Here is our latest list of area holiday events for Champaign, Ogden, Philo, Savoy, Sidney, St. Joseph, Tolono, and Urbana. Bookmark this page if you are looking for fun activities to do or unique places to shop this holiday season. in The Sentinel area. This page will be updated regularly with new events. Is your event not listed below? Send your event information to editor@oursentinel.com.
Proceeds from the race in past years was given to help support the local St. Joseph food bank pantry managed by the St. Joseph Methodist Church in partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
According to the American Heart Association, kids ages two to 18 should have less than 25 grams (or about six teaspoons) of added sugar daily. Eating too much added sugar at an early age is linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and increased risk for heart disease. Sara Umphfleet, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian at OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee, Illinois. She says some of our favorite treats are often harboring more sugar than we might expect.
“There is a sugar model I like to use. It talks about things like the amount of sugar in half a cup of Jell-O, for example – and there is a lot of sugar in Jell-O (about 16 grams). Same with the amount of sugar that is in something like just one Pop-Tart (about 14 grams), and you get two in a bag. A big one is soda which has a lot of extra added sugar in it (about 39 grams). And these aren’t natural sugars like from apples and oranges and bananas. These are sugars that are added. Hershey’s candy bars are another example with a lot of sugar (about 24 grams),” explains Umphfleet.
However, according to Fortune, the average child consumes about three cups of sugar on Halloween alone, which is about 144 teaspoons and nearly 27 times the recommended daily amount. Furthermore, every year Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy for Halloween festivities and trick-or-treaters.
If you haven’t bought Halloween candy yet this year, Umphfleet recommends an alternative route.
“I typically recommend offering things like bubbles or bouncy balls – some of those little trinkets you can find at the dollar store instead of giving candy out. You also think of food allergies and they are going to get candy from a lot of neighbors and friends – so try to do something different,” says Umphlfeet.
You do not need to completely forego the Halloween candy. But if you do let your kids indulge, Umphfleet recommends doing so in moderation, as too much sugar on even just one day can result in increased exhaustion and headaches – or a “sugar crash.”
“I recommend to give them a couple pieces of candy and then putting the rest away. They definitely don’t need to be eating all of the candy the night of Halloween. And then offer it usually in the afternoons rather than at night time when they are getting ready for bed and less active. You don’t want all of that sugar to sit in their gut,” Umphfleet explains.
It is also important to make sure your child is drinking enough fluids on Halloween in between the festivities and candy consumption – but make sure their beverage of choice is not full of sugar. When it comes to hydration, plain old fashioned water remains the best option.
“It is very important to stay hydrated and get those beverages in, but try to stick to the sugar-free beverages. Choose 100% fruit juice rather than juice that has 10% juice which has a lot of extra added sugar. Also look on food labels to avoid things with high fructose corn syrup, so things like soda,” advises Umphfleet.
While you don’t necessarily need to skip sugary treats altogether, Umphfleet emphasizes that you should not let your kids deter too far from their normal daily eating habits on Halloween. Enjoy a piece of candy or two, and spend some time over the holiday weekend enjoying other Halloween traditions as well, such as watching a Halloween movie, looking at local decorations, and carving pumpkins.
"On average, we give out around 100 baskets or so each year. Last year was our largest in memory. We were able to feed 201 families," said Angela Hancock, who is co-chairing the Thanksgiving Basket committee at the church with her spouse. "It has grown and changed as the need and the vision have changed over the years."
Hancock said that prior to last year, it cost $45 to assemble each basket which contains a full meal for a family of four to six. The meal consists of a 14lb turkey, 5lbs of russet potatoes, milk, butter, eggs, dinner rolls, stuffing mix, gravy mix, canned vegetables, pumpkin pie, cool whip, cranberry sauce, a foil pan for baking, and recipe cards for first-time cooks.
"Inflation has hit all of us hard. Basket prices have jumped to $60 each, she explained. "This year, our goal is to feed 125 families. If we can do more, we will."
Every member of United Methodist contributes what they can to the program. From making donations and fundraising to distributing baskets, and all things in between, it is a complete effort by the congregation.
