🇩🇪A Harvest Festival, Reducing Inflammation, and Oktoberfest

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Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday. There is something for everyone to do this week in the greatest town in Illinois, nay, the Universe. Harvest Festivals, Haunted Houses, Oktoberfest, Fiddlerock. There’s so much to do.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🎳Bowling for Veterans
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🌀Hurricane Helene Relief
👕Princeton Job Opportunity
💼Princeton Businesses
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
📍Outside City Limits
🏛️From the Chamber of Commerce
🧶The Covered Bridge Quilter’s Guild
🥦Reducing and Resolving Chronic Inflammation

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, David Anderson!🎈

• The Bureau County Courthouse will be closed to the public and employees on Friday, October 11, for HVAC work. This closure is necessary for replacing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in the courthouse.

• RMN: Jane Morris is retiring after 14 years of dedicated service at the Princeton Public Library.

• Ian Morris, the son of John and Susan Morris of Princeton, was selected as the Class of 2025 Princeton High School Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizen Award winner.

• The Princeton Tigresses volleyball team had a program sweep against Newman. The Freshmen won 25-12, 25-10; the Sophomores won 25-17, 25-15; and the Varsity team won 25-19, 26-24. All three teams will hit the road this weekend for tournaments: Freshmen at Mendota, Sophomores at Byron, and Varsity at Orion. Good luck, girls!

• PHS football (4-1) will play Hall Friday, at 7pm. This is their Homecoming game.

• The Prairie Arts Council is calling for entries for their Holiday Card Design Contest, with submissions due by October 13. The winning design will be featured in card packs and receive a $100 prize. The contest is open to all ages, with the gallery show running from November 1 to November 24.

• Our Table will be offering free meals on Monday, October 14, and October 28, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Hall, with doors opening at 4:45 p.m. Future meals are also planned for November 11, November 25, December 9, and December 16, with the December 16 event featuring a Christmas party.

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST

🎨Join in the fun at Once Upon A Craft anytime between 4 PM and 7 PM tomorrow for a relaxed painting session! Bring friends, family, or come solo to paint your 3D sign and take it home that same night. Guidance will be available to help you through the process. If you can’t make it, don’t worry—grab a take-home kit to paint later! Located at 526 S Main St, this is a perfect way to embrace the fall season creatively.

🍕Join the 5th Annual Harvest Festival from 1 PM to 7 PM Saturday at Hungry World Farm! Activities include a petting zoo, hayrack rides, farm tours, wood-fired pizza, pumpkin painting, and more. Enjoy the day exploring the farm, learning about sustainable agriculture, and experiencing the great outdoors. There will also be live demonstrations, tours, and fun family-friendly activities throughout the day.

👒Join award-winning actress Leslie Goddard at 1 PM Saturday as she brings to life Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential public figures of the 20th century. Through a thoroughly researched performance, Leslie will portray Eleanor's journey from a shy orphan to a passionate advocate for human rights. The event will be held at 24 Park Ave E and is free and open to the public.

🇩🇪Celebrate Oktoberfest at Rotary Park from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday! The first 100 people to purchase a drink from one of the vendors will receive a free commemorative mug. Enjoy food and drink vendors, face painting, pottery painting with The Knack, artisan vendors, pumpkin painting, kids’ games, and pretzel necklaces.

🎸Join Fiddlerock at 3 PM Saturday for an exciting live performance at Hawg House Saloon! Enjoy your favorite rock, pop, country, metal, and more—all performed with a unique four-string twist. Don’t forget to bring your song requests and check out their current song list at fiddlerocklive.com/songlist. It’s going to be a jam-packed afternoon of music and fun!

🐈Friends of Strays invites you to save the date for an open house Saturday from 12-4 PM. Join them for an afternoon filled with food, music, raffles, and much more to support their mission.

😱Prepare for a spine-chilling experience at the Nightmare Haunted Attraction on October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $15 per person. Follow the attraction’s Facebook page for updates and photos to stay informed.

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

Ranch style home at 830 Bruce Lane, Princeton, IL 61356, Bureau County. Located in Greencroft, a desirable subdivision on the west side of Princeton.

A spacious single story home built in 1981. This home offers 1878 +/- sq. ft. which includes an eat-in kitchen, dining room w/gas fireplace, living room, family room and 3 bedrooms (1 currently a laundry room). There is a partial basement, 19' x 22' garage and a new driveway in 2020. All appliances will be included.

