The Sentinel

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

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.
Spread whipped goat cheese into shallow serving dish or onto board.
Top with salsa.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve with crackers, chips or veggies. Pair with rosé.

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