A summerlong guide to fun in the capital city! - FREE May 27-June 2, 2021 Vol. 46, No. 45 - Illinois Times
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FREE May 27-June 2, 2021 • Vol. 46, No. 45
A summerlong
guide to fun in
the capital city!
2 0 2 1
Sum
m e
ergu i d May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1
2 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
OPINION
A remembrance
Snoozing and cruising
And time for vacation
of Peg Knoepfle:
Oct. 30, 1934-
May 23, 2021
UPON FURTHER REVIEW | Bruce Rushton GUESTWORK | Deborah Brothers
Pandemic, for me, is over. went on for an hour with nary a pause or the family of a boy who drowned in Lake Margaret “Peg” Knoepfle, 86, of Springfield,
Never mind the New York Times, which “um” separating thoughts. “We’ve got a Springfield 14 years ago. I wanted to know died Sunday, May, 23, as the result of a
warns that Sangamon County remains senile puppet for a president,” she declared, what city officials thought about that, so single-car auto crash. Deborah Brothers
at high risk – there’s a neat-o gizmo on which might be true. It is good that I went to the council meeting – I often writes: “Today, I lost one of my oldest friends
the home page, updated daily, that lets someone like Owens, who says that she buttonhole folks afterward rather than wait and mentors, Peggy Sower Knoepfle. Peg
you check out disease danger, county by might seek the White House and speaks for them to return phone calls. was extraordinary. From the yellow Auburn
county, nationwide. Two months after stream-of-consciousness style better than Three hours is a long time. house to the senior living apartment where
getting my second shot, I felt guilty, then Trump ever imagined, isn’t electable. I woke when Ward 6 Ald. Kristin she lived with her husband, John, until
giddy, when visiting Aldi last week. I’d The most notable moment came before DiCenso got into it with Ward 2 Ald. Shawn his death in 2019, I spent years loving
started toward the door, remembered I’d Owens took the stage at the Lincoln Day Gregory and Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams, her and learning from her. From our
forgotten my mask in the Toyota and was Dinner, when a couple high schoolers who both voted against fields of dreams in earliest encounter in the 1980s to our last
ready to turn around when I thought: Wait who’d penned essays each pronounced her ward. What about cannabis tax revenue conversation just before Christmas, Peg
a minute. Ronald Reagan their favorite Republican that’s going to the east side, DiCenso asked. Knoepfle shaped and changed me for the
The next day, I was watching Candace president whilst elders thundered approval. “What I don’t want to hear is, every time I better. In 2008, I wrote an essay about
Owens talk to Republicans at Bank of David Bowie didn’t know politics, but he want something for our community, ‘You Peggy, just because I wanted to. This is an
Springfield Center. Out of 1,500 GOP knew truth: We could steal time just for got the weed money,’” Gregory retorted. excerpt from that much longer piece. The
stalwarts, fewer than zero wore masks, and one day, we can be heroes forever and ever. “It’s disrespectful.” Williams asked why the world will feel very different without Peggy
I didn’t, either. Sheriff’s deputies showed Tomorrow, I will board a jet and travel alderwoman had brought up weed grants Knoepfle in it.”
up, stationed at doors as Owens spoke; 2,000 miles, equipped with N95, just in from the state. “How much did that cost the
there were city cops positioned outside as case and because airlines require masks, city?” Williams asked. “What I’m trying to Margaret (soon called Peg or Peggy) was
patrons departed after the show. We live in fearing nothing save airport food. On the understand is what one had to do with the born to Ed and Agnes Sower in Denver,
dangerous times, but I saw nothing amiss. other end is family I haven’t seen since other.” Colorado, on Oct. 30, 1934. She came to
The keynote speaker stayed between August, when I rode a motorcycle and The state has reserved $236,000 in weed her social consciousness practically from
guardrails, mostly, attacking Democrats camped. Outside seeing Mom and Dad, grants for a feasibility study and design birth, it seems.
and talking about transgender kids my goal is decent pho and forgetting work on an east side sports complex with “It was in the middle of the Dust
and calling Donald Trump the greatest Springfield, where the familiar got no site and a ballpark cost of $300 million. Bowl,” Peggy says. She says her mother
president in modern times. I’d covered regurgitated at last week’s city council The money is rolled into an $800,000 put towels under the doorways to keep
a 2015 Trump rally at the same venue, meeting. allocation for a tiny nonprofit that’s also out the clouds of dirt. “I was just a baby
back when no one gave him a chance, I fell asleep in the front row, coughing promised a prisoner reentry program and she was really worried that I would
despite the Bank of Springfield Center distance from Ward 1 Ald. Chuck Redpath funded by state cannabis revenue. I suspect get sick. Many poor people were dying
never having drawn a larger crowd. Trump, and not much interested in an agenda all those hundreds of thousands of dollars from these awful pneumonias caused from
outside Twitter, drones, and after 30 that included a $65 million subsidy for for the east side will accomplish as much as that dust.”
minutes or so of off-the-cuff-oft-disjointed ballfields alongside the scant-traveled tens of millions of dollars spent in Ward 6, From both her parents, Peggy
schtick, even loyalists head for exits like driveway to Scheels – the 8-3 vote in favor but I am an optimist. developed an early interest in politics and
ball fans after the seventh inning – don’t was a lock before they recited the pledge However it ends up, we’re all in this human rights. “My dad was a Norman
want to get caught in traffic. of allegiance, our surest bet on prosperity together. Thomas Socialist, so was my mom. I was
The room Thursday was attentive, since the council approved a half-billion “We’re supposed to be up here working what you might call a pink diaper baby.
hardly a murmur between bursts of dollars in 2005 to build a coal-fired power as a team, with the common goal of They were very progressive people.”
applause, and few bathroom breaks. Owens plant. A jury had just awarded $750,000 to improving Springfield,” Williams said The family lived in Denver until after
last week. Which sounded a lot like what WW II, then they moved to Idaho, near
DiCenso said a year ago, when council the south fork of the Boise River, and
members, eight days after George Floyd where Peg’s father, a civil engineer and
Editor’s note died, agreed that we need to do better. dam designer, was in charge of another
“When it comes to issues of racial project. “I always remember him showing
For many years Illinois Times has welcomed summer with the “summerlong” inequality or gender inequality in this us the dams he designed and built and
Summerguide, including a big calendar of events so you can plan your leisure, because community, this group needs to support how he would explain that this was power
summer is a terrible thing to waste. Last year our SG was a shutdown shadow of its usual each other, period, because we have to for the people,” she says with a decided nod
self, but here we are back, 68 pages with ads aplenty, ready to rock and roll. Not only fun work together and we have to have each of her head.
