SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE: Coffee Connection
Entertainment Guide
Things that go bump in the night at the Raptor Center Fabulous fall fun at Black Bart's True Crime Tours Delightfully Delicious Del's
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Oct 2012 Featuring: The Decatur area’s handiest Events Calendar
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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 Editor and Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein Copy Editor: Teena Zindel-McWilliams The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Contributors: Shirley Brooks T. F. Dude Todd Hauser Joli Hohenstein Jerry Johnson Kim Mangan Katrina Smalley Michelle Stephens Robin Walters
Photographers: Kim Mangan Shirley Shaw Katrina Smalley Alida Duff Sullivan Robin Walters
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 | october 2012
Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers • ADM • All Things Beautiful Collectibles and Gifts • Aloha • America’s Best Value Inn • An Affair to Remember • Applebee’s • Apples & Pears Resale Boutique • Architectural Expressions • Area 51 Salon • Area One Realtors • Aspen Dental • Attitudes Salon • AVON Theater • Baker Law Office • Baymont Inn & Suites • Beautiful Beginnings • Benny’s Grill • Billingsley BP Service Station • Bliss Salon • Blue Connection • Blue Eggs & Ham • Blue Mound Village Hall • Bourbon Barrel • Brinkoetter & Associates • C&K Custom Signs • Carlos O’Kelly’s • Cartridge World • Casey’s General Store - Maroa • Casey’s General Store - West Mound • Caterpillar • Cedar Lake Gardens and Gifts • Central Illinois Hand Center • Central Illinois Title Company • Children’s Museum of Illinois • Citizens Barnes Building • Clayton Sales • Coffee Connection • Cohn Furniture • Collect Them • Comfort Inn • Coney McKane’s • Coney’s Cookies • Corona’s • Country Inn & Suites • Coziahr Harley Davidson • Culver’s • Curly’s Bar • Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Days Inn • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau • Decatur Athletic Club • Decatur Back & Neck Center • Decatur Beach House • Decatur Civic Center • Decatur Conference Center & Hotel • Decatur Dental Care • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn • Decatur Jewelry & Pawn II • Decatur Memorial Hospital • Decatur Mutual Insurance • Decatur Professional Plaza • Decatur Public Library • Decatur Surf Club • Decatur Title • DECU - North • Del’s Express • Diane’s Mane Strategy • Different by Design • Dippin’ Merv’s • DMH Express Care - Fairview • Doherty’s Pub & Pins • Donnie’s Homespun Pizza • Downtown Cafe • Downtown Fitness Club • Dragon Buffet • Dynagraphics/FastImpressions • Earthen Pottery • Embroidered Expressions • Exsalonce Studio & Day Spa • Famous Liquors • Filippo’s Pizza • First Wok • Fisherman’s Quarters • Fox & Hounds • Freedom Gas - Maroa • Fringe Salon • Fuji • G-B’s CD’s • Garcia’s Pizza • George’s Skate Center • Gerber State Bank • Giggles • Golden Glaze Donuts • Good Naber Specialty Foods • Goodfellas • Grace’s Dancewear • Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce • Greater Decatur Y • Guadalajara • Gyro King • Haines & Essick Co. • Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham • Holiday Inn Express • Homeward Bound Pet Shelter • Humane Society of Decatur and Macon Co. • IHOP • Il Forno • It’s a Girl Thing • It’s Just a Little Prick Tattoo Co. • Jan’s East End Grill • Katz • KC Hall • Krekels - Mt Zion • Krekels - North • Krekels - Oakland • Kroger - Airport Road • Kroger - Fairview • Kroger - South Shores • La Gondola • Lana’s Cakewalk • Land of Lincoln CU • Leo H. Berger Insurance • Linda’s Music • Lock Stock & Barrel • Love at First Sight • Lyle Campbell & Sons Realty • M3 Salon • Macon County Farm Bureau • Macon Resources Main Building • Madden Arts Center • Main Hangar • Main Place Bar & Grill • Main Street Cafe - Maroa • Mari Mann Herbs Co. • Mary Belle’s • Maustell’s Pizza • McGorray’s Golf & Grille • Medical Supply Office • Melanie Schelling - State Farm • Merle Norman • Merry Maids • Mi Pueblito • Miles Chevrolet • Miles/ Nissan • Millie & Bo’s Barkery • Millikin University/Kirkland • Monical’s - Forsyth • Monical’s - Mt Zion • Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce • Mt. Zion Convention Center • Mt. Zion Library • Mt. Zion Village Hall • My Shipping Place • Mystic Tan • Neil Tire & Auto Service - Mt Zion • Neuhoff Media • Nola’s Hair Salon • Northgate Pet Clinic • Nova Framing/Gallery 510 • Novel Ideas • Old Book Barn • One Main Place • Oreana Public Library • Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Specialists of Central IL • P&G Quickstop - Blue Mound • Paco’s Sol Bistro • Party Warehouse • Pastabilities • Perkins • Personal Medical Supply • Petals • Pho Golden Noodle Bowl • Pizza Hut - Mt Zion • Pla-Mor • Play it Again Sports • Pop’s Place • Porter’s on Merchant • Priceless Smiles/Styles & Smiles • Pride Coin Laundry - Eldorado • Pride Coin Laundry - North Main • Pride Coin Laundry - Mt. Zion • Ralph’s West End Market • Ramada Limited • Ray Eldridge Jewelry • Reflection Salon • Regions - Decatur Main • Regions - Northtown • Rendezvous Bar & Grill • Renew Total Wellness • Richland Community College • Richland - Fairview Park Plaza Center • Robbies Outlet • Rock Springs Nature Center • Roots Salon • RUSH Wireless • Russ Proesel DDS • Salon 402 • Shear Learning • Signature Salon • Sleep Inn • Sloan’s Calzones • Smith Tire Co. • Sound Check Music Center • Soy Capital - North Main • Soy Capital - Pershing • Soy Capital - Rte 36 E • Spa Villa • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube - East Eldo • Speed Lube - Forsyth • Speed Lube Grand • Speed Lube - Pershing • Speed Lube - South Shores • Speed Lube - West Eldorado • Speed Lube Total Care - East Eldo • Star Silkscreen • Studio 7 Salon & Day Spa • Subway - Oakwood • Sun & Fun • Swartz Properties • Tasty’s Chicago Grille - Eldorado • Temmen Advanced Eyecare • Texas Roadhouse • The Bullet Trap • The Decanter • The Decatur Club • The Decatur Indoor Sports Center • The Newsstand • The Secret Garden • The Teacher’s Lounge • The Wharf • The Winery • Timbuktu • Tournesol • Triple Dog Dare Ya • Tropix Salon and Spa • Unique Boutique • University Dogs • Up N’ Runnin’ • Veolia Environmental Services • Wabash Crossing Antiques • Whitestar Home Healthcare Services • Wild Dog Saloon • Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe • Zips Florist by the Gates
WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME HERE? 217.791.5653
in this issue
05 10 12 28
14 on the cover This spunky girl named Spud is a Great Horned Owl that's been at the Illinois Raptor Center since 1996. She can't fly but serves as a program bird and is also a surrogate parent to orphaned Great Horned Owl chicks. Photo: Alida Duff Sullivan
30
Black Bart's
When fall hits around here, those in the know head for the only pumpkin patch named for legendary Decatur-born stagecoach robber Black Bart. Photo: Shirley Shaw
BEHIND THE THRIVE
04
September: Out and About
05
SPOTLIGHT: Troy Taylor's Wicked Decatur
08
The Thrive Survey
09
The Food Dude: Del's Popcorn Shop
10
Publisher's Pick of the Month
11
Art Speak: Cocktails and Creations
12
October Events Calendar
18
Guide to Becoming a Zombie
28
Thrive Three Way: Surprise People
33
issue #41 | october 2012 thrivedecatur.com | issuu.com/thrivedecatur
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october 2012 | 03
BEHIND THE
Meet R GRI, R honda Wh ite, EA LTOR®
Your fav a “click” orite Realtor is fan page away. “Like” my on faceb ook.
