February 2015 Thrive Entertainment Guide

SP O T T H E D I F F ERENCE CHALLENGE: Earthen Pottery

Spend Valentine's Day with Bob Eubanks

From Seed to Shelf Ego vs. Alter Ego Q&A: Bill Clevenger

FREE

Feb 2015

SPOTLIGHT// Board Knight

ART SPEAK// A Shirt of Many Colors FOOD DUDE// The Gin Mill

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 Heather Meadows Julie Shields Robin Walters Photographers: Sarah Jane 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 | February 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 • 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 • Cancer Care Center of Decatur • 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 • PlaMor 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 • DaVita Macon County Dialysis • 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 • Heroic Age Art Center • Krave • Krekel's • M3 Salon • Mt Zion District Library • Mt Zion Village Hall • Neil Tire & Auto Service • 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 #69 | Februar y 2015 www.thrivedecatur.com

BEHIND THE THRIVE

January Out & About

SPOTLIGHT: Board Knight

Party Crashers' Crash of the Month

ART SPEAK: A Shirt of Many Colors

Publisher's Pick of the Month

FOOD DUDE: The Gin Mill

Bob Eubanks February Events Calendar From Seed to Shelf Ego vs Alter Ego Q&A: Bill Clevenger Spot the Difference Challenge

THRIVE

is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.

04 05 08 09 10 11 12 14 17 27 30 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 February 2015 | 03

BEHIND THE

THRIVE We

CONGRATS TO OUR January WINNER:

[heart]

Desiree Barrett

D e c at u r

'Nuff said.

January Answers:

1. Chocolate chip cookie sign disappears 2. FUDGE sign color changes to red 3. Holly graphic changes to squiggles 4. One cream horn disappears 5. Cupcake appears on top shelf 6. Free sample sign disappears

Play the February Contest on p.35

04 | February 2015

PS- You only have to read this issue to see why!

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Marry Me! Brides-to-be braved the cold and flocked to the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel during Decatur's annual Bridal Expo in early January. Vendors included the area's best dress boutiques, tuxedo rentals, reception caterers, wedding cake bakeries, event planning companies, DJ services, limousine providers, hair stylists, florists and photographers. Many merchants had registration forms on hand and offered a discount or free service through a raffle drawing.

Wonderful World

Mt Zion's Fletcher Park Recreation Center hosted Kids Club - The Wonderful World of Disney on January 10. Granny Giggles greeted participants upon entry and guests settled in for a presentation by the Gary Strong Marionette Show. The event rounded out with games and a Classic Cartoon Festival. Check the THRIVE entertainment calendar for more Kids Club performances all year long.

February 2015 | 05

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Playin' Basketball

The YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues began practices in January with games scheduled to begin in late January and extend into March. Open to youth age 4 through 6th grade, YMCA Basketball is designed to introduce the game and teach basic skills including dribbling, passing and shooting as well as the finer points of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Archers Alley Archers Alley hosted a free kids shoot on January 5. Owner Nathan Frazier gave specific step-bystep instructions, including fully enforced safety measures, to kids of all ages. Don't have the equipment? You can rent equipment and lane time starting at just $5 (www.archersalley.com).

06 | February 2015

American Eagle

Representatives from The Illinois Raptor Center spoke to a group of approximately 60 community members at Rock Springs Nature Center on Saturday, January 10. As part of the presentation, event-goers had the opportunity to see an American eagle up close and personal and learn about the various rescue and rehabilitation efforts happening at the Illinois Raptor Center.

Hurricane Ruth Hurricane Ruth blew into Decatur's west end on Sunday, January 11, to perform at Pop's Place. Originating from Springfield, IL, Hurricane Ruth offered a powerful, raw, emotional and dynamic blues rock concert that delighted audience members young and old and had the dance floor packed for most of the 3-hour show.

February 2015 | 07

08

SPOTLIGHT

by Joli Hohenstein

Board Knight: Where Playtime Never Ends

Gamers’ playground got a little bit bigger when Board Knight came on the scene, and the goal continues to be keeping the fun rolling.

a lot.” It’s a great way to learn about new options and a great way for Board Knight to learn about what to carry.

“We wanted to create a place for people to go that’s fun, clean and entertaining,” says co-owner Krystle Callarman. “We’ve created a community around it.”

The Friday Night Magic event draws upwards of 25 people regularly to play the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering. The shop hosts several different miniature games as well, giving aficionados the opportunity to paint, build armies and compete against others. They recently hosted their first miniature painting contest, and groups come in regularly to play games like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Warhammer 40K, Warmachine and Magic: The Gathering.

Indeed, much like the games they host and promote, Board Knight has become a gathering place for gamers from around the area. Leagues keep regulars happy and competition levels high.

Constant inventory and game refreshes keep collectors and hobbyists happy, too. With gamespecific tournaments practically every night, plus regular open gaming hours, gamers of all levels and preferences can find a spot at Board Knight.

That’s been the goal from day one, says co-owner Kevin Callarman. “Not everybody likes the same games, but we offer something for everyone from the casual gamer to the dedicated players who play the same games all the time.”

The open-door structure at Board Knight makes an easy and welcoming atmosphere for newbies and pros alike. “Gaming has brought us friends, things to do and entertainment, and that’s what we wanted to make for other people,” says Kevin.

“Groups like Decatur Gamers were spending most of their time finding a place to play, and this gives options for everyone.”

How do you know what games you like? “Games are kind of like books,” says Krystle. “What your friends are playing and saying about them means

Their strategy doesn’t end there. Future plans may include a membership program, redecorating, and an electric sign to make their downtown location easier to find.

“I’ve always wanted to open a game store; I grew up going to them as a kid,” says Kevin. “Here we’ve done that and more, giving gamers a place where they can come together and meet each other, have some fun and play.”

Get There: Board Knight 228 W. Main St., Decatur 706-5373, www.boardknight.com Find them on Facebook!

M, W, Th: 4-10 pm; Fr 4-midnight; Sa, Su: 12-8 pm (closed Tuesday)

Joli Hohenstein is Editor and Senior Writer for THRIVE. She is an award-winning freelance writer, marketer, and editor. Get more Joli at jolihohenstein.com.

08 | February 2015

r u t a DecRASHERS C PARTY

CRASH of the Month Sunday, February 15

Beverages, silent auction, smooch-apooch, 50/50 raffle, live auction, food. $10 (donation), AIW Hall, 10a FEATURED BANDS Powerhouse Brother Down Frank Sinatra Jonny Vodka Darkness Inside 4 Bolt Main Slant 6 Union Square Prairieland Rebels White Whiskey Coalition Gutter Bound facebook.com/groups/ DecaturPartyCrashers jccaulkins@aol.com

February 2015 | 09

10

ART SPEAK

A Shirt of Many Colors I was born in Decatur, grew up in Argenta, and went to college at Richland Community College and Millikin University. I’ve enjoyed living here all my life. It may sound like I haven’t had enough experience with other places when I say, “When it comes to arts-related opportunities, Decatur has a lot to offer.”

