PHIL WIELAND: Getting Valpo's vision off to a flying start

It's no secret I'm a big fan of the future, in the sense that I hope we all have one. Keep those Mayans cranking out the calendars, please.

SLICE OF LIFE: Lysol-ing through the holidays

A freshly cut Christmas tree. A roasted turkey. That office supply smell Scotch tape leaves on your fingers when you're wrapping presents. They're all scents that remind me of the holidays.

Drunk driving patrols to increase for holiday

CHICAGO | Law enforcement agencies across Illinois say they're increasing drunken driving patrols and seat belt check as the New Year's holiday approaches.

Windy City to ring in 2013 with rising stars, longtime favorites

Regardless of the economic climate, Chicago venues have always been consistent when it comes to offering musical options for those looking to ring in the new year.

New Year's Ever Pizza Party for children slated for Dec. 31

CROWN POINT | A Grand Finale New Year's Eve Pizza Party for children will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 31 at First United Methodist Church, 352 S. East St. The party, sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Special Events, lasts until 5.

New Year’s Eve Party for Kids

CROWN POINT | The Mayor’s Office of Special Events is hosting our Annual Grand Finale New Year’s Eve Pizza Party for children on December 31 located at the 1st United Methodist Church, 352 S East St. The celebration kicks off at 2-5p.m.

Clark celebrates 40 years rocking New Year's Eve

Forty years ago, Dick Clark's New Year's Eve special was created to give young people an alternative to a seasonal institution, bandleader Guy Lombardo.

Dish up health and wealth in the New Year

In the South, Hoppin' John, a dish made with black-eyed peas, is often served on New Year's Day to bring prosperity in the new year. This food-wealth connection with the New Year is common in many other parts of the world.

Hyatt Regency Chicago

The Hyatt Regency Chicago will have a New Year's Eve ballroom bash.

Seniors greet the new year

DE MOTTE | The arrival of a new year is celebrated across the country in varied traditions, at parties and gatherings.

OFFBEAT: Gloria Vanderbilt shares NYC New Year's Eve moment with son Anderson Cooper

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Looking for New Year's Eve entertainment?

If you still haven't made New Year's Eve plans, head on over to Hammond's Horseshoe Casino Friday for some holiday fun.

FROM the FARM: New Year's Eve celebrations even better with a traditional cheeseball

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

Cruising for the New Year

The Odyssey departs from Chicago's Navy Pier on New Year's Eve to give guests the ultimate luxury experience along Chicago's famed fireworks skyline to herald the arrival of 2011.

OFFBEAT: Time to plan for New Year's Eve fun and celebrations to welcome 2011

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Rosalynn Carter and Amy

First Lady Rosalynn Carter and daughter Amy are shown in this Jan. 20, 1977 photo at President Jimmy Carter's Inauguration. Rosalynn's recipe for a delicious cheese ring spread is the ideal recipe way to welcome the arrival of January and the new year.

OFFBEAT: Tune in to 89.1 F.M. WLPR Lakeshore Drive Wednesday for New Year's Eve ideas and prizes

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

New book recalls Danceland as "the place to be" on New Year's Eve

Long long before "Dancing with the Stars" became a hit TV show, there was a time in the Calumet Region when hundreds of dancers, decked out in their finest, flocked to Madura's Danceland to celebrate New Year's Eve in high style.

Rock 'n' roll in the new year

Looking for the right place to rock the night away while waiting to ring in New Year's?

Myriad opportunities to celebrate the new year

Before the gifts we wrapped with pretty paper and bows are opened, while visions of sugar plums are still dancing in our heads, when we are not even done celebrating the current holiday, we already are considering how to ring in the next.