The Thanksgiving basket program is also a cooperative effort that receives support from local businesses with transportation trailers, forklift equipment, a refrigerated truck, and local grocery stores for bulk ordering.
"Some (members) can sponsor half a basket, others can do a full one. Others do multiple baskets. It's what we are able to afford at this time of year. God and fundraising efforts ensure the rest," Hancock said. "Funds play a major role in how many families we can feed."
A successful fundraiser on Saturday will ensure the church can help more area families enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday.
"We do this in His Name so that His people don't forget they are Seen," Hancock pointed out. "This is truly a community response to a need so many have. No one should have to be without at Thanksgiving time. And with God, no one ever will.
"God ensures that we hear about the needs of our community and our congregation steps up with donations and fundraising."
The dinner menu includes Chicken & Noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert, and more. The cost is $12 per adult and $5 for kids between the ages of five and 12. Children under five years of age can eat free. The meal will be served at 3002 W. Old Church Road in Savoy.
For those unable to attend the dinner but would like to make a financial contribution, UMCS welcomes donations. Donors can make a contribution online via the savoyumc.org website. Choose Food Pantry from the menu and enter Thanksgiving Baskets as your Memo. Hancock pointed out that this ensures that donations goes directly to the Thanksgiving Basket program.
The food baskets are distributed either by pickup or delivery the weekend before Thanksgiving to church members, individuals/families referred by Empty Tomb, families from the International Prep Academy, our year-round Food Pantry recipient families, or friends of church members. Individuals and families on the list are contacted via phone and USPS mail with the date and time of the pickup sessions.
"We also take the opportunity to provide some literature or small devotionals that helps remind all of our families that they are loved and not forgotten by our Great God," Hancock added. "This is truly a community response to a need so many have."
St. Joseph - St. Joseph Church of Christ will host their second Winter Wassail on Saturday. Sherman Street in St. Joseph is transformed into a Christmas wonderland where visitors and guests can enjoy fresh wassail - a drink made from hot mulled cider and spices, caroling, storytelling in more.
Wassiling is an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and tradition from Great Britain. It has its roots in a pagan custom where merrymakers would visit orchards to sing to the trees and spirits to ensure a bountiful yield during the next harvest. Revelers would visit local orchards and fruit trees to sing and make a hullabaloo (loud noises often by banging pots and pans). After their celebration, they would be rewarded with some form of warm, spiced alcoholic beverage from a communal wassail bowl or cup by the property owner.
Saturday's wassail will also include a holiday lighting display, a Christmas tree competition, Santa, and of course, plenty of wassail.
Admission to the outdoor event is limited to one hour for each guest and advance reservations are required. There will be no indoor activities so organizers recommend dressing appropriately.
For more information, contact the SJCOC via email at https://sjcocil.ticketleap.com/sjcoc-winter-wassail/contact/ or by phone at (217) 469-2207.
"I love Christmas and we have a fantastic neighborhood!" said Smith, who has lived in St. Joseph since 2012. "The idea just popped in my head that one day I would like to organize this for the community."
She had a lot of wonderful memories of visiting Candlestick Lane in Urbana, the source of her inspiration, as a child. She decided she wanted to try and build a similar tradition.
Last fall while hosting a bonfire for neighbors, Smith casually brought the idea up.
"Everyone was interested and plans began to form for the Willowdale Winter Wonderland!" Smith said.
After the initial positive response that evening, she made flyers to spread the word with the subdivision community. With the help of Tonya Yeazel and the subdivision's Facebook group page, it didn't take much effort for residents to join forces on transforming the neighborhood into a Christmas-inspired holiday oasis on the prairie.
Starting Friday, December 4, Willowdale will become a Winter Wonderland. Visitors will be able drive through the unique three-block neighborhood surrounded by corn and bean fields to enjoy dozens of decorated homes. It hasn't been confirmed, but Smith said that they are hoping that Santa will make an early visit to the Wonderland on December 12 to say hello to all the good little boys and girls.
"Stay tuned for confirmation once we hear back from the North Pole," she said. "Spread the word. I hope you and your family can come on out for a drive through Willowdale Winter Wonderland!"
