Jerry Johnson Mr. Theatre
TOYS Good
Naber Snow Days
Pick up your free copy at any of these locations: Argenta, Forsyth, Oreana Veolia Environmental Services • Gerber State Bank - Argenta • Gerber State Bank - Oreana • Melisty Mart • Nola’s Hair Salon • Old Book Barn • Oreana Public Library • Architectural Expressions • Applebee’s • Coziahr Harley Davidson • Love at First Sight • Ramada Limited • Soy Capital • Speed Lube - Forsyth • Texas Roadhouse Decatur-North ADM • Aloha • America’s Best Value Inn • Cartridge World • Caterpillar • Coffee Connection • Curly’s • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Mutual Insurance • DECU - North • Dragon Buffet • Dynagraphics/ FastImpressions • El Matador • Endless Summer Tanning • Fuji • Greater Decatur Y • Krekels • La Gondola • Lana’s Cakewalk • Land of Lincoln CU - Mound • Land of Lincoln CU - Oakland • Macon County Farm Bureau • Main Hangar • McGorray’s Golf & Grille • Miles Chevrolet • Millie & Bo’s • Monical’s • Nissan • Northgate Pet Clinic • Pla-Mor Lanes • Play it Again Sports • Pride Coin Laundry • Richland Community College • Soy Capital • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube - Pershing • Tropix Salon and Spa • Up N’ Runnin’ Decatur-East / Mt. Zion Attitudes • Awakened Yoga • Decatur Airport • Decatur Beach House • Decatur Dental Care • Del’s Express • Dreamer’s Diner • El Matador • Good Naber Specialty Foods • Hawthorne Suites • Krekel’s • Kroger • La Gondola • Linda’s Music • Maustell’s Pizza • Merry Maids • Millenium Tan • Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce • Pizza Hut • Priceless Smiles/Styles & Smiles • Pride Coin Laundry • Renew Total Wellness • Soy Capital • Speed Lube - East Eldo • Speed Lube Total Care - East Eldo • Timbuktu • Triple Dog Dare Ya • Unique Boutique • Wabash Depot Antique Center Decatur-South Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Decatur Athletic Club • Guadalajara • Kroger • Mari Mann Herbs Co • Sakura • Solar Tan • Speed Lube - Franklin Decatur-West Bourbon Barrel • Clockwork Pizza • Days Inn • Decatur Conference Center • DMH Express Care Fairview • Donnies Homespun Pizza • Firewater Cafe • First Wok • Garcia’s Pizza • It’s Just a Little Prick • Kroger • Leo H. Berger Insurance • LockStock & Barrel • Mi Pueblito • Millikin University/Kirkland • Pride Coin Laundry • Richland Extension Office • Sound Check Music Center • Speed Lube - Grand • Speed Lube - West Eldo • Tasty’s Chicago Grille - W. Eldo • The Winery • Whitestar Home Healthcare Service Decatur-Downtown Baker Law Office • Bellasara • Blue Connection • Chamber of Commerce • CITC • Coney McKanes • Decatur Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau • Decatur Civic Center • Decatur Professional Plaza • Decatur Public Library • Da Franco’s Pizza • Different by Design • Doherty’s Pub & Pins • Earthen Pottery • Fringe • Giggles • Goodfellas • Haines & Essick Co. • It’s a Girl Thing • Jimmy Ryan’s • Katz on Merchant • Madden Arts Center • Mike’s Hairstyling • Neuhoff Media • Nova Framing / Gallery 510 • One Main Place Building • Paco’s Sol Bistro • Pastabilities • Petals • Porter’s on Merchant • Promax Construction • Regions • Robbies Outlet • Salon 402 • Shear Learning • Shop on Main • Sloan’s Calzones • Soy Capital • Spa Villa • Studio 7 • The Decanter • The Decatur Club • The Fox’s Den • Tournesol • Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe • Zips Florist by the Gates
Subscribe at www.thrivedecatur.com/iwantthrive (receive 12 issues for only $15) If you have a great place to distribute THRIVE monthly, let us know! 217.791.5653
02 | december 2010
THRIVE is a publication of Showcard Studio 363 S. Main St #435 • 217.791.5653 Find us on facebook! THRIVE Decatur www.thrivedecatur.com
in this issue
05
Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com
14
Managing Editor: Jayson Albright editor@thrivedecatur.com The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com
28
Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein Contributors: Aric Lee Jayson Albright Katrina Smalley Sarah Gaughan Todd Hauser
30
Photographers: Alida Duff Sullivan Jayson Albright Sarah Gaughan Travis Lickey Layout Design: Showcard Studio
BEHIND the THRIVE
Printing: Wood Printing
Out and About
THRIVE
is a monthly entertainment guide for the Decatur area, but it 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. 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.