(217) 972 -8447
CONGRATS TO OUR SEPTEMBER WINNER:
Michelle Boatman
September Answers: 1. Oven door moved over 2. Handle changed colors 3. Flame is lower on log 4. Metal on handle got longer 5. Extra pizza appeared in the oven 6. Five bricks became one
Play the October Spot the Difference Challenge on p.35 04 | october 2012
THRIVE
Fall, fabulous fall! This issue celebrates all things wickedly wonderful about fall, y’all. The first-ever Wicked THRIVE issue heralds the wicked cool, wicked entertaining, wicked scary happenings of the month. Winged creatures of the night (and day) fly in the face of fear at the Illinois Raptor Center, the local haven that’s raising a flap about education and entertainment. Black Bart’s brings a wicked good time to kids of all ages with gourds, goblins…and goats. Gotta have the goats. And Troy Taylor’s locally celebratory tome, Wicked Decatur, stirs up several sides of D-town you may not know, brought to life with a special edition true crime tour sure to raise your October creep factor. Of course, no wickedly delicious guide to Decatur would be complete without a nod to Del’s and ubiquitously fall caramel apples. Check out the Food Dude’s stop into culinary vagary. Wind up with a wicked good read by one of Decatur’s own and one of THRIVE’s very own contributors. Angela Parson Myers’ new book When the Moon Is Gibbous and Waxing is the tale of Natalie Beres, whose mysterious full moon attack leaves her unharmed and unable to remember anything. Though the grisly murders of her attackers tell their own tale and reveal a totally new side of her. As one Amazon reviewer says, “It will appeal to readers ages 16 to 100.” Whatever wicked fun you scare up, we hope it’s beyond your wildest expectations!
Out & About
A look back at last month’s happenings
WWII Monument Dedication Photos: Robin Walters
The WWII monument, 'Heroes in Our Midst,’ drew hundreds paying tribute. Pete Nicholls, Jr., honored his father, E.E. "Pete" Nicholls, and fellow veterans by completing this nearly decade-long dream. The sale of memorial bricks has already been closed and the finished monument will include over 1,000 name plates.
Lakeshore Landing On the shore of Lake Decatur, developers shared the progress and future of our centuryold park. The collective vision includes five districts and a stronger community image with increased property values and tax revenue. Visit lakeshorelanding.org to see the completed project and timeline.
october 2012 | 05
Out & About
A look back at last month’s happenings
Old School Jam
The weather was perfect for Prairie Celebration-goers to enjoy wagon rides, nature and astronomy programs, hiking and bluegrass music at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Volunteers dressed in 19th century period clothing and demonstrated various trades such as blacksmithing, basket weaving and pottery making.
Shore Thing Thousands of athletes and spectators gathered in Nelson Park on Sunday, September 16, for the 23rd annual Shoreline Classic. The legendary mid-state road race attracts all kinds of athletes and promotes healthy living.
06 | october 2012
Heavy Hitters
Hundreds attended the Heavy Hitters gallery opening at the Madden Arts Center featuring talented graffiti and street artists from around the world. The exhibit includes graffiti-style stencils, manipulated photographs and even an elaborately painted motorcycle and car. Local artists proudly displayed their art on the 3rd floor while a steamroller demonstrated monotype printing outside the arts center.
Fantastic Fidos The 12th annual Fido Scurry was held in Fairview Park to benefit the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation. Yappy Hour kicked off the event with an 'Above and Below the Sea'themed costume contest followed by a 1-mile or 5K walk/run.
Fishing Idols Kevin VanDam (KVD), professional bass fisherman, was ready and willing to spend time with his fans in Nelson Park at the Bassmaster Evan Williams Bourbon All-Star Championship weigh-in.
october 2012 | 07
08
SPOTLIGHT
by Joli Hohenstein
Decatur’s Wicked True Crime Tours Something wicked this way comes, in Decatur more often than you think. Veteran author and ghost hunter Troy Taylor is showing Decatur what it’s made of this Halloween season with four special souped-up versions of his famous Haunted Decatur tours. Combining true crime with a dose of the haunting we all love, these tours sparked from his latest Decatur book, Wicked Decatur. “So many crime stories have ghost stories, too,” says Taylor, so it was a natural extension to blend the two. The great-grandson of a Decatur police officer from the early 20th century, Taylor grew up hearing about Decatur’s darker side. In fact, it received national recognition as one of the towns where Prohibition failed. “We’ll do a walking tour down Merchant Street, and many people don’t know that during the ‘20s and ‘30s, the bars there turned into soda pop parlors, which just means the beer was served downstairs,” he says. “It was all bars and brothels there, and the first opium den in Decatur that was raided was on Merchant Street.” As you move through the town, you’ll hear about Decatur’s many unsolved murders, including the case of Joe Ricketts, who was found beaten to death in 1905 at the Wabash Depot outside the freight depot, despite his duties being primarily in the express office. An extremely popular gentleman, his was the largest funeral ever held at First Christian Church. His murderer has never been found. “That was the busiest part of town, with two train stations and trains going 24
hours a day,” says Taylor. “It was the center for every kind of vice in town. One of the things we’re doing with the tour is bringing those things back to life.” For Taylor, it’s not about glorifying but about providing a spark and a way for people to remember some of Decatur’s most interesting history. The Levee District was the beat his greatgrandfather covered, and Taylor grew up on stories of the dastardly deeds that went down there. “We’re showing Decatur a side of Decatur they’re not familiar with,” he says. “But we’re not trying to scare people—it’s a history tour that happens to have crime and ghosts in it. It gets people interested and intrigued.”
Get There Haunted Decatur tours run from April through October. Haunted Decatur Ghosts & Crime Tours run for four special engagements on October 12, 13, 26 and 27, hosted by Troy Taylor himself. Also available is an expanded Haunted Decatur Ghost Hunter’s tour, with additional locations and a behind-thescenes look at Decatur’s key haunted spots. Private tours are also available outside the Halloween season, both for small groups up to 16 and larger groups of up to 50 people. For more, visit www.haunteddecatur. com or call 888.446.7859.
Joli Hohenstein is a senior contributor to THRIVE. She is an award-winning freelance writer, marketer, and editor. Get more Joli at jolihohenstein.com. 08 | october 2012
Are You a Good Witch? There are many questions we could ask surrounding the Land of Oz. Did the flying monkeys scare you? (Of course they did.) Which was better— Return to Oz or The Wiz? Who was your favorite—The Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow or The Tin Man? But when it comes down to it, whether it’s Wicked or The Wizard of Oz, the question central to the struggle, the uber-question remains:
Are you a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?
