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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. My plan was to write you a couple beautiful newsletters this week from Lake Taneycomo in Branson, Missouri — but our internet was pitiful, and it’s hard to do in the blistering sun in a boat. We had a ton of fun, a ton of food, and our hands may smell like trout permanently for the rest of our lives (sorry, Deb). So here’s a mega-letter getting you ready for an exciting weekend and month ahead!

Let’s get it going.

—Justin

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🌻Artisan Market
👶Zearing Child Enrichment
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Openings
🎃Pumpkin Harvest
🎤Letter From Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Bill Nelson!🎂

• Congratulations to Logan Junior High School's very own Music Education teacher, Mr. Steven Olson, who appeared on Jeopardy Thursday. The episode aired yesterday and will stream on Hulu today. There will be a public watch party for anyone who would like to attend on September 20th at 11:00am at the Grace Theater.

• Princeton Tourism wants you to get excited for three October events: Witches Night Out on October 3, Monster Mash Balloon Bash on October 4, and Oktoberfest on October 18.

• The Logan Lions softball team won the IESA Regional Championship again, bringing home another trophy and celebrating as regional champs.

• Princeton Park District unveils new playground at Zearing Park

• BCR: The Princeton volleyball team defeated Hall in three sets in a Three Rivers Conference East Division match Tuesday in Princeton.

• Princeton Tigers Results from The LaSalle-Peru Invitational

• Diabetes Education Classes Offered at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton

• The City of Princeton will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bureau County Highway Department; the city’s link provides the list of accepted items.

  📍Outside City Limits

• Mendota Council Votes To Open City Streets Up To Golf Carts

• A 17-year-old Urbana High School student was arrested Wednesday after allegedly threatening to “shoot up the school,” authorities said.

• Illinois Spaghetti Pizza Is the Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Dad Of The Year: Illinois Man wins $1M Powerball

• Fire at McNabb plumbing and heating building under investigation

• Local Workshops Offer Nutrition and Fitness Tips for Stronger Bones

• The Hegeler Carus Mansion will once again host the popular “The Mansion is NOT Haunted” Tour on October 23, 24, & 25th, 6-9pm.

🌻ARTISAN MARKET AT HORNBAKER GARDENS RETURNS WITH ART, MUSIC, FOOD, AND COMMUNITY

KWQC: Princeton nursery to host 12th annual artisan market, community gathering Saturday

The Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens is set to deliver another memorable experience this Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a day filled with live music, fine art, delicious food, and community connection.

Community Art Project

A highlight of the event will be the creation of a large community mural celebrating the memory of Hornbaker Gardens’ beloved farm dog, KC. The project involves 196 tiles that participants will help paint and assemble into a vibrant mosaic. Children under 12 are welcome to participate with adult supervision, making this a true family activity.

Live Music Lineup

Music will fill the gardens throughout the day with a revised lineup featuring:

• 10 a.m. – Jeff Manfredini

• 11 a.m. – Ray Tutaj

• 12 p.m. – Lojo Russo

• 1 p.m. – Al & Jeannie Brown

• 2 p.m. – Joey Figgiani

• 3 p.m. – Lojo Russo

The schedule ensures a steady rhythm of entertainment to accompany the day’s festivities.

Food and Refreshments

Guests can come hungry, as the market will offer a wide variety of food vendors. Options include Wild Ginger Bistro, Tony’s Tacos, the Princeton High School Music Boosters, and Golden Rice. Sweet treats will be provided by Ms. Mint’s Pop Shop, Emerlian Bakery, and the Braker’s Dozen. Hungry World Farm will also feature fresh, locally grown produce. To complement the meals, the Hornbaker beverage tent will serve beer, wine, and water.

Fine Art and Local Talent

The market will showcase talented artists with a wide range of work, from hand-crafted bowls and pottery to vibrant paintings and textiles. This year marks the 12th Annual Artisan Market, offering the community a chance to celebrate and support local creativity while soaking in the beauty of Hornbaker Gardens.

👶ZEARING CHILD ENRICHMENT CENTER

CHILDCARE – Immediate Openings

We have immediate openings for a variety of our Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Programs.

Our School-Age program is currently FULL with no openings at this time.

