May 2015 Thrive Entertainment Guide

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE: Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts

FREE

May 2015

SPOTLIGHT// I Need a Hero ART SPEAK// Fanatical 5000 Films FOOD DUDE// Gyro King Q&A// Krystal Callarman

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 T. F. Dude Eric Hector Kim Mangan Rachel Peacock Robin Walters Photographers: Elizabeth Highcock Sarah Jane 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 | May 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 • Embroidered Expressions • Fringe Salon • G-B’s CDs • Giggles • Good Samaritan Inn • 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 • 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 • Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn • 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 Body 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 Murphys • Party Warehouse • Pho Golden Noodle Bowl • Pla-Mor Lanes • Play It Again Sports • Poage Auto Mall • Pride Coin Laundry • Priority Health Family Medicine • Regions Bank • Sleep Inn • Smith Tire Co. • Soy Capital Bank • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube • Starship Billiards • The Teacher’s Lounge • The Wagon • Up N’ Runnin’ • DECATUR-SOUTH • Billingsley BP Service Station • Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Decatur Athletic Club • Guadalajara • Kids N’ 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 • Larry Paul Tanning Salon • Leo H. Berger Insurance • Lock Stock & Barrel • Lyle Campbell & Sons Realty • Macon County Farm Bureau • Mi Pueblito • Millikin UniversityAlumni House • Mom's Place • Mystic Tan • Oakwood Tattoo • Pop’s Place • Pride Coin Laundry • Richland Fairview Park Plaza Center • Secret Garden • 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 • University Gas Station • 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 • 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

FLY DECATUR

in this ISSUE issue #72 | May 2015 www.thrivedecatur.com

Got Spring Fever?

Take off and travel from Decatur Airport, your link to great destinations!

Featuring daily flights to Chicago O’Hare and Lambert-St. Louis International on Air Choice One. Free parking, roomy seats, and prices so low, you can’t afford NOT to fly!

BEHIND THE THRIVE

April Out & About

SPOTLIGHT: I Need a Hero

ART SPEAK: Fanatical 5000 Films

Publisher's Pick of the Month

FOOD DUDE: Gyro King

May Events Calendar

Spot the Difference Challenge

Heroicon

Block Party Q&A: Krystle Callarman

THRIVE

is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.

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

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May 2015 | 03

BEHIND THE

CONGRATS TO OUR April WINNER:

Kimberly Bennett

April Answers:

1. Black polka dot fabric corner disappears 2. Fleur-de-lis disappears 3. Purple stripes turn red 4. Purple fox appears 5. Purple band disappears 6. Indian text disappears

Play the May Contest on page 35

04 | May 2015

THRIVE

Who doesn’t need a hero? Or for that matter, who doesn’t want to BE a hero?

May in Macon County gives you those opportunities and more.

Get up close and challenge heroes in your favorite games at Heroicon, the area’s first tabletop gaming convention. (Side note: You’ll also benefit the real heroes – proceeds provide service men and women with much-needed distractions through Games for Troops.)

Feed the best at the Arts Council’s Minecraft Pizza Party, piggybacking off the uber-popular CGI stacking game with entertainment for all ages.

Hire a hero for your next bash – birthday party, charity event, backyard BBQ – when you bring in the performance artists at I Need a Hero. Superheroes and princesses alike ensure everyone’s dreams are answered.

Or hey, be THAT fan when you get behind the scenes of a real Hollywood-style production when you not only vote for but cast your heroes, then see your name in lights next to them on the big screen with Heroic Age Studios!

I believe there are heroes among us – and they may or may not be wearing capes.

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

MidState Youth Soccer The Decatur Park District's MidState Youth Soccer League kicked off its Saturday Showcase on April 11. Students showed off the skills learned during weekly practice, like drag back, step over, toe taps and controlled dribbling.

Secret Garden Tells All Decatur's fun-time florist has new digs and revealed them to customers in early April during an Open House. Secret Garden's new location, on the northwest corner of Eldorado and Monroe, boasts a walk-in cooler, loads of storage and classroom space and a large inventory of cash-and-carry items. Special discounts and prizes were awarded during the event.

May 2015 | 05

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Let's Talk Kids

Baby TALK founder and author Claudia Quigg co-hosted a book signing with Bronze Man Books to celebrate publication of the third and final book in the popular series, Let's Talk Kids.

Celebrating Your Family celebrates the variety of ways to cherish time with your family. After focusing on the building of a family in the last two books, Let's Talk Kids: Celebrating Your Family encourages parents to take a step back and enjoy the family they have lovingly built.

Education on Fire

Harristown Fire Department and Macon County Sheriff's Deputies led family reading night at Sangamon Valley East Elementary School on April 8. Participants could meet a canine cop, practice fire drills on a two-story fire safety house, explore a fire truck or listen to stories read by civic leaders.

06 | May 2015

Quilt Fest

Each spring the Decatur Quilters' Guild presents a Quilt Fest that includes a show of over 200 quilts, a merchant mall, quilting technique demos, and mini classes. This year the 35th Anniversary event was hosted at the Decatur Civic Center.

Big Blue Tennis

Edible Book Fest

The Millikin Men's Tennis Team hosted Illinois Wesleyan University in April at Fairview Tennis Park Complex just west of campus. For more information on Men's Tennis and other Millikin athletic events, visit athletics.millikin.edu.

Staley Library at Millikin hosted its sixth annual Edible Book Festival on April 14. Individuals and groups entered edible treats created to represent a particular literary reference. Entries included Dr. Seuss' One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish inspired snacks. Creativity counts in titles too, as evidenced by “The Walking Bread�

(The Walking Dead) by Robert Kirkman.

May 2015 | 07

08

SPOTLIGHT

by Joli A. Hohenstein

photo: Elizabeth Highcock

on screen as possible,” says Tony. “Our seamstress Jane used to do costumes for Theatre 7 and Richland, and she’s created many for us.”

Big requests right now include princesses (from Frozen, Tangled, The Princess & The Frog, Cinderella), Spiderman, Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He expects Avengers to be a big one this summer, so they’ll be rolling out those characters, and Star Wars is coming, too.

“We bring a balloon bouquet to break the ice, and we send a personalized picture of the birthday boy or girl with the character after the party is done,” he says.

