Thursday, April 11 marks National Pet Day—a day to celebrate the happiness that animals can bring as a part of the family.

Share photos of your pet by uploading them to this article!

National Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige to not only appreciate our four-legged friends, but to create awareness about the thousands of animals waiting for forever homes in shelters across the country.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, contact one of the area animal shelters:

Orphans of The Storm (Riverwoods)

Tails of Hope (Highland Park)

Heartland Animal Shelter (Northbrook)

Save-A-Pet (Grayslake)

Animal Education & Rescue (Humane Society, Libertyville)

If you know of other nearby rescue organizations or shelters, please let us know in the comments section.

From elegant and stately mansions to modern, environmentally-friendly abodes, the North Shore is full of one-of-a-kind homes.

Each week, Patch features one ‘Wow House’ that catches our attention. This week, it's a sophisticated French art deco estate in Lake Forest.

Listed at $2.395M and located at 7 North Green Bay Road in Lake Forest, this Lake Forest home designed by Ralph Milman includes high ceilings and exceptional millwork. It's minutes from Market Square, the train and the beach. 

Is your home a ‘Wow’ House? Want to nominate a spectacular, unusual or just plain cool property on the North Shore? E-mail us: lakeforest@patch.com.

Developing relationships with colleagues and listening to constituents are the ingredients Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) is using to keep his election night promise of alleviating gridlock in Washington.

As Schneider marks his 100^th day in office Friday, he has had the opportunity to meet all his fellow Democrats and approximately one third of the Republicans. He considers using those relationships when the time comes critical to representing the 10^th District.

Earlier: Protesters? Group Shows Up To Thank Schneider

“We’ve had the opportunity to build (relationships) on good things,” Schneider said. “We talk about our kids. We talk about what’s important (personally).” He is hopeful getting to know his colleagues on a personal level will help with legislative break throughs when the time comes.

At times the opportunity to meet people just presents itself like coming accross Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) waiting in a security line at an airport. “I saw another guy with a member’s pin,” Schneider said. “I grew up in Colorado. We talked about living in Colorado. That’s what we talk about when I see him now.”

Those relationships will come in handy as Schneider tries to stake out a middle ground on the federal budget. He voted against all five ideas presented in the House of Representatives and spent Wednesday night reading the proposal from President Barack Obama introduced earlier in the day.

“They did not address the issue in a responsible way,” Schneider said about proposals authored both by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and the Democrat’s progressive caucus. “We have to rein in spending and indebtedness but not at the expense of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Schneider was highly critical of Ryan’s proposal which he said would replace Medicare with a voucher system. “I will never support that,” he said.” Before the process is over, his new found relationships may be helpful. “When the issue arises you can reach out.”

When Schneider is not in Washington, he makes it a point to meet with constituents to learn what is important to them. A lot of that time has been spent touring businesses in the District.

“I want to know and understand the people I represent,” Schneider said. “I’ve visited 20 businesses since I’ve been in Washington.” Schneider came to Congress with a business background and sits on the Small Business Committee as well as the Foreign Affairs panel.

Opportunities to meet with constituents during his time spent working in the District give him the chance to know what is important so he can craft legislation like the America Works Act. The proposal is his first bill, a bipartisan proposal co-authored by Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA).

Though happy with his work, Schneider also recognizes legislating will be no easy task. “There are only 24 hours in a day and only seven days in a week,” he said. “I came with realistic expectations.

When the time comes, he plans to use the relationships he has developed to help do something productive for the citizens of the 10^th District.

Defense attorneys for Steven Mandell, an ex-Chicago cop from Buffalo Grove who is accused in a plot to extort and kill a Chicago real estate mogul, have subpoenaed the Highland Park Police Department for its records into the investigation of the Sept. 2012 death of Giacomo Ruggirello, who owned the Highwood restaurant Trattoria Giacomo, reported the Chicago Tribune.

On Sept. 25, 2012, fire and police responded to a fire at Giacomo's home in the 1700 block of Midland Avenue, in Highland Park, shortly before 1 a.m. His badly burned body was found in the home, Patch reported.

Giacomo's Italian restaurant was burglarized earlier that day and an accelerant may have been used in the house fire, reported the Tribune.

The reason for the subpoena is unclear, according to the Tribune, and Highland Park Police don't believe there is a connection between the Mandell and Ruggirello cases.