Enrichment Activities

From drawing and writing to pretend play, we provide a diverse range of activities to foster creativity and social skills to set children up for life readiness.

Preschool Programs

Fun and educational hands-on activities to prepare young children for success in Kindergarten. A focus on emotional regulation.

Infant to Two’s Care

Gentle care and attention for our youngest students, ensuring they feel secure and loved. Start as young as 6 weeks old.

Apply Today!

📞 Contact Us: 815-875-2335

🌐 Visit Our Website: www.zcec.org

📍 Our Location: 633 Masonic Drive, Princeton, IL 61356

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️ Today: Scattered thunderstorms develop in the afternoon, with a high near 81°F. Winds will be light and variable. Showers move in late at night with a low around 62°F. Rain chances run near 30% by day, increasing to ~40% overnight.

⛈️ Sunday: Showers early give way to scattered afternoon thunderstorms as highs reach 78°F. Expect southerly winds around 5–10 mph. Thunderstorms continue Sunday night with a low near 63°F. Rain chances are ~30% during the day and rise to ~70% at night.

🌥️ Monday: A few showers early, then mostly cloudy with a high around 81°F. South-southwest winds near 5–10 mph. A brief evening shower is possible before skies turn partly cloudy overnight, with a low near 61°F. Rain chances are ~20% by day and ~30% in the evening.

🌦️ Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with isolated afternoon thunderstorms; the high tops out near 78°F. East-northeast winds run 5–10 mph. A couple of showers are possible early Tuesday night, then partial clearing with a low around 61°F. Rain chances hover near 30%.

🌧️ Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers and a high near 76°F. Northeasterly winds increase to 10–15 mph. The night turns partly cloudy with a low around 59°F. Rain chance is ~30% during the day, minimal overnight.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.23
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.15
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.96

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• New fall popcorn flavors are now at Apollo Pop next to Apollo Theater. Try “S’mores Wars” and “The Fairest of All” (Caramel Apple with Peanuts) to kick off the season.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past has new handcrafted Polish pottery in stock, including a snowman treat jar and holiday tree votive candle holder. These pieces are hand-painted and full of heirloom-worthy charm, perfect for early gift shopping.

• The Bureau County Park District celebrated the grand opening of the new all-inclusive playground at Zearing Park, designed for kids of all abilities with sensory panels, a merry-go-round, and separate play areas.

• Neighborhood Ace Hardware now has pumpkins and gourds available for fall, with displays outside the store and a wide variety to choose from.

• The Coffee Cup introduced a few new menu items, including a chicken roll and a country fried steak skillet topped with eggs and cheese.

• The next postcard presentation at the Princeton Library will feature local postcards and a historical talk on the invention of the picture postcard by Katherine Hamilton-Smith. The event is in 10 days.

• Eclectic Joy restocked their bestselling candle, Apples + Maple Bourbon, and introduced a new fall fragrance: Golden Cider + Nutmeg.

• Witches Night Out returns October 3 from 4:00–10:00 PM in downtown Princeton with themed shopping, food, and live music.

• Hornbaker Gardens is offering 50% off all hydrangeas in stock on Friday and Saturday during their in-store-only sale while prepping for Saturday’s Artisan Market.

• Bureau County MomCo will host a free Fall Fest on Friday, October 24, from 4:30–6:30 PM at Evangelical Covenant Church, with food, face painting, games, and trunk or treat.

• Faith’s Fabulous Treats is hiring in Princeton and Lacon. Open Monday–Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm.

Upcoming:

🎶 Festival 56 Sound Stage Presents BEYOND the STARS – A musical duo performance by TM Shaw & Christina Forever, blending vocal harmony with guitar and electric piano. Saturday, September 20 at 7 PM at 316 S Main St. Tickets at onthestage.tickets.

😱Get ready for screams! Nightmare Haunted Attraction returns October 3rd for the 2025 season at the Fair Grounds. Open every Friday and Saturday in October. Admission: $20.

🎃 Pumpkin Chuckin’ Competition – Launch pumpkins for distance at Rotary Park after meeting at Barrel Society (930 N Main) at 5:45 PM. Free to enter. Friday, October 3 at 6 PM. 21+ only. Winner gets a trophy and gift card!

