In the Know | 8 headlines from last week you might have missed

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A summary of our stories from December 18 through 19. Subscribe to get your daily notification of The Sentinel's latest news and photos here. It's free and unsubscribe any time.

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Prep Sports Notebook | Area basketball teams post losses

Junior Aziyaha Davis led all Urbana scorers with six points in loss to Normal Community.

Owen Root and fellow junior Wyatt Eisenmann hauled in four rebounds apiece in win over Horizon Science Academy Southwest.

Addie Brooks came off the bench to post two third-quarter treys for six points for SJO at Pleasant Plains.

Unity snagged 21 rebounds and tallied eight assists in the 2-point overtime loss to Pleasant Plains.

Senior Abbie Piecaynski knocked down six fourth-quarter points, but it wasn't enough to close the gap with the generous Lady Braves' lead.

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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.

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5 ways to celebrate with the holidays and keep your family pet safe

NAPSI - Most pet parents agree: their animals are part of what makes the holiday season so magical. While it’s an excellent opportunity to integrate furry family members into all the special holiday traditions and make memories together, there are a few things you should keep in mind to keep your pet safe and healthy ...

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Coping with grief during the holiday season with loved ones, here's how

URBANA - During the holidays, societal norms expect us to be sociable and cheerful. But it can be difficult for people dealing with the loss of a loved one. A normal shopping trip may turn blue when you hear the song you used to dance to. Or the Christmas tradition of baking cookies just seems empty without your friend there.

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Sticker shock:
Government to halt footing bill for Covid treatment

Nearly 6 million Americans have taken Paxlovid for free, courtesy of the federal government. The Pfizer pill has helped prevent many people infected with covid-19 from being hospitalized or dying, and it may even

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Martinie scores team-high ten in SJO loss

Pleasant Plains - Hoping to extend their 1-game winning streak to two, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team came up short after this afternoon's road game at Pleasant Plains. Addisyn Martinie led the Spartans' in scoring with 10 points in the 55-26 loss to the host Cardinals.

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Photo of the Day

December 17, 2022

St. Joseph - SJO's Kaytlyn Baker makes a huge effort to dribble past Mahomet-Seymour's Savannah Orgeron ...

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Photo of the Day

December 18, 2022

TOLONO - Players on the bench and Unity fans, even Santa, celebrate a game-tying 3-point shot from Dalton O’Neill with 18 seconds ...

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Recipe | Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder

Photo provided

Family Features - Colder, shorter days call for a little comfort. Cozying up with a hearty meal on brisk winter evenings can help fight off the chill while savoring favorite flavors alongside the ones you love.

Avoid venturing into the cold for a trip to the store by turning to a pantry staple like sweetpotatoes. As one of the most versatile veggies, they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Perfectly suitable for both simple and elevated dishes, they can be baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or prepared on the stove so their sweet taste never goes out of style.

Their long shelf life – up to four weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – means you can rely on sweetpotatoes throughout the winter as an on-hand ingredient. Additionally, as a "diabetes superfood" according to the American Diabetes Association, they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease, making them a key source of nutrients during wintertime.

When your family needs a warm-up on those frosty days, put sweetpotatoes at the center of mealtime (with an added kick) in this Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder. Loaded with the flavors of winter comfort, you can breakaway from the store-bought canned soups for a filling meal that makes enough for a crowd so no one goes hungry.

Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission

Servings: 6

2 large North Carolina sweetpotatoes, baked
1 small onion, 1/4-inch diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 quart chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 1/2 cups whole corn kernels
2 teaspoons minced jalapenos
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
chopped scallions, for garnish

How to make it

Peel baked sweetpotatoes; discard skin and puree.

In soup pot, saute onion in butter until softened. Add pureed sweetpotato and stock, as desired. Bring to boil, reducing liquid slightly.

Add chicken, corn, jalapenos, heavy cream and salt. Simmer 10 minutes.

To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.