But I’ve been lucky enough to travel across this country, from Boston and New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and many parts in between.

Though Decatur is not a major metropolitan city, there’s a lot more to it than often meets the eye. With its proud history in the manufacturing industry, our city has been viewed as a “blue collar” town. But once people look beyond the collar, they find Decatur wears a surprisingly colorful, “artsy” shirt.

A doctor friend of mine told me that when he first considered where his career would next take him, one of his deciding factors was whether the city had a symphony orchestra. He was pleased to find that Decatur has an outstanding orchestra with an award-winning conductor.

Music in Decatur offers something for everyone.

Do you like bluegrass? Head out to Rock Springs Nature Center for the Bluegrass Jams and Dulcimer Club meetings. So your kid wants to learn what it’s like to be in a rock band? Sign up for the First Gig Rock’n’Roll Camp or JamFest through the Decatur Park District. Are you a skilled musician looking for a chance to play? See if you’ve got the chops to be part of the Decatur Municipal Band, Decatur Big Band or Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra.

by Jerry Johnson

perform on stage or help out backstage for local productions? There are lots of opportunities with Theatre7, Richland Community College, Decatur Park District and more.

Do you love to sing? You might have the pipes to be a part of the Greater Decatur Chorale or Opus 24. Are your kids excited about taking dance lessons? A quick Google search will give you at least half a dozen studios and schools in the Decatur area.

Do you have a passion for drawing, painting, pottery, photography, or any of the other visual arts? Become a member of the Barn Colony Artists or Gallery 510. You and your kids can take classes at the Decatur Area Arts Council or visit one of the local galleries or studios, from Richland Community College to Heroic Age Arts Center to the Madden Arts Center to Millikin University.

Of course, any of these arts activities are there for you to simply take in and enjoy. See your neighbor perform in a musical. Listen to your coworker play trumpet in the park. Admire the artwork created by your niece at a local gallery. Don’t forget about the big annual arts events like Arts in Central Park, the Central Illinois Jazz Festival and Millikin Vespers.

So the next time you’re talking to someone about Decatur, remind the person that there may be a little blue in its collar, but rest of the shirt is filled with wild, awesome, artsy goodness.

Check out the more than 25 links to local arts websites www.decaturarts.org/ community-arts/.

Another friend who recently moved here has an interest in participating in theatre and found a thriving community theatre scene that she could be a part of. Do you or your kids want to Jerry Johnson is the Executive Director of the Decatur Area Arts Council and may be spotted pretty much anywhere art is happening.

10 | February 2015

Publisher's

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

Skillet Brownie $7.00 TapRoot 170 North Merchant Street Downtown Decatur Photos: Kat Smalley

Speaking of things we "heart"—have you tried the Skillet Brownie at TapRoot?

If sharing is caring, offering up a bite or two of this delectable chocolate treat is a testament of true love. Once you give it a taste, you'll understand.

What you probably wouldn't know at first glance is that this brownie is hot out of the oven with a chocolate fudge topping and cinnamon ice cream.

That's right, I said "Cinnamon. Ice. Cream." That little detail puts it over the edge for me.

Pro Tip: If you're too full for the whole brownie, you can just get a Jumbo Scoop of the cinnamon ice cream!

February 2015 | 11

12

THE FOOD DUDE

by T. F. DUDE

Of All the Gin Joints…

This One’s No Run of the Mill!

scare you if you aren’t a [mighty] duck fan. It looks and tastes like some delicious Canadian bacon.

Since my pal opted for a seafood dish, I ordered the Beef Blackstone. You get two portions of beef tenderloin, topped with mushrooms, scallions and a Bordelaise sauce, served on top of two pieces of brioche. I found my meat to be incredibly tender, and I didn't have any problem getting it cooked the way I asked: rare. My side dishes included mashed potatoes and creamed spinach with blue cheese and caramelized onions.

I've been to The Gin Mill on a few occasions, but this time I decided I HAD to try something different. I went with a pal on a Friday night (just a little before 6 pm) and was told to expect a 45-minute wait, which is where my first Gin Mill tip comes in: If it's only two of you, check upstairs at the bar. There are two giant leather stools, so my friend and I got to skip the wait and get right to the appetizers.

Before I give you the skinny on the menu, though, I’ll offer tip #2. On Fridays and Saturdays, parking spaces tend to fill up pretty dang fast, so if you can’t find parking on Merchant or Prairie Streets, try parking in the lot next to the DemirCo building (across from Paco’s), and you’ll see that The Gin Mill has a convenient back entrance.

My buddy ordered the Dayboat Scallops. You get four large scallops wrapped in bacon and accompanied by sweet Thai chili, butter and cilantro. The scallops were cooked nicely, and the Thai chili gives it a bit of kick. I think we both agreed we could do with slightly less sauce.

I just happen to like my scallops to speak for themselves. Otherwise, delicious.

Finally, I ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. I fell in love with Sticky Toffee Pudding after a visit to the UK. (Don’t order this expecting our version of pudding.) The taste is basically that of a spiced cake with some caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

And how about that decor? The lighting fixtures are unique, and wow, does that green wallpaper really add character and a sense of atmosphere!

It's classy and sophisticated, but details like the leopard print carpeting on the stairs tell you they don't take themselves too seriously.

Don’t forget to ask the story behind the beautiful So, it had been STRONGLY suggested to me to bar downstairs! try the Smoked Duck Bacon Pizza, which consists of goat cheese, mozzarella, tart cherries, shallots and black pepper. I didn't know what to expect from this pizza, so when I asked, "Um, where's Get There: The Gin Mill the duck?", I was promptly schooled that there 124 E. Prairie Ave., Decatur is something such as duck bacon. As in, it looks like the same package of bacon you’d get at the 330-8073, Find them on Facebook! grocery store but is made from duck. Don’t let that The Food Dude is not a professional food critic. He just really, really likes food.

12 | February 2015

MYSL MidState Youth Soccer League Developmental (non-travel) soccer

Registration: Feb.9 - Mar.18 Call 429-3472 or visit midstatesoccer.com

2705 N Water, Decatur Illinois

In-Home Color Consultations Receive a $50 Sherwin-Williams gift card with your $95 color consultation to get you started.

To learn more about color consultations call: 217.876.0108

February 2015 | 13

We Heart Decatur for Couples Spend Valentine’s Day with Bob Eubanks The Not-So Newlywed Game is coming to Decatur!

By Joli A. Hohenstein

Game shows are Bob Eubanks’ playground, and he’s bringing his toys to Decatur! The Not-So Newlywed Game lets not only the honeymooners but also the more long-term amorous in on the fun, in a hilarious rendition of the iconic TV show.

14 | February 2015

For those not on the earth when it went out of syndication, we’re talking about The Newlywed Game, the long-running wildly popular game show hosted by Bob Eubanks that enjoyed decades of syndication after leaving prime time.

