Ribbon Cutting at Commonwealth Apartments
Check out brand new apartments located in historic downtown Centralia! All are welcome to join us for an open house and ribbon cutting event
The Commonwealth building is known to locals as the old green grill building. The storefronts have gone through a complete renovation in Spring of 2025, now we are celebrating the renovation of the 2nd floor apartments!
Come out and see the progress that has been made from a local family's continued community investments! We can't wait to celebrate them.
Winter Raccoon Lake Association Meeting
You are invited to attend the Winter Dinner and Business Meeting of the Raccoon Lake Association at Castle Ridge on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
5:30 – 7:00 pm: Social time with dinner from the menu will be held in a private room at Stonewater Restaurant in Castle Ridge. Dinner will be “Dutch treat”.
Those planning to dine are asked to RSVP by either texting Michele Gulley at (618)-918-6066 or calling Castle Ridge at (618)-352-6070. Please state your reservation is for the Raccoon Lake Association Dinner, as well as the number of people who will be eating. We would appreciate RSVPs no later than Tuesday, January 13th.
7 pm: The business meeting will provide an update on lake clean-up activities, a discussion of recent hunting incidents, a possible request for temporarily lowered lake levels to allow dock and shoreline maintenance, plans to assist the City of Centralia with a future grant application for shoreline stabilization, and other pertinent information.
Residents from around the lake and interested community members are encouraged to attend. We hope to see you on January 15th!
Annual voting membership of $20 per family can be paid at the meeting.
President – Tom Hawkins, Vice-President – Greg Queen, Secretary – Jeannell Charman, Treasurer – Patricia Accomando
Directors – Peter Pierceall, Missy Reed, Alan Sanner, Shannon Shipley, Allison Wiltison
Cardinal's Caravan at Castle Ridge
Cardinals Caravan at Castle Ridge!!
Join us Sunday, January 18th at 12pm
Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
Come see special guest Fred Bird and current Cardinal players as well alumni!!
Doors Open at 11:30am and the event begins as 12:00pm.
The event benefits The NubAbility® Athletics Foundation, the $10 admission tickets include general admission with a ballpark snack pack and one extra raffle ticket.
Raffle tickets for Cardinal memorabilia and swag will also be available for sale on-site with proceeds to benefit The NubAbility® Athletics Foundation.
Tickets purchased to attend the Cardinals Caravan program will offer first-come, first-served seating. Doors open on Sunday, January 18th at 11:30am for the public symposium which will include a Q&A session, and a free Autograph Session. The first 400 children (ages 15 and under) through the door on the night of the event will receive a free Ticket for autographs from current and former players. Based on time and demand, other attendees will be allowed to follow the children for autographs.
The Centralia stop of the Caravan will include current Cardinals along with top prospects and Cardinals alumni. One of the current Cardinals broadcasters will be the emcee for the event. The line-up will be announced in early January.
The NubAbility® Athletics Foundation exists to encourage, inspire, and instruct limb different youth by getting them out of the stands, off the bench and into the game so they can excel confidently in sports and in life.
Refresh & Refocus - Chamber Lunch at Centralia House
Presentation on reviewing new additions to our community, what the Chamber has done recently, and new community partnerships.
Limited to first 50 people.
$25 per person. Menu will be posted soon.
RSVP ONLINE: https://forms.gle/GpPiiMvivaLqJ4Dc8
Tour D'Italia Wine School & Pairing Dinner
It's HERE!! Wine School: Tour d'Italia!! We're touring Italy in an evening, complete with wine and food pairings!!
Here are the details:
Wednesday, January 21st
Doors @ 6pm; Class/Pairings 7-10pm
$100 per guest includes everything
Tickets at the QR code or link.
Join us for Wine School: Tour d’Italia, where wine enthusiasts and food lovers can immerse themselves on a journey of rich flavors for which Italy is best known, escorted by our winemakers/tour guides Shannon Cooney and Kris Becker. The evening begins with doors opening at 6pm, followed by an engaging class from 7-10pm. This special experience includes tastings of six distinctive wines, paired with expert-led discussions, exploring Italy's renowned wine regions and varietals (i.e. Vermentino, Barbera, Sangiovese/Brunello, and more). The evening will be enhanced with bread service, charcuterie, and, at least, three thoughtfully selected pasta pairings, finishing with digestivi to complete the adventure. Come tour Italy—no passport required—with food and wine in a relaxed, educational setting. We'll provide all you need. Buona notte!! Limited to maximum 18 guests. Age 21+ only. These have always sold out.
