Featuring the area’s HANDIEST EVENTS CALENDAR p.18-27
GREGG
MEISENHELTER Man with a Plan
Celebration Lori-Style
DPS Turn 40 Rodney T. Miller Triathlon Pop’s Place
FREE
July 2011
is a FREE, monthly entertainment guide featuring the handiest events calendar for the Decatur, IL area. THRIVE IS ALSO ... a state of Being. To THRIVE is to Flourish. It’s Prosperity. It’s Success. It’s Positivity at all cost. It’s finding the Fun in all you do. It isn’t always easy, but to persevere against those who would have you believe “there’s nothing to do here” is to THRIVE. THRIVE is a publication of Showcard Studio PO Box 6195 • Decatur, IL 62524 • 217.791.5653 www.thrivedecatur.com www.issuu.com/thrivedecatur Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com Managing Editor: Jennifer Hendricks editor@thrivedecatur.com The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein Contributors: Brian Bell T. F. Dude Kate Eagler Ruthie Gergeni Todd Hauser Troy Hayes Jennifer Hendricks Mike Horcharik Katrina Smalley Stephanie Zimmerman Photographers: Sarah Jane Travis Lickey Alida Duff Sullivan Layout Design: Showcard Studio Printing: Wood Printing Special thanks to the Macon Resources CAPS Program (Community Awareness, Possibilities & Supports) for all your help with THRIVE deliveries! Disclaimer: The contents of this magazine are covered by copyright. Reproduction in-part or in-full is forbidden, without the express permission of the publisher. It is not our intention to print any matter that discriminates on the grounds of race, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Every effort has been made to present all information accurately, however no liability is accepted for any inclusions or omissions from the publication.
02 | july 2011
AND CAN BE FOUND AT ALL OF THESE LOCATIONS! ADM • Aloha • America’s Best Value Inn • An Affair to Remember • Applebee’s • Architectural Expressions • Attitudes Salon • Baker Law Office • Baymont Inn & Suites • Bellasara • Bliss Salon • Blue Connection • Blue Eggs & Ham • Bourbon Barrel • Brinkoetter & Associates • C&K Custom Signs • Capelli’s Hair Studio • Carlos O’Kelly’s • Cartridge World • Casey’s General Store - Maroa • Casey’s General Store - West Mound • Caterpillar • Cedar Lake Gardens and Gifts • Chamber of Commerce • Children’s Museum • Central Illinois Title Company • Citizens Barnes Building • Clayton Sales • Clockwork Pizza • Coffee Connection • Cohn Furniture • Collect Them • Coney McKanes • Corona’s • Coziahr Harley Davidson • Curly’s Bar • Da Franco’s Pizza • Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Days Inn • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau • Decatur Athletic Club • Decatur Beach House • Decatur Civic Center • Decatur Conference Center • Decatur Dental Care • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn • Decatur Mutual Insurance • Decatur Professional Plaza • Decatur Public Library • DECU - North • Del’s Express • Diane’s Mane Strategy • Different by Design • DMH Express Care - Fairview • Doherty’s Pub & Pins • Donnies Homespun Pizza • Dragon Buffet • Dreamers Diner • Dynagraphics/FastImpressions • Earthen Pottery • El Matador • Endless Summer Tanning • Exsalonce Studio & Day Spa • Famous Liquors • Filippo’s Pizza • Firewater Cafe • First Wok • Fox & Hounds • Freedom Gas - Maroa • Fringe Salon • Fuji • Garcia’s Pizza • Gerber State Bank - Argenta • Gerber State Bank - Oreana • Giggles • Good Naber Specialty Foods • Goodfellas • Greater Decatur Y • Guadalajara • Gyro King • Haines & Essick Co. • Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham • Holiday Inn Express • Homeward Bound Pet Shelter • IHOP • It’s a Girl Thing • It’s Just a Little Prick • Jan’s East End Grille • Jimmy Ryan’s • Katz on Merchant • KC Hall • Krekels - Mt. Zion • Krekels - Oakland • Krekels North • Kroger • La Gondola • La Petite Salon • Lana’s Cakewalk • Land of Lincoln CU - Mound • Land of Lincoln CU - Oakland • Leo H. Berger Insurance • Linda’s Music • Lock Stock & Barrel • Love at First Sight • Lyle Campbell & Sons Realty • Macon County Farm Bureau • Madden Arts Center • Main Hangar • Main Street Cafe - Maroa • Mari Mann Herbs Co. • Mary Belle’s • Maustell’s Pizza • McGorray’s Golf & Grille • Merle Norman • Merry Maids • Mi Pueblito • Mike’s Hairstyling • Miles Chevrolet • Millenium Tan • Millie & Bo’s Barkery • Millikin University/Kirkland • Monical’s • Monical’s - Mt. Zion Rd. • Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce • Mystic Tan • Neil Tire & Auto Service • Neuhoff Media • Nissan • Nola’s Hair Salon • Northgate Pet Clinic • Nova Framing / Gallery 510 • Old Book Barn • One Main Place • Oreana Public Library • Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Specialists of Central IL • P&G Quickstop - Blue Mound • Paco’s Sol Bistro • Pastabilities • Petals • Pizza Hut • Pla-Mor Lanes • Play it Again Sports • Pop’s Place • Porter’s on Merchant • Priceless Smiles/Styles & Smiles • Pride Coin Laundry • Pride Coin Laundry • Pride Coin Laundry • Ramada Limited • Regions - Downtown • Renew Total Wellness • Richland Community College • Richland Extension Office • Robbies Outlet • Rock Springs Nature Center • RUSH Wireless • Russ Proesel DDS • Salon 402 • Salon Zen • Shear Learning • Shop on Main • Signature Salon • Sleep Inn • Sloan’s Calzones • Solar Tan • Sound Check Music Center • Soy Capital • Soy Capital • Soy Capital - Forsyth • Soy Capital - Pershing • Spa Villa • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube • Speed Lube Total Care • Star Silkscreen • Studio 7 Salon & Day Spa • Subway, West End • Sun & Fun • Swartz Properties • Tasty’s Chicago Grille - West Eldo • Texas Roadhouse • The Chili Bowl • The Decanter • The Decatur Club • The Fox’s Den • The Secret Garden • The Teacher’s Lounge • The Wharf • The Winery • Timbuktu • Tom’s Grill • Touch Design • Tournesol • Triple Dog Dare Ya • Tropix Salon and Spa • Unique Boutique • University Dogs • Up N’ Runnin’ • Veolia Environmental Services • Victory Pharmacy • Wabash Crossing Antiques • Whitestar Home Healthcare Services • Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe • Yoga Hound • Zips Florist by the Gates
WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME HERE? 217.791.5653
in this issue
05 12 33 34
14 on the cover Lori Sturgill, Producer / Director of the Decatur Celebration, shares her vision for the 2011 street festival. cover photo: Sarah Jane
30
BEHIND THE THRIVE
04
Out and About
05
SPOTLIGHT: Decatur Park Singers Turn 40
08
The Food Dude: Pop’s Place
10
The Locker Room: Rodney T. Miller Triathlon
12
July Events Calendar
18
Guide to Playing Washers
28
Spot the Difference (answers p.35)
33
THRIVE 3Way: Three Ways to Remember our Cicada Friends
34
Growing Oakwood Gregg Meisenhelter has done wonders for the Oakwood business district and he’s not done. Joli shares some insight on his next possible moves.
issue #26 | july 2011 thrivedecatur.com | issuu.com/thrivedecatur
THRIVE
is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.
WE RECYCLE!