Beyond birthdays, they also answer the call for non-profits and other organizations, recently performing for the Decatur Humane Society and the Danville Public Library, but they always give a priority to events for kids. Occasionally, they put on a special event to tickle superfans around Central Illinois.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane! It’s Superman (or Batman Coming up next: Princess Party at CherryBerry, or Ninja Turtles or Elsa & Anna) in your backyard! with a costume contest, games, karaoke and five I Need a Hero Inc. brings your favorite caped princesses for pictures and more. Only 45 tickets crusaders and more right to your front door. are available, and reservations are required.

Founder Tony Holly was a social worker serving abused kids when it occurred to him that heroes inspire kids. He couldn’t find anybody locally to Get There: dress up, and that’s when the need became Princess Party by I Need Hero Inc. clear. Bring the big screen to kids’ backyards.

Tony’s band of fledgling crime fighters and tea May 16, 11 am-1pm partiers features professional entertainers who’ll CherryBerry, 130 S. Oakland Ave., Decatur dress up as virtually any pop culture hero to 775-7344 entertain at your next event.

INeedaHeroInc.com “I’ve found people who are as passionate about it as I am, and we’re focused on making sure Find them on Facebook! what we’re portraying is as close to what kids see

I Need a Hero

(who doesn’t)

08 | May 2015

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.

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.

EARN REWARDS.

To learn more about color consultations call: 217.876.0108

May 2015 | 09

10

ART SPEAK

by Eric Hector

Fanatical 5000 Films –

The Movie in Your Own Backyard Do you like movies? Would you like to be part of making one right here in Macon County?

Heroic Age Studios would like to introduce you to something we call Fanatical 5000 Films.

This is a golden opportunity to create a thriving independent film industry right here in our community.

5000 Films is a revolutionary new method of involving Central Illinois movie fans directly in the process of making a film from start to finish.

This community film will take full advantage of all the experience, equipment and connections that Heroic Age Studios has acquired over two decades of working with clients like Warner Brothers, Disney, ABC Television, National Geographic and Marvel Entertainment.

In order to become one of the Fanatical 5000, we’re looking for people to commit $60. For this small investment, the first thing you’ll get is to help pick the name of the film.

Next, you get to help choose some of the actors by watching online screen tests and voting on who you like best. The 5000 will also have access to behind-the-scenes web casts as well as to open set days where some members will get to come and see parts of the film being shot.

Another great perk is that all of the Fanatical 5000’s names will be listed in the movie’s credits, along with every member getting a Special Edition DVD designed just for the people who help us make these films.

Once our movie is complete, everyone will be invited to a special event built around the film’s premiere, with celebrities, music, vendors and much more. Together at this event we’ll choose the next film that we make in the Fanatical 5000 series.

With your support, we can turn our community into a true destination for movie production.

We can reap the benefits of the Illinois Film Tax Credit, and we can reinvest the proceeds of our films right back into our local economy.

To learn more about this unique opportunity, visit us on the web at Fanatical5000Films.com.

Then, let’s make a movie together!

Eric Hector is creative director of Heroic Age (HA) Art Center, the area’s newest art collective.

Located at 135 North Henderson in the Old Mt. Zion Grade School, the HA Art Center is a great place to buy, sell, create and learn about art of all kinds. Large build-to-suit studio spaces are available. Come out and visit for the ultimate atmosphere of creativity and community.

10 | May 2015

Publisher's

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

BELLZ!

A Positively Magnetic Game

$21.50 Giggles 124 N Merchant, Downtown Decatur

It's easy enough to get caught up in the complex adventure stories created from RPGs (role playing games). What's more uncommon, but really cool, is to discover a new game that is so incredibly simple yet challenging at the same time.

I almost discounted this little game that comes in its own pouch, which is also the game arena. Armed with a basic knowledge of how magnetic fields work, this appeared like a cinch. All you have to do is collect all of one bell color without picking up any other colors before your opponent. Easy peasy!

As it turns out, these little bells are ornery and jump right up out of nowhere!

Summer Camps! at Scovill Zoo

Register at 421-7435 or scovillzoo.com

May 2015 | 11

12

THE FOOD DUDE

by T. F. DUDE

Decatur’s Own King of Gyros

I'm a newbie food dude when it comes to dining at a food truck, so I wasn't sure what to expect as I headed toward Gyro King for the first time during my lunch hour.

I inhaled the enticing aroma of Greek cuisine.

I felt gluttonous as I shoved bite after bite into my mouth. It was all so fresh, so flavorful and so fulfilling.

I arrived four minutes past noon, and there was already a line of five when I walked up, plus one steadily growing behind me, too. As I awaited my turn to order, I realized what a staple the Gyro King has been in the Decatur community as I read the signage, "33 Years Same Great Taste!"

And I thought to myself, if this has been around for 33 years, why has this dude been noticeably absent?!

In between bites, I sipped on my Lemon ShakeUp, which was a medley of lemons and ice served to a chilled perfection. I had heard the baklava was a "must try," and as I sunk my teeth into this sweet, sticky, layered pastry, I could see what all the hype was about. It was an excellent mixture of stacked pastry and filling, consisting of cinnamon-spiced nuts lightly coated with syrup.

As I skimmed over the menu, I happened to stumble upon a treasured drink of mine, a medley of sugary goodness—a Lemon ShakeUp! Oh, how I love this glorified version of lemonade! I thought it was something that only came around during the Decatur Celebration, but low and behold, here it was at the Gyro King!

I had to order it (which came in an awesome souvenir plastic cup) along with a gyro and baklava for my dessert.

After devouring such a delectable Greek meal, it’s clear to me why this food truck is called the Gyro King—because it’s the King of Gyros, and the Food Dude is more than happy to become one of its loyal subjects any day of the week.

The gyro was served on a fresh, warmed slice of pita bread adorned with a combination of gyro lamb meat, diced onions and tomatoes, and sour cream. I immediately began to salivate as

Get There: Gyro King 2929 N Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Decatur, IL 62526 877-6787

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

12 | May 2015

Decatur’s 1st gaming convention gives back to real heroes

By Joli A. Hohenstein

Photos by Sarah Jane

14 | May 2015

Who says games are all fun and play?

Decatur’s first and only tabletop gaming convention – Heroicon 2015 – aims to give gamers not only entertainment but the chance to help the real heroes…the men and women of our armed forces.

Set for May 15-17 at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Heroicon will use its proceeds to support Games for Troops, a non-profit group dedicated to delivering board, card and other games to soldiers and sailors serving at home and abroad. Make no mistake that a good time will be had by all in the process – nearly 15,000 square feet of gaming space make that a promise!

“Our goal is to create an event that is a good time for everyone with a good cause behind it,” says co-producer Scott Blankenship, “so you can feel good about having fun.”