Steven Mandell, formerly Steven Manning, of Buffalo Grove, was convicted in 1993 of murdering trucking company owner Jimmy Pellegrino, reported the Huffington Post, but the conviction was overturned in 1998 and he was released.

Under his new surname, Mandell was arrested in Oct. 2012 along with fellow former cop Gary Engel in a plot to extort and murder a Chicago realtor after luring him to an office space they dubbed "Club Med," reported Patch.

Related Patch stories:

Coroner Identifies Man Who Died in House Fire

Buffalo Grove Resident Charged with Extortion in Alleged Murder Plot

A joint effort of police departments in Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Waukegan and Winnteka to enforce a ban against drivers operating hand-held cell phones netted more than 300 citations from April 1-5, reported the Deerfield Police Department.

These communities, along with Chicago and Evanston, each have similar local ordinances which restrict the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle. Exemptions apply for reporting police, fire or medical emergencies. Police warn that the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving a vehicle greatly compromises public safety and increases the risk of a traffic crash.

In addition to enforcing hand-held cell phone use while driving restrictions, these police departments also increased enforcement of the state law which restricts the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving in posted school speed zones or construction zones.

During the enforcement initiative earlier this month, participating police departments issued the following citations and warnings:

• 293 citations for hand-held cell phone use while driving violations.

• 219 warnings for hand-held cell phone use while driving violations.

• 20 citations for state hand-held cell phone use while driving in a school zone violations.

• 1 warning for state hand-held cell phone use while driving in a school zone violations.

• 2 citations for state texting and driving violations.

Currently, 10 states have statewide restrictions in place which restrict hand-held cell phone use while driving. In addition, many states have statewide restrictions on hand-held cell phone use while driving by novice drivers.

At this time, legislation is pending in the state of Illinois which, if passed, will establish a statewide restriction on the use of hand-held cell phone devices while driving. In the interest of promoting traffic safety, citizens are strongly encouraged to contact their state representative or legislator and communicate their interest in supporting the implementation of this statewide restriction.

Additional joint jurisdictional enforcement and educational initiates will be occurring just prior to the end of the current school year in June and upon commencement of the next school year in August.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out one of the new films hitting the box office on April 12.

Read the movie storylines below, and click on each movie title to view the trailer.

42 (PG-13)

Jackie Robinson's story is told in this iopic from writer/director Brian Helgeland. Robinson paved a new road for minorities by being the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball since the racial barrier was put in place in the late 1800s. Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson, with Harrison Ford heading up the rest of the cast as MLB executive Branch Rickey.

Disconnect (R)

A hard-working lawyer, attached to his cell phone, can't find the time to communicate with his family. A couple is drawn into a dangerous situation when their secrets are exposed online. A widowed ex-cop struggles to raise a mischievous son who cyber-bullies a classmate. An ambitious journalist sees a career-making story in a teen that performs on an adult-only site. They are strangers, neighbors and colleagues and their stories collide in this riveting dramatic thriller about ordinary people struggling to connect in today's wired world.

To the Wonder (R)

'To The Wonder' tells the story of Marina (Kurylenko) and Neil (Affleck), who meet in France and move to Oklahoma to start a life together, where problems soon arise. While Marina makes the acquaintance of a priest and fellow exile (Bardem), who is struggling with his vocation, Neil renews a relationship with a childhood sweetheart, Jane (McAdams). Bold and lyrical, the film is a moving, gorgeously shot exploration of love in its many forms.

Scary Movie V (PG-13)

The latest installment of the Scary Movie franchise includes send ups of 'Paranormal Activity', 'Mama', 'Sinister', 'The Evil Dead', 'Inception', 'Black Swan' and pop culture. The movie features Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Dogg, Katt Williams, Molly Shannon, Terry Crews, Simon Rex, Jerry O'Connell, Sarah Hyland, Katrina Bowden, Tyler Posey, Shad Moss aka Bow Wow, Kate Walsh, Heather Locklear, Mac Miller and Mike Tyson.

Area movie theaters:

Highland Park Theatre at 445 Central Ave., Highland Park

AMC Northbrook Court 14 at 1525 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook

Regal Lincolnshire Stadium 20 & IMAX at 300 Parkway Dr., Lincolnshire

Showplace Eight at 555 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills

Golden Age Cinemas at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville

Find more area theaters here.

