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🛣️Roads, Heirlooms, and Labor Day

🛣️Roads, Heirlooms, and Labor Day

It’s a bright, vibrant, and invigorating Saturday in the picturesque town of Princeton…

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📸City of Princeton

It’s a bright, vibrant, and invigorating Saturday in the picturesque town of Princeton, Illinois—a place that truly shines as one of the best spots on earth. How about that brand-new Main Street? What a beaut. I wrote a poem about it:

The roads are smooth, like butter spread,
Potholes now lay in their dusty bed.
But don’t get comfy, smooth asphalt dear,
Those bumps will be back, have no fear.
So let’s enjoy this road so fine,
Before it wrinkles like a bad hairline.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Places to Go This Weekend
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
❤️‍🩹GriefShare
💼Princeton Businesses
🔗Top Links This Week
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
🏠Homes For Sale
🎉Homestead Festival Schedule
💪Braveheart
🔨Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

BCMC: “We’re looking forward to seeing all the area runners 3 weeks from tomorrow for the 31st annual Underground Railroad 5K! Register in person at the Bureau County Metro Center or online now. Kiddie Fun Run (free!) at 8am with the 5K to follow at 8:30 am.”
Join us for an exhilarating week at the Bureau County Fair! Beginning this Wednesday, August 21, enjoy a variety of attractions including unlimited rides for $30, a salute to veterans, live music, and more. On Thursday, seniors 62+ can enjoy the festivities for just $2, with a range of shows from bingo for seniors to a grandstand concert by Mitchell Tenpenny and Lauren Alaina. The excitement continues through the weekend with special events like the Power Wheels Kids Demo Derby on Saturday and a full lineup of horse shows and races on Sunday. Each day offers unique activities and performances, ensuring fun for all ages. Click here for more details.
On Monday, August 19, the PHS Varsity Boys’ Golf team heads to Putnam County High School for a 4:00 PM match. The following days feature the Girls' Golf team taking on Stark County High School on Tuesday and a packed Thursday lineup with the Girls' Golf team at Rockridge High School at 4:00 PM and a Volleyball scrimmage at 6:00 PM. The week wraps up with Boys’ Soccer and Golf scrimmages on Friday and Saturday, leading into a busy Monday with multiple matches across Golf, Tennis, and Soccer.
Do you have a positive story you’d like to share about someone or something within the community? I’d love to hear about it and pass it along. Email your story here: [email protected].

✅PLACES TO GO THIS WEEKEND

🐐Hungry World Farm invites the you to enjoy Breakfast on the Farm every Saturday from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM at 19183 Plow Creek Road, Tiskilwa. Along with a delicious breakfast, attendees can participate in educational workshops, volunteer events, and farm tours. Overnight stays are available on Fridays in Airbnbs and glamping tents.

🪔Join the community this morning for the antique appraisal event “Listen to your Heirlooms,” sponsored by the Bureau County History Center and the Princeton Public Library. The event offers free appraisals, limited to one item per person or family, with a total of twenty items appraised; RSVP is necessary to secure a spot. Following the appraisal sessions, which begin at 10 AM, a program featuring presenter Carolyn Law will start at 1 PM, highlighting some exceptional items; the program is open and free to all attendees.

🍦Today, from 4 PM to 8 PM, Chelsea Gives Back is hosting an ice cream fundraiser at Sisler's Ice Cream. For every scoop, $1 will be donated to the 4th Annual Chelsea Gives Back Secret Santa Givings Days. The event is public and open to everyone. Come and enjoy some delicious ice cream while supporting a good cause.

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❤️‍🩹GRIEFSHARE

Community members who have experienced the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend, recent or not so recent, are invited to participate in the GriefShare support group being held at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St. in Princeton. The group will meet every Monday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to help face challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. The meeting that falls on Labor Day will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd. There is a small cost of $20 for the participant guide. In addition, the last session will focus on surviving the holidays.

GriefShare is a 13-week video seminar series that features grief and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements – video seminar, support group discussion, and a participant guide with personal study exercises that reinforce the weekly session topics. Each session is “self-contained” so participants are welcome to begin at any point within the 13-week program.

