Area winter storm cancellations & changes

This page will be updated as we receive information from Athletic Directors and event organizers. Refresh this page to see the latest updates.


Friday

• Rantoul Eagles at Prairie Central rescheduled

• Urbana - Peoria Notre Dame game canceled

• St. Joseph-Ogden's home game against Pontiac has been postponed

Game will be now be played on Feb. 2.

• IPC Conference Wrestling at Unity cancelled

• Unity's home game against PBL changee

This will be a varsity only contest tonight starting at 5:30 PM.


Saturday

• SJO home game against Maroa-Forsyth time changee

This will be a varsity only contest starting at 4 PM


Sunday

• Urbana Park District's S'mores Social and Stroll cancelled

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Tolono chess club is forming

TOLONO - A new chess club is taking shape in Tolono. Organizer Jonny Bates has created a Facebook page for Tolono area chess players to meet once or twice a month. To learn more, follow this link: Tolono Area Chess Players
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Guest Commentary | A person of many companions may soon come to ruin

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


You may have heard this before. I went out to find a friend a none were to be found. I went out to be a friend and found them all around.

Where do you find friends?

Your best friends may be your family. You may be close to siblings, cousins, and others related to you. Growing up, I was blessed to be around a lot of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings, and parents. I didn’t have to think much about searching for friends because so many relatives were always around. This is not always the case. Many people have small families or maybe even no family. Some families go in different directions, live in different places, or move on with different interests and lives.

The Internet and social media have become the world’s biggest connection place.

We often find friends in school. Some of the people we shared elementary and high school with become lifelong connections. Even if we don’t see each other much, we still have those great past times that help us reconnect quickly.

We connect with people at our places of employment. Some of the people you spend hours with every day become lifelong friends.

Houses of faith are often good places to make new friends. People get to know each other in Bible study classes and other small group religious settings. The people you share your faith with will often become like brothers and sisters.

The local gym is often a place where people socialize. If you become a routine attender of an exercise class you will eventually develop some friends.

The Internet and social media have become the world’s biggest connection place. To many people this is their only connection. All their “friends” are on Facebook or Instagram. Many people have thousands of social media friends. Too often the loneliest people on the planet are those who are only connected by a keypad.

There are many more places where you can connect. Many communities have baking, quilting, hunting, sports clubs, and more. Civic groups from Kiwanis, Rotary, and Ruritan groups will often meet weekly and do community projects.

You might make some friends volunteering at the hospital or nursing home. There will be people in most of these places who will be glad to make a new friend. Talk to your local nursing home about your interest and you may be surprised how quickly your talents are utilized. You will also find some people who will be glad to make a new friend. Keep in mind this is not always easy as you will be trying to make friends with many who feel alone and forgotten.

You can always become active in the local political circles. This all depends on your level of desperation and if you don’t mind being shunned by whichever party you don’t declare affiliation.

Don’t try to have too many friends. The Bible says a person of many companions may soon come to ruin. However, you need a few friends and hopefully you will have some good ones.


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He 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.

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CU is a great place for tennis; 5 really good reasons why you want play, too

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
David Diep, from Champaign, hits a backhand shot while playing during the USTA state tournament at Atkins Tennis Center in August of 2022. Tennis is a widely popular recreational sport in Champaign-Urbana, so much so that there are well over 120 public and private courts in or within a 10-minute drive for most players.

URBANA - If you love tennis, then Champaign-Urbana is a great community to live in. With over 120 courts available, two well-maintained indoor facilities, and plenty of options for lessons and instruction, tennis is a fun sport for all ages to stay physically active, mentally sharp, and compete as a recreational player anywhere from a local level all the to way various national championships.

There are so many tennis players in the college town, home of the University of Illinois, that even with the unbelievable number of courts available for a community its size, there are times and days throughout the warmer months when players can have a hard time finding an open court.

Playing tennis, like several other active sports, is a worthwhile activity for activating the brain and keeping neural networks functioning longer because it requires a combination of tactical thinking, creativity, coordination, and agility. One benefit to hitting the courts on the reg is hanging out with other players, sharing postmatch stories, and thrill of hitting a match-winning shot, which seems to delay the onset of Alzheimers and other cognitive diseases.

