Special holiday prices for court time available at Atkins Tennis Center

URBANA - Atkins Tennis Center is offering reduce rates on indoor court time now through January 15, 2023. Area players can keep those extra holiday pounds off without putting a huge dent in their wallet. Normally $30/hour for indoor court time, the tennis facility has a holiday rate of just $20 per court.

Court time can be reserved online at https://atkins.clubautomation.com/ or by phone at (217)244-8562. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid 100% cancellaton fee.

The tennis facility will continue to offer Lunchtime Drop-in drills and clinics through the campus holiday break. Structured drop-in sessions will be available on Dec. 19, 21, 23 and Jan. 4, 6 from 12-1:30pm on each day. Participants can registered for session online by under the "group activities" tab. The Atkins' staff recommends signing up early as space is limited for clinics.

In observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays,, the tennis center will be closed from December 24 through January 1.

Recipe | Impress guests at your next wine party with this tasty tapas

Family Features - Pairing an easy, delicious appetizer with the perfect wine doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. When you’re ready to elevate your home entertaining, turn to a simplistic recipe featuring fresh, bold flavors.
Whipped Goat Cheese Salsa
Photo provided

Developed by sommelier and founder of “The Lush Life,” Sarah Tracey, this Whipped Goat Cheese Salsa Dip is part of her “Dips and Sips” partnership with Fresh Cravings, makers of authentic-tasting chilled salsas offering a vibrant alternative to soft, dull blends of jarred salsa, flavor-filled hummus, plant-based vegan dips and veggie-packed creamy dips.

“When I entertain at home, I’m always looking for ways to impress my friends with fresh, creative bites I can pair with wine,” Tracey said. “My favorite hack is finding great products with high-quality ingredients then creating simple, elevated ways to serve them. The less time I spend in the kitchen, the more time I get to spend with my guests.”

Ready in just 15 minutes and paired with a rosé, this savory recipe provides an ideal way to satisfy guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, with goat cheese at the heart of the dip, it’s a delicious way to capitalize on trendy butter boards with an approachable main ingredient.

Watch how to make this recipe


Whipped Goat Cheese Salsa Dip
Recipe courtesy of Sarah Tracey
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 1          goat cheese log (8 ounces), softened at room temperature
  • 1          pinch sea salt
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa, Mild
  • 1/2       cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • 1          bunch fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • crackers, chips or vegetables
  • 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Rosé
  1. In food processor or blender, blend goat cheese with sea salt and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. If mixture is too firm, add cream little by little while pulsing blender until light, fluffy consistency is reached.
  2. Spread whipped goat cheese into shallow serving dish or onto board.
  3. Top with salsa.
  4. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley, if desired.
  5. Serve with crackers, chips or veggies. Pair with rosé.

Visit FreshCravings.com to discover more entertaining-worthy recipes and pairing ideas.


More Sentinel Stories



Photo Galleries


2025 Illinois Marathon Photo Gallery
A couple of runners found themselves in the wrong race at this year's Illinois Marathon. Over 60 photos from the race that you should see.

Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks