💕A Pink Party, a Tigers Win, and a Fall Family Fun Fest

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Ah, the weekend. It’s important to rest, they say, but I prefer to live on the edge by taking naps at the most dangerous time possible: right after drinking coffee. It’s like a game, and I’m the champion.

Now you know. Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅Things to Do This Weekend
🎄Holiday Card Contest
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🏆Princeton Person of the Week
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
📚Happening at the Library
🔭A Look Ahead
💕Pink Party Fundraiser
🤘Letter from Lori

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday tomorrow Marie Etter and Darin Jones! 🥳

• A benefit for Kent Tyne will be held on Saturday, November 16 at The Cider Mill at A Hundred Acres Orchard in Princeton. Tickets are $20, with kids admitted by donation at the door. The event will feature a silent auction from 3-6 PM, a live auction from 6-8 PM, food from 4-6 PM, live music by the Wild Card Band from 8-11 PM, and a 50/50 raffle. Kent was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and is undergoing treatment, with all proceeds helping support him and his family during this difficult time.

• An International Soccer Program for boys and girls is hosting a clinic in Princeton on October 15, 18, 22, and 25 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Jefferson Elementary School. Registration for the traveling program opens on October 15, 2024, for children born between 2007 and 2018.

• PHS football beat Mendota last night 57-14.

• The F-S football game vs. Erie-Prophetstown, originally scheduled for Monday, October 28th at PHS, has been moved to Friday, October 25th and will be played before the Varsity game that night. Both the F-S and Varsity games will be at Prophetstown High School. The F-S game will start at 5:30 PM, with the Varsity game following at approximately 7:00 PM.

• Early voting is now available at the Bureau County Clerk’s Office, open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM until November 5th.

• Tiger Town Tanglers will hold an additional wrestling club sign-up on October 20 at Skoonerz from 11:30-2:00. The club fee is $120, and a USA Wrestling card, required for tournaments, costs $60. Fundraising is available to help cover expenses, and fees will be refunded if enough funds are raised.

• The Princeton Fire Department will be at Culver’s on October 22nd from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a Touch-A-Truck event. Families can come by for cheese curds and to check out the fire engine and ambulance.

• Our Table will be offering free meals on Monday, October 14, and October 28, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Hall, with doors opening at 4:45 p.m. Future meals are also planned for November 11, November 25, December 9, and December 16, with the December 16 event featuring a Christmas party.

✅THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🍭Freedom House is hosting a Fall Family Fun Fest today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Park. The event will feature a bounce house, face painting, crafts, a bake walk, cotton candy, games, a dunk tank, a scavenger hunt, and more, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

🎈Tethered hot air balloon rides will take place today from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. The event is part of the Monster Mash Balloon Bash.

🎭The Pearl Handle Band joins Mary Pfeifer for a lively tribute to Patsy Cline, with two shows today at 2 PM and 7 PM. Enjoy the story of Cline's trials and successes with the band backing Mary’s excellent vocals. Tickets are $25, and the event is located at Grace Theater, 316 S Main St.

⛺️Step back in time at this Civil War reenactment event held at City County Park today from 9 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy battle reenactments, artisans, music, food, and storytelling, preserving history in a fun and engaging way. This is a family-friendly event perfect for history enthusiasts.

🎃Join the Bureau County Fair’s Halloween Parade, featuring spooky floats and family fun. Starting today at 5 PM, this free parade promises a festive atmosphere. Hocus Pocas Hags will be dancing at the Fairgrounds at approximately 6:15 pm. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the sights at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.

🏈TIGERS CRUSH TROJANS 57-14 IN DOMINANT PERFORMANCE

The Princeton Tigers dominated from the outset in their contest against the Trojans, clinching a commanding 57-14 victory. The Tigers got on the board first with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Lott to LaPorte after recovering a fumble. Shortly after, Lott connected with LaPorte again on a 37-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0. Christiansen added to the score with a 21-yard touchdown, pushing the Tigers ahead 21-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Princeton kept the momentum going in the second quarter, with Etheridge’s 42-yard run setting up Christiansen for a 3-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a 35-0 halftime advantage. Etheridge continued to shine in the third quarter, scoring on an 18-yard run. A 27-yard touchdown further widened the gap to 50-0. Gibson capped off the Tigers’ dominant performance with an 86-yard kickoff return, making it 57-0.

The Trojans finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Tillman to Stewart, but by then, the result was beyond doubt. Despite a late score, Princeton cruised to victory with the clock running, having built a significant lead early on.