🖌️ Taylor Swift Party – Paint Swift-themed pottery, make friendship bracelets, and sip lemon slushies at The Knack (906 N Main). Saturday, October 11, 12–7 PM. $7–8 per person; pay at event.

👻 Trunk-or-Treat at Liberty Village – Costumes, candy, food & games at Liberty Village, 140 N 6th St. Thursday, October 16, 4–6 PM. Free community event!

🚜 Heritage Tractor Halloween Howl – Come in costume for treats, a FREE John Deere toy, and a costume contest at Heritage Tractor, 20144 Co Rd 1800 N. Saturday, October 25, 8 AM–12 PM.

🍎 Fall Festival Weekend at Boggio’s – Sept 27–28. Market open Sat 8–6 & Sun 8–5; Craft/Vendor Show Sat 10–6 & Sun 10–5. Fall activities: corn maze, wagon rides, apple cannons, petting zoo, apple slide & more. Admission: $12.

🛠️ Princeton Swap Meet – Browse antiques, tools, and garage treasures at 811 W Peru St. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM. Admission $10; vendor booths $50. Call 630-985-2097 to reserve.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

• Heartland Bank and Trust Company is hiring a full-time Retail Teller for its Princeton locations, with a pay range of $16.00–$19.99 per hour. This position involves rotating between branches, providing excellent customer service, and accurately handling transactions, including cash. Tellers are expected to build strong customer relationships by identifying needs and offering appropriate solutions while complying with bank policies to reduce fraud risk. A high school diploma or GED is preferred, and the role requires regular standing, talking, and occasional lifting up to 30 lbs. Heartland Bank offers a competitive benefits package and a welcoming, inclusive work environment.

• ALDI is hiring a Full-Time Store Manager Trainee in Princeton, IL, starting at $28.50 per hour with an estimated first-year earning potential of up to $92,500 including bonuses. This 45-hour-per-week role trains candidates in all aspects of running a store, from supervising daily operations and ensuring performance to managing staffing needs and developing team members. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate leadership and customer service skills, and be able to manage budgets, policies, and team performance effectively. The position requires the ability to operate equipment, perform cleaning duties, and handle transactions accurately while staying organized in a fast-paced environment. ALDI offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

• Allegion in Princeton is hiring full-time Pack Operators for the 1st shift, with pay ranging from $17.50 to $24.95 per hour and opportunities for overtime. Employees will be responsible for packaging finished parts, performing quality checks, labeling, reassembling products as needed, and preparing items for shipment. The role requires following safety regulations, maintaining clean and orderly work areas, and completing tasks accurately and efficiently. Candidates should have the ability to read and interpret documents, operate machinery and equipment, use computer systems for data entry, and apply basic math and problem-solving skills. Allegion, a global security company with over 12,000 employees, offers a strong workplace culture recognized by the 2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award.

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this hand-painted jewelry cabinet available at her home shop in Princeton for $135. Standing 40” tall by 15” wide and 8” deep, it’s a one-of-a-kind statement piece. 

Be sure to follow “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” on Facebook for upcoming projects! Michelle can be reached through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected]. 

🎃THE 26TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN HARVEST

Boggio’s Orchard & Produce in Granville is gearing up for its 26th Annual Pumpkin Harvest Craft Show, a fall tradition that draws families from across the region. The celebration will take place on Saturday, September 27th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Weekend of Fall Fun

The craft and vendor show will feature unique handmade goods, seasonal favorites, and plenty of opportunities to shop local. Beyond the shopping, visitors can look forward to a full lineup of fall activities for all ages, including:

• Corn Maze

• Wagon Rides & Barrel Train

• Pedal Carts & Rat Racers

• Jumping Pillow

• Apple Cannons & Apple Slide

• Corn Play Bin & Playground

• Petting Zoo

• U-pick Apples & Pumpkins (sold separately)

Food, Market, and Admission

The market and bakery will be open all weekend, serving fresh produce, baked goods, and fall treats. General admission during the fall season (Sept. 13–Oct. 26) is $12 per person, with children 2 and under free. Admission includes access to all activities, with no extra charge for the craft show weekend. There is also no fee to visit the market, bakery, or pumpkin hill.

