April 2015 Thrive Entertainment Guide

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE: The Fabric Cobbler

Head East

Headlines Decatur Again

Make Explore Share FREE

Apr 2015

SPOTLIGHT// Matthew West ART SPEAK// Corks & Forks FOOD DUDE// Head West Q&A// Brian Pierce

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS List your event for FREE! Send your information by the 15th to events@thrivedecatur.com THRIVE is a free, monthly entertainment guide serving as your guide to events in Macon County. 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 @THRIVEDecatur 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 Beth DeBouck Jerry Johnson Kim Mangan Angela Parson Myers Robin Walters Photographers: Sarah Jane Stephanie Gagnon Kim Mangan 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 | April 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 • Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts • Children’s Museum of Illinois • CrossFit Enhanced • Culver’s • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Earthmover Credit Union • Decatur Surf Club • 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 Boots • Macon County Health Department • Monical’s Pizza • New Look Salon • 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 • Caldwell Banker Honig-Bell • Cancer Care Center of Decatur • Cartridge World • Casa Fuentes • Central Illinois Hand Center • Chicago Title Insurance Company • Coffee Connection • Corley Family Dental • Culver’s • Curly’s Bar • DaVita Macon County Dialysis • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Back & Neck Center • Decatur Family YMCA • Decatur Memorial Hospital • Diane’s Mane Strategy • Dynagraphics/Fast Impressions • Fox & Hounds • Fuji • George’s Skate Center • Glenda Williamson Realty • Golden Glaze Donuts • Grace’s Dancewear • Gyro King • Homeward Bound Pet Shelter • Humane Society of Decatur and Macon Co. • Il Forno • Krekel's North • Land of Lincoln Credit Union • Larry Paul Tanning Salon • 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 Murphy's • 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 • KidsN-Fitness • 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 • 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 • Village Hall • Dippin’ Merv’s • Forsyth • Applebee’s • Architectural Expressions • Area 51 Salon • Aspen Dental • Bard Optical • 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 • Residence Inn • 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 Studio • 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 #71 | April 2015 www.thrivedecatur.com

BEHIND THE THRIVE

March Out & About

SPOTLIGHT: Matthew West

Party Crashers' Crash of the Month

ART SPEAK: Corks & Forks

Publisher's Pick of the Month

FOOD DUDE: Head West

Head East Headlines Decatur Again April Events Calendar Make, Explore, Share!

Q&A: Brian Pierce Spot the Difference Challenge

THRIVE

is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.

04 05 08 09 10 11 12 14 18 29 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 following organizations

April 2015 | 03

BEHIND THE

CONGRATS TO OUR March WINNER:

James Elenbaas

THRIVE

All roads point to the Decatur area when it comes to entertainment in April. At every turn you’ll find options for all and fun that never stops.

First, Head West. No really, hit the sweet bread mecca if you’ve got a hankerin’ for a hoagie (or if you don’t).

Catch Grammy nominee Matthew West in a showcase performance right here in town.

March Answers:

1. Socks turn green 2. Hoka logo disappears 3. Stripes on sole disappear 4. Nike swoop disappears 5. Display card disappears 6. Nike swoop changes to teal

Play the April Contest on p.35

Take a turn in a different direction and rock with the Midwest’s legendary classic rock band, Head East.

Check in with the West End’s biggest fan, Brian Pierce, for an insider’s look at the town’s favorite hood.

Or let inspiration be your guide at the first-ever Make Explore Share Day, where creativity is your compass and the only limits are in your imagination.

Whatever path you take, one thing’s for sure: You’ll find fun around every corner!

04 | April 2015

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Polar Plunge Hundreds of Special Olympics supporters took to the water on March 7 in front of the Beach House for the annual Polar Plunge. Local businesses, schools and individuals raised over $80,000 by taking a quick jaunt through frigid Lake Decatur.

April 2015 | 05

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

St. Pat's Day Parade

The Luck of the Irish was with parade-goers on March 14, as Decatur celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the annual parade complete with bagpipes, leprechauns lots of candy, and frisbee-catching pups. The parade followed the traditional route through downtown, led by Run to LSB racers.

St. Pop's Place

Matt Carter Band returned to Pop's Place on March 14 for a rockin' St. Patty's Day show. The room was packed with music fans who hit the dance floor attired in their favorite green attire.

06 | April 2015

Historic Theatre The Lincoln Square Theatre opened its doors to the public during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Decatur and provided refreshments and tours throughout the main level of the historic building. The theater also hosted an overnight ghost hunt on Friday the 13th. To read more about upcoming events at the theater, visit www. lincolnsquaretheatre.com.

Hooping

Be Yoga hosted Hoop Dance on March 14 with instructor Christine Janak. Participants learned basic hoop technique, fun tricks and hoop-yoga.

Custom hoops were also available for purchase.

Home & Garden Show The Decatur Civic Center hosted a Home, Lawn & Garden Show the weekend of March 14-15. Upon entrance, attendees were given tomato plants compliments of Connie's Country Greenhouse before following a path through the arena full of home improvement and landscape vendors.

April 2015 | 07

08

SPOTLIGHT

by Angela Parson Myers

He even found time to marry and start a family.

He and his wife, Emily, live in Nashville with their two daughters.

His success hasn’t come without trials, however.

In 2002, he suffered an injury to his left arm that threatened his ability to play guitar. He was told his chances of regaining full use of his arm were low. A week or two later, he signed a record contract and soon released his album, Happy, which included the single, “More,” named Christian Song of the Year by ASCAP. In 2007, he had surgery for polyps in his throat and had to rest silently for two months. A documentary, Nothing to Say, about this period was packaged with his album Something to Say for sale in some Christian stores. The album reached #8 on Billboard’s Top Christian albums chart. The title had been selected long before West knew he’d have to endure his months of silence.

His new album, Live Forever, to be released on April 28, features songs inspired by the thousands of stories he continues to receive from fans after his 2010 album The Story of Your Life.

Special guests on The Live Forever Tour are American Idol finalist Colton Dixon and Mr. photo: Cameron Powell Talkbox, formerly of TobyMac's Diverse City Band. Touring as part of West’s band are two Millikin alum Matthew West is coming back to fellow Millikin graduates, Jake Widenhoffer on Decatur. The American Contemporary Christian guitar and Sean McDonald on drums. musician will bring The Live Forever Tour to the Decatur Civic Center on April 4 at 7 pm.

West has been busy since his graduation from Get There: Millikin University in 1999.

Matthew West & He has won multiple ASCAP Christian Music Colton Dixon in Concert Songwriter/Artist of the Year awards and is a Saturday, April 4, 7 pm four-time GRAMMY® nominee. He was awarded Decatur Civic Center his first American Music Award in 2013 and 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza a Billboard Music Award in 2014. His albums, $17 (general), $22 (reserved), $40 (premium), which have produced many #1 hit singles on the Christian Adult Contemporary charts, include Tickets are on sale now at http://www.

