Well Smile Politely readers, times are strange. Ordinarily, we’d be using this space to encourage you to get out and enjoy all the C-U has to offer. That has become a difficult task. It’s important to maintain some sort of routine, some sort of normalcy in an abnormal situation, so we are going to continue publishing The Weekender. It’ll look different. We will have to put our collective creativity to the test, but hopefully it will be a weekly reminder of ways that you can make the best of these times, and stay connected with this amazing community we call home.
— The Editors
Sign up for a CSA, your house, all weekend, about $500 for a 24-week share
Are you starting to freak out about having fresh produce availble? Did you catch our CSA guide that published last week? Now’s the time to support local farmers and ensure you have some fresh fruits and veggies coming your way this summer. Look over the guide and sign on up. (JH)
Vote in our March Madness tournament, online, anytime, free
There’s no basketball this spring (except in your own driveway), but it’s as good of time as any to do our 2nd annual Smile Politely March Madness tourney, the Icons of C-U. We need the diversion, and we need to be reminded of what makes C-U great (and in some cases not so great). Throughout the next couple of weeks we will be giving you opportunity to vote on match ups such as Jarling’s vs. Curtis Orchard and Hessel Park vs. Things named Busey. The Round of 64 is ready for your votes now. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram to keep up with the action. (JM)
Get some wings to go, Rumbergers Wings & More, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices vary
Check out our new Champaign wing establishment Rumbergers Wings & More with a tagline “Flavor to the Bone.” Order one of their many wing offerings (10 piece, 15 piece, 20 piece, 30 piece, 40 piece, 50 piece, 60 piece, 70 piece, or 100 piece) with 17 different flavors. They are offering curbside pickup Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (AB)
Image from Facebook event page.
Join the first-ever virtual CUDO (Champaign-Urbana Design Organization) Happy Hour, anywhere with WiFi, Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free
A week of self-isolating is sure to be eased by adult beverages and a virtual chat with local creatives to share thoughts about work, current fears and frustrations, and the comfort of community. Kudos to CUDO for this creative solution. (DD)
Fill out your Census form, your house, anytime, free
I know, this is a wild weekend activity! By now you should’ve received your form for the 2020 U.S. Census. While this was always an important thing to complete, it’s even more important now as the government is going to have a lot of decisions to make in the near and distant future about allocating funds. We interviewed some folks in the know a few weeks back, if you want to know more about its importance. The next census doesn’t happen for 10 years, and you definitely have the time, so hop online and get it done. (JM)
Image from 25 O’Clock’s facebook page.
Pick up bottles of beer, 25 O’Clock Brewing Company, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., $12
The taproom is closed, but 25 O’Clock Brewing Company is offering bottle and gift certifcate pick-up. You can grab Belgian Triple, Quadruple, and Farmhouse 750mL bottles for $12 (tax included). They are sanitizing bottles and sanitizing all surfaces after each payment. (AB)
Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Have a virtual hangout with your friends, all weekend, whenever, we have nothing buy time, free
Over the last week, I’ve used FaceTime, Google Hangout, and Zoom to for meetings and socialization. It’s done wonders for my emotional well being; it’s really hard being cooped up in the house all day, everyday. Take some time (since you have plenty of it) to figure out these systems (they are easy to use), and make some dates with friends. Grab a glass of wine or a pint or some tea and cozy in for a little hang out. (JH)
Watch a performance from Drum TAO, recorded at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, free
One of the things I miss the most these days is the energy of a live performance. Thanks to the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage for recording this dynamic performance which you can now enjoy from the comfort of your couch. And thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for sharing widely. (DD)
Clean out your digital library, your computer and phone, all weekend, free
We all have too many digital files. Random photos of meals we had four years ago; that blurry one that we took accidentally and through looked “artistic”; some sign or screenshot of something we wanted to remember, but is now of zero importance because we forgot anyway. Now’s the time to start deleting shit. It’ll feel good, I promise. Put on one of these playlists and get to it. (JH)
Photo from U of I Department of Psychology Facebook page.
Check out these resources compiled by the University of Illinois Department of Psychology, anywhere, anytime, free
We are getting bombarded with information right now, and it’s a little overwhelming. Okay, a lot overwhelming. Everyone’s lives are upended and the future is uncertain. A group of students in the Clinical/Community program put together this resource page that covers everything from where to get accurate updates, to some self-care tips and coping strategies. (JM)
Top photo by Jessica Hammie.