The most memorable hour I spent in my psychology class at Valparaiso University was all about forgetting.

We were told that were were going to study forgetting, and to do that, we could think about anything — as long as it wasn’t polar bears.

So that was fun, letting my mind go off and play for a while. But eventually, the professor said “Have you forgotten about polar bears?”

If you’re the least bit like everybody in that class, dear reader, you just groaned. The words “polar bears” brought the animals immediately to mind, didn’t they?

The professor didn’t let it end there. He said that he didn’t know when we’d all last thought about polar bears before class, but now this would be a better measure — from that first question in class to the next time we got checked on.

So off we went, thinking about anything except you-know-whats. It all went fine, but then a certain time went by and we all heard another question: “Have you forgotten about polar bears?”

That was when we knew it: Forgetting can’t be forced. I’ve had to turn off the radio already this morning, Sept. 10, because of all the almost-20-year-old stories being talked about. I will keep busy today to ward them off a little longer.

So I will keep busy as much as I can today and Saturday, the 10th and 11th.

For one thing, my curio cabinet needs cleaning up.

I want my polar bear figurines to be front and center.

Eco-consumers are increasing the demand for sustainability in the commercial sector. Companies are responding to the market’s alterations by increasing the eco-friendliness of their practices. Employers are improving ecological conditions by developing sustainable communal spaces.

The areas can cater to employees, employers and visitors, supporting the community and environment. Before evaluating the ways companies can develop eco-friendly spaces, we must assess their benefits.

The Need for Sustainability and Community

Employers can show their employees they value their health and wellbeing by improving the air quality in community spaces. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions in and around the office can protect the environment and workers’ health. When emissions invade the environment, they alter the atmosphere’s natural composition.

Organically, the planet absorbs solar radiation, creates heat, warms the surface, recollects excess energy and emits it to space. Greenhouse gases overproduce heat and trap additional energy in the environment. Over time, emissions effects increase the global temperature, degrading the ecosystem.

When workers inhale emissions, toxins can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect neurological stability. Long-term exposure drives neuroinflammation, creating mental health challenges. Air pollutants can cause permanent damage to the neurological system, reducing general wellbeing and efficient immune responses.

Emissions also increase the risk of asthma in many individuals, reducing respiratory health and safety. The nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and other atmospheric elements in polluted air increase an employee’s risk of lung cancer. When employers develop eco-conscious community workspaces, they improve workers’ health and enhance productivity in the office.

Communal spaces also boost creativity, create flexibility, enhance networking opportunities and improve morale. Employers may develop eco-friendly community areas in the office using these four tips.

1. Ditch the Single-Use Plastic

A 500-milliliter plastic water bottle releases 82.8 grams of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. When companies place the bottles in vending machines and the refrigerator of their community spaces, they acquire a portion of their carbon footprints. Plastic products also create post-consumer waste through poor waste management practices.

After an individual uses a plastic container, they either throw it away or recycle it. When it reaches a landfill, it creates surface pollution or reaches the ocean and degrades into microplastics. Marine species misidentify microplastics as food, ingesting them and developing fatal health complications.

During the recycling process, professionals meltdown and reshape bottles and other containers. The practice also generates emissions, further degrading the atmosphere. Companies can increase the sustainability of communal spaces by removing all single-use plastics.

Employers can promote reusable water bottle uses, installing a purified dispenser. Many reusable water bottle companies insulate their products, helping employees access ice-cold water for hours at their desks. Plastic-free workspaces also promote eco-conscious choices outside of the office.

2. Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Companies can also replace outdated appliances, like refrigerators and stoves, with energy-efficient versions. Over time, the efficiency of devices degrades, creating higher emissions and utility costs. The energy use of refrigerators dropped by nearly 1500 kilowatt-hours per year from 1974 to 2008.

Energy conservation continues improving, enhancing the sustainability of communal spaces. Adding Energy Star-rated appliances in your workplace could significantly shrink your company’s carbon footprint. They also require little to no maintenance, helping employees access eco-friendly benefits without changing their routine.

3. Use Smart Devices

Businesses can also install smart devices, increasing the energy efficiency of a building. Smart thermostats significantly decrease the emissions related to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. They access real-time weather reports through a Wi-Fi connection, adjusting indoor temperatures for energy reduction.

The devices also use motion detection sensors, turning a system off in a vacant building. When companies place smart thermostats in communal spaces, they can increase their employees’ comfort and decrease environmental degradation.