Happy, History, Something to Say, The Story of Your decaturciviccenter.org/events/139/ Life, and GRAMMY-nominated Into The Light. matthew-west-the-live-forever-tour.

Grammy Nominee Matthew West Graces Decatur

Rachel Peabody is a freelance writer

08 | April 2015

r u t a DecRASHERS C PARTY

$5 per duck

for a chance to win...

$3,500 GRAND PRIZE

Buy your raffle duck before April 22nd to qualify for Early Bird prizes!

Visit CMofIL.org or call 423-KIDS

CRASH of the Month Saturday, April 25

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Walk Begins at 10a, walk from Growing Strong (270 W Prairie) to Central Park.

Rally (11a) After-party at the Gin Mill (12-2p).

Free appetizers and photos with your red heels! $35 Central Park [Downtown Decatur] 8:30a-2p facebook.com/groups/ DecaturPartyCrashers jccaulkins@aol.com

to buy your raffle duck!

Decatur Duck Derby Saturday, May 2nd

12-4 PM Free Admission Day benefiting

April 2015 | 09

10

ART SPEAK

by Jerry Johnson

Vino-Inspired People Love

Each April for the past 15 years, the Decatur Area Arts Council and its community partners have invited people from throughout the area to come together for a special event. Corks & Forks is an evening to enjoy the company of friends, taste wines and sample food from the area’s finest food establishments and caterers.

Folks have come to look forward to it, and we at the Arts Council like to think of it as the social event of the spring season. But Corks & Forks is more than just a terrific night of friends, food, and drink.

Each successive event has seen changes and improvements. The wine selection, now arranged by The Decanter, has grown to nearly 200 options. This year, almost 30 local restaurants and caterers will supply the delicious food.

The handful of raffle packages has become an expansive silent auction, featuring dozens of fun, unique items, from artwork to sports tickets and travel packages. A couple of recent additions to the Corks & Forks mix have been a VIP (Vino-Inspired People) pre-event with premium wine and food tasting and an electronic bidding system for the silent auction using your mobile device.

Over the years, Corks & Forks has experienced greater attendance and sponsorship support.

Last year’s Corks & Forks raised more than four times as much as the first event, supplying approximately 15% of the Arts Council’s annual

budget. The generosity of the people of the Decatur area and the support of local businesses help make the work of the Decatur Area Arts Council possible, increasing the access to and impact of the arts and improving the quality of life in our community. It really is people like you who make it happen.

Join this year’s hosts Ed & Anne Elliott and Mark & Janet Clarke, and over 500 of your closest friends, at the 15th annual Corks & Forks on Thursday, April 23, at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. Come casual or dressy, but come prepared for a fun time!

Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $55 at the door. Get your tickets now online at www.decaturarts.org or call 423-3189.

photos courtesy of the Decatur Area Arts Council

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

10 | April 2015

Publisher's

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

Wisdom Panel速 Professional DNA Breed Test

$124.00 Northgate Pet Clinic

2800 North M.L.King Drive, Decatur

This 49-pound mutt is a loyal sidekick at the Thrive office and probably my favorite of all four pets. Yes, I can say that!

Maddie was advertised as a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix by the shelter and has turned out to be extremely intelligent and loyal with the added bonus of becoming a snuggle-bug and the best friend our cat could hope for.

In about 2-weeks, we'll get to see what genetic factors might play a part in her awesome temperament!

What do you think the results will be? Stay tuned-in at facebook.com/ThriveDecatur where I'll share Maddie's tale!

April 2015 | 11

12

THE FOOD DUDE

by T. F. DUDE

Head West.

Nuff Said.

Head West, young man! (And all people with taste buds!) A treasure trove of sweet bread goodness waits for you at Head West Sub Stop in Decatur’s West End. This Dude has partaken on multiple occasions but has yet to find something he wouldn’t go back for. You’ve got your Basics – the meat and cheeses crowd with the proper accompaniments – and your Specialties, which take it up a notch – Reuben, Meatball, Pizza, BBQ Chicken and the like. All on their signature sweet bread and served warmed up or cold, however you like it.

The chicken salad is to die for. And another particular favorite: the Italian, with pepperoni, ham, Hellmann’s, lettuce, tomatoes and provolone. Want to send your buds into oblivion? Have them throw on some peppers for a little extra zing. Lest the non-carnivores feel left out, they have divine Hummus, a jam-packed all Veggie, plus veggie ham and turkey. The menu says Half Subs, which at first glance may feel skimpy to you, until you see the behemoths they wrap. More than enough for the average bear.

should… Get. A. Brownie. These are the kind of brownies that make you wonder what’s in them that makes you so happy. Is someone’s Grandma tied up in the back? The world will never know, but your mouth will be happy.

Adding to the awesomeness: They now have online ordering. And they deliver, so you can get the handmade goodness right at your door.

On the bells and whistles side of things, whatever Their motto says it best: When you want a great you do, don’t leave without a spin on the Coca- sub, you gotta Head West.

Cola Freestyle machine. They say you can make more than 150 fountain drinks on that thing. I’ve yet to reach my limit, though I keep trying my Get There darnedest.

Kettle chips are the obvious choice for a side, and they have Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in bite-size pint sizes! But if you take my word for it, and you

Head West Sub Stop

136 South Oakland, Decatur 791-6718 www.headwestsubs.com and find them on Facebook!

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

12 | April 2015

2501 E. Nelson Park Rd. 422-2316 www.overlookadventure.com

71 S. Country Club Rd. 421-7435 www.scovillzoo.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

April 2015 | 13

Head East

Headlines Decatur Again

By Beth DeBouck On November 28, 1980, legendary classic rock band Head East was the first rock band to play at the Civic Center, and on Saturday, April 25, they’ll be back headlining the stage!

For a band that’s been around 46 years, its members – which have changed over the decades – still haven’t lost their passion and enthusiasm for touring. Founding member and keyboardist Roger Boyd attributes part of his continued love of playing music to his fellow band members: Darren Walker (lead vocals & bass), Glen Bridger (lead guitar & vocals), Eddy Jones (drums & vocals) and Greg Manahan (bass, guitar, and vocals).

“The lineup we have right now is fantastic,” says Roger.

“This lineup, I say they’re a mirror image of the original lineup. The similarities between the two bands are almost scary. It’s like they were reincarnated. So, that’s great. Because that was such a special time in my career – when we came out with Flat as a Pancake.”

Of course, Roger also recognizes that the continued support of their loyal fans enables the band to keep doing what they’re doing. “It’s been 40-plus years of friends I’ve met,” he says, “And fans who continue to see the band. That’s really special for me, and that’d be hard for me to give up.”

