After the relative calm of July, August always hits with full force. If you are a teacher, student, or parent, it’s back to school chaos. (And if you are none of those things you still know — if you’ve lived here long enough — better than to go anywhere near North Prospect when the students come back.) It isn’t quite time for fall things, but sometime during the month there is always a bit of a shift. I know for me, it’s easy to get wrapped up in doing things for other people. So this month, I’m giving you a few ways you can do something nice for yourself. Whether it’s getting a new (to you) book, or finding out what the future holds.

See how your stars align
Some people got into sourdough bread baking during the pandemic. I got into astrology. I should have seen it coming; there isn’t a Myers-Briggs or Enneagram test that I haven’t done. So this astrological flower class with tarot card reading which includes flowers and a tarot reading Is right up my alley. The flower arranging portion will be done with Amanda of CU Flower House and will be based on a tarot card pulled at the beginning of class. Attendees will be making their own floral creations and also have a chance to talk to astrologer Candy Elliott Reeder who will look at “how their Venus, Mars, and Eros placement can influence navigating love and relationships, and how to best tap into their passions.” Get your ticket in advance.
Astrological Flower Class with Tarot Card Reading
The CU Flower House
2006 S Neil St
Champaign
Th August 24th
5 to 7:30 p.m.
$75

Bring home a piece of Krannert
Hundreds of pieces — many of them, one of a kind — will be available for purchase at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Costume and Prop Sale. This sale has previously been held biannually and helps clear out space for new costumes due to limited storage space. There will be a mix of costumes and props from previous shows. You can pay $3 for early admissions or get in free after 12 p.m.
Krannert Costume and Prop Sale
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 S. Goodwin Ave
Urbana
Sa August 26th
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$3 for early admission or free after 12 p.m.

Be a supportive fan
With classes at the University of Illinois starting soon, campus gets pretty hectic and is usually a place to avoid. But exceptions can still be made. This Fan Day celebration with the women’s volleyball team is a great opportunity to get active and meet the team. There will be food trucks, skill stations with the coaches and athletes, and player introductions. Getting to support and interact with these players is such a fun way to participate in Illini athletics. For more volleyball this season, see the full schedule of the Big Ten lineup.
Illini Volleyball Fan Day
Huff Hall
1206 S 4th St
Champaign
Sa August 19th
11 a.m.
Free but bring money for food

Add to your book stack
I’m always looking for an excuse to add to my pile of books waiting to be read. So a book sale that also happens to be a fundraiser is a winning combination. All of the funds raised at the Tolono Library used book sale will go towards purchasing new books for the library. The library is also a school supply drive drop off location, the full list of supplies is available and all donations will go toward students at the Unit 7 school district.
Tolono Library Used Book Sale
Tolono Public Library
111 E. Main St. P.O. Box 759
Tolono
Th August 3rd to Su August 6th
During library hours
Prices vary