4. Add Plants

Employers can improve employees’ moods and decrease air pollution by adding plants to their communal spaces. As vegetation grows, it feeds on carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. Plants naturally absorb emissions and convert them into pure oxygen.

Adding greenery to a workspace can reduce the adverse health effects associated with air pollution. They also bring an aspect of nature inside, invoking calmness and joy.

Where to Start? 

When you begin developing an eco-friendly communal space in the office, it is essential to involve all employees. You must acknowledge all workers’ needs and address their concerns before creating the space. A community area brings people together, and you can ensure its welcoming aesthetic by allowing each staff member to design a portion. 

Illinois State QB Bryce Jefferson was under pressure all day against Western Michigan in the Redbirds’ 28-0 loss to the FBS Broncos. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

With 5 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in Saturday’s football game between Illinois State and Western Michigan, the lights at WMU’s Waldo Stadium went dark.

Over the previous 50-plus minutes of game time, WMU used a dominant defensive front and a powerful offensive line to power past the Redbirds, 28-0, in a non-conference game.

“It’s a line of scrimmage game,” Redbird head coach Brock Spack told WJBC radio. “They beat us up front, on both sides of the football. It came down to physicality up front.”

On offense, the Broncos, of the FBS Mid-American Conference, bulldozed their way to 233 yards on the ground, the most allowed by Illinois State in a game since 2019.

The WMU defense limited Illinois State to 57 total yards, including 1.1 yards per carry on the ground, and only four first downs in the game.

“We knew they were going to be good,” ISU offensive lineman Drew Bones said. “They were all around physical. They were fast. They did a lot of twists and movement.”

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about the Illinois State game:

Offense sputters

The Redbirds gained a mere 57 total yards and managed four first downs while being shut out for the first time since 2012. The leading rusher for ISU was wide receiver Jalen Carr, who gained 13 yards on only one carry.

Quarterback Bryce Jefferson, who was under consistent pressure all day, finished 8-for-19 passing for 29 yards and threw an interception. He was sacked four times.

“First down was really rough,” Spack said. “We didn’t give ourselves a chance.”

2. Run down feeling

Western Michigan (1-1) rushed the ball 51 times with six different players, led by La’Darius Jefferson, who rolled up 106 yards on 18 carries. He scored two of the Broncos’ touchdowns.

“There was a lot of leaky yardage, leaky tackling,” Spack said. “We couldn’t get off blocks.”

3. Big play limits

While WMU piled up more than 400 total yards, the Redbird defense did not allow a play of longer than 30 yards. The longest run allowed was 21 yards.

News and notes

ISU defensive linemen Josh Dinga and Michael Gomez both had fumble recoveries for the Redbirds, who won the turnover battle, 2-1. … Illinois State punter J.T. Bohlken had a strong day, averaging 49.8 yards per punt on nine kicks. His longest of the day was 64 yards, which was one of six kicks of 50 or more yards. … Linebackers Kenton Wilhoit (nine), Shanon Reid (eight) and Zeke Vandenburgh (seven) led the Redbirds in tackles. … WMU quarterback Kaleb Eleby was very efficient, completing 15 of 21 passes (71%) for 147 yards.

What’s next?

Illinois State travels to Charleston to face in-state rival Eastern Illinois (0-3) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18.

Eastern Illinois kicker Stone Galloway’s 36-yard field goal was the Panthers’ lone score until a late touchdown in EIU’s 17-10 loss at Dayton. (photo courtesy eiupanthers.com)

Playing in the city in which the Wright Brothers designed and built their famous airplane, the Eastern Illinois offense failed to take flight in a 17-10 non-conference loss to Dayton.

“It’s the same story over and over again,” third-year EIU head coach Adam Cushing said in the postgame Zoom.

Costly penalties and turnovers again bit the Panthers.

For the fourth straight season, EIU is off to an 0-3 start. Meanwhile, Dayton (1-0), a member of the non-scholarship FCS Pioneer League, posted its third win in the last four games over a scholarship conference team.

Dayton is 9-2 against Ohio Valley Conference members, the league in which EIU plays.

Here are three things that Prairie State Pigskin learned from Saturday’s game:

Eastern’s offense remains stagnant.

Over the past nine quarters, the Panthers have produced just 17 points — including the last seven that came with only 19 seconds left in Saturday’s loss.

“We’ve not doing what we need to do, and that starts with me, ” Cushing said. “It’s not all on one person. Offensive football requires all 11 guys and the coaches. It’s disappointing to say the least.”