Heroicon features space for board games, miniatures, RPGs (role playing games), card games, open gaming and more. “We’ll have live action role play, seminars, after-parties, meet & greet

mixers and a Family Fun Day Sunday from 10-2,” says Scott, a member of both Games for Troops and Decatur Gamers.

While there’s no official costume contest at the inaugural convention, expect to see enthusiasts represent their passions, especially dealers and Game Masters. The gaming world’s equivalent of referees, Game Masters often have skills that run deeper, from coordinating games to creating and directing scenarios. Some travel all over the country, becoming master coordinators; some stay local or specialize in a particular game, says Scott, himself a Game Master whose own gaming experience goes back to the Dungeons & Dragons (2nd edition) heyday and reignited with the futuristic hit Shadowrun.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

HEROICON FROM PAGE 15

Designed to appeal across all galaxies and games, Heroicon offers something for everyone, from Magic: The Gathering tournaments to organized play events with Pathfinder and Shadowrun to oversized games with giant fuzzy dice and a huge open gaming area where gamers can walk in and pick their pleasure. Dealers will show their wares in a trade show, and various seminars and parties offer opportunities for attendees to enrich their event as they choose.

All the action goes toward providing service members a break from the real action. Proceeds will allow Games for Troops to fulfill demand for games, requests that range from a Navy sailor asking for “anything but Battleship” to a gentleman building a game library for a base in Japan.

What better reason to get your game on?

Get There: Heroicon 2015 Friday, May 15 (1 pm start) – Sunday, May 17 (6 pm end) Decatur Hotel & Convention Center contact@gamesfortroops.org, (419) 701-4263. For complete details and to register: www.heroicon.org. (Walk-ins welcome, no guarantees on game slots!)

May 2015 | 17

May Events EVERYDAY May 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 Let's Get Fit Take the first step to fitness. Preactivities (5:30p), Walk/Run (5:45p).

Fairview Park [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, cometogetherletswalk. com] 5:30-6:30p Country Line Dance (EXCEPT 5.25) 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 WEDNESDAY Toddler Time For children 18 months to 3 years.

An adult must remain in the building during program. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt. Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 9:30-10a Open Mic Free, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9p Water Pong & Karaoke Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 10p EVERY THURSDAY Cindy's Karaoke Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8a-5p

Music at the Museum Sing along with Michael Scherer and Zach Garrett and tinker with different musical instruments at a new location in the Museum EVERY TUESDAY & each week. Great for families THURSDAY (thru 5.14) with children ages 0-7! Free (with Minecraft Mania admission), Children's Museum Learn the tricks of Minecraft while of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, working with a team of other block 423.5437, childrensmuseumofil. blasting 8-12-year-olds. Share org] 9:30-10a ideas & tips to build and enhance your Minecraft world! Registration Storytime Storytime is for children ages 3-5 is limited and required 72 hours and includes stories, crafts, and in advance of the start of each more. An adult must remain in the session. Decatur Public Library building during this program. Mt [130 N Franklin] 5:30-6:30p Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt. Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 10-11a

DJ David Lee Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 10p EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Wine Tastings Free, The Decanter Fine Wines [215 N Main St, 422.9463] 4-7p (Fr), 1-6p (Sa) EVERY SATURDAY Macon Speedway Racing 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 Friday, 1 First Friday Gallery Walk Visit the downtown Decatur galleries! Enjoy an evening of unique art, artist talks, live music, hors d oeuvres and beverages.

Featured art includes Barn Colony Artists Annual Show (Anne Lloyd Gallery), Decatur Public Schools Middle/HS Art Show (Madden Arts Center, 3rd floor), The Art of Healing featuring art by Jarrott Sekosky (Blue Connection) and Tom Crawford, abstract paintings (Gallery 510). Plus join Millikin art therapy students with hands-on art activities for children outside the Madden Arts Center. Free, Various [Decatur] 5-7:30p Mega Raffle Drawing Party Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St] 7-10p MU Baseball vs Augustana College (IL).

Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics.millikin.edu] 7p Watoto Children's Choir Free, New Beginnings Church of God [2606 Rt 121 NW] 7-9p

West End Boogie Project Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p David Lee Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a Pearl Handle Band Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 9p-1a 5.1-5.2 Spring Dance Recital You Ought to Be Dancin! will feature the Park District's dance students, aged 3-adult, and high school senior dancers. $7, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, 422.5911, www.decaturparks.org] 7p (Fr), 11a & 6p (Sa)

heirloom tomatoes, and fresh garden herbs. Breakfast items and drinks will be available. Macon Country Fairgrounds [3700 N Westlawn Ave, web.extension. illinois.edu/dmp] 9a-2p

Pamper ME! Ladies brunch & health fair. Free health screenings, Q& A with the area's leading women's health experts, free spa treatments and more. $10, Scovill Golf Course [3909 W Main St] 9a-3p

Woofstock 2015 Flying Houndz Frizbee trick dog show (9:30a & 12:30p), Pooch Parade (11a), pooch pedicures, vendors, adoptable dogs, Over The Rainbow Bridge Memory Wall, The Sound of Music refreshments available, fido fotos, Garfield Montessori Magnet School production. $5 (student), $7 microchipping, smart tv or cash (adult), MacArthur High School [1 raffle (1p). $7 (person), free (ages 10 & under), Macon Resources Educational Park] 7p (Fr & Sa) [2121 Hubbard Ave] 9a-2p Comedy Hour Canoe the Sangamon Tom Garland with Josh Alton. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Paddle down our local waterway.

All equipment provided. Bring a Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, drink and clothes that can get wet.

421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant.

Must have at least one adult in net] 8:30p (Fr & Sa) each canoe. Register online by 5.1.

Saturday, 2 $20 (canoe), Rock Springs Nature Coffee Connection Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] Fun Run/Walk 1-mile and 3-mile option. Proceeds 10a-1p to benefit the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter. Tango no Sekku (“Boys Day” in Japan) Art Activities Donation, Coffee Connection Celebrate this fun Japanese [2505 N Main St] 8a holiday for boys, which was Garden Club Plant Sale recently extended to girls. You will Perennial and annual flowers, eat a sweet traditional treat and hanging baskets, herbs and garden create lots of art projects, including items. St Paul's Lutheran Church [1 vibrant painted fish flags, metal Bachrach Ct] 8:30-10:30a can robot sculptures, animal prints, and much more. $20 (member), Master Gardeners' $25 (non-member), Madden Annual Plant Sale Arts Center [125 N Water, www.

