John Ellis

John Ellis sitting on a bench in the park

John Ellis sitting at a table in the park“My one goal was that she would be surprised. She knew it was coming eventually but I wanted to surprise her and I did that. We went out and got dinner, went for a drink, walked out on the terrace, and got the manager to open the door because it was cold. It was light flurries that night. It was a great setting. I got married two months ago. We moved to Decatur about two weeks before we were married on February 2nd. It was a lot of change. New job. New wife. We dated for about six years before we decided to come back to the area. I’ve been fortunate to live in some cool cities like Dallas, St. Louis, and Chicago but one thing that Decatur has is a sense of small-town community yet you’re still in somewhat of a larger city. I get kind of frustrated with people who are from here and they have a negative connotation about Decatur, which I think is absurd. There is something special about being able to be in a network of people who will really have your back.” (1/2)

 

“I aspire to be like my dad. I’m one of five and he’s one of nine. He’s always worked incredibly hard to make sure all of us kids had everything we needed to be successful. If I can be anything like him, I’d be happy. I always knew I’d be in sales because I love working with people. My first job was mowing lawns back in grade school. You’re never going to get a job unless you ask. I had to go around asking all my neighbors if they would allow me to be their lawn service for the summer.” (2/2)

Things To Do This Weekend

Weekend Long Events

Decatur Park District’s Perform! presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
March 18 @ 7:00 pm
March 19 @ 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
March 20 @ 2:00 pm
Decatur Civic Center
1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur

Main Hangar Comedy Hour – Featuring Lucky Luciano & Headlined by AJ Finney
March 18 @ 8:30 pm
March 19 @ 8:30 pm
Main Hangar Restaurant
910 S Airport Rd, Decatur

Friday, March 18th

Fish Fry
4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Holy Family Catholic School
2400 South Franklin Street Road, Decatur

Wine, Beer, & “Pot” Party
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
CenterEarth Studio
135 N Henderson St, Mt Zion

Scherer & Co Cabaret
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Madden Arts Center: Loft 125
125 N Water St, Decatur

Friday Night Movie: The Boondock Saints
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lincoln Square Theatre
145 N Main St, Decatur

Frog Music Hike
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Griswold Conservation Area
9896 Meridian Rd, Blue Mound

Erisa Rei: Live Homegrown Soul/Americana Music
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Donnie’s Homespun Pizza
126 S Oakland, Decatur

Saturday, March 19th

Mt Zion Chamber Business Expo
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mt Zion Convention Center
1400 Mt Zion Parkway, Mt Zion

Penguin In the Park
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Fairview Park
1640 W Monument Hill Dr, Decatur

Easter Egg Hunt
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Illini Park Building, Warrensburg

Personalized Cutting Board Class
2:00 pm
The Perfect Pair & Pear Pantry
266 N St Rt 121, Warrensburg

Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby Double Header
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Decatur Civic Center
1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur

Soy City Stranglers
10:00 pm – 1:55 am
Donnie’s Homespun Pizza
126 S Oakland, Decatur

Sunday, March 20th

Easter Egg Hunt
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Fairview Park
1640 W Monument Hill Dr, Decatur

Adult Women’s Basketball
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Decatur Family YMCA
220 W McKinley, Decatur

Kirk Brown Band
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pop’s Place
4335 W Main St, Decatur

Find even more events at Thrive Entertainment Guide.

Photo: Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby

Things to do this weekend

Wine Tastings
Friday, January 22, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 23, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
The Decanter Fine Wines

Friday Night Movie: The Little Shop of Horrors
Friday, January 22, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Lincoln Square Theater

Unnecessary Farce
Friday, January 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 23, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Richland Community College Shilling Center

Earl David Reed’s The Secret to My Unsuccess Tour with Special Guest: Jeremy Jenkins
Friday, January 22, 8:00-10:30 p.m.
Decatur Civic Center

DIY Homebrewing
Saturday, January 23, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
University of Illinois Extension, Macon County Office

New Musicals Workshop
Saturday, January 23, 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
MU Kaeuper Hall