Do You? Hand THRIVE to a friend or put it out in your bin!
july 2011 | 03
BTEH EHIND
THRIVE
Good day to you THRIVE readers! This is my big debut as the new Editor and believe me, I have some big honkin’ shoes to fill! The past couple of months have been both interesting and challenging, but also entertaining! The entire THRIVE team has welcomed me with wide open arms and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being so helpful and supportive. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and driven group of people who are all dedicated to making THRIVE a success. A big thank you goes to Kat, our publisher, for being so patient while answering my 679 questions about “everything” THRIVE. We have logged numerous hours via phone and email. Hope you enjoy this month’s issue and please feel free to email any comments or suggestions to editor@thrivedecatur.com
Editor
04 | july 2011
Out & About A look back at last month’s happenings
Pura Vida
photo: Brian Bell
The Decatur Area Arts Council spread some Costa Rican cheer with live Latin Music (Latin Connections), a Salsa Dance performance and step-by-step audience Salsa (Julio Barrenzuela), and a taste of Costa Rican cusine. Plus, don’t forget the art show! Stop in and see the Photography of Juan Mata-Lorenzen at the Anne Lloyd Gallery all the way through July 30th. -KS Pura Vida Photos: Sue Powell
Cindy Duncan serving it up Costa Rican Style!
Culvers Car Show
Culvers in Mt. Zion hosted a car show on June 3rd featuring a mix of blues and oldies from local band The Still. On display were antiques, classic and even some modern classic cars. -Brian Bell
july 2011 | 05
Out & About
A look back at last month’s happenings
Somebody’s Daughter Ashley Riley & Jessica Jolly kick off a new venue as Somebody’s Daughter at Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Café with an intimate setting, great music and delicious European pastries. Watch the full club501mix at club501decatur.com. -Mike Horcharik
photo: Mike Horcharik
Blues + Art in the Park The 2011 Blues in the Park series got off to a great start with The Lionel Yound Band and an added Blues themed art show with proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels and The Decatur Area Arts Council. Get ready for more blues, beer and BBQ because Blues in the park will be back on the third Thursday in July and August. -KS
photos: Katrina Smalley
06 | july 2011
Macon County Fair!
Our fairgrounds came alive again for the 2011 Macon County Fair June 3-12th. The 2011 Macon County Fair Queen, Rachel Barter and Junior Miss, Morgan Thatcher, finished their long day at the fair in the bumper cars (left). Family Fun Day featured more than we can even list here but included 95Q & StarTek Mud Volleyball (see Toby Tucker’s game face below) and an Elephant Encounter (bottom image). photo: Alida Sullivan
photo: Travis Lickey
Countr y Music Star J o s h Thompson (left) drew in the country music fans and other acts included Chris Cavanaugh, BrushFire and Riverbottom Nightmare Band. -KS
Toby Tucker & Elephant Photo: Ayn Owens
july 2011 | 07
08
SPOTLIGHT
by Joli Hohenstein
Four Decades of Spangles, Bojangles and Song: Decatur Park Singers Turn 40 As someone once said, no one wants to look at a 40 year old sequin. No one knows that better than the Decatur Park Singers, who’ve kept it fresh for forty summers, keeping audiences clamoring for their unique song and dance blend. Founded in 1972, the Park Singers were originally a few Park District employees coaxed into performing by then-Director of Recreation Jerry Menz. Today they’re performing arts students serving as ambassadors for both the city and the Park District and raising thousands of dollars every year for programs. “For a group to be this established and this well known for this many years speaks really well for the talent of the organization,” says Director Christopher Weisenborn, himself a former Park Singer and Young Park Singer (the middle- and high school age apprentice group). Perhaps best known for their red, white and blue costumes, the Park Singers wow capacity crowds all over Illinois with their costuming, choreography and incredibly upbeat, up-tempo performances. (High energy doesn’t begin to describe it!) Multiple costume changes, covers of popular songs and flashy footwork have all been hallmarks of Park Singers performances. The group performs more than 60 gigs from June-August and has performed
at the World’s Fair, for President Ronald Reagan and toured Japan and Europe. “We played five countries in 12 days and performed on July 4th at an Army base in Germany,” says Christopher, who performed with the Park Singers during that era. “That was one of the biggest highlights.” At home or abroad, shows traditionally feature a mix of show tunes, pop, country, rock and patriotic tunes. The 40th Anniversary Show on July 31st promises not to disappoint. Alumni from the past 40 years will be back in the saddle, and former Park Singers who have recorded professionally will be performing solos. They’ll be joined by this year’s performers, 12 singers, an eight-piece band and a sound guy, ranging in ages from 17-22. For the season and the show, expect a mix of new favorites and old classics, from America and Uptight Everything’s Alright to Dancing in the Streets, Sugarland’s Stuck Like Glue and an ABBA medley from the Broadway hit musical Mamma Mia! This year and every year, it’s all about high energy and high impact—and keeping the sequins shining. “It’s such a legacy that has been left for us,” says Christopher. “We’re proud to keep the vision alive.”
Get There! What: Decatur Park Singers 40th Anniversary Show When: July 31, 7 pm Where: Decatur Civic Center How: Buy tickets for just $10 at www.decatur-parks.org or by calling 422-5911 Joli Hohenstein is a senior contributor to THRIVE. When she’s not busy winning awards for freelance writing, marketing, and editing she can be caught singing karaoke to Dancing Queen. Get more Joli at jolihohenstein.com. 08 | july 2011
july 2011 | 09
10
THE FOOD DUDE
by T. F. DUDE
photo: T.F. Dude
Pop’s Place On the outskirts of West Decatur sits a place this foodie likes to call Pop’s. Originally going to be named after the previous owner, the current owner decided on a name that would appeal to everyone and honor his father in the mix.
The homemade potato salad and coleslaw were a hit. I admired the other Friday specials from afar. The Pork BBQ and Fried Shrimp both looked great but this food dude was stuffed silly after the Walleye special and sides.
Pop’s Place has a variety of things on the menu and this foodie has been 3 times this month to test it all. The first time around the Ruben caught my eye. I am a sucker for trying kraut wherever I go and this sandwich did not disappoint. Actually, there was a happy surprise! The serving of corned beef was a rather thick slice, not thinly sliced as I’m accustomed to. It was superb!
During the last trek, not only did I get good food, but got to hear the Pat Bowe Band perform to boot. I took the waitress’ suggestion and went with the ribeye sandwich. Giving into another of her suggestions, (although it didn’t take much armtwisting) I ordered it loaded. It came saturated with melted cheese and piled high with onions and mushrooms. It was just a few green peppers short of a Philly cheese steak I had not too long ago PA.
Pairing the sandwich with the spicy cheese balls was also a good choice. Not too spicy, but just a little kick to remind you that these were no ordinary cheese balls. Actually, that’s probably due to the fact that I ordered the “mild” variety of spicy cheese balls. You can go all out and get “hot” too, but I didn’t want to miss any of the Ruben flavors. Another little perk was the Thousand Island was served on the side so you can “dress” your Ruben as much or little as you’d prefer. I decided to head back on a Friday night (fish is the special of the day) and had three choices of fish; walleye, catfish, and cod. The walleye I devoured was crisp, hot, and ready to eat (and quickly arrived).
All in all, Pop’s Place has a little something for everyone. Next time you’re puttering by and wonder about all the vintage cars and custom bikes out front, don’t hesitate. Stop on in and see what’s brewin’. It’s a great place to sit, enjoy a beverage (or two), listen to the jukebox (or live music) and have some great conversation. And if there’s a race on T.V. it will certainly be on the tube.
Pop’s Place 4335 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 217.330.6546
Agree? Disagree? Join the discussion at: Facebook.com/DecaturFoodDude. The Food Dude is not a professional critic. He just really, really likes food. 10 | july 2011
july 2011 | 11
12
THE LOCKER ROOM
Rodney T. Miller Triathlon
by Troy Hayes
2010 Rodney T. Miller Triathlon
Gene Mueller sure gets excited talking about this month’s Rodney T. Miller Triathlon at Nelson Park. And who could blame him? The tri is one of the best in the country, according to most who come from all over the Midwest to complete the three-sport trek. It happens this year on July 10th at 8 a.m. Mueller took over as race director this year, after being heavily involved since its inception five years ago. He took over in part for the challenge of upholding the tremendous regard the event has gained under the leadership of Lori Kerans. “We have a reputation as being almost overdone,” said Mueller. “Bigger races in bigger cities don’t have the volunteers or support that we do. I have big shoes to fill.” That commitment by folks exemplifies the man the race is named after and allows the RTM to provide a three-quarter mile swim, 19-mile bike ride and 4.5-mile run for nearly 300 contestants on race day. Miller attended Eisenhower High School before graduating from Millikin as one of the most decorated athletes in school history, setting a number of swimming marks that still stand. He earned All-American honors 16 times and was a six-time national champion in three events during his swimming career. After graduation, he became an Illinois state trooper in 1990 and a special investigator in 1994. Miller, who was married with two children, died in a car accident while responding to a call in 2006. He was training to be a tri-athlete. “It’s an honor to be involved with such a fitting tribute,” said Mueller, who is the sports director at the YMCA. The RTM also hosts a kids race that provides shorter distances (100-yard swim, four-mile bike, one-mile run) and even a race that doesn’t
Joe Erickson photo: submitted by Trisha Erickson
involve the water if you’re not too keen on swimming. And this year, there will be a Super Sprint race for adults, which includes a 400-yard swim, 19-mile bike and 3.1-mile run. You can also compete as a team, splitting the three legs any way you wish. If you don’t compete or volunteer, it’s well worth the time to come out and cheer on those that do, especially the kids. “It is lump-in-the-throat, awesome to watch the kids do something they may have never thought possible,” Mueller said. “To watch them cross that finish line, smiling and proud, is just incredible.” Sign-ups to compete and volunteer are still being accepted at www.decaturtriathlon. com. Costs for entry are $50 for individual kids and $100 for a kids’ team. Individual adults on the long course costs $85 and the sprint course is $75. Teams are $135 for both courses.
TROY HAYES is a former sportswriter at the Herald & Review and currently is a co-host of “The Aric Lee Show,” heard each weekday from 3-6 p.m. on ESPNDecatur 1050 AM “The Fan” (WDZ). Troy enjoys sick dunks, silly string and cicada genocide. 12 | july 2011
Sturgill tackles Decatur icon with new ideas, a new theme song—and new shrimp on a stick Written by Joli A. Hohenstein | Photos by Sarah Jane
Hey here’s a challenge: Take Decatur’s signature event, keep it popular, make it profitable again, oh and by the way, it’s one of the state’s largest street festivals. Lori Sturgill wasn’t just willing; she was excited to take it on. She’s in her first year as the event’s new producer/director, taking over from creator Fred Puglia. We caught her in a rare moment of downtime to get inside her vision for the Decatur Celebration as the countdown begins to August 5-7. You’re the new producer/director, but you aren’t new to the festival. I started as an intern. Then I worked with Fred’s side company, Perfect Impressions, putting on different events for seven years. We did very large events, like the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. And I’ve been back with Celebration this time since 2009.
14 | july 2011
So what appealed to you about coming back? It’s a dream job for me. It’s that satisfaction you get when you work so hard to plan something and you get to see people enjoy it. Yes we’ve got to get over a major hurdle with the financial difficulties we’ve been having. But we’ve been adding new features and enhancing the ones we have now to keep the event going for another 26 years. And what new things can we expect for this year? This year’s theme is The Big Reunion, and we’re offering great getaway passes. So if someone lives here and wants family to come or if a class wants to come in, they have access to discounts on special promotional rates for hotels and Air Choice One is offering a $25 rate from St. Louis or Chicago. You can’t beat that! Not to mention all the great food and entertainment. What’s new there?
We’re carrying on that tradition of having something for everyone. We’re bringing in new features like the Wine Garden and The Back Lot featuring indie art and music. We want people to experience the entire festival, and we’re definitely adding in new boutique areas. The Back Lot? That sounds interesting. The idea started with Land of Lincoln Credit Union—they wanted to have their 21 Film Festival at The Avon during Celebration. The Spotlight stage features emerging music and the area will now also feature emerging films, with 4 minute short films from the contest showing on a giant movie screen outside the theater and on screen inside. You mentioned indie art too—how will that tie in? Jon Griffin is organizing other local artists for a large scale art project, and it will be used as art in the community. We’ll also have a community art
project where people can come and be involved, decorating a square with chalk art. And we’ll have craft beer sampling set up by McGorray’s— artisan beers, if you will. Wow that’s cool. And what’s this Wine Garden you speak of? The Wine Garden will have up to 10 Illinois wineries. Samples will only be $1 each and a glass $5. You can also buy a bottle to drink in the wine garden. There will be lots of seating, and it’s near the Heritage Stage, which will be playing blues music all weekend. And to go with the wine? Any new food choices? Qdoba Mexican Grill will be using the festival as a test market—they’re considering opening a restaurant here. Tandoori chicken, a gourmet pita, a new shrimp on a stick vendor with coconut shrimp. And back by popular demand, fried cheesecake, river chips, fried brownies, calzones and jambalaya. continued on p.16
continued from p.15
Yum! So what’s your favorite? For me it’s the entertainment. It’s about watching people enjoy themselves. We’ve got 10 stages of entertainment with multiple shows per day. Over 50 entertainers plus local dance troupes and talent competition winners perform throughout the Celebration. The Good Times stage has been reformatted to be country all weekend. And I’m so excited about our headliners—they focus on the 80s and 90s. We’re focused on bringing in great headliners for people to enjoy. And you’ve also got a new green focus, too. We’re recycling for the first time. We use 425 trash cans each year. We’ve always been a clean festival, and we also need to be a green festival. We’re working with Macon County
16 | july 2011
Environmental Management, Veolia and Midwest Fiber to place more than 250 recycling containers throughout the festival. Partnerships are one of the keys to the Celebration. Absolutely. I work with two staffers plus 60 chairmen who volunteer, and they work with more than 500 volunteers total. It takes an entire city to raise the festival. When you get people into a collaboration like this, great things can happen.
