The 2020 census revealed that Urbana’s population decreased by about seven percent, which means they now need to come up with a new map of city council wards to ensure that they are balanced in …
Posts by Julie McClure:
There’s one more week to apply for the Community Solutions Incubator
If one of your goals in this new year is to venture into the world of nonprofit entrepreneurship, then the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois has a way for you to get started. They …
Champaign County Forest Preserve District will take your tree
Holiday tree pickup is happening in Champaign and Urbana this week, but if you didn’t get it out to the curb, don’t panic! Through January 14th, you can take your tree to one of three …
Celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday and help kids get books
Last month, United Way of Champaign County announced that they would be partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that puts free books in the hands of kids five and under. Now, on the …
Here are the 2024 MLK Award winners
The 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration is coming up on January 14th, and the committee will be honoring three individuals that “work to uphold the principles and ideals of Dr. King.” …
Guide to New Year’s Eve: 2023-2024
Here we are at the end of another year. How will you choose to celebrate? A subdued gathering? A nice meal? Pizza and beer? A late-night dance party? No matter what your style, there is …
See you in 2024
Today the Smile Politely publishing year comes to a close, as does our Year End Donation Campaign. If you’ve donated over the past couple of weeks, thank you! Asking for contributions from our readers was a new thing in …
Get holiday cookies without actually having to make them
This Saturday Hunny Bunny Bakes at The CU Flower House is doing a Holiday Cookie Walk. It’s like a cookie exchange of sorts, but you don’t have to make the cookies. People who make cookies …
Simplified Computers is loaded with items for gamers
Are you buying a gift for a gamer this year? Simplified Computers might be a good place to look. They have specific accessories that can enhance the gaming experience, and if you want to go …
Taste chili for a good cause at Fiala Brothers
Fiala Brothers Brewery & Beer Hall in Uptown Normal is hosting a chili cookoff on January 7th. The event will raise money for WishBone Canine Rescue, which is very important to me because that is …