 9p-1a Sunday, 11 Blue Grass Music Jams Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers. Open to the public.

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

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

Family Science Sunday: Frozen Join Richland Community College professors for a free workshop creating science crafts based on the movie Frozen! Free (with admission), Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, 423.5437, www.cmofil.org] 2-4p Hurricane Ruth Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p

Wednesday, 14 MU Women's Basketball vs. Illinois Wesleyan. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics. millikin.edu] 7p 1.14-1.15 Weather or Not: Snow It's time to discover the weather!

We will use our senses to investigate the ins and outs of snow. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 9:30-10:30a (Tu, Ages 1-5), 1-2p (We, Ages 3-5)

Monday, 12 Winter Break Day Camp Youth ages 5-13. $32-37, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 Thursday, 15 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.

Book Club decatur-parks.org] 6:30a-6p The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea B Frank. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 1p Tuesday, 13 American Girl Club The Greater Prairie Join us as we learn about Chicken in Illinois: history and culture by using A Story of Persistence the American Girl stories. Each and Rarity meeting includes activities or Learn about the history and crafts that bring history to life.

Ages 7-6th grade. Mt Zion District beauty of this wildlife species and the peril it faces today. Free, Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, Rock Springs Nature Center 864.3622, [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 4:30p maconcountyconservation.org] 7-8p Open Gaming Bored with nothing to do? Join us for an evening of board game 1.16 -1.17 fun! Diamonds Restaurant [2959 Midwest Show Choir N Oakland, www.decaturgamers. Invitational com] 5:30p $8-20, Mt Zion High School [455 Elm St, Mt Zion, www.swingsations.com]

Comedy Hour Matt Holt with Stefan Davis. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. net] 8:30p Saturday, 17 Cross Country Ski Workshop Learn the basics of cross country skiing. This activity is a great way to observe wildlife and explore the outdoors. At least 4" of snow required. $12 (person), Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10a Dulcimer Club Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers. Open to the public.

Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10a-12p Central Illinois Chili and Salsa Cook-Off Hickory Point Mall [1146 Hickory Point Mall Dr, Forsyth, 620.8012] 10:30a-4:45p 14th Annual Barstool Open Four courses from AIW Hall; 4 courses from KC Hall. Pre- and post-party available at both locations. Ages 21+ to play. $140 (team), Knights of Columbus Hall & AIW Hall [www.ucpll.org] 11a Antics Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E William St] 8-11p

January 2015 | 23

January Events Sunday, 18 Blues Deacons Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Couples/Singles Dance Band: Kevin Turner Trio (from Springfield). $10, Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St, 875.3090, www.dancingdates. com] 5-8p

Kids Archery Shoot Enjoy archery in our indoor shooting range. Free (kids under 15), Archers Alley [3113 N 22nd St, 853.5961] Wednesday, 21 MU Men's Basketball vs. Wheaton College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 7p

Collegiate Chorale Tour Finale Free, Central Christian Church [650 W William St, 424.4336, www. millikin.edu] 7:30p

Friday, 23 MU Men's Swimming vs. Illinois Wesleyan University.

MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 6p

Monday, 19 School's Out Day Camp Ages 5-13. Indoor pool party. $3237, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 6:30a-6p

MU Women's Swimming vs. Illinois Wesleyan University.

MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 6p

Night at the Nature Center Visit the EcoCenter at night.

This unique opportunity comes Cheer Camp around very rarely! We will Show your spirit! Enhance your play games, hear stories, and cheer and stunt skills during make crafts. Snacks provided. this fun, one-day camp led by Millikin University's Cheerleading Be prepared to go outside.

Squad. Show off your new cheers Ages 6-12. $15 (person), Rock Springs Nature Center at one of Millikin's men's home basketball games. $36-43, Decatur [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 maconcountyconservation.org] 7-10p W Wood St, 429.3472, www. decatur-parks.org] 10a-3p Fireside Relics Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8-11p

Saturday, 24 Friends of Argenta Breakfast Donation, Old Grade School [275 N Kenwood St, Argenta] 7:30-10a Beer Brewing 101 Think craft brewing is reserved for professionals? Think again.