"I'm excited about this!! For me personally, Italy is where I discovered a true love for the wines of the world, and it is one of my favorite places on the planet. I've had the honor of traveling there many times, eating and cooking (both passions of mine) Italian food for the masses, and even welcoming an Italian student, Gaia (now my Italian daughter), into my home for a year. Half of my heart lives there. Maybe some day I will too. Kris and I look forward to transporting to Italy for an evening with you. Until then...Buon Anno a tutti (Happy New Year, everyone)!!"
-Shannon Cooney, Owner/Co-winemaker
Ribbon Cutting at Byrd Watson Pharmacy
We are celebrating the new location of Byrd-Watson in Centralia! Tuesday, January 27, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at their new location at 12:00pm. This event is open to the public.
After the ribbon cutting, Byrd-Watson is hosting an open house. Come out to celebrate, shop, and network!
Go for the Gold - United Way Fundraiser
🥇 Going for the Gold
United Way of South Central Illinois Annual Dinner
Join us for Going for the Gold, United Way of South Central Illinois’ largest fundraiser of the year — an Olympicobligations-free evening celebrating the champions who make our community stronger every single day.
Inspired by the spirit of the Olympics, this year’s Annual Dinner honors teamwork, perseverance, and the power of people coming together for a common goal. Just like the Games, real victories aren’t won alone — they’re achieved through collaboration, commitment, and community.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy:
A lively Olympic-themed program
Interactive table games and fun competition
Recognition of community champions
Stories of impact made possible through United Way programs
Dinner, celebration, and plenty of gold-worthy moments
Funds raised through Going for the Gold directly support United Way of South Central Illinois’ work in early childhood literacy, food security, education, emergency assistance, and community-wide initiatives that improve lives across Jefferson, Marion, and Washington Counties.
Whether you’re purchasing a ticket, sponsoring the event, or supporting at any level, your participation helps move our community closer to the podium — where everyone has a chance to win.
Let’s raise the torch.Let’s celebrate our champions.Let’s go for the gold — together.
Double Feature of Matthew Packman Films at RAIL Coffee Room
Double Feature Night at RAIL Coffee Room
RAIL Coffee Room
Feb 1 from 5pm to 7pm CST
Overview
Kick back with us at RAIL Coffee Room for an evening of back-to-back horror shorts from local filmmaker, Matthew Packman!
Join us on February 1, 2026 for an incredible evening of vampires, rock n' roll, and independent cinema!
Come enjoy two back-to-back films written and directed by local filmmaker and Centralia native, Matthew Packman! Enjoy delicious food and beverages at RAIL, and be sure to stop by the bar at Boiler Room: The Hidden Speakeasy at RAIL for drinks!
Stick around after the screening for a Q&A session with Packman and his team!
This is event is for moviegoers ages 18 and over.
Doors at 5:00 PM.
Films begin at 5:30 PM.
Q&A at 6:30 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/double-feature-night-at-rail-coffee-room-tickets-1979270793223
Celebrate Progress - Chamber Annual Banquet
Celebrate our chamber members who inspire progress!
Centralia Chamber Annual Banquet at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center (27210 College Road).
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Sponsored by KASKASKIA COLLEGE, Bradford National Bank, Jerry’s Grill & Bar, Kretzer’s Bar & Grill, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.
5:30pm - Doors Open - Buy a Balloon to win a Balloon Pop! Prize
6:00pm - Dinner and Cocktails - "A Taste of our Community"
Castle Ridge - Prime Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce
Centralia House - Jambalaya
Crooked Creek Winery - Signature Drinks
C’s Sweets Specialty Cupcakes - Desserts
From Agnes’ Kitchen - Collard Greens and Cornbread
Kretzer’s Grill & Bar - Wings in Three Styles
Melinda's Coffee + Bistro - Summer Salad and Crostini
Simply Soul - Mac & Cheese
Wintea Express - Egg Roll and Dumplling
7:00pm - Awards and Presentations
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Judge Ericka Sanders
AWARDS
Travis Etheridge (The Insurance Alliance / Hank's Lounge / Jack's) - Partners in Progress
Heather Day (Colonial Golf Course) - Partners in Progress
Bradford National Bank - Partners in Progress
Jeff's Chem Dry - 25th Anniversary
Centralia Coin & Stamp - 35th Anniversary
Bandy's Pharmacy - 50th Anniversary
WJBD Radio - 70th Anniversary
Kaskaskia College - 85th Anniversary
Centralia BPW - 100th Anniversary
Byrd Watson Pharmacy - 120th Anniversary
LEGACY AWARD
The Cooneys and Partners: Repurpose Development / Crooked Creek Winery / Farmstand 161 / Crooked Creek Winery Downtown / Cooney Hospitality Group / Centralia House / Prescription Shared Space
8:00pm - BALLOON POP! PRIZE GIVEAWAY
RSVP ONLINE: https://forms.gle/5Du5qBHg3bPGoWYY9
$300 for a table of 6 - $50 per person
$1,000 Event Sponsor - includes table and logo recognition
$2,000 VIP Sponsor - includes two tables, exclusive logo placement, and VIP table service
Melinda's Galentines Lunch
Galentines at Melinda’s! Details will be released as soon as more are available, including time.
