Dance contests bring old school and new school together BY PATRICE WORTHY    In Detroit, it's called the social. In Dallas, it's called the swing. But in the Land of Lincoln, it's called stepping. From 9 p.m.-3 a.m. on Nov. 22 at the American Legion #809, 1800 E. Capitol Ave., couples will compete for a $200 prize and bragging rights. Stepping is a dance that builds off of six- or eight-count steps. Couples step to the front, back and side to side gliding around the dance floor to the soulful sounds of R&B music. The dance has its roots in northern African-American communities in cities like Chicago, considered the stepping capital, because that is where the dance originated in the 1950s. Now, with the help of R&B singer and Chicago native R. Kelly and his song "Step in the Name of Love... 11/20/2008

A dramatic move on Seventh Street Court and Karen Conn head team of rescuers to save the Maisenbacher House BY GINNY LEE   Expert Movers measure for the turn onto Jackson Street.PHOTO BY GINNY LEE The twelve-member crew of Expert House Movers carefully eased the 19th-century Maisenbacher House into Seventh Street. east of the Springfield Clinic last Saturday morning. Though the weather was cold and blustery, a crowd gathered to watch the house move north on Seventh Street to its new home at Seventh and Jackson sreets. It moved a block north on Saturday, then continued its voyage Sunday, arriving at its new location just before 4 p.m.
 For months the future of the Lincoln-era Maisenbacher House was unclear, as the Springfield Clinic planned its expansion in the neighborhood, threatenin... 11/20/2008

By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN, Associated Press Writer Mohamed Olad Hassan, Associated Press Writer - Wed Nov 19, 10:16 am ET Play Video Video: Surge in Somali piracy BBC Play Video Video: More pirate attacks plague African coast AP Play Video Video: Hijacked supertanker nears Somalia Reuters AP - This undated picture made at an unknown location shows the the MV Sirius Star a Saudi oil supertanker ... MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's increasingly brazen pirates are building sprawling stone houses, cruising in luxury cars, marrying beautiful women - even hiring caterers to prepare Western-style food for their hostages. And in an impoverished country where every public institution has crumbled, they have become heroes in the steamy coastal dens they operate from because they are the only real bus... 11/19/2008

October Home Sale Report October: CAAR preliminary home sale statistics for Oct of ‘08 reveal an decrease of 1.0% in residential transactions with 284 sold and closed as compared to 287 in ‘07. The average sale price of an existing single family home in Oct of ‘08 was $120,000 reflecting a 5.2% decrease from the Oct ‘07 price of $126,600. Sale pendings in Oct ‘08 were 266 reflecting a 17.1% decrease from the 321 sale pendings in Oct ‘07. New listings were down 19.5% with 421 new listings in Oct ‘08 as compared to 523 in Oct ‘07. Total dollar volume of homes sold in Oct ‘08 of $34.1 million reflected a decrease of 6.2% from the Oct ‘07 dollar volume of $36.3 million. Cumulative days on market for Oct ‘08 was 115 days vs. 102 days during Oct ‘07. YTD Through October ‘08: There were 3,080 ... 11/17/2008

Surprisingly, folks in their 40s are the ones calling for help BY JULIANNE GLATZ   Thanksgiving has really crept up on me this year. Partly it's because of the weather; I can't ever remember a year when we haven't had a hard freeze by Halloween. Just a couple of days ago, I opened the windows in our family room. Several times lately I've even turned on the air conditioning in my car for a few minutes to cool it down when it's been sitting in the sun. Probably the biggest reason Thanksgiving is suddenly looming on the horizon for me is that this year it really is early (duh!). In fact, it's as early as it can possibly be: Nov. 1 was a Thursday, making Thanksgiving fall just 21 days later. It's only in the last few years that I've had to make advance plans for Thanksgiving. For most of my... 11/16/2008

  Give the "Gift of Reading"NewsRadio WTAX has joined with Marine Bank and the Springfield School District to give the "Gift of Reading" this holiday season. Join NewsRadio WTAX at the Jingle Bell Run/Walk.NewsRadio WTAX is teaming up with the Arthritis Foundation ot raise money for those with Arthritis throught the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. The event is Saturday, November 22nd at Lincoln Land Community College with registration starting at 9:30am.  The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign is Underway!The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign is Underway!  NewsRadio WTAX has joined with the Salvation Army again this year to help it with its Tree of Lights campaign. The Salvation Army is hoping to raise $435,000 for its Tree of Lights Campaign this holiday season. Glenn Beck's Christmas S... 11/16/2008