Like the original, The Not-So Newlywed Game will pit married couples against each other in a series of revealing question rounds to determine how well the spouses know (or don’t know) each other. Eight couples will be randomly chosen from the audience to play for grand prizes.

Part of that comes from Eubanks’ eye for entertainers. That’s why in this live version of the classic show, he hand-selects contestants himself. “Everybody has an equal chance to be on stage,” he says. “I go right into the audience— no one is preselected.” How are contestants And really, the only other thing you need to chosen? Sometimes based on enthusiasm, know is that you will have fun, says Eubanks. sometimes not. “Sometimes I see a wife who’s “Everybody wants to make people laugh. The so excited, and her husband is saying, ‘Put your hand down!’ Every personality can be funny.” show is just really, really entertaining.”

Always in good taste and absolutely hilarious, It’s the audience who really makes the whole the show is filled with funny outtake clips of show fun, he says. “In the department store of actual episodes, plus sixteen of your neighbors life, I work in the toy department.” up on stage and entertaining. “People love to be on stage, and they will say things on stage that, if you sat with them in a room, they’d never in a million years say,” Eubanks says.

In its almost nine-year run, the show made famous the popular phrase “making whoopee,” in part because of Eubanks’ own caution. “The Newlywed Game was the first time we ever looked in people’s bedrooms,” he says. “It was on when kids were up, and I didn’t think you should have to explain to them what sex was if you weren’t ready.”

That same classy and clean mentality carries through the current show, which brings boudoir belly laughs to Kirkland’s stage on Valentine’s Day. “People are interested in nostalgic options, and this sounded like a lot of fun and a natural fit for date night,” says Jan Traughber, Kirkland director and the one who booked Eubanks and the show for Decatur. An added bonus: Everybody who purchases a ticket has the chance to win $100,000. You read that right; one lucky person will compete in a bonus contest on stage to take home $100,000.

Still, an entertainer like Eubanks doesn’t need contests to keep the audience rolling. Every year he hosts Emmy Award-winning Rose Parade coverage. TV Guide named him one of the top 5 game show hosts of all time. The Newlywed Show was the highest rated show in its slot and the #1 show in syndication after that.

Get There The Not-So Newlywed Game Saturday, February 14, 7:30 pm Kirkland Fine Arts Center 1184 W. Main St., Decatur Tickets: $20, $25, $30; School Age: $5 424-6318, www.millikin.edu/kirkland

February 2015 | 15

DI SCOVE R

atches your m at th am gr ro p ic m an acade ity College! n u m m o C d n la h ic R interest at

Visit richland.edu/tour to learn more about our programs and to schedule your tour today!

16 | February 2015

EVERYDAY Decatur Camera Club Enjoy photographs of flowers, animals, and scenic views of central Illinois. North Gallery Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 8a-5p (Mo-We, Fr), 8a-8p (Th), 9a-5p (Sa), 1-5p (Su)

EVERY TUESDAY Board Game Gauntlet Free, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 5p

Country Line Dance Come join in for a fun-filled evening, meet new people, and learn to country line dance. Great Magic The Gathering exercise. Knights of Columbus $15, Hidden Lair, 6p Hall [520 E North St, 764.3070] 7-9p Chess Club Come and play check Miniatures Monday mate! Doherty's Pub & Board Knight [228 W Main St, Pins [242 E William St] 706.5373, www.boardknight.

6:30p Julie Carter & Gil Lebois com] 5:30-10p View fine art photography of Kung Fu the Midwest. South Gallery Ante League: Winter Ages 13+. $25-50, Rock Springs Nature Center Board Knight [228 W Main St, Decatur YMCA [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, 706.5373, www.boardknight.

[220 W McKinley] 7-8:30p maconcountyconservation.org] com] 6-10p 8a-5p (Mo-We, Fr), 8a-8p (Th), Preschool Activity: Adult Indoor Soccer Open 9a-5p (Sa), 1-5p (Su).

Sports Sampler Play This great sports sampler February Art in Decatur Adult soccer players can enjoy will allow children ages Each with a unique art exhibit. casual matches during this 2-5 the opportunity to try Decatur Airport. Decatur Area friendly open play session at the T-ball, basketball, soccer, Arts Council. Decatur Public DISC. Must be 18 years or older. and more! Each week Library. Gallery 510. MU: Blue No pre-registration is required. will feature a new sport.

Connection. MU: Perkinson $6, Decatur Indoor Sports $30-35, Decatur Indoor Gallery. RCC: Erlanson Gallery.

Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, Sports Center (DISC) [1295 Rock Springs Nature Center.

429.3472, www.decatur-parks.

W Wood St, 429.3472, Wildflour Artisan Bakery. Various org] 9-10p www.decatur-parks.org] [Decatur] 10-10:40a EVERY MONDAY, EVERY MONDAY EVERY TUESDAY THURSDAY, FRIDAY & Jujutsu & THURSDAY SUNDAY Wrestling Ages 13+. $25-50, Decatur YMCA Pickleball Open for all skill levels. $5 Amateur wrestlers (ages [220 W McKinley] 6:30-8p (non-member), Free (member), 7-14) will learn basic Decatur YMCA [220 W fundamentals, rules, and McKinley, www.facebook.com/ skills. Sessions are offered DecaturPickleball] 1-3p(Mo), by experienced area 7-9p (Th), 8:30-10:30a (Fr), wrestling coaches. $3010a-12p (Su) 35, Mueller Park Frontier Building [745 E Riverside, 429.3472, www.decaturparks.org] 5:30-6:30p

February 2015 | 17

Search ALL Macon County entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

February Events

February Events

Winter Football Camp (2.7-2.21) EVERY WEDNESDAY Karate Increase your speed and improve D&D Casual Ages 5+. $25-50, Decatur YMCA your agility and technique with Board Knight [228 W Main St, [220 W McKinley] 6:30-8p the Millikin University football 706.5373, www.boardknight. team! Athletes of all positions You Pick Three com] 5-9p are encouraged to participate.

Let’s face it! There are no drafts $47-56, Decatur Indoor Sports going on in D-town!! So, let’s get Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, League Night $5, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy them rolling again! Pick 3 packs 429.3472, www.decatur-parks. of whatever we’ve got at the 121, Mt Zion] 5p org] 12-1:30p shop and let’s draft! $10, Board Knight [228 W Main St, 706.5373, EVERY SUNDAY YuGiOh YuGiOh $5, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy www.boardknight.com] 6:3010:30p $5, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 5p 121, Mt Zion] 2p EVERY FRIDAY EDH: Winter League Magic the Gathering Heroclix Board Knight [228 W Main St, $5-15, Hidden Lair [320 N State 706.5373, boardknight.com] 6-10p Casual (5p), Standard Khans of Tarkir (6:30p). $5, Hidden Lair Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 6p [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] Open Mic Free, Donnie's Homespun Pizza 5p D&D Expedition [126 S Oakland St] 9p Board Knight [228 W Main St, Friday Night Magic 706.5373, www.boardknight.