is opening up, but news too is often about possibilities: See page 7 for “The Next Ten” other’s backs,” DiCenso declared back Money for federal dam-building
visioning plan. The hopefulness of summer always opens on Memorial Day weekend, then. projects stopped once Dwight Eisenhower
when we remember with gratitude all those who have died, especially those who have Which seems eons ago. was elected president. Eventually, Ed
died having served in war, and in the cause of peace. –Fletcher Farrar, editor and CEO Sower got a civil engineering job in Peru,
Contact Bruce Rushton at and the whole family moved to Lima for
On the cover: Knight's Action Park by Brian Bowles brushton@illinoistimes.com. two years. Peggy first attended Catholic
University to learn Spanish, later enrolling
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 3
OPINION
State improves fiscally
POLITICS | Rich Miller
If I had told you during the brief legislative to fund what they consider to be crucial $1.3 billion deficit is closed.
session last May, while the state was still programs. The governor has proposed closing
under a stay-at-home order and everything Some are worried that immediate almost a billion dollars in “corporate
appeared to be collapsing, that Illinois spending pressures will win out in the end loopholes” to prevent severe cost reductions,
would have an extra $2 billion laying and cause Democratic leadership to cave. and there is supreme reluctance to using
around to pay off the remainder of a $3.2 House Higher Education Appropriations one-time federal aid to patch holes in
billion federal loan, you might have thought Committee Chair La Shawn Ford recurring state spending. Doing that would
I was insane. But here we are. (D-Chicago) was pretty firm last week, simply kick the can down the road and not
A couple of weeks ago, the federal however, when asked his opinion about allow the state to finally get its fiscal house
government declared that states could not using state revenues to pay off federal debt. on a path to a semblance of stability.
use any of the billions of dollars they’re Rep. Ford warned about both the state’s The chair of the Senate’s lone
receiving from the American Rescue Plan projected $1.3 billion deficit in the coming appropriations committee, Elgie Sims
(ARP) to pay off loans. That caused severe fiscal year and the absolute requirement (D-Chicago), has been telling me for several
consternation in Illinois, which had planned to pay off the federal debt. He said both days that he hopes the budget produced this
to use part of its $8 billion federal aid of those need to be addressed while also spring will result in an actual credit upgrade
package to eliminate what was left of the finding a way to “protect human services, for the state.
loans it received from the Federal Reserve’s public safety, education, and general Illinois has hovered just a tiny click or
Municipal Liquidity Facility. services,” adding, “There is a path to fulfill two above junk bond status for a very long
However, the General Assembly’s all our obligations before the end of session.” time, so an upgrade would be a highly
Commission on Government Forecasting As far as next fiscal year goes, the House’s unusual and much-welcomed occurrence.
and Accountability revised its revenue top budget negotiator Majority Leader Greg Comptroller Susana Mendoza has already
estimate for the current fiscal year the Harris declared last week that new revenues argued for such an upgrade, but you gotta
same week. The new forecast moved were needed to prevent “severe” cuts to figure the New York raters will wait to see
COGFA’s March projections upward by pretty much everything. Nothing, he said, how the final week of session plays out
about $2 billion. The Governor’s Office of will be left unscathed unless that projected before venturing into that territory.
Management and Budget revised its own
forecast upward by about $1.5 billion the
same day.
And then last week, the governor, the
Democratic legislative leaders and the
1240 S. 6th, Springfield, IL 62703 • PO Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705 comptroller announced the state will use
Office phone 217.753.2226 • Fax 217.753.2281
www.illinoistimes.com its own revenues to pay back the federal
Letters to the editor letters@illinoistimes.com
government, instead of relying on ARP
PUBLISHER Michelle Ownbey money.
mownbey@illinoistimes.com, ext.1139
The loan repayment will save the state
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER James Bengfort about $100 million in interest, but it also
jbengfort@illinoistimes.com, ext.1142
frees up $1 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 that
EDITOR Fletcher Farrar ffarrar@illinoistimes.com, ext.1140 would’ve otherwise had to go to the federal
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rachel Otwell government if the state had remained on
rotwell@illinoistimes.com, ext. 1143 the original repayment timeline. “This sets
SENIOR WRITER Bruce Rushton us up for the future,” a legislative budgeteer
brushton@illinoistimes.com, ext.1122 explained.
CALENDAR EDITOR Stacie Lewis The repayment move was also deemed
slewis@illinoistimes.com, ext.1129 prudent by some because the newly “found”
EDITORIAL INTERN Madison Angell money was prompting a horde of spending
mangell@illinoistimes.com requests from members, even though
PRODUCTION DESIGNERS COGFA and GOMB both stressed that
Joseph Copley, jcopley@illinoistimes.com, ext.1125 most of this revenue spike was one-time and
Brandon Turley, bturley@illinoistimes.com, ext.1124
would not recur in Fiscal Year 2022, which
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Beth Parkes-Irwin, birwin@illinoistimes.com, ext.1131
begins July 1.
Yolanda Bell, ybell@illinoistimes.com, ext.1120 Using the increased revenue to repay
Ron Young, ryoung@illinoistimes.com, ext.1138
the federal loan, therefore, has the effect of
BUSINESS short-circuiting that flood of new spending
Brenda Matheis, bmatheis@illinoistimes.com
demands. It’s a fiscally smart move, which
Published weekly on Thursday. Copyright 2021 by Central Illinois is not something that one can usually say
Communications LLC. CEO Fletcher Farrar. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited. about Illinois.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: But it’s not a done deal yet because quite
Illinois Times, P.O. Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: illinoistimes.com./subscribe a few Democratic legislators will be upset
that they can’t tap into the new revenues
4 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
OPINION
A remembrance
of Peg Knoepfle
continued from page 3
in San Marcos University as a liberal arts
major. “Those were two very important
years for me,” she says. “At first, I was
ignorant of the role our country was playing
in the politics of Peru, but I learned fast
what was happening. There was a dictator
ruling Peru at the time, Odria, and there
was a real longing for more justice and
democracy in the country. All my friends
and classmates belonged to revolutionary
organizations.”