Head East released its first album Flat as a Pancake on its own Pyramid Records label in 1975, a feat back then that was unheard of. The album was recorded in South Pekin, Illinois, and the band sold all 5,000 LPs and 500 8-tracks before signing with A&M Records later that year. After being re-released by A&M, the album went on to sell half a million copies and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1978.

14 | April 2015

HEAD EAST http://www.head-east.com/video.html Besides sticking around this long with the band, Roger maintains that Flat is one of the crowning achievements of his time with Head East. “Nobody thought we could do it,” he says, laughing. “And we did it with our own money. We did it ourselves. We worked hard on those songs. We played them in Champaign, Decatur, Springfield, Carbondale and Bloomington.”

Head East released their most recent album, Raise A Little Hell, in 2013. This past January, they performed alongside the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the Rockin’ the Symphony concert in Carbondale.

Roger, who grew up in Carlyle, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, says it’s always special to be able to play in his old stomping grounds.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 April 2015 | 15

// Head East from page 15

“Decatur is one of the towns that supported us. We came out of Champaign… We recorded in Peoria. So Central Illinois is where we played a lot of teen centers, proms, a lot of homecomings.

When we were just getting started – prior to our recording career – those were the communities that helped us work out the songs that ended up on Flat as a Pancake, that became such a big hit.”

If you see the show in April, you can expect to hear a lot of Head East’s classic hits as well as their newer songs, and you can certainly expect the same high-energy live performance that they’ve been known for all of these years.

THE

Opening for Head East will be blues singer Sena Ehrhardt, who has opened for artists such as B.B. King, ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Dickey Betts, Johnny Winter and Gregg Allman.

Get There: Head East April 25, 8 pm Decatur Civic Center 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza Tickets: 422-6161 or decaturciviccenter. org. $15 – General Admission, $20 – Floor Reserved, $25 – Premium Reserved

Richland Theatre presents

RELUCTANT DRAGON directed by Michelle Stephens

Intended for a young audience | Admission: $5 or 5 for $20 |Meet the dragon after the show!

April 24, 25, 26 FRIDAY 6:30PM | SATURDAY 10AM & 3PM | SUNDAY 3PM Richland Community College | Shilling Auditorium Free Alumni Pizza Reception April 26th: Reception begins at 2pm before the production for Alumni and their families in the Shilling Salons. Please RSVP prior to April 23, 2015, to Tricia Cordulack, tcordulack@richland.edu or 217-875-7211, ext. 203.

16 | April 2015

SENA EHRHARDT http://www.senaehrhardt.com/videos/

April 2015 | 17

April Events KIDS CORNER ToddlerTime (We) Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion. lib.il.us] 9:30-10a (Th) Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 10a-12p Story Time (Tu) Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 10:30a-11:30a (We) Blue Mound Library [213 N St Marie, Blue Mound] 10:45a-12p (Th) Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 10-11a EVERY DAY April Art in Decatur Each with a unique art exhibit.

Decatur Airport. Decatur Area Arts Council. Decatur Public Library.

Gallery 510. MU: Blue Connection.

MU: Perkinson Gallery. RCC: Erlanson Gallery. Rock Springs Nature Center. Wildflour Artisan Bakery. Various [Decatur] 8a-5p EVERY MONDAY Country Line Dance Come join a fun-filled evening, meet new people and learn to country line dance. 7-8p (Class), 8-9 (Dance). $6, Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St] 7-9p EVERY TUESDAY Chess Club Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St] 6:30p EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY Minecraft Mania (4.21-5.14) Learn the tricks of Minecraft while working with a team of other block blasting 8-12 year olds. Share ideas & tips to build and enhance your Minecraft World! Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 5:30-6:30p

EVERY WEDNESDAY Wine, Beer, and "Pot" Party Bring your own wine or beer and drink from our handmade goblets or mugs. Try your hand at throwing a pot and at the end of the evening take home the goblet, or mug as our gift to you. Limited to 8 people. $28, CenterEarth Studio [143 N Henderson St, Mt Zion, 520.7582, www.centerearthstudio. com] 7-8:30p EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Wine Tastings The Decanter Fine Wines [215 N Main St, 422.9463] 4-7p (Fr), 1-6p (Sa) Wednesday, 1 Chamber Business Breakfast Speaker Congressman Rodney Davis. $15 (adv), $20 (door), The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, business.decaturchamber.com] 7-8a Color Your Spring, Naturally Our staff will use plant and food pigments to dye stunning eggs and show you how to make an elegant centerpiece. We will also provide cooking tips and sample egg recipes. $10, University of Illinois Extension, Macon County Office [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd, 877.6042, web. extension.illinois.edu] 10a-12p LEGO at the Library Includes a movie, LEGO building, and snacks. Children grades 1-6.

Registration required. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 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] 10:30a

Books Between Bites Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Free, Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, www.friendsdpl.org] 12:15-1p Wednesday Women You'll be glad you joined in the fun with this great group of women... no foolin'! RSVP to jccaulkins@ aol.com. Pastabilities [134 E Main, 330.6365] 5-8p Requiem Central Christian Church [650 W William] 7p 4.1-4.3 In Jesus' Steps 8 walk-through scenes depict Jesus' last moments on earth.

Northwest Christian Church [1306 N Stanley Ave, nwcchurch.org] 12-8p Spring Break Day Camp When school is not in session, youth ages 5-13 $32-27, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood] 6:30a-6p Thursday, 2 Community Leaders Breakfast Keynote speaker Bruce Christopher with featured speaker MU President Patrick White. Bruce is a psychologist-humorist with an outrageously funny and dynamic delivery of today's hot topics. $16, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W] 7-9a Pastel Party Create like Van Gogh while learning the basics of soft pastel techniques. Grades 2-6. Space is limited. Call or stop in to register.

Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 1-2:30p

Saturday, 4 Pride of the Prairie Spring Marble Show Country Inn and Suites [5150 Hickory Point Frontage Rd, 422.8454] All Day

4th Annual DILM Easter Egg Hunt Face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny (9a), hunt (10a). Eggs Ladies Night Out will be separated by age groups Shop. Taste wine. Sample products. so that everyone has a fair hunt!

Have fun. Decatur Civic Center Ages 0-10. Collecting cans for the [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, www.

Northeast Community Fund. Free, decaturciviccenter.org] 5-9p Fairview Park [1640 W Monument Open Gaming at Board Knight Hill Dr] 9-10:30a Bored with nothing to do? Join us Easter Egg Hunt for an evening of board game fun! Grab your Easter basket and come Board Knight [228 W Main, www. out to the library lawn and hunt for decaturgamers.com] 5:30p eggs that the Easter Bunny drops off. Free, Maroa Public Library [305 American Girl Club Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield Garfield St, Maroa] 10a-5p St, Maroa, 794.3005, www.maroa.