TIME TBD. It’s not confirmed to be from 11:00am-2:00pm, we just had to put a time in to the calendar.
Simply Soul's Galentine
Tickets are live! Grab them on Simply Soul’s Facebook Page!
Want to guarantee that you sit with your friends? We have VIP tables that include a special gift.
February 13th from 6pm - 11 pm
What to expect? A good time, good food, and good music provided by a local DJ
Galentine 2026 by Simply Soul
Calling all the amazing gals! Join us in person for an unforgettable day filled with laughter, fun, and amazing memories. Galentine 2026 is all about celebrating friendship and empowering each other. Bring your besties (male or female), dress to impress or as comfortable as you want, and get ready for a fantastic time. Don’t miss out on the good vibes and incredible moments waiting for you!
BYOB
Doors at 5:30 PM
Chamber Monthly Luncheon
The March Chamber Luncheon will be on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:00pm.
Details are not yet available. Stay tuned!
Regional Business Expo
Save the Date! This Spring, the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is focused on highlighting businesses in our region. This is a FREE event for the public to come out and see what the Quad-County area has to offer.
Discover everything from home goods, home improvement, and non-profits. This is a one-day event, taking place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Interested in being a vendor? Register online: https://forms.gle/qRdoHe33Q3PE11NM8
Thanks to Kaskaskia College for sponsoring. The event will be held in the gymnasium at KC.
Golf Plae Dae
Save the date for our longest-standing chamber event, Golf Plae Dae, on Friday May 1, 2026! Shotgun tee-off is at 11:00am.
Location: Colonial Golf Course, Sandoval, IL.
More details to come soon!
Locust Street Historical Fair
Save the date for the annual Locust Street Historical Fair! This event takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. More details will be available closer to time.
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.
Friday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 3:00pm - 10:00pm.
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.
Saturday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 3:00pm - 10:00pm.
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Centralia Balloon Fest
The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on August 21-22-23, 2026 at Centralia Foundation Park.
Sunday hours of Centralia Balloon Fest is 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Sunday is Free Family Fun Day! Entry and parking are free. There are kids activities all day in the park.
For details, visit the centraliaballoonfest.com or click on “Balloon Fest” at the top of the page
Greenview Golf Course Membership Drive
BIG NEWS AT Greenview Golf Course
2026 is shaping up to be the best year yet at Greenview!
We’re rolling out a new approach to the course with major upgrades, including:
Tee boxes
Fairways
Greens
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Saturday, January 10th
Noon
McKenna Hall
Come out, meet the team, and hear about the new and improved Greenview Golf Course and what’s ahead for 2026.
Big changes. Big plans. Be part of it.
A Gatsby New Year at Boiler Room - RAIL's Hidden Speakeasy & Lounge
Behind the hidden door… beneath the chandeliers…
A New Year waits to be welcomed in whispers and champagne fizz.
Join us at The Boiler Room Speakeasy
New Years Eve, December 31
8pm-midnight
$20 per person, limit quantity
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE https://buytickets.at/railcoffeeroom
Expect:
Beautiful serenading by 𝐙’𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀
Sultry 𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬 entertainment by 𝙕𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡
Decadent house cocktails crafted for the occasion
Best dressed competition
Midnight champagne toast and party favors
Along with the 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 magic only a 1920’s speakeasy can conjure
Step into the shadows
Step into the celebration
Step into 2026 in true prohibition style
Repeat the Sounding Joy: Songs of Christmas presented by Centralia Opera
Celebrate Christmas with the Centralia Opera, December 23rd at 5:00 at Calumet Street Christian Church. Hear beloved Christmas classics, operatic arias, and other silly songs. No tickets necessary, but donations are greatly encouraged.