SPOTLIGHT: Good Naber Specialty Foods The Food Dude: Adventures in Gluten-Free The Locker Room: Macon County Hockey Jon Griffin: Poster Child November Events 501 Club: Top or Bottom Visual Guide to Toys: Then & Now Jerry Johnson: Mr. Theatre THRIVE 3Way: Three Ways to Maximize your (Adult) Snow Day
04 05 08 10 12 14 18 25 28 30 34
Cover art: Jon Griffin
Don’t miss your chance to advertise in next month’s issue! CALL 217.791.5653 december 2010 | 03
BEHIND THE
THRIVE
Ex tra bits and pieces from the minds that bring you THRIVE! First of all, a big “Thank You!” to Flo (at Coney McKane’s) for making the awesome
gluten-free sugar cookies you see above using Andrea’s Gluten-Free Flour Blend from Good Naber Specialty Foods (Spotlight, p.08). They tasted incredible! Or rather, they tasted just like regular old sugar cookies; something our Food Dude absolutely appreciated after a month-long dive into a gluten-free diet (p.10).
Second of all, in honor of this issue’s Visual Guide on toys (p.28), we thought it would be fun to ask the Thrive team what their favorite toys were growing up! Mine? Furry ol’ loveable Grover was with me always. Happiest Holidays!
Alida
Favorite Toys
Kerby the Koala Bear “To this day he is sitting on my desk as I edit photos.”
Joli
Peaches & Cream Barbie “The last Barbie I got. She was beautiful!”
04 | december 2010
Aric
Wiffle Ball & Bat “Only child + big back yard = a big reason I do play-by-play for a profession.”
Food Dude Easy Bake Oven “Duh.”
Steph
Cheerbear
“My Care Bear. I still have it at my house.”
Sarah Dirt
“No kidding. Just add water to kick the whole experience up a notch.”
Kat- BB Gun
“Too bad mom found out.”
Out & about
A look back at last month’s happenings
Mayor McElroy flips the switch on the Water Street Park Christmas tree
Hickor y Point Bank’s Safety Sam makes his parade debut
All Images: Jayson Albright
Candy! The man, the myth, the Santa!
It’s Beginning to look a Lot Like Christmas
Downtown Decatur lights up as it kicks off the official 2010 Christmas Season by Jayson Albright
Decatur officially launched the 2010 Christmas season Saturday, November 20th with the lighting of a 30 foot Christmas tree in Water Street Park, the Jaycees third annual Lights of Christmas Parade, and the arrival of Santa in Central Park. The tree-lighting ceremony was lightly attended but understandably so, as the streets were lined with families anticipating the Christmas Parade. Folks were staking their spots along the route as early as 4:30, and the crowd overall was visibly larger than last year’s.
december 2010 | 05
Out & about
A look back at last month’s happenings “Hey, guys! We lost Travis!” “No, wait. There he is. On top of the bass.”
Best Mann
Travis Mann Band returns to Paco’s Sól Bistro by Jayson Albright photos by Travis Lickey
Ain’t no party like a Travis Mann party cuz’ a Travis Mann party don‘t stop! Nashville’s Travis Mann Band returned to Decatur’s Paco’s Sól Bistro Friday, November 19th (sponsored in part by Thrive). Performing to a house packed with enthusiastic music lovers, this was the band’s third visit to the Downtown destination and they did not disappoint. Full of high-energy rock-a-billy swagger, Travis and the boys had the crowd singing, dancing, and laughing all night long!