🎄HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST

The Prairie Arts Center is hosting a Holiday Card Design Contest, with an opening reception on Friday, November 1st from 6:00-8:00 pm. The gallery will be open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays from November 1st to November 24th, between 1:00-3:00 pm. All entries must be original designs on 8.5” x 11” paper, using any medium of the artist’s choice, and are due by October 13th.

The contest is open to all ages, and entries should be brought to the PAC Gallery on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:00 pm starting in September. The winning design will receive a $100 prize, and the design will be printed and sold to support the Prairie Arts Center. Card packs will also be available for purchase at the center. For more details, visit the Prairie Arts Center at 24 Park Avenue East, Princeton.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌤️Today: Partly cloudy skies with a high of 78°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will remain partly cloudy, with a low of 50°F. Winds will shift to the north-northwest at 5 to 10 mph.

⛅️Sunday: Partly cloudy and cooler with a high of 66°F. Winds will come from the northwest at 10 to 20 mph, making it a bit breezy. The evening will feature a few clouds, with a low of 38°F. Winds will continue from the north-northwest at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Monday: Partly cloudy with a high of 57°F. Winds will be from the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. The evening will be clear, and there is a possibility of patchy frost, with temperatures dropping to a low of 34°F. Winds will be light and variable.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.39
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.43
Casey’s West/North: $3.47
Beck’s West/North: $3.47
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.47
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.47

🏆PRINCETON PERSON OF THE WEEK

Amanda Stewart

Reason for nomination: “Amanda Stewart is a café employee at Princeton High School. She always finds a way to make each kid feel special and turns lunch into a happy place. Amanda strives to ensure that every student feels important. Thank you, Amanda, for making our students feel safe and keeping their bellies full.”

Keep up the great work, Amanda. Thank you for serving our students so well. Congratulations, you’re 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].

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💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

• Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats is offering delivery and indoor/outdoor seating for lunch, with their special ice cream flavor being Pumpkin Spice. Recent photos show delicious ice cream and meals available at the shop.

• Skoonerz Grill & Bar is featuring weekend specials including parmesan-crusted whitefish with lemon caper sauce, bourbon-glazed salmon, and prime rib. Call ahead for reservations or carry-out.

• Sayler’s General Store just received a fresh delivery of local honey, Miss Paula’s Pure Honey, available for purchase now.

• Gateway Services is hosting a Trivia Night on Saturday, November 2 at the Princeton Moose Lodge. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and trivia starts at 6 PM, with food available from 5-6 PM and a cash bar. The entry fee is $15 per person, and teams of 8 can compete for cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.

• Scooter’s Coffee is offering the Courage Quencher, a blend of strawberry and lime with coconut milk and freeze-dried blueberries. Twenty percent of its sales will go to The Pink Agenda to support breast cancer research. Customers are encouraged to visit Scooter’s Coffee and purchase the drink to show their support.

• Princeton Fire Department shares safety tips as cooler weather approaches to prevent home fires caused by heating equipment. Key advice includes keeping a 3-foot distance from heat sources, turning off space heaters when leaving a room, and ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are installed.

• Optimal Health is featuring new groceries including non-alcoholic drinks, gut-healthy sodas, and a variety of organic soups and meals. Customers are invited to explore these fun and healthy options at the store.

• The Bureau County Senior Center is hosting a raffle for a tricycle, with tickets available for $5 each or 6 for $25. Stop by the center and see Sam to purchase your tickets for a chance to win.

• The Princeton Closet has new items for sale this week, offering a variety of clothing and fall decorations. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by the store.

• Paisano’s Ristorante has named Taco Pizza as October’s pizza of the month, featuring a refried bean base, taco meat, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and Doritos. Starting tomorrow, they are also bringing back their giant 1.5 lb pretzel, fried and topped with garlic butter and served with nacho cheese.

• Brody, available for adoption at Friends of Strays is described as an energetic, fun-loving, and friendly dog. He is estimated to be 1-2 years old, enjoys playing with toys, going on walks, and spending time with other dogs. Brody is smart, makes everyone laugh, and is likely a mix of a boxer with a docked tail. Potential adopters are encouraged to stop by and meet him in person.

• Monical’s Pizza is offering Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread for $7.99, available for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery with a $15 minimum order.

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👷PRINCETON JOB OPENINGS

Store Manager | The Princeton Closet | Full Time | Pay Not Provided

The Princeton Closet is seeking a full-time store manager. The Closet is a faith-based resale organization whose mission is to give back to the community. The manager works full time M-F with once-a-month Saturdays required. Other requirements include retail sales management experience, team orientation, leadership, excellent communication, computer skills, financial skills, and past work with volunteers is a plus. Submit all resumes to [email protected].