The home has vinyl siding, asphalt shingle roof, gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. Lot size is 76.75 x 159.37 x 142.65 x 153.73 (.4 acres). The backyard opens up to 7 acres of open meadow owned by the city.

Tax ID # is #16-17-452-020, 2023 taxes paid in 2024 were $3,685.38.

Asking price - PRICE REDUCTION: $209,000

This property is being sold as is.

For further information please contact Rick Rediger 815-866-4486.

🎳BOWLING FOR VETERANS: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH AT PIN SPLITTERS LANE

Shifts:  

• 1st Shift: 1:00 PM

• 2nd Shift: 3:30 PM

• 3rd Shift: 6:00 PM
  

Details: 

• 9 Pin No Tap

• Form your own team of 4

• Silent auction will be held
  

Registration Fee: $20 per person

• All donations (cash or items) will be accepted.

• Please advise any board members if you wish to donate to this great cause.
  

🇺🇸Let's not forget our Veterans!

Contacts: 

• Randy Allen: 815-878-5781

• Anna Flaig: 815-878-3521

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: A mix of sunshine and clouds with a high of 76°F. Winds will come from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph, with humidity at 54%. The night will be partly cloudy, with a low of 49°F. Winds will be light and variable, with humidity rising to 73%.

☀️Thursday: Mostly sunny skies with a high of 82°F. Winds from the south-southeast will range between 5 to 10 mph, and the humidity will be at 65%. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a few clouds, with a low of 54°F. Winds will be light and variable, with humidity at 81%.

☀️Friday: Mainly sunny with a high near 75°F. Winds will come from the south at 10 to 15 mph, with humidity at 59%. The evening will be mostly clear with a low around 50°F. Winds will blow from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph, with humidity increasing to 81%.

☀️Saturday: A mainly sunny day with a high of 84°F. Winds from the south-southwest will be at 10 to 15 mph, and humidity will be at 54%. Saturday night will be clear, with a low of 57°F. Winds will remain at 5 to 10 mph, with humidity at 68%.

⛽️Princeton Gas Prices

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.39
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.45
Casey’s West/North: $3.49
Beck’s West/North: $3.49
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.49
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.49

Peru Gas 👀

QuickTrip, 1340 May Rd: $3.03

🌀HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF

Flooding from Hurricane Helene has devastated Asheville, NC, with over 38 confirmed deaths and hundreds still missing, largely due to limited communication in affected areas. The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, brought unprecedented rainfall of 10 to 29 inches, causing deadly landslides and severe flooding across the mountains. Over 1,000 people are unaccounted for in Buncombe County, and more than half a million residents are without power, while food, water, and fuel shortages are creating tension at local supply points. They need help.

Here's a list of organizations helping the flood victims in western North Carolina.

👕PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITY

Store Manager | The Princeton Closet | Full Time | Pay Not Provided

The Princeton Closet is seeking a full-time store manager. The Closet is a faith-based resale organization whose mission is to give back to the community. The manager works full time M-F with once-a-month Saturdays required. Other requirements include retail sales management experience, team orientation, leadership, excellent communication, computer skills, financial skills, and past work with volunteers is a plus. Submit all resumes to [email protected].

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This bright, airy two-bedroom home at 308 N Pleasant St is perfect for many buyers, featuring open-flow, light-filled living spaces and gleaming hardwood floors. The upper level includes a spacious master bedroom with new carpet and a walk-in closet, offering a sense of luxury. The main level includes a large eat-in kitchen/dining area, ideal for entertaining, along with vaulted ceilings in the multi-purpose room, which can be used as a workout or game room. The fenced backyard has a large wooden deck and a garden-like atmosphere. Additional perks include a new furnace with a transferable warranty, new windows, and a bonus electric push mower for easy yard maintenance.

• A four-bedroom, two-bathroom home located at 32 S Euclid Ave, is listed for $51,000. The house offers 1,692 square feet of living space with hardwood floors throughout, an open kitchen and dining area, and a spacious living room. The large, partially fenced yard is situated directly across from the high school, making it a convenient location. The property also features a two-car garage and the potential to convert the second bathroom into a full bath. With a lot of potential, this home is ideal for someone looking to make updates, and is available for cash or conventional buyers only.

• A multi-family home located at 25 E Lasalle St, is on the market for $139,500. Built in 1891, this well-maintained property features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is ideal for expanding a real estate portfolio. The home has been updated with thermal windows, fresh exterior and interior paint, new carpeting, and newer window A/C units. The main level includes a spacious kitchen with a breakfast bar, main level laundry hookups, and a great floor plan. The second level offers a more compact layout. Both units are vacant and ready for occupancy. Additionally, the smaller home next door may be available for purchase, and a utility easement for a water line will be provided.