Paco’s packed ‘em in for TMB’s per formance
06 | december 2010
Are we there yet?
Theater’s Big Weekend
Image: Jayson Albright
What a sight! The line for the Mt. Zion School Choir Annual Fall Show (performed November 5th and 6th) at the Lincoln Square Theater wrapped around the block! --JA T7’s SUDS
2nd weekend of Nov sees choices galore for fans of live entertainment Image: Sarah Jane Photography
The notion of “nothing to do here” was obliterated the weekend of November 12th with not one, not two, but four major theatrical productions across town: Richland Community College’s Macbeth; Millikin University’s The Drowsy Chaperone; Theatre 7’s SUDS: The Rocking 60s Musical Soap Opera; and Hollywood Revisited at the Lincoln Square Theatre. --JA
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It’s showtime for one lucky person, place, or thing!
SPOTLIGHT
Good Naber Specialty Foods
A Gluten-free (GF) diet does not have to equal eating cardboard with a side of sawdust. Just ask Diana Janowiak, who along with her sister Nancy Goss owns Good Naber Specialty Foods in Mt. Zion. It’s a haven of good taste, where gluten-free followers can taste and sample pasta, cookies, breads, crackers, flour, soups, baking mixes, cereals and more; knowing everything there is safe—and tasty! “After my son was diagnosed with celiac disease, I spent years on the Internet and bringing in new stuff, paying for shipping— you could pay $23 shipping on a 4 pound bag of flour! Sometimes you like it but you always run the risk you don’t,” she laments. “Now I test everything in the store, from bakery mixes to meals,” says Diana. “So I know it’s good.” And she’s finding foods that don’t just taste good; they cook good too! Like imported Le Veneziane pastas, which digest easily and are easy to cook. Or her favorite ingredient, Andrea’s Gluten Free Flour Blend, so finely milled it feels like regular flour. “I haven’t used GF recipes for a while—I use Andrea’s flour cup for cup with the regular recipe.”
by Joli Hohenstein Since the GF world got a whiff of her wares, she’s become a destination, known both for her knowledge and her keen eye for delicious gluten-less fare. “We have your staples, but also your unique stuff from bakeries in New York, Pennsylvania, that people wouldn’t know were out there,” she says. “And Udi’s, the number one GF bread—we were the first one to bring it here within 100 miles.” Now nearly a decade into her son’s celiac journey, Diana never stops looking for options. “I just found a bakery in Pennsylvania, The Grainless Baker. There wasn’t a good hamburger or hot dog bun on the market—they were all hard or crumbly. My son hadn’t had a bun in years. I ordered them in, and he went through a package and a half in a week.” It’s results like that that keep her stocking the shelves and making mouths water with choices like mini apple pies, coffee cakes, and cheese cakes; cheddar snack crackers; pumpkin loaves; organic pumpkin and pumpkin pie mix; and for the holidays, seasonal decorated cookies and even gingerbread kits. “It makes you feel good for people to come in and say, ‘I’m so glad you’re here.’ It’s very rewarding,” says Diana. “As soon as I walk in the door, I smile. This is what I was meant to do.” Diana’s Gluten-Free Gotta Haves • Andrea’s Gluten Free Flour Blend (so finely milled it feels like regular flour) • Udi’s bread (and buns coming in January!) • Le Veneziane (pasta imported from Italy) • Pasta Alley (Decatur’s own pasta, now available gluten-free)
photo: Jayson Albright
• The Grainless Baker cheddar crackers Joli Hohenstein is a senior contributor to THRIVE. She is an award-winning freelance writer, marketer, and editor. You can see samples of her work at: www.jolihohenstein.com
08 | december 2010
december 2010 | 09
A Foodie’s take on Decatur cuisine
the Food Dude
Adventures in Gluten-Free
This issue’s Spotlight (p.08) is on Diana Janowiak and her store, Good Naber Specialty Foods, which specializes in gluten-free (GF) items and ingredients. With a friend recently embarking on a GF diet, I thought it a perfect time to take a look at what it means to go gluten-free, and what some options are here in the area. According to our good friend Wikipedia, a GF diet is “a diet completely free of ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, Malts and triticale, as well as the use of gluten as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent. It is the only medically accepted treatment for coeliac disease, the related condition dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy.” To put it another way, you can’t eat anything. At least, that’s