Large variety of annuals, Master decaturarts.org/] 10:30a-1:30p Gardener shared perennials, 150 varieties of hosta, vegetable plants,

Be a 4-H Chicken Tender!

Adopt and care for two chickens at Scovill Zoo on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week from 5.26-7.30.

You will learn about caring for your chickens from Scovill Zoo staff. Participate in a celebration of mastery with their chickens on July 30, 2015. Must agree to care for all program chickens for one weekend (two additional days) during the summer. Register through May 15. $25, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd] 11a Duck Derby Day Free museum entry. Familyfriendly inflatables, pictures with Quacker Jack, sand jar art, games, bounce house, & derby carnival outside (12-4p). Duck Race (2p). $5 (each), $50 (11 ducks), $100 (22 ducks), Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, http:// cmofil.org/support/duckderby] 12-4p How Does Your Garden Grow?

Learn about the many herbs and everlastings and their uses. Weather permitting; we will take a walk through the garden. Space is limited, reservations required. Free, Mari-Mann Herb Farm [1405 Mari-Mann Ln] 12-1p MU Baseball vs Augustana College (IL).

Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics. millikin.edu] 1p

May 2015 | 19

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!

May Events

Intergalactic Nemesis Three actors voice dozens of Popovich Comedy characters, a Foley artist creates Pet Theatre the sound effects, and a pianist Rescued from animal shelters, each plays a cinematic score, while of the show's 15 cats and 10 dogs more than 1,250 individual fullonce were strays. Now, they love color hi-res comic book panels tell to show off onstage by performing a hilarious sci-fi adventure story. a variety of stunts and skits! $25 $5 (school age), $25-35 (adult), (adult), $17 (kids/seniors), Lincoln Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Square Theatre [145 N Main St, Main, 424.6318, www.millikin.edu/ www.lincolnsquaretheatre.com] kirkland] 7:30p 3-4p PARTY CRASH! MU Four Other Brothers Intergalactic Nemesis Lock Stock & Barrel pre-show activities [129 S Oakland] 3:30-5:30p West End Boogie Project Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 4-7p Trivia Night at the Movies Costume contest. Bring your team dressed as your favorite movie characters to win a free appetizer. 50/50 raffle. Doors open for pre-game dinner and drinks (6p), game begins (7p). $10 (indiv), $80 (table of 8), Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St, www. decaturunderground.com] 6-9p Reading with James Tolan Four local writers, Randy Brooks, Meagan Cass, Lisa Higgs, and Ted Morrissey, and visiting writer James Tolan will read and have books for sale. Wildflour Artisan Bakery [256 W Main] 7p

Come take part in a costume contest before the show and make your own comic strip. Give-a-ways and prizes will amp up the fun for everyone! 6p SEE SHOW DETAILS ABOVE

360 Band Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p Hitmen Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a

5.2-5.3 Third Shift's D-Town Throwdown 3D Target Shoot & ASA Qualifier $10 (reg), $15 (VIP), Decatur Civic 30-target course. $6 (member), $12 Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, (non-member), $25 (ASA entrance www.decaturciviccenter.org/] fee), Decatur Archery Club [1335 N 7-10p Country Club Rd, 358.3033] 8a-3p

20 | May 2015

Sunday, 3 Community Yoga Enjoy yoga outdoors. Free, Nelson Park [2475 E Pavillion Dr] 10-11:30a Edwards Home Fire Relief Benefit Food, drinks, raffle, silent auction, live entertainment. Union Square (2p), Josh Holland (3p), Escaping Neverland (4p), Pressure and Time (5p), Brothers Down (6p), Zello (7p). $5, Bottoms Up [4380 W Main St] 1-9p Party Crasher Bash #2 Come and meet Elmo, Doc McStuffins, Minnie & Mickey.

Games & crafts for the kids. $10 (child), Free (adult), ASP n More [2926 N Oakland St] 1-3p Blues Expressions Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Chef Mark Anthony Cooking Class Free dinner will be served. Call for more information. Free, Decatur Sunnyside Seventh Day Adventist [530 N Sunnyside Rd, www. chefmarkanthony.com] 3-5p MU Baseball vs Augustana College (IL).

Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics.millikin.edu] 4p Monday, 4 Opening Reception & Awards Presentation Richland Student Art Show.

RCC: Erlanson Gallery [One College Park] 12-1p Party-Q Chef Brian prepares a fantastic meal focusing on the BBQ. Ribs with all the fixin's. $28, Mari-Mann Herb Farm [1405 Mari-Mann Ln] 6-8p

Tuesday, 5 Hummingbirds, a Beautiful Mystery University of Illinois Extension [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd] 1:30-3p MU Baseball vs. Knox College. Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics. millikin.edu] 5:30p Wednesday, 6 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 Free, Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, www.friendsdpl.org] 12:15-1p Expo VIP Preview Party Enjoy food catered by the Beach House, beer, wine, and music.

Advanced registration required. $10, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, www. decaturchamber.org] 5-7p

and key decision-makers in our area. $1, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, www. decaturchamber.com] 9a-2p

Stars Over Athens Bake sale-homemade Greek and Middle Eastern pastries (9a-2p).

Greek dinner, Greek dancing, and live Greek band. 2 Seatings 5:30 & 7:30p. $25 (adult), $15 (child), Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church [570 N Union St] 9a-7:30p Taste of Decatur Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, decaturchamber. com] 11:30a-1:30p Open Gaming at Board Knight Bored with nothing to do? Join us for an evening of board game fun!

Board Knight [228 W Main, www. decaturgamers.com] 5:30p American Girl Club Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa, 794.3005, www.maroa. lib.il.us] 6-7:30p

Dr Gonzo & Kevin Meaney Comedy Night Wednesday Women John Means gained fame in the Welcome spring on the sidewalk 1980s as a stand-up comedian patio! Beverages, appetizers, great out of San Francisco performing conversation! Bizou [259 N Main] under the stage name "Dr. 5-9p Gonzo." Kevin Meaney has been broadcast several times by HBO, Thursday, 7 Comedy Central and several State of the City Breakfast 2015 network television stations with The Decatur Mayor will reflect appearances on The Tonight Show, on the past and share his Late Night With David Letterman, vision and plans for the City of Regis And Kathy Lee, Oprah and Decatur. Attendees will gain an Conan. $11, Lincoln Square Theatre understanding of the current [145 N Main St] 7:30-10p business environment. Seated event/reservations required. $15 Friday, 8 (adv), $20 (door), Decatur Civic Beer & Food Pairing Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Each meal will be 5 courses decaturchamber.com] 7-8:30a with drink pairings for each course. Seats are limited. $50, RCC: Chamber Business Expo Shilling Center [One College Park, The largest and most anticipated 875.7211, ext 537] 6-8p business-to-business networking event and trade show for Antics business owners, entrepreneurs Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p