EVERY WEDNESDAY Board Knight [228 W Main St, com] 3-7p & FRIDAY 706.5373, www.boardknight.

Tai Chi com] 6:30-11p Sunday, 1 Maroa Public Library [305 Central Illinois Jazz Festival EVERY FRIDAY & Garfield St, Maroa, 794.3005, Sunday Jazz, Gospel Service SATURDAY www.maroa.lib.il.us] 9-10a (Marilyn Keller w/Rivermen), Wine Tastings Jazz Brunch w/several bands EVERY THURSDAY The Decanter Fine Wines [215 & Clarinet Clambake (Multiple Open Gaming N Main St, 422.9463, www.

Venues Under One Roof ). $20 Come on in and raid our demo thedecanterfinewines.com] 4-7p (Sunday Brunch), $30 (Sunday), shelf and have some fun. Free, (Fr), 1-6p (Sa) Decatur Conference Center Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy & Hotel [4191 US Hwy 36 W, EVERY SATURDAY 121, Mt Zion] 5p 454.2709, www.juvaejazz.com] Pokémon 10a-5p Tactical Thursdays $5, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy Free, Hidden Lair [320 N State 121, Mt Zion] 11a Super Bowl Party Potluck Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 5p Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 2ish Dice Masters $5, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 2p

Sanctuary Concert Series Bryan Appleby-Winberg, trumpet, and Anita Giffort, piano.

Central Christian Church [650 W William St] 4p Soup-er Bowl Dinner Half time devotional time. Bring a soup to share. First Church of the Nazarene [1177 W Hickory Point Rd, 875.0616, d1naz.com] 4:30-10:30p Family Night Live Looking for a family friendly Super Bowl Party? Well, look no further! We will have pizza & wings, games at half-time, and fun for the whole family. Open to the public. Free, Antioch Christian Church [5409 E US Rt 36, 864.3444, www.accdecatur. org] 5:15-9:15p

politics, public policy, society, race, and presidents who appointed Black U.S. marshals.

Free, Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, www.friendsdpl.org] 12:15-1p Wednesday Women Stop in any time after 5p. New members always welcome. RSVP to jccaulkins@aol.com. Taproot [170 N Merchant St, 330.6365] 5p

American Girl Club Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa, 794.3005, www.maroa.lib. il.us] 6-7:30p 2015 T.W. Samuels Lecture Premier Lincoln author and scholar, Dr. Michael Burlingame. MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St, www.millikin.edu] 7p

MU Men's Basketball vs. Illinois Wesleyan. MU: The Flying Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, Nelson Brothers athletics.millikin.edu] 7p Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 W William St] Thursday, 5 8:30p-11:30p READiculous 2.5-2.8 Are you an adult who has always wanted to see the story- Acis and Galatea

by George acting duo? Here is the perfect Friderich Handel opportunity. READiculous will Tuesday, 3 $5 (school age), $10-12 be performing for a Millikin's Super Sempervivums! (adult), MU: Albert Taylor Children's Literature class, but Open to the public. Advanced Theatre [1184 W Main St, the public is welcome.

Free, registration is required. Free, 424.6318, www.millikin.

Decatur Public Library [130 N University of Illinois Extension edu/kirkland] 7:30p Franklin] 9:30a Macon County [3351 N President (Th-Sa), 2p (Su) Howard Brown Blvd, 877.6042, Lonn Pressnall web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/] 2.5-2.28 as Abraham Lincoln 1:30p Ego vs Alter Ego RSVP by noon, 2/2. $10 salad Romanian artist Ilie or meal. All States Club, Scovill Wednesday, 4 Vaduva's unique style of Banquet Facility [3909 W Main Book Discussion We get the books and you read St, jamie.brunner@edwardjones. surrealistic art. 8:30a-4:30p (Mo-Fr), 10a-2p (Sa). com, 454.7265] 12p them! Barclay Public Library Madden Arts Center [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621, barclay.lib.il.us] 10:30a Open Gaming at Board Knight [125 N Water, www. decaturarts.org] Bored with nothing to do? Join Books Between Bites us for an evening of board game The President's Men: Black United fun! Board Knight [228 W Main, States Marshals in America by www.decaturgamers.com] 5:30p Robert Moore. Moore uncovers 222 years of history involving

Search ALL Macon County entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

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

February Events Friday, 6 Family Friday Play late and enjoy food.

Decatur Science Investigations will present an engineering workshop from 5:30-6:15p. $5, Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, 423.5437, www.cmofil.org] 9:30a-7p Family Book Bash: If You'll Be My Valentine Commemorate kindness, as well as love, with this heart warming story. $1 (member), $6 (nonmember), Free (Ages under 2), Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, 423.5437, www.cmofil.org] 10-11a First Friday Visit the three downtown Decatur galleries (Gallery 510, Blue Connection, Madden Arts Center) to see great art, enjoy live music, munch tasty hors d’oeuvres, and sip a complimentary beverage. Meet the artists, thrive on the energy!

Free [Downtown Decatur] 5-7:30p

Comedy Hour Tim Kidd with Adam Degi. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Jupiter at Opposition Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, This is the time when Jupiter is 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. at its closest to Earth. View the cloud bands through a telescope net] 8:30p and use binoculars to see the planet’s 4 largest moons, which Saturday, 7 Ray's Chilli Chilly Run will appear as bright dots on either side of the planet. Register Free, Southside Country online by 2.5. Free, Rock Springs Club [1650 Cottage Dr, www. decaturrunningclub.com] 7-10a Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.

Cross Country Skiing org] 7-9p and Snow Shoeing Learn to ski, enjoy a guided ski The Flying Nelson Brothers trip, and search for wildlife along Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 W William St] 8:30-11:30p the way. Snowshoes available, too. All equipment provided.

At least 4” of snow required.

Smokers Blues Band Refreshments will be served.

Lock Stock & Barrel Register online by 2.6. Free, Rock [129 S Oakland] 9p-1a Springs Nature Center [3939 2.6 -2.7 Nearing Ln, maconcounty "For the Love of It" conservation.org] 9a Cabaret and Dinner Proceeds benefit Pancreatic Animal Crackers: Cancer Action Network and Love is in the Air Leukemia and Lymphoma Children ages 3-5 listen to a Society. Cash bar. $35, Decatur story, meet an animal, create a Club [158 W Prairie, 429.4200] craft with their adult guest(s) 5:30p (cocktails), 6p (dinner), 7p and snack on animal crackers! (show) $9-10, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, 421.7435, www.

Women's Retreat decatur-parks.org] 9:30-10:15a & "You make me brave" 11-11:45a Food, speakers, and fellowship.