what it feels like at first, having slid into a GF diet myself for this article. However, I can honestly say I wound up enjoying the hunt for GF foods, and was surprised by some of the findings. Obviously, Good Naber is a great place to start, and Diana is wonderful to speak with. She knows her stuff because she lives a GF life herself; every item in her store is stocked because she knows the good from the bad through trial and error (FYI, the Glutino pretzels easily stand shoulder to shoulder with their wheat-based brethren). Mari-Mann Herbs and Country Nutrition are also great places to hit, as well as Kroger’s organic section. “Organic” does not necessarily equal GF, though, so you still need to be conscious of labels. In
by T.F. Dude
truth, nosing your way around any grocery outlet can be likened to a GF treasure hunt; if you look close enough, there are some unexpected and exciting finds out there (ie Betty Crocker’s new line of GF cookie and cake mixes). But c’mon. You don’t always want to cook at home. What about restaurants? The good news is that while not every place has a specific GF menu (some do, so always ask), you’re usually good to go via steaks, chickens, fish, veggies, and the like. So finding something somewhere should be relatively easy (though you’ll want to steer clear of any breading). Still, there are some items you just crave. One of the biggest losses for my buddy was pizza until he discovered both Godfather’s and Monical’s offer GF versions. Having tried the two, I’ve got to give the nod to Monical’s; on top of a great taste, they have their GF options printed right on their main menu! Trust me, after asking establishment after establishment if they have a GF menu, this was awesome to discover. And their famous French dressing? It’s GF, too! Beer is all but a complete no-go, though. You can find Redbridge in some stores, and Woodchuck Cider is free and clear. Most wines and hard liquor are good to go, too. All in all, my time in the world of a GF diet was eye-opening, to say the least. My single Thrive page prevents me from going into any real details, but trust me; a simple Google search on “gluten-free +[what you’re looking for]” will yield tons of further information.
Agree? Disagree? Join the discussion at: Facebook.com/DecaturFoodDude 10 | december 2010
The Food Dude is not a professional critic. He just really, really likes food.
A look at local sports straight from “The Fan”
Locker Room The
by Aric Lee
The Face-off ...
Dylan Dunn and goalie Mitchell Lancaster also helped the Varsity team jump out with a perfect start to the season, including a Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament in Chicago at Loyola Academy.
The Intermission ...
The Decatur Hockey program takes pride in its schedule, battling the toughest competition it can assemble before tackling a hopeful postseason slate that – fingers crossed - will finish in the Blackhawk Cup, playing for the State Championship at the United Center in Chicago.
At 260 pounds I’ve never been an elegant swan on ice skates… So yeah, I never played much hockey, but I could’ve. In fact, any kid can! Starting at age four, children of all skill levels (if any) are welcomed into the DYHA family with open arms. “Every child starts in the beginners division until they learn to skate,” DYHA President Rob Lipic says. “Then as their skills improve they get promoted into the House program where they begin to play other teams within the House program every Saturday. Or they have the option to join the travel program. “And once the hockey bug bites you, every family is usually very interested in the travel program.” The House program is made up of four age divisions: Mites, Squirts, Pee Wees, & Bantams. But the pulse of Decatur Hockey is Varsity and Junior Varsity teams made up of high school-aged players throughout the county. “A lot of schools are represented and it’s a varsity club with a wide range of ages,” beams Lipic. Coached by North Dakota native Troy Lancaster with the assistance of Canadianborn Kevin Brassington, the 2010-2011 Varsity team is comprised of eight local high schools: MacArthur, Eisenhower, Mount Zion, Argenta-Oreana, Maroa-Forsyth, Meridian, Warrensburg-Latham, and Central A&M. The club is made up of five seniors, six each of juniors and sophomores, and a trio of freshmen that includes one of the team’s leading scorers, Mt. Zion’s Jack Lock. 12 | december 2010
“Hockey is a great sport that gets the kids great exercise,” Lipic said. “Kids that play it usually play a lot of sports, but they typically embrace hockey, and it becomes their favorite.”
