Weekly Patch-up: 'Heart' of St. Damian, Snowstorm Stories Galore, Bright and Shiny New Patch Stars

Put it in the books: Blizzard 2011 and another week for Oak Forest Patch.

The blizzard kept Patch so busy, we missed celebrating our two-month mark (it was Feb. 2, and if you're wondering, Patch prefers tulips). December and January blew by in a blur, and last week was no different.

While readers were snowed in, Patch packed in the news to keep everyone occupied. Just in case you spent more time sledding or building snowmen than keeping up with your Patch, here's a quick recap.

• Before the big one hit, we met up with some shoppers at Jewel to ask what they stocked for the big snow. Throughout the storm, we updated readers on power outages, public work's efforts and motorists who didn't heed warnings to stay off the roads. Afterward, Patch checked in with local police and city staff for status updates, bringing readers the latest throughout the day.
• But there was actually more to this week than just snow (though it certainly did not feel like it at times). We introduced you to the adorable Jasper, this week's Adopt Me pet housed at PAWS in Tinley Park. 
• Tuesday, Feb. 2 marked three years since the day one man took the lives of five women at a Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park. We brought readers a three-part series, expounding on the status of the investigation, the future of the empty store property, and a victim's family keeping their daughter's name alive.
• What were your neighbors up to during and after the blizzard? Flip through some reader photos! Check out the editor's photos from around town, and don't miss her helmet cam of a  trip down a sled hill.
• A science teacher at St. Damian received the "Heart of the School" honor from the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Patch has the scoop on what her co-workers said in their letters of nomination.
• Two groundhogs — and Editor Lauren Traut's horse — have predicted an early spring. Let's hope they're right.

• Cold exposure played a part in the death of 79-year-old Oak Forest resident Joseph Smith. Smith died Friday, Jan. 4. Patch will update when more information becomes available.

Patch pulled the curtain back to reveal several new features this week.

• Ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you: PatchCast. Our new daily video recaps the southland's top stories. Be sure to check back every evening at 6 p.m. for the latest version. 
• Need some help planning your weekend? Patch rounds up some of the best options out there each week. 
• Curious what some homes and properties are going for in Oak Forest? Try out Sold! Real Estate Transactions in Oak Forest.
• Each week, we'll have fresh installments of Patch Picks and Viewfinder — two more great tools to make your daily Oak Forest living more enjoyable.

You miss one day, you miss a lot in Oak Forest Patch. Check back frequently for the newest stories, photos and videos on your hometown.