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Denied a home loan? Steps you can take to avoid it

Good credit demonstrates responsible money management and gives you more purchasing power

StatePoint Media - You have researched the best areas to live within your budget. Spent countless hours visiting homes or viewing them online and talked to seasoned homeowners to ensure you haven't missed anything. You finally make an offer on your dream home that is accepted, and then the worst happens, the bank won't okay your loan.

If you dream of homeownership, having your mortgage application denied can be devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Thirteen percent of all purchase mortgage applications -- a total of nearly 650,000 -- were denied in 2020, according to federal government data.

Before quickly reapplying for a loan, it’s important to first understand the reasons your loan was denied. The lender is required to disclose that information to you within 30 days of its decision. You can also call your lender for further explanation. Having this knowledge will help you work toward building your eligibility for a mortgage.

Illustration: Clker-Free-Vector-Images/Pixabay

In some instances, the situation involves a quick fix, such as providing missing or incomplete documentation. However, if the reasons cited for your application denial involve down payment cost, a low credit score, an adverse credit history or a high debt-to-income ratio, here are six steps you can take toward recovery:

1. Consult a Housing Counselor. Consider speaking to a community-based credit counselor or a HUD-certified housing counselor. They can help you create a plan to increase your savings, decrease your debt, improve your credit, access down payment assistance or take advantage of first-time homebuyer programs.

2. Improve Your Credit. In a 2022 Freddie Mac survey of consumers denied a mortgage application in the past four years, three in five cited debt or credit issues as reasons given for their initial denial. If this describes you, take time to improve your credit profile before applying for another loan. Good credit demonstrates responsible money management and gives you more purchasing power, opening doors to better loan terms and products. Visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com to access Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart suite of free financial education resources that can help you understand the fundamentals of credit and prepare you for homeownership.

3. Pay Down Debt. In the application process, lenders will look at your recurring monthly debts, such as car payments, student loans and credit card loans. By lowering or paying down monthly debts, you can build a positive credit history and lower your debt-to-income ratio. Not sure where to start? Tackle your debt with the highest interest rate first.

4. Obtain Gift Funds. If you’re short on money for your down payment, you may be able to use gift funds from a family member to decrease the amount you need to borrow.

5. Find a Co-Signer. A co-signer applies for the loan with you, agreeing to take responsibility for the loan should you default. The co-signer’s credit, income and debts will be evaluated to make sure they can assume payments if necessary. In addition to ensuring your co-signer has good credit, you should make sure they are aware of this responsibility and have sufficient income to cover the payment.

6. Look for a Lower-Cost Home. Remember, you should only borrow an amount you feel comfortable repaying. You may need to look for a lower-cost home than you’re financially prepared to purchase and maintain.

For more information and additional resources, visit myhome.freddiemac.com.

If your home loan application is denied, don’t panic. There are ways to build your eligibility so that next time, your mortgage application is more likely to be approved.

Taking care of yourself during the holidays, steps you can take

Photo: Hansuan Fabregas/Pixabay

StatePoint Media - With seasonal stressors like end-of-year work deadlines, gift shopping and hosting potentially weighing on you, plus all those extra sweets and indulgent foods to nibble on, the holiday season may be the happiest time of year, but it’s not always the healthiest. Here’s how to take better care of yourself to feel your best this holiday season.

Protect Your Skin
You may be aware that the more free radicals you have in your body, the more skin damage can accumulate over time. But did you know that exposure can be particularly high during the holiday season? There are a few reasons for this. One is that cooler temperatures are linked to sugar cravings, making sweet treats especially hard to resist at a time of year when there are so many to choose from. Increased sugar intake can boost the production of advanced glycation end products, and ultimately unwanted free radicals. In general, diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods can contribute to free radical production, as can stress.

Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your skin from the inside out during the holidays and beyond. Fernblock PLE (Polypodium leucotomos extract), the natural antioxidant in the dietary supplement Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula, can help neutralize free radicals and the damage they cause. Dermatologist-recommended, Heliocare aids in eliminating free radicals to help maintain younger-looking, more resilient skin.

“Along with the cheer of the season comes skin hazards,” says New York-based dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, MD. “But the holiday season is the perfect time to gift your skin additional protection from the damaging effects of free radicals. You can do this by incorporating a supplement like Heliocare into your routine in addition to using a topical broad spectrum sunscreen.”