Upcoming Decatur Hockey Varsity Home Games: • December 19th vs. Peoria Notre Dame @ 7:15 p.m. • January 9th vs. Pekin @ 5:45 p.m. • January 15th vs. TBA @ 8:15 p.m.
Overtime ...
Thanksgiving weekend marked the end of the 2010 High School Football Season, and on Sunday, December 5th, ESPNDecatur 1050 AM “The Fan” & St. Mary’s Hospital will honor the gridiron’s best with a 5 p.m. banquet at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Tickets are $15 each; call 428-1050 or hit ESPNDecatur.com for tickets or more info! ARIC LEE hosts “The Aric Lee Show with Justin Lyon”, each weekday from 3-6 p.m. on both WDZ’s ESPNDecatur 1050 AM “The Fan” and ESPNDecatur.com. He is disgusted by yams, creamed corn, Julia Roberts’ laugh, Kid Rock, the University of South Dakota’s marching band, and Flow-bee’s.
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16 | december 2010
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= a THRIVE featured event! for more events visit:
www.thrivedecatur.com EVERY TUESDAY Decatur Chess Club Dohertys Pub & Pins, 428.5612, 7p EVERY WEDNESDAY DJ & Karaoke with Rick Rambo AIW Hall, 7p DJ Mondo Elbow Room, 875.3067, 9p Open Mic Night Donnie’s Homespun Pizza, 126 S Oakland, 9p Comedy Shop Sports Zone - Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Cover charge: $5. For info, 422.8800, 8-9:30p
EVERY THURSDAY Mobile Soundz Karaoke The Pour House, 330.6292, 8p-12a
12.1 Chamber Business Breakfast Gary J. Hoff, EA. The topic of discussion will be changes in DJ David Lee the tax law that will affect tax Lock Stock & Barrel payers this year and the health care bill. $10 pre-registered, EVERY FRIDAY $12 at the door and $15 for Mari-Mann Tea Room non-Chamber members. The Mari-Mann has reopened your Decatur Club, 158 W Prairie, favorite Tea Room on Friday’s for 7-8a the lunch hour. Menu will be posted under the Happenings Christmas Walk section of the website. 1405 Shop downtown and enjoy Mari-Mann Lane, 429.1404, extended retail hours and www.marimann.com, 11a & special discounts. Experience 12:30p Christmas Downtown with: - Horse Drawn Carriage Rides DJ Chevy Santa in Central Park - Singing Elbow Room, 875.3067, 9p Carolers. 4:30-8p DJ Eric Turner Porters on Merchant, 9:30p EVERY SUNDAY DJ Philbilly Bourbon Barrel, 9p
Gallery 510: Christmas Walk Featuring Grace DeClerck & over 50 other artists. Refreshments Served . Choral Music by Eisenhower H.S. 160 E Main St, 422.1509, 5-8p After 5 Live Featuring Chelea Schultz. Enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments as well as live music. Blue Connection, 217428-0112, blueconnection@ millikin.edu, 5-8p
The STILL Doherty’s Pub & Pins, 7-9p
12.3 The STILL Donnie’s Homespun Pizza, 9p-1a
12.1-12.24 Santa’s House Central Park. See p. 31 for times. Poprocks Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p 12.1-12.30 Xmas ARTicles Anger Management Unique holiday shopping! AIW Hall, 9p Affordable, original art and fine crafts by over 50 artists! This 12.3-12.5 shop includes jewelry, textiles, The Nutcracker purses, woodworking, baskets, RCC Shilling Auditorium, paintings, photography, 875.7211, x240, Fri-Sat: 7p, ceramics, blown glass, wreaths, Su: 2:30p walking sticks, ornaments and more. Madden Arts Center, 125 12.4 N Water St, 423.3189, www. Pancake & Sausage decaturarts.org, M, T, W, F Breakfast 8:30a-4:30p, Th 8:30a-7p, Sa First Presbyterian Church, 10a-4p, Su 12-4p Downtown Mt Zion, 7-10a Julie Lycan Carter Photography Decatur Public Library Dan Modzelewski Artwork Decatur Airport 12.2 Greg Bickers Sliderz Bar & Grille, 7p The Road Kings AIW Hall, 7p
Breakfast with Santa Visit with Santa, enjoy breakfast, create a holiday craft, and explore the Museum. Children’s Museum of Illinois. $6 CMI Member, $9 NonMember, Pre-Registration/ Payment Required. 8:30a Baum PTA Christmas Bazaar Handcrafted items, cookie walk, lunch & snacks available. 9a2p. Call Amy Hampton for more info: 217.428.6131. 801 S. Lake Ridge Avenue.
