🅿️Eclipses, Things to Do This Week, and Good Habits

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Happy Hump Day, Princeton. Did you take a gander at the eclipse on Monday? I have to admit, it was humorous seeing so many of you standing outside staring into the sky. My 4 year-old John kept calling it a “hurricane” for some reason and made me promise I wouldn’t look at it. He was convinced we were all going to go blind that day. I’m glad we didn’t. 🤷‍♂️

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📋Things To Do This Week
📍Outside City Limits
⏰Good Habits

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Corbin Hopkins! 🍰

• BCR: “Princeton native Tyler Wolf was sworn in as a police officer for the Peru Police Department during Monday’s Peru City Council meeting.”

• “Are you a student in Bureau County? And do you want to pursue a career in health care? If so, you have a chance to score some tuition relief.”

• PHS Senior Bennet Williams was named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team.

• The PHS girls soccer squad defeated Hinckley-Big Rock/Newark/Leland/Somonauk 7-1.

• The City of Princeton repaired the sidewalk in front of Corner Chair Market on the South end of Main Street.

• “President Rick Clary of Central Bank of Princeton announced a donation of $10,000 to the Second Story Teen Center’s new building project.”

• Anyone recognize this sweet dog? She was found wandering the road on Lasalle street by Douglas School. If you’ve seen her, please call 815-875-1150 ASAP.

• The 2nd Annual Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant Golf Tournament, which will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Spring Creek Golf Course in Spring Valley, Illinois. The tournament begins with registration at 8 am and a shotgun start at 9 am. It features an 18 hole 4 person scramble format, with a registration fee of $65 per golfer before April 12, 2024, and $75 per golfer after that date. The fee includes green fees, cart, dinner, and one drink. Additionally, there's a $500 cash prize for the winning team. Those interested can find a printable registration form on the Facebook event page, or contact Shari Marquez at (815) 252-6835 or by email at [email protected] to register.

• Princeton NOW+ subscribers now receive Marriages and City Council meeting summaries — along with local obituaries, arrests, and property transfers, ad free. Upgrade your newsletter today and join 110 others.

  • Todd: “I love this newsletter. Very well written, excellent coverage of topics with good timing!“

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: Expect cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower during the day and a high of 66°F. Winds will be from the east at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will bring a higher chance of rain at 70%, with a low of 48°F and winds shifting north-northeast at 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday: Rain is on the menu, with a 70% chance throughout the day, accompanied by a high of 54°F. Winds from the north-northwest will be quite strong, ranging from 15 to 25 mph. The evening might have some showers but will clear up later, with a low of 44°F and a decreased chance of rain at 40%.

Friday: Partly cloudy skies and windy conditions are likely, with a high near 61°F. The winds could be quite forceful, with gusts potentially over 40 mph. At night, it'll be mostly clear with a low around 40°F and more manageable winds from the west at 10 to 15 mph.

Looks like you’ll need to keep your rain gear handy for midweek, then brace for a windy but clearer end to the week!

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.69
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.86
Casey’s West/North: $3.89
Beck’s West/North: $3.89
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.77
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.77

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.99
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $3.99
Casey’s West/North: $3.99
Amoco, N Main St: $3.99
Sullivan’s: $4.29

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Friends of Strays is in need of specific items and has updated their Amazon wish list to include large size latex-free rubber gloves in blue nitrile. They have expressed their gratitude for the community's ongoing support and appreciate any donations for their animals. They encourage those who can help to check out their Amazon list and contribute if possible, highlighting their appreciation for the support.

• Optimal Health is showcasing their new allergy-friendly cakes, emphasizing that they are both delicious and suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions. These cakes are a great option for those looking for indulgent options that consider health and allergy concerns.

• Café 129 & Café Grace catering services invites you to book your next catering event with them. No party is too big or too small. They cater to various events like weddings, corporate events, luncheons, graduations, and family parties. They offer gourmet experiences. Get a quote at [email protected].

• Hornbaker Gardens is bustling with activity, preparing a verdant array of hostas to fully stock their benches this week. They ask for patience as they work on getting more plants ready for customers to purchase. In the meantime, they've shared a glimpse of the thriving hostas in their growing houses, displaying the stunning emergence of hosta leaves—a beautiful sight to behold!

• Philly Factory, a food truck serving Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches and more, will be at Barrel Society this Friday from 3-8pm.