With activities for kids, unique shopping for adults, and seasonal treats for everyone, Boggio’s Pumpkin Harvest Craft Show is the perfect way to welcome fall.

🎭2025 PRAIRIE ARTS COUNCIL CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION

Auditions for this year’s PAC Children’s Christmas Musical are set for Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 pm and Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. in the PAC theater, 24, Park Avenue East (children may audition either time). The show will be performed the weekend of December 5-7, 2025. Auditions are open to children in 3rd-8th grades; select 2nd graders may be cast as well, so second graders with a strong desire to perform and an ability to follow direction are welcome to audition. Children will be asked to sing “Jingle Bells” and “America the Beautiful;” those interested in a speaking role will be provided with a scene selection at the audition. Children who cannot audition at the above times may contact the director to make alternative arrangements.

This year’s Christmas show, The Magic of Christmas, by local playwright Rachel E. Gorenz-Johnson, was written especially for PAC’s young actors and was first performed on the PAC stage in 2004. In the show, Hannah is a little girl who loves visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bloom, at their toy shop. When Hannah and her grandparents leave for the night, the toys come alive! However, when businessman Drake and his associate, Elaine, threaten to put the Bloom’s store out of business, Hannah must work with the toys to save the toy store in time for Christmas!

The Magic of Christmas features a chorus and both singing and speaking roles. Rehearsals take place evenings and weekends, approximately 2-4 rehearsals/week for cast members with speaking roles (we make every effort to work around everyone’s busy schedules), until the last 2 weeks before the show, when the rehearsal schedule increases.

A parent or guardian is required to accompany their child to the audition unless previous arrangements are made with the director, and should come prepared to list their child’s height, clothing sizes, and any schedule conflicts. A parent meeting will be held at the same time as the auditions to organize volunteers for the production tasks associated with such a large production. It takes many volunteers to produce a show of this magnitude, and all families are expected to help in some way.

For more information, please contact Rachel Gorenz-Johnson at 815-876-6284 or [email protected]

🎤LETTER FROM LORI

It’s been a week! No matter what side of the fence you’re on, this was a tough loss. Charlie Kirk was… amazing. If you don’t agree with that statement, you may want to stop reading now and go turn on a rerun of Jimmy Kimmel.

If you follow my personal page, you’ll see that I’m quite obsessed. I knew of Charlie and had watched some of his reels as they popped up in my newsfeed. I appreciated this handsome young Christian man who was bold enough to take on people with the most vicious opposing opinions. He would sit calmly, listening to them scream into the microphone—maybe even foaming at the mouth a bit—then, in response, he would calmly and confidently pick up his mic, recite a Biblical reference, and lay out an argument grounded in logic, common sense, and traditional values. He’d often slide in with a viewpoint that may not have been considered. Sometimes he would respond with a question, challenging his opponent to contemplate the why behind their stance.

I admired this guy for keeping his calm. I’m not sure I ever saw him lose it, though he would have been justified. I mean, for real… even Jesus flipped tables, and He was perfect.

I know I’m gushing like an overly active volcano. My magma (I’m referencing lava, not Make America Great Again) is spilling down the mountainside and creating a new landscape.

Personally, I’m not sure why this is affecting me so deeply. Is it because I saw his death met with prayer vigils and love instead of Molotov cocktails and looting? Is it because I’ve seen his followers raise their voices instead of their fists? Is it because I can’t imagine the horror his wife felt as she watched him crumple in his chair—holding back their 3-year-old from running to Daddy because she was scared, even though he was her safety? Or is it because, in this past week, I have seen hearts turning to God and eyes turning to heaven?

Maybe it’s the undeniable sense of hope in the air. The sun seems brighter when it should seem dark. The air feels clearer when there should be clouds. The path looks straight and unobstructed when there should be hesitancy and roadblocks. Instead of an extinguished flame, this fire has roared to life like someone tossed a can of gasoline and a dry Christmas tree on it.

I could go on and on like the seven-minute version of Stairway to Heaven, but I’ll leave you with this final thought: “If you were arrested for being a great person, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Charlie got a life sentence.

Lori owns the Book-el-ZOO in Princeton. It’s not just a pet shop — it’s an experience!

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