David Lee Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a 5.8-5.9 Richland Student Farms Plant Sale Annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, grasses, fruit trees, shrubs, vegetables, herbs. Richland Community College [One College Park] 7a-6p (Fr), 7a-1p (Sa) Plant Sale Plants for sale include tropicals, perennials, shrubs, annuals, succulents, and cacti. Schaub Floral Display Center [3415 E Lost Bridge Rd] 9a-3p Spring Open House Treat your mother to a unique shopping experience. One-of-akind items from 30+ vendors. The Perfect Pair & Pear Pantry [266 N St Rt 121, Warrensburg, theperfectpair antiquesandsalon.com] 10a-5p LuckyFest Tent Party Friday: Full Throttle (6-8p), Strolling Magician (7-9:30p), Third Shift Band (9p-12a), DJ PhilBilly (10p-2a) Saturday: 360 Band (5-8:30p), Strolling Magician (7-9:30p), Jonny Vodka Band (9p-12a), DJ PhilBilly (10p-2a). Feeling Lucky [3775 N Woodford ] 6p-2a Spring Dance Concert RCC: Shilling Center [One College Park] 7p (Fr & Sa), 2p (Sa) Equinox, A Concert of Dance Exciting evening of original dances. $10, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, www.millikin. edu/kirkland] 7:30p

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!

May Events Saturday, 9 State Bird Count Beginning and advanced birders are welcome to assist in the Annual Illinois State Bird Count. Register online by 5.8.

Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 7-8a Whitmore Park Spring Classic 5-mile race or half marathon on scenic country roads. Whitmore Park [4314 Birch Church Rd, 620.4835] 8a Youth Baseball & Softball Opening Day Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business, www.decatur-parks.org] 9a 2nd Saturday Book Sale Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, 424.2900, www. decaturlibrary.org] 9:30a-12:30p Animal Crackers: Fair Feathered Friends Children ages 3-5 will read a story about a bird, interact with the zoo’s emu and penguins, eat animal crackers, and explore the fascinating world of birds. $9-10, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, 421.7435, www.decatur-parks.org] 9:30-10:15a & 11-11:45a Dulcimer Club Playing live music. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10a-12p

Pitch, Hit & Run Competition Boys and girls ages 7–14 show off their baseball and softball skills.

Participants may advance to the team championships at Busch Stadium! Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business, 429.3472, www.decaturparks.org] 10a-2p Book Discussion Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621, barclay. lib.il.us] 11a Mother's Day Workshop Mommy & me day with Sincerely Pigeon Studio and L&L Studio.

You and your little one will get to do two fun projects, watercolor paintings and decorating flower pots. Lunch provided. RSVP by May 2. $50 (first child/parent), $10 (additional person/child), L&L Studio [141 S Henderson, Mt. Zion] 11a-2p STS Pre-Mother's Day Luncheon Good food, fellowship, tons of encouragement and fun! Quick hairstyles, crafts, staying on track in your Christian walk. Grab another mom friend and get to the party!

Life Streams Building [1681 N 22nd St] 11:30a-2:30p Poker Run & Benefit Benefit for Shelby Clifton. Stops include Crawford's Pizza (Maroa), Da Burg (Warrensburg), Bottom's Up (Decatur), Harley Hideout (Dalton City), Rusty's (LaPlace), AIW Hall (Decatur). 50/50, silent auction, food, live music, shopping, poker, bags tournament, kids corner and much more. Register at Coziahr Harley-Davidson (10-11a).

Poker Run begins at 11a. AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen] 12p-1a

Colonel French MacLean Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 1-3p Fireside Chat Open house. Refreshments.

Drawing. The Fireplace [109 E Main St, Maroa] 1-3p Zippy Zoo Day with Mom Games, face painting, and animal presentations highlight a day out with Mom. Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, 421.7435, www. decatur-parks.org] 1-4p Kids Club: Fun with Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat and Yertle the Turtle will visit. The matinee is hosted by Doodles The Dragon, Granny Giggles, Princess Mallory, and the Gary Strong Marionettes. $4 (adult), $1 (child), Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 S Henderson St, Mt. Zion, 864.5424] 2p Jazz Bash VI Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 3:30-5:30p Kid Kaddilac Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 4-7p Oakwood Street Festival Killborn Alley Blues Band, The Skelters, The Mike Lynch Band, Good Safari, Mike & Olivia. Oakland & Main [126 S Oakland] 5p-12a Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby Bout Double header. Backlash vs Chicago Outfit-Shakedown, All-stars vs. Chicago Outfit-Shade Brigade. Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, www. punishersderby.com] 5-9p Haunted History Tour Discover the spirits, scandals and sins of haunted Decatur! $30, Lincoln Square Theatre [145 N Main St, haunteddecatur.com] 7p

Karaoke DJ Cindy spins your favorite songs to sing! American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr] 7-11p

Tuesday, 12 Decatur Blues Society Meeting Everyone is welcome to attend.

Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main] 6p

The Fabulous Hoedads Nellie's Tavern [2717 N Main St] 7-10p

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

Shades of Gray Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p Antics Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a Sunday, 10 Bluegrass Music Jam Playing live music. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 1-4p

Opus 24 Spring Concert A Song in the Night. The concert will feature a cycle of English folk songs accompanied by the Millikin Faculty Wind Quintet as well as a piece featuring saxophonist Claire Taylor. $10 (adult), $5 (full-time student), Central Christian Church [650 W William] 7:30p

Minecraft Mania Learn the tricks of Minecraft while working with a team of other block blasting 8-12year olds. Share ideas and tips to build and enhance your Minecraft world!

Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin] 5:30-6:30p Girls' Night Out Laura Story, Proverbs 31's Micca Campbell and special guest Lindsay McCaul. $12, Tabernacle Baptist Church [650 N Wykles Dr] 7-10p

5.14-5.16 Southern Gospel Rally The Perrys (6p, Th), Christian Comedian and host of The Music City Show on RFD TV Tim Lovelace (5p, Fr).

5K Against Hunger The Bowling Family from Presented by the Mt Zion High Nashville, TN (5p, Sa), who 5.12&5.14 School National Honor Society. were part of the famous Busting Gardening Myths $10 and a canned good donation. There are so many family “The Crabb Family.”