For the second straight game, former Algonquin resident and Jacobs High School star Chris Katrenick started at quarterback for the Panthers. The redshirt sophomore and Duke transfer struggled completing 12-of-27 throws for 129 yards and an interception.

“It’s not all his fault,” Cushing said of the offensive woes.

Freshman Otto Kuhns, who started the season opener at Indiana State before being sidelined with an injury, replaced Katrenick late in the third quarter.

“We felt he might give us a spark,” Cushing said.

Kuhns twice drove the Panthers deep into Dayton territory. EIU came up short on a fourth-and-goal play when Tyler Hamilton dropped a pass in the end zone with just under five minutes remaining.

“When the ball gets put in there, it has to be caught,” Cushing said of several Panther miscues in the passing game.

2. The third quarter proved to be the turning point.

EIU held a 3-0 lead at halftime, courtesy of a 36-yard field goal by Stone Galloway and a 40-yard miss by Dayton kicker Sam Webster.

Dayton drove 72 yards in 14 plays to open the second half and stake itself to a lead the Flyers would never relinquish. Quarterback Jack Cook capped the drive a 10-yard touchdown pass to running back Jake Chisholm.

The TD came after Cook faked to the right and the EIU defense bit, leaving Chisholm wide open in the end zone.

Chisolm, a preseason third team All-American, accounted for 36 yards on the Dayton scoring drive.

Eastern then committed a costly turnover when Hamilton fumbled after a 12-yard catch.

Five plays later, Cook scored on a touchdown run and the Flyers upped their lead to 14-3.

Eastern ran just five offensive plays in a quarter dominated by Dayton.

3. Turnovers again tell much of the story.

Although EIU finished the game with more offensive yards than Dayton (301-266), the Flyers forced two turnovers while the Panthers garnered none.

“We’re doing the things that losing teams do,” Cushing said.

In three games this season, Eastern has committed seven turnovers and forced just one. The Panthers have yet to intercept an opposing quarterback. EIU has only one sack on the season.

News & notes

Dayton played its first game in 658 days — other than a spring scrimmage against Ashland — since it beat Butler 51-38 on Nov. 23, 2019 . . . Dayton has scored in 488 straight games, which stands as the all-time FCS record. The last team to shut out the Flyers was Marshall on Oct. 16, 1976 . . . EIU’s lone touchdown came when Kuhns found Robbie Lofton for a touchdown strike with 19 seconds left in the game . . . Kuhns — an Ohio native — passed for 60 yards and led the Panthers with 42 rushing yards, 39 coming on one play.  Lofton hauled in five passes for 56 yards.

What’s next

EIU hosts rival Illinois State in the annual Mid-America Classic Saturday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

EIU wide receiver Matt Judd (top row at right) and his Raiders team celebrated the Senior championship this summer in the Tuscola Flag Football League. (Photo by TFFL)

Throughout his career, Eastern Illinois wide receiver Matt Judd can recall numerous coaches who shaped his development both on and off the football field.

“I’ve had so many coaches that have shown me the way about life,” he said. “I’ve had coaches who I’ve seen be a good father, be a good teacher. X’s and O’s are all important, but it’s really about how you build a kid into an adult.”

The examples his coaches provided have strengthened Judd’s post-football plans. The redshirt freshman – whose Panthers (0-2) travel to Dayton Saturday for a noon kickoff in a non-conference game – has a goal to become a teacher and coach.

“That shows how much of an impact they had on my life that I want to do the same thing,” he said. “They took a young kid who really didn’t know what was going on and turned him into a mature guy now who hopes to do the same (for other kids).”

Judd got his first taste of his future profession over the summer when he served as a coach in the Tuscola Flag Football League north of Charleston.

As a coach for the Raiders in the Senior Division, Judd guided the team of 9- to 14-year-olds to the league championship in late July.

“The most exciting thing is seeing the kids have fun and seeing the kids take your coaching and actually put it to work,” Judd said. “I’ve always heard coaches say, ‘It’s nice seeing your kids succeed.’ I didn’t really understand what it meant until it happened. They were succeeding while having fun, and that was the most important part.

“My enjoyment is just seeing them have fun and getting a win,” he said.

How it all started

Judd’s playing career began at the University of Illinois, where he noticed former teammates Reggie Corbin and Justice Williams were serving as Tuscola coaches.

“I thought it would be fun,” Judd said. “It really sparked an interest in my head my freshman year.”