To learn more, visit heliocare.com. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Heliocare is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

Move Daily
Be sure to take time for yourself each day to receive the combined physical and mental health benefits of movement. Head outdoors for a morning or afternoon walk to get some fresh air, improved blood circulation and some mood-boosting sunlight during the short, dark days of winter. To promote agility, flexibility and relaxation, take a few minutes to unwind with some meditation or gentle yoga.

Practice Healthy Habits
Holiday office parties and family gatherings often involve indulging in the kinds of food and drink that can leave you feeling more dehydrated, bloated and fatigued than you might normally. Counteract these effects by adopting healthy habits now that you can carry into the new year. Drink plenty of water each day, and incorporate decaffeinated green tea, coconut water or smoothies into your routine for added electrolytes. Likewise, get high-quality sleep each night. It’s especially important to do so if you’re burning the candle at both ends. For better shut-eye, avoid caffeine and blue light exposure before bedtime, and keep your bedroom temperature comfortable and consistent.

While it can be hard to set aside time in your schedule when there’s so much to do, a bit of daily self-care is sure to have a restorative effect that helps you refresh, reset and be more focused.

New RF technology can make you look years younger in as little as 10 weeks

NewsUSA - With the holiday season upon us, and the return to attending in-person events, everyone wants to look their best. But many people who might consider a skin-tightening treatment shy away from needles, and have concerns about fillers and chemicals. Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine offers an alternative to help you look years younger this coming summer.

Some forms of regenerative medicine involve using the body’s own cells, taking cells from one part of the body and using them to promote healing and rejuvenation where it is needed. This type of regenerative medicine has become a standard option in treating sports injuries, and recent advances have allowed the field to expand to aesthetics, specifically skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.

The EmFace procedure harnesses the body’s own regenerative and healing ability for individuals who want to improve their appearance without surgery. EmFace uses radio frequency to heat up the skin and promote collagen and elastin regrowth. It also uses a patented technology called Hi-Fes which causes a supramaximal contraction of the facial muscles, allowing them to build back.     

EmFace is a non-invasive procedure that promotes smoother, tighter skin without needles, fillers, or toxins. For example, EmFace can be used to create a “lateral brow lift” that raises the eyelids for a more energized appearance. The muscle- contracting technology also can improve the appearance of a sagging jawline by strengthening and toning the facial muscles that have weakened over time.     

EmFace can also be used concurrently with Botox and fillers as part of a facial rejuvenation plan.

“EmFace is complementary to injectables but many people won’t need injectables or need less” says Dr. Daniel Savarino, director of the Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine in Tinton Falls, N.J., which was the first practice in New Jersey to offer the EmFace procedure.

“During your consultation, we will go over the best path forward for you,” he adds. Advantages of EmFace include:

- Short and sweet. Each EmFace treatment takes 20 minutes, so patients can fit in appointments during a lunch break.

- Simple and safe. No pre-treatment preparations are needed, and there is no post-procedure downtime.

- Speedy results. Data show improvements after four EmFace sessions, and optimal results are evident at 10-12 weeks after the final session.

- Safe and Effective. 20-minute treatments provide an average of 40% wrinkle reduction, 25% lift and 30% rebuilding of the facial muscles.

The noninvasive aspect makes EmFace especially appealing for the holiday season, when no one wants the inconvenience of post-procedure downtime. “Our motto is ‘Don’t Operate . . . Regenerate,” says Dr. Savarino.

Locally, a procedure known as FaceTite is available at Rejuvenis Facial Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa in Champaign. Like EmFace, it uses new RF technology to give patients a more youthful appearance.

