December Newsletter 2025

Wrapping up the end of the year!


50/50 Raffle Update

Our We Are Oglesby 50/50 raffle total is climbing fast, the pot is already over $2,000! Don’t miss your chance to win big while supporting local community projects and events. Every ticket makes a difference.

Get yours today and help us reach our biggest total yet!


This Saturday: Winter Wonderland in Oglesby!

Join us downtown this Saturday for our Winter Wonderland celebration! Enjoy holiday lights, festive activities, local shopping, treats, and family-friendly fun. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season and support your community!


New Internship Partnership with IVCC

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with IVCC and the launch of our first-ever marketing internship!

If you’re an IVCC student (or know one!) interested in marketing, events, or community engagement, this is an incredible opportunity.

Click HERE for the official internship details.


Join the We Are Oglesby Board

Passionate about shaping Oglesby’s future? We have several board seats up for election on January 1.

If you’re interested in serving, please submit a letter of interest to president@weareoglesby.com by December 14.

Board elections will be held at our public meeting on January 21, 2026.


And Finally… Our New Storefront!

We’ve been working on something BIG.. Our new storefront! Located at 110 W. Walnut St. Come check out our new space on Saturday from 12 - 2pm to grab your Winter Wonderland passport!

Announcements

Upcoming WAO Events

Winter Wonderland Activities Include:


12-5pm

Open House Activities

Pick up passports from 12 - 2 pm at the WAO Storefront - 110 W. Walnut


12-2pm

The Magic of Nutzy

WAO Storefront - 110 W. Walnut St.


12-2pm 
Starved Rock Trolley Rides

Stops at Alliance Dental & Knights of Columbus


2-4pm

Live Reindeer Display

Knights of Columbus


2-4pm

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Stops at Dickinson House & Oglesby Public Library


2-4pm

Pictures w/ Santa

The Dickinson House

Member Corner

Member Specials & Events

www.weareoglesby.net/member-events-specials

American Legion Post #237

410 Clark Street - Oglesby


Taco Night

Wednesday, December 10

4:30-7:00pm

Carry out or dine in

Call (815) 883-3214

Archway Tap

730 N Columbia Street - Oglesby


Tuesday Special

Happy Hour 4-6pm

$2.50 domestic bottles

$2 Busch Lights


Friday Special

Happy Hour 4-6pm

$2.50 domestic bottles


CortiLeno's Pub

131 E Walnut Street - Oglesby


Oglesby Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 13, 12 - 5 pm



Kris Kringle Market on the patio (weather permitting) featuring:

Scentsy (Lori Ambrose)

Essl Farms

Sweetly Morgan cookies

The Locker Room

Kelli Shan car freshies


The Grinch will be visiting with the children and passing out reindeer food and hot cocoa and a Christmas photo op!


The outside bar will be open serving a menu of Jason's festive martinis!


Winter Centerpiece Workshop

Petals By Peyton - register at PetalsbyPeyton.com

Thursday, December 18, 6:30 pm


Tim & Wally

Sunday, December 28, 2 - 5 pm (Subject to Change)


Weekly Specials:

Tuesday Taco Day!

Wednesday Wing Night!

Friday & Saturday Fried Chicken All Day! (While supplies last)

Derek Kessinger

445 W. Walnut Street - Oglesby


Pictures with Santa & Treats

Wednesday, December 17, 4 - 6 pm

Garzanelli's Supper Club

750 N Columbia Street - Oglesby


Prime Rib Special

2nd & 4th Saturday of each month

December 13 & 27

IVCC

815 N Orlando Smith St - Oglesby


2025 Continuing Education Catalog Now Available - Click HERE

Oglesby Elks Lodge #2360

800 E Walnut Street - Oglesby


Queen of Hearts every Thursday

Drawing starts at 7pm

Supports the Elk's Children's Care Program.


Bingo every Sunday!

Doors open at 2:00pm and starts at 4:00pm. Mini games are played between 2 and 4.


There is an Abe game and Dual Dab game that both have a jackpot. Also, the last game Coverall is now a guarantee $500 game! 


Kitchen is open from 2 until break.

Bingo info and jackpots posted on the Oglesby Elks Facebook page every week.

Starved Rock Lodge

1 Lodge Lane - Oglesby


Click HERE to see a full list of events happening at Starved Rock!

The Rootbeer Stand

225 N. Columbia Street - Oglesby


Santa Visit

Sunday, December 21, 2 - 4 pm


Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Shake - $9

Member News

Bon Voyage Storage Now Offering Industrial Storage Option


Bon Voyage Storage is now offering flexible industrial warehouse storage solutions across three different buildings to meet a variety of business needs. Available spaces range from 1,000 square feet up to 40,000 contiguous square feet with 8 foot, 12 foot, and 14 foot door clearance options. The facility also has industrial outdoor storage available.


Contact them at (815) 614-8566 or visit www.storebonvoyage.com for more information.

Oglesby Public Library District Announces Retirement of Director Lynn Sheedy and Welcomes New Director Anna Allison


The Oglesby Public Library District is pleased to announce an important leadership transition at the library. After many years of dedicated service, Library Director Lynn Sheedy will be retiring, with her last day in the position scheduled for December 19, 2025. Throughout her tenure, Sheedy has been a steadfast leader and a passionate advocate for library services, supporting community engagement, library programs, and the daily operations that keep the library a welcoming hub for all residents.


The Board of Trustees extends its sincere gratitude to Lynn Sheedy for her years of service and commitment to enriching the Oglesby community through the library. Her leadership has helped shape the library into a place of learning, connection, and opportunity for patrons of all ages.


Following her retirement, the Board has appointed Anna Allison as the new Library Director. Allison brings strong experience from her prior work within the library and is excited to lead the district forward in expanding programs, services, and community engagement.

We Are Oglesby has partnered with IVCC to offer our first-ever marketing internship!



We’re proud to announce a new official partnership with Illinois Valley Community College!

Together, we’re launching an exciting marketing internship opportunity for IVCC students who want hands-on experience in community engagement, event planning, and local marketing.


If you’re an IVCC student looking to build your portfolio and make a real impact, this is for you! Interested individuals can email President@WeAreOglesby.net.

First Responder Highlight

Want to sponsor a First Responder? Contact us directly or email support@weareoglesby.net.

2025 Corporate Members

2025 Non Profit Members

Dickinson House Foundation

Illinois Valley Community College

LaSalle County CASA

Oglesby Elks

Oglesby Public Library

Oglesby American Legion

If you're a member of We Are Oglesby and would like your monthly events, important information, or specials featured in our newsletter, please email the details to marketing@weareoglesby.net.

Want to join WAO?

Online sign up now available HERE!

Volunteer Opportunities

Click HERE to Signup!

Have a Suggestion?


We want to hear from you!

Your suggestions are important to help us continue to grow and revitalize Oglesby.


Click here to submit your suggestion!

We Are Oglesby is a non-profit organization made of

volunteer residents and business owners.


Our mission is community improvements and economic growth.



Our vision is to revitalize Oglesby, highlight existing businesses, welcome new businesses, and to host and promote events.

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