Sopranos, Chloe Beal, Grace Hummel, Ashley Brewer, and Greer Arcomona, tenors, William Johnson and Spencer Domer, and baritone, Caden Cole in collaboration with Maestro Elijah Harrison Buerk ring in the Christmas Spirit with music from Händel, Elvis, Puccini, Bing Crosby, and more Tuesday, December 23rd at 5:00 at Calumet Street Christian Church in in this celebration of Christmas Joy!
Ugly Sweater Party at Locust Street Pub
Music by Cody Galloway! Drink specials..Cranberry Margaritas - Sugar Cookie Cocktail - Grinch Juice served in a Christmas Ornament & more! Come and let’s have some FUN!
Sippin' with Santa
‘Tis The Season For Cocktails With The Jolly Ol’ Man Himself!
Join Us Saturday, DECEMBER 20th as Santa & Mrs. Claus bring the Candy Canes & STONEWATER provides the Holiday Cocktails & Christmas Fare.
Sippin’ with Santa at The Castle!
December 20th from 6-9PM.
Reservations recommended, not required:
https://booking.toasttab.com/…/6fbcd876-462e…/findTime
Paint and Sip with Simply Soul
Simply Soul will be hosting a Paint and Sip from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at its newly opened location at 548 N. Poplar.
The gift shop will be open from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM for shopping opportunities.
Letters to Santa at Farmer's State Bank of Hoffman
Join us at FSB at our Hoffman location on December 20th from 10 am- 12 pm for a festive Christmas event! Kids can write letters to Santa, receive a free gift, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy our yummy hot cocoa bar. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Breakfast With Santa at Centralia Recreation Complex
The Centralia Recreation Complex is hosting a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 20th from 9–11 AM!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, holiday cheer, and plenty of fun for the whole family,
Santa will be there to visit and interact with the kids, spreading Christmas joy and posing for photos!
Plus, we’ll have craft stations for coloring and making reindeer food to take home — perfect for Christmas Eve magic!
Breakfast: $5 per person
📍Centralia Recreation Complex. 115 E 2nd St, Centralia, IL
Let’s make this holiday season merry, bright, and full of memories!
Very Merry Christmas Chamber Member Lunch at Jerry's Grill & Bar
Jerry’s Grill & Bar is the host of the Very Merry Christmas Lunch! This event is for Chamber Members on December 17, 2025, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
Fun and Prizes for the Most Festive attendees! Wear your ugly sweaters, light-up suits, elf hats, or themed outfits! We’ll play some games and give out some prizes.
Limited to 75 people. This event typically sells out.
$25 per person. RSVP Online.
Story Time & Book Signing with Local Author Chrystal Paige Brown & Harvey the Dog (& Santa!)
Join author Chrystal Paige Brown and Harvey the dog for a free family fun-filled event that’ll have a special appearance by Santa Claus!
Enjoy sing-alongs, arts and crafts, and listen to Chrystal read her brand-new book “Harvey’s Day”: Join Harvey as he goes to daycare for a fun-filled day! His day is full of tail wagging excitement. He learns to share with his puppy pals and makes the best of every playful moment.
The book is geared for ages 0-6, but everyone is welcome. “Harvey’s Day” and the previous book, “Harvey”, will be available for purchase, along with Harvey’s artwork. If you already own a copy of the book(s), feel free to bring it if you’d like it signed. You don’t want to miss out on this meet and greet opportunity. Chrystal and Harvey can’t wait to meet everyone!
Harvey books and merchandise will be available for purchase. Payment methods are cash, Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo.
-MEET THE AUTHOR–
Chrystal Paige Brown lives in Chicago, IL, with her bichpoo dog, Harvey—who is much more than just a pet; he’s family. Chrystal’s love for storytelling started early. From the age of eight, she was performing in theater, embracing the spotlight and developing a passion for the arts. She pursued her love for performance by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with an emphasis on theater performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).
After graduating, she moved to Chicago and began performing in musicals for children, bringing joy and creativity to young audiences. While her career took a turn into professional nannying, her love for storytelling never faded. Now, she’s an author by night, crafting heartwarming stories—especially those inspired by her adventures with Harvey.