Smith said she and her neighbors are a pretty tight-knit group.
"Covid has really brought many of us closer, too," she said, explaining the support and their shared sense of community. "None of us knew when we said we wanted to launch this in 2020, that we would be in the middle of a global pandemic. Now we feel like this is a great opportunity for us to spread some cheer and give kids something to look forward to this year."
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
The parade will make its way through town starting at 7 p.m. on December 4. Organizers are tying up one last detail before releasing the official route, which should be announced in the next week.
"We selected a route that allows for plenty of parking and open spaces to allow for social distancing," Pioletti said. "We need to confirm that we can use one more space before the map is posted."
The organizers want to light up the streets of Philo to put fellow residents in a festive, holiday mood and infuse the Christmas spirit throughout the village.
"We would like to take this time to invite you to participate in what we believe will be an exciting and memorable parade!" organizers said in a release. "We hope you will take the opportunity to decorate your golf cart, car, etc. with lights and festive decorations!"
It is not too late for your business or organization to register a float for the parade. There is no fee for this year's participants as there will not be a judged competition or entry contests.
The applications for entries are due November 20. All parade motorized entries must have a "lighted component to the float". In the event of severe and potentially dangerous weather - ice or snowstorm, driving rain with lightning - the parade will be cancelled.
One more thing - Santa imposters will not be permitted on parade entries. The official Santa Claus will be there and will appear at the end of the procession.
For more information contact Julie Pioletti at piolett1@yahoo.com or call 217.649.2156.
Spectators are asked to observe the current public health recommendations during the parade.
Whether it’s your child’s cutest costume, a costume you are wearing to a party or a costume your pet is wearing, submit your photos for a chance to win! Any photo of a person, pets, or a group decked out in a Halloween costume is eligible. Submit your tasteful, family friendly photos via email to photos@oursentinel.com.
You can submit up to five photos per email. One entry per email address. All ages welcome. Provide name, age, costume description, email address and phone number to be entered to win a prize. And let us know if your ensemble is home-made. The more creative, the better!
The contest begins on October 30, 2020. All entries must be received through oursentinel.com by 11:00 pm Central Standard Time on November 2, 2020. Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline lapses. By submitting any photo via email you agree to the contest terms and conditions below.
This year's contest and prizes are sponsored by Blondies and The Sentinel. The winners and top photos will be featured on The Sentinel starting Wednesday, November 4.
2020 Halloween Costume Photo Contest
1. The contest is open for online submissions only via email.
2. Submitted photos must have been created between October 29 and
November 1, 2020.
3. Photos submitted must be at least 640 pixels on
the shorter side, and no more than 2000 pixels on the longer side. Images
should be no larger than 2MB. Photos must be in JPEG format.
4. You
may submit as many entries as you wish. However, you should send no more
than five images per email.
5. You are required to provide a unique
title & description for each image submitted.
6. All submitted
photos must contain the original EXIF metadata information. However there
must be no border(s), logo(s), copyright marks, identifying marks, or any
other visible references and/or marks on the image.
7. Basic editing,
including color enhancement, the use of filters, and cropping of the
Photo(s) is acceptable, provided any such editing does not affect the
authenticity and/or genuineness of the Photo(s).
8. Advanced editing
used to create illusions, deceptions and/or manipulations, and the adding
and removing of significant elements within the frame is prohibited.
9. Every image uploaded is subject to a moderation process before it
becomes visible on the contest page. The Sentinel reserves the right to
assess and disregard any submitted photo at our its discretion.
10.
Photos that portray or otherwise include inappropriate and/or offensive
content, including provocative nudity, violence, human rights and/or
environmental violation, deemed racist and/or any other contents deemed to
be contrary to the law, religious, cultural & moral traditions of United
States of America, are strictly prohibited and will be immediately
discarded.
11. A participant who submits any such photos may be
permanently banned, subject to Better Photography’s discretion, from
participating in any future contests.
12. The contest begins on
October 30, 2020. All entries must be received through oursentinel.com by
11:00 pm Central Standard Time on November 2, 2020. Submissions will not be
accepted after the deadline lapses.