Tshirts are $15, register by April 24 recommendations and Other groups attending to be guaranteed a shirt. Ice cream suggestions for gardening and both nights are State Of social to follow. To preregister Grace, The Jubilees, the plant care out there, but which contact Elisa Lewis at 864.2363.

Coffman Family, The Pruitt are fact and which are fiction? $10 (race) and canned good, $15 Family, Mercys Bridge and Join Kari Houle, Extension (t-shirt), Mt Zion High School Horticulture Educator, as she walks The Mattingly Family. Salem [315 S Henderson St, Mt. Zion] 2p you through some of the most Baptist Church [2650 S common garden and plant myths. Taylorville Rd] 6p (Th), 5p Family Science Sunday Recommendations for better plant (Fr & Sa) Join us for fun, hands-on science care will be given. University of stations. Free (with admission), Friday, 15 Illinois Extension [3351 N President Scovill Zoo Open Children's Museum of Illinois [55 Howard Brown Blvd, web.

S Country Club Rd, 423.5437, extension.illinois.edu/] 1:30p (Tu), Golf Tournament childrensmuseumofil.com] 2-4p Enjoy a day of golf, lunch 6:30p (Th) on the patio, a surprise Jim Suhler animal visitor, prizes, and an Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Wednesday, 13 afternoon reception. $500 Container & Small Monday, 11 (team), Hickory Point Golf Space Gardening Mosaic Mirror Course [727 W Weaver Rd, Garden as much as your space, You will make a beautiful Mosaic time and energy will allow. Decatur 422.5911] 12:15-5p Mirror (14" x 16") and have fun Macon County Senior Center [1430 Family Night Live's learning how easy Mosaics can N 22nd St, 762.2191] Pizzapalooza be! $45, The Glass House [2895 N Join us for a fun night Thursday, 14 Oakland, www.glasshousestore. where we will make pizzas, Book Discussion com] 8a-5p The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. play games, and just hang out. Everything will be Argenta Public Library [100 E provided. Free, Antioch Water, Argenta, www.aopld.lib.

Christian Church [5409 E US il.us] 1:30p Rt 36] 6-8p

May 2015 | 23

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!

May Events Minecraft Pizza Party If you love Minecraft, then this is the perfect event for you!

Minecraft art activities in the studio, movies and popcorn in the classroom, and Minecraft games, prizes, pizza and snacks on the third floor! Ages 6+. $20 (child), free (adult with paying child), Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189] 6-9p

Comedy Hour Adam Minnick with Brian Hicks. $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. net] 8:30p 5.15-5.17 Heroicon 2015

Family Fun Night Join us under the YMCA pavilion for a BBQ to kick off summer. Swimming inside the YMCA will also be available. $5 (prospective member), free (member), Decatur YMCA [220 W McKinley, 872.9922 x114] 6:30-8p

Heroicon will feature a 24-hour open gaming area, board games, card games, tournaments, and much more. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, www.heroicon.org] 12-10p (Fr), 8a-11p (Sa), 9a-6p (Su)

Buddy Love and the Can't Hardly Playboys Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p

ARTICLE ON PAGE 14

Matt Ellis Acoustic Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8-11p Homespun Reggae: Volume I The Driftaways [STL] + Hungus. $5, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, www.facebook.com/ SwiftAgencyMO/events] 10p-12a 5.15-5.16 Plant Sale Plants for sale include tropicals, perennials, shrubs, annuals, succulents, and cacti. Schaub Floral Display Center [3415 E Lost Bridge Rd, 421.7550] 9a-3p

Saturday, 16 Miniature Golf Tournament Overlook Adventure Mini Golf [2501 E Nelson Park Rd, www. decatur-parks.org] TBD Do Something 5K Start and finish at the pavilion at Forsyth Park; will follow the bike path. $5 (pancake breakfast), $30 (race, pancake breakfast, t-shirt), Forsyth Park [501 Forsyth Park, Forsyth] 9a Support Our Jungle 5K We are trying to raise funds to purchase much needed updated playground equipment for our small community. We are looking at purchasing a jungle gym for younger and handicapped

children. $20 (adv), $30, Pritchett Park [140 W North St, Niantic, www.active.com/niantic-il/ running/distance-running-races/ support-our-jungle-2015] 9-10a

Passport to the World Children will make passports and then "travel" to different stations and visit with representatives from multiple countries around the world. Children learn about culture by participating in games, crafts and music and sampling ethnic foods. Plus, the event will highlight Decatur's sister cities, Seevetal, Germany and Tokorozawa, Japan! Free (with admission), Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd] 10a-2p Princess Party

by I Need Hero Inc. See article on page 8 for more info.

CherryBerry [130 S. Oakland Ave, 775-1344, INeedaHeroInc.com] 11a-1p Wildflower Walkabout Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 1-3p Kevin Hart & the Vibe Tribe Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 3:30-5:30p 360 Band Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 4-7p Buddy Love and the Can't Hardly Play Boys American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr] 8-11p West End Boogie Project Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p Brat Pack Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a

24 | May 2015

Sunday, 17 First-Time Fishing Never been fishing? Don’t know which end of the pole to hold? Experience fishing with your family. We provide all the equipment and instruction to get you started. Register online by 5.15. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-3p Hurricane Ruth Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Couples/Singles Dance Band: BAM! $10, Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St, 875.3090, www.dancingdates. com] 5-8p Monday, 18 Party-Q Chef Brian prepares a fantastic meal to enjoy focusing on the BBQ. Grilled chicken with a bundle of sides. $26.50, Mari-Mann Herb Farm [1405 Mari-Mann Ln] 6p Tuesday, 19 Garden Club Spring Floral Magic program (1p), followed by a tea. First Lutheran Church [250 W Decatur St, www.facebook.com/ gardenclubofdecatur] 12:30-3p Wednesday, 20 Fairy Garden Terrariums Learn about the art and science of terrariums, while also creating a miniature world fit for a fairy.

Be a kid or bring your own kid to this hands-on workshop. Class fee includes terrarium complete with plants and fairy figurine. Bring decorative items of your own choosing as well. Register early; class size limited. $20, University of Illinois Extension [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd] 2-3p

Thursday, 21 -5.21 Book Club Lisette's List by Susan Vreeland.

Decatur Public Library [130 N Franklin, decaturlibrary.org] 1p Thursday, 21 Bicycling 101 Learn about bicycling from the professionals at Spin City Cycles!

Discover how to adjust your helmet, seat, and handlebars.