Photo of the Day | December 24, 2022

Spartans post regular season shutout over host Eagles

Rantoul - St. Joseph-Ogden's Garrett Siems leaps above a Rantoul defender to shield a high ball away during their regular season match on September 29. The Spartans won the regular season conference battle, 6-O. SJO finished the season 18-5-1 and third in the Illini Prairie Conference with a 4-2 record.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Photo Gallery | Photos from Urbana's 40-24 win over Danville

Urbana's Jasmine McCullough dribbles the ball around Danville Diamond Landfair in the first half. Three-for-four from the free throw line, McCullough finished the game with seven points to help the Tigers log their first home win since February 8, 2020. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Aziyaha Davis dribbles around senior Diamond Landfair during first half action of their Big 12 Conference game on December 8, 2022. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Tigers' Jasmine McCullough plays defense on Vikings' Jyah Parker. Urbana held Parker scoreless the entire game. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Urbana's Gabreille Mboyo-Meta fights to keep the ball away from Danville's Ajia Johnson in the second quarter. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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McKenzie Sprague is fouled going up for a shot between Danville's Diamond Landfair and Dajahnae Taylor. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Gabreille Mboyo-Meta goes up for a shot around Danville's Laila Johnson. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Urbana's McKenzie Sprague fires a jumper from the corner during the second half. The senior chipped in two points and four rebounds for the Tigers. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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McKenzie Sprague slides across the floor while try to get the ball away from Danville's Ajia Johnson. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Tiger freshman Elizabeth Lange reaches for a loose ball. Lange chipped in 2 points and collected one board for Urbana. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Urbana's Gabreille Mboyo-Meta goes for a second-half shot. Meta-Mboyo shared team-high scoring with eight points, three steals, and one rebound. The senior leads the team in steals (3.3), assists (7), and scoring (9.8) per game. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Freshman Mia Schroeder sees minutes in the Tigers' first home win in nearly three years. She collected five points and tallied a pair of rebounds in the rout. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Urbana fans cheer for their team in the fourth quarter. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Urbana's Aziyaha Davis is fouled as she goes up for a shot in the second half of the game by Danville's Diamond Landfair. Davis contributed eight rebounds and three steals with her three field goals in the Tigers' home win. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Tigers' Destiny Barber shares a funny story with teammates as the game clock with Danville passes the one minute to play mark. The senior forward finished the game with eight points, three steals, and five boards. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Photo of the Day | December 22, 2022

Postseason catch

Tolono - Unity receiver Will Cowan makes a leaping catch to haul down the ball over Mt. Carmel's Ashton Walker during their second-round playoff game on November 5, 2022. The Golden Aces' (9-2) playoff run ended the second straight season in a playoff loss at Hicks Field, after falling to the Rockets, 35-14. A senior, Cowan averaged 83 receiving yards per game for the program in his final prep season. .

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Prep Sports Notebook | Frick drops 20 in SJO's road game at Oakwood

St. Joseph-Ogden 56, Oakwood 23: Addison Frick was perfect at the free throw line, 2-for-2, while leading the Spartans to their second-straight victory heading into the Christmas holiday lull. The 5-foot-7 junior finished the night with a game-high 20 points in the non-conference game moved to Wednesday evening to avoid inclement weather bearing down on East Central Illinois. Classmate Addison Seggebruch scored 10 points in SJO's sixth win of the season.

Seven other players contributed in the team effort heading into the State Farm Classic, where they will open tournament play against the Sherrard Tigers (9-2) in the Small School bracket.

Senior Addie Wright carried the Comets scoring effort with eight points and Jaydah Arrowsmith added a free throw, a three-pointer, and short-range bucket in the the loss.

Just a mid-season reminder to varsity coaches at Unity, Urbana Uni-High, Urbana High School or St. Joseph-Ogden, please send us your box scores, statistical leaders for each game, and other info via email to sports@oursentinel.com or editor@oursentinel.com.

With schools out for winter break, seasonal illnesses will be on the rise

by Lee Batsakis
OSF Healthcare

Signs or symptoms to look out for are head bobbing and if a child has excessive head bobbing after each breath, flaring of their nostrils,...

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Photo: Caleb Woods/Unsplash

Evergreen Park - Schools across the country are on winter break and holiday gatherings are here along with the winter weather. That means the perfect storm for seasonal illnesses to spread is nearly inevitable. This year we have heard the term "triple-demic" used in reference to the current strains of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that are circulating across the country.