The Three Sisters lib.il.us] 6-7:30p Learn about gardening and why corn, squash, and beans Friday, 3 worked so well together for early Family Book Bash: pioneers and Native Americans.

Growing Vegetable Soup Then plant a set for your own Introduce your children ages 0-7 mini garden. Tour the Homestead to the joy of gardening with this Prairie Farm Garden with a Master bright, boldly illustrated book.

Gardener. Register online by 4.3.

Includes craft and snack for each Free, Rock Springs Nature Center family member. $1 (member), $6 [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, (non-member), free (under age 2), maconcountyconservation.org] Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S 10-11a Country Club Rd] 10-11a Easter Egg Hunt MU Men's Tennis Family friendly activities as well vs. Illinois Valley Community as the hunt. Free, Life Foursquare CollegeFairview Park: Tennis Church [2954 W Ash Ave, 875.2300, Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, www.visitlife.org] 10:30a-12:30p athletics.millikin.edu] 11:30a Easter Eggstravaganza MU Softball Egg hunt, games, prizes and Double Header (1p & 3p) vs. many more events. Tabernacle Augustana College. Borg Warner Baptist Church [650 N Wykles Dr, Sports Complex [US Rt 51, tbcdecatur.org/] 12-2p athletics.millikin.edu] 1p

MU Softball Double Header vs. North Central College. Borg Warner Sports Complex [US Rt 51, athletics.millikin. edu] 1p & 3p

Wildflower Walkabout Bring your hiking boots and binoculars as we scour the forest floor for native wildflowers. Receive a certificate and gift when you attend all three hikes! Free, Sand Creek Conservation Area [4000 S Franklin Street Rd, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 1-3p Critter Egg Hunt Children ages 10 and under.

Songs, dances (1:30p), Egg Hunt (2p). Post-hunt activities held at the Children's Museum. Free, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, www.decaturparks.org] 1:30-2p Easter Egg Hunt Free, Boiling Springs Church of God [2350 Boiling Springs Rd] 2-4p Matthew West & Colton Dixon in Concert SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 8 Pearl Handle Band AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen] 8p-12a

Search ALL entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

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

Woodland Wildflowers A presentation about native woodland wildflowers, learn about invasive species. Go home with a native plant, seed packet, and instructions to create a wildflower garden. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-3p

April Events Jesse Hite Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main] 8:30-11:30p

Tuesday, 7 MU Men's Tennis vs. Kaskaskia College. Fairview Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics.millikin.edu] 3:30p Canvas Photo Art You supply the photo and 8x10 canvas and we'll provide the supplies to create a special piece of art. Email a digital photo to director@mtzion.lib.il.us and register. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, www.mtzion.lib. il.us] 6-7:30p

Book Club Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 6:30-7:30p

4.9-4.11 Fairy Tale Ball The museum transforms into Voodoo Lake a fairy tale castle fit for all the Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 9p-1a princesses in the land! Red carpet, dancing, food - plus other magical Sunday, 5 surprises! Pre-registration and Sunrise Service pre-payment required. Must be & Pancake Breakfast accompanied by a paying adult.

Boiling Springs Church of God $7 (member), $10 (non), Children's Lullaby Concert [2350 Boiling Springs Rd] 8-10a Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Families will also enjoy fun finger Easter Sunday Events plays, and a bedtime story narrated Club Rd, cmofil.org] 6-8p Join your children for an Easter by a special guest. Goodies will Friday, 10 Egg Hunt, have a family story time, be furnished for families after the MU Men's Tennis and get a family photo. Antioch program. Bring the whole family vs. Carthage College. Fairview Park: Christian Church [5409 E US Rt 36] and don't forget to wear your Tennis Center [1640 W Monument 10-11a pajamas! Free, Decatur Public Hill Dr, athletics.millikin.edu] 4p Library [130 N Franklin, 475.2234] Harper & Midwest Kind First Friday Gallery Walk 6-6:45p Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Great art, live music, tasty hors 4.8-4.9 d'oeuvres, and complimentary Monday, 6 Weather or Not: Sun beverages. Free, Gallery 510, Blue Preschool Activity: Warm up to the day and discover Connection, Madden Arts Center Discover Your World what the sun does for our planet [www.decaturarts.org] 5-7:30p We will highlight different aspects Earth. Register online by 4.7. of the world including nature, Wine & Food Pairing $10, Rock Springs Nature Center animals, and oceans. Children Each meal will be 5 course with [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, ages 18 mo-4 years will take part drink pairings for each course. maconcountyconservation.org] in hands-on activities to discover Seats are limited so please make 1-2p (We, ages 3-5), 9:30-10:30a the beauties of the world. $30-35, (Th, ages 1-5) your reservation today. $50, RCC: Decatur Indoor Sports Center Shilling Center [One College Park, (DISC) [1295 W Wood, www.

Thursday, 9 875.7211, ext 537] 6-8p Book Discussion decatur-parks.org] 11:15a-12p Mac Has Talent The Rosie Project by Graeme DIGG - Secrets of Growing MacArthur talent show. $3, Simsion. Argenta Public Library Great Tomatoes [100 E Water, Argenta, www.aopld. MacArthur High School Free, Decatur Public Library [1 Educational Park] 7p lib.il.us] 1:30p [130 N Franklin, www.

Pageant decaturlibrary.org] 5:30p The Martian Mellows, Nick Rainey, Jake Lawson. Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, www. donnieshomespun.com] 10p Missconduct Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p

Run to Beat PD 5K Run/Walk, 1 mile walk. To kick off Parkinson's Awareness Month. $25 (race), Forsyth Park [501 Forsyth Park, Forsyth] 9a

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 2nd Saturday Book Sale The Art of Decatur Public Library Home Brewing [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, www.

