Pets o’ the Week for Feb. 9, 2012

The Thursday Neighborhood Star prints adoptable pets. Area shelters should send photos, pet descriptions, shelter hours, address and contact information to Jason Freeman at jfreeman@southtownstar.com with “Pets o’ the Week” in the subject line.

SOUTHLAND ANIMAL SHELTERS

Peoples Animal Welfare Society Animal Shelter

8301 W. …

Get this paczki party started

Before we get to Mardi Gras, let’s welcome Tlusty Czwartek. You don’t have to be Polish to kick-start your pre-Lenten food celebration the week before Ash Wednesday. Much like the French Fat Tuesday, Polish Fat Thursday is a day dedicated to big eating. It marks …

Serving for Feb. 9, 2012

Here is a look at what Southlanders are accomplishing in the military including news from Chicago and Orland Park.

A hot pink drink to set the Valentine’s Day mood

This Valentine’s Day cocktail sports a risque name, is easy on the eyes and drinks like candy. Even guys will be reaching for this admittedly feminine cocktail. Its flavors are slightly sweet and tangy, much like a glass of pink lemonade. Except that this pink …

Reunions for Feb. 9, 2012

Here is a look at reunions in the Southland.

To Your Health: Minimally invasive options there for heart valve disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, taking the lives of more than 600,000 people annually. To help in combating this disease, February has been designated as “Heart Month,” a time to actively raise awareness of heart disease, …

What’s Going On for Feb. 9, 2012

Here’s a look at What’s Going On in the Southland including in Oak Lawn, Burbank, University Park and Frankfort.

Beverly center’s annual auction a chance to support the arts

Live entertainment and a chance to bid on a wide variety of items will come together Saturday at the Beverly Arts Center’s annual auction. For the Love of Art, the center’s 41st annual auction, begins at 6 p.m. at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. …

Campus for Feb. 9, 2012

Here is a look at what some Southland students are accomplishing in college, including news from Flossmoor, Frankfort, Lansing, Lockport, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Mokena, Tinley Park, Homer Glen and Country Club Hills.

Queen Elizabeth, 85, celebrates 60 years on the throne

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II marked 60 years on the throne Monday with a message thanking all those who have supported her over her reign and reaffirming her dedication to serving the British people.

Tributes from British officials poured in to honor the 85-year-old …

Your Pets for Feb. 9, 2012

We want your pet photos. Whether it’s you with your dog, cat, bird, fish or lizard, please email a jpeg photo with your name, your pet’s name and hometown to Jason Freeman at jfreeman@southtownstar.com.

Alsip teen has his career mapped out as aspiring infantry officer

For as long as he can remember, Justin Reynolds has known what he wants to do for a living. But until he was in eighth grade and discovered that Shepard High School had started a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, he didn’t realize just …

Health Briefs for Feb. 8

Here is a look at health news in the Southland

Vickroy: Blizzard baby enjoys a milder birthday

Good weather is a gift in itself, especially if it happens on your birthday. Red-haired, blue-eyed Lucy Whitney squealed with delight as her mom pushed her in a swing at the park across the street from their Oak Lawn home. The Southland’s Blizzard Baby turned …

Charity Briefs for Feb. 7, 2012

Here is a look at charity news in the Southland.