🎆Elf, Christmas Shopping, and New Year’s Day

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Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. Our favorite Christmas movie in the Bullington household is Elf. Home Aloneis the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time, earning over $476 million worldwide, adjusted for inflation, until The Grinch surpassed it with $511 million. The Hallmark Channel airs around 40 new Christmas movies annually, drawing over 85 million viewers during their Countdown to Christma season. Netflix has seen massive success with holiday content, releasing over 30 Christmas movies in 2020 alone to meet demand. TBS’s 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story attracts 40 million viewers every year, cementing its place as a cherished holiday tradition.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🥫Feed the Need
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opening
🗓️Today in Princeton
🎭Festival 56 Summer Schedule
🎄Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Cheryl Thierry and Bethany McCollom! 🎂

• Princeton, Illinois, has been named one of the top places for Christmas shopping in the USA for 2024.

• The Princeton Park District has received a $216,000 grant through Illinois’ Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program. The funding will support the construction of an all-inclusive playground at Zearing Park. This project aims to provide accessible recreational opportunities for all members of the community.

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats Princeton has announced the closure of its location. The team expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years and shared that the decision was influenced by a change in personal priorities and goals.

• The City of Princeton has announced the garbage and recycling schedule for the holidays. Garbage Routes for Tuesday, December 24, will remain unchanged, but Wednesday’s (December 25) pickup will move to Thursday, December 26. There will be no recycling pickup during the week of Christmas. For New Year’s, routes on Tuesday, December 31, remain the same, while Wednesday’s (January 1) collection will shift to Thursday, January 2. Residents are reminded to put items out early.

• Princeton City Hall will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and December 31 and January 1 for New Year’s. Plan accordingly and have a happy holiday season!

• Princeton Bible Church invites you for their Christmas Eve Service, The Story of His Love, at 6pm. Yours truly will be singing a song with his family.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly sunny conditions are expected, with highs reaching 28°F and west-northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will be mostly clear, dipping to a low of 19°F as winds calm slightly.

☀️Sunday: The day will be generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds and highs near 38°F, accompanied by west-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night will start with partly cloudy skies before transitioning to mostly cloudy conditions, with a low of 33°F and southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph.

🌨️Monday: Expect mostly cloudy skies with rain or snow showers in the morning, and highs climbing to 43°F with southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night will remain partly cloudy with temperatures falling to 28°F and light southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph.

KWQC: Saturday will bring some clearing with highs only in the mid to upper 20s. But, we’ll quickly rebound with highs in the 30s to near 40 Sunday. We’ll look for a slight chance for rain early Monday and with milder temperatures on the way there could be rain on Christmas, the day after and Friday, as well. As for temperatures, we’ll get milder with highs in the 40s for much of next week. Winter officially begins at 3:21 a.m. Saturday.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.13
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.17
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.19
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.19
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.19

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.81

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Did someone go the extra mile? Did a Princeton Person bless you or someone else you know? Nominate them, give me the details, and they may be chosen as the Princeton NOW Person of the Week. Nominate your Princeton Person of the Week by emailing your nomination to [email protected].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Cafe Grace invites patrons to celebrate three years of business with a New Year’s Day brunch crafted by chefs Marcelena and Eran. Menu highlights include eggs benedict, beef tenderloin hash, and lemon blueberry pancakes. Reservations are encouraged for this special event to kick off the new year.

• Mavolan’s is offering last-minute gift items and all Christmas clothing at a 20% discount. Shoppers can choose from festive apparel, including Christmas pajamas and themed shirts. The sale is available for a limited time in-store.

• Rachel Rene is offering 40% off all regular-priced holiday apparel and accessories. The store has extended hours leading up to Christmas Eve, including 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 24. Shoppers can browse a selection of seasonal clothing and gifts.

• Bean Buzz is offering a 24% discount to students on purchases made through the end of the year. Students must present a student ID, lunch card, or report card to receive the discount. The offer celebrates winter break and the upcoming new year.

• Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner with a four-course menu for $69 per person. The event includes dishes like oysters, pan-seared scallops, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Reservations are required for both indoor and igloo outdoor dining.

• The Princeton Closet’s donation center will be closed from December 22 through January 1, reopening on January 2. Security cameras are in place, and unauthorized dumping is prohibited outside the center’s operating hours. The organization thanks donors for their support and asks the community to respect posted guidelines.