More Jobs:

• Kennel Attendant | Friends of Strays | Part-Time | $14 an hour

• Housekeeper | Liberty Village of Princeton | Part-Time | Pay not provided

• Crew Member or Delivery Driver | Jimmy John’s | Full-Time/Part-Time | $14-$23 an hour

• Lawn Care Specialist | Taylor’s Way | Full-Time | $18-$21 an hour

• Maintenance | Prime Quarter Steak House | Part-Time | $14 an hour

• Groundskeeper | Princeton High School | Full-Time | $15-$17 an hour

• In-Home Caregiver | In-Home Care Connection | Part-Time | $17-$19 an hour

• Laborer | Corteva Agriscience | Contract | $18.25 an hour

• Administrative & Property Management Assistant | Brush Creek Investments and studioK Architecture | Part-Time | $15-$17 an hour

• DSP | Gateway Services, Inc. | Full-Time | Pay not provided

• Journeyman Lineman | Corn Belt Energy Corporation | Full-Time | $53.29 an hour

• Assistant Manager | Culver’s | Full-Time | $17-$20 an hour

• Preschool Teacher | Zearing Child Enrichment Center | Full-Time | $14.50-$15.00 an hour

⛪️Part-time positions open at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church:

• Director of Music Ministry

• Director of Youth & Family Ministry

• Media Outreach Technician

For more details, visit www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org or send resumes to [email protected].

📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Tiskilwa’s village-wide trick or treat event will take place on Sunday, October 27. Costume judging and a parade will start at 4 PM at the post office, followed by Trunk or Treat at West Park from 4:30-5:30 PM. The village-wide trick or treat will run from 4:30-7 PM.

• Trick or Treat in Walnut will be held on Thursday, October 31st, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

• Trick or Treat hours for the town of Wyanet will be Thursday, October 31st, from 5:30-7:30 PM. The Wyanet Community Club will host their annual Halloween Supper and goodies at The Gathering Place on October 31st from 4:30-6 PM.

• It took multiple fire departments about a half hour to bring a raging fire under control at a Streator church hall that is home to a food pantry.

• 10 Famous Singers from Illinois

• The Iowa National Guard has already sent some help to the Helene victims and the Scott County Sheriff's Office sent trailers full of supply donations to North Carolina. The country has watched in horror over the last couple of weeks as these hurricanes hit. We want to help but what can we do from here? Luckily we do have some options (these are legit and verified by the way).
  
  Read More: How Iowans And Illinoisans Can Help Milton & Helene Victims | https://khak.com/ixp/711/p/how-iowans-and-illinoisans-can-help-victims-of-hurricanes-milton-helene/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

• The Ladd Fire Department thanked all the responding agencies that helped with a large brush fire on Interstate 80 Thursday. The fire began at mile marker 64 eastbound, spreading to a cornfield near mile marker 65 due to dry conditions, eventually leading to the closure of eastbound traffic because of the smoke. They also expressed gratitude to a local farmer who assisted with a plow. Fire departments from Spring Valley, Princeton, Cherry, Peru, LaSalle, Bureau, Oglesby, Cedar Point, Depue, Granville, Standard, Utica, and Malden responded, along with 10/33 Ambulance, Bureau County Sheriff, ISP, and IDOT.

📚HAPPENING AT THE LIBRARY

Thursday, October 17, 4:00-5:00 pm: Trivia Night will take place. Participants are invited to join for trivia and fun. This event is open to all and provides an opportunity for engaging, team-based trivia competitions. All are welcome to attend.

Thursday October 24, 4-7pm: Donate blood at their monthly blood drive, by ImpactLife. To register for this event go to www.bloodcenter.org. Walk ins are welcome. Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays or tragic events. Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis and you can help by volunteering to donate. Less than 10% of the population gives blood, so donors that give on a regular basis are important to meet these needs. Schedule an appointment today. Give and get choice of gift card or a donation to Make-a-Wish IL or bonus points to the rewards store!

Friday October 25, 4:30-5:30pm: The monthly Writer’s Club Meeting will take place. This group votes to decide the type of writing they will focus on for the following month. Writers are encouraged to share their work, receive constructive criticism, and share any knowledge about the writing process. Participation in publishing contests with prizes is also encouraged. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

Wednesday October 30, 5-7pm: A night of relaxing music and coloring at the Princeton Public Library. Coloring pages and bookmarks will be provided. Bookmarks can be laminated with contact paper. Feel free to bring your own coloring book from home or any materials you would like to use if you have a preference. This program is free and all are welcome to attend.