By Michelle Malkin  •  November 14, 2008 04:14 AM My syndicated column this week rips Hapless Hank Paulson and his flock of sheeple in Washington. The latest headlines suggest that the auto bailout is in trouble. But don't get your hopes up too high. Politicians will cave. And no matter what euphemism they use, you will pay for it. *** Hank Paulson, naked emperorby Michelle MalkinCreators SyndicateCopyright 2008 Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson finally confirmed what lonely bailout opponents tried to tell the American public all along: The man doesn't know what the hell he's doing. Paulson held a bazooka to taxpayers' heads. He groveled on his knees in front of Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He lured leaders from both political parties into linking arms in a panicked Chicken Litt... 11/16/2008

Stager Matthew Finlason, from The Stagers, lays out his top tips for successfully staging a home. Matthew Finlason, staging expert on The Stagers. 1. Grab them from the curb. You've seen them. Buyers hunkered low in their cars in front of your house, doing drive-bys before deciding whether to request a showing or attend an open house. Make these potential buyers fall in love with your home from the street by adding potted plants and flowers, power-washing patios and walkways, weeding the garden and mowing the lawn. It's your first chance to make a good impression, so you've got to make it count! 2. Make it sparkle. Pretend that your mother or mother-in-law is coming for a visit. Think "hotel" clean. Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows, baseboards, even the cat. Remember that people will loo... 11/16/2008

One Thing is Certain -- For Your Investments... Dear Fellow American, Now that Barack Obama has won the election, one thing is certain... he will preside over the largest expansion of the government's role in the economy since the 1930s -- with enormous consequences for your investments. This "New New Deal," as some Democrats are already calling it, may well have the same result as the original one: to turn a sharp, painful recession into a long Depression. Will that set the stage for a GOP president in 2012 -- the way '70s stagflation under Jimmy Carter set the stage for Ronald Reagan? I doubt it. More likely, Obama will be able to parlay the hard economic times into a second term. How? The same way FDR did... by blaming everything that happens on his watch on his predecessors. The wor... 11/16/2008

An Invitation to Festival of Trees Volunteers  Memorial's Festival of Trees depends on volunteers. Each year more than 1,000 volunteers give their time to help ensure the success of Festival of Trees... an event that is created by many, supported by the community and enjoyed by all. We would like you to consider joining us as a volunteer. As a volunteer, you will be part of the single largest family-oriented holiday tradition in central Illinois. We need your help to make this year's event a success. As a token of our deep appreciation, each volunteer will receive a commemorative Festival of Trees pin. In addition, for each shift worked, volunteers receive free admission, and snacks and refreshments in the volunteer lounge. Our volunteers will also be invited to a special reception foll... 11/16/2008

Student Mini-Trees Elementary school children are invited to participate with their teachers in the Festival of Trees by decorating a class mini tree. Each participating class will be offered a 24" tree to be decorated and placed on display during the Festival of Trees. Trees will be identified with a sign provided by the Festival of Trees. Upon the conclusion of the Festival, trees that are not retrieved by a classroom will be donated to area nursing/retirement homes for the enjoyment of others. Only one tree per classroom is permitted. Availability is limited. For more information, please read the Student Mini Trees Guidelines. To reserve a mini tree, please complete the Student Mini Tree registration form. Student Mini Trees Guidelines Trees will be provided by the Festival of Trees ... 11/16/2008

2008 Festival of Trees Signature Items  Women's Navy Blue or Red Fleece Vestwith Silver Festival of Trees Embroidered Logo Available in Adult Sizes: S - 4X - $35.00Click here to zoom in on garment logo. Unisex Blue Crew Sweatshirtswith 2008 "A Winter Garden" Festival of Trees Embroidered Logo Adult Sizes: S - 3X - $25.00Youth Sizes: S - L - $15.00Click here to zoom in on garment logo. Unisex White Turtlenecks with Green Festival of Trees Embroidered Logo Adult Sizes: S - 4X - $20.00Click here to zoom in on garment logo. Red or Black Scarf with White Festival of Trees Logo One Size: $17.00Click here to zoom in on garment logo. Festival of Trees Signature Items Sale Festival of Trees sweatshirts, vests and scarves will be available for purchase in the Garden Lobby at Memorial Medical Cent... 11/16/2008

Memorial's Festival of Trees 2008    School Days, a special preview of the Festival prior to the opening, will be held November 18th, 19th, and 20th. The School Days admission fee is $4.00 per student. One adult chaperone will be admitted free of charge for every five students. Each child will receive one complimentary ride on the train at their scheduled time, create a special School Days craft and then receive a snack. Buses should unload children at the west entrance on School Days. Please note that other areas of the Festival will not be open during this time. Seating is limited for the train and snack area so reservations are required (see below). Please arrive promptly at your scheduled time to avoid delays. You are welcome to tour the Festival for as long as you'd like before or ... 11/16/2008