Superhero Day
Saturday, January 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dr. G’s BrainWorks

The Prom Exchange
Saturday, January 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 24, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
The Perfect Pair & Pear Pantry, Warrensburg

Extreme Couponing
Sunday, January 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Fletcher Park: Recreation Center

50th Anniversary Exhibit Grand Opening
Sunday, January 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Rock Springs Conservation Area

7th Annual Festival of Church Choirs
Sunday, January 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Tabernacle Baptist Church

 

Volunteer Opportunities for Christmas

  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing – through December 24

Various Decatur locations. Ring a bell for Salvation Army donations to the famous red buckets, only two hours are required, must be age 16 or older, all proceeds collected remain in Macon County for the homeless shelter, food pantry, social services, clothing, utility and rent assistance, senior and youth programs, two-hour shifts from 10am-8pm, www.ringbells.org or 217-428-4672.

920 North Union Street in Decatur, Illinois, 62521.

Meals are prepared and served each day by volunteer groups.

Volunteer for clean up on December 29

825 North Water Street – Decatur, Illinois 62523

We provide special Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Food baskets. Plan a day to come and Volunteer.

Contact Abby with Faith in Action at 217-428-0013 to become a volunteer

Faith in Action is a program that serves homebound individuals age 55 and older.

 

(Photo provided by The Good Samaritan Inn)

Where to Visit Santa

Christmas is quickly approaching, but it’s not too late to see Santa! Kris Kringle himself will be making an appearance at these locations around Decatur in the coming weeks:

Hickory Point Mall

  • Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
  • Sunday: Noon to 5pm
  • Christmas Eve: 10am-5pm

Central Park

  • Friday, December 18: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 19: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 20: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Monday, December 21: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, December 22: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 23: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 24: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Pajama Party with Santa

  • December 18, 6:30-8:00 pm
  • Decatur Family YMCA, $5

Image provided by Hickory Point Mall

Things to do this Weekend

FRI 12/4/15

Angel Tree at Dennis Lab School
December 4
Dennis Lab School, 1499 W Main St
Decatur, IL 62522 United States
Do you want to help make Christmas special for a Dennis student and their family? Stop by DLS, choose an ornament from our Angel Tree, and purchase a few items that are sure to bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season.

Ladies Days
December 4 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Coziahr Harley-Davidson, 150 W Marion Ave
Forsyth, IL 62535 United States
What makes it special? Ladies get double loyalty points! And we’ve got special savings on H-D Licensed Product for all the men on your list!

Nutcracker Ballet
December 4 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
RCC: Shilling Center, One College Park
Decatur, IL 62521 United States
Tickets are $15

SAT. 12/5/15

Heavenly Holiday Bazaar
December 5 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mt Calvary Lutheran Church, 2055 S Franklin St
Decatur, IL 62521 United States
Find great Christmas decorations and craft items, and buy cookies by the pound.

Breakfast with Santa
December 5 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S Country Club Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
Enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus and make a holiday craft! $7 per person for Museum Members $10 per person for Non-Members Cost includes admission to the Museum

Cookie Walk
December 5 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Barclay Public Library, 220 S Main St
Warrensburg, IL 62573 United States
Homemade holiday cookies and candies at the library, $5 per pound.

Animal Crackers Class “Ready for Winter” at Scovill Zoo
December 5 @ 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Scovill Zoo, 71 S Country Club Rd
Decatur, IL 62521 United States
Bundle up, it’s about to get cold out there! Take a closer look at animal fur to find out the special features animals have to help them survive the cold temperatures.

Into the Wild: Holiday Ornaments
December 5 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln
Decatur, IL 62521
Create beautiful, unique, eco-friendly ornaments for your holiday decorating!

 

SUN. 12/6/15

95Q Secret Santa Concert 

December 6 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza
Decatur, IL 62523 United States
Acoustic performances from three different country acts.