Learn how to get started, decaturlibrary.org] 9:30a-12:30p Comedy Hour the role of yeast, grain & Ron Placone with Paul Strickland. water, and where to find $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Animal Crackers: Down on the Farm support. Includes a demo Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, Children ages 3-5 listen to a story, of the brewing process. No 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. meet an animal, create a craft with alcohol. Mt Zion District net] 8:30p their adult guest(s) and snack on Library [115 W Main St, 4.10-4.12 animal crackers! $9-10, Scovill Zoo Mt Zion] 1-2:30p [71 S Country Club Rd, 421.7435, West Side Story Kids Club www.decatur-parks.org] 9:30Maroa-Forsyth High School Storybook Wonders 10:15a & 11-11:45a [610 W Washington, Maroa] Storybook games, music, 7p (Fr, Sa), 3p (Su) Kids Rock and a big-screen storybook Kid and family-centered event. cartoon festival. Dress as Venus in Fur Jeanie B! concert (11a). Face your favorite storybook Playwright Thomas Novachek painting, interactive vendors and character. $4 (adult), $1 is at a loss. There are simply no actresses talented enough to play activities, and door prizes. $8 (door, (child), Fletcher Park: Rec ages 4+), $6 (advance, ages 4+), Center [400 S Henderson St, his leading lady. Then in walks $25 (group of 5), Free (under 4), Mt Zion, 864.5424] 2p Vanda. All bets are off when the Macon Resources [2121 Hubbard Style Show and Tea audition quickly escalates into a Ave] 9:30a-12p seductive power play. $12, Pipe Have a tea-lightful time Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 and support local thrift Dulcimer Club W Wood St, 424.6318, www. shops. Showcasing clothes, pdtheatre.com] 7:30p (Fr, Sa), 2p (Su) Playing live music. Free, Rock accessories, and other items Springs Nature Center [3939 in a fashion show, with teas, Nearing Ln] 10a-12p Saturday, 11 light refreshments, speaker 3D Target Shoot and entertainment. Free, 30-target course. $6 (member), $12 Instrumental Jazz Band Festival Antioch Christian Church (non-member), Decatur Archery Westminster Presbyterian [5409 E US Rt 36] 2-4p Club [1335 N Country Club Rd, Church [1360 W Main St, 358.3033] 8a-3p Bloom Where www.millikin.edu] 10a You're Planted Barclay 70th Anniversary Spring auction for Decatur Make-Explore-Share Day Festivities include door prize Christian School. $25 (Maker Faire) drawings, refreshments and (person), $40 (couple), $150 SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 29 special entertainment. Barclay (table of 8), Tabernacle Public Library [220 S Main St, April Showers: Water Cycle Baptist Church [650 N Warrensburg] 9a-1p As water pours from the sky, Wykles Dr] 5:30-8:30p it feeds the life on our planet.

Party for the Paws Decatur Heart Ball Gala Fitness throwback party including Explore the cycle of water and Pre-event reception how humans affect it. All ages. dance, Piloxing, and a showincludes a silent auction Register online by 4.10.

Free, stopping party kickoff you will not followed by dinner, an Rock Springs Nature Center want to miss. Arrive early to meet inspiring program, live [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Payton and Eli, Decatur’s very own auction and entertainment maconcountyconservation.org] comfort dogs. Lutheran School

by The Craig Russo Latin 10:30-11:30a Association [2001 E Mound Rd, Jazz Project. $150, Decatur www.pawprintministries.org] 9-11a Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, 899.6985, heart.org] 6-11:30p

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!

4.10-4.11 35th Annual Quilt Fest Quilts on display, merchant mall, quilt appraiser, and much more.

Non-member quilts welcome. $5, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, 454.4159, www. decaturquiltersguild.com] 10a-4p

April Events Environmental Film Series Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth. Limited seating available. Free admission, donations accepted. Fresh theatre-style popcorn and healthy drinks available for purchase. Free, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Decatur [3773 N MacArthur Rd] 7-9:30p

Sunday, 12 3D Target Shoot 30-target course. $6 (member), $12 (non-member), Decatur Archery Club [1335 N Country Club Rd, 358.3033] 8a-3p

Bluegrass 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, maconcountyconservation.org] Karaoke DJ Jeff spins your favorite songs to 1p-4p sing! American Legion 105 [1535 Pickleball Clinic Legion Dr, 423.1411] 7-11p Beginners (1-3p), Intermediate/ Advanced (3-5p). Open to the The Hoedads Lite public! Paddles and balls will be Nellie's Tavern [2717 N Main St] provided. Free, Decatur YMCA [220 7-10p W McKinley] 1-5p Kurt Elling: Birds are Back: Migration Elling Swings Sinatra Seasonal birds are flying north.

Elling's rich baritone spans Learn about and identify the four octaves and features both species that migrate through the astonishing technical mastery county on their way to summer and emotional depth. Original homes! We may even see some compositions and modern during a bird-watching hike. interpretations of standards, Register online by 4.10. Free, springboards for inspired Rock Springs Nature Center improvisation, scatting, spoken Nearing Ln, 423.7708, word, and poetry. $5 (school age), [3939 maconcountyconservation.org] $25-40 (adult), Kirkland Fine Arts 2-3p Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, www.millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30p Blessing of the Bikes Coziahr H-D [150 W Marion Ave, Hipbone Sam Forsyth] 2-4p Pop's Place [4335 W Main St, hipbonesam.com] 9p-1a Tudor Voices First Lutheran Church [250 W Decatur St, www.millikin.edu] 2p Kilborn Alley Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p State of Grace West Decatur Church of God [4500 W Main St] 6p

Monday, 13 Celebrate National Library Week Create a special craft in the children's area. Drop-in program.

Registration not required. Ages 3-12. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion] 3:30-4:30p Cooking Show Includes recipes for you. Take notes, ask questions, and enjoy a full meal. Space is limited. MariMann Herb Farm [1405 Mari-Mann Ln, 429.1555, marimann.com] 6-8p Tuesday, 14 Edible Book Festival Join Staley Library at Millikin University for its sixth annual Edible Book Festival! Individuals and groups of any size are invited to submit an "edible book" in Millikin's festival. 12-2p (or until the leftovers are eaten). MU: Richards Treat University Center [1184 W Main St, www.millikin. edu/staley/about/edible] 12-2p Let's Talk Kids: Celebrating Your Family Release Party Celebrate publication of the final book in the popular series, Let's Talk Kids, written by Millikin adjunct faculty member Claudia Quigg and published by Bronze Man Books. MU: Alumni & Development Center [1305 W Main St] 4p American Girl Club Featuring Felicity. Set in Virginia during the time when America was beginning to fight for its independence from England. We will explore some of the activities Felicity might have enjoyed during that time. Ages 7-Grade 6. Registration required. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 4:30-5:30p

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

MU Baseball vs. Greenville College. Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics.millikin.edu] 6p Open Mic Night with Antone & Friends Whether you play an instrument, sing, or just like to listen, join us for our open mic night. It s a great time for the whole family. Antioch Christian Church [5409 E US Rt 36] 6-9p Pastel Party Learn the basics of soft pastel techniques and create your own work of art. Space limited; call or stop in to register. Ages 13+. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion] 6-7:30p Vocal Jazz Night Free, Westminster Presbyterian Church [1360 West Main, millikin.edu] 7:30p 4.14-4.15 Circus Pages Fun for the whole family! $15 (adult), Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza] 4:30-7p Wednesday, 15 MU Men's Tennis vs. Illinois Wesleyan University.