THE JUDGING
1. The Sentinel will appoint a judge / judges for each contest. This will
comprise of members of the editorial team and / or external judges.
2. The judging panel shall assess and determine the winning Photos. The
results and the winners will be announced on the website.
3. The decision of The Sentinel’s judging panel will be final and binding on
all Participants in respect to all matters relating to the Contest.
4. The Sentinel reserves the right to call for original JPEG or RAW files
with unchanged EXIF for the purpose of authentication. An image maybe
disregarded if this information cannot be provided.
THE PRIZES
1. Prizes will be mailed to the winners free of charge.
2. Any state/ provincial/ territorial, and/or local taxes, fees and
surcharges and taxes (whether foreign or domestic, and including income tax)
on any prize that may be awarded to You under the Contest will be solely
paid by You.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
1. Submitted photos must be original, created and/or taken by the
contestant. It must not contain any materials owned or controlled by a third
party for which you have not obtained a license, must not infringe the
copyright, trademark, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or
intellectual property rights of any person or entity.
2. The Sentinel respects photographers’ copyrights and copyrights shall
remain vested with the creator of the image. Upon making the submission, you
grant The Sentinel, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty free, sub-licensable
right and license to use, publish, reproduce, display, perform, adapt,
create derivative works, distribute, have distributed, print, in whole or in
part, in any form, in all media forms now or hereafter known, to promote the
contest, image, the photographer or for editorial or educative use.
LIABILITY
1. You hereby hold harmless, release, indemnify and discharge The Sentinel
and its partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and
their employees, officers and representatives from all liability, claims,
judgments, demands, controversies, agreements, damages, actions and causes
of action whatsoever, arising out of or related in any way to the contest or
the conduct of the contest and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession
of any prize awarded, whether in law or in equity, no matter what the cause
or nature, and You further waive any claims that You may state or assert
against The Sentinel in association with the contest or any of its
associated activities, or in any way related to or resulting from the
contest even if such injury or claims results from or is caused by the
negligence or gross negligence of The Sentinel, in whole or in part, due to
human error or otherwise. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless
The Sentinel from any claim arising out of your participation in the contest
including, without limitation, all claims brought or asserted by any third
party as a result of any injury or loss that You or they may sustain in any
way associated with your participation in the contest.
2. Under no circumstance will The Sentinel be liable for any:
a) lost, late, misdirected, stolen, illegible or incomplete Submissions
b) error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or
transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or
unauthorized access to, or alteration of, submitted Photo(s);
c) problems, failures or technical malfunction of any telephone network or
lines, computer online systems, servers, providers, computer equipment,
software, email, players or browsers, on account of technical problems or
traffic congestion on the Internet, at any website, or on account of any
combination of the foregoing;
d) incorrect or inaccurate information, caused by any of the equipment or
programming associated with or utilized in the Contest or by any technical
or human error which may occur in the processing of the Photos and/or the
Submissions; and/or
e) injury or damage to any Participant or to any computer related to,
resulting from or in connection with the Contest.
3. If, for any reason, the contest is not capable of being conducted as anticipated, due to computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of The Sentinel, which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the contest, The Sentinel reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest as deemed appropriate, disqualify any Participant, and/or select winners from all eligible Photos submitted prior to the termination, cancellation, modification or suspension. The Sentinel reserves the right to correct any typo-graphical, printing, computer programming or operating errors at any time.
GOVERNING LAW
The Contest, Your Submission(s) and the Rules shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with Illinois laws. Any aspects or disputes arising
out of or in connection with the contest and/or your submission(s) will be
subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Illinois courts.
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Above, a member of the SJO Marching Band heads south on Broadway Avenue just south of Lincoln Square Mall earlier today. On the left, a member of the horn section chants with fellow band members on their march through the streets of Urbana. In addition to the Spartans, the parade, also known affectionately as the 'Candy Parade', featured floats by area unions, community organizations, politicians, as well as other high school marching bands. See more photos of the marching band from their halftime show at last Friday's home football game against St. Thomas More here: SJO vs STM football photo gallery.
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