The Naperville Sun :: Lifestyles ::

A table worth remembering

By ANGELA BENDER For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

A beautiful holiday table does not have to be expensive or time consuming. With a wide variety of Naperville retailers and some tips from local decorators, giving a holiday table new life can be as easy as the pie being served on it.

Holiday closings

From Submitted Reports — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

The following organizations have announced closings for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Scouts learn that women can be in the Army, too

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

It's hard to think of a better role model for young girls than Staff Sgt. Korie Sergot. At just 25, she's already served in the U.S. Army for seven years, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. But Sergot insists underneath she's just like any other girl, one who likes wearing feminine clothes, makeup and heels.

Countdown to Christmas with advent chain

By HOLLY RAMER,Associated Press Writer — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Advent calendars have come a long way since the 1800s when German families started marking chalk or paint lines on the floor as Christmas approached.

THE HEALTHY PLATE: Healthier holiday cookies

By JIM ROMANOFF,For The Associated Press — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

If the thought of holiday cookies already has you planning your diet for the new year, take a deep breath and remember that a cookie on its own is a relatively minor dietary sin (small and already portion controlled).

Retiring chief is Plainfield's finest

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

When Don Bennett took over as Plainfield's police chief in 1985, the village was working on getting its first traffic signal installed at Route 59 and Lockport Street. Despite the smaller population, crime was similar back then, he said. Bennett, 64, retired Nov. 15 after about 24 years as police chief.

Is your car prepared for winter?

BY SARAH WELCH AND ALICIA ROCKMORE — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

There's nothing worse than being stranded -- except being stranded in bad winter weather. Colder months are tougher on cars, and a little preventive care now will go a long way toward keeping your car running smoothly in the face of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures.

Social networks can help academics: study

BY MARY BETH MARKLEIN — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Social-networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter can help community college students become more engaged in their academics, a report out this week finds.

Vampires in Naperville

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

This is a big weekend for Naperville's "Twilight" fans.

Celebration of Peace winners

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

More than 100 community members, leaders, school children and parents attended a gala press conference Nov. 13 at Naperville's City Hall to learn who were the 24 winners of ThinkGlobal Arts Foundation's annual creative stamp design, poster and essay/poem contest, part of the annual Celebration of Peace in Naperville.