"50 States, 1 Movement": 50501 Encourages community action for next protest

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Protesters at Champaign's Hands Off! rally line University Avenue in Champaign. Over a thousand people were at Westside Park on a chilly April 5 for two hours, joining more than an estimated 1 million protesters nationwide.

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URBANA - The 50501 group, using the slogan "50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement," is gearing up for its next event. The grassroots organization that coordinated 1,400 protests worldwide on April 5, is calling for a "Day of Action" on April 19.

While individual chapters/states can organize protests, 50501 said on its website, "We just aren't doing a big national push since many states need more time to plan and coordinate. We need to think a bit more long term and practical."

Activists nationwide had hoped for another rally similar to April 5 from the organization. The group thinks Americans affected by the Trump administration's tariffs and job cuts can be better served Easter weekend by performing acts of kindness and service.

"You don't have to reinvent the wheel, if there's an organization locally that has been doing the good work ... ask how you can help!"

Four things they suggest include:

• Donating to a local organization that feeds/clothes/helps local people, especially underserved areas.
• Hosting a picnic where everyone brings a few items that are in good condition to swap out for something they might need from someone else.
• Doing a clothing drive during a park day or community cookout.
• Meeting up at the library to discuss different actions or start a book club.

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C-U 'Hands Off!' protesters rally against Trump administration policies and Musk-led cuts

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Nearly a thousand people took part in Champaign-Urbana's installment of a nationwide day of action at Saturday's Hands Off! protest.

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CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally.

The two-hour event featured several guest speakers who shared their thoughts on the state of the country since Trump began his second term. Large turnouts were also reported in major cities including Chicago, Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., as part of a national day of action that highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies and service cuts.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Standing with a long line of people along University Avenue, a protester holds up a sign as cars pass by. Many of the drivers showed their support, honking as the drove past the hundreds of Americans demonstrating against the hamfisted approach to nearly every issue the Trump administration as taken the past 75 days.

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After attending a similar rally earlier Saturday near his home, John Edwards traveled from Sullivan to Champaign to take part in the demonstration. The Army veteran said he would attend a third if there were another nearby.

“They are not representing anybody but the rich,” Edwards said of the Trump administration. “We were already at one in Sullivan today. You might as well do two if you’re going to do one — and three if there’s another somewhere. We’ve got to get the word out.”

Walking with other demonstrators around the park’s perimeter, Kathleen Toalson described the first 76 days of Trump’s second term as a “disaster.”

“It’s an absolute nightmare for our nation, for our world,” she said. “It’s inconceivable to me that a nation as wealthy and prosperous as ours would turn its back on its own citizens.”

Cynthia D’Angelo, one of several speakers at the rally, criticized the administration’s policies.

“They are trying to destroy the things that are good about America. We are a leader in science. We are a leader in higher education and training future scientists, and they are trying to destroy all of that,” she said. “I feel like it is important for people to speak up and make a statement about what they believe.”

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Cynthia D'Angelo, one of many speakers defending American values, delivers remarks at the Champaign Hands Off! rally at Westside Park.

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Hands-Off! was the largest coordinated day of demonstrations by concerned citizens across the country since Trump began his second term, with events held at more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states. According to The Associated Press, over 150 organizations participated in organizing the peaceful rallies.

When asked about her views on how the administration is running the country, Urbana resident Terri Barnes laughed while walking with the procession.

“I think they are evil and pathetic. They are stronger than people anticipated,” she said. “Evil. Definitely evil.”

Photo Gallery

Sentinel photos by Clark Brooks

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Related articles:

• Appeals court rules against Trump, deciding presidents are not immune from prosecution
• America for sale; corporations and billionaires flooded Trump’s inauguration with cash
• Nearly half of older Americans can’t even afford basic needs

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Ranked #4 in the nation, Scott Aikman has sights set at Cincy tennis invite

Champaign tennis veteran Scott Aikman poses for a photo at Atkins Tennis Center on Tuesday. He and doubles partner Terry Warner are ranked #4 in the nation. The pair will play at the home of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday and Monday in an invitational tournament with 15 other top doubles competitors in the 70+ age group.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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CHAMPAIGN - As the summer sun sets over Mason, Ohio, one of America's oldest tennis tournaments—the Cincinnati Open is in full swing. First held in 1899, this storied event is not just a footnote in tennis history; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the dreams and triumphs of countless athletes. Now, as it embarks on its 125th year in 2024, the Cincinnati Open is poised for a renaissance, returning to its original name and solidifying its status with a bold 25-year commitment from Beemok Capital to keep the ATP Masters 1000 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

This Sunday and Monday, Champaign's Scott Aikman will play on the same courts Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime posted wins earlier today for a shot at the Grand Prix Masters doubles title in the 70+ division on Monday. He hopes that area tennis fans and players who will attend Sunday's semifinal and Monday's pro finals will stop by to cheer him on in his bid for another tennis title.

