January 1st, 2024🍾❓🛍️💡🛍️

TOGETHER WITH

Happy New Year, Princeton. Graduations, concerts, parades, fairs — there’s a lot to look forward to in 2024. Whatever happens, we’re in this together.

Let’s get to it.

—Justin Bullington

In This Issue

❓Some Trivia

🚨What You Should Know

🛍️Local Business News

🫙Building Good Habits in 2024

📚Richard Widmark and Princeton

Happy Birthday, Erika Luft! 🍰

What You Should Know

• David Hardison, known as the Southern Spiderman, was ruled ineligible for the Bureau County States Attorney primary ballot due to petition issues and a lack of an Illinois law license. The Republican Party chairman objected to his candidacy, and a committee of county officeholders affirmed his ineligibility after Hardison failed to appear. His petitions included questionable signatures (including Batman and Robin) and did not meet the required 53 signatures from county registered voters.

• Here’s Our Upcoming Weather:

  • Today: Cloudy. High near 35°F.

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High near 39°F.

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 34°F.

  • Thursday: Sunny. High near 31°F.

  • Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 31°F.

Building Good Habits in 2024

Building good habits is like saving pennies in a jar; each tiny act, each singular penny, may seem inconsequential, but over time, those pennies mount up to dollars, to wealth. To weave this magic of compounding in your daily routine, begin by selecting a habit so modest that success is nearly guaranteed. Want to get fit? Start with ten jumping jacks a day—not so daunting, right?

Consistency is your ally here. Just as a penny doubles its value when another is added, a small habit grows when repeated daily. Chain these actions together, and soon you'll have a stockpile of good habits.

But beware the pesky weeds of bad habits. They sprout up from our vulnerabilities, often when we’re looking for comfort. The first step to uprooting them is recognition. Snacking late at night? Scrolling through social media for hours? Shine a light on these patterns. Then, gently replant. Swap out the bag of chips for a handful of almonds, the endless scrolling for a few minutes of meditative breathing.

Remember, habits are like vines; they take time to climb and cling. So be patient. If you miss a day, don’t wallow in self-reproof. Each day is a new chance to add another penny to the jar, to encourage the vine upward. Before you know it, your jar will be brimming, your vine reaching new heights, and your life will reflect the wealth of good habits compounded over time.

Local Business News

• Walmart is open during regular hours today.

• The Hawg House Saloon will be hosting a pajama party with music and a potluck today, beginning at 1pm.

• Today from 12 PM to 5 PM, head to Beetz Me for their "We Don't Want to Count the Inventory" SALE! Enjoy an incredible 50% off select items. Please note, the sale excludes truffles, food items, books, alcohol, special orders, and personalized items. To make the most of this offer, bring cash to avoid a 3.95% charge on card purchases.

• The Flour House has officially closed. Founded by Terri and her daughter Sallee Zearing, this family-operated business was dearly loved by its customers. Its nearly decade-long presence in Princeton is a testament to the enduring support of the community.

• Mullet Bros Printing provides custom printing and embroidery services in Princeton. They offer embroidery options that bring intricate designs to life on fabric. Additionally, they have direct-to-film (DTF) printing services for transferring creative designs onto various surfaces, including fabric, and offer professional design services for refining logos or creating new designs.

• Here’s a list of some restaurants that are open today:

  • The Big Apple Family Restaurant

  • Gold Mine Restaurant

  • Pizza Cellar

  • Jojo’s

  • Hollywood & Vine for a music event

  • Princeton Big Apple

  • Flo’s on Pulaski in Peru

  • Downtown Pub

  • Igloo Diner until 8 pm

  • Paisano’s Ristorante until 9 pm

  • Monical’s Pizza

  • Underground

  • Cafe Grace

📚Richard Widmark and Princeton

Richard Widmark, the acclaimed actor, had a notable connection to Princeton, Illinois. Born in Sunrise Township, Minnesota, in 1914, Widmark spent part of his childhood in Princeton. His family later moved to Princeton, where his father worked as a traveling salesman.

While in Princeton, Widmark attended Princeton High School, where he developed an early interest in acting and performing. After graduating, he enrolled at Lake Forest College in Illinois but left before completing his degree to pursue a career in theater.

Richard Widmark's breakthrough came in 1947 with his role in "Kiss of Death," earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His distinctive portrayal of a psychopathic gangster marked the beginning of a prolific film career.

Despite achieving fame on a global scale, Widmark maintained a connection to his roots. He occasionally returned to Princeton, reflecting fondly on his formative years in the small Illinois town. His success in Hollywood served as an inspiration for aspiring actors in Princeton and beyond.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Princeton NOW newsletter. Have a Happy New Year. If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter and found it helpful, would you mind sharing it with some friends?