Sentinel Bulletin Board |November 5, 2025

Saturday, December 13

Holly Jolly Christmas

St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Station - 228 E. Warren, St. Joseph, IL

A pancake breakfast with a special early-season guest appearance from Santa and the Grinch.

---

Got a flyer? Get it seen.
Let’s put your event on the map.

Civic groups, clubs, and organizers — share your flyers with The Sentinel and tap into our audience. If you’ve got a flyer, we’ve got the readers on ousentinel.com to help make your event a success. Submit your announcements to The Sentinel’s bulletin board today. It is a free service and The Sentinel's way of giving back to our community. Send you flyer to editor@oursentinel.com along with background information for your event today!

Urbana's Mariachi Tigres host garage sale fundraiser for new uniforms on Saturday

---

The Mariachi Tigres will host a garage sale fundraiser Saturday at Urbana Middle School, complete with music and food trucks, to raise money for new Mariachi uniforms.

---

URBANA - Outside Urbana Middle School this Saturday, music, community spirit and a whole lot of treasure hunting will come together for a good cause. The students of Mariachi Tigres, the joint Mariachi group of Urbana High School and Urbana Middle School, are hosting a garage sale to raise money for new uniforms — the traditional Trajes de Charro that complete the classic Mariachi look.

Founded in 2023, Mariachi Tigres quickly became a beloved part of the Urbana school music family. In just over a year, the group has performed at local events and celebrations, sharing their joy and culture through music that gets toes tapping and hearts lifting.

The garage sale kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, outside Urbana Middle School. Early birds with donations in hand can drop items off between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., where volunteers will be ready to sort and price everything. And while bargain hunters browse, they can also indulge in something sweet — OMS Cravings, one of Urbana’s newest food trucks, will be on site serving churros, flan and tres leches cake, with proceeds also benefiting the Mariachi fund.

Organizers say the group still needs more items for the sale and encourage community members to donate gently used goods. For questions or to arrange an early donation, email lmaldonado@usd116.org or tgingold@usd116.org.

So, whether you’re looking for a good deal, a sweet treat or just a way to support local students, Saturday morning outside UMS might be the perfect stop. Every purchase helps bring the Tigres one step closer to proudly wearing their new uniforms on stage.

---

Urbana High School Mariachi fundraiser, Mariachi Tigres garage sale Urbana, OMS Cravings food truck fundraiser, Urbana Middle School events September 2025, Mariachi uniforms fundraising Illinois

---

WEFTOPIA benefit concert Sunday aims to raise $45K for C-U community radio station

---

Seventeen acts will perform at Rose Bowl Tavern Sunday to help fund 43-year-old radio station after critical transmitting equipment repairs.

---

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Starting at 2pm on Sunday, 17 acts - from jazz to blues and little rap - will take part in a benefit show to help raise money for WEFT.

---

URBANA - On Sunday, June 22nd, local music fans will have plenty to tune into as The Rose Bowl Tavern will host WEFTOPIA, a special benefit concert for WEFT, a local community radio station at 90.1 on the FM dial. The event aims to raise funds to offset major repairs that have cost over $45,000, necessary to restore the station's broadcasting power to 100%.

The benefit concert will feature 17 local musicians and bands performing mini-sets 15 to 35 minutes long, showcasing a diverse range of music genres. The lineup includes the Painkillers Blues Band, known for their mix of Chicago, Southern, and swing blues, and ZENtheRapper, aka Donté Winslow, who crafts unique narratives through his alternative hip-hop sounds.

For WEFT, the event represents more than just a fundraiser, it’s a reflection of the station’s mission to connect community through the power of voice and music.

Other notable performances include the Hot Club of Urbana jazz combo, who will take the stage at 7:25 PM, and Rory Book & The Volumes, closing out the night at 9 PM. The full lineup includes Roseli, Kevin Elliott, Flapjaques, TV Blues Band, Tessa Turner, DJ Froztbyte, The K-Tels, Paul Kotheimer, 94 Cove, Broadmoor Quartet, Jules Rose, Curb Service, and gravefruit.

Donations accepted at the Rose Bowl on Sunday will go directly towards the repair expenses. Fans can also make donations online at weft.org/support or through PayPal.