Fairview Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics. millikin.edu] 4:15p Thursday, 16 Book Club All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, www. decaturlibrary.org] 1p

Chamber Ribbon Cutting Join us and the Tharaldson Hospitality team as we celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Residence Inn. Enjoy delicious appetizers and cocktails catered

by TapRoot and music by Jesse Hite. Free, Residence Inn [230 Lucille Ave, Forsyth, www. decaturchamber.com] 5-7p

Night of Poetry Poetry readings by featured poets, a performance of original songs by a local musician, an open mic session for the experienced or novice, and light refreshments.

Free, Madden Arts Center [125 N Water] 6:30-8:30p Friday, 17 Family Fun Night Movie in the lobby (6:30p), swimming and board games available. Healthy snack provided. $5 (prospective member), free (member), Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 6:30-9p 4.17-4.18 MU Women's Spring Golf Classic Hickory Point Golf Course [727 W Weaver Rd] All Day Venus in Fur Playwright Thomas Novachek is at a loss. There are simply no actresses talented enough to play his leading lady. Then in walks Vanda. All bets are off when the audition quickly escalates into a seductive power play. $12, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 W Wood St, 424.6318, www. pdtheatre.com] 7:30p Saturday, 18 MU Big Blue Invite Track & Field. MU: Frank M Lindsay Field [1184 W Main St, athletics. millikin.edu] All Day

MU Men's Tennis vs. Wheaton College. Fairview Park: Hercules Challenge Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Run, walk, or crawl to the Hill Dr, athletics.millikin.edu] 3:30p finish line. It's all about having fun! Pancake & sausage breakfast.

Fletcher Park: Recreation Center

[400 S Henderson St, Mt Zion] 7:30a

Flapjack Fundraiser Pancakes, bacon, butter, syrup, beverage. $5, Applebee's [1275 S Rt 51, Forsyth] 8-10a Kiss-A-Pig 5K 5K fun run/walk. After the race, stick around for refreshments, door prizes and other giveaways.

Fairview Park [1640 W Monument Hill Dr] 9-10a LEGO Club For boys and girls of all ages! Includes story, snack, and creative play. Blue Mound Library [213 N St Marie, Blue Mound] 9:30-11a Canoe the Sangamon Join us as we paddle down our local waterways. All equipment provided. Bring a drink and clothes that can get wet. Must have at least one adult in each canoe. Register early, spots fill quickly. Register online by 4.17. $20 (canoe), Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 10a-1p Money Smart Kids Read Have fun with money! The session includes a story, activity and take-home items. Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, cmofil.org] 10a Open Mic Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 10a-12p Putt-Putt for Shelter Pets Face painting, a raffle, costumed characters, and adoptable animals will be available. $7 (adult), $6 (child), Overlook Adventure

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

Garden Club Bring a sack lunch and be prepared to help clean out the herb garden.

Macon County History Museum [5580 North Fork] 5:30p

April Events Mini Golf [2501 E Nelson Park Rd] 11a-3p

MU Men's Tennis vs. St Louis College of Pharmacy.

Fairview Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics. millikin.edu] 1p MU Women's Tennis vs. St Louis College of Pharmacy.

Fairview Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics. millikin.edu] 1p Jerry's Jaunts Volunteer Jerry Sievers will be sharing his knowledge of local native species. Join a hike to discover wildflowers and photographing techniques.

Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-3p

Trivia Night Register by emailing kyle@ decaturfirstumc.org. $80 (table of up to 8), First United Methodist Church [201 W North St, www.signupgenius.com/ go/20f0848a8ab22a5f85-trivia] 6p Macon Speedway Racing Featuring Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets, Pro Late Models and Sportsman. Doors open at 5p, racing starts at 7p. $12 (general), free (ages 11 and under), Macon Speedway [205 N Wiles St, Macon, 764.3000, www.maconracing.com] 7-9p MDSO: William Gorton & Randy Reyman A double-header faculty pops spectacular! William Gorton sings popular arias and Neapolitan songs from sultry Italy, and Randy Reyman plays his own arrangements of the hottest hits from the American Songbook. $13-16.50, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, www.millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30p

Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show Silent auction, kids corner & fossil dig, demos, door prizes, exhibits, minerals, jewelry, beads, etc. $5 (adult), $3 (seniors), Free (Ages 15 and under; military & scouts in uniform), Progress City [E 6th Progress St] 9a-6p (Sa), 10a-4p (Su) Train Fair Get your caboose to the Train Fair, which will include swap meets, clinics, door prizes, and boxcar loads of vendors offering those hard-to-find rare model train collectibles. $5, Free (Children 12 and under), Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza] 10a-4p (Sa), 11a-4p (Su)

Sunday, 19 First Gig Fundraiser All ages fundraiser. Food, raffle, silent auction, 50/50, kid's activities. Music performances by Escaping Neverland, Gutterbound, Union Square, Pressure & Time, 2nd Annual Iron Chef Night Tombstone Preachers, Imagine Join us for an evening of That, Noah & the Back Alley Blues, entertainment and great food as Brother Down, Diatribe. $10 (ind), the RCC Culinary Arts program Shades of Gray $15 (couple), AIW Hall [2882 N competes against the Good American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dinneen] 11a-9p Samaritan Inn team in a heated Dr] 8-11p culinary competition. $30 (person), MU Softball Rock of Ages $50 (couple), $250 (table of 10), Double header (1p & 3p) vs.

Timbuktu [5843 E State Rt 36, Decatur Conference Center & Elmhurst College. Borg Warner www.roaband.com] 8:30-11:30p Hotel [4191 US 36 W] 6-9p Sports Complex [US Rt 51, athletics.millikin.edu] 1p 4.18-4.19 USFA Girls Sunday Family Time Softball Tournament Swimming, snacks, and open gym Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business, (basketball and bounce house). www.decatur-parks.org] All Day Free (member), $20 (non-member family), Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 1-4p

Juvae Jazz Presents: Sunday Afternoon of Fun Featuring the Dixie Daredevils with guest artist from St. Louis, Brian Casserly on trumpet (from Cornet Chop Suey). Food available. $15, Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 2-5p

Tuesday, 21 Garden Club Flower Show 101: Just a Garden Walk Indoors. Lori Pietsch will teach Flower Show basics and Fay Audiffred will create a floral design suitable for entry in a Garden Club Standard Flower Show. The program will be followed by a tea at 2:30. First Lutheran Church [250 W Decatur St, www.facebook.com/ gardenclubofdecatur] 12:30-3p MU Baseball vs. Illinois College. Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics. millikin.edu] 2p

MU Men's Tennis vs. Augustana College. Fairview KirkOut: String/Piano Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics.

Ensembles Free, Central Christian Church [650 millikin.edu] 4p W William, 424.6318, www.millikin.

MU Softball edu/kirkland] 2p Double header (4p & 6p) vs.