After transferring to Eastern, Judd’s interest continued, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his participation until over the summer.

“It was a natural fit,” said Jason Rahn, the founder and president of the Tuscola league, which is part of NFL Flag. “Matt is very laid back. He lets the kids have fun, but he keeps them focused, which is hard to do with 9- to 14-year-olds. He was able to connect with them.”

Judd said he has maintained connections with several of his players and their parents throughout the fall to check in on how their youth tackle football season is going.

“The kids all had a blast with Matt,” Rahn said. “The parents all appreciated everything he did. I know things can change, but Matt made the comment that he’s coming back next year.

“The parents are pretty excited about that,” he said. “It’s nice when you have some consistency with your coaches. They give up a lot to come and help us.”

Colton Courage

The Tuscola league began in the summer of 2017 because Rahn’s son, Colton, is a huge football fan and a Fighting Illini fanatic.

However, Colton has cerebral palsy and “tackle football isn’t in the cards,” Jason Rahn said.

The first year featured 62 young athletes in the league. This summer, Rahn said 115 kids from a 30-mile radius around Tuscola – including from Charleston and Mattoon – joined the league.

When Colton needed eye surgery in 2017, his father tweeted out a message asking for well wishes for his son that he could read to him before and after surgery.

“I woke up the next morning with well over 700 messages, including from (former Illini coach) Lovie Smith and almost the entire football team,” he said. “They kind of adopted him.”

More than a dozen Illini players showed up at Colton’s youth basketball game only weeks after the surgery and celebrated when he hit the game-winning shot.

The social media trend #ColtonCourage – along with the league – took off, featuring numerous Illini players as coaches.

“The kids have had next-level type coaches,” Rahn said.

EIU’s connection

With Judd at EIU, the Panthers program now has a connection to the league.

When Rahn sought ideas for this summer’s championship games, Judd immediately thought about using EIU’s O’Brien Field – where Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo began their careers – and got Panthers head coach Adam Cushing involved.

“I thought it would be a cool idea if we had it at O’Brien,” Judd said. “I texted Coach Cushing and said, ‘Coach, what do you think about this? I think would be a cool experience for the kids. It would be an opportunity to get our name out there as well.’

“Coach said he loved the idea, so we got it worked out with the compliance office, and the rest is history,” Judd said.

On gameday, Cushing also took part in the event.

“He let me come out and be the honorary coin flipper,” Cushing said. “It was a really cool experience. They had great fan support. It’s a little bit like I started my career. I coached Little League baseball when I was 16 years old.”

For Judd, playing the flag title game at EIU provided a highlight for his team that he won’t soon forget.

“I’m getting chills just talking about it,” Judd said. “It was one of the coolest things, and knowing I had a part in it was so cool.”

Coaching’s impact

As much as Judd helped his players this summer, coaching had an impact on him.

“This has taught me so much,” he said. “I saw them three times a week, and just seeing the smiles on their faces took me back to playing youth football. This is fun.”

Rahn said the benefit of having college athletes as coaches is the young athletes can relate to someone closer to their age.

“Some of these kids will talk to somebody like Matt before they talk to their parents or someone else if they have an issue,” Rahn said.

Being a mentor and a good listener for his athletes was something Judd relished.

“You could tell they were looking at me more as a coach, yes,” he said. “But there were times we’d just sit around and talk.

“I think I’ll be more of a coach that not just a football player, but any kid in the school can come talk to me about anything they have to talk about,” he said. “I hope to be that guy as a teacher and a football coach.”

Where to find the game

Eastern’s noon kickoff at Dayton will be broadcast online on Facebook Live. The radio broadcast is offered on Charleston-based Hit Mix 88.9 FM.

The Western Illinois offense managed only 151 total yards Saturday in a 42-7 loss to fourth-ranked Montana in Missoula. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)

Facing one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, Western Illinois managed a mere 151 yards and nine first downs in a 42-7 loss to No. 4 Montana in Missoula Saturday.

Western never advanced into the Montana red zone in the game, and the Leathernecks (0-2) got their only points from a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior safety Michael Lawson.

Lawson intercepted a pair of passes for Western to become the first WIU player since 2018 to have a multi-interception game.

Montana took a 14-0 lead before Lawson’s TD, then scored on an 18-yard pass with 1 second remaining in the first half to kick off a run of 28 unanswered points.

The Grizzlies (2-0) powered their way to 518 total yards of offense in the victory.