With a few simple ingredients and microbiology basics you can be well on your way to enjoying your own homebrew in as little as a month. $5, University of Illinois Extension Macon County [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd, 877.6042, web.extension.illinois. edu] 9-11:30a Snowman Building Competition Build your most creative snowman! Join us on the West Lawn to build and judge. Hot cocoa provided!

Snow is a prerequisite. Dress for being outside for the fun. Register online. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2p Decatur Big Band Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 3:30p Father/Daughter Dance The perfect special occasion for young ladies ages 5-12 and their dads. $25, Hickory Point Golf Course [727 W Weaver Rd, 422.5911, www.decatur-parks.org] 5-6p (dinner), 6-9p (dance)

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

MU Women's Basketball vs. Augustana College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 5p Karaoke DJ Jeff spins your favorite songs to join in and sing! American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr, 423.1411] 7-11p MU Men's Basketball vs. Augustana College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 7p 360 Band Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E William St] 8-11p Coming Out Fighting Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8-11p Sunday, 25 Unnatural Trail Hike Test your observation skills along a trail. Do you see what doesn’t belong? Don’t give away the answers by pointing! We’ll guide you through at the end to see if you found everything!

Register online by 1.23. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2p

Christian Classics Lecture Series The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton. Free, Westminster Presbyterian Chuch [1360 W Main St, 428.6603] 6:30-8p University Choir Tour Finale Free, St Patrick Catholic Church [407 E Eldorado St, 424.4336, www.millikin.edu] 7:30p Monday, 26 Preschool Activity: Young Artist Inspire your child's imagination and self-expression with a world of hands-on art activities.

Children ages 18 mo-4 yrs, accompanied by their caregiver, will create masterpieces through painting, sculptures, and drawing. $30-35, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 11:15a-12p 1.26-1.27 Youth Tumbling Age-appropriate instruction for youth in grades Pre-K to 6th.

Beginners focus on flexibility and coordination, while intermediate tumblers enhance their skills. $32-38, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 4:30-6:30p

Harper Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Tuesday, 27 Non-Fiction Book Club Spectrums by David Blatner.

Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 1p

Sky's the Limit A powerful way to engage kids that is fun and fulfilling. The activities in this program involve experiments, investigation, discussion, and reflection while centering around STEM learning.

Ages 7-6th grade. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, 864.3622, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 4:30p Open Gaming Bored with nothing to do? Join us for an evening of board game fun!

Mancino's Pizza & Grinders [2805 N Main, www.decaturgamers. com] 5:30p Garden-Fresh Vegetable Garden Planning Few things taste better than garden-fresh vegetables. Find out how to keep those fresh vegetables coming throughout the growing season. Learn how to plan and plant to get the most out of your vegetable garden no matter what size it is! Free, University of Illinois Extension Macon County [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd, 877.6042, web.extension.illinois.edu] 6-8p Wednesday, 28 MU Women's Basketball vs. North Central College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 7p Thursday, 29 Fabulous Hoedads Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E William St] 8-11p

January 2015 | 25

January Events Friday, 30 Jukehouse Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8-11p Plan B Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E William St] 8-11p 1.30-1.31 Comedy Hour Steve Iott with Jeff Arcuri. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. net] 8:30p 1.30 -2.1 Central Illinois Jazz Festival Friday: get acquainted party, gala New Orleans style umbrella parade, small combo dance sets led by Bob Draga & Dave Tatrow. Saturday: ragtime pianorama, banjorama, sit down dinner & dinner show (“Le Jazz Hot� by Anderson Quintet) & late night jam session (all musicians welcome). Sunday: jazz, gospel service (Marilyn Keller w/Rivermen), jazz brunch w/several bands & clarinet clambake (multiple venues under one roof ). $20 (Sunday Brunch), $30 (Sunday), $35

26 | January 2015

(Friday & Saturday-per session), $65 (Saturday dinner/show & events on Saturday), $165 (patron package), Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US Hwy 36 W, 454.2709, www.juvaejazz.com] 4p-12a (Fr), 10a-2a (Sa), 10a-5p (Su) Saturday, 31 Dulcimer Club Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers. Open to the public.

Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10a-12p Saturday Scrappin Scrapbooking Crop Bring your scrapbooking stuff, your lunch and dinner. We will provide snacks and drinks. Each person will have their own table. $20, Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion, 864.5424] 10a-10p MU Men's Swimming vs. Knox College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 1p MU Women's Swimming vs. Knox College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics. millikin.edu] 1p

Snake & Turtle Show Learn about these fascinating reptiles at Rock Springs Nature Center. We will discuss what makes them special and important in nature. We will then look at and touch some live animals. Register online. All ages welcome. $2, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.org] 1p-2:30p Kevin Hart & the Vibe Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 3:30p MDSO: Young Artists Concert Enescu's TORRID "Romanian Rhapsody" caps off an evening featuring Millikin student soloists in concertos and arias to be announced. $13-16.50, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, www.millikin.edu/ kirkland] 7:30p West End Boogie Project Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3350 E William St] 8-11p Westcott, Dennison & Co Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8p-12a

Thrive Online at www.ThriveDecatur.com Search ALL Macon County entertainment, and find just what you're looking for!

www.ThriveDecatur.com Your guide to events in Macon County, Illinois

Freeze Your Butt Off Camping Trip

By Joli A. Hohenstein

28 | January 2015

The trip typically involves a hike – they always hope for snow to make it more interesting – a lot of food (preferably of the junk food variety), good times, tall tales and great friends. “We so far you can’t see it on the thermometer, and eat, sit around the campfire, tell stories and everyone but the polar bears is hunkered down reminisce over past meetups,” Bonnie explains.

The group’s primary rendezvous method under five yards of down, you might think the for hikes and campouts is meetup.com (the only fun is some Yahtzee and hot tea (possibly gathering site, not the dating site). There, adult spiked) by the fire. But you’d be wrong – and you’d be missing the eighth annual Freeze Your hikers and outdoor enthusiasts congregate over shared interests and love of the outdoors.

Butt Off camping trip.

When the mercury dips

That’s right, camping, like in tents, on the ground, in the snow. True? Yes. Crazy? Maybe. Started by the Decatur-area Corn Desert Hiking and Adventure Group, Freeze Your Butt Off probably started as a challenge, says co-organizer Bonnie Wyatt. And believe it or not, it’s grown from there. “It was, ‘hey we’ve all gotten pretty good at camping in the spring and summer and even fall, but what about winter?’” she says. The event typically draws around 15 people, and Bonnie says more would like to come (provided there’s room around the fire).

After all, you’d better be on Mother Nature’s good side if you’re intending to spend the night in a tent in a potential snowstorm. “Part of the fun is that it IS sort of crazy,” says Bonnie. “There aren’t a lot of people who do it, so you’ve earned that ‘I survived a night in 16 degree weather’ claim.”

A core group of camping lovers typically carries the campout, with others joining as schedules and weather permit because not just anyone is fit to brave winter nights outdoors. “It’s all about the right clothing and the right gear and knowing how to use them,” she says.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

January 2015 | 29

They’re good about working with new people and helping them know what they need for campouts, and this trip is no different. After all, hypothermia is very real and not something to kid about.

Unless you’re one of their veteran campers, who one year took the ultimate challenge during Freeze Your Butt Off – and slept all night outside by the fire wrapped in a buffalo skin. The only thing that woke him? Snowflakes hitting his face, but he recovered and dozed back off.