Editor's note: Dan Kaufman was elected to serve on the Highland Park City Council on Tuesday. Read Patch's full election coverage here.

No more yard signs, knock-knocks, and forums to announce....just a huge THANK YOU!

I want to express my deep gratitude to you for putting us on top!  I am excited to continue my work on the Council. With your engagement and thoughtfulness, I am confident we will continue to move Highland Park forward.

Please join me in congratulating Alyssa Knobel and Kim Stone as they begin to work with Mayor Rotering, my other fellow Councilmen and me to enhance the quality of life in our community.  Congratulations as well to Carolyn Cerf, Bill Dytrych and Bob Crimo.  They are dedicated residents who are focused on improving Highland Park, and I look forward to their continued participation.

So many contributed to my campaign -- too many to list here -- holding coffees, writing letters, installing yard signs, etc. Special shout out to my dream team: Tony Blumberg, Betsy Brint, Betsy Lassar, Linda Muskin, and Amy Zisook. Along with my wife Amy, they were the selfless core of the campaign.  Two other quick thanks, to Laura Saret, who spent countless hours coordinating our volunteers, and Phil Goldman, who took those extraordinary pictures you "liked" which captured so much of our story.  Truly, with Phil as the photographer, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Now we can turn from the campaign trail to the Green Bay Trail, just as spring is upon us! Hope to see you out there. If our paths don't cross when you are out and about, please feel free to contact me at dankaufmanhp@comcast.net. As always, I would love to hear what is on your mind.

All the best and many thanks again,

Dan Kaufman
Highland Park City Councilman

Editor's note: Carolyn Cerf lost the election to serve on the Highland Park City Council on Tuesday. Read Patch's full election coverage here.

Your support made it possible to run a very strong campaign, and I can't thank you enough. Victory is not ours today, and I'm sorry to disappoint those who worked so hard with such high hopes.  But there's so much more work to do in the community, whether we contribute to studies of HP's human services needs, help implement plans to improve and invigorate our business districts or, of course, put on some good old fashioned fun with events like the Ravinia Block Bash.

Most of all, it's important to remember just how much we accomplished... We started a serious conversation about budgeting for future human services needs.

We stood out form the crowd and took a stand on property taxes.  

And we let people know how much talent (and gumption) we have to offer this town. I'm so proud of all that we did, and I can't wait to see what we can do for HP going forward.

Congratulations to our newly elected Councilmen! I sincerely wish the best for Dan Kaufman, Alyssa Knobel, and Kim Stone the best.  May their time on the City Council be characterized by sound judgment and staying true to residents.

I encourage each and every one of you to follow the business of the City Council and get to know your elected leaders.  Give them your trust, your input, and your attention.  That way they can give us an even greater city!

Carolyn Cerf

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) will report raising more than $390,000 for a 2014 reelection bid while Washington sources indicate former Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) is considering a rematch.

Schneider’s total is more than Dold collected in his first quarter after being elected in 2010, according to a release today from the Schneider campaign. Schneider narrowly defeated Dold in November.

While Republicans have been expressing the hope Dold will run in 2014 for some time, a report in The Hill today indicated Dold is considering a rematch. He did not return a call from Patch before this article was published.

Schneider believes his first quarter fundraising numbers are a reflection of the desire of people in the 10^th Congressional District to support his efforts in Congress.

“I am thrilled to see so many people are joining us in our fight to strengthen our local businesses, expand the middle class, pass sensible new gun measures and ensure marriage equality for all Americans,” Schneider said in the release. “It's clear that voters are eager to get Congress working for them again." 

Schneider is required to file a complete report of his fundraising efforts with the Federal Election Commission my midnight Monday. If Dold has been raising money, he must report it then as well.

Gov. Pat Quinn said earlier this week he thinks Illinois communities should be able to exert some local control when it comes to a state conceal carry gun law, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

The state is working to create a concealed carry law by the June 9 deadline. A federal court ruled late last year that Illinois’ ban on conceal carry was unconstitutional.

"I am not excited about this at all,"the Tribune reported Quinn as saying."If this has to happen, it has to have the proper restrictions and limitations... I think we should make sure it's very tight and I think local communities, wherever they are, should have the option to make it as tight as possible in their community."

Quinn also has stated his opposition to allowing guns in stadiums, churches, public buildings and malls, the Trib reported.