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about the Western Illinois game:

Won if by land, and air

Western’s defense allowed Montana quarterback Cam Humphrey to throw for five touchdown passes and complete 20 of 27 passes on the night.

The Grizzlies enjoyed similar success on the ground, rushing for 242 yards on 41 carries for a 4.9-yard average per rush. Four different Montana players managed at least 35 yards on the ground, led by Isiah Childs’ 76 yards on 14 carries.

2. Running on empty

The WIU run game continued to sputter thanks to Montana’s swarming defense. The Leathernecks managed 40 yards on the ground as a team. The leading rusher was senior Myles Wanza, who gained 40 yards on 10 carries. As a team, Western managed a mere 1.6 yards per carry.

3. Next-level defender

Lawson provided the only points for Leathernecks and was the first WIU player since linebacker Quentin Moon in 2017 to return an interception for a touchdown. Lawson’s pick-six ranked as the ninth-longest interception return in school history.

He also led all players in the game with 13 tackles, including eight solos, and compiled 1.5 tackles for loss.

The bright spot for Western was that it managed four takeaways in the game.

News and notes

Western senior quarterback Connor Sampson completed 21 of 31 passes, but was sacked six times and produced only 5.3 yards per completion against the Grizzlies. … For the second game in a row, senior wide receiver Dennis Houston (five catches, 43 yards) was Western’s leading receiver. … Along with six sacks, Montana’s defense compiled 11 tackles for loss and allowed Western to gain only 2.7 yards per play.

What’s next?

Western hosts No. 7 Eastern Washington in its home opener in Macomb at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 in Macomb.

A quick kudo to the folks at Werk Force Brewing. On Friday, September 10, the village of Plainfield issued a Mandatory Boil Order after e coli was found in the water supply (WJOL). Werk Force responded by boiling a tank full of brewing water, letting it cool, and making it available Saturday at noon. The clean water was free to anyone bringing a container.

Monday, September 13

4:00 – 6:00 pm • Bingo in the Begyle Beer Garden
Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., Chicago 773-661-6963 Map
Sunday Funday is back! Join us for our first Begyle bingo in 18 months!
We will be hosting bingo in the beer garden on September 12th, starting at 4pm. Reservations are not required but space will be limited.
Bring your friends and compete to win fantastic prizes (gift cards!). First time playing bingo at Begyle? No worries. The rules are easy and we supply the bingo sheets and dabbers. There is no cost to play.

7:00 – 8:00 pm • Backyard Yoga with Stefanie
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Join us and Yoga Instructor Stefanie Tanacea for an hour of Side Lot Backyard Yoga followed by a refreshing Side Lot Draft Beer.
Class is $25 through Tock, and includes Two Drinks
The Brewery will remain open to participants 1 hour after class.
These classes are outside. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be rescheduled.
[Classes Are Non-Refundable]

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Euchre Game Night
Evil Horse Brewing Co., 1338 Main St., Crete, IL 708-304-2907 Map
Euchre Game Night is back! If you’ve played before, welcome back! If you’ve never played, come a little early and we’ll teach you how to play. We have a lot of fun playing – and you can win some great prizes!

Tuesday, September 14

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Beer on the Wall Bottle Share
Beer on the Wall, 106 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 312-720-3732  Map
The BotW Bottle Share has returned! Bring a commercially packaged (sorry, no homebrews) limited/seasonal/out-of-market beer with you, and be ready to share it with others in exchange for samples of their limited/seasonal/out-of-market beer. For example:
Good ideas: Heady Topper, Dark Lord, Side Project anything, Lost Abbey Isabelle Proximus (Izzy).
Bad idea: That beer you bought off our shelves 5 minutes before the event started.
Even worse idea: That beer you bought off the shelves at that big box liquor store a couple weeks ago (at least buy it local, jeez)!
Some other logistic notes:
1. Bottle shares will be held every second Monday from 6-9pm. They will be outdoors when possible and will be held at Off the Wall in the event of inclement weather.
2. If you’re planning to attend, please post what you’re bringing on the event page so we can limit duplicates and potentially build verticals/themes.
3. In the interest of time, we will only enter 1-2 beers per person in the official share. Folks are welcome to bring more but excess beers will only be opened after the formal part of the share is complete.
4. Attendees do not need a ticket to attend, though we may introduce limits later in the interest of space.
5. In the interest of organization and alcoholic liability, BotW staff will collect bottles at the start of the event and open/pour bottles in an orderly fashion. If you are overserved, BotW staff reserves the right to cut you off at any time–NO EXCEPTIONS.
6. When at all possible, please bring two beers of smaller format bottles so folks aren’t getting 0.65 oz of beer.
7. No scoffing or disrespect to other beer drinkers. Scoffers will be sent home with a 6pk of expired Hamms.