Health experts are urging parents to use caution in the coming weeks in order to help reduce the spread of these viruses. The least familiar of the three viruses for many parents is RSV. While RSV is not new, the patterns of circulation for RSV and other common respiratory viruses have been disrupted and have evolved since 2020. Health experts encourage parents to be aware of any signs and symptoms of this virus their child might be experiencing.

"Similar to other viruses they can present with cough, congestion, runny nose, and fever. However, with RSV, the symptoms seem to worsen on day three to five," says Dr. Safiat Amuwo, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician.

One symptom of RSV in particular that differentiates it from these other viruses is respiratory distress, which can be difficult for parents to recognize. Some people associate a persistent or worsening with respiratory distress. This, however, is not necessarily the best indicator. Dr. Amuwo says paying close attention to your child’s breathing and body language is key.

"Signs or symptoms to look out for are head bobbing and if a child has excessive head bobbing after each breath, flaring of their nostrils, chest retractions or increased work of breathing, poor feeding, they are lethargic, they are not easily arousable – these are some signs that they may be tiring out," Dr. Amuwo explains.

Dr. Amuwo adds that the increased work of breathing, or fast, shallow breathing, is the most important of these to watch for as an indication of respiratory distress that would likely indicate it could be RSV. If you think your child might be in respiratory distress, Dr. Amuwo says not to wait for an appointment with their pediatrician and to take them directly to the nearest emergency room.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of isolating and monitoring symptoms if someone receives a positive diagnosis of the virus. The same can be said for RSV. According to the CDC, people infected with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness – but some infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as four weeks.

Health experts urge families with a known case of RSV in the household to refrain from attending gatherings and to cancel any travel plans. If you have a sick child at home and need to go in to work, Dr. Amuwo advises parents to bring childcare to them rather than bringing your child outside of the home, which would increase the risk of spreading the disease.

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Dr. Safiat Amuwo
OSF HealthCare Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

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"In high risk populations, especially infants who are premature or who have some history or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, it is recommended to avoid daycares if possible," says Dr. Amuwo.

Because there is not currently a vaccine for RSV, the best way to prevent it is similar to the measures that have been used for prevention of COVID-19: hand washing and mask wearing. If you do have plans to see loved ones or to travel over the holidays, do so with caution.

There are measures that can be taken to help treat RSV at home, such as over-the-counter medications, warm showers, drinking plenty of fluids, and using a humidifier. Dr. Amuwo recommends talking to your child’s pediatrician before proceeding with any at-home treatments for RSV.

"A humidifier, specifically a cool mist humidifier, can help relieve some symptoms. However, if a child has underlying asthma or allergies, sometimes a humidifier can actually worsen their symptoms," Dr. Amuwo says.

Some at-home treatments that are recommended or work for one child does not necessarily mean they will work for another. Their pediatrician can help you determine the best plan for your child.

Like many viruses, RSV cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, if the virus progresses and a child develops further illness such as a superimposed bacterial infection or pneumonia, antibiotics may be an option. In any case, if your child’s symptoms worsen, make an appointment with their pediatrician. If they become severe, go to the nearest emergency room.

"If parents see that their child has respiratory distress – which includes the increased work of breathing, grunting, head bobbing, chest retractions, nasal flaring – those are more concerning signs so that would be more of a reason to be evaluated in an emergency room," advises Dr. Amuwo.

If you or your child become sick with RSV, COVID-19, or the flu this holiday season, monitor symptoms closely, follow the recommended guidelines to reduce the spread, and stay home until the virus has run its course.

Are you itching to get out and run the snow thrower?

Photo provided/NAPSI

NAPSI - With a total accumulation between two and four inches expected by this weekend and blowing snow until Sunday morning in our area, it is time to rev up the snow throwers and blowers to clear sidewalks and driveways for the holiday celebrations at your house.

Just like predicted precipitation from snow flurries and winter storms can be unpredictable, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages home and business owners to be prepared in advance before they tackle the first snowfall of the season tomorrow or on Saturday.

