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.

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.

NEW YORK — What has more letters than the alphabet? That’s easy: The post office. That joke — sponsored by the letter A — is a highlight of the first original podcast from “Sesame Street,” featuring music, interactive games and Muppets galore.

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.

A bit of Broadway is coming to east central Illinois when the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players bring their award-winning production of “I’ve Got a Little TWIST” to the Doudna Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17.

Barn Colony Artists, based in Decatur, fill the Gallery and Upper Lobby of Flourishes Gallery and Studios through April 11.

Local photographer, Susie Holland, opens the first show of her work at Flourishes Gallery and Studios Saturday, Jan. 11, with a reception from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 140 ½ East Main, Shelbyville.