The church will be using the new GriefShare 4.0 materials, which include fresh video content featuring nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories. Topics covered include loneliness, sadness, self-care, fear, anger, regrets, relationships, resilience, and hope. You will find encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or other family member, or friend. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and renew your hope for the future. This is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling.

Participants should bring their own water bottle. Pre-registering is not necessary but helpful. Visit griefshare.org/groups/238676 for more information or to register. Or call the Evangelical Covenant Church at 815-875-2124 with questions.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌩️Today: Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon, with a high around 78°F. Winds will be from the WNW at 10 to 15 mph, and the chance of rain is 50%. In the evening, there's a possibility of an early shower, followed by a few clouds from time to time, with a low near 63°F. Winds will be from the NW at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Tomorrow: The day will feature intervals of clouds and sunshine, with a high near 80°F. Winds will be from the NNW at 10 to 15 mph. By evening, skies will clear, leading to a low around 56°F, with winds from the N at 5 to 10 mph.

☀️Monday: The day will be generally sunny, with a high around 78°F. Winds will be from the NNE at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will see clear skies, with a low near 53°F. Winds will be light and variable.

🤧The allergy forecast for Princeton shows high pollen levels from Saturday through Tuesday.

Saturday: The pollen level rises to 9.8, entering the high range.
Sunday: Pollen levels continue to increase, reaching 10.4.
Monday: The peak pollen level is expected at 10.7.
Tuesday: A slight decrease to 10.3, but still within the high range.

Allergies are expected to be a significant concern, particularly over the weekend and early next week.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.66
Casey’s West/North: $3.67
Beck’s West/North: $3.67
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.67
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.67

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🏆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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❤️‍🩹GRIEFSHARE

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

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DaniCare offers pet check-in services for those going out of town or working late. The service includes fresh food and water, potty breaks or litter changes, playtime, and photo updates. Local rates are $15 for a 20-minute check-in and $35 for a 60-minute visit, with additional charges for distances over 15 miles from Tiskilwa. For more information, contact Danica Saletzki at (815) 915-1423 or via email at [email protected].
Teachers can enjoy a 20% discount on all Shine Shop packages, including window tinting, exterior and interior detailing, ceramic coatings, and more, until September 1st.
Optimal Health is now offering Nixie Zero Sugar Sodas, available in Classic Cola, Ginger Ale, and Root Beer flavors. These refreshing and organically flavored sodas are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sugar-free beverage. Visit Optimal Health to be among the first to try them.
Little Blue Dress is hosting a Birkenstock Friends & Family Sale with a 15% discount on all Birkenstock footwear. Shoppers can use the code “Birkenstock” to enjoy this offer online. The sale features a variety of Birkenstock sandals, including pink, green, and black designs.
Kinetico Water Systems is addressing concerns about water that tastes or smells like chlorine. They provide insights on why chlorine is added to water, the signs of excess chlorine, and how their solutions can help reduce chlorine levels.
The Studio Boutique offers a stylish solution to keep your wallet and keys in one place with their chic wristlet. The wristlet features a black and a cream-colored design, perfect for those who value convenience and fashion.
Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co. is making a sweet return to Princeton’s Farmer’s Market with a new lineup of flavors, including Tootsie Roll, Lime, Banana, Blue Raspberry, and Cherry. She has a plethora of colorful cotton candy flavors, ready to bring joy to the marketgoers. Visit their stand at Soldiers & Sailors Park starting at 8:30 AM.
On Monday August 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can support the Bureau Valley After Prom by dining at Culver's of Princeton. A portion of the sales during this time will be donated to help fund the after-prom event.
Dashel Pet Sitting is now accepting new clients in the Princeton/Tiskilwa area. Owner Lori Hunter-Lewis offers caring and reliable pet sitting services, including multiple daily visits tailored to your pet's needs, with references available upon request. Customers highly praise Lori's professional and compassionate care for both young and senior pets, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners while they are away.
Join a Taylor Swift-inspired painting party on August 21st at 6 PM, where fans can enjoy music, dinner, and creativity. The event, hosted at the Downtown Pub, includes a pre-drawn canvas, materials, and a cash bar. Tickets are $25, and all ages are welcome, with younger participants needing an adult to assist.
True Leaves Bookshop is donating $1 from every purchase to the BEST Program today until next Saturday to help provide school supplies for local students. They will also have a donation basket available for those who wish to contribute additional items. Supporting local students is encouraged, along with picking up Clorox wipes and Kleenex for classrooms to prepare for the upcoming school year.

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🔗TOP LINKS THIS WEEK

Dashel Pet Sitting is now accepting new clients in the Princeton/Tiskilwa area.
Nestled in Wyanet, the historic home at 310 W Main St celebrates its 100th year with a rich legacy and modern updates.
WQAD: A Tiskilwa couple has died after a single-vehicle crash in Peru, Illinois on Sunday, Aug. 11.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

👩‍⚕️In Home Care Connection Hospice Services is actively seeking compassionate individuals dedicated to hospice care for the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant. This part-time position offers a pay rate of $19.00 per hour, with benefits including a flexible schedule and travel reimbursement. Applicants must have been in their previous job for at least one year to qualify for a matching 401(k) program. The required qualifications include a CNA certification and a driver's license, and candidates must possess reliable transportation. Interested parties are encouraged to apply if they are looking for a meaningful and rewarding opportunity in hospice care.

💊There are two job openings available at the Princeton Pharmacy at 610 N. Main.

The first position is for a full-time Pharmacy Technician, responsible for assisting in filling prescriptions. This role requires good computer skills and attention to detail, with previous experience preferred but not necessary. The job schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday shifts.
The second position is for a part-time Pharmacy Clerk, responsible for various duties in a busy pharmacy, including managing the register, cleaning, and making deliveries. This role requires approximately 12-15 hours of work per week, with shifts mainly in the afternoons and on Saturdays. Applicants for this position must be at least 16 years old.

Contact Princeton Pharmacy for more information: 815-875-1237

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

There will be a town-wide garage sale in Sheffield on September 20th-21st.
Bradford Labor Day Celebration invites everyone to "Reunite in Bradford" for a fun-filled weekend from Friday, August 30, to Monday, September 2. The festivities include free outdoor double feature movies, family fun day activities, live music, a car show, a parade, and fireworks at the Bradford Ball Park. Food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages will be available throughout the event, promising a memorable weekend for the community.
The Buda Craft + Vendor Market is set for Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Old Buda School, 220 Stewart Street. This event offers a variety of craft and vendor booths, with 10’ x 10’ spaces available for $10 each. Enjoy lunch from the Buda Fire Lunch Stand and a special performance by the Hocus Pocus Hags at 1:00 PM.
Kids Klub, a non-denominational Christian children's ministry with over 70 years of experience, is starting a new year in September. An informational meeting will be held on August 20th at 5:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Bureau, with a light dinner served at 6:00 P.M. For more details, contact the Kids Klub House in Malden at 815-643-2307; Jeremy Listenby is the director.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

Discover a gem at 639 Celebration Dr, listed for $349,500. This modern ranch home, built in 2008, spans 2,017 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, boasting a spacious layout perfect for entertaining. Key features include a gourmet kitchen with high-end finishes, a primary suite with a luxury bathroom, and a serene outdoor area complete with a deck and landscaping. Recent updates include a new Trane furnace and essential restoration from a minor fire in 2023, ensuring the home is in excellent condition for its new owners.
Explore the charm of this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home at 1006 W Central Ave. Built in 1903, this property combines historical allure with modern amenities across its 2,500 square feet of living space. It's conveniently situated on a sizable 0.38-acre lot and boasts a two-car garage. This inviting residence is priced at $239,000, offering a unique blend of comfort, space, and affordability.
Located at 505 N East St, this 4-bedroom, 1-bath home is a gem waiting to be polished. Priced at $130,000 and boasting 1,888 sqft of living space, it's nestled in a unique setting with both town and rural advantages. The home features an open floor plan filled with natural light and several versatile rooms that can serve as additional bedrooms. Outdoors, the property promises ample space for gardening and outdoor activities, set back from the road for added privacy and tranquility.