9:05 pm • Brookfield Sidelot Summer Cinema
Imperial Oak Brookfield, 9526 W. Ogden Ave., Brookfield, IL (708) 387-0050 Map
This summer in Brookfield we’re bringing you our monthly “Sidelot Summer Cinema” series. Bring your blankets or chairs to our grassy lawn just north of the Brookfield pub. We’ll have one of our favorite movies projected on the big screen along with free popcorn and an outdoor beer station. Showtimes will be at sundown each month, at approx 9:15p. Our series will play every second Tuesday of the month through September 14th. Admission is always free! This event will happen rain or shine. If weather threatens the event, we will show the movie indoors on the small screen. Tonight: Beerfest!

Wednesday, September 15

3:00 – 9:00 pm • Wing Wednesday!
Wildrose Brewing Co.,1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054 Map
Wing Wednesday! Smoked then flash fried jumbo chicken wings tossed in our house spicy garlic, Jamaican Jerk or savory / sweet dry rub. Get ’em before they are gone!!!

6:00 – 10:00 pm • Quarter Rez (Half Rez)
Alarmist Brewing & Taproom, 4055 W. Peterson Ave. (Rear Building), Chicago (773) 681-0877 Map
It has been a long year and a half, and while we will miss having a full Half Rez this year, we still wanted to be able to see each other in person, and do a little bit of what we love. So we are having… a Quarter Rez! There will be a few giveaways, a little pinball, and of course… some hidden cubes! But mostly, there will be people, live and in person, vaxxed, drinking beer and nerding out.
Vaccination required. Drinking beer not required, but encouraged. See you there!
Tickets $5 through Eventbrite.

6:30 – 8:30 pm • Barley’s Angels Chicago at Half Acre Balmoral
Half Acre Balmoral Tap Room & Garden, 2050 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago (773) 248-4038 Map
We’re so excited for an all-outdoor event at Half Acre Balmoral. For $38 (this site, sold out) we’ll have two full pints of Half Acre beer, enjoy appetizers and education. Barley’s Angels will have a semi-private space in the Beer Garden and the event is limited to 25 attendees – only a few spots remain!
Masks are required when interacting with staff and while standing/walking/entering/exiting inside the brewery. Masks can be removed when eating or drinking (note: we will be in a designated outdoor area).
Due to the current level of community transmission, we ask that only fully vaccinated persons attend our events.
Please reach out if you have questions or concerns.
All attendees must be age 21+

Thursday, September 16

4:00 – 9:30 pm • Thursday Night Tacos!
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
You’ve been asking when Tacos are coming back to Side Lot.
Taco Thursdays kick off on June 3rd and will continue every Thursday night. Make your reservations!

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Beers With Queers
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Welcome to Beers With Queers. We heard you and we know there needs to be more safe places for LGBTQ+ folxs to feel welcome and accepted. We have partnered with Dry City Brew Works to bring you an open and welcome space every Other Thursday. Every other Thursday join Us here at OUTspoken Leaders, Dry City, and other LGBTQ+ folx as we hang out and connect with the community together.
OUTspoken Leaders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, empowering, and amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. We offer social and service programs that promote self-acceptance, intentional compassion, and unconditional leadership!

6:00 pm • Trivia at Great Central
Great Central Brewing Co., 221 N. Wood St., Chicago (855) 464-4222 Map
TRIVIA’S BACK!
Love to test your knowledge while sharing some laughs with friends, and 24 beers on tap?!
Maybe you just want to try something different than your typical Thursday night?
Our Trivia night is for you!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Xtreme Music Bingo
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
An exciting combination of music trivia and the classic game of BINGO!
No boring numbers here, just one hit song after another as players listen, sing along and “Play BINGO to the Music”
It’s free to play and prizes will be given out to the winners!

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Lakefront Trivia & Tacos!
Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor, IL  Map
Lakefront Trivia Night at The Biergarten!! Tacos served from 5pm til Sellout!