Aikman, who is 77 years old and stands at an impressive 6'4", embodies the spirit of a seasoned tennis competitor. He used to run a restaurant but retired seven years ago. Aikman has spent decades traveling the world, chasing tennis balls across various locations such as the sun-soaked courts of South Africa, the bustling streets of Mexico City, and the iconic avenues of Paris and Barcelona. To Aikman, a tennis racquet is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a passport to adventure.

Recounting stories of spontaneous matches with newfound friends in foreign lands. “I’ve even bought a racquet just to play while I’m traveling—there’s always someone looking to hit.”

Aikman’s journey into the world of tennis began at the age of 12 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

“There wasn’t much to do as a kid,” he recalls, his eyes lighting up at the memory. “The junior high school had tennis courts, and we spent all day playing.” That passion has only grown over the decades, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

“I’ll be turning 78 this November,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “That gives me one more year in the 75s before I move up to the 80s. I’m looking forward to it!”

While many may shy away from the physical demands of the sport, Aikman thrives on it. “I love the activity,” he said with a smile. “Running around, reaching for balls—that’s what keeps me young.”

Aikman hasn't the faintest urge to make the switch to pickleball. “I have absolutely no interest in that. They just stand there,” he laughed.

With 65 years of experience, Aikman has a wealth of knowledge to share with younger players. “Keep hitting the ball, have fun, and treat each point like it’s a new one,” he advises. “I’ve seen players get down on themselves after losing a point. If you lose a few, just let it go and move on to the next.”

Aikman will team up with Terry Warner, from Saline, MI, for the invitation-only tournament this weekend.

"We met at a tennis tournament and played together," explaining how the two joined up to become a formidable doubles pair. "We played well together during that and decided we would play again."

The duo, who have won titles or placed in the top three in a half dozen tournaments, are ranked #4 Nationally in 75s. They teamed up, playing their last three tournaments together on clay courts in Pinehurst and Virginia Beach.

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Dining with Dee to host delicious lunch menu at Pour Brothers

CHAMPAIGN - Chef Dee is offering a special catered lunch menu on January 22 at the spacious Pour Brothers Craft Taproom in Champaign. The meal will be served starting at noon and reservations for the event are required.

A graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, DeAngelo Newsom, known as Chef Dee, will serve two-day brined chicken served with a charmula sauce along with herbed rice pilaf, and winter vegetable kale salad. Diners will also enjoy a homemade herb and olive focaccia.

"We are holding the event on January 22 as part of our monthly events," explained Stephanie Astorina-Newsom, DeAngelo's wife and partner. "We are wanting to spread the awareness of Chef Dee's cooking and our business, as well as showcase other small businesses in town by having a door prize raffle that consists of items donated by small, locally owned businesses."

The couple hosted a "Dining with Dee" in December and catered multiple private dinners, weddings, and birthday celebrations. The also served meals for Christmas events both in the client's home or at an event center. Astorina-Newsom says what sets their business apart from other caterers is that they are a husband and wife team.

"We do everything from start to finish together," she said. "We communicate with the clients the throughout the entire process, do whatever we can to provide the desired vision of the host, and often become friends with those who have hired us and continue to hire us."

She emphasized the meals they create are from "fresh ingredients, never frozen, and almost everything is made from scratch."

For example, the salad to be served next Sunday includes roasted beets, sweet-pickled radishes, olives, and crispy onions served with a housemade red-onion vinaigrette.

"Chef and I both have a passion for cooking and catering to those around us. Chef often says, 'the best part of catering for people is to see them eat his food'."

Chef Dee and Stef take personal satisfaction in making their clientele's culinary experience extraordinary, introducing flavors and textures never sampled before to their guests. Chef Dee has assisted preparing meals with the legendary Guy Fieri, American celebrity chef Emeril John Lagassé III, and has cooked for recording star Drake.

"Most of the food we prepare is often food that our clients have never tried before. It's an amazing accomplishment and feeling to widen someone's taste palate," she added.

Reservations cost per person is $25. Drinks are not included. For more information or to make a reservation email Chefdeemealprep@gmail.com, visit Dining with Dee's Facebook page, or call (217) 493-0198. Reservations are required by January 20.