WEFT, a non-commercial radio station locally owned by Prairie Air, Incorporated, has been serving the diverse communities of East Central Illinois and worldwide since 1981. The benefit concert is a testament to the community's support for the station and its mission to provide an accessible, responsible, and responsive radio alternative.

Here is Sunday's lineup:

• 2:00 - 2:15 Roseli
• 2:20 - 2:35 Kevin Elliott
• 2:40 - 2:55 Flapjaques
• 3:15 - 3:40 TV Blues Band
• 4:00 - 4:25 Painkillers Blues Band
• 4:30 - 4:45 Tessa Turner
• 4:50 - 5:05 DJ Froztbyte
• 5:10 - 5:35 The K-Tels
• 5:40 - 5:55 Paul Kotheimer
• 6:00 - 6:15. 94 Cove
• 6:20 - 6:45 Broadmoor Quartet
• 6:50 - 7:05 Jules Rose
• 7:10 - 7:25 Curb Service
• 7:25 - 8:00 Hot Club of Urbana
• 8:00 - 8:25. Zen The Rapper
• 8:30 - 8:55 Gravefruit
• 9:00 - 9:30 Rory Book & The Volumes

Homer Pickleball Group to host tournament on April 26

HOMER - The Homer Pickleball Group will host a pickleball tournament at Old Homer Park on April 26 in Homer. The tournament, co-hosted by the Homer Masonic Lodge, is a fundraiser for their community efforts.

Featuring four divisions—men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and singles for both men and women—the event kicks off with women's doubles at 11 a.m., with singles competition running from 5 to 7 p.m.

"We're excited to have this tournament mostly for the community! That's what pickleball really is - a community of people cheering on players, enjoying great games, meeting new people and making friends," says tournament organizer Mandy Garrard. "It's exciting to see everyone looking forward to a unique tournament and having it on our new courts! We want everyone to come out for a fun day at the park!"

The tournament will use a unique blind draw format to pair partners for the doubles divisions.

"This tournament is different than any other tournament in the local areas because you don't enter with a partner," Garrad explained. "We want to encourage anyone who is beginner or advanced to sign-up- you don't know who you might play with."

Based on the enthusiastic response to registration, Garrard anticipates a substantial turnout.

"We have had such an overwhelming response to sign-ups- it's been truly amazing!"

There are limited spots available for anyone who hasn't signed up. Registration closes on April 20. The entry fee is $10 for the first event and $5 for each additional division.

Proceeds from the tournament will support the Masonic Lodge, which has been active in the community since 1856, funding events such as donations to the Homer Public Library, veterans groups, scholarships, Scholastic Bowl entries, and more.

Since fall 2023, the Homer Pickleball Group has grown to 195 members.

"It has been amazing to see the group grow so quickly and to have players come to the courts for open play nights from all over as well," Garrad added. "We've had players coming from Champaign to Sidell and in between to play on our courts!"

Tournament prizes include gift cards from local businesses and keepsake awards for the top three places. Participants will receive a swag bag, and first-place winners in each division will also receive a championship button/pin and gift certificates to Casey's General Store and Happ-y Daze Shine Car Wash in Homer. Second and third-place winners will receive runner-up or third-place pins.

Food and refreshments will be provided by Charlie's Grubb & Sudds food truck of Homer.

"We hope the turnout will great!"

For more information visit the Homer Pickleball Group Facebook page.

---

August is National Breastfeeding Month

Photo: Samuel Lee/Pixabay

---

by Sentinel News Service

CHAMPAIGN - Every August, communities across the United States come together to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to promoting the benefits and importance of breastfeeding. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness, provide education, and encourage support for breastfeeding mothers and their families.

In conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced its third annual breastfeeding supplies drive. Building upon their past success the drive will take place during the entire month of August.

Sarah Chai/PEXELS

The donated supplies will be given to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. This program offers support to expectant and postpartum parents, helping them learn about breastfeeding and overcome any obstacles they may encounter in achieving their individual breastfeeding goals.

The WIC program's mission is to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious food to improve diets, offers education on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and connects participants to healthcare services.