Read the full Tribune report here.

Where do Highland Park residents stand? Should municipalities be able to craft their own local legislation limiting Illinois' coming conceal carry law?

A new trial date for Carly Rousso, 18, of Highland Park, has been set for July 12, reported the Lake County News-Sun.

Last October, Rousso pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges for the death of 5-year-old Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento of Highland Park, reported Patch.

Rousso was driving eastbound on Central Avenue on Labor Day afternoon when she drifted across the road and into the sidewalk, hitting 25-year-old Modesta Sacramento and her three children. Jaclyn was killed.

Toxicology reports indicated that the compound Difluoroethane was detected in Rousso's blood, according to a grand jury indictment, reported Patch. The compound was found in a commercial cleaning product uncovered in Rousso's car, according to Ken LaRue, the Lake County State's Attorney's Traffic Division chief.

Rousso remains free on $500,000 bond. Last December, a judge temporarily lifted the 24-hour curfew so she could travel to Arizona to visit family, reported Patch.

Rousso, who is also a defendant in a civil suit being sought by Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento's family, is due back in court June 11, reported the News-Sun.

Congregation Or Shalom in Vernon Hills recently joined a group of 21 Reform synagogue religious schools in North America, having received accreditation by the National Association of Temple Educators (NATE).

"At a conference about two years ago, I learned about this accreditation as well as about the accreditation process," said Or Shalom Education Director Marcia Cohen. "I thought that going through this process would allow us to examine what we do and reflect on how we can improve."

During the process, which took approximately 18 months, numerous people came together to work on the project. This included the education committee and congregants, providing an opportunity for congregational interest and involvement. Currently, the temple’s 25 teachers serve its 420 students in its religious school.

"Out of 875 Reform congregations in the U.S. and Canada, we became part of an elite group of congregations receiving this accreditation," said Cohen. "However, this is just the beginning of an effort to continue to enhance and refine our educational program. Over the coming years, we will work with staff and the education committee to make our program even better."

Located at 21 Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills, Congregation Or Shalom’s mission is to meet the diverse spiritual, educational and cultural needs of its congregants and the local Jewish community. It also welcomes interfaith families in all facets of temple life. The temple serves a wide area of families who live (south to north) from Buffalo Grove to the Wisconsin border, and from east to west from Lake Bluff to Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Round Lake.

For more information about Congregation Or Shalom and its religious school, e-mail Cohen at mcohen@orshalomlc.org, call temple administrator Andi Freier at (847) 362-1948, or visit www.orshalomlc.org.

Submitted by Congregation Or Shalom

Dear Community Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you with your support of the District 113 Referendum.  Your vote for yes is a reinvestment in education in Deerfield and Highland Park. 

I am very excited about the changes because it will have a direct impact on students in time for the fall.  Students will be able to learn in environments suitable for learning.  Even though I won't benefit, many students will, including my freshman advisory and PE class, and that's all that matters to me. 

I spent a lot of time promoting the referendum and getting out the vote.  Including me, there were a group of students at Deerfield High School (we named our group STIR -- Students Taking Initiative for the Referendum).  We reached out to college students who are away at school to vote by mail, voiced our genuine opinions to the community during tours of the school, and produced videos all in an effort to STIR up information about the referendum.  Highland Park High School had a similar group, with senior Charlie Rotering at the head of the group. 

Each of these students were invaluable to the process.  We are all excited of the fact that we will be able to visit our alma mater in the near and far future and know that we had a part in making that future happen.  I applaud each of these students for their efforts in getting this referendum passed.  It was an honor to work with these leaders at our school.

• Graham Ambrose -- junior
• Skylar Danielewicz -- freshman
• Lilly Kerchinsky -- freshman
• Marnie Kritzman -- freshman
• Gabbi Lazer -- freshman
• Mac Levin -- junior
• Sharon Liang -- junior
• Allison Manella -- junior
• Samantha Merkin -- junior
• Jake Price -- junior
• Abby Rosenbaum -- junior
• Charlotte Spiro -- freshman
• Sarah Spiro -- junior

I can't imagine working for a better team in getting the referendum passed.  The students' commitment shows me that they will be successful in whatever endeavors they face in the future. 

In addition to the students, a special thanks goes out to Ruth Spiro and Tony Horwitz for their support with STIR.  Their assistance with our ideas made it so much easier to put our plans in place.  I am grateful that they were there every step of the way. 