Mt Zion Christmas Parade 10-11a Holiday with the Pines Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to stroll through the pine forest with the naturalist as we learn about this nonnative habitat. Afterwards, participants will decorate pinecones for the holiday season. $1. Reservations required. Rock Springs Nature Center,3939 Nearing Lane, 423.7708, 10a Animal Crackers Classes at Scovill Zoo Children aged 3 – 5 listen to a story, meet an animal, create a craft with their adult guests and snack on animal crackers! Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd., 421.7435, $9 ($8 with resident discount), 9:30-10:15a or 11–11:45a Millikin Low Brass Ensemble Children’s Museum of Illinois. 10-11a Gingerbread House Workshop Children’s Museum of Illinois. $14 CMI Member, $18 NonMember. 10a
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Pictures with Santa Coziahr Harley - Davidson, Free, 11a-2p 21st Annual Christmas High Tea A full English High Tea will be served with over 20 items. Included in the array are sweets, treats and tea sandwiches of all sorts. Space is limited, $22pp. 429.1555, Mari-Mann Herb Farm 1405 Mari Mann Lane, 1-3p Soul Purpose Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4p Diversity (jazz) Lock Stock & Barrel, 4-6p Cocoa & Cookies with Santa Bring your wishlist. Enjoy yummy cookies & cocoa with Santa. $6 CMI Member, $9 Non-Member, Children’s Museum of Illinois. PreRegistration/Payment required. 6-8p
20 | december 2010
Al Hull’s Rockin’ Elvis Show General Admission Only! $12. Tickets at the door or call 972.8606, Lincoln Square Theatre, 8p Billy Galt & The Blues Deacons Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p Rosetta Stone Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p Rerun AIW Hall,9p 12.4-12.5 Vespers One of Millikin University’s most popular events, Vespers (which means “evening prayers”) provides the context for a seasonal concert that has become one of the University’s beloved traditions. Performed by 350 singers and instrumentalists, the concert features traditional and new music for choirs and brass. Kirkland Fine Arts Center Millikin University 1184 W Main St. 424.6318, Adult $8 Senior $6, 3p & 7p
12.5 Pauly Shore Live Reserved seat tickets can be purchased at the Decatur Conference Center, by calling 422.8800. $20 in advance, $25 at door. 7p 12.6 Monday Night Jazz Lock Stock & Barrel, 6-8p 12.8 95Q Country Fans Appreciation Show Jason Moore, Brett Eldredge & Thompson Square. Free show, call 95Q for tickets, Lincoln Square Theatre 12.8-12.11 Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl. What do you expect to happen when you follow a simple impulse to answer someone’s annoying, ringing cell phone? This unpredictably whimsical, sometimes dangerous, shocking and funny play reveals what may happen when you answer The Call! $8 424.6318, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre - Millikin University 1099 W Wood St. W-S 7:30p & S 2p
To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
12.9 Chamber Holiday Movie Night: The Muppet Christmas Carol The holidays are here and they’re all about giving, so the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Huston’s Avon Theater 3 are giving you a free movie night! Grab the kids and their friends and bring them to the Avon for a guilt-free night out. First come, first serve. Avon Theatre 3, 426 N Water St, 7p
Escaping Neverland Thirsty’s Pub & Grub, 9p Kilborn Alley Bourbon Barrel, 429.7506, 9p The Rave Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p Bad Seed AIW Hall, 9p
