Time to close the chapter called 2021 and look ahead with hope to a new year

Ring in the new year this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

I think we can all agree this year has had its ups and downs. No matter what you’ve walked through this year, our hope for you and your family is that you can look back with gratitude and ahead with hope for a new year to come.

There are a few events on our event calendar this weekend, but it will be another quiet one in Champaign-Urbana. We will take a moment and recap some of the things you loved reading the most on chambanamoms.com in 2021. Lastly, some tips on planning a New Year’s celebration at home this year are linked here. Happy New Year, Champaign-Urbana!

chambanamoms thanks Lighthouse Autism Center for presenting this weekend’s planner

Known for clinical and operational excellence, Lighthouse Autism Center is now offering center-based ABA therapy in Champaign. With an innovative clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion, therapy at Lighthouse combines the sciences of ABA therapy and speech therapy into one transformative treatment for children with autism. Lighthouse Autism Center in Champaign is now enrolling! Contact them at (217) 295-2491 to learn more, or visit their website, Facebook or Instagram.

Featured Event – Christie Clinic Presents Hot Cocoa Cheers to the New Year

Monday, January 3, 4-5:30 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate with a hot cocoa toast to the new years. Thanks to our friends at Christie Clinic for sponsoring this family friendly fun opportunity for us to see twinkling lights and enjoy the great outdoors.

We’ll be at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden on January 3, 2022 from 4-5:30 p.m. serving complimentary hot cocoa and FUN. Thanks to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District for hosting us. Parking will be available at the Museum of the Grand Prairie off of Route 47. The CCFPD is gladly accepting donations for their advancing equity fund, which helps groups that may have a financial barrier attending their educational programs.

For more information about this event and other family-friendly fun around Champaign-Urbana, follow along on our Facebook event page here.

Looking Back – Lowe’s Garden Kits in C-U

Will they happen again next year? Time will tell! But C-U families LOVED these kits, if you were lucky enough to snag one before they were completely gone.

Kona Ice of Champaign

Sit back and have fun while Kona Ice of Champaign takes care of everything. They bring the party directly to you. Kona’s beautiful trucks with flashing lights and upbeat music will get everyone in the party mood. Kids and adults love trying their many flavors. You can flavor your own Kona Ice at their signature Flavorwave or choose from their specialty menu. They even have completely sugar free options. The best part…Kona Ice is nutritious and delicious. All of their products are gluten, fat, peanut and dairy free. All products contain Vitamins C & D!

Materials Provided: Kona Ice of Champaign takes care of it all. They pull right up to your location and serve delicious Kona Ice to the guest of honor and all the party goers. The guest of honor receives a special Kona Ice cup, birthday goodie bag, and a personalized sign on the side of our truck. Their trucks are completely self contained and they don’t require electrical hook up and don’t operate with a loud generator.

For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call 217-974-5662

Looking Back – Five Below Opens in Champaign

We quickly learned how much of a following Five Below had before its door ever opened in Champaign-Urbana. This store has been a welcome addition to C-U in 2021.

Five Below STORE — Photo courtesy of Five Below

Carle

COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to limit the transmission and severity of the disease. Vaccines are available, starting at age 5, at a Carle location near you. Boosters are also available to those who qualify. Visit carle.org for more information on vaccines and follow Carle on Facebook, too.

Looking Back – Heated Outdoor Dining

This list was all the rage at the beginning of the year. We know it needs a good update as we head into winter (stay tuned!) but this was read many times over by C-U families in 2021.