National Breastfeeding Month was established in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) to align with World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place during the first week of August. The initiative was created to bring greater attention to breastfeeding as a key component of public health and to advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers. The month-long celebration serves as a platform to highlight the critical role that breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mothers and their babies. For infants, breast milk is a complete source of nutrition that contains antibodies, enzymes, and hormones crucial for their development. It helps protect against infections, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and promotes a healthy weight. For mothers, breastfeeding can lower the risk of certain cancers, aid in postpartum recovery, and strengthen the bond with their baby. Additionally, breastfeeding has economic benefits, reducing the need for formula and healthcare costs associated with treating illnesses.

Through the breastfeeding supplies drive, CUPHD hopes to support WIC families by providing them with the supplies they need to breastfeed longer to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their infant's health.

Items needed include nursing pads, pillows, and covers; breast milk storage bags; electric and manual breast pumps; and breast pump accessories. All items must be received new and sealed in their original packaging.

Photo: Brytny.com/Unsplash

---

National Breastfeeding Month is a vital initiative that brings attention to the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health. By participating in this celebration, individuals and organizations can help create a supportive environment that empowers mothers and promotes the well-being of future generations.

A curated Amazon wish list is available for virtual donations. Donated items will be sent directly to CUPHD to distribute to clients enrolled in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program.  Donations from this list can be made year-round. 

Products can also be donated in person at CUPHD, August 1-31, at the WIC intake window inside the CUPHD main lobby.  

Ways to donate:

Online: Amazon wish list
The wish list will remain open year-round, 24/7.

In-person:

• CUPHD Champaign WIC desk (201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
• CUPHD Rantoul WIC desk (520 East Wabash Avenue, #2, Rantoul): Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
• Orchard Downs clinic (2040 South Orchard Street, Unit 2040-A, Urbana): Thursday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.

Urbana Farmers Market WIC booth
Saturday, August 24, 7:00 a.m.—noon
Come celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with breastfeeding-related games, giveaways, information about WIC and breastfeeding laws, and more!

---

Jack Fisher wins SJO 5K by a stride

ST. JOSEPH - Jack Fisher won this year's installment of the SJO 5K by a second and a half, besting Andrew Pilat Saturday morning for the top spot out of a field of 135 runners with a time of 13:32.6. St. Joseph-Ogden High School junior Lance Retz, a rising star in the school's well-respected running program, finished third to round out the top 3 male and overall runners.

The top three female finishers were Hazel Atkins in first place, Sam Mabry in second, and Savanna Franzen finishing third out of 64 women from ages eight and 63 years of age. Atkins, from Shelbyville, turned in a 19:47.3 for the women's division top time.

Starting in 2008, the proceeds from the annual race help support the high school and middle school cross country and track teams in St. Joseph with travel expenses and the purchase of new equipment.