12.10-12.11 Pajama Party with Santa at Scovill Zoo Santa is coming to Scovill Zoo! Live Reading of the Kids can bring their favorite children’s book: The-oph- pillow, wear their PJ’s, and o-lus Turtle Finds Himself visit with Santa while making Presented by Donna Johnson, an ornament, eating yummy local author & retired teacher. cookies, and seeing how the The message to all children: You animals prepare for winter. $12 are beautiful the way you are, ($10/resident), Scovill Zoo - 71 in looks, manners and mind.” S Country Club Rd, 421.7435. F: Children are encouraged to 6-8p, Sa: 1:30-3:30p &5-7p come in their PJs. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. 12.10-12.12 Decatur Public Library, Perform! Auditions Children’s Auditorium, 7-8p for Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. DJ Philbilly Calling all actors in grades 1 – Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p 12! Join the fun and be part of the professional production of Shades of Gray Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, AIW Hall, 7p Jr. featuring an all-youth cast! To schedule an audition time 12.10 call the Decatur Park District Millikin Latin Jazz at 422.5911. $110 ($100 with Percussion resident discount - $80 for Lock Stock & Barrel, 6-8p
To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
Park District Dance & Drama students). Arts & Recreation Center, 2020 N. Oakland, 422.5911, F: 5-7p, Sa: 1-4p, Su: 1-4p 12.11 Unique Creations Presents: Christmas Arts, Crafts, & More Expo Over 50 Vendor Booths Available, Free Admission, Door Prizes, Live Music, & 50/50 Raffle. Contact Laine Henson: 217.433.1111 AIW Hall, 2882 N Dineen, 9a-3:30p Holiday in the Halls Craft Show Handmade crafts, cookie walk, door prizes, craft room for kids. Decatur Christian School, 137 S Grant St. Forsyth, 877.5636, 9a-3p 2nd Saturday Book Sale Decatur Public Library, 9:30a-12:30p Decatur Big Band (jazz) Lock Stock & Barrel, 4-6p
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The STILL Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4-7p Twilight Hike Venture into the forest with the naturalist to see what creatures are active at twilight. Will we see a deer? An owl? A coyote? Come and discover the mysteries of the evening forest. Rock Springs Nature Conservancy, 5p Family Karaoke Thirsty’s Pub & Grub, 1770 E Pershing Rd, 7-10p The Rejuvinelz Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p Whiskey and a Pickle AIW Hall, 9p 48 Connection Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-1a Rachel West Kramer’s Christmas Show 972.8606 for ticket information, Lincoln Square Theatre
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Annual Victorian Christmas Tea See The Homestead all decorated for the holidays. Enjoy complimentary Craft Show refreshments and music, stop Fountain Hall, Call Decatur Conference Center for more info, by our Holiday Boutique and venture upstairs for a look at 422.8800 the newly replicated decorative ceiling in the master bedroom. 12.11-12.12 James Millikin Homestead: 125 Imagine Christmas N Pine St, 692.2160, 1-4p A musical arts experience somewhere between your memory and imagination. Free, Christmas Tea childcare provided for preschool Enjoy this elegantly decorated age. Tabernacle Baptist Church, mansion for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Governor 650 N. Wyckles, Sa 2p & 6p, Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. Su 6p William St., 1-4p 12.12 12.14 Advent Services The Millikin Decatur Symphony Decatur Computer Club First United Methodist Church, Orchestra chamber orchestra 7p joins the musicians of Central Christian Church in services 12.15 of the season. A Decatur Decatur Vegetarian Christmas tradition. Central Society Christian Church, 8:15a & Decatur Public Library, 7p 10:45a Music Jam Come out and enjoy old-time bluegrass tunes played by area musicians. Rock Center Nature Center, 1-4p
12.16 Chamber Holiday Movie Night: White Christmas The holidays are here and they’re all about giving, so the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Huston’s Avon Theater 3 are giving you a free
= a THRIVE featured event!