Bring your bike if you have specific questions. Register online by 5.21. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 7-8p Friday, 22 Sugar Tree Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p Union Square Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 8p-1a Nick Rainey & Friends Ages 21+. Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9p Steely James Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 9p-1a Saturday, 23 Fairview Pool Opens Fairview Park - Pool [2640 W Fairview Park Dr] Airport Fun Day Climb aboard the Park District's Striker emergency vehicle and enjoy a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Decatur Airport [910 S Airport Rd, 428.2423] 8-11a Dash to the Bash 10K Run/5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk. This race is a blast, with live music and beer at the end, but it’ s also great for serious runners, with professional chip timing with It’s Race Time, Inc! T-shirt, post-race party, food and a beer

ticket included. $25 (thru 3.31), $35 (after 4.1), Sliderz [5995 E Route 36, www. juniorwelfare.com] 9-11a

Dulcimer Club Playing live music. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 10a-12p Animal Architects Busy builders like birds, spiders, beavers, and bees are master architects!

Become an animal architect as you build a home like one of these animals.

Register online by 5.22. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 10:30-11:30a Jerry's Jaunts Discover native spring wildflowers and photographing techniques on a hike with local photographer Jerry Sievers. No registration required. Free, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 2-3p Dixie Daredevils Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 3:30-5:30p Fill the Hill Tribute your veteran with a flag ($10). Flags are personalized by a yellow ribbon with the name of your loved one on it. The flags will be placed on the hill north of the parking lot and are yours afterward.

Special ceremony held to read the names of the honored (4p). Ice cream social to follow. American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr] 4-5p

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!

May Events

3D Animal Archery Bring your equipment or use Soul Purpose ours. Take aim at realistic 3D Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 4-7p animal archery targets. Meet at the Information Shelter at Rock Fan Appreciation Concert Springs Conservation Area. Ages Third Shift (7p) & Rock of Ages Register online by 4.22.

(8:20p). $5, $3 (with nonperishable 10+. $7, Rock Springs Nature Center food item), Lincoln Square Theatre [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, [145 N Main St] 7-10p maconcountyconservation.org] 2-4p Karaoke DJ Cindy spins your favorite songs Shape Note Singing to sing. Join on in! American Sacred Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr] 7-11p Charleston-Mattoon Harp Singers demonstrate shape note singing, a traditional style Bad Medicine of unaccompanied singing that Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn uses solfa notation. Visitors are [2550 E William St] 8-11p welcome to try it out. Free, Billy Galt Rock Springs Nature Center Lock Stock & Barrel [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, [129 S Oakland] 9p-1a maconcountyconservation.org] 2-4p Third Shift & 90's Daughter Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a Noah & the Back Alley Blues Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p Tom Whithaus Ages 21+. Donnie's Homespun Monday, 25 Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9p Memorial Day at Scovill Zoo Free admission and train rides 5.23-5.24 for veterans with ID. Scovill Zoo Metals & Stones Workshop Identify precious metals, gems and [71 S Country Club Rd, 421.7435] 9:30a-6p diamonds through various tests.

Learn to polish, clean and inspect. Tuesday, 26 Tools provided for use and to Non-Fiction Book Club take home. Workshop taught by a Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting certified jeweler/metalsmith. Food in America by Barbara Ehrenureich. and beverage provided. $65 (day), Decatur Public Library [130 N $100 (both), L&L Studio [141 S Franklin, decaturlibrary.org] 1p Henderson, Mt. Zion] 1-4p Sky's the Limit Sunday, 24 Experiments, investigation, Memorial Day Parade discussion, and reflection while Parade (11a), Ceremony (12-2:30p). centering around STEM learning.

Central Park [Decatur] 11a-2:30p Ages 7-Grade 6. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt. Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 4:30-5:30p

5.26&5.28 Straw Bale Gardening Straw Bale Gardening solves every impediment today's home gardeners face: bad soil, weeds, a short growing season, watering problems, limited gardening space, and even physical difficulty working at ground level. University of Illinois Extension [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd] 1:30p (Tu), 6:30p (Th) Wednesday, 27 National Senior Health & Fitness Day Enjoy health screenings courtesy of DMH, exercise activities, fitness demonstrations, and giveaways.

Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood, 4293472, www.decatur-parks.org] 8-11a Friday, 29 Grillin' in the Garden: Low Country Boil A traditional Louisiana-style Low Country Seafood Boil. Presented

by Bizou, this down-home culinary evening will include delicious offerings for seafood and land lovers alike, blue-grass music, auction, and a whole lot of finger lickin' fun. $75 (ind), $125 (2), Baby TALK [500 East Lake Shore Dr, 475.2234] 6-9p Buddy Love and the Can't Hardly Playboys Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E William St] 8-11p Frog Music Hike Venturing into the darkness, you will search for many species of frogs by sight and sound. Bring your flashlights as we scope the wetlands for eye shine. Try catching frogs with nets and by hand. Register online by 5.28. $3 (person), $10 (family),

Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 9-11p

Matt Livasy Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a Old Smoke Band Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 9p-1a

race. 4-H Clubs may pre-build a boat and enter it in the club boat race. Individuals may register for the event to build a boat and race the boat on the same day. Register online by May 8. Maroa-Forsyth High School [610 W Washington, Maroa, web.extension.illinois.edu/ dmp/] 10a-1p

Rock of Ages Timbuktu [5843 E State Rt 36, www.roaband.com] 8:30-11:30p Gutterbound Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 9p-1a

5.30-5.31 Cookin With The Chorale 5.29-5.30 Picnic in the park and Finders Market enjoy music by the Greater More than 70 vendors offering Decatur Chorale! Directed fabulous antiques, vintage,

by Cyndi Johnson, the handcrafts, primitives, art, Chorale celebrates 30 boutique, produce, foods, drinks years of wonderful music and fun! $5, Progress City [E 6th in 2015 and features over Benefit for Sue Robertson Progress St] 3-7p (Fr), 9a-3p (Sa) 70 talented vocalists! Free, DJ, bands, raffles, auctions, kids activities. All ages. AIW Hall [2882 N Fairview Park [1640 W Dance Palooza 2015 Monument Hill Dr, www.

Dinneen, 841.7330] 12-8p Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K decatur-parks.org] 6p Anderson Plaza] 6:30p (Fr), Wildflower Walkabout 12:30p (Sa) Bring your hiking boots and Sunday, 31 binoculars as we scour the forest Comedy Hour Nature Jeopardy floor for native wildflowers.

Kate Brindle with Dave Landau.

Can you outwit other Register online by 5.29.