In her free time, Chrystal enjoys playing the flute and piccolo, and most of all, spending quality time with Harvey, her loyal companion and the star of her books.
Check out their website at http://theharveyseries.com/
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge!
Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Get tickets at
https://castleridge.com/.../holiday-escape-room-castle.../
The magic (and mayhem) of the holidays awaits… can you make it out in time?
Gather your crew and take on one of our thrilling Holiday Escape Rooms — the perfect festive challenge for friends, families, or coworkers ready to sleigh the season!
$25 per person | Up to 8 players per group
20 minutes to escape | Ages 8 & up
Time slots every 30 minutes — limited availability!
Friday, Dec. 12th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Don’t miss out — these spots vanish faster than Santa on Christmas Eve!
Make it a full night out!
Reserve your table at Stonewater at Castle Ridge for dinner before or after your escape. Celebrate your victory (or plot your revenge) over cocktails by the lake.
Experience the thrill. Feel the holiday rush. Escape before the clock strikes cheer!
Centralia Community Concert Band Performance
Centralia Community Concert & Jazz Bands present a performance of Christmas music arrangements in both symphonic and jazz styles. Everyone is welcome, and admission is FREE. Reception with light refreshments after concert.
Christmas at the Castle
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE
Saturday, December 13 | 10AM–4PM
Santa & Mrs. Claus visiting 11AM–3PM!
Get ready to shop, sip, and sparkle at one of the most magical days of the year!
Join us for the 5th Annual Christmas at The Castle— where twinkling lights, festive silver bells, and the spirit of the season fill every corner of the Castle.
Shop local from dozens of amazing vendors, grab your holiday favorites, and cross off your Christmas list in one merry day!
Don’t forget to bring the kiddos for photos and holiday cheer with Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
Come feel the magic, support local makers, and make this holiday season unforgettable!
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge
Holiday Escape Rooms at Castle Ridge!
Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Get tickets at
https://castleridge.com/.../holiday-escape-room-castle.../
The magic (and mayhem) of the holidays awaits… can you make it out in time?
Gather your crew and take on one of our thrilling Holiday Escape Rooms — the perfect festive challenge for friends, families, or coworkers ready to sleigh the season!
$25 per person | Up to 8 players per group
20 minutes to escape | Ages 8 & up
Time slots every 30 minutes — limited availability!
Friday, Dec. 12th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13th
6:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM
Don’t miss out — these spots vanish faster than Santa on Christmas Eve!
Make it a full night out!
Reserve your table at Stonewater at Castle Ridge for dinner before or after your escape. Celebrate your victory (or plot your revenge) over cocktails by the lake.
Experience the thrill. Feel the holiday rush. Escape before the clock strikes cheer!
Christmas in the Village of Sandoval - Vendor Market and More
Village of Sandoval - Christmas in the Village – Vendor Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in Sandoval, Illinois with a magical evening full of lights, laughter, and Christmas cheer!
Friday, December 12
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
General Martin Building, Library, Village Hall, & Fire Station – Sandoval, IL
What’s Happening:
Meet Santa and take photos!
Enjoy free hot chocolate & s’mores!
Shop local at our festive Vendor Market — perfect for holiday gifts!
Experience the Live Nativity that brings the spirit of Christmas to life!
Free Admission! Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit — let’s make Sandoval shine bright this Christmas season!
For more info or vendor registration, scan the QR code on the flyer or call (618) 322-8460.
Sentinel Christmas Coloring Contest
he Sentinel is excited to announce its first-ever Christmas Coloring Contest for children in grades K–8!
Included in today's edition of the Sentinel and the next five are two festive images that can be cut out from the physical paper or downloaded from our website at https://www.morningsentinel.com/morning-sentinel/ . Children may color the images and submit them to the Centralia office located at 232 East Broadway by Friday, December 12 at 4 p.m.
The contest is divided into two age groups:
Kindergarten through 4th grade: Christmas Stocking
5th through 8th grade: Festive Reindeer
On Saturday, December 13, five entries from each age group—selected by Sentinel staff—will be posted to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564898044733 for public voting. Voting will remain open until Monday, December 15 at 10 a.m. The winner, determined by the number of “likes,” will be contacted later that day to schedule a time to receive a festive prize and participate in a photo shoot for a front-page feature in the Tuesday, December 23 edition.
The Sentinel requests that the winner and their guardians be available for the photo shoot anytime between notification and the end of the day on Saturday, December 20. However, alternative arrangements can be made if needed.