movie night! Grab the kids and their friends and bring them to the Avon for a guilt-free night out. First come, first serve. Avon Theatre 3, 426 N Water St, 7p The Road Kings AIW Hall, 7p Babes in Soyland Decatur’s only women’s flat track roller derby team 1st Scrimmage. Games Played at Skywalker International Sports Center (Old Armory on Eldo) $10-20, Soy City Rollers vs Decatur All-Stars (Decatur Celebrities) 7p. Soy City Rollers vs McLean County MissFits 8p. After Party, Jabroni’s Bar, 9:30p Tommy G Acoustic Rock N Roll Sliderz Bar & Grille, 8p 12.17 The STILL Thirsty’s Pub & Grub, 9p-1a The Hitmen Timbuktu, 9p-1a Ashley Riley Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-12:30a
808 Band Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
Autumn Zero AIW Hall, 9p
Throttle Junkies AIW Hall
Black N Blue Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
12.18 Family Fun-Holiday for the Animals What animals are active during the winter months? What do those animals eat? Learn about these tidbits and more while we string popcorn and cranberries into a bird feeder garland. $1/garland. Reservations required. Rock Springs Nature Center, 1:30p
Shay “The Piano Man” Theile Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-12a
Super Kid’s Club Christmas Party Adults $5, Kids Free, $1 popcorn and drink specials, Lincoln Square Theatre, 2-3:30p The Romaniacs (jazz) Lock Stock & Barrel, 4-6p The STILL Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4-7p Holiday Jazz Upbeat and soothing favorites are sure to make everyone in the family tap their toes and sing along. Millikin University Faculty Jazz Sextet, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, $6-$16, 7:30p
To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
12.19 Audubon Society Holiday Potluck Open to All. Rock Springs Nature Center, 4p 12.20-12.21 Stop, Drop, & Shop with the Decatur Park District Youth aged 3 – 8 will enjoy an active morning at the Decatur Park District’s Arts & Recreation Center with creative play, arts and crafts, and dancing to holiday tunes while their parents get in a few hours of shopping or errands. Arts & Recreation Center, 2020 N. Oakland, $18 ($15 with resident discount), 9a-12p 12.21 Soy City Coin Club Jimmy Ryan’s, 2nd Floor, 428.9853, 7p
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Experimental Aircraft Association Decatur Airport, 7:30p
12.27-12.29 Winter Softball Camp During this exciting 3-day camp, the Millikin University Chorale’s 25th softball team will help players Anniversary Concert aged 8 – 17 enhance their Have you wondered where your throwing, catching and fielding, favorite performers like Ted base running, hitting, and Hesse, Julie McClarey and Chris bunting techniques. Pitchers Thomas are today? You can will enjoy a special 45-minute once again enjoy their talents at training session each day. $54 the Chorale’s 25th Anniversary. ($45 with resident discount), $10, Decatur Civic Center, 9p DISC 1295 W Wood, 429.3472, 1-4p 12.23 Shades of Gray 12.30 AIW Hall The Road Kings AIW Hall, 7p 12.23, 12.27-12.30 Winter Break Day Camps 12.27-12.30 When school is not in session, Winter Break Baseball youth aged 5 – 12 can come Camp to the DISC for arts and crafts, The DISC’s challenging 4-day rock wall climbing, volleyball, baseball camp covers the basic basketball, and soccer, with fundamentals of throwing, special planned activities every catching, fielding, pitching, day. $45 ($35 with resident hitting and base running. DISC, discount - 15% discount for 1295 W Wood, 429.3472, $78 each addl sibling) DISC 1295 W ($65 with resident discount), Wood, 429.3472, 7a-6p 8-10a 12.29-12.30 Jingle Bells Mini-Camp Children and their adult companions will explore winter
traditions through a craft, activities, songs, stories and snack. Afternoon campers go on a short hike, dress for the weather. $10. Reservations required. W: Ages 1-4, 9a, Th: Ages 3 & 4, 1p 12.31 Happy Noon Year Celebrate the New Year with a fun craft and a shower of confetti. No Registration Needed. Children’s Museum of Illinois. $1 CMI Member, $6 Non-Member. Ball Drops at Noon. The STILL Sliderz Bar & Grille, 6-9p New Year’s Eve Choose either Soul Purpose (in Sports Zone) or Comedy Show with Greg Hahn & Mike Allen (Bob & Tom comedians). Prime Rib Dinner Buffet, Party Favors, Champagne Toast, Overnight Accommodations. $179 (comedy show), $165 (Soul Purpose). Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 422.8800. 9p Riverbottom New Years Eve Party Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
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To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
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