🏷️VINTAGE, FOUR DRAWER DRESSER FOR SALE

Michelle DeVoss has this vintage four-drawer dresser available at her home shop in Sheffield, IL. All drawers slide well with the runners freshly waxed. The body has been painted in a high-quality cabinet paint and the sides were embellished with paintable wallpaper. A lovely vinyl transfer was used on the front and a bit of dry brushing was made to add to the vintage style. The original drawer pulls were shined-up with metal polish. This is a lovely and solid heirloom piece perfect for a bedroom or nursery. 

47” tall x 14 1/2 deep x 33 1/4 wide. You can message Michelle on her Facebook page Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture. 

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Tom Root will be holding his last Illinois Concealed Carry class until next spring on October 19-20 at the American Legion in Princeton, located at 1549 West Peru Street. The class includes the first-time 16-hour course, 8 hours of which are for prior military, law enforcement, and corrections officers. A renewal course will also be available. For more information or to register, call 815-719-0037. Veterans can receive a discount with DD214 documentation.

• Meet Marley, a Retriever/Lab mix around 1-2 years old, who is the newest addition at Friends of Strays. Marley is sweet, loves attention, enjoys walks, and playing with toys, and is ready for a new home. She is dog-friendly, doesn't mind cats, and has had a vet check-up, making her all set for adoption.

• Want to see beautiful photography on your wall all year long? Order your 2025 Thrivent calendar featuring the theme “Everyday blessings.”

• Two Angels is now booking Christmas portrait sessions for November 9th and 10th at Full Circle Farmstead, with an outdoor session at Stark County Kringle Farm to be announced. Spots fill up fast, so booking early is encouraged.

• Hornbaker Gardens is holding an End of Season Sale with up to 75% off on perennials, trees, shrubs, grasses, daylilies, and pottery. The sale runs from September 20th until October 10th, while supplies last, and the City of Princeton is offering a fall tree rebate for tree planting during this time.

• Nicole Pelszynski at Rustique Hair Studio has early morning and early afternoon haircut appointments available for this week and next. Call 815-872-3434 to schedule, as all afternoon and Saturday slots are fully booked.

• Wild Honey Boutique invites customers to shop for cozy, warm fall clothing until 5:30 p.m. today. Check out their latest collection for the season.

• Tailholt Trading Post has added new Halloween blow molds and decorations to their inventory. Stop by soon to check them out before they’re gone.

• Freedom House is hosting a Fall Family Fun Fest on Saturday, October 12th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park. The event will feature a bounce house, face painting, crafts, a bake walk, cotton candy, games, a dunk tank, a scavenger hunt, and more, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

• Scooter's Coffee is bringing back their Courage Cookie along with the new Courage Quencher, featuring strawberry and lime flavors. From September 27th through October 31st, 2024, 20% of sales from these items will be donated to The Pink Agenda to support breast cancer research.

• Bean Buzz invites you to try their iced or hot Cafe Miel, featuring cinnamon and local honey from Miss Paula's.

• Tossed & Found Resale + Consignment has new arrivals, featuring stylish purses and brand-name clothing in all sizes. Mention their Facebook post in-store to enjoy 10% off your purchase at their Princeton location behind the DMV and Sullivan's.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• A 22-year-old man from Malden has found himself some trouble. Riley Robbins allegedly was caught driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

• Kewanee couple’s actions save lives during Hurricane Helene

• The Walnut Fall Fest Car Show is happening on Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Walnut, featuring a variety of vehicles, door prizes, and entertainment from AMC Sound DJ. Proceeds from the event will benefit the WCCB Hot Rod Camp, and attendees can enjoy the unique CAR-B-QUE car. The Fall Fest will also take place on October 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering live music, kids' activities, and a vendor show.

• Illinois Valley Community College’s Jazz and Wind Ensembles will perform their first fall concerts of the year at the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Center. The Jazz Ensemble will perform on October 1 at 7 PM, featuring works by notable composers, and the Wind Ensemble will perform on October 3 at 7 PM, including a special arrangement from The Sound of Music.

🏛️FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Monster Mash Balloon Bash Announcement

Tickets for tethered balloon rides are now on sale. Spots are limited, so grab your tickets early and experience the thrill of floating high under the Halloween sky!

🎟️ For tickets and more info, visit here.

