November Newsletter 2025

Big Things Are Happening in Oglesby!


50/50 Raffle Update

Our We Are Oglesby 50/50 total is growing fast.. the pot is already over $2,000! Don’t miss your chance to win! Every ticket helps support local community projects and events.

Get your tickets today and help us reach our biggest total yet!


Oglesby Winter Wonderland Open House – Sign Up Now!

The Winter Wonderland Open House is right around the corner, and we want YOU to be part of it!

If you haven’t already, sign up by November 17 to be included in the proper marketing and promotions for this year’s event.

Use the link HERE to register, it’s quick, easy, and so important to make the deadline to ensure your business is featured!

Sign-Up Deadline to be Included in Marketing: November 17, 2025


Thank You, Stevens Service Center

After 20 incredible years in business, Stevens Service Center officially closed its doors this past weekend.

We’re honored to recognize their long-standing commitment and service to the Oglesby community. Wishing them the very best in their next chapter!


New Internship Partnership with IVCC

We’re thrilled to announce an official partnership with IVCC and our very first marketing internship opportunity!

If you’re an IVCC student (or know one!) who’s passionate about marketing and community engagement, this could be the perfect fit.

Click HERE for the official internship information!


Join the We Are Oglesby Board

Interested in helping shape Oglesby’s future?

Several board seats are up for election on January 1. If you’d like to be considered, please submit a letter of interest to president@weareoglesby.com by December 14.

Elections will take place at our public meeting on January 21, 2026.


And finally… stay tuned!

We have some BIG news coming soon and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! Stay tuned for our next newsletter when we’ll share an exciting update about where you can find us more easily than ever before!

Announcements

Open House Sign-Up Deadline: November 17, 2025 to be included in marketing materials, interactive map and punch cards.


Show off your holiday spirit! Host an open house with treats, specials, giveaways, or festive activities.


If you do not have a business or store front, but want to participate, contact us for a location to pair up with!


Guests who complete their punch cards by visiting each location will be entered to win $500 cash!


This year more than ever, we would love your participation and support to make Oglesby shine bright for the holidays!


If you can’t participate this year but would like to support the event, donations of $200 or more will receive recognition:

  • Announced by the Parade Emcee
  • Featured on social media, radio ads, and print materials - included on the back of the punch cards.

If you’d like to join the parade, sign up below!



*Parade Sign-Up: Required to receive your official entry rules and day-of details.


Official Parade Emcee: Manny Mendoza!

Manny will be broadcasting the holiday fun live from JLM Automotive (corner of Glenn & Walnut).

Bi-Monthly Member Spotlights

Derek Kessinger - State Farm Insurance Agent


Located at 445 W Walnut Street, Derek Kessinger – State Farm Insurance Agent provides trusted coverage and personalized service for families and businesses throughout the Illinois Valley. Derek and his team help customers protect what matters most with a full line of auto, home, renters, life, and business insurance, as well as financial services tailored to individual needs. A graduate of Illinois State University with a background in broadcasting, Derek combines strong communication skills with a genuine passion for community service. Whether you’re insuring your first car, your dream home, or your growing business, Derek Kessinger State Farm is here to help you plan for life’s curveballs with confidence.


Connect with Derek Kessinger - State Farm Insurance Agent

Deer Park Golf Club


With a rich history dating back to 1904, Deer Park Golf Club initially operated as a private country club for over a century, known then as Deer Park Country Club. Since its establishment, the club has catered to the golfing and social needs of the Starved Rock Region. Situated in one of Illinois' most popular travel destinations, Deer Park is surrounded by state parks, including Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park. While membership offers numerous advantages, the golf course warmly welcomes the public to come and experience Deer Park Golf Club.


Connect with Deer Park Golf Club

Upcoming WAO Events

Winter Wonderland Activities Include:


12-5pm

Open House Activities


12-2pm

The Magic of Nutzy


12-2pm 
Starved Rock Trolley Rides


2-4pm

Live Reindeer Display


2-4pm

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides


2-4pm

Santa at 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, November 12

4:30-7:00pm

Carry out or dine in

Call (815) 883-3214


Steak Fry

Thursday, November 27

5:00-9:00pm

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


Tim & Wally

Sunday, November 23, 3 - 6 pm

Darrell Data

Sunday, November 30, 3 - 6 pm


Weekly Specials:

Tuesday Taco Day!

Wednesday Wing Night!

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

Deer Park Golf Club

100 Deer Park Ln - Oglesby


2026 New Membership Rates


Dickinson House Foundation

440 Dale Ave - Oglesby


Energize Your Body & Mind - Wellness Event

Every Wednesday & Friday Starting Sept. 10

12:30 - 1:30pm


IVCC

815 N Orlando Smith St - Oglesby


2025 Continuing Education Catalog Now Available - Click HERE

Garzanelli's Supper Club

750 N Columbia Street - Oglesby


Prime Rib Special

2nd & 4th Saturday of each month

November 8 & 22

Jason Hardin Photography

Serving Oglesby


Photo with the Grinch

Saturday, November 29 11a - 2p

Market on Mill #7, Utica, IL


$12 - 4 x 6 instant photo w/ festive frame

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!

Member News

Medicare Open Enrollment: Local Help Available Between October 15 and December 7, 2025


This annual window, known as Open Enrollment or AEP, is when you can compare Medicare Advantage and drug plans, switch plans or return to Original Medicare.


It’s a lot to navigate, and many residents find the process confusing. Linda Dose at Dose Insurance Agency in Oglesby is available to help. She’s one of the few agents in our area who can walk you through Medicare Advantage, Supplements and Prescription Drug plans, and explain the pros and cons of each.


If you’re unsure where to start or want to make sure your coverage still fits your needs, consider reaching out to Linda. She’s helped many in our community make confident, informed decisions, and she’s right here in town.


Contact Linda Dose from Dose Insurance Agency today for help with your Medicare enrollment. She can be found at 120 E Walnut St, Oglesby or by calling 815-883-8616 or email linda@doseagency.com.

Don Finley Celebrates 40 Years at John's Service & Sales


We'd like to congratulate Don Finley on an incredible 40 years with John's Service & Sales! A lifelong Oglesby resident and former mayor, Don began his career right out of high school and has worked in nearly every department over the years. His dedication, knowledge, and commitment to our community is truly unmatched. Don now serves as Vice President of Sales, continuing to be a familiar and trusted face in Oglesby. Congratulations, Don, on this remarkable milestone!

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.

Community Events

City of Oglesby

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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