Free weekly Tai Chi course targeting arthritis and mobility for seniors starts in January


A free Tai Chi for Arthritis series begins Jan. 14 in Savoy, offering residents a proven way to improve balance, reduce pain and boost mobility.


SAVOY - There’s a moment in life when many of us realize our bodies aren’t bouncing back the way they used to. Maybe it’s a stumble on the front step, a stiff knee that wasn’t there last year or the kind of stress that lingers long after the day is done. For a growing number of adults, the answer to those creeping reminders of age isn’t found in a gym or a pill bottle - it’s in the slow, deliberate movements of tai chi.

You may want to carve out time this winter for a special tai chi series built specifically for arthritis relief and fall prevention.


Vlada Karpovich/PEXELS

One of the most profound benefit to practicing Tai Chi is perhaps the simplest: preventing falls. There are a number of other positive benefits like enhanced strength and mobility, a boost in cardiovascular health, and reduction in stress and anxiety that make learning simple Tai Chi movements more than worthwhile.

The University of Illinois Extension office is inviting members of the community to “experience a gentle, yet powerful way to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing pain and fall risk.” The upcoming program is based on Tai Chi for Arthritis, developed by Dr. Paul Lam and recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an evidence-based and effective approach.

Family Life Educator Emily Harmon and Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen will lead the weekly sessions, which are tailored to help participants “boost mobility, ease discomfort, and support lifelong wellness.” No matter one’s experience level, it’s never to late to start practicing Tai Chi.

Classes will meet Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Windsor Court room at the Windsor of Savoy, 401 Burwash Ave., beginning Jan. 14 and running through April 29, 2026. Dates include Jan. 14, 21 and 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25; March 4, 11, 18 and 25; and April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Space is limited, and because each session builds on the previous one, organizers encourage participants to attend consistently to get the full benefits of the series. Although the program is free, registration is required. Community members can sign up at go.illinois.edu/taichisavoy or call 217-333-9260.


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Storage hacks you definitely want use between fall-winter, winter-spring seasons


The changes in season should be exciting. Keep your transitions from fall to winter or winter to spring organized and easy.


SNS - Seasonal change brings fresh routines. It also brings clutter. So many families need smarter spaces and affordable storage ideas that fit daily life. That is why storage hacks locals swear by matter in every city. A tidy home feels easier to manage. Protected items stay ready for future use. Clean systems support daily living and make moving simpler.

Storage Hacks Locals Swear By: Easy and Practical Tips for Every Home

A good organization solves daily stress. Clear containers make everything visible. Simple labels prevent confusion. Strong storage shelves give items a home. These hacks support moving plans, garage spaces, closets, and rental storage units.

Photo: Arina Krasnikova/PEXELS

Sort First, Then Store: Reduce What You Carry Each Season

People collect more than they use. Each season gives us a chance to review items and make your home clutter-free with simple habits. Sort clothes by fit and comfort. Donate what does not serve you. Pack off-season items right after sorting. Follow storage hacks locals swear by to keep piles from growing. A small session each month helps avoid overload.

Use short lists:

  • Keep items you love and use.
  • Donate clean items that no longer fit.
  • Recycle broken pieces.
Quick sorting helps with moving preparation, too. Smaller loads reduce stress and cost.

Protect Seasonal Clothing With Breathable Bags

Clothes need safe storage from moisture. Cotton storage bags allow air to move. This prevents stale odor. Vacuum-seal bags save major space for winter coats. Shoe boxes keep their shape. Add lavender pouches for a fresh scent. Store clothing by season at the top of closets or in under-bed bins.

Plan Space for Kids As They Grow

Photo: Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS
Families change fast. Kids grow fast. Toys shift with interests. Sports gear changes each year. Create zones for each child. Use boxes with photos for kids who cannot read yet. Place heavy items low. Install hooks for sports bags to keep floors clear.

Weather-Safe Storage for Outdoor Gear

Summer gear needs winter rest. Winter gear needs summer rest. Use sturdy bins for camping tools. Hang bikes safely on walls. Keep beach gear in mesh bags so sand drops away. Simple storage habits keep gear ready for the next season.

Use Vertical Space to Open Your Floors

Empty floor space creates calm. Wall shelves help organize books, board games, and seasonal décor. Pegboards hold tools and crafts. A tall shoe rack near the door keeps heavy boots upright in winter. Vertical space helps small apartments feel roomy.

Digital Lists Help Track Stored Items

A simple photo album on your phone works better than memory. Take one photo per box. Add a note with the contents. Include the location of each box. Digital tracking supports quick finding and faster unpacking during moves.


Woman packing items to donate
Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS

Label Boxes With Clear, Short Words

Labels clear confusion. Use bold markers. Write one or two words per side:

  • “Fall Jackets”
  • “Holiday Lights”
  • “Football Gear”
Place labels on more than one side. This helps when boxes stack in storage units.

Create A “Next Season” Bin

Prepare one bin for items you will use soon. Keep it close. In early fall, place winter hats and gloves here. In spring, swap swim gear into that bin. One easy bin saves digging through stacks.

A Moving Insight: Local Storage Can Support Family Life During Seasonal Change

Families often move to reach better schools or kid-friendly areas with parks. During moves, items shift between homes and storage units. This period shows how our needs change with the seasons as we look for seasonal storage solutions that support daily routines. Parents want toys and school items close by. They keep holiday decorations out of the way. They plan access to seasonal sports gear for active kids. Smart storage connects home comfort and moving organization. Many movers share helpful guides, including storage hacks locals swear by, to help families adjust to space step by step.

Food and Pantry Rotation

Pantry space shifts with seasons, too. Winter soups need space. Summer snacks need airflow. Rotate cans based on expiration. Glass jars protect dry goods. Strong clips close snack bags. Keep a small box of emergency food in a high space so kids stay safe.

Clean Before Storing Seasonal Items

Dust and dirt spread in closed spaces. Quick cleaning keeps items fresh for next year. Wash beach towels before storing. Dry tents before folding. Wipe down skates after the season ends. This protects gear and keeps pests away.

Climate Control for Delicate Items

Heat breaks glue. Cold cracks plastics. Photos warp. Artwork fades. Delicate belongings need stable temperatures. If you use a rental storage space, ask for climate-controlled options. Movers can also advise on packing for fragile items.

Clear Walkways in Storage Units

Clear paths help fast access. Place long-term items against the back walls. Keep often-used bins in the front. Heavy boxes should stay low. Safety matters every time you visit the unit.

Keep Seasonal Décor Together

Holiday decorations scatter across homes. Pack décor from each holiday into its own set of bins. Color-code lids for quick recognition:

  • Red for winter holidays
  • Orange for fall and Halloween
  • Green for spring events
Separating décor helps you swap seasons without searching.

Smart Furniture Storage

Some furniture hides space inside. For example, storage ottomans hold blankets. Plus, benches with cubbies hide shoes. In addition, under-bed drawers work well for winter sweaters. Overall, choose furniture that helps place items away with ease.

Check Items Twice Per Year

Use spring and fall to check everything in storage. During these reviews, look for moisture or pests. Also, check expiration dates in the pantry box. At the same time, review kids’ items as they grow. With this habit, twice-yearly checks stop waste and keep gear ready.

Seasonal Storage and Moving Go Hand in Hand

Moving often happens during the season change. New homes demand fresh space planning, and organizing your storage helps families settle faster. Families arrive with summer gear but prepare for winter. Local movers help protect items through these changes. They share tips to store smarter so homes feel spacious from day one. This is why storage hacks locals swear by continue to help so many households each year.

Seasonal Change Can Feel Easier With Smart Storage

Season change should feel exciting. Yet, clutter can spoil that feeling. So, smart planning helps remove stress fast. First, use clear systems. Next, choose strong bins that last. Then, track items with simple lists. Also, make access easy for the whole family. That way, daily life flows better with the changing weather. Whether settling into a new space or preparing for a move, trust simple storage hacks locals swear by to support comfort all year.


Hosting this holiday season? Here's an easy, elegant charcuterie board for you



Festive and unforgettable - hosting made easy: build a stunning charcuterie spread using artisan meats and thoughtful wine choices.

Friends partying during the holidays
Photo: OurWhisky Foundation/Pixabay


Family Features - When holiday occasions call for you to don your hosting cap, skip complicated appetizers and hors d’oeuvres to instead serve sustainable charcuterie with sommelier-approved wine pairings. After all, simplicity can still equal premium flavor with the right meats, cheeses and libations.

It doesn’t take a hosting expert or pairing professional to create a spread that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Charcuterie boards made with just a few ingredients can start the festivities on a high note by wowing loved ones with your pairing prowess.

Amaze your guests (and even yourself) by starting with heritage breed pork in small-batch artisanal production from Niman Ranch, whose independent family farmers and ranchers raise all animals with no antibiotics or added hormones ever. Their commitment to humane practices and sustainability leads to the exceptional flavor and tenderness your crowd craves and can taste in every bite.

Match the selection of meats – like prosciutto, genoa salame or capocollo in these recipes – with complementary cheeses and accents such as crostini, olives or even thyme-infused honey for an extra special touch. Finally, find the perfect bottle of wine for each board to round out a palate-pleasing spread that suits each guest’s preferred pairing profile.

With flavor, sustainability and a personal touch, charcuterie can bring holiday occasions to life for you and your loved ones. Check out NimanRanch.com to see more holiday season inspired recipes.


Prosciutto, Sottocenere and Aligote

  • Niman Ranch Prosciutto
  • Firm cheese, such as Sottocenere
  • Toasted crostini
  • Aligote wine



On a cheese board or platter, arrange buttery, silky prosciutto with Sottocenere, a firm cheese speckled with black truffle, or any firm cheese striped with dill or paprika or washed in ale. To round out these savory flavors, pair with Aligote, a white burgundy from France that’s citrusy but refined with hints of green apple and honeydew.