6:30 – 10:00 pm • “Train with Brain” Running Club
Blue Island Beer Co., 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map
Our good friend Brian Fee is training for the Chicago Marathon, and you can join him every Thursday til October! He’s raising money for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and you can donate at this link.
Each week you can plan on running at the most 4 miles and your first beer is on Blue Island Beer Co.!

6:30 pm • Fall Drop
DeJa Brew Bar & Grill, 5219 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 708-423-0484 Map
Join us for a release of all our fall cocktails and Southern Tier Pumking Tapping.
Live music by Chris James from 6:30-9:30!

6:30 – 8:30 pm • Chicago Brew Cruise
Chicago Fireboat Tours  Map
Chicago Fireboat Tours and Phase Three Brewing Co. are partnering up to offer one of the most unique experiences in Chicago, every Thursday evening all summer-long!!
Phase Three Brewing Company will be bringing just days-old fresh, new releases directly from their Chicagoland brewery every week to serve aboard Chicago Fireboat Tours’ 1933 retired Chicago Fireboat, the Fred A. Busse.
Boarding begins at 6:00p.m and the boat departs at 6:30pm for a 2-hour sunset cruise. The Brew Cruise will start on the lake, float through the locks and right into the heart of downtown Chicago via the Chicago River, enjoying world-class views, an amazing sunset, and great music; all paired with fresh, innovative craft beers and hard seltzers.
Tickets are $45 per person at www.fireboattours.com, and include your 1st Phase Three brew once onboard. 

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Team Trivia
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200 Map
Join us for Team Trivia every Thursday! Go 4 It Entertainment features 12 rounds of general trivia with musical hints and toss up questions to win your team free ‘tasty prizes’.
1st place – $30 gift certificate, 2nd place – $20 gift certificate, 3rd place – $10 gift certificate
Hosted by Chevy Mallhi

7:30 pm • Side Lot Trivia
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Are you the smartest one in the Taproom? The only way to find out is to join Side Lot Brewery on Thursday nights at 7:30pm for Taproom Trivia.
7 Rounds with varying categories. Free to Play, Prizes to Win!

Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn rushed for 120 yards and scored three touchdowns against Southern Illinois Saturday night. (photo courtesy @KStateFB)

Overcoming the loss of its starting quarterback and four first-half turnovers, Kansas State turned to its running game and outlasted upset-minded Southern Illinois 31-23 Saturday night in Manhattan, Kan.

Kansas State (2-0) ran 48 times for 208 yards and shut out the Salukis (1-1) in the second half.

“We came here to win and I felt like, honestly, we were the better team tonight,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said on the SIU radio postgame show. “I felt like our defense dominated the football game really and gave us opportunities to win this game.

“We couldn’t get into a rhythm offensively. That’s a good (Kansas State) defense, but we hold ourselves to a pretty high standard . . . There were a lot of things left on the play card that I wish we could have gotten to.”

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned from Saturday’s loss:

Big plays dig early hole for Salukis

Playing its first game in front of a packed home stadium crowd, Kansas State used long gains on passes to built a 14-0 first quarter lead that later grew to 21-3.

Quarterback Skylar Thompson connected on a 43-yard completion and then a 50-yarder to set up the first two K-State touchdowns.

Thompson, who started the first three games of the 2020 season before being sidelined with an injury, later left the game with what was labeled “a lower-body injury” on a non-contact play.

Thompson left the game 3-of-4 passing for 96 yards and an interception. He was replaced by sophomore Will Howard.

2. Turnovers fuel SIU comeback

SIU — ranked No. 8 in the FCS poll — fought its way back into the game. The Salukis forced four first half K-State turnovers. Southern used consecutive turnovers to rally for a 23-21 halftime lead.

Defensive end Jordan Berner caused a fumble and tackle Gianini Belizaire picked it up inside the red zone.

Versatile Javon Williams Jr. scored on a one-yard run with 4:14 left in the half. It was the sophomore’s second touchdown of the game.

On the next K-State series, cornerback P.J. Jules intercepted Howard’s errant pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown.

SIU then thwarted a K-State drive when defensive tackle Kevin Glajchen sacked Howard and forced a fumble. Belizaire recovered it. However, the Salukis could not turn it into points.

3. K-State went primarily to run in the second half.

Kansas State, which received 13 votes in last week’s Associated Press poll, utilized a run-heavy set of play calls after halftime. The Wildcats took a 24-23 lead on a field goal early in the third quarter. The score came off a drive that featured all running plays with the exception of one pass.