Once again Deerfield, thank you for your support for the referendum.  We should all be excited about the future of Deerfield High School and District 113. 

With Warrior Pride,

Jake Porento

The concept of chicken and waffles was born in jazz-era Harlem, when musicians coming out of a late night set couldn’t decide between breakfast or dinner, according to Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles manager Darnell Johnson. 

The combination of sweet waffles with maple syrup and salty, flaky fried chicken hit the spot and has become a traditional, if unusual, combination at several restaurants around the country. 

“It’s a great combination,” says Johnson. “It’s a fun food in the evenings, in the mornings—all day.”  

Johnson and his wife opened the Evanston location of Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles at 2424 Dempster St. this January. It’s the third location for the couple, who also operate Chicken and Waffles restaurants in Bronzeville and Oak Park.

Diners can choose from dark or light meat, just wings or even fried catfish and waffles, and Johnson says his restaurants all have their own, secret recipes for the chicken, waffles and even the syrup. 

Other offerings include turkey burgers, grilled salmon and sausage, with soul food sides like red beans and rice, cornbread and grits. There’s also a full bar in the back of the restaurant and live jazz on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

What should Foodie Finds try next? Tell us what restaurants and dishes you're loving in the comments.

The information below comes from District 112.

Northwood co-principal promoted to assistant superintendent

At its April 2 meeting, the Board of Education approved the appointment of Northwood Co-Principal Jennifer Ferrari as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, effective July 1, 2013.

Mrs. Ferrari will replace outgoing Assistant Superintendent Dr Heidi Wennstrom, who was appointed earlier this year as the new superintendent of Butler district 53 inOak Brook.

Mrs. Ferrari has been associated with North Shore School District 112 for her entireprofessional career. She taught English at Northwood Junior High School for 8 years from 1996to 2004. She was the school’s associate principal from 2004 to 2008, and has served as aPrincipal for the last five years. She is a highly regarded leader who is respected by staff andparents alike for her energy, passion innovative spirit, and commitment to students.

While principal at Northwood, she took on leadership roles for many districtinitiatives. She facilitated and implemented the launch of a new Science, Technology,Engineering and Math (STEM) and Communications Media Arts (CMA) program at all threedistrict middle schools. She helped develop a cutting-edge tiered program to address the needsof English Language Learners, presented and implemented a program to train teachers inacademic differentiation, and co-facilitated several district curriculum teams.

“Mrs. Ferrari is an exceptionally talented administrator who has dedicated herself tomaking our district’s mission of providing a world-class education to every student a reality,” said North Shore School District 112 Superintendent David L. Behlow. “Her energy and passion arecontagious.”

Mrs. Ferrari has a B.A. in Education and Political Science from Lake Forest College, anM.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University in Evanston, and administrativecertification from Loyola University in Chicago. She has completed all her coursework towards adoctoral degree in Leadership and Policy Studies at Loyola University in Chicago, and is currentlyworking on her dissertation. She lives in Highwood with her husband Matthew Ferrari, who teaches English at Highland Park High School. They are the parents of two students who attend Oak Terrace Elementary School.

New principal at Oak Terrace

At its April 2 meeting, the Board of Education approved the appointment of Jim Kallieris as thenew Oak Terrace principal, effective July 1, 2013.

Mr. Kallieris will replace outgoing principal Sandy Anderson, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Mr. Kallieris currently serves as principal of the Hawthorn School of Dual Language, a K-5school in Hawthorn District 73 in Vernon Hills, a post he has held for the last three years. Prior tothat, he served for four years as principal of Antioch Upper Grade School in Antioch CommunityConsolidated District 34, and 1 year as principal of North Elementary School in North Chicago,Illinois. He also taught Spanish, language arts and literature in Libertyville, District 70 for 7 years,and 1 year as a 3rd grade teacher in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.

As principal of the Hawthorn School of Dual Language, he is highly regarded by colleagues,teachers and parents for his collaborative leadership style, his ongoing visibility in classrooms andhis sincere commitment and ability to create a positive educational environment for all students.

“We are excited to welcome Jim to Oak Terrace,” said North Shore School District 112Superintendent David L. Behlow. “He has an exceptional understanding of dual language classroomsand the needs of English Language Learners, a great ability to mentor teachers and a strong record ofsuccess at involving families in school activities.