Race results by time -
1. Jack Fisher 16:32.6 ; 2. Andrew Pilat 16:34.2 ; 3. Lance Retz 16:42.3 ; 4. Jordan Harpst 17:56.7 ; 5. Patrick Ford 17:57.9 ; 6. Nate Farney 18:05.8 ; 7. Joe Griebat 18:17.3 ; 8. Eli Franklin 18:18.4 ; 9. Elijah Mock 18:34.4 ; 10. Aiden Hundley 18:45.0 ; 11. Colin Burnett 18:47.5 ; 12. Ej Beckett 18:48.9 ; 13. Adam Bello 19:34.0 ; 14. Camden Fisher 19:35.1 ; 15. Hazel Atkins 19:47.3 ; 16. Sam Mabry 19:58.7 ; 17. Colby Duitsman 20:07.7 ; 18. Savanna Franzen 20:17.1 ; 19. Greyson Guevara 20:23.4 ; 20. Tessa Walker 20:29.7 ; 21. Nathan Hinkel 20:36.0 ; 22. Jack Flesner 20:58.6 ; 23. Ryan Anderson 20:59.9 ; 24. Hunter Dilley 21:07.5 ; 25. Grace Bressner 21:15.4 ; 26. Brad Ludwig 21:24.8 ; 27. Bentley Morse 21:27.6 ; 28. Kyle Hammel 21:33.7 ; 29. Matthew Mabry 21:37.7 ; 30. Henry McCannon 21:44.0 ; 31. Andrew Schaefer 21:48.9 ; 32. Michael Tankersley 22:09.4 ; 33. Joshua Ward 22:14.0 ; 34. Elisha Guhl 22:17.8 ; 35. Jason Overman 22:32.2 ; 36. Ryan Fisher 22:33.8 ; 37. Maxwell Collins 22:42.9 ; 38. Rebekah Maxwell 23:11.5 ; 39. Patrick McClure 23:20.6 ; 40. Keegan Combest 23:22.5 ; 41. Brady Johnson 23:52.0 ; 42. Keegan Combest Jr. 23:56.6 ; 43. Mark Harbourt 24:06.8 ; 44. Tabby Brown 24:13.8 ; 45. Michael Healea 24:32.6 ; 46. Carson Coffey 24:36.2 ; 47. Taylor Vaughn 24:49.4 ; 48. Klaire Combest 24:49.6 ; 49. Drew Duden 24:52.7 ; 50. Scott Silverman 24:53.4 ; 51. Addyson Tholl 25:11.6 ; 52. David Ammermann 25:13.4 ; 53. Stephen Johnson 25:18.3 ; 54. Nikita Borisov 25:20.8 ; 55. Abigail Bello 25:37.4 ; 56. Luke Dunn 25:44.3 ; 57. Mark Wertz 26:10.6 ; 58. Maverick Wertz 26:10.7 ; 59. Spencer Krisman 26:27.7 ; 60. Madison Lubinski 26:30.7 ; 61. Whitney Patel 26:32.3 ; 62. Thea Hinkel 26:36.0 ; 63. Hannah Dignan 26:43.0 ; 64. Kendall Lubinski 27:03.0 ; 65. Paula Tankersley 27:04.9 ; 66. Gregory Poe 27:05.3 ; 67. John Lubinski 27:15.8 ; 68. Iris Davis 27:33.9 ; 69. Ethan Burnett 27:45.3 ; 70. Sara Myers 27:46.2 ; 71. Lynn Hardimon 27:48.2 ; 72. Ramsay Arnold 28:07.7 ; 73. Taryn Sexton 28:11.1 ; 74. Griffin Emery-Carlson 28:12.5 ; 75. Matt Layden 29:01.1 ; 76. Vicki Maxwell 29:13.6 ; 77. Alayna Nekolny 29:27.5 ; 78. Susan Osterbur 30:17.3 ; 79. Sara Coffey 30:40.2 ; 80. Xander Hundley 30:42.7 ; 81. Laura Owen 30:43.5 ; 82. Josie Walker 30:48.9 ; 83. Chad Walker 30:49.2 ; 84. Daniel Urban 31:10.5 ; 85. Angela Urban 31:10.8 ; 86. Jill Runck 31:11.5 ; 87. Henry Cluver 31:32.4 ; 88. Tora Borisova 31:33.9 ; 89. Amber Cluver 31:37.6 ; 90. Amy Bailey 31:39.5 ; 91. Theresa Heater 31:59.3 ; 92. Kiah Riesel 32:04.1 ; 93. Cali Argo 33:15.5 ; 94. Elizabeth Farmer 33:25.6 ; 95. Nick Farmer 33:27.9 ; 96. Kasper Zadeh 34:31.2 ; 97. Blake Franklin 34:32.0 ; 98. Amber Tomaska 34:35.2 ; 99. Ally Schmitz 34:40.6 ; 100. Jon Crawford 34:45.3 ; 101. Josie Buchanan 34:49.8 ; 102. Addi Ross 34:55.7 ; 103. Lyla Frerichs 34:56.7 ; 104. Tavi Borisova 35:21.2 ; 105. Demitrius Urban 35:25.3 ; 106. Sofie Urberg-Carlson 35:25.5 ; 107. Melinda Ward 35:42.5 ; 108. Greg Ward 35:44.0 ; 109. Candice Dixon 36:04.3 ; 110. Ellen Vore 36:31.0 ; 111. Roxy Campbell 36:37.1 ; 112. Elsa Cluver 36:37.3 ; 113. Nikki Campbell 37:59.4 ; 114. Michael Weidenburner 38:26.6 ; 115. Caleb Taylor 38:42.4 ; 116. Anne Finfrock 39:02.9 ; 117. Leah Hundley 39:03.0 ; 118. Stu Trumbo 40:13.0 ; 119. Rebecca Reck 40:46.9 ; 120. Kelly Barbour-Conerty 41:01.4 ; 121. John Mcdannald 42:50.4 ; 122. Norma Mcdannald 42:50.6 ; 123. Ashtyn Clark 44:36.8 ; 124. Allison Clark 44:48.9 ; 125. Melinda Ohlsson 47:24.5 ; 126. Amanda Upton 48:07.2 ; 127. Christina Miezio 52:09.6 ; 128. Kimberly Nigg 52:09.7 ; 129. Jeremy Bird 55:26.8 ; 130. Gina Bird 55:27.0 ; 131. Emily Bird 55:27.0 ; 132. Chloe Bird 55:27.8 ; 133. David Cluver 1:02:28 ; 134. Craig Stundahl 1:02:37 ; 135. Sue Stundahl 1:02:37 ;