The Decatur Celebration When: August 5,6 & 7 Where: Downtown Decatur http://decaturcelebration.com/
2011 Decatur Celebration Headliners World fusion jazz group, Tizer Bloomington Based Emerging Rootsy Rock Band, Backyard Tire Fire Dove, Juno, and Covenant Award Winning Modern Alternative Rockers, Downhere Dove-nominated Christian Pop Band, 33 Miles ‘80s Teen Queen turned Country Music Artist, Tiffany 2011 Academy of Country Music Award Nominee, Steel Magnolia Chart Topping Soul and R&B Group, Rose Royce Emerging Soul and R&B Band, Space Capone Funk and R&B Show Group, Here Come The Mummies ‘80s Hip Hop Icon, Rob Base Early ‘90s Alternative Rap Group, Digital Underground Platinum Modern Rock Band, Fastball Oscar and Grammy Nominated 80s Rock Band, Patty Smyth and Scandal ‘80s Metal Power Ballad Hair Band, Night Ranger
july 2011 | 17
July Events EVERY SUNDAY Decatur Municipal Band Fairview Park, 6p
Billy Galt on the Patio Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), 7-9:30p
EVERY MONDAY Decatur Municipal Band Central Park, 7p
Name Your Game Night Play everything from Stomp the Trolls to Riding the Rapids with Kinect on the big screen! Bring your friends and have some fun! McGorray’s Golf & Grille (2927 N Water), 8-11p
EVERY TUESDAY Chess Club www.decaturchessclub.com, Doherty’s Pub & Pins (242 E William St), 6p
Farmers Market Farm fresh produce grown by local farmers, Downtown Decatur (Central Park). 8a-12p Family Swim (except 7.16) Private swim designed for families, children must be accompanied by an adult, Family Aquatic Center (1455 W Fairview Park Dr), 9:30-11a
Mobile Soundz Karaoke AIW Hall (2882 N Dineen St), 8p
Exotic Animal Sculptures (starts 7.9) Park Runs Explore the vibrant art of the Oaxacan Come by yourself or bring the entire EVERY WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY artists of Mexico with instructor Jenny family! Weekly event includes half-mile Docta LD DJ/Karaoke Cowgill. Make an animal sculpture Tot Trot, one-mile fun run, or runs of Curly’s Bar & Pizza (2683 N Water), using various recycled materials, add various distances up to 7 miles, for all 875.9800, 9p-2a papier mache and paint your creation ages and skill levels, prize drawings. in the colorful, patterned style of these $1, Fairview Park Pavilion #1 (1455 W EVERY THURSDAY popular Mexican wood carvings. Grades Fairview Park Dr). Registration 5:30p, Bike Nite 2-6. Decatur Area Arts Council (125 N Runs 6p Stop in at Coziahr H-D® (150 W Marion, Water), $40 member $45 nonmember. Forsyth) to pick up a schedule of Bike 12:30-2p Guys Night Out Nite locations. 6-8p Flat Iron Steaks and Sports on the BIG So You Think You Can Dance SCREEN! John Madden Football, Kinect Family Swim Challenge Hoops and more. McGorray’s Golf & Private swim designed for families, Bring on your best moves and show us Grille (2927 N Water), 8-11p children must be accompanied by an your talent! X-Box Kinect Dance ratings adult, Family Aquatic Center (1455 W. will decide the winner! McGorray’s Golf EVERY WEDNESDAY Fairview Park Dr), 421.7431, 7:15-9p & Grille (2927 N Water), 8-11p Coffee Break with Rick Ackerly Author of The Genius in Children. DJ Stevie Ray Kelton Friday, 1 Open discussion on topics related to Timbuktu (5843 E State Rt 36), 9p St Jude Children’s Hospital education and childrearing. Wildflour Fundraiser Artisan Bakery & Cafe (256 W Main DJ David Lee Cookout, Musical Entertainment, and St), 10a Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), Silent Auction. Decatur Rehabilitation & 429.7411, lockstockdecatur.com, Health Care Center (136 S Dipper Lane) Family Golf Night/Pro Tips 10p-2a 428.7767, 4-7p Just for parents, grandparents and their children and grandchildren, Family EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Car & Bike Show Night provides a low-key instructional Wine Tastings Hickory River Smokehouse, Mt Zion, 5-9p environment for golfers of all skill levels. The Decanter Fine Wines (215 N Main Park District pros; plus all the range St), 422.9463. Fr 4-7p, Sa 1-6p balls you can hit! $9 per adult/child combo. Red Tail Run Learning Center EVERY SATURDAY (520 W Grove), 422.2211. 6-8p Fresh Produce Market Richland Community College (One College Park), 8a-12p
find club 501 on facebook! 18 | july 2011
To view even more events go to: www.thrivedecatur.com
90’s Daughter Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 9p
Vintage Baseball Game Join the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels and “huzzah” for your club nine and be prepared for tons of audience Travis Mann Band Artwork by Nicole Christison engagement. St. Louis Unions and the The boys from Nashville return to Decatur Public Library (130 N Franklin), Springfield Long Nines. Trobaugh Field Paco’s tonight! Tickets available at the 422.1509 at Rock Springs Conservation Area restaurant, $12 in advance, $15 at the (3939 Nearing Ln), Join in the fun door, call 330.6483 for details! Sol Bistro Art Exhibit practice with the team at 12p and stay (237 N Main St), 9p Decatur Airport Gallery (910 S Airport to play, Game Starts at 1p Rd), 422.1509, 6a-10p 7.1-7.4 A Tribute to Houdini Mt Pulaski 175th Birthday Saturday, 2 Escape to an exciting world of dazzling Celebration Preschool Peepers magic, illusions and incredible 4-day mix of music, history Shapes in Nature mind-boggling escapes. Real edge of demonstration, food, and drink. 25 Can you find squares, circles, or even your seat excitement. Mario Manzini music acts (including Bluegrass hearts in nature? The outside world is performing all the greatest feats of the Midwest), Wall Dogs muralists, a perfect place for children to discover legendary Houdini. Patrons of all ages shooting contests, horse-shoe contests. the world around them and learn with an interest in magic are invited! Concert at Frazier Park and Fireworks on about shapes. Children ages 3-5. Rock Tickets are available at the reference July 4th. mtpulaski175th.com Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing desk. Madden Auditorium (130 N Ln), 10-11a Franklin St), 1-2p 7.1-7.8 Blue Connection Artist Richie Hammel Oakwood Street Festival Residency with Kari Thornton Fore on the Floor Car Show Live Music, Good Food and Spirits. Lock Blue Connection welcomes Kari Nelson Park will be filled with all Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), Outside Thornton as their Summer Artist-inmakes and models of cars at a new Music 3-10p, Inside 10p-close Residence. Visit the gallery throughout memorial car show. Stay for an exciting the day to observe Thornton’s creation of Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets 95Q Firecracker 40’s Late Model ceramic vessels and paintings. Free and concert from 5-7p, featuring high & Modified/Fireworks!! open to the public. Blue Connection energy 50’s and 60’s rock ’n ’roll, funny Macon Speedway (205 North Wiles St) Downtown (117 N Water St), 428.0112, props, silly hats, zany antics, and of blueconnection@millikin.edu. 11a-2p course great music! You’ll enjoy a day of cool cars, hot music, and a festival of 7.1-7.31 fun for the entire family! This event is PURA VIDA: Life in Costa Rica being held in memory of Decatur’s golf The photography of Juan Matalegend Richie Hammel, with proceeds Lorenzen is featured alongside artifacts, benefiting the Decatur Chapter of First including indigenous art and Tico crafts. Tee Junior Golf. Nelson Park, 11a-7p From intimate close-up pictures of flora and fauna to images of the people and landscape, experience the country Land of Lincoln Credit Union and culture of Costa Rica in brilliant is the official sponsor of Club 501. photographic detail, Madden Arts Center (125 W Water St), 423.3189, 8:30a-4:30p (Mo-Fr), 10a-4p (Sa)
Club 501 is a committee of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce.
July Events Warehouse Tent Party since ancient times. Taste various X Krush & Escaping Neverland. Sliderz pickled foods made from 1800s recipes. Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 9p Homestead Prairie Farm (3939 Nearing Ln), 2-3p Night at the Avon Theatre Join American Hauntings author Troy 7.3-7.31 Taylor for an entire night of paranormal Paintings by Sharon investigations, history, hauntings, Zimmerman and tours. For reservations, www. Gallery 510, Tu-Fr 11a-5p, Sa 11a-3p bumpinthenight.net. $100, Avon Theatre (426 N Water St), 10pm-5a Monday, 4 Staley Firecracker Road 7.2-7.3 Run/Walk Lakeside Music & Arts Festival Annual 4-mile or 8-mile run, or 2-mile This family-oriented music & arts fun run/walk, first 200 receive tee shirt. festival along the beautiful shores of $22, Nelson Park Pavilion #2 (2545 E Lake Decatur features a juried art show Pavilion Dr), 422.5911. Registration sponsored by Gallery 510 and children’s 7-7:45a, Race 8a art activities presented by Decatur Area Arts Council, Children’s World of Art, Independence Day at Scovill Zoo craft beers, BBQ tasting, movie in the Celebrate Independence Day with Free park: Sandlot (Sunday night), multiple Admission to the Zoo stages for music, and lighted boat parade. Up to six bands will perform Independence Day Celebration each day with roving entertainers Decatur Park District Independence Day throughout. 422.5911, decatur-parks. Celebration, concert by the Decatur org. Nelson Park, All Day Park Singers, fireworks display at dusk. Nelson Park (2301 E Lakeshore Dr), Sunday, 3 Dusk Blue Ribbon Night & Grand Opening - Fletcher Park 7.4-9.5 Live Entertainment and Activities at Brenda Ware Fletcher Park. Rock of Ages, Rustic Sun, Photography Show Sound Opportunity, Soul Purpose, Jessie Brenda was born and raised in Kirk, Airwalk Action, Fireworks at Dusk, Central Illinois and is happiest when Amazing Dudley. Fletcher Park (305 S surrounded by nature. Working in Henderson St, Mt Zion). Open at 10a color and black and white, her style is raw, natural and full of passion. Her Pickling More Than photography has been featured in Just Cucumbers several local establishments and on the Did you know you can pickle almost any Birds and Blooms Website. She also has type of food including fruit, meat, and two books published, “The Beauty of fish? Pickling has been an important Central Illinois” and “Birds and Critters way to preserve and add flavor to food of Central Illinois.” Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing Ln)
20 | july 2011
Tuesday, 5 Summer Reading Program: Juggling ‘Round the World with Laura Ernst From America’s Got Talent to Forsyth Public Library! Laura Ernst will blow you away with her high-energy family-friendly show. Laura performs amazing stunts from around the world, including juggling, hula-hoops, and a human-sized hamster ball. Let the fun begin! Forsyth Public Library, 268 South Elwood Street. 2-3p CIGS Softball 10U Gold vs Mt Zion, Borg Warner Field (Rte 51 South), 6-9p Decatur Park Singers Summer Concert Decatur concerts in the neighborhood parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ or picnic, www.decatur-parks.org , 422.8535. Hess Park, 6:30p 7.5-7.7 ACT! Performances in the Park! Come enjoy performances by the Decatur Park District ACT performers! Show, craft and theatre games with talented teen performers. Nelson Park Pavilion (7.5), Cresthaven Park (7.6), Kiwanis Park (7.7) , 10-11:30a Wednesday, 6 Coloring Contest We’ll supply the colors and the coloring pages; come ready to show off your spectacular coloring skills! Prizes will be awarded. Forsyth Large Pavilion, 10-11a Acrobatic Performer Laura Ernst, Mt Zion Public Library, 115 West Main Street. 1p
To view even more events go to: www.thrivedecatur.com
Summer Reading Program: Blowin’ in the Wind Regina Rhodes from Next of Kiln pottery studio in Mt. Zion will bring all the supplies young artists need to create ceramic wind chimes. Completed projects will be taken to the studio to be fired and then returned on July 20th to Forsyth Public Library, 268 South Elwood Street.1-2:30p
Model Stranger Cornerstone Tavern), 9p
DJ Philbilly Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 9p
7.7-7.10 Softball State Tournament Mike Ingram ASA U10 Class A&B, Rotary Park, Times Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), Vary 9p-12a
Friday, 8 First Friday Gallery Walk Visit four galleries with great art, enjoy Comedy Shop: Dan Chopin & live music, munch tasty hors d’oeuvres, Spencer Dobson sip a complimentary beverage. Meet Sports Zone - Decatur Conference Center the artists, thrive on the energy! & Hotel. Cover charge: $5. For info, Madden Arts Center, Blue Connection, 422.8800, 8-9:30p Gallery 510, RCC in Theatre 7 Lobby. Downtown Decatur, 423-3189. 5-8p Thursday, 7 Decatur Gamers Blue Connection Summer Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe, 5p Artist-in-Residence Kari Thornton Music at the Museum Blue Connection celebrates Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy our Summer Artist-in-Residence Kari outdoor concert featuring the Greater Thornton and features new paintings Decatur Youth Band, Young Park completed during her residency. Singers, and Decatur Park Singers. Complimentary refreshments Children under the age of 16 must be provided by Lock, Stock, and Barrel. accompanied by an adult. Concessions Blue Connection (117 N Water St), available for a fee. Children’s Museum 428.0112. 5-8p of Illinois (55 S Country Club Rd), 5:30-7:30p “Free Music Fridays” on the Patio Herald & Review 100/UMP There’s no place you’d rather be than Summer Nationals the patio at Jimmy Ryan’s. Join us Macon Speedway (205 North Wiles St) every Friday for free music, great food & drink specials and an atmosphere Laurie Morvan Band that can’t be beat. jimmyryans.com for Decatur Club Ballroom more details. 6:30-8:30p (158 W Prairie Ave), 7p Model Stranger Music on the Patio: Ralf Pansch Cornerstone Tavern (1190 W South Side & Chris Bradley Dr), 8p Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E St. Rte 36), 8p
Saturday, 9 Second Saturday Book Sale Friends of the Library offer a vast variety of books for purchase at this monthly sale. Upstairs in the Friends of the Library Book Sale Room. Decatur Public Library (130 N Franklin St), 9:30a-12:30p Ribbon Ride Join the fight against cancer and give it a sucker punch! Registration will be held from 10 a.m. – Noon at Coziahr Harley-Davidson®, Forsyth, with several stops at fine Central Illinois establishments, then back to Decatur for the Ribbon Ride Party at Timbuktu! Fee is $10 per hand. 100% of the proceeds go toward local cancer research. Coziahr H-D® (150 W Marion, Forsyth) The Guitar and Its Music Through the Centuries Music Program, Mt Zion Public Library, 10a Dulcimer Club Rock Springs Nature Center, 10a
Did you know?
Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to: events@thrivedecatur.com
july 2011 | 21
July Events Latham Firefighters 62nd Annual Ice Cream Social Starting with Antique tractor and Vintage car show, serving will start at 12p. Activities during the day and the Flat Land Country Band will entertain 5-8p. Large Prize Drawing, 8:30p. For more info, 674.3443. 11a-8:30p
Minute to Win It! Boys Only Sleepover An overnight for boys ages 5-11. Join us for a night filled with flashlight tag, games, snacks, tons of fun, and a movie! Children’s Museum of Illinois, $25 (member), $30 (non-member). 7:30p-7:30a
ready to create tie-dye masterpieces! One T-shirt will be provided for each participant. Ages 7 and up, $8. Forsyth Park Large Pavilion, Registration Required 10-11:30a
Ice Cream Social Join the Recreation staff for some delicious ice cream! What better way Swords and Roses Sunset Hike to spend a hot July afternoon! We will Swords and Roses is a singing, sword- Experience a bit of magic on this hike be making sundaes, banana splits, swinging, all female Renaissance through prairies and woodlands as the and bowlfuls of all the ice cream and themed stunt show, dedicated to sun starts to set and shades of purples toppings you could imagine! Forsyth entertaining and informing. This and pinks take over the sky. Meet at Community Center (Forsyth Library), swashbuckling adventure is open to all Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Ages 7 and up (unless supervised by a ages. Tickets to the show are available at Nearing Ln). 8-9p parent), $5, Registration Required. 1-2p the reference desk. Madden Auditorium (Decatur Public Library -130 N Franklin Whiskey & A Pickle Lookin Good Good Lookin St), 1-2p Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route Cornerstone Tavern (1190 W South Side 36), 9p Dr), 8p Open Car Cruze Dash plaques to first 100 entries. Music Stomach Ache & The Dukes 7.11-7.15 by Dyn-O-Mite DJ. Macon County $3, Cornerstone Tavern (1190 W South Theatre in a Trunk Fairgrounds (3700 N Westlawn Ave), $3 Side Dr), 9:30p-1a Pick a costume, grab a prop, create a entry fee, 6-11p character! Learn theatre basics and Sunday, 10 how to use your voice, face and body Skeff Distributing/Fireman’s Ball Rodney T Miller movement to become a better actor Macon Speedway (205 N Wiles St) Lakeside Triathlon with instructor Jody Byers. Parents are www.decaturtriathlon.com/, Nelson invited to attend a mini-performance GLAD Social and Potluck Dinner Park, 7:30a on the last day of class. Grades 1-5. Gather for conversation, dinner and Decatur Area Arts Council (125 N program activity. Bring a covered dish Bluegrass Music Jams Water), 423.3189, $45-memeber to share. GLAD socials are held in a safe, Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 $50-nonmember, 9:30a-11a accepting environment for all people. Nearing Ln), 1-4p Gather at 6:30p, dinner at 7p. For more Tuesday, 12 info: GLADDecatur.com. Pat Bowe Band Summer Reading Program: Pop’s Place, 3-6p Ancient Falconry in the Haunted Decatur Tour Modern World The Terrifying Tour of Decatur’s Spirits, The Blue Suede Crew Humans have been hunting with birds Scandals and Sins, based on the Gospel Concert of prey for thousands of years. Popular books by Troy Taylor! $30, www. Free, Tabernacle Baptist Church, in medieval times as a pastime of the haunteddecatur.com, Depart from Avon tbcdecatur.org, 877.5653, 7:30p nobles, falconry is still practiced today. Theatre, 7p The IL Raptor Center demonstrates Monday, 11 the art and beauty of this royal sport. Round 1 Fight Night Tie Dye Fun Forsyth Public Caged Combat, Decatur Conference Tie dying is always a Forsyth Park Library, 2-3p Center, 7:30p Recreation Program favorite! Come