”Mr. Kallieris has a B.S. in education and an M.A. in Educational Administration from NorthernIllinois University. He is the son of a Greek Navy Officer who was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Waukegan and has lived in Lake County his entire life. Jim and his wife Jennifer have 3children: ages 9, 7, and 4.

New associate principal at Edgewood

Edgewood Middle School Interim Associate Principal Nicholas Demchenko was hiredpermanently for that position beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Demchenko wasnamed interim associate principal last July.

The district posted the associate principal position earlier this year and conducted a thoroughsearch, and the selection committee wholeheartedly recommended that Mr. Demchenko remainin the position.

“Mr. Demchenko has done an outstanding job this year,” said Edgewood Principal Matt Eriksen.“He understands kids, builds longstanding relationships, and has shown the work ethic anddesire needed to provide Edgewood with strong leadership and stability. The Edgewoodcommunity is very fortunate to continue its work with him.”

Mr. Demchenko has worked for the district since 2005, where he began as a physical educationteacher at Ravinia School. He moved to Edgewood in 2006, and in addition to his teaching roles,he was the boys volleyball coach, the coed soccer coach, and an active member of the district’sphysical education facility review committee. He has a bachelor’s degree in education fromIllinois State University, and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from NationalLouis University.

For complete Highland Park news and updates, sign up for our free newsletter, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Renowned best-selling novelist Lisa Genova, author of Love Anthony, Left Neglected and Still Alice, will lead an engaging discussion about her work at Bernie's Book Bank's second annual Book Lovers' Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 3 at Shoreacres Golf Club in Lake Bluff.

Tickets start at $125 per person. Seats are limited. Register by April 22.

Funds raised by this event will benefit Bernie's Book Bank, which works to increase book ownership by distributing new and used books to at-risk children throughout the Chicago area.

Bernie's Books just distributed its 1 millionth book to at-risk children and plan to reach the same goal in 2013 through events like Book Lovers' Lunch.

"We are very fortunate that an author as talented and acclaimed as Lisa is participating in the Book Lovers' Lunch, familiarizing more members of the Chicago-area community with what we're working to accomplish," said Brian Floriani, executive director of Bernie's Book Bank.

Genova's presentation and book signing will be the highlight of the event. 

Genova's three novels have spent more than 40 weeks on The New York Times' best-seller list, and a play based on her first book, Still Alice, is currently onstage at Chicago's Lookingglass Theatre.

"Bernie's Book Bank is doing incredibly important work, helping tens of thousands of at-risk children experience the pure delight of reading at home," said Genova. "I am thrilled to support this growing organization through the Book Lovers' Brunch, an event where attendees are certain to be inspired by Bernie's Book Bank's mission."

Book Lovers' Lunch attendees have the unique opportunity to participate in an intimate gathering with Genova prior to the lunch in an "author exclusive," for which a limited number of tickets are available.

For more information, visit www.berniesbookbank.org or call 847-780-READ (7323).

Submitted by Bernie's Book Bank

For years, Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools joined forces in boys’ gymnastics to field a coop team and it regularly placed well in the State Meet. 

This season, the program grew strong enough for each school to have its own squad which meant the District 113 rival would be opponents rather than teammates for the first time. 

In the first competition between the two, the Warriors outpointed the Giants, 122.75 to 101.5, in a quadrangular meet at Maine East. Both teams finished ahead of the Blue Demons and Maine South. 

Though they compete as separate teams, the Warriors have one thing in common, Head Coach Doug Foerch. The arrangement is unique. He was the long time mentor of the joint program. There was still plenty of support among former teammates Thursday. 

“We just competed as usual,” Foerch said. The kids rooted for each other like always. It does kind of feel different when I go to the results that I'm plugging in on our website and it lists the two schools against each other.” 

Gymnastics was not the only event between the two District 113 rivals. The Deerfield boys’ lacrosse team defeated Highland Park, 15-5, Thursday at Adams Field. 

                                              SUMMARY 

April 11 

Gymnastics 

The Final Score:        1. Deerfield  122.75, 2. Highland Park 101.5, 3. Maine East 85.5, 4. Maine South 77.5. 

Warriors Star Performers:              Brian Spinello won floor exercise, still rings and high bar while placing second on the parallel bars and third in vault. Alex Cimaglia added a victory in the parallel bars and grabbed third on the rings.