Good Witch 58%
Bad Witch 38%
My guess is we can thank Wicked for the recasting of what makes a witch bad and if we really want to be a Good Witch. In doing so, it makes this survey as close as it was. However, in the whole survey, only one participant actually answered the question correctly, right down to the proper phrasing: “But I'm not a witch at all.” -Dorothy Gale october 2012 | 09
10
THE FOOD DUDE
Delightfully Delicious Del’s Del’s Popcorn Shop is a wondrous place. Part neighborhood hangout, part candy and treat boutique, and part time machine, this Merchant Street fixture (since 1934) has a vibe unlike any other. I walked in late one sunny September afternoon and instantly felt a little happier. The line was at least four deep in the narrow main room, so I took the opportunity to slip into the new-ish adjacent room. I was immediately giddy—CANDY! Within the colorful, well-designed displays, there are endless ways to satisfy a sweet tooth. In this one room, you can find the old standbys as well as some new favorites: Fun Dip, Wax Lips, Pop Rocks, Pez!, candy necklaces, candy canes, candy corns! Chocolates and hard candies, lollipops shaped like everything from cartoon characters to poultry (Chicken Sucker, anyone?), and Jelly Beans galore! You could easily get lost in this land of fantasy and nostalgia. I decided to go easy on the candy this time, though I did make a mental list of things to try and gifts to give friends, family and colleagues. But my main reason for coming was still awaiting me in the other room, and as I re-crossed the threshold, my eyes came to rest on it: the caramel apple. Single, double and triple-dipped, with and without nuts, they all looked delightful. I made my selection, my mouth watering as the clerk placed my apple in a bag. But I couldn’t stop there. This is, after all, a popcorn shop, so I’d better get some popcorn. As I looked more closely at all the available flavors, I saw they also had several homemade variations of trail mixes, chocolates and gourmet candies. A bit overwhelmed by all the choices, I decided on a mixed bag of caramel and cheese popcorn, and I headed over to check out before I spent my whole paycheck and put myself in a sugar coma.
by T. F. DUDE
photo by T.F. Dude
As I headed toward the door, I noticed a sign: “2012 Apple Count: 6,507.” I asked one of the clearly devoted clerks, “That’s the number of caramel apples sold so far this year?”“Actually, that was last night’s total. It’s over 8,000 now.” Wow. “Last year we sold over 56,000. One year we sold 78,000!” That is a LOT of caramel apples, I thought—one for almost every resident of Decatur! Now I was even more excited to enjoy my treat... I dug into the popcorn on the way home, and I must say it was fantastic. Noticeably fresh and full of flavor, it nearly melted in my mouth and simultaneously showered my taste buds with sweet and savory. It was hard to stop, but I knew what was still to come. I also knew I was going to have to force myself to eat a salad first, so as not to drown myself in sucrose. I pulled my apple out of the bag and carefully removed the wax paper. Twirled it around by the handle a couple of times, admired the beauty of it, took my first bite. Perfection. The apple was smaller but firm and healthy and still easy to bite into after my teeth sank through the sweet, salty caramel. About 15 minutes later, I had only a core, a stick and a satisfied smile. In that moment, I felt like fall had officially begun. I guess that 78,000 number isn’t so surprising after all…
Get There: Del's Popcorn 142 North Merchant Street., Decatur 217.429.0037 The Food Dude is not a professional critic. He just really, really likes food.
10 | october 2012
Publisher's
Pick of the Month Just a little something we ran across and wanted to share.
4335 W. Main Decatur,Illinois
Every Friday: Catfish,Cod and Walleye
October Bands
GHOSTS I HAVE BEEN By Richard Peck
$6.00 from Cheryl's Old Book Barn photos: Kat Smalley
Blues Expression
Saturday October 5: 9p-1a
Thin Ice
Saturday, October 13: 9p-1a
Karaoke every Thursday
I found myself in the Halloween spirit a bit early this year, and I couldn't help but pick this little treasure up at Cheryl's Old Book Barn in Forsyth. A while back, a friend of mine told me about the author of young-adult fiction, Richard Peck, who attended elementary and high schools here in Decatur, Illinois. He has written countless books on ghostly topics, so it seemed to fit the bill. It's also common to find bits and pieces of Decatur area history sprinkled throughout Richard's works. I'm excited to see if I'll discover any familiar facts in Ghosts I Have Been, which follows Blossom Culp as she gradually discovers her gift of second sight. If I come up empty in this one, I'll bring in some of my old books for trade and I'll give it another shot! october 2012 | 11
12
ART SPEAK
by Jerry Johnson
Cocktails and Creations • Wonderful Weaves - Learn the techniques to make your own wall hangings, bags or rugs on a loom you create yourself. October 6 • Batik Silk Printing - Explore the fun and fascinating “resist” dying technique used to make designs on fabric around the world. October 11-18
Cocktails and Creations gives grown-ups the opportunity to create art and socialize with friends in a fun, arty setting. The Decatur Area Arts Council’s newest niche lets you come together with a few of your pals, your favorite snacks, your own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and the desire to create. This series, created by DAAC Education Coordinator Jenny Cowgill, features a wide variety of artistic activities encompassing something for everyone. You will not only enjoy your favorite beverage and have a great time making art with your friends but come away with a finished product you can be proud of. Fees for the classes are extremely reasonable, ranging from $15 to $35. Arts Council members receive discounted fees, so if you are not a member already, become one when you sign up for these classes. Most of the classes are offered on evenings during the week, though a few are on Saturday afternoons. Below are the classes offered during fall 2012 in this fun, new series. You can find out more at decaturarts.org/classes-programs/adults/:
• Painterly Pillows-Fabulous Fiber Arts - Create a charming, three-dimensional work of art from cloth, stuffing and fabric paint to display or cuddle. October 20 • Creative Kokeshi Figures - Craft a whimsical doll or figure based on Japanese kokeshi dolls, which traditionally serve as charms to prevent fires or ward off evil. October 25 • Jewelry with Teresa - Create a unique bracelet to keep or to give as a gift. November 8 • Designs and Decorations with Notan - Create elegant designs in an ancient Japanese style of art using positive and negative space. November 15 • Wine and Cheese Tray Project - Make a unique cheese tray out of a wine bottle, plus a knife to go with it! November 29 • Christmas Ornaments - Create a charming, soft wool angel ornament just in time for the holidays. December 1 If you are looking to hone some long-lost skills or find a hobby for cultural or spiritual growth or just plain fun, the Decatur Area Arts Council has made it easy for you. The hardest part will be deciding which friends to invite and what snacks and drinks to bring!
Jerry Johnson is the Executive Director of the Decatur Area Arts Council and may be spotted pretty much anywhere art is happening. 12 | october 2012
october 2012 | 13
Rescue and Educate:
It’s for the Birds
Illinois Raptor Center Saves Things that Go Bump in the Night Article by Shirley Brooks Photos by Alida Duff Sullivan 14 | october 2012
Photo: Spud, a spunky, female Great Horned Owl who seriously "worked-it" for the camera.
Have you ever smelled mouse breath (caused by eating mice)? Or been spooked by an explosion of wings? Or heard the piercing cry of an eagle? You can have these unique experiences, and more, right here in Decatur at the Illinois Raptor Center.
“Also, the predatory birds only have one or two babies a year, and they can’t survive if they can’t hunt, so when looking at the big picture, they need the most help.” More Space and Opportunities 2012 has been a huge year of growth for the Illinois Raptor Center, following many years of working from cramped and less than ideal quarters.