Open to the public. $40 (3 meals Book Signing incl.), Lampstand Presbyterian Lucy Arlington, who wrote Church [655 S Airport Rd, Played by the Book, which is part lampstandpc.org] 5:30-5p of the Novel Idea mystery series, will be signing her book at the Hickory Point Mall. Book World [1146 Hickory Point Mall Dr, Forsyth] 10a-12p

Cherubs of Chocolate The Tea Ladies, Inc will share and discuss their collection of antique Valentines, the joy of writing and receiving love letters, secret languages of communication, “fan-speak” and hidden name calling cards.

Traditional English tea. Reg req'd. Barclay Public Library [Warrensburg, 672.3621] 11a Tech Challenge Qualifier 18'x18' robots compete on a 12'x12' field in 2.5-min. matches.

This year's game is "Cascade Effect". Teams pick up two sizes of whiffle balls, golf ball size and softball size and score them in tubes. Hope Academy [955 N Calhoun St] 11a-4p

Hearts Around the World An evening of German, Polish, Swiss, Belgian, Denmark cuisine & culture. $75, Café DMH [2300 N Edward St, 876.2105, www. dmhcares.com] 6p Valentine Dinner & Dance Dueling pianos, silent auction, 50/50, raffle. $40 (single), $75 (couple), Mt Zion Convention Center [1400 Mt Zion Parkway, Mt Zion, 864.5424] 6:30-10p

Matt Carter Band Bourbon Street specials, beers, beads, and bands.

Get downtown and celebrate our annual Mardi Gras Party! Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main St, 330.6483] 9p-12a Vanilla Gorilla, DJ Dropper Ages 21+. Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland St, www. donnieshomespun.com] 9p

MU Men's Basketball vs. North Park University. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, Sunday, 8 athletics.millikin.edu] 7p Bowl-a-thon Squirrel away your Smash Brothers Project M $7, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy winter blues. Bowl for Independence Pointe.

121, Mt Zion] 7p $17.50 (indiv), $70 (team), American Haunting’s Annual Spare Time Lanes [2870 N Step Afrika!

“Dead of Winter” Festival Like a tap dance without shoes, Jasper] 11a Meet authors and speakers on or a band without instruments, strange phenomena and be Bluegrass Music Jams stepping is a percussive dance chilled by presentations on Bring your instrument, that uses kicks, stomps, claps, ghosts, hauntings and spirited learn a new tune or and chants-all linked to African locations! Admission free with simply enjoy the musical and modern dance traditions. a canned or non-perishable talents of our volunteers. $5 (school age), $15-25 (adult), item donation. Lincoln Square Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Open to the public. Free, Theatre [145 N Main St, www.

Main St, 424.6318, www.millikin. Rock Springs Nature prairieghosts.com, 422.1711] Center [3939 Nearing Ln, edu/kirkland] 7:30p 12-4p maconcounty conservation.org] 1-4p Killer Bee Honey MU Faculty Jazz Lock Stock & Barrel Lock Stock & Barrel Family Science Sunday: [129 S Oakland] 8-11p [129 S Oakland] 3:30p Candy Hearts Use candy hearts to West End Boogie Project Mardi Gras Various businesses, specials, etc. Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 perform chemical reactions! Free (with W William St] 8-11p [Downtown Decatur] 5p admission), Children's Copper Canyon Country Band Museum of Illinois [55 MU Women's Basketball Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 9p S Country Club Rd, vs. North Park University. MU: 423.5437, cmofil.org] 2-4p Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] 5p

February 2015 | 21

Search ALL Macon County entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

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

February Events

Winter Night Hike Venture into the darkness and Nigel Mack & the Blues Attack Thursday, 12 experiment with your five senses Book Discussion Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] and see how they can play The Shadow of the Wind by 3-6p tricks with your mind. Register Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Argenta Public online by 2.12. $3 (person), $10 Tuesday, 10 Library [100 East Water, Argenta, (family), Fort Daniel Conservation Open Gaming www.aopld.lib.il.us] 1:30p Area [7977 Fort Daniel Rd, at Diamonds Restaurant maconcountyconservation.org] Bored with nothing to do? Join Book Club 8-10p us for an evening of board game Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly.

Soy City Stranglers fun! Diamonds Restaurant [2959 Everyone welcome. Mt Zion Ages 21+. Donnie's Homespun N Oakland, www.decaturgamers. District Library [115 W Main St, com] 5:30p Mt Zion, 864.3622, www.mtzion. Pizza [126 S Oakland St, www. donnieshomespun.com] 9p lib.il.us] 6:30p-7:45p Garden Club 2.13-2.15 Making flower note cards.

KirkOut: Danza Romantica Tournament of Friends Reservations required. First Free, TBD [424.6318, www.

Decatur Civic Center Lutheran Church [250 W millikin.edu/kirkland] 7p [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur St, www.facebook.com/ decaturhockey.com] The Fabulous Hoedads gardenclubofdecatur] 6p Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 Saturday, 14 2.10-2.11 E William St] 8-11p Gardening Insights Weather or Not: Clouds Kerry Anne Mendez, keynote Friday, 13 Our imaginations will run wild speaker, will be speaking on Chocolate Extravaganza as we look to the sky and learn The Right-Size Flower Garden. about clouds. $10, Rock Springs There will be delicious chocolate Choose from a variety of Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln] goods for sale along with a different class topics ranging chance to win a winter getaway from roses, compost, orchids, 9:30-10:30a (Tu, Ages 1-5), 1-2p package. Raffle tickets $5, 3 for (We, Ages 3-5) landscape tress, herbs, and so $10. St. Mary's Hospital [1800 E much more! $25, RCC: Shilling Wednesday, 11 Lake Shore Dr] 7a Center [One College Park, MU Women's Basketball 877.6042] 8a-4p vs. Wheaton College. MU: Latin Jazz Night Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, Lock Stock & Barrel Dulcimer Club athletics.millikin.edu] 7p [129 S Oakland] 7-10p Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy Voodoo Lounge the musical talents of our Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn volunteers. Open to the public.

[3550 E William St] 8-11p Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.org] 10a-12p

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 Magic The Gathering Fate reforged game day. $5, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 12p Kids Club Valentines Day Party Doodles the Dragon, Granny Giggles and the Gary Strong Marionette Show. Concessions, live entertainment, old time movies, classic cartoons and prizes. Includes Disney games, music, and a big screen classic cartoon festival. $4 (adult), $1 (child), Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion, 864.5424] 2p Sweetheart Sledding Party Sled down the biggest hill around! Bring your friends, family, or significant other to enjoy an afternoon of sledding, hot cocoa, s’mores, and a raging fire. Bundle up and BYO sleds. All else is provided.

Weather permitting. Register online by 2.13. $3 (person), $10 (family), Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-4p Decatur Big Band Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 3:30p

Love & Laughs Romantic dinner and comedy/ magician - Steve Barcellona. Free childcare with RSVP. $25 (person), The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, www.connectedpairs.com] 6p Valentine Dinner & Dance Dance instruction and pictures available, couples only. $25 (couple), Heartland Community Church: Grand Palace [3253 N Brush College Rd] 6p

Valentine's Day with LHP Enjoy some sweet tunes with your sweetie this evening. Call for reservations. Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main St, 330.6483] 8:30-11:30p

Valentine's Day Bass the Place Vol 2 Funhouse, The Captain, Blooze, Symphonia.