• Farmer Smoked BBQ announced that dinner service is back, with opportunities to catch them on Wednesday at 1155 East Peru Street Princeton, Friday at Hundred Acre Orchard, and Saturday at Walmart in Princeton from 11-1pm. They emphasize that new and returning customers won't be disappointed with their offerings, which include a variety of smoked BBQ dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches, loaded nachos, Memphis pulled pork, and sides like creamy coleslaw and smoked bake beans. They also have a special dinner offering of smoked meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans, available from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

• Made by Nana Faye announced their readiness and capability to create professional embroidered hats, perfect for teams. With a confident "BOOM!!", they welcome orders to custom-make these stylish accessories.

• Four Seasons has introduced refreshing new prints from Emily Daniels, paired perfectly with their latest jewelry collection. The store is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, offering a fresh take on fashion with outfits and accessories that seem made for each other.

• Sayler's General Store has some jam and invites you to stop by. They are open from 10 AM to 4 PM, so you can grab some delicious grape jam.

• The Corner Chair Market is featuring this piece of furniture, which is a grey cabinet with a wooden top, that could be used in various rooms such as a dining room, kitchen, bathroom, or entry. It is equipped with hooks that can hold towels, garden tools, pet leashes, etc.

• Butler Concierge Services shares a personal message about the struggles of yo-yo dieting, expressing empathy for those who experience the same and highlighting the importance of moving and staying healthy, especially for seniors. They advocate for a supportive community approach through their R3 community for valuable insights, recipes, and motivation, emphasizing prayer and divine assistance over mere willpower to overcome unhealthy habits. They invite people to learn more and join their supportive environment on this health journey.

• Rachel Rene is advertising their handmade deodorants. The deodorants are highlighted as free from aluminum, phthalates, harsh chemicals, and are noted to be effective. The post mentions they have over 25 scents available.

• Bureau County Senior Center invites you to join them for a crafting event with the Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Department. The event is called "Crafting with the BMP Health Department" and is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10th at 1 pm.

• Mother Moonstone Birth Services is innovating with “Kiddos & Me Walks” this Saturday at 10:30am at Zearing Park, adding an extra opportunity for families to join in during the week. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends are invited to participate in a leisurely walk that concludes with fun at the playground for the children, and refreshments will be available on Saturday. The event is a great way for the whole family to enjoy some active time outdoors together in Princeton, IL.

• Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center is inviting you to their Informational League Meeting on April 22nd at 6 pm. It's the last chance to sign up for the Men's or Women's League with a fee of $10 per person, and no exceptions will be made after this date.

• Enjoy $50 OFF any pressure washing or house washing jobs with Combined Cleaning until April 31st.

👷PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Four Seasons Women's Apparel is hiring part-time employees who are enthusiastic about significant retail discounts, offering up to 75% off. They require availability during the day and on Saturdays, but notably, the store is closed on major holidays and Sundays, promising better hours than many retail positions. Benefits include competitive wages, flexible schedules, savings plans, paid vacation, and a strong employee discount program. Referrals are also valued, with a $50 gift certificate incentive for successful employee referrals. Interested applicants can email their resume to [email protected], apply in person at the store located at 643 S Main Street, Princeton, IL 61356, or call 815-872-2225 for more information.

• Illinois Valley Credit Union is on the lookout for a dedicated Teller/Member Service Representative in Princeton. The role promises a full-time opportunity complete with a suite of benefits, including 401(k), dental, health, vision insurance, and paid time off. Candidates should bring enthusiasm for providing outstanding service and a readiness to handle a range of responsibilities, including loan payments and account transactions. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. This is a great chance for those seeking a stable career in financial services with a supportive team. Apply on Indeed or in person.

• Gateway Services, Inc. is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as Bureau & Putnam Area Rural Transit (BPART) drivers in Princeton, IL. This full-time role is vital to ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of passengers, with operational hours spanning Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., including some holidays. Candidates interested in making a difference in the community through this role can obtain applications at www.gateway-services.org or by visiting the office at 535 Elm Place, Princeton. Gateway Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Zearing Child Enrichment Center: hiring full-time child care teachers for children aged birth to 12 years old, with specific openings for a 2-year-old teacher and preschool teachers. The position offers $14.25 to $18.00 per hour, benefits including a 401(k), health insurance, and tuition reimbursement, and a Monday to Friday day shift schedule. Applicants should have CPR certification, teaching experience, and at least a high school diploma or GED.

• Empire Acoustical Systems is now hiring general laborers. Call 815-261-0072, or stop by 1111 Ace Road for more information. For over 30 years, Empire Acoustical Systems have designed, engineered, manufactured and installed acoustical barriers, noise walls, soundproofing panels, and acoustic solutions to meet the unique design challenges of each individual project.