Free, $10 (adv), $12 (day), Main Hangar Macon County natureFt. Daniel Conservation Area Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, lovers? Challenge yourself [4975 Ft Daniel Rd, 423.7708, 421.7452, mainhangarrestaurant. in a game of Jeopardy maconcountyconservation.org] net] 8:30p led by a Rock Springs 1-3p naturalist. The winner takes 5.29-5.31 home a nature-themed Diversity MidState Cup prize. Register online by Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] Soccer Tournament 5.29. Free, Rock Springs 3:30-5:30p Free (spectators), Decatur Soccer Nature Center [3939 Complex [1 Educational Park, Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Voodoo Lounge 429.3472, www.decatur-parks.org] maconcountyconservation.

Sliderz [5995 E Route 36] 4-7p Times Vary org] 2-3p Saturday, 30 Ghost Hunter's Tour Tour the DMH SPEC 5K/10K Discover Decatur's many 5K/10K and 1 mile fun run. $20 hauntings in this 4-hour tour with Oglesby Mansion Encounter the lives of its (community), $10 (under 12), more history and hauntings! $45, family members as you Forsyth Professional Center [241 W Lincoln Square Theatre [145 N Weaver Rd, Forsyth] 9a Main St, haunteddecatur.com] 7p discover late nineteenthcentury lifestyles and Redbird Rookies Opening Day Shades of Gray architecture. $2 (donation), Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business] Elmer's Ol'e Time Inn [2550 E Oglesby Mansion [421 W 9a William, 429.9422, www.

William St] 8-11p oglesbymansion.org] 2-4p 4-H Floats West End Boogie Project Bring your creativity (and your courage) to 4-H Floats, a cardboard American Legion 105 [1535 Legion Dr] 8-11p boat building competition and Mr Dave & the Space Cadets Music will be most appealing to young children, but older siblings are welcome to attend and will surely have a good time! Free, Baby TALK [500 East Lake Shore Dr] 10-11a

May 2015 | 27

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!

By Rachel Peabody

28 | May 2015

Minecraft – better known as the reason your kids always have your iPad. It’s a game all about blocks – breaking, building, stacking, innovating – and if you have kids at home, odds are you’ve experienced Minecraft mania. It’s a full-on block party May 15 at the Decatur Area Arts Council (DAAC), and you won’t want to miss it.

A night of Minecraft-themed activities, art and games awaits you at the Minecraft Pizza Party.

Recognizing the full-on craze of the game, DAAC has designed an interactive evening sure to please any fan. For starters, there’s a whole lot of action going on with something for everyone.

served with a side of popcorn. There will be 3D Minecraft characters made from blocks.

And did we mention it’s also a pizza party? It’s safe to say that this is a Minecraft party of epic proportions.

Event organizer Jenny Cowgill is excited to bring a Minecraft-themed educational experience to the area.

“Minecraft is hugely popular right now, and we always look to develop programs that combine what kids like along with learning and interaction,” she said. “It’s going to be a fun, busy evening with so many activities for On the arts side, paper figure making, mask kids to experience, while hopefully having a designing and a character drawing contest good time and trying new things.” station will be available throughout the evening. For activities, you can expect relay Minecraft is receiving accolades for being an races, bingo, bowling and a photo booth – all out-of-the-box educational resource. Creative themed, you guessed it, with Minecraft. In the thinking and real world skills application art room, get your hands dirty with Minecraft are applied to a virtual world designed for slime, and in the classroom join a movie exploration. The game features little violence, theatre experience with Minecraft videos and the possibilities for what you create and where you can go are endless.

continued ON PAGE 30

BLOCK PARTY FROM PAGE 29

Become a SCORE Volunteer and Make Dreams Come True!

Blues Expressions - Sun, May 3, 3-6p

CONTACT US TODAY!

Jim Suhler (George Thorogood's Lead Guitarist) Sun, May 10, 3-6p Hurricane Ruth - Sun, May 17, 3-6p Noah & The Back Alley Blues - Sun May 24, 3-6p Studebaker John & The Hawks Sun, May 31, 3-6p

30 | May 2015

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

The event was designed with children 6-10 in mind, Get There: but any age is welcome. While children over 6 can Minecraft Pizza Party be dropped off, Jenny encourages interested family members to stay if they don’t want to miss out on May 15, 6-9 pm the fun. Priced at just $20 per child, it’s an affordable night out that includes a meal, snacks and loads of Decatur Area Arts Council 125 N. Water St., Decatur entertainment. Parents get in free.

423-3189, www.decaturarts.org What more could a Minecraft fan ask for?

Let’s get building, shall we?

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May 2015 | 31

32

THRIVE Q&A

Krystle callarman

What you do when you’re not gaming or at Board Knight I​'m the Adult Education Instructional Specialist​for Richland Community College, and I am the instructor for the local Family Literacy Program.

Most requested game at Board Knight Photo: Sarah Jane

Did you know Decatur’s got game?

So much play, so little time. To help narrow down to some of the best and find the path to excellent entertainment, we asked Krystle Callarman, co-owner of gaming mecca Board Knight, to share some of her strategy and her secrets.

Most unexpected game to play in Macon County I was surprised by the number of Magic: The Gathering players we have in the community.

Before we opened Board Knight, I thought there were only 20 to 30 people who play. Since we opened in 2013, we have had over 200 different Magic players come in!

Favorite superhero (or gaming hero) and where you can find a connection with him/her in Macon County Groot is my current favorite since watching Guardians of the Galaxy. [Editor’s note: Groot is a tree-like character in the Marvel Comics blockbuster movie.] I've got a little pop figure on my desk. Macon County is trees and cornfields.

32 | May 2015

The most requested game is Cards Against Humanity, an adult version of Apples to Apples.​

Favorite date night activity Dinner at one of our favorite downtown Decatur restaurants. We like them all but often stop at Doherty's, Coney McKane's and TapRoot.

Favorite spring distraction Enjoying a favorite beverage outside with friends.

Most exciting event/activity coming to Decatur Heroicon! Decatur's first tabletop gaming convention at the Decatur Conference Center May 15-17! [Editor’s note: Read all about it on page 14.]

Experience Nature

2015 Summer

Camps Camps for ages 1-15 Come for a single day, a full week, or stay all summer!

At Rock Springs Conservation Area www.maconcountyconservation.org

3939 Nearing Lane / Decatur, IL / 217.423.7708

Register now Summer / Fall 2015 Classes To register for the 2015 Summer/Fall Semester:

• Visit us in person at our registration location: Workforce Development Institute

• Visit richland.edu/registration for class information • Contact us for more info: 217.875.7211, EXT. 267

May 2015 | 33

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