Giants Star Performer:         Greg Biagi was victorious on the pommel horse.

Other Notable Warrior Performance:        Jeff Spinello added a second on vault, floor and high bar as well as third on the horse. 

Other Notable Giant Performances:            Dylan Abbot took second on the horse. Third place honors went to Mitch Berkowitz on the parallel bars and David Robbins on the high bar. 

Who’s Next:   Both teams compete at noon Saturday at York. 

Boys’ Lacrosse 

The Final Score:        Deerfield 15, Highland Park 5 

Warriors Star Performers:   Evan Kedjidjian had 13 saves in goal while Andrew Small added four goals and Andrew Daley added three. 

Other Notable Warrior Performances:       Jack Purdy, Henri Beaudoin, and Jimmy Weisbond all scored a pair of goals while Mike Puccio and Ben Singer chipped in one each. 

Who’s Next:   The Warriors travel to Warren at 7 p.m. Monday while the Giants entertain New Trier at 7 p.m. Thursday. 

For news about Deerfield and Highland Park in your mailbox every day, subscribe to the Patch newsletter. For more news and updates, like Highland Park and Deerfield Patch on Facebook.

On April 9, just 17.62 percent of voters made it out to the polls in Lake County to vote in the this year's consolidated election, according to the Lake County Clerk's website. 

Voter turnout in Tuesday's consolidated election was higher in suburban Cook and McHenry counties, but it was an average turnout for a local election in Lake County.

Since 2005, turnout in Lake County has ranged from as low as 15.04 percent of voters casting their ballot in 2011 to as high as 21.90 percent voting in 2009, according to the elections results archive from the Lake County Clerk's website.

Comparably speaking, during last November's presidential election, 71.18 percent of registered voters made it to the polls in Lake County. 

Voter Turnout for Lake County Elections

Voter Turnout in Surrounding Counties

Other counties also reported a low turnout during Tuesday's election.

In Kane County, only 13 percent of voters made it out to the polls, according to county clerk information.

Here is how other area counties compared: 

Meet Max A. Pooch, the "recycled" Labrador retriever who loves to help his owner Keith Sanderson recycle. Max even has his own Facebook page and website with tips on protecting the environment.

Max, of Deerfield, was originally adopted about seven years ago from Orphans of the Storm, an animal shelter in Riverwoods.

Tired of the basic game of fetch, Sanderson determined that Max was smart and energetic enough to learn some a valuable new trick—recycling. Soon, Max was fetching items like plastic water bottles and aluminum cans on their daily walks, reported Patch in 2011.

With Earth Day coming up on April 22, Max is eager to spread the word about keeping the planet green and the environment clean, reported the Deerfield Review.

His owner Keith is also spreading news of the goods of animals on his pre-recorded radio show. Check it out at PetLifeRadio.com.

Related:

Green initiatives in Deerfield Park District

The Tale Behind Deerfield’s Recycling Dog

VIDEO: Owner Teaches Dog to Recycle Human Trash

Max A Pooch the throwaway dog needs volunteer to help him get votes!

Max A. Pooch in the Run to be on Times Square Billboard

The City of Highland Park has launched a new interactive map on the City’s website that will allow users to track updates on 2013 City infrastructure improvement projects. Projects this year include construction on the Water Plant Upgrade, street resurfacing, sidewalk extensions, water main line repairs on Rogers Williams Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue, sewer repairs on Elmwood Drive and more.

Linked on the city’s main page under “Construction Projects”, users can search their address, and by clicking on various color-coded blocks, receive updates on projects scheduled on their street or neighborhood.

Updates will include an estimated project start and end date, details of the project, construction progress, and a point of contact for any further questions.

“The web-based map is one centralized source for residents that shows all projects currently underway in Highland Park," said Public Works Director Ramesh Kanapareddy.

All the projects are a part of the larger scale Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a five-year plan modified on an annual basis that the City develops with input from residents and the Council, availability of budgetary funds and more importantly, prioritizing the projects on the basis of critical factors.

The interactive map provides a tool for residents to receive the most up to date information on capital improvement projects occurring in their neighborhoods. A complete list of the city’s capital improvement projects for 2013 with further details can be viewed at www.cityhpil.com/constructionprojects.

For more information regarding these projects or the interactive map, call Public Works at (847) 432-0807.