Through the years, they’ve seen it all on the frigid foray, from 7 inches of snow to temperatures in the teens to Park Rangers questioning their sanity, but they still keep coming back for more.

The one concession they’ve made? Choosing a campground with a shower house and a flush toilet that stays open year-round.

It’s a challenge for a hardy few but an experience that gets in the blood. “It’s such an enjoyment seeing snow on the tents and fresh snow in the campground when you come out of your tent in the morning,” says Bonnie. “There’s nothing like it.”

30 | January 2015

Interested in the Freeze Your Butt Off camping trip (this year January 31) or perhaps just some winter hiking? Check out the Corn Desert Hiking and Adventure Group at www.meetup.com/hiking-326.

T i p s to N ot F r e ez e Yo u r Bu t t O f f Don’t wear cotton – it absorbs sweat, stays against your skin, and you stay cold.

Stay hydrated – that’s a big key to keeping warm.

Get the right sleeping bag – check the temperature rating.

Lay down a base – you lose more body heat to the ground than the air.

Keep your tent cozy – smaller tents stay warmer and hold in body heat better.

January 2015 | 31

32

THRIVE Q&A

With a name like Be Yoga Decatur, our interest was piqued! We sat down with owner Chuck Beck to see why Decatur and learn a little about what makes him tick.

Photo: Gil Lebois

CHuck Beck

Favorite Decatur thing to do in winter?

Yoga practice and building furniture are my favorite winter activities. I have been focusing on a couple deep or challenging poses each winter and changing my body to learn their lessons. Designing and building things out of trees helps me create content from the substance of my meditation.

Favorite move to relieve stress?

Legs up the wall pose relieves stress in a short time. Set an alarm for 6 minutes and sit against a wall sideways, lean your arm against the floor and scoot your feet up the wall as you roll onto your back. Close your eyes and pay attention to what is immediately apparent. Give it time to subside. The alarm will ring when it is time.

Thing that surprises people about yoga?

People are surprised at how challenging moving slowly and intentionally can be. You will find all kinds of muscles from moving, stretching and especially breathing practices.

Customers' favorite thing about Be Yoga Decatur?

Windows. Wonderful light, and looking out to see Decatur as a handsome city.

Favorite way to spend a Sunday in Decatur?

Why Be Decatur? (ie why Decatur for your business?)

Downtown Decatur is thriving. The cost of living is low, space is available and thoughts are free. A yoga and meditation studio is something I expect to find when I travel, and I want to find a good studio in our city.

32 | January 2015

Walking under the trees in Fairview Park with my dogs.

Sunday is my favorite day to deliberately avoid the path.

Most unexpected thing to do in Decatur?

Drive around looking at storied buildings and imagine the Decatur without the voice of a narrator.

What can we learn by noticing architectural details and neighborhood layout?

Favorite healthy snack in Decatur?

The granola and fruit from the Blue Spoon. You feel light and substantially satisfied from it.

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Hurricane Ruth Sunday, January 11, 3-6p

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Blues Deacons Sunday, January 18, 3-6p

Jim Ashby: 217-433-5467 • Wayne Allen: 217-521-3696 Jeff Ashby: 217-520-1793 • Blake Ashby: 217-620-1585 Becky Whitehead, Sue Watts & Amy Brewer: 217-429-2125

Harper Sunday, January 25, 3-6p

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January 2015 | 33

Come in from the cold and play!

Admission is $5 for everyone ages 2 and older.

Learn more at CMofIL.org!

34 | January 2015

SPOT THE

DIFFERENCES

For a chance to win

One Dozen Specialty Cupcakes mowrybaking.com | 231 N Main St., Decatur | 217.521.8393

original

2 WAYS TO WIN:

1. Find all 6 differences and earn 2 entries! Send an email by January 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 January 15 to see the password. Email your name and password to earn 1 entry. Winners will be drawn on or around January 16, notified by email, and published in the February issue. One entry per email address.