SIU also gambled on a 4th-and-2 from its own 48. Baker’s incomplete pass turned the ball over on downs; there were also two SIU penalties on the play that K-State declined.

Deuce Vaughn, last season’s Big 12 Conference freshman of the year, took the bulk of the second half carries for K-State. Vaughn finished the night with 120 yards on 26 attempts. His third touchdown — which came with under two minutes left — provided the final margin.

“It was electric coming out in front of this full house,” Vaughn said on TV postgame.

“22 (Vaughn) is as good a back as there is,” Hill said.

SIU squandered a chance to retake the lead when a promising drive stalled and Nico Gualdoni’s 47-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left early in the fourth quarter.

Later, pressured in the pocket, Nic Baker fumbled and K-State recovered on the final Saluki drive with 19 seconds.

News and notes: SIU wore special red, white and blue helmet decals to honor the memory of those fallen in the attacks on America Sept. 11, 2001 . . . head coach Nick Hill’s shirt read: Always Remembered, Never Forgotten . . . SIU moved from FBS to FCS (I-A to I-AA) in 1982. The Salukis are 4-36 lifetime vs. FBS teams . . . The last SIU victory over an FBS team was Sept. 7, 2019, when the Salukis won at UMass 45-20 . . . Southern scored all 23 of its points in the second quarter.

What’s next

SIU hosts Dayton Saturday, Sept. 18. Dayton, a member of the non-scholarship Pioneer Conference, defeated Eastern Illinois 17-10 Saturday.

Someone with greater fortitude than I currently possess has graciously decided to take on a challenge on my behalf – that of a reporter and update provider on how the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Challenge now underway is impacting her.

Her name is Stephanie Esposito, Media League Bowling Team Captain Extraordinaire, rugby expert, and all-around Bon Vivant. Herewith, is her report, in her words:

This year, my wrap up of summer comes in a piece of wax paper, pillowy bun, pickle, tomato, sport peppers, relish, onion, and a Vienna Beef hot dog (no mustard for me). 

Just 15 days ago, Vienna Beef launched their Hot Dog Stand Challenge. Where their ‘Top Dogs’ will be adorned with a variety of prizes, swag, and even a trophy. My wonderful and loving boyfriend sent me an article the morning of the competition, we exchanged a few wiener jokes. Just this past spring, he and his friends had a ranking of Chicago hot dog toppings, from most important to least. His friend dismissed this challenge as just something novel to discuss.

I, however, hear the word challenge, and in my head a trumpet sounds and rise to it I must. Now nearly 200 hot dog stands later, my boyfriend is realizing my true competitive nature. 

This is no easy feat, and there is a lot of planning that has gone into my ventures, which I cannot yet reveal as my competition is still close and there is much left to do.

However, I will say that as fun as it has been there has also been frustrations. Like any new competitions, there will be snags along the way. Young teens whose managers are on vacation and the materials are locked in the office. People stealing the materials. People thinking they’re just fliers and customers grabbing them from employees handing them all out in a single day.

Vienna Beef, according to stand owners, have been diligent with trying to get stands new materials ASAP. They are now keeping books more attended to, yet still, here or there, a fresh-faced worker on the register stares at you in bewilderment, or you have to help them understand and fix their display. 

There also is the opportunity to get out and do something COVID safe. See parts of the city, suburbs, and surrounding states even, and appreciate what we have and one of the best parts of summer and Chicago. A few years ago, someone I know came to Chicago for the first time. All he wanted to do was try as many Chicago hot dogs and pizzas as possible to see what all the hype is about.

It has been a blast seeing all the different ‘nichey’ things that different stands display.

Beyond debate, a poppy seed bun out ranks a plain one. Pickle with a cucumber too will outshine just having one or the other. The most expensive item so far was $12 for a hot dog, no fries included, and a milkshake, in the suburbs. The best deal, $2.75 for a hot dog and fries. For me, when it comes to fries, fresh-cut trumps them all, with crinkle cut usually ranked last. However, in Indiana, Corky’s has a garlic butter flavor they put on their fries that makes me question my dislike for the crinkle cut.

Labor Day I hit over 50 stands.

Like any good Labor Day road trip, I am exhausted after a full twelve-hour day in the car, but with a lot more opportunity to stretch the legs than a normal long ride. Stay safe, enjoy the end of summer, and remember it’s not the end of hot dog season here in Chicago.

It’s the start of football tailgating season.

Your Humble Narrator warmly thanks Stephanie Esposito for this guest blog.

And as always, pass the celery salt.