She leans forward on the couch and
closes her eyes as she speaks, “One of the
last days I was in Peru, a group of young
A Sangamon County jury has awarded $750,000 to the family of Eric Jones, who was 16 in 2007 when he drowned in Lake Springfield while trying to save his brother. A
2015 trial ended with an award of slightly more than $1 million. The city, contending that Jones’ family deserved nothing, appealed to the Fourth Circuit Appellate Court. women – not people I’d known very well –
actually it was my very last day – they took
me on a tour of the School of Letters. They
LETTERS your own actions? As to sports complexes, showed me the bullet holes in the walls,
Children’s Day Poem #1 We welcome letters. Please include Norm Koefoed there are some scattered where Odria’s people had taken over. I
Archival find: Ron Dougan writes
your full name, address and telephone Via Facebook.com/Illinoistimes throughout the state, unused guess that was their way of saying, ‘Here’s a
number. We edit all letters. Send them message for you, Peg. Take this back to the
his grown (and absent) kids. and falling into disrepair,
to letters@illinoistimes.com.
PAY UP constructed on the predicate, United States.’ I’ll never forget that, those
Twice now, CWLP has been “If you build them, they will bullet holes.”
“I’m sitting in the cool office 7 am found guilty. The city made come.” But as in zero-sum Back in the U.S., Peggy began writing
listening to the milk house hum FORGET APPEAL this family wait all these games, not all are going to be about the bullet holes, and her essays won
below me clanging of pipes steam I went to the Lake Springfield years – the system is lagging, successful, because those using a literary prize. As a result, she was invited
brawling into water and once in a beach frequently with my to say the least. Now please them tend to sign long-term to be part of a poetry workshop, the place
while a shout above the hubbub. daughter (“City hit with pay them, and let them move contracts to garner discounts. she would meet John Knoepfle, her future
A dickcissel is whistling without. six-figure verdict,” May 20). on and stop reliving the Unfortunately, some cities are husband. “I was a Marxist at that time,
Fifteen boys will be here at 8 am The lifeguards rarely paid nightmare. still paying to retire bonds and the workshop guy was so conservative.
to detassel. Did you know about any attention to the water. I Darcy Woodrum floated for unused facilities. He didn’t connect with the class at all. I
the new Ladies Lounge? 144’ by 40’ was there the day Eric Jones Via Facebook.com/Illinoistimes The truly sad part is kept going back to the class just to look for
drowned, leaving shortly Legacy Pointe was built on dates,” and Peggy laughs. “John was in the
on west side of cow yard. Makes
before the drowning. The EXELON DONATES the premise it would become class doing the same thing. I was the second
one almost want to be a cow. No woman he called to ask out, and I thought
lifeguards were not paying The Exelon Foundation a large business center around
stress – no strain – no racial tension. attention. The city needs to gives annually to the Illinois the Scheels anchor. Now a he was Alvin Greenburg calling. I mean I
Just One World. Erv’s been shingling forget the appeal and move on. Environmental Council, quarter of it is foreclosed from thought the guy who was Alvin Greenburg,
it, says it’s like peeing in the ocean.” Amy Cryer Shreve Environmental Law & Policy economic development, with who was really handsome, was named John
Via Facebook.com/Illinoistimes Center, Faith in Place and its property and sales taxes Knoepfle and was calling me, so I said, ‘Yes!
2021 Jacqueline Jackson other groups who agreed to abated, never to see small I’ll go out with you,’ but it turned out that
PARENTS RESPONSIBLE support Exelon rate hikes businesses develop. If Scheels Alvin was already married and John was
My son worked at the beach as part of the 2016 energy bails because of a lack of John. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight.”
the last year it was opened; bill (“The nuclear option: business development around Within 10 months though, they
people would drop a car full Politicians embrace reactors,” it, it will become an albatross married. That was Dec. 26, 1956. Peggy
of kids off and leave for the May 13). Exelon also sponsors for decades. lost one baby through miscarriage but
day, expecting free babysitting. tables at organizational A better place for a sports their four (now adult) children – John Jr.,
While it’s horrible to lose a fundraisers for several of these development would have been Christopher, David and Molly – live in
child, I would never leave a kid groups. the 40 undeveloped acres Minnesota, Illinois and Alaska. There are
who couldn’t swim. Will Reynolds in back of the Springfield four grandchildren too. Part of becoming
Katy Broglin Via Facebook.com/Illinoistimes Racquet & Fitness Center. It a mother, she says, included becoming an
Via Facebook.com/Illinoistimes is accessible from the interstate activist for mental illness. “You need a little
BAD CALL ON SPORTS with infrastructure already mental illness to live in this world,” Peg
NOTHING OWED COMPLEX developed. laughs, but she seriously stands alongside
The family should have got The city leaders have voted to That being said, I hope those living with depression and bipolar
nothing. Eric Jones was where spend $25 million on a sports the complex succeeds. I disorder, testifying in court and before
he should not have been. Do complex in Legacy Pointe. would rather see kids out legislators for increased awareness and
you think that every family They also voted to add taxes there sweating hard than benefits for people diagnosed with mental
that has someone drown at an to our overburdened hotels sitting around playing with illness.
ocean beach collects? What and motels fighting for their smartphones.
happened to the concept of continued existence coming Bill Klein Deborah Brothers is professor of English at
assuming responsibility for out of COVID. Springfield Lincoln Land Community College.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 5
6 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
NEWS
The Next Ten projects
“The Next Ten” visioning plan
After six months of gathering ideas and strategies, Community Foundation releases the result
1. A revitalized and resilient downtown
• Development of a downtown master plan
• State of Illinois renovations to the Illinois State Capitol campus
• Permanent outdoor dining improvements
PLANNING | Karen Ackerman Witter 2. Illinois’ recreational playground
• Reopen Lake Springfield Beach and Beach House
Months in the making and based on • Expand programming on the Sangamon River
extensive grass-roots community input,
the Community Foundation for the 3. Urban-rural connection
Land of Lincoln is releasing the next 10 • Make the Illinois State Fairgrounds a year-round center of social and
– a community visioning plan for greater economic activity
Springfield. The plan will be unveiled at • Establish the Springfield region as the farm-to-table capital of the world
the May 28 Citizen’s Club meeting (8 a.m.
