Happy Spring!

Glitz, Glam, and More

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: stockimages

Glitz, Glam, and More-A Shopper's Paradise is coming to Nevin's Brewing Company in Plainfield on April 24th from 6:30-9:30 PM. There will be 24 vendors to shop from along with great food and drinks. Nevin's Brewing Company is located at 12337 S. Rt. 59.

Home Listings Up 10%

www.realestate.aol.com

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: smarnad

A harsh winter did not stop many homeowners from thinking positively about the market, with 10% more properties up on the market nationwide according to Realtor.com. The median home price also increased at the same time and rose to $199,00 according to the National Housing Trend Report. This trend is very encouraging and points to more sales this spring. The Chicago market was noted as being especially strong with more homes on the market as well as median home prices rising.

Register Now For Shorewood Day Camps

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Stoonn

Shorewood Day Camp Summer 2014 will be here before you know it; it begins June 16th and is open to children that have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. The camp runs for 4 weeks and takes place Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Camp goes from 1 pm until 4 pm and meets at Four Seasons Park. The registration deadline is May 30th, however, space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Pricing is $175 for Shorewood residents and $250 for Non-Residents. The fees includes all field trips, transportation, supplies, and activities. There is a multi-child/multi-camp discount fee of $150. For more information, contact Denise Schmidt at (815) 741-7710.

Pioneer Lanes Under New Ownership

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: David Castillo Dominici

Pioneer Lanes, located at 15610 S. Joliet Road in Plainfield has come under new ownership and will be renamed Plainfield Lanes. The bowling alley is scheduled to re-open on March 31st as Plainfield's main Bowling Alley/Bar and Grill. You can stay up to date with what's happening with the new bowling center by visiting them at www.plainfieldlanes.com.

Spring Super Foods To Look Forward To

www.huffingtonpost.com

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: digitalart

Although a lot of these foods are available year round, fresh always tastes better! Here are some favorite fruits and veggies that are best during spring time:

• Asparagus: This vegetable is great when the thick and woodsy stems are taken off, they are steamed quickly, and then drizzled with lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt.
• Arugula: Wonderful when paired with fresh, chopped tomatoes and lemon and olive oil dressing.
• Artichokes: These taste great when just steamed, although if you are feeling decadent, you can dip the leaves in melted butter as well.
• Fennel: The beauty of this veggie is that the entire thing can be used. The bulb is awesome sliced and added to a salad, and the fronds can be used as a garnish to finish off a dish.
• Strawberries: This super fruit is a great topper for pancakes or you can use it for a sweet fondue and dip them in melted chocolate.
• Leeks: Use them in potato and leek soup or chop them up and saute them in olive oil and garlic.

April Events At The Plainfield Park District

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Grant Cochrane

The Plainfield Park District has some fun and exciting events planned for next month. Here's a few of the activities planned for children; to register for these please call (815) 436-8812 or visit www.plfdparks.org.

• Flashlight egg hunt: The 6th annual flashlight egg hunt will take place on April 11th at Van Horn Woods. Kids will have the opportunity to search for eggs filled with candy and prizes. Ages 7-9 will hunt at 8 pm and kids ages 10-12 will hunt at 8:30 pm. Pre-registration must be done by Monday, April 7th and the cost is $5 for residents and $7.50 for non-residents. This event will take place rain or shine!
• Egg-citing activities: The Easter bunny will be visiting Clow Stephens on April 12th and children will be able to hunt for eggs. Don't forget to bring a basket to hold your eggs! All kids will receive a snack and a craft to do either on site or at home. All children need to be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration must be done by April 9th-no on site registration is offered. The Easter bunny will be on site from 10-11:30 so don't forget your cameras. Children 1-3 will hunt at 11 am, 4-5 year olds at 11:15 am, and children ages 6-7 will hunt at 11:30 am. 
• Spring pictures and pony rides: On Sunday, April 13th there will be a horse in costume available for both pictures and rides. While children wait for their turn with the horse they will be able to participate in an egg hunt and find 5 eggs each. This event is for kids ages 3 and up and will cost $5 for a photo and $10 for a pony ride. Both registration and payment are required prior to the event. The event runs from 2:30 pm until 4 pm and registration is for 10 minutes time slots.

Downtown Plainfield Ladies Night Out

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: imagerymajestic

Tonight, Tuesday March 25th, is Ladies Night Out in Downtown Plainfield. 22 businesses are participating and offering special promotions and discounts for participants between noon and 8 pm tonight. Stop in to What's New/Simply Saucy (corner of Lockport and Des Plaines) to pick up your pink boa to wear in order to participate in the special offers. The restaurant specials will be offered to closing. Have fun!

Dunkin Donuts To Come To Downtown Plainfield?

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: ddpavumba

The Village of Plainfield has been asking residents for about a year to give their input as to what should be put along the Route 59 corridor. The Village now has a more specific question for the residents of Plainfield-should a drive-thru Dunkin Donuts be put in at the corner of Route 59, Oak, and Arnold Streets? The proposed plan would include a 4,600 square foot retail center right across from the Walgreens on Main Street. The store front would include two additional retailers aside from Dunkin Donuts, however, those retailers have not been determined yet. The Village launched a website in 2012 as a way for residents to give their input on the plans for the area and that site is still up with graphics of the proposed Dunkin Donuts store. If you would like to give your opinion and to see a more detailed outlook of the proposal, click here. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until April 6th. The project will go before the village board for a vote at the April 7th meeting which will take place at 7 pm at Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street.

Plainfield Business Expo To Take Place On March 29th

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Vlado

The Plainfield Business Expo is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th from 9 am until 2 pm in the field house of Plainfield Central High School located at 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive. The expo will feature more than 100 business along with a fun filled schedule of events. The Y-Ensemble Dancers will perform from 10:30-11 am, World Champion Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts from 11-11:30 am, Plainfield Dance Academy from 11:30 am till noon, and from noon to 12:30 Plainfield Officer Brian Wagner will be with his K-9. The annual Friends of Plainfield Academy pancake breakfast will also be happening that day in the school cafeteria from 8-11 am. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Plainfield Bike Path Improvements To Begin In April

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: arztsamui

By: Dawn Dause

Work is scheduled to start on April 7th to extend the bike path along Van Dyke Road south to Lockport Street. Asphalt patching and seal coating will take place at various points along the path at Van Dyke Road, 135th Street, 119th Street, and Settler's Park. The project is combined with the new pedestrian signals at Van Dyke Road and Lockport Street in order to improve pedestrian access. The project is scheduled to be completed in late May or early June. This will make a very nice addition to the city of Plainfield!

Plainfield Saints Walk In Registration Is Today

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Idea go

The Plainfield Saints Youth Association is holding walk in registration for youth football and cheer today, Tuesday March 18th, from 6-8 PM at Drauden Point Middle School, 1911 Drauden Road, Plainfield. The Plainfield Saints organization is the home of the 2013 Jr Pee Wee and Jr Midget State Finalists. If you would like more information about the Plainfield Saints, visit www.plainfield-saints.org.

Plainfield Dog Park Naming Contest

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Tina Phillips

The new Plainfield Park District's off-leash dog park, which opened late last year, is holding a contest to choose a name for this special place for dog owners and their pooches. The park, located at Norman Grreenway 13214 S Blakely, is asking people to submit an essay comprised of 300 words or less discussing your favorite dog and dog owner. These entries can be submitted through March 31, 2014. The essays can be emailed to vargas@plainfieldparkdistrict.com or mailed to:
Plainfield Park District
Name the Dog Park Contest
23729 W. Ottawa Street
Plainfield, IL 60544

The grand prize is the honor of having the dog park named after your favorite pet named in your essay as well as a commemorative plaque and the runner up will receive a commemorative plaque as well along with a free 2014 Ottawa Street Pool family pass valid for the entire 2014 season. For more information, please visit Dog Park Naming Contest.

Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

By: Dawn Dause

Re/Max Ultimate Professionals is proud to be a part of the Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade, taking place this Sunday March 16th @ 1 pm from the campus of Plainfield High School-Central. Parade-goers will be able to enjoy a family tent from 2-4 pm which will feature fun, food, and activities for children and their families. There will also be a pub crawl starting at 2 pm from Front Street Cantina.
See you there!

Great Adventures Preschool Program In Plainfield

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Danilo Rizzuti

By: Dawn Dause

The Plainfield Park District's Great Adventures Preschool program is now open for registration. The program serves kids ages 3-5 and children must be potty trained in order to participate. Children must turn 3 years old by September 1, 2014 to enroll in the 3 year old program, 4 by September 1, 2014 to be in the 4 year old program and 5 years old by December 15, 2014 to participate in the Finally Five Program. Classes run from late August/early September to mid-May and parents may choose from morning and afternoon sessions. Classes take place at 2 locations; the Heritage Center, located at 24023 W. Lockport Street in downtown Plainfield and the Streams Recreation Center, 24319 Cedar Creek Lane in Plainfield. Online registration is not available but can be done at the Recreation/Administration Center and Heritage Professional Center.
If you would like more information about openings, payment plans, or registration, call the Plainfield Park District at 815-436-8812 or go to www.plfdparks.org.  If you are in need of specific information about the program content call Leslie Anderson at 815-254-2992 or email greatadventures@plainfieldparkdistrict.com.

Home Deed Scam

www.houselogic.com

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: David Castillo Dominici

By: Dawn Dause

Property Transfer Services is a dishonest company trying to get homeowners from around the country to pay them $83 to get a copy of their home deed. Other companies trying to scam citizens for a copy of their home deed are National Record Service, Proxy Data Retrieval LLC, Record Transfer Services, and Record Retrieval Department. Your deed is a document showing the transfer of ownership of your home from the sellers to you, or if you are selling it shows the transfer of ownership from you to the buyers of your home. You typically receive a copy of the deed at the closing, however, if you do need another copy you can get one at your local courthouse or property record office for just a few dollars.