---

Unity's All Out A Cappella show Feb. 16

Members of Unity High School's Surreal Sound perform at the 2023 All A Capella show. The annual music booster fundraiser is back.

Photo: UnityPhotos/Jamie Price

---

TOLONO - The Unity Music Boosters are organizing an All Out A Cappella fundraiser on February 16th at the high school auditorium. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will showcase performances from eight a cappella groups. The funds raised from the event will be used to support music programs in the Unit 7 school district. These programs include music trips, scholarships, costumes, risers, instrument repair and more. Your participation in this event will help to ensure the continued success of these programs.

Members of No Comment perform at the 2022 All A Capella show. The ensemble returns to this year's line-up on February 16.

Photo: UnityPhotos/Jamie Price

---

In addition to UHS' very own Surreal Sound and Unity West's 5th Grade Choir, two groups from Illinois State University and four ensembles from the University of Illinois are slated to perform.

Acafellaz, a tenor-bass Capella group now in its 25th year, and the coed Clef Hangers, both from ISU, will once again lend their award-winning vocal talents at the annual fundraiser.

Concertgoers will also hear select tunes from No Comment, No Strings Attached, the Rip Chords, and the male counterparts, the Xtension Chords. The four groups from the Illinois campus are high-level competitive performers.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at https://unitymusicboosters.seatyourself.biz. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students/senior citizens.

---

Roch's to host Fine Arts program fundraiser this weekend

ST. JOSEPH - The St. Joseph-Ogden High School Fine Arts is holding a fundraiser this Sunday at Roch's Place in downtown St. Joseph.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the fine arts program at the high school.

"Bring your family, your requests, and your wallets and let's pack the place for the SJO Fine Arts!" organizers wrote on Facebook.

Logan Allen Music is headlining the three-hour event slated to start at 3 p.m.

American Legion to host fish fry benefit for Troop 40

St. Joseph - Tickets are on sale now for three fish frys to raise money for St. Joseph's Boy Scouts.

The American Legion will host the first of three fish frys this Friday, January 27, the next one on February 24, and the final event on March 24.

The $10 meal includes two sides and a drink. Food will be served starting 4:30 pm and continue until 7 pm or until the fish is sold out on all three dates. Advance tickets can be purchased this Wednesday 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the IGA. Meal tickets can also be bought at the door on the day of the fry.

For more information visit the event Facebook page here.

Savoy church to hosts Thanksgiving basket fundraiser this Saturday

SAVOY -- The Savoy United Methodist Church will host its annual Chicken & Noodles Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, October 29, from 4:30 to 7 pm. Proceeds from the event will be used to assemble and distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to area families.

Every Thanksgiving season since 2007, the church has distributed food baskets to over one hundred individuals and families.

"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."

With Arms Open Wide benefit concert at the Rose Bowl

The Slavic Reference Service at the University of Illinois will be hosting a benefit concert on Saturday at the Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana.

Starting at 1pm, the concert will feature local bands from a wide range of styles and genres for three and a half hours. Admission is free.

The event is a collaboration with Doctors Without Borders (DWB). DWB provides medical aid to people around the globe whose well-being and survival are threatened daily by conflict and catastrophe.

As the war in Ukraine continues to drag on, DWB has been on the ground providing humanitarian assistance. Their efforts led to a specially designed medical train such as the one on April 26 that transported patients from Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro to hospitals in Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv.

"The “With Arms Wide Open - Give Across Borders” campaign aims to raise $50,000 to aid DWB’s work in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other conflict zones," says event organizer Olga Markarova-Bowman. "Any amount able to be contributed is greatly appreciated and will be used to provide urgent medical care, treatment for malnutrition, emergency surgery, and vaccinations to those in need."