The spooky fun is almost here! Mark your calendars and gather the family for a day filled with Halloween magic at the Monster Mash Balloon Bash on Saturday, October 12th. Here’s the lineup of all the fun you won’t want to miss all weekend long:

🕒 Schedule of Events:

📍 Soldiers & Sailors Park

8:30 AM - 1:00 PM – Princeton Farmers Market

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM – Freedom House Fall Family Fun Fest

4:00 PM – Costume Contest - For all ages & pets!

5:00 PM – Halloween Parade (Route: Soldiers & Sailors Park heading North to City Hall > Central Avenue to Bureau County Fairgrounds)

📍 Main Street

Check out the Chamber’s 12th Annual Scarecrow Contest with over 35 entries!

1:00 - 3:00PM – Trick-or-Treating at Main Street Businesses

📍 Bureau County Fairgrounds

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM – Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides (get your tickets using the link above — walk-up tickets available after 7:30PM)

5:00 - 10:00 PM – Mummies Cafe open for service!

5:00 - 9:00 PM – Food Trucks (Farmer Smoked BBQ, Marichuy's Taco Truck, and Wild Ginger Bistro)

6:00 PM – Hocus Pocus Hags Performance

6:00 - 8:00 PM – Hot Air Balloon Glow, Trunk-or-Treat, Petting Zoo & Fall Fun

7:00 - 10:00 PM – The Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Lights-On-Haunt Experience 6:30-7:00 PM)

7:00PM – Cake Walk

7:30 - 9:00 PM – Hocus Pocus Outdoor Movie (bring your lawn chairs and blankets!)

🧶THE COVERED BRIDGE QUILTER’S GUILD

The Covered Bridge Quilter’s Guild will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 3rd at 6:30 pm at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, 30 N. Sixth St. in Princeton, IL. This month’s program will feature “Basic Machine Cleaning and Maintenance” presented by Mike Weaver of Fiber Faire in Henry, IL. Weaver, an experienced sewing machine technician, will guide attendees on cleaning their sewing machines. Participants are encouraged to bring their machines if they need cleaning or would like to learn more.

Weaver will also offer a service where he will take up to 20 machines back to his business for thorough cleaning and maintenance. The cost for this service starts at $80 per machine, with higher-end machines possibly costing more.

Guests are welcome at guild meetings, and a $5.00 guest fee can be applied to the membership fee if joining the same night. The annual membership fee is $24.00. Whether you quilt, sew, or want to learn, consider joining the guild. The monthly open sew begins at 10:00 AM on October 3rd at New Hope Church. Participants are encouraged to bring a sewing project and enjoy sewing with others.

For more information, please contact co-coordinator Cindy Smith at 573-603-4234 or board member Linnea Campbell at 815-875-1635.

🥦REDUCING AND RESOLVING CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

From In Home Care Connection

Inflammation is the way the immune system attacks bacteria, viruses, and any perceived foreign agent in the body. It’s crucial when we need it! Think of inflammation as sending soldiers onto a battlefield. You need to fight the invaders, but also clean up afterward so life can get back to normal. As we age, our body’s ability to shut down an attack gets compromised. We don’t fight the battle as well. That means the inflammation doesn’t resolve. The body has not cleared out dead cells and other debris from the fight so new tissue can be rebuilt. Without resolution, the immune response keeps going. It’s harder for other cells to return to normal function.

To reduce chronic inflammation. The first step is to quit activities that provoke inflammatory response. Smoking and alcohol consumption, for instance, create unnecessary threats. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga or mindfulness contribute to health because they reduce the signals that the body is under attack. Weight loss is often recommended because fat cells produce cytokines, some of the warrior cells of inflammation.

Actions to support resolution (the cleanup)

• At least moderate activity 30 minutes a day, five days a week, helps flush the system and enhances DNA repair.

• Seven to eight hours of sleep a night gives the brain the down time it needs to tidy up and remove dead cells and the byproducts of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory diet. While dietary changes may not eliminate chronic inflammation by themselves, they do support a healthy, resilient immune system.

• Avoid these foods. They tend to promote an inflammatory response. Trans fats. Fried foods. Sugary drinks or foods. White bread and pastries. Cured meats with nitrates (deli meats, hot dogs). All highly processed foods.

• Eat lots of these foods. They help get rid of dead cells and debris. Whole grains. High-fiber vegetables such as kale, spinach, and broccoli. Legumes such as beans and lentils. Anti-oxidant fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. Nuts and seeds. Good fats from olives, olive oil, and avocados.

The Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are examples of dietary practices that help reduce inflammation.

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