Illinois Wesleyan University. Borg Voodoo Lounge Band Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Warner Sports Complex [US Rt 51, athletics.millikin.edu] 4p Millikin University Bands Rain Garden Program Traditional and contemporary Hosts a step-by-step guide for music for winds, brass and building a rain garden. It will percussion. Featuring faculty, cover everything from soil types student and guest soloists, the and ideal plant species, to the university bands perform music ecological benefits and cost-share that will appeal to concert-goers of all ages. Free, Kirkland Fine Arts opportunities. Register online by 4.20. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, www.millikin.edu/kirkland] 4p maconcountyconservation.org] Couples/Singles Dance 7-8p Band: BAM! $10, Knights of Dead in Decatur's Columbus Hall [520 E North St, Morbid Movie Madness 875.3090, www.dancingdates. com] 5-8p $5/ticket, screening in back room.

Slider's [5995 E US Rt 36] 8p New Jerusalem Singers West Decatur Church of God [4500 W Main St] 6p

4.21-4.22 Weather or Not: Rainbows Study and create rainbows.

Register online by 4.20. $10, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcounty conservation.org] 1-2p (Tu, ages 3-5) 9:30-10:30a (We, ages 1-5) Thursday, 23 Corks & Forks Taste exquisite wines, imported beers and delightful food from area chefs. Bid on exciting auction packages. Limited seating tickets for Very Important Wine People (VIP) at 5p to taste and learn about exclusive premium wine and food pairings. $50 (adv), $55 (door), $125 (VIP), Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, 423.3189, www.decaturarts.org] 6:309:30p 4.23-4.26 Cluster of AKC Dog Shows The Champaign Kennel Club, the Mattoon Kennel Club, and Decatur's Sandermac Kennel Club sponsor 4 individual all-breed dog shows.

Spectators welcome. Food and dog vendors on site. $5 (carload), Progress City [E 6th Progress St, www. royjonesdogshows.com] 8:30a-2p

April 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!

3D Animal Archery Try your hand at 3D Animal Archery. Rotate through life-size animal targets featuring turkey, deer, bears, and more. Ages 10+.

Must pre-register online by 4.17. $7, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-4p

April Events 4.23-4.26 The Reluctant Dragon A silly, British show for children. Adapted by Mary Hall Surface. From the book by Kenneth Grahame. $5, $20 (5 tickets), RCC: Shilling Center [One College Park] 10a (Sa), 3-4:40p (Sa, Su), 6:30-8p (Th, Fr) Friday, 24 Catholic Charities Round-Up There will be no shortage of country music, food or line dancing. Enjoy an evening of down home country fun with music provided by the Glendale Riders and delicious food served

by Mac's Pigskin Diner. $50, Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St] 6:30p 4.24-4.25 Book & Bake Sale Used books and homemade baked goods for sale. Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 9a-5p (Fr), 9a-12p (Sa) Comedy Hour Robert Jenkins with Brad Tassell. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. net] 8:30p Art Circus/SPN Rock & Roll Soul Review Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 W Wood St, www.millikin.edu] 7:30p (Fr), 3p (Sa)

4.24-4.26 The World Goes 'Round Through this extraordinary collection of songs from hit shows such as Cabaret, Woman of the Year, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Chicago, and more, we explore the exhilarating highs, the melancholy lows, and the eternal effervescence of the human spirit. $16-18, MU: Albert Taylor Theatre [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, www. millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30p (Fr, Sa), 2p (Sa, Su)

Festival of Spring Enjoy activities for the whole family, including music, wagon rides, a canoe rodeo, bird shows, a bee keeper, food, hikes, a vintage baseball game, and much more!

This is a family friendly activity that is sure to rid everyone of their cabin fever! Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcounty conservation.org] 10a-4p

Healthy Kids Day Games, family fitness, healthy snacks, safety demonstrations and Saturday, 25 more to inspire kids to keep their Friends of Argenta Breakfast Donation, Old Grade School [275 N minds and bodies active. Free, Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] Kenwood, Argenta] 7:30-10a 10a-2p Pancake Breakfast LEGO Club Tickets are limited and must be For boys and girls of all ages! purchased in advance from Early Bird Kiwanis Club members or Boy Includes story, snack, and creative play. Barclay Public Library [220 S Scout Troop 202. $5, Applebee's Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621] [1275 S Rt 51, Forsyth] 8-10a 10:30a Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Walk Begins at 10a, walk from Growing Library Laboratory Millikin's student chapter of the Strong (270 W Prairie) to Central Park. Rally (11a), after-party at the American Chemical Society will offer fun, hands-on chemistryGin Mill (12-2p). Free appetizers related activities for kids in the and photos with your red heels! children's auditorium. Decatur $35, Central Park [Downtown Public Library [130 N Franklin] Decatur] 8:30a-2p 10:30a-12:30p Dulcimer Club World Penguin Day Playing live music. Free, Rock & Earth Day Springs Nature Center [3939 The Humboldt penguins will Nearing Ln] 10a-12p be featured and you'll discover conservation ideas for your own backyard. General zoo admission, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, www.decatur-parks.org] 12-4p

Poetry Slam for Teens & Young Adults Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 2-5p Bowl 4 Fitness Games, shoes, food, prizes, raffles, and auction. Raising money for physical education equipment for local schools. $20, Spare Time Lanes [2870 N Jasper] 5p Haunted History Tour Discover the spirits, scandals and sins of haunted Decatur! $30, Lincoln Square Theatre [145 N Main St, haunteddecatur.com] 7p

Head East SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 14

Sunday, 26 Sunday Family Time Swimming, snacks, and open gym (basketball and bounce house).

Free (member), $20 (non-member family), Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley] 1-4p Preschool Peepers: New to Nature Ducklings, kits, owlets, and other baby animals are cute as can be.

See and feel plush toys as you discover baby animals that are born in spring. Ages 3-5 with an adult buddy. Register by 4.24.

Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-3p Tour the Oglesby Mansion $2 (donation), Oglesby Mansion [421 W William, 429.9422, www. oglesbymansion.org] 2-4p

Mary Jo Curry Karaoke & Tombstone Bullet DJ Jeff spins your favorite songs to Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p sing! American Legion 105 [1535 Solid Rock Legion Dr, 423.1411] 7-11p West Decatur Church of God [4500 Macon Speedway Racing W Main St] 6p Doors open at 5p, racing starts at 7p. $12 (general), free (ages 11 and Tuesday, 28 Non-Fiction Book Club under), Macon Speedway [205 N The Monuments Men by Robert Wiles St, Macon, 764.3000, www.

Edsel. Decatur Public Library [130 maconracing.com] 7-9p N Franklin, www.decaturlibrary.