OPEI, an international trade association, represents manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars.

"Outdoor power equipment such as snow throwers can make quick work of a big job," says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. "Just remember: When getting out your snow thrower, review your owner’s manual. You should know how to correctly operate controls and quickly shut it off if necessary."

 Questions to ask before firing up your snow thrower

Have you read your owner’s manual? Know safe handling procedures and how to operate the controls of your machine. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online and store a copy on the computer. 

Have you checked your equipment? Equipment should be powered off when checking it. Adjust any cables and check the auger. If you forgot to drain the fuel before storing your equipment last year, empty the gas tank. 

Have you purchased the right fuel? Be sure to use the fuel recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. Buy gasoline ahead of a storm. For more information see LookBeforeYouPump.com. 

Is gasoline used safely? Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. Store gasoline in a fuel container and label with date purchased and ethanol content. Make sure fuel is stored safely and out of reach of children. 

Are batteries charged (for battery-powered equipment)? Make sure batteries are fully charged before a storm, in case electricity goes out.

Is the yard clear of obstructions? Snow can hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, wires, and other debris should be removed. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people. 

 Operating snow throwers safely

Are you dressed properly? Wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces. 

Is your clean-out tool ready? NEVER put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean-out tool to unclog snow or debris. Always turn off the snow thrower and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs.

Is your snow thrower operated only in visible conditions? Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. 

Will you use extreme caution clearing slopes and hills? Never attempt to clear steep slopes. Use caution when changing directions on slopes or inclines. 

For electric equipment, do you pay attention to where the cord is? Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use. Be aware of where the power cord is at all times when using the machine. Avoid tripping. Do not run over the power cord.

 Are pets and children inside while the snow thrower is operating? It’s best to keep kids and pets indoors and supervised while a snow thrower is operating. Do not allow them to play in the snow as it is tossed out of the chute. 

A college education is gift we can give to children of our American heroes

Ashley Audo, a student at Eastern Illinois University, poses with a photo of her father U.S. Army Major David Audo, who died while serving in Iraq in 2009. Audo is a recepient of a scholarship from the Children of Fallen Patriots.

Photo provided

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NAPSI - While the holiday season is generally a time of joy and celebration, military families can often experience a very different range of emotions. Active service members and veterans returning home for the holidays might struggle to participate in family gatherings or even find the season particularly distressing. And, for the families of those service members who do not return, the holidays can be an agonizing reminder of a loved one’s absence. 

In the spirit of the season, honoring the sacrifice of all men and women who proudly served in our armed forces through charitable giving can make a big difference, especially for students like Ashley Audo.

"It means that he was willing to put his life on the line for his country, as well as his family," Ashley Audo, a student at Eastern Illinois University, said in her student spotlight on the Children of Fallen Patriots website. "My Dad loved what he did, and I am proud that he was able to find happiness in life."

Audo added: "Receiving this scholarship from Children of Fallen Patriots has impacted my life because, without it, I would not be able to reach my goals and achieve my dreams of being a nurse.".

Children of Fallen Patriots, a foundation that honors the sacrifices of fallen military heroes by helping ensure the success of their children through college education, has outlined several ways that showcase how charitable giving ensures strong futures. 

Support Veteran-Serving Organizations

Tens of thousands of non-profits exist in the United States dedicated to serving veterans and their families. With so many different veteran-serving organizations in the States, it’s crucial to ensure donations are doing the most good for heroes in need. 

A good way to evaluate an organization is to use Charity Navigator, a renowned nonprofit evaluation site. The site rates charities on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of their programs on a four-star scale, evaluating their measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability. 

Care for Military Families in Need

Service members selflessly put their own lives on the line to ensure better lives for all Americans, but their families sacrifice much as well. While many organizations offer support directly to veterans, the family back home can get lost in the shuffle. 

Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. Studies show that almost 25,000 children have lost a parent in the line of duty over the last 35 years. A college education is a significant financial burden, and the majority of surviving military spouses make less than $50,000 annually. 