22 | july 2011
To view even more events go to: www.thrivedecatur.com
Paul’s Puttin’ Place/Dunn’s Dugout Teen Night Students in grades 6 – 8 will enjoy a fun-filled evening with snacks, pop and pizza, a DJ, and unlimited mini golf & batting cages (Students must show their school ID and be signed in and picked up by a parent). $5, Paul’s Puttin’ Place (Nelson Park) 422.2316, 6:30-8:30p Wednesday, 13 Mt Zion Chamber Luncheon Corona’s, 11:30a Spoon Man Magic, music & puppetry. Mt Zion Public Library, 1p Summer Reading Program: Illuminated Manuscripts Long ago, books were written by hand and each one was an individual work of art. Jenny Cowgill of Maroa will lead young artists in creating crayon wax resist projects in the style of these manuscripts. Artists may take their projects home that day or leave them to be displayed in our library “gallery” until the end of summer reading. As time permits, participants may also be able to create works of art suitable for adding to the library’s flower garden. Forsyth Public Library, 1-3p Thursday, 14 Relay Races We have some crazy relays planned! Come dressed for action to test your skills and endurance. Prizes will be awarded! Tennis shoes required for safety purposes. Ages 7 and up. Forsyth Park (Meet at Concession Stand), 10-11a
Summer Reading Program: Minute to Win It Are you a game show contestant wannabe? Show off your hidden talents at the Forsyth Public Library version of “Minute to Win It.” Challenge your friends, race the clock, and prove you have what it takes to complete crazy tasks in just one minute. Competition, laughs, snacks: Find it all here! 2-3p Summer Splashin’ Pool Party Family friendly swim event with games, food, great music, and prizes, Fairview Park Aquatic Center (1455 W Fairview Park Dr), 7:15-9p
“Free Music Fridays” on the Patio: Billy Galt There’s no place you’d rather be than the patio at Jimmy Ryan’s. Join us every Friday for free music, great food & drink specials and an atmosphere that can’t be beat. www.jimmyryans.com for more details. 6:30-8:30p The STILL Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), 8p-12a DJ Philbilly Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 9p
7.15-7.16 Rob O’Dell Watercolor Workshop 2 day Workshop, sign up for 1 day or 2. Day One: Paint a fall scene 3-story barn Friday, 15 with silo Day Two: Paint an 18th century 2nd Annual MICAH Homeschool brick farmhouse in winter. Decatur Area Book Sale Arts Council (125 N Water), $75 1 day, Book sale, and chance to meet other $125/both, 423.3189. 9a-4p homeschool families. Free 2011-2012 MICAH memberships for attendees. 7.15-7.17 Spitler Woods State Park (705 Spitler Buttercup Girls Park Dr, Mt Zion), 10a-6:30p This musical follows the antics of a struggling dance troop. Come out and Best of Summer Stock -Preview get to know Maria, Lena, Vicky and Decatur’s young actors, singers, and the rest of the girls as they experience dancers from grades 1-9 perform, the ups and downs of show business! Central Park, 12-12:40p Lincoln Square Theatre, 7p (Fr & Sa), 4p (Su) Relay for Life of Macon County www.relayforlifemaconcounty.com, Richland Community College (One College Park), 4p DJ Philbilly Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E St Rte.36), 9p
Did you know? Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to: events@thrivedecatur.com
july 2011 | 23
July Events Saturday, 16 Crochet Re-Play Join Instructor Regina Rhodes to experience the art of crocheting using yarn, thread and recycled material. Also learn to weave with recycled fabric. Take your projects home the same day. Grades K-6. Decatur Area Arts Council (125 N Water), 423.3189. $20 member $25 nonmember. 9-10:45a
by Troy Taylor! $30, Depart from Avon Monday, 18 Theatre, www.haunteddecatur.com, 7p Wildflour Book Hour Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe (256 W Outdoor Movie: School of Rock Main St). 5:30p Movies in the Decatur neighborhood parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ 7.18-7.22 or picnic, sponsored by the Decatur Shake it Up Cafe - VBS Park District, free, www.decatur-parks. Forsyth United Methodist Church org, 422.8535. East Mound Park, 8:30p www.forsythumc.com/home/vbs or call 877-1441, 6-8p Smooth Times Family Fun - Do you want Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), Tuesday, 19 to get Squirrelly? 9p-12a Summer Reading Program: Enjoy some family fun with a naturalist Mad Science - A Midsummer’s in identifying the common squirrels Warehouse Tent Party Knight’s Read and chipmunks in Macon County. Learn Escaping Neverland & Rock Kandy. Bubbling Potions... Magical Chameleon about these curious animals in their Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route Water... The Great Escape... Is it natural setting and find out if squirrels 36), 9p medieval magic? No! It’s mad science! really do bury their food and how they Mad Science of St. Louis brings an find it later. Rock Springs Nature Center Sunday, 17 entertaining twist to our medieval (3939 Nearing Ln), 1:30-2:30p Ice Cream Safari theme with an awe-inspiring program Beat the heat with a cool summer combining magic and science. Forsyth Car & Bike Show treat! See how the zookeepers help the Public Library, 2-3p Autozone (North) in Decatur, 2-6p animals stay cool, and find ice cream stations hidden throughout the zoo, Decatur Park Singers Street Party Saturdays Scovill Zoo,1-4p Summer Concert Take it outside with live music, great Decatur concerts in the neighborhood food, and cold beverages. Merchant John Wesley Powell: Soldier, parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ Street (Downtown Decatur), 423.0448. Explorer and Scientist or picnic, www.decatur-parks.org , 5p-12a Bill Kemp, archivist of the McLean 422.8535. Oak Grove Park, 6:30p County Museum of History, will tell Decatur Park Singers about one of the America’s greatest Wednesday, 20 Summer Concert explorers, John Wesley Powell. Sidewalk Chalk Drawing Contest Decatur concerts in the neighborhood Learn about Powell’s life as a school We’ll supply the chalk; come ready to parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ teacher in Macon County, his Civil War display your amazing ideas! Prizes will or picnic, www.decatur-parks.org , experiences, explorer of the Grand be awarded. Weaver Road Parking Lot 422.8535. East Mound Park, 6:30p Canyon and work as a geologist and (Forsyth), 10-11a anthropologist. Rock Springs Nature Touchstone Energy Night/ Center (3939 Nearing Ln), 2-3p Summer Reading Program: Christmas in July Woven Tapestries Christmas for kids toy drive. Third Sunday Blues - Soul Creek Yarn and fabric combine to Macon Speedway (205 N Wiles St) Long Creek Vineyards, 2-5p create unique textile designs when Jenny returns for the third Haunted Decatur Tour Live Blues Music The Terrifying Tour of Decatur’s Spirits, Pop’s Place, 3-6p Scandals and Sins, based on the books
24 | july 2011
To view even more events go to: www.thrivedecatur.com
session. Reminiscent of the tapestries decorating the walls of ancient castles, the completed project may be taken home or left to be displayed until the end of summer reading. Forsyth Public Library, 1-3p Decatur Gamers The Decatur Club, 5p Decatur Park Singers Summer Concert Decatur concerts in the neighborhood parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ or picnic, www.decatur-parks.org , 422.8535. Kiwanis Park, 6:30p Comedy Shop: Kathleen Dunbar & Tim Sullivan Sports Zone - Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Cover charge: $5. For info, 422.8800, 8-9:30p
Kilborn Alley Come inside after Blues in the Park and jam with this amazing band..keep the party going at Paco’s! Sol Bistro (237 N Main St), 9p Friday, 22 “Free Music Fridays” on the Patio: Chris Bradley & Jennifer Hood There’s no place you’d rather be than the patio at Jimmy Ryan’s. Join us every Friday for free music, great food & drink specials and an atmosphere that can’t be beat. www.jimmyryans. com for more details. 6:30-8:30p
in games and enter the Star Wars costume contest! Open to all ages! Children’s Auditorium (Decatur Public Library), 1-4p Riverbottom Nightmare Band $5, Long Creek Vineyards, 4-8p Hitmen The Whit’s End, 5-8p POWRi Midgets Rescheduled races from 6.18 too. Macon Speedway (205 N Wiles St)
Black Magic Johnson Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland), 9p-12a 7.22-7.24 2011 Midland Summer Softball Showcase Over 60 colleges in attendance, Rotary Park, Times Vary
Outdoor Movie: Grease Movies in the Decatur neighborhood parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ or picnic, sponsored by the Decatur Park District, free, www.decatur-parks.org, Miss Saigon Musical 422.8535. Kiwanis Park, 8:30p Decatur Underground Theatre Production, Lincoln Square Theatre, Thursday, 21 $15, $17 at the door. 8p (Fri&Sat), 2p Chess Tournament (Sun). For tickets call 972.8606. It’s your move! Put us in check as you become the chess champion. Large Saturday, 23 Pavilion (Forsyth), 9-10a Dulcimer Club Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Summer Blues in Central Park Nearing Ln), 10a Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, Vendors Open at 6p, Band 7-10p 501st Legion The library is preparing for an invasion Sugar Prophets of Star Wars characters! Come and Doherty’s, 428.5612. 7:30p meet your favorite infamous characters, have your picture taken, and join
Bats in the Barn Discover the truth about these mysterious creatures at Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing Ln), and then carpool to Sand Creek Conservation Area to observe some of our local bats. 7-8p Funky Circus Fleas, Liberty Falls Cornerstone Tavern (1190 W South Side Dr), 9p Trash Martini Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 9:30p
Did you know?
Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to: events@thrivedecatur.com
july 2011 | 25
July Events Sunday, 24 Cruisin Roosters Car Show With dash plaques, raffles, music, trophies, food, and drink. All vehicles welcome. St. Patrick School (407 E Eldo), 1-5p Nature Detectives Wolves & Coyotes Have you ever heard a Coyote call at night? Discover the differences between wolves and coyotes as we examine skulls and fur pelts of these canines at Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing Ln). Later we will take a hike to look for evidence of one of these animals. Children ages 6-10. 2-3p
Participants will learn choreography and lyrics to perform onstage at the Park Singers concert on July 29 and Anniversary Concert on July 31! For reservations 429.3472, $70, Arts & Recreation Center (2020 N Oakland), Grades 5-7: 10a-12p, Grades 1-4: 1-3p Tuesday, 26 Summer Reading Program: Farewell to Summer Pages, squires and nobles are summoned to the royal grounds of the Forsyth Public Library to enjoy lunch, games and prizes as we bid farewell to the summer reading program for another year. Lords and ladies also welcome. Forsyth Public Library, 11a-1p
iPad2 which will be given away at the end of the bar bingo series. For more details or to vote on our themes www.jimmyryan’s.com. 6:30-8:30p Decatur Park Singers Summer Concert Decatur concerts in the neighborhood parks, bring a lawn chair, blanket and/ or picnic, www.decatur-parks.org , 422.8535. Mueller Park, 6:30p Music on the Patio: LHP Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 8p
Friday, 29 Fashion In The Garden Live Blues Music Join Earthen Pottery & Shop on Main Pop’s Place, 3-6p Non-Fiction Book Club for an informal fashion show, featuring Discussing “Titan-The Life of John D. modeling, specials and refreshments. 2011 Dance with Rockefeller”. Decatur Public Library, 1p Earthen Pottery (201 N Main St), Ronnie Scott Orchestra 422.2674. 11a-1p Moose Club (309.452.4531), 4-7p Decatur Gamers Godfathers Pizza, 5p Cruisin Roosters Car Show 7.24-7.29 With dash plaques, raffles, music, Big Apple Adventure VBS Thursday, 28 trophies, food, & drink. All vehicles Ages 4yrs-6th grade, Tabernacle Baptist 2011 Decagon Award welcome. Speedlube (924 E Eldo), 12-4p Church, 6-8:30p Winner Reception Join the Decatur Ad Club as we Bahamania! 7.25-7.28 celebrate the winning entries of Casual evening of Bahamian foods, rum MidState Soccer Club our 12th annual Decagon Awards. beverages, a limbo competition and Summer Camp Come and see the community’s best more! Your ticket includes a delicious Improve your game with the MidState marketing and advertising pieces menu, one complimentary beer or Soccer Club Summer Camp. Led by from 2010. Appetizers and cash bar wine, the entertaining strains of Steely nationally licensed MidState Soccer available. Free and open to the public. Pan, games and prizes. Purchase tickets Club Director Colin Bonner, this exciting Paco’s Sol Bistro. decaturadclub@gmail. at DAAC, 423.3189, $75. Fun for all! summer camp will focus on skills com. 6-8p Country Club of Decatur, 6-9:30p development/enhancement and good sportsmanship, with a special Bar Bingo On the Patio “Free Music Fridays” appearance by the Chicago Fire’s Mike With 30% bingo and 70% trivia, it’s on the Patio: LHP Banner! For info and times: 429.3472 bingo like you’ve never played before! There’s no place you’d rather be than Win great prizes from Jimmy Ryan’s the patio at Jimmy Ryan’s. Join us every 7.25-7.31 and Central Illinois’ Fox & CW TV. All Junior Park Singers Camp winners will be entered to win an Youth aged 6-12 are invited to sing and dance with the Park Singers!
26 | july 2011
To view even more events go to: www.thrivedecatur.com
Friday for free music, great food & drink specials and an atmosphere that can’t be beat. www.jimmyryans.com for more details. 6:30-8:30p DJ Philbilly Sliderz Bar & Grille (5995 E State Route 36), 9p
Early Bird Watching Hike A leisurely hike during the quiet of the morning is a perfect way to jump-start your day. Bring your binoculars and bird book - You never know what you might see. Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing Ln), 7:30-8:30a
7.29-7.31 Miss Saigon Musical Decatur Underground Theatre Production, Lincoln Square Theatre, $15, $17 at the door. 8p (Fri&Sat), 2p (Sun). For tickets call 972.8606.
Kidstock Create international themed art at our groovy indoor arts and crafts fair! No registration required for this event. $1 member, $6 non-member. Children’s Museum of Illinois (55 S Country Club Rd), 11a-3p (last admission at 2p)
B.O.S.S. Jr & Sr Performances Best of Summer Stock (B.O.S.S). Enjoy the talents of Decatur area youth in grades 1-9 as they sing, dance, and bring a musical to life! $7, For info/ tickets 422.5911. Decatur Civic Center Theatre (1 Gary Anderson Plaza). 7p (Fr & Sa), 2p (Sa & Su)
Teen Pizza Party All teens who returned at least one reading form to the reference desk is invited to join us. Prizes will be awarded at this party, so we hope you can be there! Madden Auditorium (Decatur Public Library - 130 N Franklin St), 1-3p
7.29-8.7 USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic Male tennis players from over 20 countries compete. Fairview Park, Tennis Complex (1455 W Fairview Park Dr). 421.7432. 7.29 9a-8p, 7.30 10a-7p, 7.31 10a-5p, 8.1 10a-2p, 8.2,8.3,8.4 10a-7p, 8.5,8.6,8.7 11a-4p
Canoeing 101 Canoeing is an exciting way to get out on the water and explore nature around you. Naturalists will give you expert tips you can try out for yourself on the water. $2/person, Reservations required by July 22nd. Meet at Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing Ln). 2-4p
Saturday, 30 10th Annual Miranda Jess Softball Outing Competitive ($100/team) and Non-competitive teams ($50/team). Northwest Fields, Party following at Lock Stock & Barrel (129 S Oakland). For info, 429.1052
Rock Kandy $5, Long Creek Vineyard, 4-8p
Haunted Decatur Tour The Terrifying Tour of Decatur’s Spirits, Scandals and Sins, based on the books by Troy Taylor! $30, haunteddecatur. com, Depart from Avon Theatre, 7p DJ Bobby Digital Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-12a Grim, Witness it All Cornerstone Tavern, 9p Soul Creek Pop’s Place, 9p-1a Afterglow Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9:30p Sunday, 31 Family Breakfast KC Hall. $8, under 4 free. 8a-12p Celebrate the Decatur Park Singers The 40th anniversary concert with the Decatur Park Singers, Young Park Singers, JR Park Singers, and alumni guests, Decatur Civic Center Theatre, $10, 422.5911. 7p
Soy City Rollers Bout Soy City Rollers vs. Quad City - Rock Island Line. Decatur Civic Center. Doors Open at 5p, Main Event 7p. After party at KC Hall (following the bout)
Did you know?
Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to: events@thrivedecatur.com
july 2011 | 27
GUIDE TO PLAYING WASHERS The classic game of washers varies wildly from region to region. In fact, you may cross the street to find your neighbors playing a different style of washers game. Regardless of which side of the street you’re on, there are some basic concepts to the game that are easy to pick up on. This guide should get you started in the “one-handed” game of washers. Yard roving, beer drinkers, listen up! This one’s for you. Written by Katrina Smalley | Images by Alida Duff Sullivan
Game Objective All things considered, washers is a target game which always implies some level of competition. The beauty is, it’s a simple enough game for anyone to pick up and quite frankly, get pretty darn lucky with. That being said, the objective is for individuals or teams to compete against each other in the race to 21 points by pitching washers in or near the cup for varying points depending on proximity. Setup There are a number of rules regarding distance between the two washer boards but I suggest setting them 25’ apart measuring from center to center. 21’ is also a common distance which you might consider if you are short on space. Getting Started Individuals may compete and teams of 2 or 4 are acceptable. The game is begun when each player (standing behind the edge of one board, pitches 1 washer towards the opposite board. Whomever is closest begins the game. Game Play In regular game play, player A will pitch all 3 of their washers followed by player B pitching all 3 of theirs. The round is scored and then if you’re playing with 4 individuals, players C & D will pitch to the other washer board. Pitching Style The game of washers is a simple game indeed, but there’s still plenty of room for skill and strategy. There will be times to pitch the washer high with an arch or perhaps flat with a skip to the board. There are also many ways to grip the washer itself for a smooth and controlled release. Experiment with holding two opposing edges with your thumb and pointer finger or go for a flat side. Really, anything that seems natural to you can work.
28 | july 2011
Basic Equipment Washers is such a simple game, mainly because of the low-key equipment list. There are three common styles of “boards”. You can go with the basic square (shown), octagonal or 3-hole. The concept is the same across all three with the biggest variation coming from the scoring system. In any case, you’ll need a set of six 3” washers. Be sure to mark three with tape or paint for scoring!
5
4
3 Points You will find varying point systems depending on region but when I called upon my local washer friends they were all in agreement. 5 points: in the cup
1
4 points: teetering on the top edge of the frame 3 points: within the board 1 point: inside the board, but resting on the outer wall 1 point (optional rule): anywhere outside the board within a 1’ distance from the board. Scoring Since both opponents are pitching washers and then scoring, only the difference is counted. For instance, a washer in the cup (cupper) can be cancelled out by your opponent also pitching a cupper (topper) for a score of 0. Another quirky rule applies to when you exceed 21 points. If you don’t hit 21 on the dot, you are penalized by the number of points you overshot.
1
july 2011 | 29
MAN WITH A PLAN
Gregg grows Oakwood WORDS: JOLI HOHENSTEIN
As a freshman at Millikin, Gregg Meisenhelter bought his first rental house. By graduation, he counted 11 homes in his stable, and shortly after graduation he took over the family waste management business. This guy doesn’t mess around. Two years ago, things really got interesting when he saw a spark in the commercial market and leaped beyond residential to pick up business properties along Oakland and Wood corridor (Oakwood). But for Gregg, it’s never just about owning properties. It’s about how he can use them to make the community better. He started with the Eichenauer building on the east side of Oakland. “After Eichenauer moved out, I spent time making it back into mini storefronts,” he explains. “It’s brought a lot more people to the area and a lot more interest to the area.” You can see, hear and taste the results for yourself. You’ve got Donnie’s Homespun with rockin’ live music and killer pizza alongside Blue Eggs & Ham, the all-day
breakfast joint with an attitude. And the icing on the cake came when Lana’s Cakewalk made the move across town. Says Gregg: “I wanted to bring in a bunch of businesses that feed off of each other.” But his appetite for business didn’t end there. In his spare time, he also negotiated deals to buy two local icons, Lock Stock & Barrel and The Winery. Knowing how deeply the two are steeped in the local fabric, he’s focused on making great bars even better. With The Winery, purchased in partnership with his brother George and two of Lock Stock’s managers, Joe Campbell and Jake Supp, that meant a refresh and upgrade. “The biggest goal was to have the same atmosphere and bar, but better,” he says. The favorite watering hole got new equipment, walls, updated bathrooms, an expanded menu and an all-new bar featuring the “Welcome to the Winery” sign that has graced the bar since day 1. “We found $98 worth of cash under the bar and the floors,” says Gregg, “There was money dating back to the 1900s.” Around the corner, he’s left Lock Stock largely unchanged—“you don’t mess with what works.” The few changes he has made, such as adding a DJ platform to maximize space, are small with big impact. His keen instinct for promotion and profit certainly also comes into play. A recent Can You Handle It charity event sold cans of beer in the snow. Valentine’s Day at Lock Stock saw a 69¢ pitcher promotion—they sold 15 kegs in 7 hours. continued on p.32 july 2011 | 31
continued from p.31
And his most recent brainstorm, the Oakwood Street Festival Series, drew in hundreds on its June 4 debut. A second festival on July 2, starting at 3 pm, could potentially double attendance with its block party atmosphere, food from area eateries, live music on an outdoor stage, specialty shop open houses and even a sprinkler in the street for the kids to play in. But this man with a plan isn’t stopping there. This spring, Donnie’s Homespun debuted a patio for outdoor dining. Lock Stock has a hot new outdoor seating area. Ralph’s Organic West End Meat Market, featuring organic food and fresh cuts of meat will open in the Oakwood area any
day. And if he has his way, The Winery could someday be home to a rooftop patio. All toward making this area an irresistible draw. Clearly he’s on to something—his residential and commercial properties are full; his bars (he also co-owns one in Stonington by the way) are bursting at the seams. So now what? “Well I work. All I do is work,” he chuckles. Then slyly, “I’ve been looking quite a bit at downtown…” And what will be the key there? “People attract people,” he says simply.
PRESENTED BY
300,000 people could see your movie screened at the 2011 Decatur Celebration!
ALL ENTRIES DUE BY JULY 18, 2011 For details visit 21filmproject.com
IN MOTION - AUTO LOAN PROMOTION
Auto loan rates as low as 2.2%APR. No payments for 90 days. Get an Auto Loan in June or July of 2011 and you’re automatically entered to win* 42” Plasma Television • Blu-Ray DVD Player • Home Theater System
Disclaimer: Auto loan rates based on 2.20% Annual Percentage Rate. Sample monthly payment on a $10,000 loan for 36 months would be $287.00. Call or visit for details on other rates. Rates are subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. Membership required. If refinancing a vehicle loan, APR does not apply to current LLCU vehicle loans. LLCU is a member of the NCUA and an Equal Housing Lender. Drawing for prizes for the LLCU “21 Film Project” Promotion will occur in August 2011. Winners of this sweepstakes will be notified by telephone. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Employees of LLCU are not eligible to enter. Must be 18 years or older to win. Other rules and restrictions may apply. For an official entry form or official rules for the “21 Film Project”, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Land of Lincoln Credit Union, ATTN: Marketing Department, 3130 Mound Road, Decatur, IL 62526.
32 | july 2011
A Dragon patiently awaits tomorrow’s crowd at the Macon County Fair.
34 | july 2011
july 2011 | 35