Tennis for older adults can help them stay physically and mentally active well into your 70s and 80s. For example, a study conducted in Japan found that male tennis players enjoyed a significantly lower risk of developing dementia, like to the tune of being 25 percent less likely to develop the disease because of the social aspects of the game.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
In Champaign-Urbana there are dozens of opportunities to play for all ages. Between private instruction, organized workouts, leagues, teams, and informal groups, you can almost play tennis every day of the week, all year long.

Social tennis, meeting new people and making new friends (and sometimes rivals) is a never-ending in a college community like Champaign-Urbana. There are dozens of informal groups that meet at neighborhood courts and daily clinics and drill sessions every week at Atkins Tennis Center and the park district's Dodds Tennis Center. All three area country clubs have tennis courts available for their members, or you can join the United States Tennis Association to play on a team or in sanctioned tournaments around the country.

Here are five other reasons why you should grab a new can of balls, that old racquet in the closet or garage, and a few friends for a couple hours a week with friends:

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
There is nothing like the thrill of putting the ball away for a winner in a during a tough match. Sometimes it is hard to contain your emotions when you come out on top with a win.
Enjoyment ~
Regardless of your level of experience, tennis is fun. Whether you play casually with friends or competitively in tournaments, the thrill of hitting the perfect shot to win a game is hard to beat. Whether you are pounding 100 mph serves down the T for an ace or hitting the perfect drop shot to humiliate your opponent, technique and strategy can overcome youth, and in many cases, experience.

Cardiovascular Health ~
Tennis can be a physically demanding sport. Most players find that as their level of play improves, the more calories they burn on the court. Young or old, playing tennis can help improve your cardiovascular health by getting their heart rate up and increasing your endurance.

Bone Health ~
Tennis is a weight-bearing activity that can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older adults. Stronger bones reduce the chances of breakage from a routine, run-of-the-mill injury like tripping and falling off a slippery, ice-covered curb in the wintertime.

Stress Relief ~
Tennis is a fun and challenging activity that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. After spending an hour and half chasing the ball from one side of the court to the other, concentrating on something enjoyable will put any stress you might have on the furthest backburner. For older adults, tennis is beneficial in taking a break from their daily routines and enjoy time outdoors or tennis buddies.

Mental agility ~
Playing competitive tennis is mentally challenging. Not only does it require quick thinking and strategy, but also a high-level emotional control and focus. Playing regularly, can help improve problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and the ability to remain focused under pressure.

Champaign-Urbana has a large, friendly, and vibrant tennis community. You can have fun playing seven days a week: After all, it is all love out on the courts.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
When the stakes are high, tennis can become a very emotional sport. The level of camaraderie with teammates and opponents, even at the recreational level, creates lasting memories.

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Queens Of The Road: Women motorcyclists inspire new updated riding wear design


(NAPSI) — The number of female motorcycle riders are on the rise. In growing numbers, millennial women riders all across the country are driving a demand for better riding gear. These motorcycling enthusiasts are leaving their days as passengers in the dust, ushering in a new era of biker style.

According to a recent national survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council in 2018, women represent almost 20 percent of motorcycle owners, a marked increase from the 8 percent reported just 10 years ago.

With this demographic change, protective riding gear and accessories—and especially helmets, jackets and riding boots—are getting a second look by major brands. More and more, as motorcycle-savvy brands pick up on the trend, they’re creating riding gear designed for the anatomy and unique fit needs of the female rider.

Wolverine Worldwide, the manufacturer of Harley-Davidson© footwear and performance riding boots and shoes, has seen an impressive sales surge in women-specific riding boots in recent years.

"From 2016 to 2018 we saw women’s riding boot sales jump by 40 percent," said Jenna Ludeman, Wolverine’s marketing manager for the Harley-Davidson© product line. "It’s clear to us that women are getting out to ride on their own and their adventures require riding footwear that provides performance, protection and a comfortable fit designed just for them."

Recent materials innovations and the advances in performance technologies have created this next generation of performance riding footwear. Today’s riding styles incorporate materials that help to keep feet cooler in direct sunlight, dryer in rain and snow and, in some cases, better protected from impact.

For those looking for a style that transitions well from the open road to the city streets, women riders now have options including riding sneakers like the new Harley-Davidson© women’s Mackey, a waterproof riding sneaker featuring XRD® Impact Protection, a lightweight and flexible open-cell foam material that provides extreme impact protection.

