NEW YORK — The pandemic has proven there’s no shortage of games to keep families, couples and kids amused. The classics are ever-present, but a range of new or off-the-beaten-track gift entries are available.

Bacterial and viral infections are very much a part of life everywhere you go these days. Bacterial infections in particular have become extremely difficult to treat because of the over use of synthesized antibiotics. So, discernibly finding a way to strengthen one’s immune system has never …

EFFINGHAM — At the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, the past eight months have been something of a roller coaster. There was a total shutdown, membership freezes and a slow reopening. And now, there’s a new round of state mitigations limiting activities at the complex.

CINCINNATI — Dropping candy down a chute for little costumed Baby Sharks, Mulans and Black Panthers. Flinging full-size candy bars to them via mini-catapults, “Game of Thrones” style, or with decorated slingshots.

URBANA, Ill. – Illinois is the prairie state, but don’t think all prairies are the same. While deep-soil, tallgrass prairie dominated much of the landscape, other prairie types found niches, too.

URBANA, Ill. – Most people think of spring as the ideal planting time for trees and shrubs, but fall offers a nice planting window with some added benefits.

ATHENS, Texas – People are sick and tired of “staying-in-place.” Even though there are still strict protocols in many areas of the country, one of the ways people are keeping things fun and safe this summer is by renting and buying recreational vehicles.

The first EIU Comic Con is planned at Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Activities will include an Artists Alley, workshops, trivia contest, escape room, cosplay, displays and more.

Neoga High School, under the direction of April Banning, will perform “Godspell” March 19-21, with a free senior matinee on Wednesday, March 18. Tickets are on sale in the NHS office.

The Effingham County Humane Society will have its annual Mardi Gras Gala Saturday, March 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Effingham Event Center.

Fulbright Specialist Heather Massie comes to Charleston with her award-winning, internationally acclaimed New York City show, “HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr.”

Join Country music legend, “Miss Country Soul,” Jeannie Seely at the Effingham Performance Center in Effingham Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

The Fourth Annual Six String Summit, featuring seven of the area’s top guitarists, returns to the Effingham Performance Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a free performance of the Sound Source Music student band “Vulfspieler” in the VIP lounge. Tickets are $15.

Teutopolis Junior High Drama will present the musical “Hang Ten” by Craig Sodaro and Bill Francoeur.

Restless Heart will be bringing its 2020 tour to Effingham Performance Center on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

HSHS St. Anthony’s Foundation invites the community to the annual “Butterfly Ball” on Saturday, March 14, co-sponsored by Central Illinois Radiological Associates, Ltd.

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with a free event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.

When Greg Klyma sings, “paid my dues,” you believe him. He’s been writing songs for 30 years and touring for over 20 years, living out of his car for 12 of those.

Catholic Charities will have its Annual Benefit at the Effingham Event Center Saturday, Feb. 1.

The Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library is showcasing the artwork of local artist Liz Jackson. Jackson’s work will be on display until Jan. 31.