🍩Honor Roll, Donuts, and a Free Thanksgiving Dinner

SPONSORED BY

Happy Saturday morning, Princeton. THIS IS NOT A TEST. It’s here! It’s finally here! Miss Betsy’s is now open at 14 Elm Place and ready to serve fresh, delicious donuts. Located with operating hours from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. IT IS OPEN THIS MORNING AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO BUY SOME DONUTS!

*Deep Breath* Calm down, Justin.

Let’s go.

🍩Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Things to Do This Weekend
🎄From Princeton Tourism
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
🦅The Miracle Worker
📍Outside City Limits
🍗Free Thanksgiving Dinner
🔭A Look Ahead
🌅Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Jared Crew! 🍰

• Congratulations to Princeton High School’s Cade Odell (1st Team OL/DL), Noah LaPorte (1st Team TE/DB), and Casey Etheridge (Honorable Mention RB/LB) for being named to the Class 3A All-State team! Princeton will host Montini today at 1 p.m. Purchase your ticket here.

• Princeton Christian Academy has released its honor roll for the first quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. To qualify for honor roll, students must maintain a GPA between 3.3 and 3.69, while high honor roll requires a GPA of 3.7 to 4. Seventh and eighth graders on the high honor roll include Daniqua DuPreez, Myla McCoy, Noelle Richey, and Isabella van den Berg, with high school honorees Annalise Baker, Brooke Clausen, Josiah Gale, Max Gibson, and Santiago Slevin. Honor roll for seventh and eighth graders includes Fritz Anderson, Emily Benson, Nolan Lunger, Gabriella Mucha, Jocelyn Pratt, and Jared Zawistowski, with high school students Amelia Baker, Jeremiah Bauer, Lily Bullington, Brylee Campbell, Ava Clausen, Trustin Crew, Abigail Freeman, Michael Glass, and David Lunger being recognized.

• Join the Thanksgiving Day Family Turkey Trot at Zearing Park on Thursday, November 28, starting at 8 a.m. Participants can walk, jog, or run the one-mile course to kick off the holiday with a healthy activity. Registration costs $5 per individual or $10 per family for Princeton residents and $7 per individual or $12 per family for non-residents; sign up at the front desk or call 815-872-0804.

✅THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🫐Join L&M Sweets at Simply Nutrition today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they launch their new fitness and health line. Sample healthy treats like protein cakes, blueberry protein balls, and cake cups, with flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and raspberry lemon. These nutrient-dense goodies are crafted for fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a guilt-free indulgence. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste delicious, protein-packed sweets.

🚂The Model Train & Farm Toy Show at Bureau County Fairgrounds will feature working train layouts and farm displays today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, while kids enter free, with all three buildings heated for comfort.

🦮Today, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Boek-el-ZOO, kids can enjoy reading to Cher, a friendly animal companion who loves stories! Hosted at the Laila Marie Learning Center, this event offers a cozy space with plenty of books, a comfortable setting, and even free trading cards for participants.

🎤Today, Festival 56 presents Bourbon Country at 316 S Main St. in Princeton, starting at 7 p.m. Known for blending country hits from across generations, this band also performs music from iconic artists like Elton John, the Eagles, and Adele. With influences from jazz, rock, and theater, Bourbon Country brings a rich and eclectic sound. Join them for a night of diverse music that’s sure to please a wide range of tastes.

🩵A benefit for Kent Tyne will be held today at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20 each, with kids attending by donation at the door. Doors open at 3 pm, with a silent auction from 3-6 pm, followed by a live auction from 6-8 pm conducted by Rediger Auction Service. Food will be served from 4-6 pm, and live music by the Wild Card Band will be featured from 8-11 pm. A 50/50 raffle will also take place. Kent was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and is receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Proceeds will help support Kent and his wife, Whitney, as they navigate medical expenses while unable to work. For more information or tickets, contact Barbie at 815-303-3182, Cathy at 941-524-9595, or Staci at 815-503-4427. T-shirts are available through Ashley at Grace & Mae Designs at 815-878-6384.