“In 1993 when the Mississippi flooded so badly, we were one of the few rescue groups on this side of the river, so we received a lot of equipment donations, like boats,” says Jane. “After the flood, we The Center serves Central Illinois by had all of this stuff, and shortly after that, caring for and rehabilitating orphaned a judge presented us with $10,000, which and injured wildlife native to Illinois, came from a tree company that was fined specializing in birds of prey—hawks, falcons, owls and eagles. They also provide for cutting down a tree containing screech owls that we had rescued. educational programs about raptors for people of all ages. “With the money, we were able to move out of my garage and buy 10 acres on the The Illinois Raptor Center began in 1989 Sangamon River that had a little 24-ft.-xfrom the garage of Jane Seitz, who now 32-ft. shed on it. For 20 years, we’ve done serves as its unpaid executive director. She had learned the skills and gained the all of our work out of this tiny building.” heart for animal rescue while volunteering to help a lady who then moved out of the Then last March, a couple was selling their area. Jane obtained the necessary permits connecting 10-acre property that included a 1,700-sq.-ft. house with a full, finished and has been taking in animals ever since, with the organization (then named basement. The Center was able to buy it; plus, in 1996 they had purchased 5 acres Wildlife CPR) gaining nonprofit status in on the other side. 1991. The name was changed to Illinois Raptor Center in 2000. Now they have 25 acres of land with a pond, wetlands and bird feeding station; “The first year, I had 40 animal rescues, then 400 the second year,” says Jane, who 3,400 sq. ft. of office and educational space (including the Barb Bechtel Nature thanks her husband, Joe, for his support Library); and their old building, remodeled over the years. “There was, and is, a real to serve as a clinic, complete with an ICU need for help.” and space to better care for the birds. When Seitz started, she rescued all types Says Jane, “We thank the many people of animals. But soon after, a 19-year-old who have pitched in to help so far, but Jacques Nuzzo (now 41 and the Center’s there is much more to do.” program director) started tagging along showing a special interest in birds, so the Lend a Hand and Learn, Too organization’s focus shifted to birds of There is always a need for money at the prey. Illinois Raptor Center. “It costs about $1500 a month just to feed the birds; plus we “There is a lot more help out there for mammals than for birds,” explains Jane. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Continued on page 16 october 2012 | 15
have many other expenses,” says Jane. “Right now we have a $2,000 grant to put a new roof on the clinic, but we need another $2,000 for the project. We really need more cages, as several times last year we were full. Plus if we had more flight cages, we could get birds out faster and back into the wild.” Volunteers are also needed. To volunteer you must be at least 16 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and be willing to commit to work one day per week (for two to four hours) for at least a threemonth period. Serving injured animals is just part of the Illinois Raptor Center’s mission. “Back in 1995, we had a board member who helped us understand that we had to think beyond just caring for the animals,” says Jane. “We needed to run the Center like a business, including educating the public about these birds and about what we do.
16 | october 2012
“Over the years we’ve added more and more educational elements, both on site and at other locations. With our new acreage and facility space, we’ll be able to host more events right here where people can spend a few hours or days learning about and enjoying encounters with these magnificent creatures.” Get There Illinois Raptor Center, 5695 W. Hill Road, Decatur Check upcoming events at www.illinoisraptorcenter.org or call 217-963-6909. Interested in volunteering? E-mail ircinfo@comcast.net. Photos: Jacques Nuzzo weighing Banshee, a Barn Owl (opposite page), a close-up of Short-eared Owl Ginny's talons (top), and an Eastern Screech Owl that is blind in its left eye (bottom).
october 2012 | 17
October Events EVERY DAY
Jim Poling Art Show Includes oil paintings of nature, wildlife, and flowers. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln]
EVERY MONDAYWEDNESDAY
Karaoke "On Stage" Lock Stock & Barrel, 10p-1a
EVERY TUESDAY
Story Time Story time includes stories, snacks, and a craft. Ages 3-5. Barclay Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg] 10:30a Chess Club Doherty's Pub & Pins [242 E William St, www. decaturchessclub.com] 6-10p SleepyTime Tales Ages 3-5 and their families (evening StoryTime). Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib. il.us] 6:30p Stevie Ray Kelton Lincoln Square Lounge [121 N Main] 7:30p-12a
EVERY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
Junior Golf (begins 10.23) Introduction to golf, teaching hitting and putting fundamentals, golf rules and etiquette. $50-59 DISC [1295 W Wood 429.3472] 5-5:45p (Ages 5-7), 6-6:45p (Ages 8-12)
EVERY TUESDAYTHURSDAY
Staley Striders XC Running Club (begins 10.9) Athletes ages 7-14 may choose to run locally and/or take part in Junior Olympics meets. $16-19 Fairview Park [Pavilion 1, 429.3472] 4:155:15p 18 | october 2012
EVERY WEDNESDAY Coffee Club Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621] 9:30a
that are intensely competitive. Games are 6 v 6. Register by 10.21. DISC [1295 W Wood 429.3472] Time TBD
ToddlerTime Ages 18 mo-3 and their families. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 9:30a
Adult Volleyball League (10.4-11.29) Sign up for these fun, recreational volleyball leagues for co-ed teams. $125/ team, DISC [1295 W Wood, 429.3472] 6-10p
Water Pong Lock Stock & Barrel, 10p
Stevie Ray Kelton Timbuktu, 9p-1a
Mobile Soundz Karaoke Featuring Troy Hayes. Woody's Bar [1190 W South Side Dr] 9p-1a
Mobile Soundz Karaoke Featuring Troy Hayes. Pop's Place [4335 W Main] 9p-1a
EVERY WEDNESDAYSATURDAY Docta LD DJ/Karaoke Curly’s Bar & Pizza [2683 N Water, 875.9800] 9p-2a
EVERY THURSDAY
Story Time Ages 3-5. Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us] 10a National Novel Writing Month Coming! Table set aside for you to chip away at the 50,000-word goal. All ages are encouraged to attend. If you've been thinking that one day you would like to write a novel, let this be the day. Decatur Public Library [www.nanowrimo.org] 5p High School & Adult Indoor Rec Soccer League (10.29-12.17) The MidState recreational soccer leagues are designed for players who prefer casual matches rather than those
DJ Philbilly (except 10.25) Sliderz Bar & Grille [5995 E US Rt 36] 9p DJ David Lee Lock Stock & Barrel, 10p-2a
EVERY FRIDAY
Toddler Time Stories and finger plays and serve as a first step into reading for your child. Ages 1-3. Barclay Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621] 10:30a DJ Philbilly Sliderz Bar & Grille [5995 E US Rt 36] 9p DJ David Lee (10.5, 10.19) Katz [112 Merchant St] 10p
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Wine Tastings The Decanter Fine Wines [215 N Main St, 422.9463] 4-7p (Fr), 1-6p (Sa)
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!