• KS Lawn & Snow is hiring motivated individuals as grass begins to grow. Drivers license is preferred. Pay is $15-20 an hour. Call 815-878-6126.

• The position for a Bakery Clerk at Sullivan's Foods offers part-time work and includes benefits like 401(k) with matching, various insurances, employee stock ownership plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

• Scooter's Coffee: hiring for the position of Beverage Server / Crew Member / Team Member in a full-time or part-time capacity, offering $13.00-$14.12 an hour. The job involves greeting customers, managing cash, serving orders following recipes and aesthetic standards, maintaining store cleanliness, and operating store equipment. Immediate hire is indicated, with no degree requirement mentioned.

📋THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

• Enjoy a vibrant "Hydrangeas" Paint Night at Downtown Pub today at 6pm. Get creative with all materials provided, dine, and enjoy a cash bar while you paint your own 11x14 canvas for just $30—reserve your spot at paintingpartiesbylucy.com or by calling 815-910-5221.

• At Grace Theater, celebrate the Ultimate Divas of Stage, Screen, and Popular music with "Girls Like Us: Barbra, Bette, and Bernadette" on April 11, 2024. Experience the iconic music and stories of Streisand, Midler, and Peters, humorously woven together by cabaret favorites Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie, and Marianne Murphy Orland. Tickets available at festival56.com.

• Catch Patrick Owen-Leary live at Barrel Society this Friday at 7 pm for an electric night of music featuring tracks from his new album "Chicago" and a selection of unforgettable covers. Free admission.

• Get ready to enjoy a high-energy night with "Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos" hosted by Future56 Foundation on April 12, 2024, at The Cider Mill. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the band playing from 7-10 PM; tickets are $25 and available through Venmo at future56foundation.

• Discover the captivating blend of landscape painting and 3D mixed media art at Jay Reed's exhibition "The Omnipotent Outdoors" at Prairie Arts Center Gallery, throughout April, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3pm.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a warning to residents to avoid eating fish caught in a waterway contaminated with forever chemicals.

• The Ladd Police Department says numerous residents have called to report blue paint on their vehicle and/or their residences.

Buda

• The Buda Community Blood Drive is coming up on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Mason Memorial District Library. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference, and as a thank you, you'll receive a $10 gift card via email. Give the gift of life in just about an hour—your contribution matters!

Wyanet

• The Wyanet Firemen's Brunch is being held at the Wyanet Fire Department on Sunday, April 21st, from 7 A.M. to NOON. They'll serve pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits & gravy. The event is based on a free-will donation with proceeds going towards equipment. There will also be raffles.

Sheffield

• Get ready for the Sheffield Summer Festival from June 27-29 and take advantage of the advance carnival ticket sale on April 20th from 9-11 AM in front of Parlor. Enjoy a family pack of 20 tickets for just $10, a deal that's sure to make for an unforgettable summer outing!

Walnut

• Walnut Days Celebration is thrilled to announce the Miss Independence Pageant! Young ladies can showcase their poise and personality in three age categories: Little Miss (5-9 years), Jr. Miss (10-14 years), and Miss Independence (15-18 years). With a $25 entry fee covering t-shirt costs, it's an event of elegance and community spirit. The pageant finale is set for June 29th—don't miss out, sign up by May 8th.

• The Market at Liberty Square presents its 2024 Events Calendar with a lineup that promises community fun and lively entertainment. Highlights include the opening day on June 5th with music by Chris Blum, a special concert and fundraiser on July 17th featuring Angelina Chavez, and the regular 4-H Fun at the Farmers Market.

• The Walnut Open disc golf tournament is Sunday, April 28th. Sign up on discgolfscene.com.

Tiskilwa

• Savor the taste of the countryside with "Breakfast on the Farm" at Hungry World Farm on May 4th. Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast and immerse yourself in educational workshops from 8 to 10:30am at 19183 Plow Creek Road, Tiskilwa, Illinois.

⏰ FAMILY THERAPEAUTIC MASSAGE/HEALTH AND WELLNESS

“Use the power of habit stacking to establish new habits.

One way to create time for what you want to do is through "habit stacking."

This is something that I learned from James Clear from his book, 𝘈𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴.

Habit stacking makes it easy to incorporate a new habit into your life - all you have to do is stack the new habit on top of an existing habit.

1. Make my bed /while coffee is going.

2. Have a small breakfast/ Read 10-pages

3. Journal/practice gratitude

I often enjoy the view outside as I think about 10 things or people that I am thankful for. I am thankful for always having the opportunity to hike!

I highly recommend having a daily gratitude practice. Gratitude has been proven to boost mood, and when we focus on what we have, the more we have to give.”