• Prime Quarter Steak House offers a $20 bonus with every $100 in gift card purchases made through Christmas. Holiday hours are extended, though the restaurant will close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This promotion is ideal for last-minute gift shoppers.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream is selling holiday popcorn in small bags for $4.99 and large bags for $6.99, with tins available for $20 or $35. Flavors include caramel, cheese, and plain options. The popcorn is freshly made and available for a limited time.

• On December 21, from 10 AM to 2 PM, everything at Finders Keepers is 50% off for a special one-day sale. This is an opportunity to finish holiday shopping with great discounts. The store encourages customers to visit during this limited time.

• Once Upon A Craft is offering $35 Paint Studio gift certificates for $25 until Christmas. These certificates can be used for multiple kids’ projects or larger crafting items. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of this holiday promotion.

• Simply Nutrition will be open Monday, December 23, from 7 AM to 2 PM, and have special holiday hours. They will close early on Christmas Eve at noon and remain closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The team invites customers to visit during these adjusted hours.

• Spoons and Forks is open today and tomorrow until 8 PM, with special holiday hours next week. They will close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Reservations are accepted for New Year’s Eve when the restaurant is open until 8 PM.

• Four Seasons has a variety of unique gifts including wine bottle accessories, holiday spatulas, cookie cutters, and chocolates. These items are designed to be perfect stocking stuffers or thoughtful gifts. Customers are invited to browse the selection online or in-store.

• Johnsons Carpet Shoppe features cookbooks designed to inspire New Year’s resolutions to cook more or try new recipes. Titles include options for homestead meals, waste-free cooking, and Amish traditions. The store offers these as great gift ideas or additions to personal collections.

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🥫STARVED ROCK MEDIA: FEED THE NEED

As the need grows, Feed the Need grows, too. 

With more Illinois Valley families than ever facing food insecurity, Miller Group Charitable Trust and we here at Starved Rock Media are expanding the annual Christmas Feed the Need fund drive. 

This month, when you make a monetary donation to one of five food pantries, the Trust will match the gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $17,500. The participating food pantries are the Bureau County Food Pantry, Community Food Basket of Ottawa, Hall Township Food Pantry, Illinois Valley Food Pantry, and Putnam County Food Pantry.

Just click here to learn more, and to be directed to the pantries online.

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• In Bureau County, 254 homes have been closed on thru November, just one less than a year ago. The median sales price is $145,000, a 15 percent increase from last year.

• Bureau County Hunters Fall Just Shy Of Taking Down 1,000 Deer Over 7-Day Firearm Season

• Landmarks Illinois announces $34,000 in grant funding to people saving places in communities across the state

• Accused Bureau County Murderer Still Not Declared Mentally Fit For Trial

• 23 Central IL nursing homes, rehab facilities fined by IDPH

👷PRINCETON JOB OPENING

• The Team Member role at Tractor Supply Company involves operating cash registers, assisting customers with purchases, and maintaining store safety and cleanliness. Applicants are preferred to have knowledge of farming, ranching, or welding but no prior experience is required. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push and pull up to 2,000 pounds with equipment, and perform tasks such as kneeling, bending, and climbing ladders. Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this position.

• The Porter position at Culver’s offers part-time work with pay ranging from $15 to $17 per hour, including weekend shifts as needed. Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness, unloading deliveries, cleaning equipment, and performing light maintenance tasks such as plumbing and landscaping. Candidates should be reliable and able to manage multiple tasks, with a flexible schedule offered as part of the benefits package. Additional perks include dental insurance, a referral program, employee discounts, and a 401(k).

• The Personal Shopper (In-Store) role at Walmart offers part-time evening shifts with hourly pay ranging from $15 to $22, along with performance-based incentives and additional premiums for specific conditions. The position includes competitive benefits such as health coverage, a 401(k), company discounts, and various types of paid leave, including parental and bereavement leave. Employees also have access to adoption reimbursement and other financial perks, ensuring a supportive work environment. The role requires strong customer service skills and offers opportunities for advancement within the company.

💪KATE BUTLER: R3 EXPERT

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes lots of food temptations and goodies. It's easy to overindulge, but let's make good choices and stay healthy. That way, we can get a head start on our New Year's resolutions! 

How many of us resolve to start a new diet in January, only to fall off the wagon and gain back all the weight we worked so hard to lose? I can help you break that cycle with a sensible plan that helps you enjoy the blessing of good food, resets your metabolism, and helps you break the cycle of overeating, dieting, and regaining weight. 

For more info: https://mylastweightlossprogram.com/kate or just call me at 815-878-3278 and we can chat in person..which I prefer!

🎭Festival 56

Festival 56 asks: Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite theatergoer? Or perhaps you’d like to treat yourself to the world of drama, laughter, and unforgettable performances? Don’t miss out on ticket savings!