The Scream Haunted Adventure 22 horrifying scenes, double vortex tunnels, a grave crawl and Claustrophobia Hallway. $10 [620 N Mercer, 423.4222] 7-11p
EVERY SATURDAY
DJ David Lee (except 10.13) Katz [112 Merchant St] 10p DJ David Philbilly (10.13) Katz [112 Merchant St] 10p
Wednesday, 3
Greater Decatur Chamber Business Breakfast Speaker: Stephanie Ashe Brown. The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, www. decaturchamber.com] 7-8a Wednesday Book Club We get the books and you read them! To register contact library. Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, barclay.lib.il.us, 672.3621] 10:30a Books Between Bites "On Hallowed Ground -- The Story of Arlington National Cemetery" by Robert M. Poole. Rene Corcoran will discuss the principal characters that brought Arlington into existence, the courageous heroes that make the cemetery hallowed and much more! Decatur Public Library [Madden Auditorium, www. decaturlibrary.org] 12:15p
Culinary Arts Institute Dinner Hors d’oeuvres buffet with carving station presented by students in Garde Manger class. $15, Richland Community College [Shilling Center] Seatings at 6 & 6:30p Great Lakes Beer Tasting Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 6-8p
Thursday, 4
Community Leaders Breakfast Anne Ryder: Writer, Journalist, Speaker. $16, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36W, 421.6929] 7-9a Lego Club Sign up for this great afterschool activity and be sure to bring your own Legos! Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www. mtzion.lib.il.us, 864.3622] 4:30-5:30p Gourmet-Easy Goes International Brian Booth. End of season fruits, vegetables, and herbs. $36, The Gathering Place: Haines & Essick [130 E William, 217.429.4374] 6p Matt Carter Band (Acoustic) Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main, 330.6483] 7-10p
10.4-10.29
October National Multi-media exhibit from seven states. This juried selection celebrates originality and craftsmanship in a wide range of styles and subject matter including a special category to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month. Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189] 8:30a-4:30p (Mo-Fr), 10a-2p (Sa)
Friday, 5
Community Food Drive Kroger [Rt 36] 6a-6p Giant Garage Sale for the Pets Progress City [Richland Community College] 8a-5p After 5 Live Changing its look and feel, the Blue Connection is becoming a retail laboratory for studentlaunched arts-related businesses to grow their ventures. Blue Connection [117 N Water, 428.0112] 5-7:30p Blues Expression Pop's Place [4335 W Main] 9p-1a Soy City Stranglers Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9:30p-12a
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October Events 10.5-10.6
Macon Annual Fall Rummage Sale Maps available at the bank. Something for everyone! [Macon] 8a Main Hangar Comedy Hour Danny Kallas & Leo Flowers. $10, Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, mainhangarrestaurant.net] 8:30p
10.5-10.7
MU Homecoming Alumni Reception, Open House, Big Blue Football, Star Gazing, Brunch, Concerts. Millikin University [1184 W Main, millikin.edu/ homecoming]
10.5-10.7 & 10.12-10.14
Race for Love 5K run, 1-mile walk. $30-35, Fletcher Park [Mt Zion] 9a
[3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 2p
WW2 Memorial & Central IL Honor Flight Charity Car Show Registration 9a, Awards 2p. Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum [3635 US 36, www. chevrolethalloffamemuseum. com] 9a
LHP Live and UnPlugged! From Elton John to Prince... one of the greatest acoustic acts to ever hit this area! Long Creek Vineyards [7185 E Firehouse Rd, www. longcreekvineyards.com, 521.6297] 3-6p
Preschool Peepers Going Nuts Go nuts for nature! Join us for activities and stories while learning about trees and nuts that can be found in your very own backyard. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 10a
Brew Ha Ha Where can you experience men you know in lederhosen, authentic accordion music, German folk dancing and a steady flow of beer? Decatur’s own version of Oktoberfest. Join our “German” bar maids for a rousing evening that includes a “Taste of Germany” along with free domestic draft beer, cash bar, door prizes and a Best German Costume contest. Grab your “freunds,” lift your mugs high and sing a few German beer drinking songs! $35, Hickory Point Golf Course Pavilion [Weaver Rd, Forsyth, www.decaturarts. org, 423.3189] 6p
Moonlight & Magnolias A delightful tale of three men laboring to write the screenplay to one of the most beloved films of all time, Gone with the Wind. In 1939, legendary producer David O. Selznick locks himself, his new director and screenwriter in a room for five days to accomplish what appears to be an impossible task. Shilling Auditorium [Richland Community College, theatre7. net] 7:30p (Fr & Sa), 2p (Su)
Walk to End Alzheimer's Fairview Park [act.alz.org] 10a
Saturday, 6
Autumn Paints the Woodlands Join the naturalist as we hike through a back woods trail and gather some colorful leaves to create your very own piece of art. Discover why leaves change color and which trees are red, yellow, orange or brown. Reservations by 9.28. Rock Springs Nature Center
Saturday Produce Market Fresh fruits and vegetables grown by students and local farmers, managed by Richland Student Farms. Richland Community College [Shilling Parking Lot] 8a-12p
20 | october 2012
Community Game Day Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. The Salvation Army [229 W Main St, www. decaturgamers.com] 1p Women's Conference Gospel Sing, The Kings IV. Second Church of God [2670 E Division] 1p
Broadway's Next H!T Musical Every song is different. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It's all improvised and it's all funny. $15-18, Millikin University [Kirkland Fine Arts Center, millikin.edu/ kirkland] 8p Thousand Yard Stare Woody's Bar [1190 W Southside Dr] 9p Chris Bradley & Jen Hood Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9:30p-12a
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!
Blackened Metallica Tribute Band. $5, Sliderz [5995 E US Rt 36] 10p
Mark & Pam Fisher West Decatur Church of God [4500 W Main] 6p
10.6-10.7
Monday, 8
Chief Illiniwek Boat Regatta 2nd Annual Boat Regatta! Lake Decatur [Decatur] Men's Slow Pitch Tournament Rotary Park [2450 S Rt 51]
Sunday, 7
Sunday Blues Adrian Muex. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln] 1p Guitar Ensemble I The KirkOut: Chamber Series is an informal lecture-recital series offering the audience an experience that combines informative dialogue with great creative exchanges. Free, Decatur Public Library [Madden Auditorium, millikin. edu] 2p The Cherokee Trail of Tears from Georgia to Illinois Guest speaker Don Chamberlain will investigate the removal of this group of Native Americans in the 1830s. Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 2-3p Vocasphere Choral music with a progressive edge. In concert with Millikin University Choir and Alumni Choir. Free, Central Christian Church [650 W William] 2p
What's Bugging Belva? Come to the grand opening of our new temporary exhibit -- we will have bug crafts and a bug display! Free for members, $5, Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, www.cmofil. com, 423.5437] 11a-1p
Tuesday, 9
Fall Concert: Decatur Municipal Band Tabernacle Baptist Church [650 N Wyckles Rd] Time TBD
Educational Dinner Radiation Oncology & Urologic Oncology doctors speak. Dinner by Bizou. $25, Madden Arts Center [125 N Water] 6-9p D' Brew Crew Decatur area home-brewers meeting. Are you a home brewer, or interested in starting? Come check us out, and bring your homebrew with you. Call or email for location each month. dbrewcrew@facebook.com [TBD, 309.824.8573] 7p
Wednesday, 10
Mt Zion Chamber Luncheon Speaker: Kim Carlson, Exhibitor: Pastor Steve DeVore. Antioch Christian Church [5409 US 36, www. mtzionchamber.org] 11:30a
College & Career Fair Over 1,600 junior and senior high school students from 24 area high schools and alternative programs will have the opportunity to connect with approximately 80 representatives from 2- & 4-year colleges, technical and apprenticeship programs and the military. DISC [1295 W Wood] 8:30-11:30a
10.10-10.14
Coneflowers Go CRAZY! Martha Smith, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension, will explain the recent history of this coneflower craze. 4H Extension Office [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd] 1p Craft Night Create four fall-themed "thank you" cards. Pre-register by 10.7. $10, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & CafĂŠ [256 W Main, 422.3300] 5:30p
The Little Dog Laughed Uproarious contemporary comedy follows the story of Mitchell and his brazen, manipulative, and acerbic agent, Diane, as they attempt to navigate these treacherous waters of Hollywood celebrity. $8, Pipe Dreams Studio [424.6318] 7:30p (We-Sa), 2p (Su)
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October Events Thursday, 11
Greater Decatur Chamber Lunch 'n Learn Master the Sales Process. Main Place Bar & Grill [101 S Main St, www.decaturchamber.com] 12-1p OctoberWest Wear your cowboy hat and join us for burgers, brats, root beer, and bluegrass right on our front lawn. Benjamin F Edwards & Co [2884 N Monroe, 876.0649] 4-6:30p American Girl Club Learn about the "American Girl" Kaya, from a Nez Perce tribe in 1764, the legend of dream catchers, and make an exciting craft! Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www.mtzion.lib.il.us, 864.3622] 4:30-5:30p Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. Diamonds Family Restaurant [2959 North Oakland Ave, www. decaturgamers.com] 5p Greater Decatur Chamber Business After Hours Cromwell Group, Inc of IL [410 N Water, Suite B, www. decaturchamber.com] 5-7p Coneflowers Go CRAZY! Martha Smith, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension, will explain the recent history of this coneflower craze. 4H Extension Office [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd] 7p
22 | october 2012
Friday, 12
LHP Reservations encouraged! Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main, 330.6483] 8-11p Whoopee Cats Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 8p-12a Katz 1 Year Anniversary The Veggies. Katz [112 Merchant St] 9p-1a The Tallent Brothers Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9:30p-12a
10.12-10.13, 10.1910.21 & 10.25-10.31
Haunted Decatur Tours 3 Tours - Haunted Decatur, Ghost Hunters, & Haunted Decatur Ghosts & Crime Tour. All depart from the Avon Theatre. $30-45 [haunteddecatur.com] Times Vary
10.12-10.14
American Street Rod Association Car Show Cars the way they were built back in the heyday of the hot rod, back before digital gauges, back before cars were on a trailer to shows, back before the muscle car era, and where you hear live music that reflects the spirit of the hot rod. $20-30 (car entry), $5 (person). Progress City USA [RCC, One College Park] 8a-5p (Fr & Sa) 10a-3p (Su)
Saturday, 13
Moose Lodge Poker Run Coziahr H-D速 [150 W Marion] 9-11a
2nd Saturday Book Sale Looking for a hidden gem or a favorite movie? Check out the 2nd Saturday Used Book Sale. Decatur Public Library [Book Sale Room, www.decaturlibrary.org] 9:30a-12:30p Animal Crackers Class: Bump in the Night Children ages 3-5 can listen to a story, meet an animal, create a craft with their adult guests and snack on animal crackers! $9-10, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, www. decatur-parks.org, 421.7435] 9:30-10:15a & 11-11:45a Dulcimer Club Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 10a Sand Creek Trail Run Sand Creek Conservation Area [S Franklin Rd, www. decaturrunningclub.com] 10a 3rd Annual Lawn Mower Poker Run Door prizes, 50/50 drawings, refreshments at each stop. Riding Lawn Mowers, Tractors, Golf Carts, Go Carts, UTV's. $10 [Parking lot across from Da Burg Bar & Grill, Warrensburg, 520.4285] 11a Bird Feeder Building Workshop If you build it, they will come! Join us as we create a birdfeeder for your backyard. You will be amazed at the variety of birds and other animals that will visit. Children are encouraged to attend accompanied by an adult.