Ages 21+. $5, Donnie's Karaoke Homespun Pizza [126 DJ Jeff spins your favorite songs S Oakland, www. to sing! American Legion 105 donnieshomespun.com] [1535 Legion Dr, 423.1411] 7-11p 10p The Bob Eubanks Not So Newlywed Game Eight lucky couples are chosen at random from the audience to play. The questions are funny, the couples are funny, and they play for great grand prizes. One person will have a chance to win $100,000. $5 (school age), $20-30 (adult), Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, www. millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30p Plan B Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 W William St] 8-11p X-Krush Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 8p

2.14-2.15 Winter Softball Camp This one-day camp will enhance players' softball skills! Millikin University softball players and coaches will teach the fundamentals of throwing, catching and fielding, as well as defensive positional work for infield and outfield. Ages 8-13. $45-54, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] 2-6p (Sa, Ages 8-13) 1-5p (Su, Ages 14-18)

Search ALL Macon County entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

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

February Events

A Knight to Remember Each knight will join the Order of Sunday, 15 Tuesday, 17 the Museum - to be chivalrous Rock the Woof Garden Club and brave in all their play! We will Beverages, silent auction, Learn how to use Pinterest to have a grand feast, plus merry smooch-a-pooch, 50/50 raffle, find and organize gardening and crafts and activities, including live auction, food. $10 (donation), floral design ideas. Refreshments a birds of prey visit from Scovill AIW Hall [2882 N Dineen St] 10a will follow. Decatur Public Library Zoo! Must pre-register, pre[130 N Franklin, www.facebook. pay. $7 (member), $10 (nonElks State Free Throw Contest com/gardenclubofdecatur] member), Children's Museum Thomas Jefferson Middle School 12:30p of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, [4735 East Cantrell St] Time TBD 423.5437, www.cmofil.org] 6-8p Beekeeping for Dave & Friends Blues Band the Home Gardener Warhammer 40K Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] Basics of starting a backyard Super BK Attack Team 3-6p colony, understanding With our revised rules, let’s get honeybees and hive together and play. $6, Board Couples/Singles Dance management. Free, University of Knight [228 W Main St, 706.5373, Band: BAM! $10, Knights of Illinois Extension Macon County www.boardknight.com] 6-10p Columbus Hall [520 E North St, [3351 N President Howard Brown 875.3090, www.dancingdates.

Blvd, 877.6042, web.extension.

DJ David Lee com] 5-8p illinois.edu/dmp/] 1:30p Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 W William St] 8:30-11:30p Monday, 16 Wednesday, 18 School's Out Day Camp Watch the Dough Grow!

Friday, 20 Seed to Shelf Exhibition Youth ages 5-13. Rock wall and Yeast Breads Grand Opening inflatables. $32-37, Decatur $10, University of Illinois Indoor Sports Center (DISC) Extension Macon County [3351 Seed to Shelf is a hands-on [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472, N President Howard Brown Blvd, agriculture exhibit that will www.decatur-parks.org] 6:30a-6p 877.6042, web.extension.illinois. highlight aspects of local farming, agribusiness, and edu] 6-8p logistics of how food gets to the Thursday, 19 shelves of local grocery stores.

Book Club $5 (ages 2+), Children's Museum Five Came Back: A Story of of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, Hollywood and the Second World 423.5437, www.cmofil.org] 10a War. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 1p Family Fun Night Join Bob Beetle and his author Phyllis Griggs. Free (member), $5 (prospective member), Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 6:30-8p

Sunday, 22 Cross Country Ski Workshop Learn the basics of cross country skiing. This activity MU Women's Basketball is a great way to observe vs. Carthage College. MU: Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, wildlife and explore the outdoors. At least 4" athletics.millikin.edu] 5p of snow required. $12 Mom’s Night Out Trivia Night (person), Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 $15 fee includes taco bar, food gratuity and intry into the trivia Nearing Ln, maconcounty The Fabulous Hoedads conservation.org] 10-11a pot. Tickets available at www.

Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn decaturilmoms.com. Paco's Sol [3550 W William St] 8-11p Bistro [237 N Main St, 330.6483] Daytona 500 Party Potluck 6p Pop's Place Chris Bradley & Jen Cooper [4335 W Main St] 1ish Free, Donnie's Homespun BANDSLAM 2015 Pizza [126 S Oakland St, www.

Buddy Love and the Can't Shape Note Singing donnieshomespun.com] 8:30p Hardly Playboys, MissConduct, The Charleston-Mattoon 360 Band, Rock of Ages. Silent Sacred Harp Singers will Saturday, 21 auction, cash bar. $30 (adv), demonstrate shape note Macho Nacho $40 (door), $50 (adv couple), singing, a traditional Lock Stock & Barrel $60 (door couple), Knights of style of unaccompanied [129 S Oakland] 8-11a Columbus Hall singing that uses solfa [520 E North St, 875.7950, notation, in which Wear Your White www.st-teresahs.org] 6-11p the shape of the note Learn how animals use indicates its pitch. Visitors camouflage in winter by heading MU Men's Basketball are welcome to try it out. out into the winter wilderness vs. Carthage College. MU: Free, Rock Springs Nature to a challenging game of Griswold Center [1184 W Main St, Center [3939 Nearing Ln, winter hide-and-seek. Dress athletics.millikin.edu] 7p maconcounty to blend in! Register online by conservation.org] 2-4p 2.20. Free, Rock Springs Nature Smash Brothers Project M Center [3939 Nearing Ln, $7, Hidden Lair [320 N State Hwy Synergy Percussion Ensemble maconcountyconservation.org] 121, Mt Zion] 7p Synergy showcases 2-3p the distinctiveness of Lost in a Name Millikin's ubiquitous Diversity Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S interdisciplinary alliances Lock Stock & Barrel Oakland] 8-11p through a collaborative [129 S Oakland] 3:30p concert featuring Shades of Grey performances by students 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn and faculty across the Live sweet treat auction of [3550 W William St] 8-11p College of Fine Arts. $8 cakes, pies & assorted goodies (adult), Kirkland Fine Arts following the cook-off. $5 (all you Center [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, www.millikin. edu/kirkland] 4p Night at the Nature Center Visit the EcoCenter at night.