For more information on about the fundraising campaign, please visit the official campaign website.

Crisis Nursery to host Pinwheel Garden for fundraiser

SPRINGFIELD -- The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery will host a Pinwheel Garden next month in April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness and funds to provide crisis childcare to those most at risk of abuse and neglect.

Executive director Jen McMillin issued a challenge to the Springfield community offering highlight her hair blue if the Nursery raises $1,000. If the Nursery raises $5,000 during the month of April, McMillin pledges to dye her whole head blue.

"Child Abuse Prevention Month is a short time each year, and we want to draw the most attention to the issue of neglect and abuse as possible," she said in a press release. "We want to highlight the importance of protective factors, including the use of crisis nurseries, every month. This hairdo will help us remember CAP month into the summer, and draw attention to this important issue."

Research shows the risk for neglect and abuse diminishes, and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted with proper support services. These support services include increasing parenting tools, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete support.

The Pinwheel Garden is one of the many fundraisers Mini O’Beirne hosts annually to support the work of the organization. Each year, the Nursery provides crisis care for over 1,400 families and numerous supplies through the basic needs pantry. To host a pinwheel, you can make a tax-deductible donation to Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery here: https://bit.ly/MOCN2022.

To learn more about the other crisis nurseries in Illinois, please visit https://cncoalitionil.org/. There are nurseries located in Springfield, Urbana, Bloomington, Effingham, Rockford, Peoria, and Chicago. For more information about crisis nurseries in general, visit the Center for Crisis Nurseries at https://www.crisisnurseries.org/.

SJO FFA to host auction fundraiser this Saturday

The annual St. Joseph-Ogden FFA Auction will be held Saturday at the high school. The event is open to the community.

Dinner and the silent auction will begin at 5 pm, with the live auction starting an hour later at 6 pm. In addition to the regular bidding, there will be a special auction for young bidders at this year's event.

Items that will be up for bid include discounts on corn or soybean seeds, tools, sporting event tickets, gift cards to local retailers, and a variety of other services.

Some of the services up for bid include a one-hour photo session with Emilee Sorenson Photography, three hours of babysitting and farm labor services by FFA members, on-site combine inspection from Birkey's Farm Store, and lawn mower repair and maintenance service from Matt Sharp.

Attendees can also bid on arc welders, impact drivers, grease gun kits, a battery-powered weed trimmer, and a 5lb ABC fire extinguisher, along with a safety escape ladder. A list of items in this year's sale can be found here.

Other items under the hammer include a solo stove firepit and two GCI rocker chairs from Gifford State Bank; a furnace clean and safety inspection or A/C check from Kelso Heating & Cooling; a truckload of firewood from Keith Ames; a private tour and tasting for ten at Riggs Beer Company; 50 pounds of ground hamburger from Aden Family Farms; and a 40-pound beef bundle from Hesterberg Beef.

All funds are earmarked for the agricultural education program and will be used by the school chapter. Proceeds from the sale are also slated for chapter scholarships, preparation, and competitions.

Fundraiser for future local Olympic figure skater ends next week

ST. JOSEPH -- Catia Schulte, of St. Joseph, has been invited to compete at the 2022 Excel National Festival in Boston. To help cover her expenses to compete at this national ice-skating event, she is doing a Laundry/dish soap fundraiser.

If you would like to help out, you will need to place your orders by Tuesday, February 1. Follow this link to view the available products.

Catia fell in love with figure skating at an early age. Now she has the opportunity to compete against some of the best skaters in her age group from around the country.

"I enjoy how this sport combines the physical challenges - jumping and spinning on the ice - with the grace and beauty of the choreography while skating to music. I really like competing," she said. "From the moment I first stepped on the ice, I felt that this is what I am supposed to be doing."

She added: "My dream is to make it to the Olympics, or even to the US Championship! I love the feeling of putting on my skates and skating my routine."

Catia working hard toward competing at the highest level.