Since 2002, Children of Fallen Patriots has provided over $61 million in support to over 2,700 children, including over 1,300 graduates. Additionally, the Gold Star family-focused nonprofit earned a perfect rating from Charity Navigator—an accomplishment less than 1% of the 200,000 rated charities have earned. 

"The best way to honor the sacrifice of our service members is to ensure better futures for their children," said David Kim, co-founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots. "A college education is the single most important gift we can give to the children of our fallen heroes, especially during the holiday season—a particularly difficult and stressful time for Gold Star families."

Generosity Goes Beyond The Wallet

Making a donation is one of the easiest ways to support veteran-serving organizations, but plenty of options exist. 

More and more people give their time by coordinating fundraising events, such as bake sales and 5k runs. They also spread the word on social media so the country’s veteran community is supported and speak up about the issues that adversely affect them. 

For more information on how you can support the foundation, visit www.fallenpatriots.org. 

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Update: This article has been updated to reflect that Maj. Audo lost his life in a non-combat related incident as reported by Military Times. Press release at the time of his demise indicate that Audo, 35, of St. Joseph, died on October 27, in Baghdad, from injuries sustained while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the 22nd Military Police Battalion, 6th Military Police Group.

Photo of the Day | December 21, 2022

Big swings bouy SJO at regionals

Bismarck - St. Joseph-Ogden's Addy Roesch attempts a kill between Hoopeston Area blockers Kaitlynn Lange and Charissa Johnson during their regional semifinal match October 25. The Spartans advanced to the title match after their three-setter defeating the Cornjerkers, 25-10, 22-25, 25-19. Roesch, a junior, posted nine kills and led the team on defense with ten digs.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Photo of the Day | December 20, 2022

Adda-girl

St. Joseph - With teammate Addisyn Martinie trying to help out, Addison Frick pulls down a rebound in SJO's home game against Cissna Park on Monday. The underdog Spartans pulled out an upset win over the visiting Timberwolves, 50-41.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Prep Sports Notebook | Spartans, Rockets post wins on the hardcourt

St. Joseph-Ogden 50, Cissna Park 41: Spartans Taylor Hug, Addison Frick, and Addisyn Martinie finished the night in double-digits taking down the 10-2 Timberwolves. Hug, a senior, drained 21 points, 15 from three-point range. Frick contributed 14 points, and Martinie, who was 2-for-2 from the free throw line, scored 10 in the upset non-conference win Monday night. St. Joseph-Ogden (5-7) look to extend their win streak to two games tonight at Oakwood.

Mikayla Knake led the Lady T'Wolves with 16 points.

Unity 59, Warrensburg-Latham 52: Bouncing back from Saturday's loss at Mt. Zion, the Unity girls' basketball team (8-3) ground out a hard-earned road victory over the Cardinals. Raegan Stringer led the Rockets with 24 points and five assists. Addison Ray delivered a 12-point effort and had a pair of assists. Both Stringer and Ray snagged four rebounds apiece.

Meanwhile, Reagan Little, who is averaging seven rebounds per game, just missed a double-double performance contributing 10 points and nine boards. However, the leader in the paint was Lauren Miller, who hauled in a team-high 13 rebounds and tallied seven points in win #8 this season.

Guest Commentary | Seeing the hurts of others doesn’t make your troubles go away

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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When I was a child at Tomahawk Elementary School in Martin County, Kentucky there were many kids who got little to nothing for Christmas. I had classmates who I would never ask if they got anything for Christmas because I already knew the answer. Some of these kids were just glad to be in school. At school they could receive a free lunch and have access to a bathroom which they didn’t have at home. This also meant they could wash their faces and their hands which was difficult at home especially in the winter months.  While most of us didn’t have much, what we did have seemed like a lot to those who had nothing. 

This is where you need to stop and think. You stress about all you may not have but what do you have in comparison to those who have nothing? Do you have a place to sleep? Do you have a comfortable bed? Is your house or apartment warm and comfortable? Do you know you will have food to eat on Christmas day? Do you have a television to watch? Do you have a telephone? Do you have a few dollars in your pocket? 