For women riders looking for a more traditional riding style, the Harley-Davidson Brinser engineer boot is also rich with modern performance features. Waterproof full-grain leather helps in the wet conditions and a cooling mesh lining and TFL COOL SYSTEM® technology act to reflect the sun’s rays and ultimately keep the inside of the boot up to 54° cooler than traditional leather.

"Today’s female riders are connecting with the sense of adventure and community that motorcycling naturally brings," said Ludeman. "And we’re interested in connecting the rider to a better riding product for a better riding experience."

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Enjoy movies this summer at the Savoy 16 for free

Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, a Knoxville, TN, based company that has taken over the Savoy 16 + IMax Cinema after it and other assets of Goodrich Quality Theaters were sold last July, announced their line up for its free summer movie series.

Each week starting on Tuesday, May 25, the theater will offer free admission to movies on a first come, first serve basis to the movies listed below on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurdays.

Doors open at 9 am with showtime starting at 10am. The free shows are open to all guests. For more information visit the Savoy 16 website or call (217) 530-4671.

May 25-27: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
June 1-3: The Angry Birds Movie 2
June 8-10: Smurfs: The Lost Village
June 15-17: A Dog’s Way Home
June 22-24: Goosebumps 2
June 29- July 1: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
July 6-8: Trolls
July 13-15: Despicable Me 3
July 20-22: Sing
July 27-29: Abominable

The Savoy location at 232 W. Burwash Ave became one of the 144 screens at 14 locations in 11 states that Phoenix owns or manages.

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Easter-ween this Saturday in Ogden

The Old High School Park at 300 North Market Street in Ogden will be the site of Easter-ween this Saturday starting at 10am.

The egg hunt, originally scheduled for April 11, was postponed until this weekend due to the Shelter-in-Place Executive Orders issued by Governor Pritzker to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

In late March, Ogden trustee Sue Esposito told The News-Gazette that the village had no intent in canceling the event.

"We are going to just delay it, " she said. "So if we have an egg hunt in November or even December, whatever. ... There’s $700 worth of candy, eggs and money. That’s a lot. We’re not just going to give it up."

The Village of Ogden will provide Halloween bags to egg hunters.

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Kickball league forming in Tolono

A newly formed adult kickball league in Tolono is looking for teams next month.

Games will be played every Sunday during the month of November at the Small Diamond in Tolono. Teams can be co-ed with players no younger than the age of 16. The official schedule will be released once the number of teams have been set.

Teams will play 7 inning contest or for 55 minutes, whichever comes first.

The registration fee for each team is $300, which will cover the cost of lights, umpires and balls.

For more information contact Ashley Kolakowski via messenger on Facebook.

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Happy trails await in Vermilion County Parks

Yesterday, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of state parks until further notice citing the Coronavirus pandemic as the underlying cause for the decision.

Today, the Vermilion County Conservation District announced that its Kennekuk, Forest Glen, Lake Vermilion, and Heron County Park properties are still open to the public. The parks will remain open until 8pm daily but with reduced services.

Camping, especially at Forest Glen is not permitted until further notice. The Conservation District will not accept shelter or building reservations at this time. Also, all facilities will be closed to the public. Closed facilities include Visitor Centers, Education Centers, Maintenance Buildings, Ranger Station, and inside and outside Restroom Facilities at all four parks.



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Illinois state parks closed indefinitely due to Coronavirus

So much for going out for a walk in the woods during the next three to eight weeks to relieve cabin fever induced by a possible eight more weeks of self-isolation or self-quarantine.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources posted an announcement on their Facebook page that all park properties are closed to the public due over the concerns of the Coronavirus. No projected or suggested reopening date was included in the post.

That means no leisurely pursuits such as nature walks, photographing wildlife and spring flowers or enjoying the God-given beauty that the Illinois landscape has to offer.


"All scheduled events on state property are effectively cancelled; patrons are encouraged to call IDNR’s Parks administrative line Monday through Friday at 217-782-6752 with questions," says the post.

The 526 comments were critical of the move, especially when medical professionals say getting outdoors and exercise is important to maintaining a healthy immune system. Many question the logic by the IDNR.