🎉HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

◾️Thursday, September 5th

5 PM: Quilts of the Underground Railroad at the Sash-Salter-Matson Building

6 PM: Walk of Fame Dedication: Virgil Fox at the Apollo Theater

6 PM: Down on Main Summer Street Concert featuring World Turning Band: Fleetwood Mac Tribute on South Main Street

◾️Friday, September 6th

1-4 PM: Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

5-9 PM: Concerts at Soldiers and Sailors Park featuring Rodeo Drive from 5-6:30 PM and Dylan Schneider at 7 PM

5-9 PM: VFW Dinner, Sisler’s Ice Cream, and IPVADS Bake Sale at Soldiers and Sailors Park

5-7 PM: LEGO Design Competition Reception at the Prairie Arts Center

6-9 PM: Twilight Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Soldiers and Sailors Park

6:30 PM: Homestead Festival Announcements including Grand Marshal, Jr. Woman's Club Baby Contest, and Window Display Contest Winners at Soldiers and Sailors Park

◾️Saturday, September 7th

8:30 AM: Underground Railroad 5K Race at the Bureau County Metro Center, registration at 7 AM

8 AM-12 PM: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at Alexander Park, registration online until September 5

9 AM-6 PM: Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at the Courthouse Lawn

9-11 AM: Homestead Festival Fun Fair at Heartland Bank (South) Parking Lot

9-11 AM: Princeton High School Tours

9 AM-12 PM: Bureau County History Center Garage Sale at the Museum Campus

10 AM-12 PM and 3-5 PM: Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

10:30 AM-3 PM: Bureau County 4-H Pork Cookout at Soldiers and Sailors Park

11 AM-3 PM: Bags Tournament at 222 S Main Street, registration at 10:30 AM

12-2:30 PM: Children's Tractor Pull, register on site at 11:45 AM at Soldiers and Sailors Park

1-4 PM: Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

3:30 PM: 50/50 Raffle Drawing at the Apollo Theater Marquee

◾️Sunday, September 8th

6 AM-3:30 PM: 13th Annual Homestead BBQ Rib Cook-Off at the Central Bank Parking Lot

8 AM-12 PM: Moose Lodge Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the Moose Lodge

8 AM-2 PM: Homestead Festival Flea Market at the Bureau County Fairgrounds

8 AM-3 PM: 44th Annual Car Show on South Main Street

10 AM-2:30 PM: Pony Rides & Kids Activities including Magic Shows at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park

10 AM-4 PM: Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show at the Courthouse Lawn

For more information and updates, visit the official website: homesteadfestival.com.

💪BRAVEHEART CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center Faces Drastic Service Cuts Amidst Critical VOCA Funding Reductions

Cambridge, IL – Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is facing significant challenges due to a recent $600 million reduction in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. These cuts threaten the continuation of essential services provided to child victims of violent crimes across our community. For years, VOCA has been a lifeline, offering critical support to countless children and families grappling with the aftermath of violence and abuse. Through forensic interviews, evidence-based mental health treatments, and victim advocacy, Braveheart CAC has been a beacon of hope for these young survivors. However, the depletion of the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) – a key source of non-tax funding derived from federal criminal prosecutions – is forcing Braveheart CAC to make difficult decisions about which services can be sustained.

"Our mission has always been to provide unwavering support to the most vulnerable members of our community," said Jackie Diediker, Executive Director at Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center. "These budget cuts put our ability to deliver crucial services, such as therapy and medical exams, at risk. Without immediate action, we may be forced to reduce our services or some CAC’s may even close their doors." In 2023, Braveheart CAC, alongside nearly 1,000 other CACs nationwide, served almost 400,000 child victims of abuse. The potential loss of VOCA funding could have devastating effects, not only for the children we serve but for the community as a whole. With fewer resources, our capacity to provide abuse prevention education, legal support, and comprehensive case management will be severely impacted.