Vespers
December 6 @ 3:00 and 7:00 pm
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W Main
Decatur, IL 62522 United States
Christmas Concert

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities

The Good Samaritan Inn

The meal is served from 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m. Daily

920 North Union Street in Decatur, Illinois, 62521.

Meals are prepared and served each day by volunteer groups.

 

 

The Salvation Army

Nov. 7th – Dec. 24th

Bell Ringing

To volunteer call Kathy at 217-428-4673, ext. 105

 

 

Northeast Community Fund

825 North Water Street – Decatur, Illinois 62523

We provide special Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Food baskets. Plan a day to come and Volunteer.

 

 

Faith in Action

Contact Abby with Faith in Action at 217-428-0013 to become a volunteer

Faith in Action is a program that serves homebound individuals age 55 and older.

 

 

Coats for Kids

May be dropped of through Nov. 30th

Collecting coats, gently used and new, to get into the hands of families in need.

Drop off sites listed.

 

 

Toys for Tots

November 23- Decatur lighted Christmas Parade.

Downtown Decatur Toys for Tots will be collecting toys.

 

Things to do this weekend

FRIDAY NOV. 13

Mad Hatter Party
November 13 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Barclay Public Library, 220 S Main St., Warrensburg, IL 62573
You are summoned to a very, merry un-birthday for Alice in Wonderland’s 150th Anniversary! Registration Required.

Lady Palooza
November 13 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mt Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt Zion Parkway Mt. Zion, IL 62549
Join us for an evening of mingling and shopping! Enjoy exclusive discounts, raffles, freebies, snacks, and beverages.

Christmas Auction 
November 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Argenta Fire Station, 303 S North St., Argenta, IL 62501
5th annual Friends of Argenta/A-O Fire Department Christmas auction. All new merchandise! Food (5:30p), Auction (6p).

Night in the Islands
November 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Decatur Club, 158 W Prairie Decatur, IL 62523
Live music, appetizers, drinks, and celebrity bartenders. Free to attend. 100% tips benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

SATURDAY NOV. 14

St Patrick School Fall Craft Show
November 14 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
St Patrick School, 407 E Eldorado St. Decatur, IL 62523
20+ vendors to shop, a BBQ sandwich lunch and bake sale. In addition Santa will also stop by for a visit and pictures with any children.

Chili Cook-Off
November 14 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Illini Park Building, Warrensburg, IL 62573
We’re calling for the best chili in town! Register at Barclay Library to join the competition.

Addams Family
November 14 @ 7:30 pm
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W Main Decatur, IL 62522
The creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky Addams Family comes to life in this raucous new musical comedy. Tickets are $14.

SUNDAY NOV. 15

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical
November 15 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza
Decatur, IL 62523
Tickets are $15.

Concert For Hunger and Homelessness Awareness
November 15 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
First Baptist Church, 1320 Arbor Drive, Decatur, IL 62526
Allegiance Quartet will be in concert. Free concert. Please bring canned goods and warm items for our neighbors in Decatur and Macon County.

Couples/Singles Dance
November 15 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E North St. Decatur, IL 62523
Live band. Tickets are $10.

Things to do this Weekend

FRIDAY NOV. 6

 

MidState Indoor Soccer Co-ed 3 v 3 League

November 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), 1295 W Wood, Decatur, IL 62522

Soccer players ages U6–U10 can extend their season with MidState’s co-ed 3 v 3 indoor soccer league at the DISC.

 

 

Family Friday at the Museum

November 6 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521

Play late and enjoy pizza from Papa Murphy’s Pizza from 5-7 pm for Family Friday!

 

 

Adult open play volleyball

November 6 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W McKinley, Decatur, IL 62526

Open to players of all skill levels.

 

 

SATURDAY NOV. 7

 

Mistletoe Market at Dennis Lab School Event Meta

November 7 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Dennis Lab School, 1499 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62522

Dennis Lab School hosts their annual Mistletoe Market where you will find vendors like Scentsy, 31 Bags, Stella & Dot, Origami Owl and MORE!