Anthony Majszak wrote: "Close the buildings and events, fine, but why not allow people to walk in the outdoors?"

Another poster was equally flabbergasted.

"So you tell me, in plain English, what this accomplishes? I understand closing down shared facilities, Starved Rock as an example - You would close down the lodge, the hotel, the restaurant and other public access shared facilities. But you don't close down the open air," wrote Rick Munday. "This sends the complete wrong message to the general public!"


One poster offered what seems to be reasonable justification for the closures across the state. "my best guess, these places are already short of staff, present staff is canceled, and people in the general public can’t be trusted...," wrote Laura Jean Cannata.



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Weekend 2Do: May 10-12

ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE • May 10, 9am-5pm, Sola Gratia Farm, 2200 South Philo Road, Urbana. Choose from a wide selection of organically grown veggies, herbs, as well as locally sourced flowers.

SPRING USED BOOK SALE • May 10, 9am-7pm, St. Joseph Township - Swearingen Memorial Library, 201 N. Third, St. Joseph. Books, DVDs, videos, music cds, audiobooks and large print books are for sale on a donation basis. Information: Swearingen Memorial Library

WIENERS AND WINE • May 10, 5pm-9pm, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 8254 East 1425 North, Fairmount. Buy your favorite adult beverage and they provide the hot dogs, fixings and a fire to roast them over while listening to live music. If it rains, enjoy free chili dogs inside! Kid friendly. Information: Sleepy Creek on Facebook.

AQUILA AT WATSON'S • May 10, 10pm-1am, Watson's Shack & Rail, 211 N Neil St, Champaign. Listen the jazz fusion, neo-soul, experimental indie sounds of the five member band. Limited Cost: No Cover.

PARKLAND PRIDE DRAG SHOW • May 10, 7pm-10pm, Jean Miner Theatre, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign. While the show is family friendly music during the show may contain adult language. Parking for the event will be available in Lot C4. Admission: Adults $5.00, $3.00 for ages 6-17, and free for children 6 and under.

LATIN DANCE NIGHT • May 10, 8-11pm, Urbana Dance Company, 122 W. Main Street, UNIT D, Urbana. DJ Sebastian will light up the house spinning popular salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia music. Free lesson from 8pm-8:30pm. Cover: $5.00 per person.

COMEDY WITH CHRIS SCHLICHTING • May 11, 8:30pm-10pm, C-U Comedy Club inside Soma, 320 North Neil Street, Champaign. Schlichting is a touring headliner at comedy clubs, private events, and corporate shows. He has appeared on nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Show. Cost: $12.

THOMAS GABRIEL - PARADIGM OF TIME TOUR • May 11, 8pm, The City Center, 505 South Chestnut, Champaign. The oldest grandson of Johnny Cash will be performing live in Champaign. Cost: General Admission $10, Reserved Table seating $20. Information: Tickets available on EventFly.

MARY MAGDALENE • May 11, 7pm, The Art Theater, 126 West Church St, Champaign. Free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees an arranged marriage finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus. Admission: Student $8.50, Adult $10.00, Senior Citizens $8.25. Information: Additional showtimes.

SPRING SUCCULENT WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP • May 12, 1pm-2pm, Riggs Beer Company, 1901 South High Cross Road. Urbana. Have fun on Mother's Day with Farmer Holly as she leads a class in crafting custom wreaths on grapevine frames in the cozy confines of Riggs Brewery. For kids ages 10+ and adults. Cost: $30 per person. Information: Website
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Last day to sign up for youth basketball program is Saturday

The St. Joseph Youth Basketball Program will be holding its final day of registration at St. Joseph Middle School this Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.. The program is open to both male and female players.

Students in grades one through six enrolled in the St. Joseph Grade School District or the Prairieview-Ogden School District are eligible to sign up.

"I hope that they enjoy playing basketball and continue to work hard," said program director Larry Sparks. "I hope they have fun and like the experience that sports give them as they get older."

The 10-week Saturday program starts on January 12th and ends on March 16th. Student athletes will practice basketball fundamentals the first four weeks and then team up to play games for the final six sessions.

The cost is $40 and there will be a $5 late fee for any athlete registered after December 31. Deadline for late registration is January 12.

For more information contact Larry Sparks at (217) 202-5858.
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