Good morning, Decatur.

On November 25, Natalie Beck and Dr. Dana Ray of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation recorded a podcast with Byers and Co — discussing their 25th anniversary celebration and how they worked with donors to benefit the community.

On November 25th, Karla Miller from Hickory Point Bank and Jessica Milligan from the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau joined Byers & Co to record a podcast about Santa's House in Central Park and the bank’s role on local boards — the discussion showed how employees help shape local efforts.

The Golden K Kiwanis Club of Decatur has announced its December program schedule with an FBI agent talk on December 3rd, a Youth Advocacy update on December 10th, and a Christmas music celebration on December 17th while meetings will not be held on December 24th and 31st.

Regular Wednesday meetings start at 8:30 a.m. with fellowship and 9:30 a.m. with the program at the Salvation Army on Main Street—members also work on local service projects like the Toy Drive and Bell Ringing.

The 72nd Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon drew over 700 people on Tuesday at the Decatur Conference Center—where former Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville gave the keynote speech.

The Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the event to thank locals and foster business connections.

State Senator Doris Turner has launched her annual holiday card drive to bring cheer to seniors in long-term care facilities—community members are invited to mail or deliver handmade or store-bought cards by Dec.

17 at her Decatur or Springfield office.

Decatur Earthmover Credit Union will present the annual Downtown Decatur Lighted Christmas Parade on December 6 with a lineup at 2:30 p.m. and a step-off at 4:00 p.m. — it will be preceded by the Fleet Feet Santa Shuffle Run and follow a route starting at Franklin and Macon Streets.

The Village of Forsyth announced on Tuesday that the owners of Diamonds Family Restaurant will open a second location called Diamonds and Yolk in the former building of Crab Lobster/O'Charley's — the new restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and family dining and does not yet have a set opening date.

Decatur was named the No. 1 Best Affordable Place to Live by U.S. News — the ranking highlighted a median rent of $570 and a median home value of $89,855 that help residents stretch their dollars further.

The accolade shows that the city of nearly 67,000 people offers a cost-effective option for homebuyers and renters alike.

Dale Colee joined Byers and Co on November 25 to discuss Medicare Part D — holiday weekend hours and sales.

He also previewed Pharmacy Facts with Friends — a podcast that will recap the Thanksgiving Luncheon and the culinary program at Richland Community College.

University of Illinois Extension will offer free online Heart Smart Eating workshops on December 4 from noon to 1 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. to teach residents how to manage sodium, fat, added sugar, and fiber for a healthy heart—registration is required by December 2.

Nutcracker Performance

7 PM – 1 AM — Richland Community College — Tickets $15 ($12 for kids and seniors) — Experience a delightful local interpretation of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet with community talent.

Fleet Feet Santa Shuffle

3:40-9:40 p.m. — Decatur Brew Works — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive run leading up to the Decatur Christmas Parade.