 

 

Judy Mason Thanksgiving Basket Project Event Meta

November 7 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Western Pricision Inc, 1550 E McBride Ave, Decatur, IL 62526

No need to RSVP, just show up to work! Ages 5+ Place 18-25 food items into 4,000 boxes.

 

 

Veteran’s Parade Event Meta

November 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Downtown Argenta, N North St, Argenta, IL 62501

Lunch to follow at the Old Grade School.

 

 

Peace Love Gong Event Meta

November 7 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Be Yoga Decatur, 132 S Water St, Ste 230, Decatur, IL 62523

Gong Meditation.

 

 

SUNDAY NOV. 8

 

November Art in Decatur

November 8 @ 8:00 – 5:00 pm

Various, Decatur, IL 62523

Each location will have a unique art exhibit. Specific dates and times to be determined by each location

 

 

Bluegrass Music Jams Event Meta

November 8 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln, Decatur, IL 62521

Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers. Open to the public.

 

 

Family Science Sunday – Fun Fall Science

November 8 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521

Join us as we use different aspects of fall to do awesome science experiments!

 

(Photo taken at Next of Kiln in Mt. Zion)

 

Things to do this Weekend

  • Trick or Treat

October 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Mt Zion District Library, 115 W Main St Mt Zion, IL 62549

Stop in at the Mt Zion library for a special pre- Halloween treat!

 

  • Halloween Fun Days

October 30 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Overlook Adventure Mini Golf, 2501 E Nelson Park Rd Decatur, 62521

Enjoy a few rounds of Mini golf at the new miniature golf course in town! Kids that come in costume play for free and families/adults of 4 can golf for $25.

 

  • 3rd Annual Halloween Spooktacular

October 30 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Jackson Ford, 455 E Pershing Rd Decatur , IL 62526

Jackson Ford is offering a safe trick or treating environment as well as a costume contest for kids ages 0-12 years old! Two winners will receive a brand new bike from Walmart!

 

  • Boo at the Zoo $4.50

October 30 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm 

Scovill Zoo, 71 S Country Club Rd Decatur, IL 62521

Halloween is right around the corner and Scovill Zoo has created the ultimate Halloween experience that is safe and fun for all ages. Be sure to ride the Fright Night Express if you’re really feeling adventurous.

 

  • Halloween Carnival $5

October 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), 1295 W Wood Decatur, IL 62522

This Halloween carnival is being put on by the Millikin University Cheerleaders. This event will feature Elsa, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Minnie Mouse, Barbie, Prince Charming, Superman and many more famous characters! There will be a costume contest as well as games and activities. This event is for ages 4+.

 

  • The Lincoln Square Theatre Presents Ghostbusters $5

October 30 @ 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Lincoln Square Theatre, 145 N Main St Decatur, IL 62523

Spend the night at Decatur’s old theater watching a Halloween classic fun for all ages and family friendly.

 

  • Halloween Party $5

October 31 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Lincoln Square Theatre, 145 N Main St Decatur, IL 62523

The Lincoln will be showing classic Halloween cartoons as well as handing out treats to all the kids that come dressed in costume.

 

  • Trunk or Treat October 31 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

South Shores Christian Church, 230 Bristol Dr Decatur, IL 62521

Holy Family Catholic School, 2400 South Franklin Street Road Decatur, IL 62521

First Baptist Church (Mt Zion), 720 W Main St Mt. Zion, 62549

Forsyth United Methodist Church, 210 Ruehl St Forsyth, IL 62535

 If you’re looking for a safe family friendly environment for your little ones be sure to stop by any of these 4 churches during the hours of 6:00-8:00.

 

  • Harvestfest

October 31 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Heartland Community Church, 3253 N Brush College Rd Decatur, IL 62521

Heartland is putting on a family friendly carnival event for age’s 2-6 grades. There will be food, fun, games, and prizes for all who attend.

 

  • Hallow-tween

October 31 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Mt Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt Zion Parkway Mt. Zion, IL 62549

Send your 7th-12th grade kids to a spooktacular event! There will be karaoke, costume contests, games, and a photo booth.