🎶Make Sunday a funday with River Road Trio’s debut at Hollywood & Vine in Hollowayville on November 17, starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy their unique sound and help welcome them to the venue for the first time. It’s a casual setting where anyone can come along and enjoy some tunes. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll feel right at home.

🎄FROM PRINCETON TOURISM

Experience the magic of the season at Princeton's Christmas Walk Weekend. Stroll through our beautifully decorated downtown, enjoy horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides, shop local for unique gifts, caroling and special events:

• Stop into the Prouty Building for Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce Greenery Sales, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and hot chocolate and cookies from 11AM-2PM, November 23-24

• Visit Open Prairie Church's annual Christkindlmarkt from 9:30AM-3PM

• Handmade for the Holidays Artisan Market at the Prairie Arts Center Gallery from 10AM-3PM, November 23-24

It’s the perfect way to kick off the holidays in Princeton, IL!

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌧️Today: Expect intervals of clouds and sunshine with a high of 56°F and south winds at 10 to 15 mph. The night will be partly to mostly cloudy, with a low of 48°F and south winds at 5 to 10 mph.

☁️Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a high around 61°F and southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Evening brings cloudy skies with showers likely, a low of 47°F, and southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph, with a 40% chance of rain.

🌧️Monday: Cloudy with periods of rain and a high of 59°F, with southeast winds at 10 to 20 mph and an 80% chance of rain. At night, expect strong winds at times with rain continuing, a low of 50°F, and a chance of heavy rainfall near half an inch with winds up to 30 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.26
Casey’s West/North: $3.29
Beck’s West/North: $3.29
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.29

Peru Gas 👀

Sapp Bros.: $2.72

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Virginia Wyatt

Reason for Nomination: “Virginia Wyatt is my mom, and she is the ultimate hero. She is a caregiver for my grandparents and helps take care of my uncle. She travels to nearly all the doctor appointments, helps with bills, and absolutely runs herself ragged most days trying to ensure everyone is taken care of. When I was in high school, running around town, she was the mom to everyone who came into our house. She created a safe space for anyone who needed it. Even now, with all her kids grown, she still gives to everyone and puts others first. Over the last few months, she has been working hard to improve the look of her house, and she has done an amazing job. She is an incredible person, inside and out. She truly is Wonder Woman. There isn’t just one thing she’s done; there are too many to count. I just wanted to give her the recognition she deserves.”

Wow, she does sound like Wonder Woman! You are very blessed, indeed. Congratulations, Virginia! You’ve won the 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].

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

For Sale By Owner - Now making appointment to view our "Move in Ready" home in quiet subdivision in Princeton. Home is a 4 bedroom/2 bath split level on a corner lot. Lots of new: Roof, flooring, SS appliances, bath vanities, painted throughout. Large lower level family room, bedroom, bath and laundry. Call 815-739-6842 to make an appointment to view 624 Aleta, Bird Haven South Subdivision. $185,000.

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• The Apollo Theater is back to full hours with a lineup including Red One (PG-13) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (PG). Don’t miss the Wicked premiere on Thursday at 7:15 p.m.

• Optimal Health has new grocery items in stock! Check out their latest additions, including gluten-free stuffing mixes, Brown Cow yogurt in chocolate and coffee flavors, and vegan marshmallows by Dandies.

• Start your day with a S’mores iced coffee at Cafe Grace! Serving breakfast from 8-11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner from 4-8 p.m.

• Sean Philip Bridals is offering deals on sample wedding gowns ($99-$999), prom dresses ($69), homecoming gowns ($39), and evening gowns ($69) until December 1.

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats now offers a kids menu with every meal priced at $7, including options like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, and chicken strips. Each meal comes with hand-cut fries and a single topping sundae or cone.

• Sayler’s General Store is having a closing down sale with everything marked to go.