Hoogland Center for the Arts). It identifies 4. A culturally rich community
10 broad initiatives. All have champions • Celebrate and honor Springfield’s diverse storylines, including the 1908
who will lead the projects, all can be race riots, rich political history and the region’s diverse history
implemented in the near term and all • Support for artists to beautify and enliven the community through mu-
projects have clear strategies for funding. “It rals, public art, live entertainment and advocacy for cultural districts
is not just aspirational, but a concrete action
plan,” says Andy Van Meter, Sangamon 5. Community-led reinvestment in the east side
County Board chair. • Investment in economic, physical and social infrastructure by creating
The Community Foundation launched funding tools and incentives
The Next 10 community engagement • Protect, preserve and designate historical properties; notable properties
initiative last fall. Citizens were invited to include Firehouse No. 5, the Lincoln Colored Home and the Judge Taylor
share their ideas on the future of Springfield Home
(see Illinois Times, Oct.15, 2020). The
intent was to spark a fresh conversation 6. Strong foundation for our youth
about Springfield’s potential and coalesce • Bolster early childhood education and help low-income, first-time moth-
citizens and decision-makers toward shared ers get their children off to a good start through the Nurse-Family Partner-
priorities that will elevate the community’s ship
livability, economy, creativity and spirit. revitalizing the east side, bolstering early that many ideas aligned with things • Develop a community-based work program for youth
The response was tremendous. Through childhood education, providing support already being worked on, such as tackling
an interactive website, individuals shared for artists to beautify and enliven the homelessness and creating a downtown UIS 7. Support for our most vulnerable
suggestions for a particular geographic community, developing a comprehensive hub. Van Meter says some of the identified • Develop a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness
location and posted ideas both big and plan to address homelessness, making the initiatives were not on the radar screen of • Connect political parties and government employees to support local
small on a virtual “idea wall.” Citizens Illinois State Fairgrounds a year-round community leaders. For example, becoming causes
communicated hundreds of ideas. Over attraction, becoming a leader in farm- a leader in farm-to-table emerged from
the past six months, the Community to-table and investing in environmental broad-based community interest. Van 8. Investments in higher education and innovation
Foundation facilitated conversations among sustainability are some of the initiatives. Meter says the county is the logical entity • Make the UIS innovation hub and district a reality
the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, The Pillsbury site and Benedictine Campus to lead this initiative, given the rural and • Bring a law school to Springfield
State of Illinois, nonprofit organizations, are catalytic projects that are priorities for urban nature of Sangamon County. “There
federal and state elected officials, the collective action. are already individuals keenly interested 9. An environmentally sustainable Springfield
business community, university leaders and Some things are already underway. in what the county can do to help • Create the CWLP energy plant of the future and make Springfield a
others to discuss ideas and identify partners Grant funding is enabling bands to play broaden connections between the farming leader in clean energy
and potential funding sources. in bars and restaurants to rejuvenate the community and the restaurant industry,” • Sustainability improvements for nonprofits by providing financial support
“We cast a wide net and kept talking to local economy. The Levitt AMP music says Van Meter. There is potential for the
stakeholders to determine what’s practical series is returning to the Y-block. Outdoor county to be a conduit for federal funding. 10. Collective action on catalytic developments
to get done,” says Community Foundation dining in downtown is being expanded. The Van Meter considers arts organizations • Pillsbury site redevelopment
president and CEO John Stremsterfer. Community Foundation is committed to vital to the community. The potential to • Retain local ownership and control of the Benedictine Campus and revi-
To help vet the ideas, the Community funding nonprofit sustainability projects. An increase arts funding can in turn change talize as a hub of community and educational activity
Foundation assembled a steering committee initiative will be announced soon to move the nature of the perception of Springfield, • Establish and implement a Community Economic Development Strategy
which Stremsterfer describes as the perfect forward with developing a comprehensive he says.
sounding board to narrow things down. strategy to address homelessness. Stremsterfer says It has been exhilarating Sprinkled throughout the plan are “Promising Ideas” – projects with merit
Four themes underpin the initiatives: Mayor Jim Langfelder stresses the to have broad buy-in from people. Now it is that warrant further development to become implementable projects.
• A Distinctive Community, recogniz- significance of the grass-roots approach. up to the community to embrace this vision Examples include:
ing Springfield as our capital city rich with He says The Next 10 has increased the for Springfield and turn plans into action. • Continue alleyway beautification program
history, spotlight on areas that need attention, and • Indoor and outdoor sports facilities to position Springfield as a sports
• An Equitable Community that is so- the bottom-up approach helps to build a Karen Ackerman Witter is a frequent tourism destination
cially and economically inclusive, stronger-knit community. He emphasizes contributor to Illinois Times. She is an • Reinvention of Kidzeum as an essential component of the education
• A Prosperous Community with diver- the importance of everyone moving in the active community volunteer. She chairs the infrastructure
sified jobs, growth and investments, and same direction, especially with large-scale Community Foundation’s Women for Women • Stronger emphasis on STEM education and career and employment
• A Green Community that is sustain- initiatives, and also highlights the value of Steering Committee, is chair of the NPR connections for young people
able, resilient and strong. engaging the private sector. Illinois Community Advisory Board and is • Repurposing the Third Street Rail Corridor after rail lines are relocated
Developing a master plan for downtown, Stremsterfer says it was heartening board president of Kidzeum.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 7
8 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
NEWS
Kidzeum on
Fighting a life sentence road to reopen
After more than a year
Illinois man argues against a mandatory life sentence he received as a teen of closure, museum will
JUSTICE | Madison Angell open in July
CULTURE Rachel Otwell
“I used to say that I wanted to be a lawyer so
that I could get him out of jail,” Lieutenant
LaSheda Brooks said about her father, The city’s only children’s museum is planning
Antonio House. Brooks, 30, is now a judge its return. The Kidzeum of Health and
advocate for the U.S. Navy. She has spent her Science was forced to shutter early on in the
adult life fighting for her father’s freedom. pandemic. Children’s museums in particular
House, 47, has a current case before the were hit hard by COVID-19, as the exhibits
Illinois Supreme Court over convictions from are hands-on. The museum has remained
more than two decades ago. He is also seeking closed. But it will reopen with weekend
relief through a separate claim of innocence, hours, beginning in July, with an opening
which is a difficult legal process that can take date to be announced soon, according to a
many years. news release sent to Illinois Times on May 25.