The Santa Special Festival Pass for 2025 is $150.00, and the Flex Four package for 2025 is $110.00. Purchase online at Festival56.com or at the Box Office at 316 S. Main St., Princeton, which will be open on Saturdays, December 14th and 21st, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Summer Schedule

•  “Hairspray the Musical” will be staged from June 27 to July 5 at the Grace Theater. This vibrant production follows Tracy Turnblad, a bold teen striving for racial equality on a 1960s TV program.

•  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will grace Soldiers and Sailors Park from July 6 to July 30. Shakespeare’s enchanting play delves into love, confusion, and whimsical fairy interventions.

• “Carrie: The Musical” runs July 11 through July 20 at the Grace Theater, unraveling the story of an outcast teenager navigating bullying and family conflict while discovering her supernatural abilities.

• “The Little Mermaid” is set for July 25 to August 3, showcasing Ariel’s quest for freedom and transformation in a captivating tale of courage and sacrifice.

• The Cabaret Series offers performances from June 20 through August 3, spotlighting diverse musical styles and creating a dynamic connection between audiences and performers.

Tickets can be purchased online at Festival56.com, at the box office, or by calling 815-879-5656.

🗓️TODAY IN PRINCETON

An open mic night and karaoke session is scheduled at Downtown Pub every Saturday in December. Attendees can perform or enjoy music and laughs starting at 9 PM at 432 S. Main. The event welcomes all skill levels, ensuring a fun night for participants and audience members alike.

A Grinch-themed event is happening today at True Leaves Bookshop at 11 AM. Visitors can enjoy a costume contest, reading, and a chance to meet the Grinch. Donations for a teen hygiene drive are encouraged, with participants receiving a complimentary donut.

The Barrel Society is hosting Sheafor & Simes tonight at 7 PM. The duo will perform engaging covers and entertain with lively music at 930 N. Main. The event invites all to join the fun with drinks and live performances.

The Polar Express Party is set for today from 12 PM to 7 PM at The Knack, 906 N. Main. Attendees can paint pottery, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy holiday fun in pajamas. Tickets cost $7 for children and $10 for adults, excluding pottery fees.

The Apollo Theater is showing Mufasa and Sonic 3 today. Mufasa, a prequel to The Lion King, explores the untold story of Simba’s father as he rises to become king, with showtimes at 4:15 PM and 7:00 PM. Sonic 3, the latest adventure in the popular video game-inspired series, follows Sonic and his friends as they face off against a new villain, showing at 4:30 PM and 7:15 PM.

🎄LETTER FROM LORI

At this time of year, there’s often controversy over Santa vs. Jesus—not necessarily who would win in a UFC cage match, but about the concept of commercialism overshadowing the “Reason for the Season.” I’ve always wondered why people get so upset. If you put the em-PHA-sis on the right syl-LA-ble, they can live in harmony.

Jesus is all about light, love, giving, and caring. Santa embodies those same qualities if you look past the retail sales, the lines at the mall, the fistfights over Cabbage Patch dolls (yes, that dates me!), and the bright lights. At its heart, the legend of Santa is about GIVING. His story centers on children, joy, and making people happy. The jolly guy in the red suit is a symbol of unselfishness and thinking of OTHERS. He employs thousands of elves, making him a boon to the economy. All the money spent at Christmastime provides income for countless families.

This time of year, we see so much more love and consideration spreading around. I see softer hearts. I see individuals who are struggling dig a little deeper into their pockets to ensure someone smiles.

Yes, it is Jesus’s birthday (and for those who argue that December 25 wasn’t the actual day—please move to the back of the line and sit down). What better way to honor Him than to gather with family and friends, hug one another, and celebrate? What better way to remember His life than to reflect on what it means to reach out to strangers and the underprivileged?

If you choose to focus on the money, then yes, there is often a gap between what we should be celebrating and what we prioritize. But I don’t expect Santa to trade his red suit for a natural-fiber robe with a modest sash. And honestly, I cringe a little at the thought of Jesus in a red suit riding behind reindeer in a sleigh. I’m not saying they’re interchangeable. I’m simply pointing out that, like us, they can walk side by side in harmony. We don’t need to worry about them kicking one another. (Though Santa might win a kicking contest with those glossy black boots. Jesus, in sandals, might break a toe!)

Reindeer? Camels?

Elves? Wise Men?

Red glowing nose? Star of Bethlehem?

Let’s celebrate the commonality, not the commercialism. Have a heart like Jesus, and you’ll discover the true spirit of Christmas.

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

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