I’m very aware there are millions of Americans who are below the financial income poverty level. They have it tough. Our cities are filled with growing numbers of homeless populations.  People are sleeping under bridges, overpasses and on riverbanks. Too many of these have met with unfortunate circumstances in life due to bad choices, addictions, unemployment, mental illness, and family issues. The list is never-ending. This doesn’t make their lives any easier. Just because there is a reason for the problems doesn’t make their burdens lighter or unnoticeable. Their reality is still harsh and painful. 

Millions more immigrants are coming to America. Where will they sleep? Where will they work? Many of them will work for $8 an hour and work hard but many of them will be homeless or stranded in homeless shelters on government dependence for a long time. Would any of us want to trade places with them? I don’t think so. 

Whatever darkness you are facing this Christmas is your reality. Seeing the hurts of others doesn’t make your troubles go away. However, if you can be thankful for the life you have, then maybe Christmas will take on a whole new light. 

Look to the most special gift of all this Christmas – the baby in the manger. Shepherds raced to see the baby just as the angels said they would. Wise men came from the east and worshipped him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Mary and Joseph did the best they could as peasant parents of a new baby boy.  

Keep the scripture of Isaiah 9:6 handy this Christmas. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace.  

May His peace comfort your heart and be your light and strength through this seasonand every day to come. 

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. 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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Photo of the Day | December 19, 2022

Tough as Thomas

TOLONO - Unity's Henry Thomas goes up for a shot between two Pleasant Plains players during second half action of their non-conference contest on Saturday. In front of an intimate crowd of about 350 spectators, the Rockets fell 45-43 in overtime to the Cardinals at Liz Osborn Gymnasium. Thomas and the 5-3 squad play again tomorrow against visiting Paris. Tip off is set for 7pm.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Tips to avoid an unhappy holiday season

NAPSI - With just six days until Christmas, the United States Postal Service urges customers to be vigilant to avoid mail fraud and theft. Tis' the season for scammers and theives looking to ruin your holiday cheer.

By now, you have seen dozens of videos of "porch pirates" - brazen theives who steal packages from doorstep in broad daylight - thanks to the door and security cameras. Mail and packages delivered to homes in nice, upscale neighborhoods, such as this one shown in this news report and this one on the other side of the country, are not spared from the most unlikely looking dispicable criminals.

Here are some of the common mistakes people make during the holidays that lead to a lot of frustration for you and pure delight for the bad guys:

1. Get swindled. Scammers use bogus charities and underhanded tactics to fraudulently take money from you and away from legitimate charities, especially at the holidays. Before you donate, check out the charity and look carefully at the name. Be sure to make your check payable to the organization and not to an individual. And don’t let them pressure you to give money on the spot. 

2. Advertise your vacation. A visible pile of delivered mail and packages in front of your home is an invitation for the bad guys to help themselves. If you will be out of town or away for an extended period, have your mail held at your local Post Office. Use the HOLD MAIL feature on the USPS.com website or choose the HOLD FOR PICKUP option when shipping. 

3. Give away cash. Cash is untraceable. It’s easy to steal, making it a tempting target for thieves. Send money another way, such as with a check or USPS money order. 

4. Start a fire. Sending hazardous items can spark a fire in the mail system or cause someone harm. Check to see if your items are prohibited or restricted before going to your local Post Office location. 

5. Neighborhood (un)watch. Large volumes of mail and packages make postal employees tempting targets for crooks. Keep an eye out for the safety of your mail carriers. If you see something suspicious or someone following your carrier, call the police immediately.

6. Ignore your doors. If you don’t keep an eye on your door and porch, you can be sure the bad guys will. If you have a camera system, make sure it’s focused on capturing activity at your front door or mailbox. 

7. Keep secrets. When you do not report a mail theft or fraud, the crook gets away with a crime. Report it! Call 1-877-876-2455. You can also report mail crime by visiting USPIS.gov/Report. 

8. Mess with the mail. Mess with the mail and you could go to jail. 

For more great tips you can use not just during the holidays, but all year long, visit the website at uspis.gov/holiday-2022. 

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.

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.