House was 19 when he was arrested “Kidzeum is poised to emerge from the
for alleged connections to two 1993 Cook COVID-19 pandemic better, stronger and
County murders. House was later convicted more resilient than it was before, thanks
of kidnapping and murder charges and to passionate people who believe in what
received a mandatory natural life sentence. Kidzeum can mean for Springfield,” said
In 2010, House challenged the sentence. Karen Witter, Kidzeum board president, in
The Illinois Appellate Court decided that the release. The museum also announced
House’s life sentence violated the Illinois that Leah Wilson will return as its executive
Constitution. The court’s opinion pointed to director. Wilson had previously announced
other cases involving the sentences of young she would be stepping down from the role,
LaSheda Brooks with her father, Antonio House. CREDIT: COURTESY OF LASHEDA BROOKS as she had accepted a remote position with a
adults and said House should have a new
hearing where factors like his age at the time university in Iowa.
of the crime and difficult life circumstances legislature in the past decade moving toward people find jobs and offer emotional support “The COVID-19 pandemic forced so
could be weighed.. But the Illinois Attorney more sentencing discretion involving youthful and therapeutic services. many of us to make difficult personal and
General has blocked resentencing proceedings offenders,” Bauser told Illinois Times. professional decisions,” said Wilson in the
and the matter is now before the state’s Fight for release release. “This is indeed the little museum that
highest court. A different path Being incarcerated did not stop House from could. I’m so impressed and delighted by the
Jobi Cates is founder and executive Fred Weatherspoon, also convicted in being a diligent father. LaSheda Brooks said incredible work of the board to rally support
director of Restore Justice, an Illinois connection to the same murders as House he taught her how to build resumes, look for for Kidzeum, and I look forward to leading
nonprofit focused on long-term incarceration – and 17 at the time of his arrest – was college programs and funding and was always it forward.”
reform. She points to the 2012 decision, originally sentenced to life in prison without willing to give her advice. Kidzeum, which first opened in July
Miller v. Alabama, where the U.S. Supreme a chance of release or parole. Weatherspoon, Because of COVID-19, Brooks and her 2018, has used COVID-19 relief funds to
Court decided that the constitutional however, was resentenced by a circuit court in daughter only get one or two chances per stay afloat over the past year. An anonymous
prohibition against cruel and unusual 2016, and in 2018 he was freed. month to visit with House via Skype. Each donor also recently pledged $100,000 each
punishment forbids juvenile offenders from “We were targeted to be drug dealers,” call lasts just 15 minutes and while Brooks is year for five years. “We are grateful for
receiving mandatory life sentences without Weatherspoon said about his youth. “We fell relieved to see her father, his living conditions this donation, as it helps demonstrate that
the possibility of parole. While House was into those rat traps, but of course we were worry her. Last year, he caught coronavirus Kidzeum is a valued asset in our community,”
19 at the time of his conviction, studies guided by adults,” he said. “Everything I and received limited treatment, said Brooks. said Witter. “We hope it will also encourage
show teens are still developing cognitively, ever did as a boy was looked at through the She said her father was recently attacked while others to invest in the future of Kidzeum.”
said Cates. “Science is always evolving. We’re context of criminalization.” in custody. During the last video call she Kidzeum is working on partnering with
always learning new things.” But the research Weatherspoon said he’s made a lot of had with her father, “he had on handcuffs, a the Springfield public school district. Its goal
establishment has found, definitively, that the personal improvements. “I was able to mature face mask and a broken wrist,” she said. “It’s is to begin a program this fall where second
brain continues to develop into a person’s 20s, … and figure some things out to understand traumatizing and that’s how my daughter graders attend the museum for a two-week
said Cates. that I was going to be the one who improved my talks to her grandfather.” program focused on science, technology,
House’s attorney, assistant appellate lot in life.” While incarcerated, Weatherspoon Brooks said she wants people to remember engineering and math lessons. When the
defender, Lauren Bauser, wants the Illinois received a GED and began therapy. that “everyone who’s in prison, they’re alive museum reopens, it will also bring back an
Supreme Court to consider brain science and Today, Weatherspoon works as a mentor … they’re real people, with real roles and exhibit on “bees, butterflies and blooms.” The
evolving sentencing standards regarding youth and advocate in the North Englewood real relationships.” Her father is a changed exhibit has a focus on Illinois wildlife and
when it looks at House’s case. She told the neighborhood of Chicago at the Precious person from the teenager who first became preservation. There are various opportunities
court House was a teenage lookout who was Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. The incarcerated. And he and his family will keep to volunteer with the museum, more
convicted under a theory of accountability, nonprofit specializes in helping young people fighting for his release. information about that can be obtained by
meaning he wasn’t at the scene of the crime and offers communal healing circles, job emailing: info@kidzeum.org.
nearly three decades ago. “We have had this preparation, support networks and other Contact Madison Angell at
clear trend in the nation and in the state services. Mentors at Precious Blood help mangell@illinoistimes.com. Contact Rachel Otwell at rotwell@illinoistimes.com.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 9
10 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
NEWS
Auditor general’s committee
violated election law
Ruling ends 5-year saga over Mautino’s campaign finance case
ELECTIONS | Sarah Mansur, Capitol News Illinois
The campaign committee of former state owned nor leased by a committee, the
Rep. Frank Mautino, who is now the committee may only make expenditures
Illinois auditor general, violated state law for actual mileage reimbursement when
when it spent campaign funds on gas and that vehicle is used for campaign or
car repairs for personal vehicles, the Illinois governmental purposes,” Illinois Supreme
Supreme Court decided Thursday, May 20. Court Justice Rita Garman wrote in the
But the court did not find Mautino’s 28-page opinion.
committee violated a separate section of But the justices disagreed with the
state election law that prohibits spending appellate court on its decision that the
more than fair market value for goods and committee’s expenditures for travel and
services. vehicle expenses violated the law in regard
However, since Mautino’s committee to their relation to fair market value.
was dissolved in 2015, any fines levied “Cooke did not present evidence
against it would likely not be collected, a demonstrating that, for example, the price
spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of per gallon paid by the Committee clearly
Elections said Thursday. exceeded the market price on the relevant
The case against Mautino’s campaign date,” Garman wrote.
committee dates back to early 2016 when On the spending at the bank, the
Mautino resigned from his position as a justices found that Cooke could not
state representative, after 25 years in the “compare the amount of money withdrawn
General Assembly, and was appointed from the bank with the travel costs
auditor general. Mautino purportedly incurred,” because
Illinois resident David Cooke filed a the committee refused to amend its
complaint against Mautino’s campaign Frank Mautino of Spring Valley was a Democratic disclosure reports to identify the specific
committee with the State Board of state representative from 1991 to 2015, when he purpose of the bank spending.