"She stepped on the ice for the first time in January 2019 and received first place in her first competition that summer," said her mother, Carrie Gillespie-Schulte. "Catia is training in preparation of rigorous USFS Moves in the Field and Freeskating tests. Passing these tests gives her the opportunity to participate in qualifying competitions that give her the chance to participate in the events we hear more about: US Championships, World Championships, Olympics, etc." "

The Excel Series competitions bring together skaters of all ages the opportunity to get the feel of a nationwide competition while they improve their technical ability and skills on the ice. Catia's trip to Boston will bring her one step closer to becoming yet another Olympic athlete from St. Joseph.

Time is running out to help. For more information or to place an order to help send Catia to the Excel Series message Carrie Gillespie-Schulte on Facebook.

Girl Scout cookies are coming and Troop 2945 is ready

TOLONO -- Friday, February 4th is the first day of nearly eight weeks of absolute cookie bliss. It is the first day that Girl Scouts around the country can officially start selling cookies to raise funds for their troop.

Tolono-based Troop 2945, with 13 members in grades 3 through 5, has just over 2,000 boxes ordered to sell this season.

Girl Scout Troop 2945

Photo courtesy Kristina Toney

"Girls who sell 250 boxes get their Girl Scout fee for the following year waived," Girl Scout leader Kristina Toney told The Sentinel via messenger. "Cookie sales help girls pay for summer camps and they learn a lot of fundamentals with selling cookies."

The annual cookie sale teaches Girl Scouts fundamental business skills by counting-out change, order fulfillment and delivery processes, and developing customer service skills. Local girl scout councils, prepared for a successful selling season, will be monitoring local data and public health mandates.

"Girl Scouts across the country will embark on a new adventure with the world's largest entrepreneurial program for girls: the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program," the Girl Scouts of America said in a release. "In prior years, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts quickly and cleverly adapted their selling methods to replace the iconic in-person cookie booths with new, innovative options.

The familiar favorites like Thin Mints, Lemonades, Carmel Delight, Peanut Butter Patties aka Tagalongs, and Shortbread or Trefoils®, are back.

New this year! Adventurefuls.

Adventurefuls™ is the newest cookie to the Girl Scouts of the USA line-up. It is a brownie-inspired cookie topped with caramel flavored crème with just a hint of sea salt to make it a satisfying snack. Toffee-tastic®, another new option, is gluten-free and described as "rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits."

Troop 2945 will have booths set up to sell cookies, and a list of sale locations will be available after January 28.

"We haven't figured out any cookie booths yet around town as we can't officially start selling until the fourth," Toney said, "I have 13 girls in my troop, and we all love to deliver cookies."

She said anyone who wishes to place a pre-order or get a list of sale locations can contact by email at kristinatny@yahoo.com or via a phone call at (217) 722-7945. Follow Troop 2945 on Facebook here.

Troop 1956 offering holiday Candy Cane Hunts

It is an Easter Egg hunt except with candy canes. That's how American Heritage Girls Troop 1956 plans to raise funds for the new organization.

"The mission of American Heritage Girls is to build young women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Girls in this program have the opportunity to participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences," says Jessica Stuber organizing the hunt for the new local AHG chapter that started last October.

"We have never done this fundraiser before," Stuber said. "This is our very first fundraiser."

Starting December 12 through the December 18, parents, family members, or spouses can pick a time for the troop to hide candy canes around their yard for a small fee. Candy cane hunts are perfect for keeping little ones excited and adults occupied during the holiday season.

Stuber said the Candy Cane Hunt idea came from one her daughter was treated to one last year.

"My youngest daughter was surprised with a candy cane hunt by a friend who had come across a fundraiser very similar to ours by another organization," she recounted. "While planning for a troop Christmas party, I was reminded of the candy cane hunt and thought it might be a great way for our troop to generate funds."

Stuber hopes through fliers like the one shown, and word of mouth the troop will be plenty busy setting up hunts from Tuscola to Sidney and homes in between. They will even set them up in Champaign and Urbana.

"As of right now, we only have one family signed up to surprise their little one with a candy cane hunt. We just got the word out to our troop and have begun passing out fliers," she said. "We're hopeful that more families would like to participate as the word gets out."

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help the troop pay for field trips, camping trips, and future service projects. One of their financial goals is to be able to offer scholarships to families who would like to join but may be experiencing financial hardship.

To arrange a surprise holiday candy cane hunt for someone, contact Jessic Stuber at (217) 377-4868 or email her at jstuber00@gmail.com.