Get Out: Laughter, (March) Madness, Covers and Bedtime Reading

Get Out is a Patch guide to weekend entertainment in the area.

It’s Thursday, and you have no idea what to do for the weekend. Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore. Where/When: Orland Park Library, April 1, 7 – 7:30pm Why go: Put on your pajamas and bring your teddy bear – it’s time for a story! Pricing: No registration or fee, but space is limited. Where/When:  Red Velvet Lounge, Friday, April 1, 10pm Why go: Rendition doesn’t just “cover” a song; they make it their own (hence the band name). With a wide range of music styles including alternative, dance, country, rock, and rap, Rendition brings something for everyone. The evening is a fundraiser to provide relief …

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Photo Gallery: Lake Katherine Goes Green

The water flows green on St. Patrick's Day at Lake Katherine Nature Center.

Lake Katherine Nature Center celebrated St. Patrick's Day by dying the waterfall green. The noon and 4 p.m. dye job lasted just 15 minutes. About 150 people were present to witness the clear waters turn green. Volunteers were on hand passing out small glasses of the nostalgic beverage Green River. The center's operations manager Gareth Blakesley said the green dye is biodegradable and does no harm to the center's wildlife. Check back later for a video the the green water.

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Southland Stories

If You Ate McDonald's Every Day, Could You Run a Marathon?

In this week's "Good Read on the Southland," we've got 5 stories that will make you smarter.

OK, maybe these stories won't make you smarter, but they will definitely give you something to talk about this week.  I'm pretty sure Big Macs and Quarter Pounders won't give you the kind of gas that'll keep your legs pumping for 26 miles, but Oak Forest native Joseph D'Amico insists he can eat nothing but McDonald's and make it through the L.A. Marathon. D'Amico grew up in Oak Forest, running track and cross country for Oak Forest High School. Now known as "McRunner," he's vowed to raise $5,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities while feasting on nothing but McDonald's. Orland School District 135 is suing Paul Gutierrez of Blue Island for sending his daughter to Orland Junior High. The district seeks $24,208.03 in damages from Gutierrez …

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Fun Fair, Animals and Irish Food: Grab & Go Kids Planner

Our weekly rundown of great local activities for Palos families.

Where/When: Saturday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Independence Junior High, 6610 W Highland Drive in Palos Heights. Why Go: A great chance to have fun with your fellow neighbors the District 128's Fun Fair will feature games, raffles and a reptile show. Pricing: There is no admission fee, but small fees for games and the reptile show. Where/When: Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m., Palos Park Public Library, 12330 S Forest Glen Blvd in Palos Park. Why Go: The grand finale of the library's winter reading program, families will have the chance to learn about and meet various exotic animals including a hedgehog, lynx and alligator. Pricing: Free. Contact the library at (708)448-1530 to register. WORLD OF WHEELS Where/When: Runs Friday to …

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Locally Owned

Celtic Cottage Brings Best of Ireland to Palos Heights

A full-service jewelery store and dealer of authentic Irish goods, Celtic Cottage brings Ireland to the Palos-area.

If you yearn for the rolling green landscape of Ireland, but can't quite make it across the Atlantic, a shop in Palos Heights might be able to fill the void. In 2004 Lorie Stone set up shop in Palos Heights and began offering jewelry, clothing and mementos from the Emerald Isle.   Stone has owned Celtic Cottage since 1997, originally in Orland, then Tinley Park and finally Palos Heights. The business used to be strictly jewelery and operated under the name Wm. Simon Jewelers. That all changed after Stone took a trip to Ireland 10 years ago with friends. It was that vacation that inspired the jeweler to add an Irish twist to her store back home. “I had been there for about 10 minutes [when my plane landed in Shannon] on a trip to Europe in …

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The Recipe Box

Recipe: Irish Soda Bread

A recipe for your Christmas table.

It's not a holiday in my book without Irish soda bread. This side dish has become a staple at every one of our family holiday dinners.  While the slightly sweet bread might not be a classic Christmas side, it is a mighty tasty addition. So enjoy this family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Ingredients 5 cups sifted flour                               1 egg, slightly beaten 1 1/2 teaspoons salt                            1 stick of butter 1 cup sugar                                           2 1/2 cups white raisins 1 tablespoon baking powder             2 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 teaspoon baking soda Instructions Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda together. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or …

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For Many Local Retailers, Black Friday Is a Day Like Any Other

While big box chains and major retailers push large sales and promotions to drive up business during the holiday shopping season, many local businesses rely more on year-round loyalty.

During tough economic times, there's no shortage of stories about the trials and tribulations — and, in some cases, desperation — of "big box" retailers as they head into the holiday season.  The term "Black Friday" is now part of our common parlance. Long lines and blowout sales go hand in hand with leftover turkey and stuffing. It's a chance for big retailers to kick off the holiday spending season with a bang, and it often serves as an indicator for the coming year. While many small businesses have been hit at least as hard as the major retailers in recent years, they often are less dependent on holiday sales and the Black Friday masses. For many Palos-area retailers, success hinges on attracting long-term customer bases, not once-a-…

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