The David Davis Mansion will host a family trick-or-treat on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31.

BLOOMINGTON

 Halloween at the David Davis Mansion: 

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington will welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4 until 6 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat at the David Davis Mansion will feature treats and a chance for Halloween photos and memories for children. The event is free.

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington, is administered by the IDNR and is open each Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for public tours (with the special Halloween hours on Oct. 31).

The Carole King musical coming to Center for Performing Arts

For five years, “Beautiful” the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Carole King musical, has thrilled Broadway with the inspiring true story of one woman’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The show will be performed Sunday, Oct. 20 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St.

From the string of pop classics she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, chart-busting success with Tapestry, “Beautiful” takes you back to where it all began – and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.

Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend”, “One Fine Day”, “Up on the Roof”, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Natural Woman”, this crowd-pleasing show is filled with the songs you remember – and a story you’ll never forget.

Tickets can be purchased online at artsblooming.org, by phone at 309-434-2777 or in person at the Ticket Office located at 600 N. East St., Bloomington.

City continues roadwork program with pavement preservation

The City of Bloomington began this year’s pavement preservation efforts on Oct. 14 and is expected to finish the work by Oct. 25. This year’s program includes 70 road segments throughout the city. Maps and lists of the planned work can be found at https://www.cityblm.org/Home.

Staff will install temporary “No Parking” signs the week of the work on each street. Parking restrictions will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the dates specified on each sign. Once the pavement preservation is installed, driveway access on each street will be restricted for up to 30 minutes, unless there is an emergency.

The city uses two types of pavement preservation: Reclamite and C85. Reclamite uses emulsion made up of specific petroleum oils and resins. The rejuvenating process keeps the pavement flexible, so both cracking and road fatigue are reduced.

It also seals the pavement from air and water, slowing the oxidation process and reducing the loss of small aggregate.

C85 is a restorative seal that is intended for asphalt that has deteriorated beyond the point that Reclamite alone is an effective treatment method for the surface. C85 is a petroleum-based emulsion product that is covered in lime screenings to mend the asphalt surface, sealing cracks and filling in voids.

The product is designed to be kneaded into the surface by vehicular traffic once it has been applied. C85 is designed to maintain its flexibility over time, which helps to reduce cracking and weathering.

For more information about street and sidewalk maintenance, including a complete list and map of planned resurfacing projects, an interactive street rating map, and regular updates on how the community’s Local Motor Fuel Tax dollars are spent, visit www.bloomingtonstreets.com.

TOWANDA

Simmer Up to Soup at cooking program

University of Illinois Extension and the Towanda District Library invite you to join them for “Simmer Up to Soup” this October. This nutritional cooking program will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Towanda District Library,  301 S Taylor St., Towanda.

A bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter day can be just the comforting meal you are searching for. Learn how to make your own bowl of soup to warm you up this winter while keeping the sodium content low.

Attendees will receive a packet of recipes, watch a food demonstration, and enjoy tastings of Butternut Squash Soup and Stuffed Pepper Soup.

There is no cost to attend and registration is not required. For more information, please contact, Jenna Smith at 309-663-8306 or email at jesmith6@illinois.edu.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, call 309-663-8306.

The Carole King musical biography “Beautiful” will be coming for a one-night performance at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

CENTRAL ILLLINOIS

Red Cross holding blood drives across the region

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood or platelets to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and more than 268,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Cancer patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy may require red blood cell or platelet transfusions. In fact, more than half of all platelets collected by the Red Cross are used by patients with cancer.

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are needed to ensure a stable supply for cancer patients and others this fall. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets during the month of October will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants, courtesy of Tango Card. Terms apply; see rcblood.org/game.

SPRINGFIELD

 Lincoln’s New Salem site hosting fall festival

The annual Fall Festival at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Site interpreters in period clothing will demonstrate daily tasks throughout the historic village such as candle dipping, soap making, basket making, spinning wool, gardening, natural dyeing, and broom making.

Admission is free, and donations are always welcomed. Lincoln’s New Salem, administered by the IDNR, is located two miles south of Petersburg and 20 miles northwest of Springfield on Illinois Route 97.