To address this crisis, Congress has introduced the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R. 8061 in the House and S.4514 in the Senate). This legislation seeks to replenish the CVF by channeling funds from the False Claims Act, offering a temporary solution to stabilize these vital programs while a more permanent remedy is sought. "We urge our community and our Congressional leaders to support the CVF Stabilization Act," Felisha Rogers, Community Outreach Coordinator said. "Our children's futures depend on it. We need to ensure that the critical services provided by Braveheart CAC can continue uninterrupted, helping victims to heal and reclaim their lives."

Braveheart CAC remains committed to providing the best possible support to child victims of crime. As we continue our work, we look to Congress to take decisive action to restore funding and sustain these crucial services for the children and families who need them most. What Can You Do? The future of Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center and the vital services we provide are at risk, but you can help make a difference. We urge community members to reach out to their Congressional representatives and express support for the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R. 8061 in the House and S.4514 in the Senate). By advocating for this critical legislation, you can help ensure that child victims of crime continue to receive the care and support they desperately need. Additionally, consider donating to Braveheart CAC or volunteering your time to assist with our programs. Every action counts in our fight to protect and heal the most vulnerable in our community.

About Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center: Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and advocacy for child victims of abuse and their families. Our services include forensic interviews, mental health treatment, medical examinations, and community outreach programs designed to prevent abuse and promote healing. We serve Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark counties and are proud members of the National Children's Alliance.

🚮LETTER FROM LORI

In this age of uncertainty and financial instability, I find myself reflecting on the word "GARBAGE." When you read that word, I imagine the image that popped into your head was a slimy, gelatinous heap of stink with flies buzzing around it. That’s understandable, but have you analyzed the contents of your trash can recently?

My brother, bless his soul, has recently become obsessed with minimizing garbage. On vacation, we were all required to sort out burnables, recyclables, and deposit-return cans, using the garbage can only for items that didn’t fit those categories. As annoying as it was, it made sense. Why throw out what can be used more wisely? The burnables were used in our nightly bonfires, where we laughed, bonded, and created sticky-faced youth by introducing them to the marshmallowy goodness of s’mores.

In Michigan, you pay a deposit on cans and bottles, so we save the "cash-less" for the kids to feed into the machines at the store, like small animals to a dinosaur’s gaping maw. The result is ten cents per item, and it can add up. The kids use this money to fund a trip to Cosmic Candy uptown—the bane of every parent's existence, but the highlight of the vacation for the kids. They carry every type of candy known to man for decades, including Pop Rocks and those orange styrofoam circus peanuts that taste like the insole of an old shoe (only with a hint of orange). You can also get candy dots on a piece of cheap paper. To extract them, you get enough fiber from the soggy paper to rationalize some nutritional value.

But I digress.

The other recyclables go to the curb in a differently colored tote, and we trust that the garbage men actually take them somewhere where a group of Oompa Loompas wash and sort them, and they are actually melted down to remake containers and usable items. My cynical nature doesn’t fully allow me to believe that’s the process, but it helps my brother sleep better at night, so I reluctantly comply.

So, what does that leave us with that, by definition, is truly garbage? Not much. Jimmy has boastfully declared on several occasions that he generated less than a Walmart bag of uncategorized waste to dispose of. I happily clap and smile, knowing in my heart that I don’t put forth the proper effort to achieve the goals he has set. I imagine if he cooked anything, he could add another category of "compost"!

When looking at the people who come and go from your life, do you take the time to categorize them by their usefulness—not just to YOU, but to the world in general? Do you see their gifts? Do you help them realize their potential? Do you encourage them, or do you simply throw them into the heap to decompose and attract flies? We may still have that small bag of "garbage" that we can’t find a use for, but God doesn’t leave even ONE toe print in a carbon footprint. He has a use for EVERY fiber of EVERY being. He is even more vigilant than my brother! So, the next time you see someone you consider garbage, check out the bins and see if you can’t fit them into at least one of the categories. If you can’t, God can!

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

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