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!
Reservations by 10.8. $10, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 11a Car Show Tanglewood Village [1293 S 34th St, 423.5838] 11a-2p Pumkin Run $10 (hand), Wild Dog Saloon [815 S 22nd St] 11a Saturday Book Club We get the books and you read them! To register contact library. Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, barclay.lib.il.us, 672.3621] 11a R.O.A.R Benefit Sliderz [5995 E US Rt 36] 1p Easter Seals Benefit Our FINAL show of the season!! We're taking it out with a BANG! Wine, food, and Hitmen & A Dame! Long Creek Vineyards [7185 E Firehouse Rd, www.longcreekvineyards. com, 521.6297] 3-6p
Home Builders Tent Party Matt Carter Band (8p). Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 7p-12a MDSO: The Mahler Sixth A huge orchestra for two early-20th century masterpieces, including the most powerful of all the Mahler symphonies. $1316.50, Millikin University [Kirkland Fine Arts Center] 7:30p
Central Illinois Collegium Concert Millikin University [Kaeuper Hall, millikin.edu] 6p
Alligator Wine The Adams Apple/Barb's Place [411 N 22nd St] 8p-12a RetroSpect Rambo's Pub & Grub [113 E Elm, Argenta] 9p Thin Ice Pop's Place [4335 W Main] 9p-1a Sonny Stubble 5-piece rock/blues/groove band. Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9:30p-12a
100 Dollar Dinner 2 ribeyes and a chance to win $6500. Mt Zion Lion's Club [1595 W Main, Mt Zion, www.mtionlionsclub.com, 428.1171]
DJ David Philbilly Katz [112 Merchant St] 10p
Crusin' Night on Eldo [Eldo, 972.9049] 6p
Sunday, 14
GLAD Social Fellowship, Potluck 7p followed by program. Location TBD [www. gladdecatur.com] 6:30p
MU Bands Concert Symphonic Wind Ensembles and the University Concert Band. Free, Millikin University [Kirkland Fine Arts Center, millikin.edu] 2p
Trash Martini $5, Sliderz [5995 E US Rt 36] 10p
Rob Brogdon West Decatur Church of God [4500 W Main] 6p
Monday, 15
Jazz Combos Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland, millikin.edu] 6p
Tuesday, 16
Christmas in the 1800's Join the Garden Club of Decatur for a program with Nancy Torgerson. Cookies and tea will be served. Free, Decatur Public Library [Madden Auditorium, www. decaturlibrary.org] 1p Friends of the Zoo Pumpkin Carving Friends of the Zoo can carve pumpkins to be displayed at Boo at the Zoo! Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, www. decatur-parks.org, 421.7435] 5-7p
Bluegrass Music Jams Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 1-4p
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October Events Craft Night Create fall home decorations, including a candle, 8 placecards, and a frameable art piece. Pre-register by 10.14. $10, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & CafĂŠ [256 W Main, 422.3300] 5:30p
Friday, 19
Wednesday, 17
Bark & Howl Halloween Party Pet Parade, Pooch Trick or Treat, refreshments, games, prizes, costume contest. Millie & Bo's Pet Barkery [2890 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr, 872.1111] 5-7p
Saturday, 20
Soul Purpose Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland, soulpurposerocks. com] 8p-12a
Halloween Fun Activity Join us for a spook-tacular party as we decorate a pumpkin, make yummy treats, and enjoy some not-sospooky Halloween stories! For ages 3-5. $7-10, DISC [1295 W Wood, www.decatur-parks. org, 429.3472] 10-10:45a & 11-11:45a
Wii Games Join us for some Wii gaming on the BIG screen! Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, barclay.lib.il.us] 2-3:30p Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, www. decaturgamers.com] 5p Decatur History Club Free, Decatur Public Library [Staley Room, www. decaturlibrary.org] 7p
Thursday, 18
DPL Book Club "Corduroy Mansions" by Alexander McCall Smith. Decatur Public Library [Board Room, www.decaturlibrary. org] 1p Lego Club Sign up for this great afterschool activity and be sure to bring your own Legos! Mt Zion District Library [115 W Main St, Mt Zion, www. mtzion.lib.il.us, 864.3622] 4:30-5:30p Gourmet-Easy Goes International Gil LeBois and wife Florence. Poulet Basquise, red peppers, and pie. $36, The Gathering Place: Haines & Essick [130 E William, 217.429.4374] 6p
24 | october 2012
The Seeing Eye Photography Contest. Open to all amateur photographers. Prizes Awarded. $5/entry, Richland Community College [One College Park, richland. edu, 875.7211 x386] 4-8p
Neverland (Unplugged) Reservations for dinner are highly recommended! Paco's Sol Bistro [237 N Main, 330.6483] 8:30-11:30p
10.19-10.21
Midland Magic Fall Showcase Rotary Park/Borg Warner [2450 S Rt 51]
10.19-10.21, 10.2510.31
Boo at the Zoo Enjoy a safe Halloween with fun for the entire family! Hundreds of Jack-o'-lanterns guide you through the spooky treat stations. Take a ride on the Fright Night Express and the Endangered Species Carousel. $3-4, Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd] 5:30-8p (Mo-Fr), 3-8p (Sa-Su)
10.19-10.21 & 10.2610.28
Terror-ific Mini Golf Get a "howl-in-one" at Paul's Haunted Puttin' Place! Come in costume and receive a treat. $3-4, Nelson Park [2215 E Cantrell, 429.3472] 5:30-8p Big Creek Fun Show Big Creek Riding Center [4961 E Lost Bridge Rd] Time TBD Fall Vendor/Craft Fair Illini Park Building [Warrensburg] 10a-2p
Lego Club For boys and girls of all ages!! Lego Club includes a story, a snack and creative play. The creations will be on display at the library. RSVP. Blue Mound Library [213 N St Marie, Blue Mound, www. bluemoundlibrary.lib.il.us, 692.2774] 10-11:30a Fall Colors Hike Sand Creek Conservation Area [S Franklin Rd, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 11a Pumpkin Palooza Come to the Museum for treats, pumpkin tossing and scarecrow making! $1 members, $6 non-members,
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!
Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, www. cmofil.com, 423.5437] 11a-3p Rick Beck Poker Ride & Benefit Poker Run (12-5p), Food (5:307p), Music (6p). Elks Lodge [2210 E Hickory St] 12p
Trivia Night Door prizes, mulligans, silent auction. $10-15/person, Heartland Community Church [3253 N Brush College] 6p
Sunday, 21
Farming in Early Illinois Learn how farming evolved from the days of log cabin pioneers into the world Rachel Severe Allen Benefit of railroads, stockyards, Shay Thiele, Matt Livasy, Matt grain elevators, agricultural Carter Band, Soul Purpose, societies, improved breeds Black n Blue Band. Sliderz and patented implements. [5995 E US Rt 36] 1p Rock Springs Nature Center Family Fun Fall Color Collage [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. Fall is full of beautiful colors! Find art in nature as we gather org] 2p leaves full of fall colors to Cross Country make your very own collage. Twosome Relay Rock Springs Nature Center Two people make up the [3939 Nearing Ln, www. relay team with divisions in maconcountyconservation. youth, adult, parent/child, and org] 1:30p husband/wife. The course is a one-mile loop with each You Can Brew It! person alternating miles, Homebrewing 101 running two miles each for a Do you enjoy good quality total of four miles. $5 (relay), craft beer? Home brewing is $1 (tot), Fairview Park [Pavilion a fun and rewarding hobby 1, www.decatur-parks.org, that is enjoyed by millions 429.3472] 3:15 (Registration), of people all over the world. 4p (Tot Trot), 4:10p (relay) Scott Pointon will discuss equipment, ingredients, Singles/Couples Dance processes, and resources $10, Knights of Columbus available to would-be brew [520 E North, dancingdates. masters. Free, Decatur Public com] 5-8p Library [Madden Auditorium, www.decaturlibrary.org] 2p Clinton Everetts West Decatur Church of God Oakwood Street Party [4500 W Main] 6p Ball & Chain (5-7p), Matt Carter (8-9p), Devin Clemons Mark & Pam Fisher (9p-12a). [Oakland & Main] Oreana Baptist Church [107 W 5p-12a Bower, Oreana] 6p
DJ David Lee Katz [112 Merchant St] 10p
Monday, 22
MU High School Honor Band & MU Wind Ensemble Top instrumental students from over twenty high schools in central Illinois. $5, Millikin University [Kirkland Fine Arts Center, millikin.edu/ kirkland] 7:30p
Tuesday, 23
Culinary Arts Luncheon $10, Richland Community College [Shilling Center] Seatings at 11:30a or 12:30p Nonfiction Book Club Leviathan by Eric Dolin. Decatur Public Library [Board Room, www.decaturlibrary. org] 1p Too Cute To Spook Decatur IL Moms hosts their second annual costume party! There will be food and door prizes! $1 members, $3 in costume, $5 not in costume/ non-member, Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, www.cmofil. com, 423.5437] 5-7:30p
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Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to events@thrivedecatur.com october 2012 | 25
October Events Wednesday, 24
Friday, 26
Open House Wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres. Whitestar Home Health Agency [535 W Eldo, 462.0355] 5-7p
CASAtume Party Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland] 7p
National Sequestration Education Development Tools and resources to provide detailed lessons pertaining to renewable energy. Richland Community College [One College Park] Time TBD
Aaron Klein to Speak Senior reporter and Jerusalem bureau chief, and host of "Aaron Klein Investigative Radio" on WABC Radio. Q&A after remarks. $20, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, 217.362.9800] 7p
Thursday, 25
Celebrity Waiter Happy hour/silent auction (5p), Dinner/comic: David Ferrell (6p). $50, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, decaturymca.org, 872.3835 x147] 5p
12-Hour Radio Thon Tune in and take part. Nelson's BBQ, Advanced tickets required. Benefit for Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. $7 (lunch), Cromwell Group, Parking Lot [Eldo & Franklin, 875.1910] 6a-6p
Rock of Ages Bourbon Barrel [1355 Illinois 48, www.roaband.com] Clusterpuck Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland] 9:30p-12a
Saturday, 27
Dulcimer Club Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 10a Super Saturday Recess Open gym with inflatables, scooters, basketball, tumbling and more! Ages 4-11. $3.50, DISC [1295 W Wood, www. decatur-parks.org, 429.3472] 10a-12p
Poetry Reading Widely-published international poets, Drs. David Gardiner and Dan Guillory, will be reading. Oglesby Mansion Pumpkin Party/Spooky [421 W William, 429.0115] 7-9p Stories Barclay Public Library [220 S 10.25-10.26 Main St, Warrensburg, barclay. Percussion Ensembles lib.il.us] 10:30a-12p Halloween Concert All-ages, family-friendly Fall Colors Hike event. Guests are invited Rock Springs Nature Center to join the ensembles in [3939 Nearing Ln, www. costume; best costume maconcountyconservation. prizes will be awarded. $8, org] 11a Millikin University [Albert Taylor Theatre, millikin.edu, 217.424.6318] 7:30p (Th), 6p & 8p(Fr)
26 | october 2012
Historic Walking Tour Abe Lincoln’s last appearance in Decatur, railroad crossing that was a frequent stop during presidential campaign whistle-stop tours, old police lock-up used to hold disorderly citizens during the Levee’s wildest days, and an early Decatur industry. Free, Begins at Wabash Depot Antiques Center [780 E Cerro Gordo] 1-3p Using GPS for Geocaching: More Than Just Finding Yourself Learn about GPS Unit outdoor applications in addition to geocaching, plus some helpful tips. Free, Decatur Public Library [Madden Auditorium, www. decaturlibrary.org] 1p Geocaching 102: Hands On Learn how to register for a geocaching account and find geocaches around the house. Weather permitting, the group will also go hunt for some geocaches near the library. Registration required. Decatur Public Library [Computer Lab, www. decaturlibrary.org, 424.2900 x7] 2:15p Jazz Band I Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland, millikin.edu] 3:30p Fall Harvest Festival Wagon rides, make a scarecrow, decorate a pumpkin, wiener roast, and stories by the campfire. Reservation by 10.22. $10, Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln,www. maconcountyconservation. org] 4-8:30p
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!
Kid Cadillac Sliderz [5995 E US Rt 36] 4-7p The Power House Five Food available. $20, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie,www.juvaejazz.com, 217.546.1363] 5-8p Gangsters, Gals, and Gumshoes Mystery Theatre. 1920's dress encouraged. Fun times with music, food, and mystery. Diamond necklace raffle. $85, Richards Treat University Center [Millikin University, 233.3391] 6p RetroSpect Rusty Spur [4380 W Main] 9p Riverbottom Nightmare Band Annual Halloween Party! Sliderz [5995 E US Rt 36] 9p-1a Halloween Party DJ David Lee, Cash prizes, costume contest, drink specials. $5 cover, Katz [112 Merchant St] 10p
Fall Colors Hike Fort Daniel Conservation Area [Mt Zion, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 1p
Trunk or Treat Decatur West Side Church of the Nazarene [1224 W Grand, www.westsidenaz.net]
Fall Choral Concert I Central Christian Church [650 W William, millikin.edu] 2p
17th Annual Trick-n-Trunk Candy, toys, coupons, certificates. Non-scary costumes and decorated cars. Fun and safe environment for kids. Free, Mt Calvary Lutheran Church [2055 S Franklin St, 217.428.0641] 6-8p
Governor Oglesby Mansion Open House $2, Oglesby Mansion [421 W William, www. maconcountyconservation. org] 2-4p Open House $2, Millikin Homestead [125 N Pine] 2-4p
Harvest Fest Games, giveaways, trunk or treat, and prize awarded to the best decorated Bible theme trunk. Heartland Community Church [3253 N Brush College] 6-8p
Fall Choral Concert II Central Christian Church [650 W William, millikin.edu] 4p
Monday, 29
Trunk r Treat South Shores Christian Church [230 Bristol Dr, southshores. net] 6-8p
Tuesday, 30
The Scream Haunted Adventure 22 horrifying scenes, double vortex tunnels, a grave crawl and Claustrophobia Hallway.$10 [620 N Mercer, 423.4222] 7-10p
Jazz Combos Lock Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland, millikin.edu] 6p
Halloween Cabaret III The show is a musical revue featuring songs from various cult horror/sci-fi musicals. Kaeuper Hall [MU] 10:3011:30p
Decatur Gamers Family-friendly group playing board, card, and role-playing games. Games available or bring your own. Godfather's Pizza [4829 E Us Route 36, Mt Zion, www.decaturgamers. com] 5p
Sunday, 28
Wednesday, 31
Halloween in the Halls Bring the kids to MU. A safe, family-friendly environment is provided for trick or treating and a spook-tacular good time! Richards Treat University Center [Millikin University, 326.6410] 12-3p
Trick or Treat Night [Mt Zion] 5-8p
Researching Your Roots Learn how to use databases to help you trace family history through the U.S. Census, birth, death and marriage records. Decatur Public Library [Computer Lab, www. decaturlibrary.org] 1-3p
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Listing your event with THRIVE is absolutely FREE! Send your info by the 15th to events@thrivedecatur.com october 2012 | 27
GUIDE TO BECOMING A ZOMBIE
by Michelle Stephens
Halloween is just around the corner and kids and adults alike are scrambling to get supplies together for their costume. Many will turn to zombies as their monster of choice. Before you lurch out on the town that night, take some time to ask yourself a few questions to really add some realism to your zombie costume.