Elections in February 2016. Specifically, was elected state auditor general. “Instead, Cooke could only demonstrate
Cooke argued the committee’s expenditure the peculiarity of the (c)ommittee
of more than $225,000 on gas and repairs and Mautino’s method of reporting
at Happy’s Super Service for personal destroyed its pre-2014 records according expenditures for certain travel expenses.
vehicles violated section 9-8.10(a)(9) of the to statute when it dissolved, it did possess Therefore, the board was without the
Act to Regulate Campaign Financing. He records for 2014 and 2015, the board requisite information to determine whether
also claimed the committee’s spending at found. it was more probably true than not that the
Spring Valley City Bank for travel expenses The board imposed a $5,000 fee on the Committee violated section 9- 8.10(a)(2),”
violated section 9-8.10(a)(2). committee but did not address the merits Garman wrote.
Section 9-8.10(a)(2) of the Act bans of Cooke’s complaint. Cooke appealed to The justices ordered that the case return
political committees from spending the state appellate court, which sent the to ISBE, which will decide whether the
campaign funds on items or services that case back to ISBE for a decision on the committee “knowingly” violated the law
are more than “fair market value.” Section merits. with its spending on gas and car repairs.
9-8.10(a)(9) provides that if a committee In July 2018, ISBE decided the Matt Dietrich, spokesperson for ISBE,
does not own or lease the vehicle, it committee did not violate any sections of said
can spend campaign funds only on the act and Cooke again appealed. In its
reimbursements for mileage expenses. second hearing of the case, the appellate In an emailed statement, Mautino
Cooke also alleged the committee’s court reversed ISBE’s decision and ruled said he is pleased with the decision by the
documentation regarding the Spring that the committee violated the law when it Illinois Supreme Court and looks forward
Valley City Bank was improper, and the came to travel and vehicle expenses. to finalizing the matter.
committee’s inadequate disclosure reports The committee appealed to the Illinois A representative for the right-leaning
willfully violated the law. Supreme Court, and the justices agreed Liberty Justice Center, which provided legal
In May 2016, ISBE ordered the that the committee’s spending on gas and representation for David Cooke, did not
committee to file amended disclosure repairs for vehicles that were not owned or respond to a request for comment.
reports, but the committee failed to do leased by the committee was in violation of
so, leading ISBE to determine it willfully the law. Contact Sarah Mansur at smansur@
violated the law. While the committee had “(W)ith regard to a vehicle neither capitolnewsillinois.com.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1112 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
NEWS
Mental health disorders leading
cause of maternal mortality
Illinois committee report shows continued race disparities
HEALTH | Rachel Otwell
Vaccinations mean hope for an end to conditions improving for Black women,
the pandemic is on the horizon. But in but is instead due to worsening conditions
Springfield, the number of infected and for white women.”
ill pregnant women actually went up During the news conference, Shannon
after vaccinations became available. That’s Lightner, deputy director of IDPH’s
according to Dr. Robert Abrams, head of Office of Women’s Health and Family
the maternal-fetal medicine division at Services, told the story of a patient named
SIU School of Medicine and director of Gabrielle. Gabrielle, a Black woman, had
obstetrics for the South-Central Illinois a successful C-section and asked to get a
Perinatal Center in Springfield. He said tubal ligation at the same time to prevent
pregnant women in Springfield with future pregnancy. “After surgery, Gabrielle
COVID-19 complications are sent to complained of being unable to breathe
HSHS St. John’s Hospital, since that is and having a swollen abdomen. Her heart
where the high-risk OB-GYN doctors in rate was high.” But, “It took several hours
town are. before providers seriously considered her
From March 2020 to March 2021, complaint,” said Lightner. Gabrielle had
Abrams said about 13 pregnant women suffered a hemorrhage and died within 24
with COVID-19 were admitted during hours of giving birth.
the entire year. But in April of this year, In addition to researching mortality
there were eight pregnant patients with rates of pregnant women and those who
COVID-19 who were ill enough to be have recently given birth, the statewide
admitted to the hospital. “Every day, I committee was tasked with providing
might have five to 10 conversations with recommendations. Some of them relate to
pregnant women regarding the safety of Gabrielle’s case, said Lightner. For instance,
vaccines,” said Abrams. “In my experience, hospitals should “provide training on
there’s great hesitation and anxiety to racism, bias and trauma-informed care.”
receive these vaccines in pregnancy.” The committee also recommended
Meanwhile, research has found, “the risks stories of maternal mortality: Black women that Illinois Medicaid and other health
of getting COVID when you’re pregnant continue to die at an unacceptable disparity insurance plans should reimburse pregnant
are far greater than the minimal, if any, due to medical causes, and the rate of white women for telehealth appointments that are
risks from the vaccine,” Abrams said. women dying due to mental health causes conducted via video or phone. Abrams said
While it’s too soon to capture the of suicide and overdose has grown,” said telemedicine helps reach women in more
entire role the pandemic may have played IDPH director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a news rural areas. “It’s so important to provide
in the lives of pregnant people, Abrams release. telehealth services,” he said. “It’s much more
is part of a statewide maternal mortality The report is meant to expand the difficult for the ones who live in rural areas
review committee tasked with researching understanding of inequities in maternal to obtain equal obstetrical care as if they
trends. In 2018, the committee released health outcomes. As Ezike pointed out, the were in a higher density area with more
its first report on maternal mortality and leading cause of pregnancy-related death providers.” Earlier this year, Illinois became
morbidity. In late April, the committee, was mental health disorders, including the first state to provide new mothers with
overseen by the Illinois Department of substance use disorders and suicide, which full Medicaid benefits for one year after
Public Health (IDPH), released the second represent 40% of total deaths. Pregnant giving birth. The previous coverage period
edition of its report. The new report covers and postpartum white women were more had been 60 days after birth.