Genoa Salame, Vintage Grand Ewe and Syrah

  • Niman Ranch Genoa Salame
  • Aged, firm sheep’s cheese, such as Vintage Grand Ewe
  • Olives
  • Syrah wine



On a cheese board or platter, arrange genoa salame, featuring the rich flavors pulled from the spices and wine used in its making. Pair with an aged, firm sheep’s cheese such as Vintage Grand Ewe, with notes of toasted almond, maple syrup and cultured butter. The sweetness of the cheese gives way to the genoa salame to be the star. Finish the board with skewered olives and serve with an unfussy red wine low in tannins like Syrah.



Capocollo, Aged Cheddar, Thyme Honey and Txakoli

  • Niman Ranch Capocollo
  • Aged sharp cheddar cheese
  • Thyme-infused honey
  • Txakoli wine



Start your cheese board or platter with savory capocollo laced with pockets of cured fat that balance out the meat. Its mild smokiness works well with an aged sharp cheddar for a salty, intriguing but complementary match. Serve with a side of thyme-infused honey for herbaceous sweetness. Pair with Txakoli, a dry Spanish wine that’s easy to drink with hints of salt and pinesap.


More Stories Script - Christmas Holiday Articles



TAGS: sustainable holiday charcuterie board ideas, best wine pairings for artisan meats, how to build a charcuterie board for Christmas gatherings, Niman Ranch heritage pork charcuterie tips, easy festive appetizers with meat and cheese pairings

Guest Commentary |
This Christmas reach out and love others


Since we aren’t sure how many more Christmases we will enjoy, let’s make this a good one. This Christmas, don’t be sad, mad or bad but be joyful and celebrate this good day.


by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator



Glenn Mollette
How many more Christmases will you have?

Will you have fifty more? Will you have a dozen more? Maybe you will have just one more, maybe. There are no guarantees of a certain number of more Christmases.

My grandpa Hinkle suffered with heart issues. I remember him suffering an episode where his heart was bothering him and he put nitroglycerin pills under his tongue to calm the effects of his heart issues. “I may never see another Christmas” he stated as his pain eased off and he became more relaxed. Seems like he did celebrate a couple more Christmases and before he died at the age of 83.

Since we aren’t sure how many more Christmases we will enjoy, let’s make this a good one.

Focus your eyes and mind on the person of Christmas – Jesus. The Shepherds came to see him and left rejoicing at what they saw, heard and experienced. Jesus gave them something to talk about, something to do and their story was compelling. The Wise Men, traveled from a long distance to worship Jesus. They did so because Jesus was worth it. Jesus is worth it. He is worthy of our focus. Our eyes and minds are in so many places today. There is so much to hear and see even if you never leave your house. The television, social media and more are constantly showing us lots of stuff that gets our attention but sometimes makes life fuzzy and mentally chaotic. Focusing our attention on Jesus clears our minds and sharpens our perspectives.

Don’t max out. Maxing out is not fun or healthy. This means don’t overspend. Don’t spend money you don’t have. Don’t try to do stuff that pushes you to the brink of exhaustion. What good does this do you or anyone if you go in the hole financially and mentally over the holiday? Step back, be reasonable and use common sense in all that you want to do.

Reach out and love others. If this is your last Christmas then you want to let those significant people in your life know that you love them and care about them. They will remember next Christmas that they were loved by you on the previous Christmas.

You may want to do something creative or different for Christmas. Maybe there is someplace special you want to be on Christmas. This is not always possible. Many soldiers will be in distant lands on Christmas. Many relatives will be in distant towns for Christmas. Be where you want to be if you can on Christmas. If you can’t, then try to make as many phone calls as possible to those people.

This Christmas, don’t be sad, mad or bad but be joyful and celebrate this good day. If we are here, then rejoice. If there is an empty chair at the table, remember that to be absent from the body is to be present with God, if we love and accept him. This is our hope that those who are no longer with us are in a better place than we are and someday we will be with them in that beautiful place.

Regardless of how many Christmases you have left, be filled with joy for this one.



About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.




The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Krutsinger MVP in Bishop Mac's tournament win over host Spartans


SJO's Ryker Lockhart playing basketball
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Bishop McNamara's Karter Krutsinger is denied an easy path to the paint by St. Joseph-Ogden's Ryker Lockhart during their Toyota of Danville championship game on Saturday. Krutsinger, who finished the game with 25 points, led the Fightin' Irish to a back-to-back tournament title after defeating the Spartans 62-49. B-Mac improved to 6-0 while SJO suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to 3-1. More stories and articles coming later this week from this year's tournament. Krutsinger was named as this year's All-Tournament Team MVP while Lockhart earned a spot on the All-tournament Team.



Tags: St. Joseph-Ogden basketball tournament, TODC basketball tournament, Kankakee Bishop Mac, high school basketball tournament, SJO basketball tournament

The Sentinel On This Day |
December 8


As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.


Sentinel Article Archive for December 8


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