• Save the date for Flowers by Julia’s Christmas Open House from November 22-24! Enjoy festive shopping hours on Friday (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), Saturday (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), and Sunday (12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

• Stop by The Princeton Closet for winter essentials and holiday gifts! Open today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a wide selection of coats, hats, and jewelry for the season. Donations are accepted Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help keep the community warm.

• Mardog’s Grooming Room is excited to announce its grand opening. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they offer a variety of grooming services from baths to full grooming packages tailored for all dog sizes. Customers are invited to enjoy exclusive opening-day discounts, giveaways, and treats; for more information, call (563) 239-4899.

• Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past showcases Spode Woodland serving pieces, perfect for adding charm to holiday meals. These elegant dishes are ideal for lunch, snacks, or desserts.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

Blue Christmas Event

Sometimes “Merry Christmas” is just not so merry.

You or someone you know may struggle with finding joy this Christmas, because of a recent change or loss due to death, divorce, sickness, or unfortunate and tragic circumstances. The constant refrain on the radio and television, in the shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all of these can make us feel very empty in the midst of celebrating and spending. Adding to this blue mood is the darkest day of the year, the winter solstice, which falls on December 21st of 2024.

The Cornerstone Community Wellness Center is offering a Blue Christmas Candlelight Community Service on December 6th, 2024 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend.

Come experience a simple time of music, readings, and reflection that acknowledge Emmanuel, God with us, in the midst of hard times. You might be surprised by how many people need this kind of service during the season of Christmas.

The short service will be followed by a brief time of light refreshments and fellowship.

🦅THE MIRACLE WORKER BY PRINCETON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

The Princeton Christian Academy high school students will present Willam Gibson’s THE MIRACLE WORKER on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 at 6:30 in the auditorium. The play is the story of how 20-year-old Annie Sullivan miraculously opened the dark world of 7-year-old blind and deaf Helen Keller by teaching her language. Ava Clausen plays the role of Annie Sullivan, and Helen is played by Miriam Bayer. 

Helen’s parents, Captain and Kate Keller are played by Josiah Gale and Brooke Clausen, and her half brother James is played by David Lunger. Aunt Ev is Abigail Freeman, the doctor is Jeremiah Bauer, Viney is Amelia Baker, and children are played by Annalise Baker, Lily Bullington, and Presleigh Morrissey. The play is directed by Marty Kiser. 

The public is invited to these performances to see “the miracle” performed.  A free-will offering will be taken, but no admission will be charged.  Princeton Christian Academy is located two miles northeast of Princeton on US Highway 34 at Princeton Bible Church. 

Family Christmas Portraits

• Cozy Christmas: Snuggle up in your pajamas and enjoy a festive atmosphere with our warm, inviting backdrop.

• Elegant Holiday: Dress to impress and create stunning portraits in front of our Farm Fresh Christmas Tree backdrop.

• Packages starting at $125

Santa’s Magical Adventure with Santa John (Original Santa for returning clients)

• One-on-one time with Santa: Your children will have the chance to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a gift.

• Story time with Santa: Snuggle up with Santa and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas story together.

• Cookies: No Santa visit is complete without Mrs.Clauses delicious cookies.

• Beautiful, lasting images: Our experienced photographer will capture precious moments of your children's magical Santa experience.

• More than just photos, it's a tradition!

• 30 minutes —$325

🍗FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER

The Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton along with St. Louis Catholic Church and Christ Community Church will be providing a Free Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28^th from 11:00 – 1:00 pm.  There will be no dine-in option this year.  The meal consists of turkey, mash potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, dinner roll, and your choice of apple or pumpkin pie.  

 Reservations are required.  Meals will be available for curbside pick-up at the Evangelical Covenant Church located at 24 N. Main St. in Princeton or delivered to your home within a 15-mile radius of Princeton.

 This is our 24^th year in providing a free Thanksgiving Dinner to anyone who wishes to have a meal.  To register for a meal, curbside or delivery, visit www.eccprinceton.org/Thanksgiving or call Tad Smith at 815-878-5473 by 5pm on November 27^th .  A free-will offering will be taken and will other local outreach events.  