Katie O'Connor's in Plainfield

By: Dawn Dause

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and some of our favorite Irish pubs have lots of fun times planned! Katie O'Connor's Pint House and Eatery, located at 13717 US Route 30, Plainfield is a favorite local spot for great Irish food as well as an extensive menu featuring many other types of cuisine. Check out their schedule for the upcoming holiday:

Hugs for Hounds

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Vlado

By: Dawn Dause

Hugs for Hounds, the 6th Annual Doggie Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 19th at 11 am.  This event is presented by Shorewood H.U.G.S. and the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The egg hunt will benefit Jullo, the Forest Preserve Police Department's K9 officer. The event will take place at Hammel Woods Dog Park in Shorewood. All dogs taking part in the event must be on a leash and accompanied at all times. A $5 fee per dog will be collected. Registration can be done the day of the event beginning at 10:30 am but pre-registration is encouraged. To pre-register, visit ReconnectWithNature.org or www.shorewoodhugs.com or you may call (815) 722-8193.

Documentation Needed To Apply For A Mortgage

www.realestate.msn.com

        Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Stuart Miles

What documents are needed when applying for a mortgage?

• Tax returns from the previous two years
• Last two pay stubs from employer
• Financial statements from last two months
• Photo ID
• Signed sale contract-This is not needed for pre-approval but is necessary if you have submitted an accepted offer on a home.
• Proof of homeowners insurance
• Written proof of your position and salary
• Canceled rent or utility checks
• Gift letters-This is required if you are receiving money from a friend or relative to help cover closing costs or the down payment.
• 1099 forms-If you are self employed

Better Sleep

www.homes.yahoo.com

         Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: graur codrin

With the impending loss of sleep we are about to experience, it's important to get the best quality sleep that we can. Here are some tips to sleep like a baby:

• Invest in a new mattress if the one you own is getting old and you feel sore when waking up. A new mattress can offer more support and allow you to feel much more rested.
• Forego TV watching right before you sleep: Watching TV before you try and fall asleep can make your brain alert rather than relaxed. 
• Do you use  an e-reader? When using your Kindle or other device, change the background to black and the text to white if possible. A black background is much less stimulating than a bright white one.
• Invest in blackout shades/drapes if bright light is a problem in the morning.
• White noise can dramatically reduce bothersome noise and help to create a peaceful oasis conducive to a good night's sleep.
• Avoid eating large meals, drinking alcohol, and consuming caffeine 3-4 hours before you hit the sheets.
• The ideal sleeping temperature is between 68 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Try your best to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day and don't vary the times by more than one hour. This allows your body to get into a routine which leads to better sleep.

It's That Time Again....

        Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: sritangphoto

Don't forget-Daylight Savings Time officially beings this Sunday at 2 am. Turn your clocks ahead one hour to spring forward!

Lightened Up Comfort Food

www.cookinglight.com

          Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: KEKO64

For many of us, Winter evokes a desire to hunker down and enjoy our fair share of comfort food. Now that we are into the month of March and it's snowing yet again, some of us may still want to have comfort food classics, but may be ready for a change. Here is a recipe for Mac and Cheese, only this dish is lighter and healthier without skimping on taste.

Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 3 cups, cubed and peeled butternut squash (about a 1 pound squash)
• 1 1/4 cups fat free, low sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups fat free milk
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons, plain and fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded Gruyere cheese (5 ounces)
• 1 cup, grated pecorino Romano (4 ounces)
• 1/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided (1 ounce)
• 1 pound, uncooked cavatappi
• cooking spray
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Combine squash, broth, milk, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender until pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Place the hot squash mixture in a blender.Add salt, pepper and Greek yogurt. Remove the center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape), secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid a mess). Blend until the mixture is smooth. Place blended squash mixture in a bowl; stir in Gruyere, pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until combined.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well. Add pasta to squash mixture, and stir until combined. Spread the mixture evenly into a 13x9 inch glass or ceramic baking dish that has been coated with non-stick  cooking spray. 
5. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mix. Lightly spray some cooking spray over the top. 
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with the fresh parsley, serve, and enjoy!

Fat Tuesday

plainfield.patch.com

               Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net By: Grant Cochrane


For many people, Fat Tuesday is synonymous with Paczkis. Paczkis are Polish treats very similar to a doughnut that are filled in the middle. There are many places in the Chicagoland area to get this delicious treat. Below are some of the local spots serving up this Fat Tuesday tradition:

Cathy's Sweet Creations, 24042 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield

Ewa's Market and Deli, 11914 S Route 59, Plainfield

Tony's Finer Foods, 2300 Route 59, Plainfield/Joliet

Donut Den, 3021 Theodore St., Joliet

Home Cut Donuts, 815 W Jefferson St., Joliet

Milano Bakery, 433 S. Chicago St., Joliet

Joliet Bakery, 821 Plainfield Rd, Joliet

Montgomery Market, 1525 Douglas Rd, Montgomery