CHARACTER Who were you?
Who was your zombie before he was zombified? Was he a businessman? A police officer? A clergyman? This gives you a place to start. Take a moment to put together a costume. Zombie brides and zombie businesspersons are pretty popular but I think the story becomes even more compelling if you go for something a little more obscure. Personally I’d like to see a zombie lunch lady, zombie Obama, or a zombie construction worker. Take a little time to put a costume together that reveals to the viewer who you might have been before you became a zombie. Don’t forget to be careful to choose a costume that you don’t mind getting stained.
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HISTORY
How did you die?
Were you clubbed? Stabbed? Bitten? This is the first layer of putting down your zombie makeup. Every zombie had a moment of death which is probably brutal but it doesn’t have to be. If appropriate, your zombie should be sporting death wounds. The older the wound the darker and drier the blood. It is important that you think about this incident separate from your zombie makeup. It is an important part of the story.
TIMELINE
How long ago did you die?
There is a huge difference between a day old zombie and a year old zombie. Bodies decay, discolor, the flesh on the face and torso sinks and sags. Moss can grow, hair gets thin. There is definitely a lot to work with there. A fresh zombie might have only a deathly pallor where a more aged zombie might have mold and fungus growing at the temples (think Beetlejuice), or a mottled texture to the skin (which can be done with a stipple sponge and some Misty Violet). If your zombie was killed a while ago you are going to have two different ages and conditions of blood in your costume design. That’s ok!
ZOMBIE HOBBIES
What have you been up to lately?
Been eating brains? Just been shuffling along? Been involved in a limb-hacking zombie apocalypse? Sell it. Be specific. Less is more and zombies are one of the easiest costumes to really do well or to really do poorly.
In the end, planning and executing great zombie makeup is more about your thought process than your ability to spend a lot of money or know a bunch of advanced makeup techniques. Even still, there are a TON of terrible zombie costumes out there. So if you’re going to be a zombie this Halloween, be a good one, and please, for the sake of all things theatrical, eat the bad zombies, according to their makeup, they’re not actually dead!
and Hundreds of Accessories!
Wigs, Masks, Makeup, and costumes from xs to 3x-4x Mon-Fri 9:30am-9pm Saturday 9:30am-7pm Sunday 11am-5pm
3090 N Water St. (Brettwood Village) 217-872-7777 october 2012 | 29
Fabulous Fall Fun at Black Bart’s
Pumpkin patch delivers a wicked good time for all
Article: Joli Hohenstein Photos: Shirley Shaw
Looking for just the right blend of spooky and sassy fun? When fall hits around here, those in the know head for the only pumpkin patch named for legendary Decatur-born stagecoach robber Black Bart. A legend in its own right, Warrensburg’s orange jewel delivers with pick-yourown or already picked options, a massive gourd and pumpkin selection, corn and wood mazes, a haunted barn, a full crop of character cutouts for photo ops and more. A fortress of family fun nestled among 18 acres of pumpkins, Black Bart’s Pumpkin Patch’s headliners include five Nubian and Alpine goats. Feed them yourself for just 25¢ a pop, and then take the little ones to the kid-friendly “haunted” house just a few steps away. 30 | october 2012
“We set it up so even the smallest ones can go through it,” says Shirley Johner, who runs the patch with her family, coowner and husband Mark, son Lucas and daughter-in-law Brandi and son Joel and girlfriend Krista Reynolds. To keep pulses racing, Shirley designs the 2-acre corn maze herself every year, delighting in carving out the twists, turns and dead ends that keep visitors—and Mark—guessing. “This year when we were putting out the signs he was asking how many dead ends I put in it,” she cackles. How do you go about building a corn maze anyway? You double plant it, then when it’s knee high (and that’s not on Fourth of July, despite the old adage), you go out with a lawn mower and cut it.
That works great unless you let it get too tall. “Then you have to stop and stand on the mower to see where you’re going,” Shirley laughs. Beyond that, it’s all about instinct and having fun with it. “You want to have as many dead ends as you can, and make sure there’s only one way out,” she says. Nearby, a wood maze makes for additional confounding fun, and bins of corn are the perfect spot for little tykes to search for toys. A bumper crop of clever cutouts lends the perfect setting for family photos and annual updates, including a giant pumpkin growth chart that leads to lines year after year. Kids of all ages delight in posing as aliens, pumpkins, Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein and any number of fun characters. When you’re ready to get down to business, grab a wagon and head to the patch to harvest your own, or explore the lawn, lined with row after row of options—more than 30 different types of pumpkins alone. How do they decide what to grow? “We stick with the die hards, and we’re also always trying new things,” says Shirley. “You want a variety of sizes and colors, plus the different squashes and things like that.” Best sellers? The 30 pound-plus pumpkins with the great big stems. You just can’t find them in stores, she says. And the knuckleheads, those fascinating wartcovered gourds that alternately enthrall and appall. Wagons stocked full of mini gourds offer another great option for fall decorating or the perfect kid-size souvenir. Grab a bag and pick your mix. Of course the stars of the show are the real bumper crop—the handful of 100-to 150-pound behemoths Shirley hand picks for front row seating every year. Kids love to climb on the massive pumpkins; parents love the photo ops they provide, both alone and with the mini covered wagon they sit alongside. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 october 2012 | 31
Behind the wagon, you’ll find a charming country store filled with crafts, décor, gifts and pumpkins and gourds hand painted by Shirley and Brandi, who also lends her artistic talents for face painting. Follow your retail therapy by tempting your taste buds with a delectable baked good or fresh popped corn from the store, or settle in for a picnic lunch or snack from the onsite concession trailer, featuring hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, nachos, chili and mouthwatering pumpkin blossoms. However you choose to make your fall fun, Black Bart’s offers options to delight all five senses, keeping goblins and ghouls of all ages spectacularly spooked. Get There Black Bart’s Pumpkin Patch 9381 W. Wise Rd., Warrensburg Open through October 31 217.672.8287, blackbartspumpkinpatch.com Find them on Facebook! Monday-Saturday 9a-6p Sunday 11a-6p Free admission
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october 2012 | 33
Broadway’s Next H!T Musical Saturday, October 6 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 15 - 7:30 p.m.
tkts
(217) 424-6318
34 | october 2012
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