This unique opportunity comes around rarely! We will play games, hear stories, and make crafts. Snacks provided. Be prepared to go outside. Ages 6-12. $15 (person), Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.org] 7-10p

can eat chili), Tabernacle Baptist Church [650 N Wykles Dr, www. tbcdecatur.org] 5p

February 2015 | 25

Search ALL Macon County entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

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

February Events Tuesday, 24 Non-Fiction Book Club Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age

by W. Bernard Carlson. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 1p Open Gaming at Mancino's Pizza & Grinders 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 Poly Clay Art Basic poly clay canes and applications give you a brief overview and introduction to polymer clay. You will create a beautiful pen, pendant or magnet. Ages 12+. $22 (person), Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion, 864.5424] 6:30p 2.25-2.28 The Ladies Man In an attempt to cover "one, tiny, little, hardly noticeable lie," a sequence of escalating situations explode and whirl into frenzied deceptions, misunderstandings, and mistaken identities. $12-14, MU: Albert Taylor Theatre [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, www. millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30p (WeSa), 2p (Su)

Saturday, 28 Dulcimer Club Thursday, 26 Bring your instrument, learn Poetry Readings a new tune or simply enjoy Phil Shils and Tim Waller, the musical talents of our followed by an open mic session. volunteers. Open to the public.

Free, Wildflour [256 W Main St, Free, Rock Springs Nature 422.3300] 5:30-7p Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.org] Rock, Roll, Rumble & Ride 10a-12p Dyno rides, dice roll. Coziahr H-D [150 W Marion Ave, Forsyth, Rube Goldberg Competition Come out to see Decatur's 877.7115] 6-9p finest student engineers! $3 (attendees), Children's Museum Warmahordes: of Illinois [55 S Country Club Highlander Format Rd, 423.5437, www.cmofil.org] $6, Board Knight [228 W Main St, 706.5373, www.boardknight. 10a-5p com] 6-10p Saturday Scrappin Scrapbooking Crop DJ David Lee Bring your scrapbooking stuff, Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn your lunch and dinner. We will [3550 W William St] 8:30-11:30p provide snacks and drinks. Each person will have a separate table.

Friday, 27 $20, Fletcher Park: Recreation West End Boogie Project Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 Zion, 864.5424] 10a-10p W William St] 8-11p Hinamatsuri Ru Rah Records ("Girls Day" in Japan) Presents DJ Night Ladies ages 5 and up can preLock Stock & Barrel register to attend this three[129 S Oakland] 9p-2a hour arts experience featuring traditional activities, a taste 2.27-2.28 of sweet Japanese treats, and Comedy Hour making kokeshi dolls, jewelry, Steve Gillespie with Zach wall hangings and paper doll Martina. $10 (adv), $12 (day), bookmarks or cards. Bring Main Hangar Restaurant your lunch! $20 (member), $25 [910 S Airport Rd, 421.7452, (non-member), $10 (parent with mainhangarrestaurant.net] 8:30p paid child), Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189, www. decaturarts.org] 10:30a-1:30p

Snake & Turtle Show See, feel, and watch the resident live reptiles. A naturalist will describe their lifestyles as you get to know these sometimes misunderstood creatures. We have several species to show you. Register online. All ages welcome. $2, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, maconcountyconservation.org] 1-2:30p

Karaoke DJ Jeff spins your favorite songs to sing! American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr, 423.1411] 7-11p MDSO: Gabriel Cabezas A French-Russian evening of scintillating orchestral color, featuring the BLISTERING intensity of cello virtuoso Gabriel Cabezas. $13-16.50, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, www.millikin.edu/ kirkland] 7:30p 360 Band Free, Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [3550 W William St] 8-11p

Caleb Cook Commander Highstakes Lock Stock & Barrel Pod tournament. $20-30, Hidden [129 S Oakland] 8-11p Lair [320 N State Hwy 121, Mt Zion] 2p Dec Illi Awards Community Showcase hosted by MU Men's Tennis V-Beezy. 9 categories nominated vs. Elmhurst College. Fairview by the community. Food by Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Vinnie's BBQ. Performances by Monument Hill Dr, athletics.

Tebe Zalango, Deezy, Missed millikin.edu] 3p Aero, Moses Walker, Lil Geezo.

Dance competition. $10 (adv), Boss Trio $15 (day), Decatur Civic Center Lock Stock & Barrel [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, [129 S Oakland] 3:30p 422.6161, decaturciviccenter.org/ decilliawards] 8p FreeAgers Game Night Ages 55+. Heartland Community The Pearl Handle Band Church [3253 N Brush College AIW Hall [2882 N Dineen St] Rd] 6:30-9p 8p-12a

Jesse Hite Call for reservations, this sweet tune crooner knows how to book a room! Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main St, 330.6483] 8:30-11:30p Bad Manners Rock Band Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 9p 3v3 Futsal Tournament U8-U14 boys and girls teams. Guaranteed 3 games. $125 (team), Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood St, 429.3472]

Search ALL Macon County entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

LEGO Club For boys and girls of all ages!

Includes story, snack, and creative play. Barclay Public Library [Warrensburg, 672.3621] 10:30a

We Heart Decatur for Kids From Seed to Shelf: Kids Get inside Agriculture at the Children’s Museum

By Heather Meadows

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Creative learning comes to life in the connection of farm fields to forks when the Children’s Museum of Illinois debuts its newest exhibit, Seed to Shelf, on February 20.

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with Archer Daniels Midland Company being a vital agricultural corporation in town, as well as a sponsor and proponent of creating an educational experience for children to learn Sure to bring a smile to the faces of parents and about the agricultural system. children alike, the new agricultural exhibit will What should you expect? Creativity! Not only focus on the production of food from seed to will the exhibit feature many new interactive shelf. Illinois’ various soil types and climate make components; its addition to the museum is also our state a leading producer of numerous crops coming along with the revamping of several like corn, soybeans and wheat and an inevitable popular current exhibits, including the market, part of kids’ daily lives. In fact, nearly 80% of which is going to be updated and moved, and Illinois land is devoted to farming! the toddler garden and backyard area.

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Seed to SheLF – deSign deveLopment

The Children’s Museum of Illinois exhibit started with a generous grant in 2012 and grew from there. The Museum began actively raising funds, and just a few years later, the exhibit will be up and running! The new exhibit will help children understand the process their food goes through before showing up on grocery store shelves and on their dinner plates. Special significance is placed on the Decatur area, 28 | February 2015

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Kraemer deSign + produCtion, inC.

The Seed to Shelf agricultural exhibit will be prominently located on the first floor of the museum, anchored by a transformation of the popular climbing apparatus to look like stacked hay bales.

A new barn area will provide a plethora of activities for kids to learn about everything from livestock to farm equipment.

On the outside of the barn, children can pick fleece veggies from corn, tomato, pepper and cabbage plants. Nearby, they can bring the synthetic produce over to an oversize truck, then push it through labeled openings into produce bins in the new market area.

The grand opening of the new exhibit will offer fun activities to help children explore agriculture and is scheduled for February 20 at 10 am. Bring your kids to the exhibit’s debut to learn about our local economy, gain an understanding of agriculture and have a lot of fun in the process!

Near the rear of the barn, a new transportation From field to fork, the fun won’t stop at the play table will let them move food between Children’s Museum! farms, processing plants and a grocery store.

The table will also feature an intermodal ramp, similar to the one located in Decatur, which Get There: can move food between various modes of Seed to Shelf Exhibit transportation such as trains, ships and trucks.

