Shop Thrifty for the Holidays

Keep your gifts budget-friendly by shopping in area thrift and consignment stores.

There are only 42 days until Christmas. Yup, 42. And that is as of Nov. 12. So if you have a big family and you haven't started yet, you need to get going. If your budget is a consideration, we at Patch are ready to help. There are plenty of stores that offer gently-used or even brand-new items that you can get for a bargain. Here is all you need to know about the area stores. Channahon Address: 2108 Plainfield Road Phone number: 815-744-0202 Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. What you should know: The store stocks gently-used kids' clothes, baby supplies and toys. Address: 2372 Plainfield Road Phone number: 815-744-0291 Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday …

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Blog: Plan Now for the Overeating to Come

Just because you might overindulge at a party or family gathering doesn't mean you can't be eating well and exercising in between.

We are in full swing holiday-mode. Let’s face it, we can’t get any more in the thick of it than we are now: Three days till Christmas Eve and 10 days until New Year's. Our days are crammed with shopping, partying, travelling, wrapping, cooking, baking … it’s exhausting. How many of you have made the promise-to-self? You know the one I’m talking about. As soon as the holidays are over, you’ll start your diet and exercise routine. If you have, congratulations for at least thinking about it, and I hope you are successful with that. If you haven’t, then (a) you are too busy to think about your health, (b) you don’t care about your health, or (c) you are a member of the very elite club of those of us who follow the 365-days-a-year diet-and-…

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Law Enforcement Patrols Increase for the Holidays

From Thanksgiving until the New Year law enforcement agencies will increase patrols looking for impaired and distracted drivers.

The Illinois State Police said Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest travel day over the long holiday weekend and drivers are asked to follow the rules of the road, particularly when drinking and driving are involved.  “Although the number of crashes involving impaired drivers has significantly decreased over the years, a single life lost to drunk driving is one life too many and we know that alcohol is a factor during the Thanksgiving holiday period,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau in a news release. “Troopers and local police officers will saturate the roads and interstates with targeted patrols to enforce ISP’s Fatal Four mission - with a special emphasis on impaired driving.”  The Illinois State Police is targeting…

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About Town

Teachers and Their Charges Readjust After Winter Break

It can be tough for students to re-engage with their studies after two weeks off, and teachers and principals return to the classroom with that in mind.

It’s almost the end of the first week back from winter break for Plainfield-area schools -- “Back to School: 202,” if you will. So, do you think all those bleary-eyed kids who got used to sleeping in till 10 for two weeks have adjusted to being back at their desks? It can be a challenge, teachers and administrators admit. “Most of our staff will allocate some time ... to re-connect with our students by taking the time to discuss how they spent their winter break prior to re-engaging in the academic realm,” says David Travis, Plainfield South High School principal. “Connecting with purpose means is that we encourage our staff to forge strong relationships with the students they serve.” But then it’s time to get back to work.  “To assist the…

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Colds and Flu Run Rampant During the Holidays so Heed These Healthy Tips

Getting sleep, watching sugar intake, washing your hands and other things can prevent your immune system from being compromised, doctor says.

During the holiday season, normal schedules and habits get tossed out the window thanks to parties and family get-togethers. Meals are irregular and holiday cookies irresistible. People spend more time indoors, and sometimes stress levels can rise. In short, immune systems become compromised, giving colds and flu a chance to strike. The best way to keep them at bay is to eat healthy, avoid sugar, get enough sleep and avoid people who are sick, said Dr. John Saran of Edward Medical Group. "We think of colds and flu as seasonal, but it has nothing to do with the weather," Saran said. "In temperate climates, colds and flu are year-round." When people are indoors more often, they're more likely to pass their germs on to others. There is more …

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No Shortage of Ways to Get the Holiday Spirit

Park district, police department and library programs are designed to entertain kids and get the family excited about the upcoming holidays.

'Tis the season to be jolly. In addition to MainStreet Plainfield's Holiday Open House on Saturday, the Plainfield Park District, Plainfield Police Department and the Plainfield Public Library are hosting many events designed to ignite the holiday spirit. The Plainfield Park District will offer special events, telephone calls from Santa and winter-break camps for kids and teens. The Plainfield Park District also will offer winter break events for kids. For other details or to register for a park district event, call 815-436-8812 or visit www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com.

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Timbers of Shorewood

10:10 am on Friday, December 10, 2010

Hi Vickie, Thanks for mentioning the Timbers of Shorewood's, "Santa and Timbers' Elves" holiday party. I forgot to mention that the Timbers is also hosting a toy drive during the party. Here is a link for more info - http://www.timbersofshorewood.com/calendar/2010/december/11/community-christmas-party-santa-claus Thanks again, Andy   more ›