deaths from 2016 and 2017. One of its key likely to die from a mental health cause, Other recommendations from the
findings was that Black women in Illinois while Black women were more likely to die maternal morbidity and mortality review
were about three times more likely than from a preexisting medical condition. committee include that the state should
white women to die of a pregnancy-related “In our first report, we indicated that expand access to programs that provide
condition. The report found that “an Black women were more than six times home visits for pregnant and postpartum
average of 75 Illinois women died while as likely to die from a pregnancy-related women with a history of certain medical or
pregnant or within one year of pregnancy condition as white women,” said Ezike mental health conditions. The full report
each year during 2008-2017, with the during an April 29 news conference. can be viewed at www.dph.illinois.gov/
highest number recorded in 2017 (a total “While the disparity has narrowed mmmr.
of 103 deaths).” for pregnancy-related deaths between
“This report shows us that there are two Black and white women, it is not due to Contact Rachel Otwell at rotwell@illinoistimes.com.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1314 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
summerguide
Knights Action Park
2021 Summerlong
Summerguide
Summer fun May hours. See what local juried
artists have been growing –
ensure the return of tangible
and intangible heritage to the
freshly produced artwork as places where they belong. Part
Walk, Hike and Bike “STATE OF SOUND: A World
of Music from Illinois”
well as artwork about produce.
Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 105
of the Global Conversations
on the Return of Cultural
History..................... p39 Through Jan. 23, 2022.
Open during museum hours.
N. Fifth St., 217-544-2787. Heritage Series. Online.
illinoisstatemuseum.org. Free
From Muddy Waters to REO An American Marriage with registration. 217-782-7386.
Something’s fishy Speedwagon, Cheap Trick
to Earth Wind and Fire and
Thu., May 27, 12-1pm. Michael
Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi History bike tours
in St. Louis.............. p40 Chance the Rapper, the Land
of Lincoln has produced
B. Lynn distinguished chair Fri., May 28. Wednesdays
in Lincoln Studies at UIS, and Fridays through June
some of the most highly will discuss his research and 11. Casual and easy-paced
Rollin’ by the celebrated music in rock.
PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov.
new book on why Lincoln
had good reason to regret his
neighborhood-style bicycle
tours of area historic sites.
rivers....................... p42 Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Museum, 212 N. Sixth St.,
marriage to Mary Todd. This is
a Facebook event. Free. 217-
5-mile tours 1-2:30pm and
8-mile tours 10am-12pm.
217-558-8844. 206-8663. Helmets required and water
A trip down Route 4 Vintage stringed instruments Illinois Products Farmers
bottles recommended. Get
tickets at historicspringfield.
(Old Route 66).......... p45 exhibit
Through June 19 during
Market
Thu., May 27, 4-7pm. Stop
dnr.illinois.gov. Free. Capitol
Complex Visitors Center, 425
regular library hours. Rick by every Thursday for local S. College St., Springfield, IL
Creative Reuse Greer, a musician for over
50 years, is displaying
products and goods that are
grown or produced here in
62704, 217-785-7960.
Marketplace store.... P47 his collection of stringed
instruments – lap steel guitars,
Illinois. Illinois State Fairgrounds,
The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.,
“Noir”
Fri., May 28 through Sun.,
acoustic guitars, banjos, 217-558-0788. July 25. The exhibition is a
Concerts.................. p48 ukuleles and others. Free.
Chatham Area Public Library, Museum Dialogues
collaboration with Springfield’s
Juneteenth, Inc., featuring
Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217- Thu., May 27, 11am- works by artists of color from
483-2713.
Arts......................... p50 12pm. A discussion on the
transcontinental dialogues
Illinois, Missouri and Texas.
Free. Illinois State Museum,
“Fresh Produce” among museums and between 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-
Through June 3 during gallery museums and communities to 7386.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1516 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
summerguide
“Playing with Fire”
Fri., May 28. A family comedy. June the Tales from the Vault Series.
presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Film begins at dusk. Part of Comedy open mic night Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-
the Movie in the Park Series. Wed., June 2, 6:30pm. You’ll 558-8844.
springfieldparks.org. Free. have five minutes to give it your
Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and best shot. Good luck. donniebs. International Carillon Festival
Sangamon Avenue, 217-544- com. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Thu.-Sun., June 3-6. Begins
1751. Jacksonville Rd., 217-546- at 6pm each evening. Lauded
9515. as one of the world’s most
The Beat Goes On - Cher important and prestigious
Tribute Moonlight Market carillon events, the festival
Sat., May 29, 7pm. Featuring Wed., June 2. First and third has earned an unsurpassed
Lisa McClowry. $15-$25. Wednesdays of every month, tradition of presenting the finest
The Devon Lakeshore 6-9pm. Highlighting local carillonneurs from around the
Amphitheater, Decatur, 620 E. crafters, farmers, artists and world. carillon-rees.org. Free.
Riverside Dr., 217-619-8025. artisans from around the central Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon,
Illinois area. Live music. On 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-
Old Capitol Farmers Market Jackson Street between Fifth 1838.