Contestants may use crayons, markers, pastels, or any other two-dimensional medium, as long as the artwork still resembles the original image. To be considered for the contest, the contestant’s name, age, grade, and a guardian's reliable contact number must be provided with the image.
Submissions may be delivered by mail, email, Facebook message, or in person at the Centralia office. If submitting by mail, please consider postal delivery times to avoid missing the deadline.
For non-subscribers, physical newspapers can be purchased from Sentinel boxes or at our Centralia and Mt. Vernon offices.
Merry Christmas, and happy coloring!
St. Clare Foundation Open House and Ribbon Cutting
The crisis in youth behavioral health across Southern Illinois demands a coordinated, systemic response. The St. Clare Foundation (SCF) is stepping forward as the Trusted Convener & Catalyst, and we invite you to an exclusive Open House to learn how our new grant cycle will fuel lasting change in our community.
We are actively uniting the region’s key leaders—healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations—to forge a cohesive, integrated system of care.
Join us at the St. Clare Foundation Open House to gain critical insights:
Meet The Catalyst: Be introduced to the St. Clare Foundation's vision—A community with no unmet health and social needs—and our role in enabling early identification, effective intervention, and seamless integration of youth behavioral health services.
Explore Grant Opportunities: Get a preliminary, in-depth look at our inaugural grant cycle, which formally opens on January 2, 2026. We will detail the purpose and focus of our three key investment tiers:
Anchor Grants - for foundational, scalable service models
Innovation Grants - for high-impact pilot programs
Mini-Grants - for immediate, essential resource needs
Event Details
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
4-5p CT
St. Clare Foundation | 420 N. Pleasant Ave. Suite B | Centralia, IL 62801
This is your opportunity to understand the criteria for our new funding, align your organization with our vision, and join the Convener’s Table.
We look forward to partnering with you to drive measurable, systemic transformation for the youth of Southern Illinois.
Sincerely,
Clare Kessler
Executive Director
Holiday Concert at City Hope Church
Centralia Cultural Society and City Hope Church have teamed up to bring you their Holiday Concert again this year! This event is on December 7, 2025. The exact time and more details will be announced as it becomes available.
RENEE Live Christmas Concert at Castle Ridge
LIVE at Castle Ridge – Saturday, December 6th!
Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS
Concert date is Saturday December 6th, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00pm and show starts at 7:00pm
Don’t wait – this show will sell out fast!
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Concert Experience with RENEE — back by popular demand!
RENEE is back by popular demand after garnering much enthusiasm after their appearance as special guests for the Crowder concert earlier this Summer.
The Christian / Pop Sister Duo are National Recording Artists with Southern Illinois roots.
Featured on the Winter Jam Tour alongside Anne Wilson, We The Kingdom, and Jeremy Camp.
Seen on stages all across North America — and now bringing their sparkle, soul, and holiday spirit to Centralia, Illinois!
Riley & Rachael Renee light up every stage with their powerhouse harmonies, contagious energy, and heartfelt mission to lift up the name of Jesus.
****Limited accessible availability in each section. Accessible seating location subject to change.
****See other event details when purchasing tickets.
****Tickets purchases are final and are non-refundable.
Christmas Craft Fair at Crossroads Church
CROSSROADS CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
340 WALNUT HILL RD.
CENTRALIA IL.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH, 2025
10AM - 3PM
Stay warm as you stroll through our indoor craft fair! We will have 20 vendors with homemade & custom crafts.
VENDORS: Reach out to Garry Knott 918-0984
Downtown Gingerbread Pub Crawl
Grab your gingerbread men and women and join us after the Historic Downtown Centralia Christmas Stroll, as we turn up the spice for the Downtown Gingerbread Pub Crawl 2025!! Always a blast, and this year we're crawling to get that (ginger) BREAD!! More info to be posted here as it gets closer, but here are the gumdrops of info you need to tide you over:
Friday, December 5, 7:00pm - 11:00pm
✅ Dress in your ugly sweater, holiday themes, gingerbread costume, etc.
✅ Start/pick up your Crawl passport at 'Believe Pop-up Christmas Bar' at 107 N Oak.
✅ Turn in your passport at 'Believe Pop-up Christmas Bar' at the end to enter to win all the (ginger) bread (aka gifts/gift cards) for one lucky gingerbread person
✅ Other collaborating Gingerpubs to be confirmed shortly (6-7 total)