In the spirit of intermodal freight transport, the exhibit will feature a train, donated by ADM, that will go around the outside the barn and bear a great resemblance to the trains many children will recognize from their daily travel across the railways throughout Decatur, Macon County and all of Illinois.

Grand Opening

February 20, 10 am Children’s Museum of Illinois 55 S. Country Club Rd., Decatur 423-5437, cmofil.org Find them on Facebook!

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Super Bowl Party Pot Luck - Sun, Feb 1, 2-ish Copper Canyon Country Band Saturday, February 7, 9p-1a Nigel Mack & The Blues Attack Sunday, February 8, 3-6p Dave & Friends Blues Band - Sun, Feb 15, 3-6p Daytona 500 Party Pot Luck - Sun, Feb 22, 1-ish Bad Manners Rock Band - Sat, Feb 28, 9p-1a

February 2015 | 29

We Heart Decatur for Culture Ego vs.

Alter Ego

By Julie Shields

photo: Alida Duff Sullivan 30 | February 2015

Artist Ilie Vaduva’s current collection is a study in duality: oil and ink, good and bad, classic and surreal. The results are intense action and intoxicating details.

The main centerpiece of Ilie’s exhibit is a triptych of three 8 ft. x 8 ft. canvases, creating a 24' long epic battle in rich, bold golds and siennas.

Telling what is more impressive is difficult–the Ilie and his wife Roxana moved to the Decatur enormity of the series or the minute details area in 2012 for her job as a hospitalist at DMH. etched on each inch of ribbon.

At first, Ilie started working from their home, The ambitious triptych is captivating, practically as most artists do. Then a conversation with intoxicating. It is simply a must-see in February Sue Powell from the Decatur Area Arts Council at the Arts Council.

(DAAC) led Ilie to Heroic Age Art Center in Mt. Hidden in the ribbons are his initials and other Zion. fun details that are for visual interest but also Working in his Heroic Age studio, Ilie prepares for his show in February at the DAAC. He has been skillfully and intentionally developing this technique for years. It is easy to see from his canvases that his talent is quite special, yet he is keen to keep a few secrets of his own. He laughs, “When my artist friends back home ask me what I’m working on, I tell them, ‘Nothing!’”

His work is anything but “nothing.” One would be more likely to use the word “epic.” While he has been painting since before high school, the layering and combination of oil and ink have been his passion and fascination the past five years. Decatur is fortunate to have his inaugural show.

Ilie considers his work 50 percent classic and 50 percent modern. While the work is twodimensional, it is decidedly reminiscent of three-dimensional sculpture.

have a practical purpose. “If anyone tries to copy the paintings, they will be copying my initials along with it,” Ilie says as he smiles.

The game of chess also plays central theme in much of his work. A chessboard contains two opposing sides in mirror relationship with each other. The game imitates the duality of life.

One would think the artist of such elaborate work might be boisterous or gregarious, yet Ilie is a kind, thoughtful, unassuming professional.

He uses a simple, old-fashioned fountain pen to create layered ink details. Watching his patience is remarkable. He spends a few hours at a time on a piece before taking a break and focusing on a different one.

What’s next for Ilie? He will continue this collection and estimates it will be at least 150 pieces. He wants to pull in more colors, more layers and more complexity as the themes and His collection – which is still in progress - features stories develop. the perennial internal struggle between ego If this is his first major exhibit, perhaps the better and alter ego. Mythological and animalistic question may be, “Where will we see him next?” characters - lions, eagles, horses, and wolves, to name a few – represent human traits and are locked in combative point and counterpoint.

Get There: Ego vs. Alter Ego In many pieces, the characters are formed FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK from seemingly endless, entwined ribbons.

Friday, February 6, 5-7:30 pm Ribbons – which typically imply the gentle and feminine – in Ilie’s work are executed such that EXHIBITION DATES solid musculature and armor emerge. They also February 5 - 28 form weapons, landscape and gusts of wind, Madden Arts Center, 125 N Water twisted, allowing the viewer’s eyes to compare 8:30a-4:30 pm (Mo-Fr), 10 am-2 pm (Sa) and contrast the many incarnations of the form.

424-6318, www.decaturarts.org February 2015 | 31

32

THRIVE Q&A

Few people love the Decatur area as much as we THRIVE-ers do. Bill Clevenger, executive director of the Decatur Park District, might just have us topped. We sat down with him to find out his take on what’s so great about D-town.

Photo: Sarah Jane

Bill Clevenger

Why the new lakefront development, Lakeshore Landing, is a great idea Decatur is the only community around with a fantastic lake right in the center of town. Lakeshore Landing in Nelson Park is going to become a focal point for both visitors and residents, with restaurants, music venues, and new water-based recreational options. These days, people look for a place to live, and then they find a job. Lakeshore Landing will help make Decatur a world-class community where people want to live and stay.

Most exciting part of Lakeshore Landing

Favorite thing to do in winter I work out at the DISC, and the camaraderie of the gym keeps me coming back. Also, the workout keeps my fitness level up for golf, which is my passion.

Most requested activity you hear people want in Decatur Activities for millennials and young families are most in demand. The Decatur Park District just received a new OSLAD grant, which will allow us to add batting cages, a high ropes course, and a playground to Overlook Adventure Mini Golf in Nelson Park.

Most unexpected thing to do in Decatur FootGolf – it took off last summer in a way that was most unexpected. [Editor’s note: FootGolf is a golf-soccer hybrid played by kicking a soccer ball into an oversized golf hole.] We added FootGolf at Hickory Point Golf Course and had people coming from as far away as Gibson City to play. Next up: “fling golf,” which is like playing golf with a lacrosse stick.

32 | February 2015

I’m most excited about the development of a new amphitheater and having music on the lake, thanks to the support of the State of Illinois and Howard Buffett.

Something about Lakeshore Landing that would surprise the average Decaturite While our projection was 30,000 rounds for an entire season, Overlook Adventure Mini Golf marked 27,000 rounds in just 3½ months (mid-July to late October)! When you think about the whole area, with Scovill Zoo right across the lake, a 4-mile walking track around the basin, mini golf, Ted’s Taters and CherryBerry, plus the new batting cages, playground and high ropes course, it’s easy to envision 60,000 – 70,000 participants at all of these venues in the upcoming season.

What’s next for Lakeshore Landing In addition to the amphitheater and the new features at mini golf, we’re adding a pavilion with restrooms by the dog park and partnering with DMH to build an outdoor fitness court. There’s already a 1-mile walking track in this location, and we’ll be able to hold yoga and outdoor fitness classes in the new pavilion.

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New Exhibit Grand Opening Friday, February 20th, 10 am

Seed to Shelf is a hands-on agriculture exhibit highlighting aspects of local farming, agribusiness, and logistics of how food gets to the shelves of local grocery stores. Learn more at CMofIL.org.

55 S. Country Club Rd. 217-423-KIDS CMofIL.org February 2015 | 33

34 | February 2015

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