Sat., May 29, 8am-12pm. and Sixth streets. 217-670-
Every Wednesday and 0627. Levitt AMP Music Series
Saturday. Shop for fresh Thu., June 3, 6pm. Soultru opens
local produce, baked Aldlai Stevenson II with his poetic and lyrical talents,
goods and products. Health Thu., June 3, 12-1pm. Join followed by recording artist Kaleb
guidelines will be followed. ALPLM and Midwest studies Mitchell and Christian hip-hop
downtownspringfield.org. historian Dr. Jacob K. Friefeld artist Dominique Stevenson at
Old Capitol Farmers Market, as he takes a closer look 7pm. Free. levitt.org. Y Block,
Fourth and Adams streets, at the life of the celebrated Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-
Levitt AMP June 3-August 5, Downtown Springfield
217-544-1723. statesman from Illinois. Part of 544-1723.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1718 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
summerguide
Prairie Days June 5, Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, Loami
Acrylic art class COVID antibody test and a and Monarch Landscaping and
Fri., June 4,10am-12pm. T-shirt, while supplies last. Garden Center. Nipper Wildlife
Every Friday through June The event is at Green Hyundai Sanctuary, Loami, 9560
25. Class size is limited. Certified inside White Oaks Withers Road, 217- 525-1410.
Pre-registration by phone is Mall, on the lower level. White
required. Temperature check Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., Refuge Ranch Partner Up
and COVID-19 screening 1-800-733-2767. Trivia Night
questionnaire will be Sat., June 5, 5-8pm. $20 per
administered prior to entry, Busy Bugs Super Saturday person, tables of eight. Raffles,
and masks are required. Senior Sat., June 5,10am-4pm. photo booth, prizes for best
Services of Central Illinois, 701 Humans aren’t the only dressed, best decorated table
W. Mason St., 217-528-4035. creatures that go to work. and trivia winners. Includes
Learn about the amazing jobs food. No alcohol allowed.
Heritage Days bugs do with fun activities. See Proceeds benefit a unique
Fri.-Sun., June 4-6. Kids’ area, the museum bug collection mentored horsemanship
carnival, food, raffles and live and hunt for bugs on the program. Find the event on
music. Captain Geech and the lawn. Free activity kits will Facebook. Refuge Ranch,
Shrimp Shack Shooters on be available to take home. Rochester, 9350 Cascade
Friday, and Taylor June and illinoisstatemuseum.org. free. Road, 498-7679.
Lick Creek on Saturday. Visit Illinois State Museum, 502 S.
the website to buy tickets. Spring St., 217-782-6044. Small Town Dreamers
little-flower.org. Church of the Outdoor Market
Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Chicken Fry Sat., June 5. First Saturday
Dr, 217-529-1606. Sat., June 5, Blue Ridge Club, of every month. Shop
411 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217- locally owned businesses
“Wicked Waltz: The Boston 529-1431. while enjoying great live
Dip and 1871 Springfield” music and great food and
Fri.-Sat., June 4-5, 7-8:30pm. Here Come the Mummies drinks. Farmersville Square,
Adapted from a one-act Sat., June 5, 7pm. With special Farmersville, Downtown.
screwball comedy from 1873, guest Astrofix. $15-$30. The
this play explores societal Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, Why Study African-American
reactions to challenging and Decatur, 620 E. Riverside Dr., History
rapidly developing pop culture 217-619-8025. Sat., June 5, 1:30pm. With
trends, all set in 19th century Kathryn Harris, James Lewis
Springfield. A virtual play. Visit Prairie Days and Nell Clay. Part of the
edwardsplace.org for ticket Sat., June 5, 12-4pm. An open History Comes Alive Series.
information. $5 per household. house with outdoor activities Call to make a reservation.
217-523-2631. and events for the whole Space is limited. spiaahm.org.
family, such as bird banding Free. Springfield and Central
American Red Cross blood and tours with area experts Illinois African-American
drive highlighting birds, wetlands History Museum, 1440
Sat., June 5, 9am-2pm. All and flowers. Hosted by the Monument Ave., 217-391-
donors will receive a free Friends of Sangamon Valley 6323.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1920 | www.illinoistimes.com | May 27-June 2, 2021
summerguide
Pawnee Prairie Days June 10-12, Pawnee Square
“Carnival of the Animals” and science of making an “Sizzlin’at 105°” and “Wabi-
Sun., June 6, 2-5pm. exhibit. Go behind the scenes Sabi” opening reception
Presented by the Springfield to learn how an exhibit is Thu., June 10, 5:30-7:30pm.
Youth Ballet company, made and get the chance to Check out these two exciting
featuring live symphonic create your own. Ages 11-14. art exhibitions side by side
music. Free children’s illinoisstatemuseum.org. $40- – a juried artist exhibition
activities before and after $50. Illinois State Museum, 502 and a show of the work of
the show. Performances at S. Spring St., 217-782-6044. local visual and bonsai tree
2:00, 3:00, 3:30 and 4:30pm. artists. Several artists will
Free. Duncan Park, 400 N. Levitt AMP Music Series be present to discuss their
MacArthur Blvd. Thu., June 10, 6pm. Acoustic collaborations. Refreshments
trio The Deep Hollow followed provided. Masks required. SAA
Rochester Farmers Market by songwriter, gambler and Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth
Sun., June 6,12-3pm. singer Esmé Patterson at 7pm. St., 217-544-2787.
Rochester Public Library, Free. levitt.org. Y Block, Fourth
Rochester, 1 Community Dr., and Jackson streets, 217-544- “Field of Dreams”
217-498-8454. 1723. Fri., June 11. A 1989 sports
supernatural drama film.
Summer skate school Lincoln’s Love of Music Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Mon.-Fri., June 7-Aug. 6. Thu., June 10, 7-8pm. Historian Film begins at dusk. Part of
Weekdays. Open to beginners Christian McWhirter will explore the Movie in the Park Series.
through advanced skaters, Lincoln’s taste in music and springfieldparks.org. Free.
ages 3+. Classes include both how Lincoln shaped the music Bergen Golf Course, 2900 E.
high and low edge/movement, of his time. Visit the Abraham Clear Lake Ave., 753-6211.
jumps, playing with the basics, Lincoln Presidential Library and
power (high) and all levels Museum Facebook page at the Virtual Star Parties
of spins. Visit the Springfield appointed time and scroll to Fri., June 11, 8:30pm.
Park District website for the the post highlighting the live John Martin, UIS associate
schedule. springfieldparks. event. Free. Abraham Lincoln professor of astronomy/
org. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Presidential Library, 112 N. physics, will give tips for
Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., Sixth St., 217-558-8844. identifying planets and
217-525-2589. constellations and answer
Pawnee Prairie Days astronomy questions
Museum Bootcamp Thu.-Sat., June 10-12. submitted live. Visit the
Mon., June 7 is the deadline Carnival, food vendors and live website or call for more info.
to register for the June 24- music. Pawnee Prairie Days, go.uis.edu/summerstarparties.
25 event. Dive into the art Pawnee Square, 971-6110. 217-206-8342.
May 27-June 2, 2021 | Illinois Times | 21You can also read