🔭A LOOK AHEAD

The Killer Riffs at Hawg House Saloon (Saturday, October 19th): Enjoy music and drinks at Hawg House Saloon with The Killer Riffs starting at 3 PM. Experience a lively atmosphere with great music and drinks to keep you entertained throughout the day. The event takes place at 18066 US Highway 6.

Fall Craft & Vendor Sale and Flea Market (Sunday, October 20th): Head over to the Bureau County Fairgrounds from 8 AM to 2 PM for a fun day of shopping! Explore a variety of vendors, crafters, and flea market items, all with free admission. Whether you're looking for unique crafts or one-of-a-kind finds, this event has something for everyone. Visit the Bureau County Fair website or call 815-866-3606 for more information.

ImpactLife Blood Drive (Thursday, October 24): Come to the Princeton Public Library from 4 PM to 7 PM and donate blood at this monthly event hosted by ImpactLife. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register in advance at bloodcenter.org. Every day, patients in need of blood are counting on volunteers to donate. Your donation makes a huge difference, and as a thank you, you’ll get a choice of a gift card or a donation to Make-A-Wish IL. Help save lives by donating today!

Halloween Paint & Sip Party (Wednesday, October 30th): Join DTP & The Knack at Downtown Pub and Grill for a spooky and creative evening! For $50 a ticket, all supplies and a drink are included. The event starts at 7 PM, offering a night full of painting, cocktails, laughs, and more.

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!

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!

💕PINK PARTY FUNDRAISER

The Pink Party will be held on Sunday, October 27th, from 2-5 PM at the Princeton Inn, with Farmer-Smoked BBQ from 12-5 PM. The event is organized to support the Believe Foundation, with all funds raised staying local. There will be a 50/50 raffle and T-shirt sales, both contributing to the foundation. A prize will be awarded to the best dressed participant. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to show support for breast cancer warriors. Those wearing pink will receive a special gift.

🤘🏻LETTER FROM LORI

Anyone else have trust issues? I feel like my life has been a mosh pit, and I want to crowd surf, but I keep getting dropped onto the concrete floor of the concert hall and stepped on by drunken, stoned rockers. At my age, I no longer throw myself backward off the stage, expecting someone to catch me. Let’s be real, though—if you saw me coming at you, you might dodge the opportunity to catch me!

So, what happened to reliability? What happened to dependability? Maybe I was raised differently, but when I promised to do a job, I did it. Over the past four years, I’ve seen businesses forced to close down because employees didn’t show up, leaving them short-staffed. Of course, that doesn’t sit well with customers, so businesses suffer when employees don’t show up.

I’ve mostly worked for myself, so I know that if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. I was in my early 40s when I took a ‘real’ job, and during the interview, I was told I got nine paid sick days a year. The look on my face must have been amusing to my employer. I told her (and I wasn’t exaggerating) that I didn’t think I had taken nine sick days in my life. Even when I gave birth to my children, they were kind enough to be born on a schedule that allowed me the weekend to recover before diving back into the duties of my business. Sure, maybe I bled a little, maybe I was completely exhausted, but I followed through with my promises.

Looking back, I realize it might not have been the smartest move when it came to me, but I didn’t let anyone down.

Now that I’m older, I’m learning that it’s okay to think about myself first sometimes. I’m still very uncomfortable with the concept, but I have closed the store on occasion when a snowstorm made it dangerous to drive between Hennepin and Princeton. Hitting a drift at 55 miles an hour isn’t recommended in a 2012 vehicle that I need to hang onto for a few more years. Risking my life by potentially becoming Nanook of the North for a $2 sale of crickets probably isn’t the wisest choice.

The other thing that has softened my thinking is the concept of grace. I’ve always tried to extend it to others, mostly because I know I need it in spades, but when I’ve expected it, I didn’t always receive it. Not everyone understands this gift that we should give more freely. We don’t always know all the variables surrounding the situation. We might not know that the person’s aunt had a hamster that died, and she was inconsolable, so they needed to be present to keep Frieda from cutting off her hair in a fit of grief. Maybe their car broke down, and they didn’t have a ride. Maybe they tripped on their shoelace, hit their head on the kitchen counter, and were unconscious for 10 minutes. Whatever the reason, we need to step back, reevaluate our inner rage, and adjust. Not everyone is sturdy (or stupid) enough to drive themselves to the ER, get 33 stitches in their leg, then return to work and finish out the remaining five hours of their shift (yes, I did that—it’s too wild to make up. 0 stars…do not recommend).

So the next time you’re dropped onto the concrete concert floor, rise slowly, assess the damage, and ROCK ON! After, of course, forgiving the guy with the $12 beer in his hand. He probably didn’t want to spill it. Grace.

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

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