Santa's Workshop Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Festival of Trees again this year. Little girls and boys can give Santa their holiday wish list and have their picture taken with him. Special keepsake photos with Santa are available for $5.00. Santa's Hours: Saturday, November 22Noon - 4:00 p.m.5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23Noon - 4:00 p.m.5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 245:00. - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 255:00. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 265:00. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 27Thanksgiving4:00. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 28Noon - 4:00 p.m.5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29Noon - 4:00 p.m.5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 30Noon - 5:00 p.m. 11/16/2008

 Festival of Trees Holiday Kitchen   The Holiday Kitchen is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.Only beverages will be served. Sandwiches Chicken Salad on Croissant $3.50 American All Beef Hot Dog $2.00    with Chili/Cheese $2.50 Soup Chili $2.00    with Cheese/Onions $2.50 Dessert Slice Pumpkin Pie $2.00 Snacks Chips $ .75 Popcorn $ .75 Nacho Chips & Cheese $2.00    with Chili $2.50 Frito Pie-Fritos, Chili, & Cheese $2.00 Beverages Fountain Soda $1.00 Bottled Juice & Tea / Bottled Water $1.50 Coffee / Hot Chocolate $ .50       11/16/2008

  Gingerbread Village The Gingerbread Village features a display of over 50 lavishly decorated gingerbread houses and other exquisite edible structures. It is one of the favorite areas enjoyed by the 30,000 people who attend Memorial's Festival of Trees annually. Be sure to visit the Village and view the model train which winds around its perimeter. All of the gingerbread houses are available for purchase at the Festival of Trees through silent bidding. Children and adults are invited to participate by constructing their own entries for the Gingerbread Village. For more information, please read the Gingerbread Village Guidelines belowor click here to download the Guidelines. For a Gingerbread Village application, please click here. 2008 Designer Guidelines Please adhere to the following... 11/16/2008

Whether you are planning a meeting, conference, reunion or any other special event, you surely want to make it memorable. In Springfield, we offer experiences few can rival in a city of our size, in settings that will cast a special spell. With our grand selection of special event venues to choose from, you are certain to create a successful event. Many of our historic sites and visitor attractions are available for private functions. Consider the possibility of a turn-of-the-century reception at one of our historic Lincoln sites or a picnic near a log cabin village. Old State CapitolThe Old State Capitol is an elegant setting for candlelight receptions. There is something special about this building in the evening-it is somehow easier to transport yourself back in time and imagine wha... 11/16/2008

Join Us for Memorial's Festival of Trees Gala Saturday, November 15, 2008 Memorial's Festival of Trees Gala is a black-tie preferred event that allows guests to view the Festival before it opens to the public. While you stroll through the parade of trees, indulge in festive cuisine and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in a magical atmosphere. Dance the night away to the music of one of the area's favorite bands, all for a great cause - the programs of Memorial Medical Center Foundation. Tickets are $85 and include hors d'oeuvres, dessert, wine, beer, soft drinks, complimentary valet parking and entertainment. To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, please call the Memorial Medical Center Foundation at (217) 788-4301.       11/12/2008

Festival of Trees 2008 Entertainment Schedule   Saturday, November 22 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Christ The King School Junior Crusaders Choir 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fleming Academy of Performing Arts 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kinner & Company Dance Studio 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Silver Steppers 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Springfield Area Youth Jazz Band 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Seraphim (female vocal quartet) 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. McGee Creek Blue Grass Band 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. West Side Christian Faithful Men's Choir 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sweet Adelines Sound Celebration ChorusLand of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus Sunday, November 23 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. To Be Announced 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Latta Suzuki School of Piano 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Latta Suzuki School of Violin 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Lincoln Land Community College Madrigal Singers 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. "... 11/12/2008

Become aFestival of Trees Designer  The creation of trees, wreaths and centerpieces for each year's Festival of Trees is a cooperative process involving volunteer designers who donate their time, talent and treasure. We provide the trees and wreaths. You transform it into a delightful holiday creation that will be viewed by nearly 30,000 Festival visitors. Designer Categories Designers can choose from any of the following categories: Showcase ("rooms" which include a 7 foot tree and wreath) 7 foot tree 4 foot tree 30 inch wreath Tabletop centerpiece Designer Benefits As a way of thanking you for your participation, designers receive special benefits including: Recognition in the Festival of Trees promotional material and at the Festival of Trees Recognition in the special insert section... 11/12/2008