🔭A LOOK AHEAD

Model Train Fair & Farm Toy Show (Saturday, November 16th): From 9 AM to 2 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, located at 811 W Peru St, this event showcases HO, N, O, and G scale trains, Thomas toys, farm toys, and a wide selection of collectibles. Attendees can explore Hot Wheels, Ertl, NASCAR merchandise, and books, with admission set at $5. Vendor spaces are available, starting at $35 for a 10x10 space with three tables. For more details, visit www.bureaucountyfair.com or contact Kathy at [email protected] or 815-866-3606 after 5 PM.

2024 Holiday Market at The Elowen Room (Saturday, November 23rd – Sunday, November 24th): Support local artists and makers during this two-day Holiday Market from 10 AM to 4 PM each day! Featuring 8-10 vendors showcasing unique handmade items perfect for holiday gifts and décor. The event will also include festive holiday music and a cozy coffee bar for a warm, cheerful shopping experience. Located near the trolley stop on the North End of Main Street, it’s part of Princeton’s Christmas Walk Weekend, so make sure to stop by!

Home for the Holidays Christmas Light Drive-Thru (November 29th - December 25th): Drive through the dazzling holiday lights at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Special openings on December 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Hosted by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bureau County Fair.

Brunch with Buddy the Elf (Saturday, December 7th): At 11 AM, join the festive fun with Buddy the Elf at Cafe Grace, 1009 N Main St. Expect holiday activities and a “buddylicious” feast.

Trio: Barrel Society (Saturday, December 7): Join The Bart Attacks at the Barrel Society for an evening of live music from 7 to 10 PM. This is their debut performance, and they are excited to perform down by the river. Make sure to check it out for a great night of entertainment!

🌅LETTER FROM LORI

Ah…mornings! Some people greet the day with a yawn, a stretch, and a smile. Their day starts with hope for sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. They can actually begin TALKING before 10 am. WHAT???

Not me. I growl and squint, resisting the necessity to move my achy old bones. I trudge, not walk, to the bathroom, as required by my aging bladder and creaky spine. My gerbil immediately jumps on my mental wheel and starts whirring through all the tasks and duties I need to perform in the coming 16 hours. I make lists, calculate time, and work out problems…in my head. After I take my “get-up-and-go pills” (so I CAN), I wait for them to kick in, allowing me to actually DO, instead of just obsess.

Now that I’m in my 50s and my life has slowed down a notch, it’s not quite as bad as it was in my 20s and 30s. Back then, with 2-3 jobs and 2-3 kids (depending on the day), involvement in schools, community, and a hundred other things, I was forced into the world of pre-dawn activities—and never once greeted them with joviality.

Now, I’m learning to love mornings a bit more. At least once a week, I have my grandkids overnight, which means snuggle time in the morning. My 130-lb house horse, the greatest of Danes—Cher—offers no motivation to get UP. With no pressing responsibilities like an early job, breakfast to make, or homework to check, I can greet the day at a slower pace with a heaping cup of coffee. I’ve also found this a wonderful time to read something reflective by my comfy chair with my java juice.

I still don’t get up as early as my brother, who inherited ALL the sunrise genes, while I got those linked to sunset (and beyond). He shuns midnight as furiously as I avoid the sun’s first light.

Both factions of the clock have their merit. Each time frame works differently for different people. There’s no right or wrong in choosing. But, I assure you, those who cling to one set of comfortable numbers, whether AM or PM, will argue that THEY are right, and the other side is… crazy? Silly? Demented? Misguided? Downright LOONEY???

As I sit here in the waning hours of daylight, enjoying the reds, oranges, and yellows in the west, I feel my energy rising. I feel my creative juices flowing. My gerbil catches his pace on the wheel, and I wonder about those “crazy” people who will be up in just a few hours.

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

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