Masterworks org] 1p Percussion Ensemble Masterworks showcases the depth and breadth of contemporary percussion chamber music through a program featuring works by the world's leading composers. Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, www.millikin.edu/ kirkland] 7:30p

Sky's the Limit The Limit is 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-Grade 6. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 4:30-5:30p Stained Glass You will learn how to cut glass, fit and solder your stained glass projects. $170, The Glass House [2895 N Oakland, www. glasshousestore.com] 6:30-9p Wednesday, 29 Mosaic Mirror You will make a beautiful mosaic mirror (14" x 16") and have fun learning how easy mosaics can be! $45, The Glass House [2895 N Oakland, glasshousestore. com] 8a-5p

Thursday, 30 Macon Speedway Racing St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part LUCAS Oil Late Models. $12 (general), free (ages 11 and under), Macon Speedway [205 N Wiles St, Macon, www.maconracing.com] 7-9p

April 2015 | 27

Search ALL entertainment online at www.ThriveDecatur.com

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

Kite Day Dozens of kites will paint the sky for this annual spring tradition, sponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and celebrated by park districts statewide. Bring your kite and enjoy professional flying demonstrations! Free, Sinawik Park [1715 S 32nd St, www.decaturparks.org] 1-3p

Become a SCORE Volunteer and Make Dreams Come True!

Voodoo Lake - Sat, Apr 4, 9p-1a

CONTACT US TODAY!

Harper & Midwest Kind - Sun, Apr 5, 3-6p Hipbone Sam - Sat, Apr 11, 9p-1a Kilborn Alley - Sun, Apr 12, 3-6p Voodoo Lounge Band - Sun, Apr 19, 3-6p Mary Jo Curry & Tombstone Bullet Sun, Apr 26, 3-6p

28 | April 2015

1184 W. Main Street Decatur, IL 62522 217-424-6297 www.decatur.score.org

Create Your Own Fun at

Make Explore Share Day

By Joli A. Hohenstein

Celebrating arts and crafts, science and engineering, and the DIY mindset in general, Maker Faires have taken the country by storm, and now University of Illinois Extension is creating Decatur’s own version for you!

On April 11, Make Explore Share Day gives you the chance to create, craft, build and play to your heart’s desire, all led by masters of their crafts from across the Midwest. Artisans, entrepreneurs and kids of all ages will bring their own brands of fun to your world and teach you their skills and secrets.

“We as a society are really recognizing that experiential learning is an important part of life,” says Courtney Walters, Extension publicity and promotions specialist. “We’re bringing together innovators, inventors and makers…individuals who love what they’re doing and want to share and teach you how to do it.”

The best way to describe this new event? It’s where individuals of all ages will MAKE their amazing crafts and wares and you will EXPLORE how to create the same item using a hands-on approach because the presenters will SHARE with you how to do it!

For only $1 ($5 per family), you can learn how to build a robot, make a banana piano, use a sock knitting machine, crochet totes from grocery

photos courtesy of University of Illinois Extension

continued ON PAGE 30

// MAKE/EXPORE/SHARE continued from page 29 bags, make a 3D model from a scan and more! “We’re getting back into the DIY world, where people learn to do things that are a forgotten art or skill,” says Courtney, “and then we add in this very hands-on fun where kids are really into robotics and electronics.”

Both adults and kids will lead information demonstrations and sessions all day indoors and out, creating a free approach for learning at any age. “Kids will think, ‘Hey I can do that too!’” she says.

With no advance tickets and a free-flowing policy, the event’s organic nature allows you to make it whatever you will. “It’s all about finding the interest and then having someone who’s the expert show you what to do,” Courtney explains.

You’ll be able to travel among the exhibitors, finding the activities that most appeal to you and creating all day long. University Dogs will bring its food truck for sustenance, and visitors will even have the opportunity to create a small canvas to be part of a large-scale community artwork piece the Extension team will assimilate and display in the area.

Whether you’re a maker, a doer or a lifelong learner, you’re sure to find your hands-on fun here, if you come for an hour or stay for the whole day. And you’ll leave full of ideas, ignited for making and inspired to create at home and away. Says Courtney: “It’s a day of making and fun and creativity and innovation.”

What Can You Make?

DIY laundry detergent Quilting Digital embroidery 3D printing Robotics Smoothies, pasta, pie crust Airbrushing Teacup candles Fiber arts Construct a Truck Photography Fabric & burlap embellishments Playwriting & theater MaKey MaKey invention kits Knitting Gardening Hummingbird feeders Bamboo wind chimes Metal stamping And more

Get There Make Explore Share Day April 11, 10 am-4 pm $1 per person, $5 per family University of Illinois Extension Office 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur, 877-6042 web.extension.illlinois.educ/dmp or find them on Facebook!

30 | April 2015

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April 2015 | 31

32

THRIVE Q&A Photo: Stephanie Gagnon

Brian Pierce

Favorite date night activity Eating Sea Salt Caramel Pretzel frozen yogurt and talking with my lovely girlfriend on the small green couch at CherryBerry in the Oakwood area. No mobile devices allowed.

Favorite family outing Enjoying the most amazing pizza, pints, people and piped-in music on the patio at Donnie’s Homespun – makes for a wonderful family evening.

In Decatur, heading West takes on many meanings in an exploration of the famed West End. With appeal for all, the area has cemented itself in childhood and adult reminiscences alike. For some insider tips on the best ways to make memories in the West End, we caught up with West End Reunion Organizer Brian Pierce.

Most unexpected thing to do in the West End Cross Country Skiing at Rock Springs Nature Center!

Biggest change to the West End in the past 5 years The positive revitalization of the Oakwood retail area (South Oakland and West Wood) with locallyowned, custom establishments – including several newcomers with high energy and vision.

Best thing about spring in the West End Getting the bicycles out and hitting the West End Bike Trail – between Fairview Park and Rock Springs – with my 12-year-old son, Ryan.

All-time favorite thing to do in the West End Eating a delicious Winery Burger at The Winery, while listening to the best jukebox in town, with music hand-picked by Keith Boaz!

Biggest request you hear people want in the West End West End Decatur Facebook page members would like to have ice skating available again at the Big Pavilion at Fairview Park. Nothing was better than skating with your friends outdoors and then sipping hot chocolate next to the large brick fireplace that was once there.

What one loves in childhood stays in the heart forever.

32 | April 2015

Most exciting thing coming up in the West End this spring/summer Listening to live music outdoors – from May through October – at the Oakwood Street Festivals. Good food, beverages, bands, and family fun in the neighborhood. In August 2016, another West End Reunion reunites past and present West-Enders to renew old friendships and make new memories.

Hope to see you there!

Something about the West End that would surprise the average Decaturite The West End landmark in Fairview Park known as the Bikini Tree has been painted and repainted since the 1950’s. Looking forward to the 2015 Spring Bikini version coming soon.

April 2015 | 33

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