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Teacher Appreciation Day in Highland Park: Share Stories of Gratitude

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Teachers make an impact on our lives from early childhood through college and beyond, but a new survey reveals that 75 percent of adults don’t express appreciation to their former teachers.

This Tuesday, May 7, marks National Teacher Appreciation Day: a time to say “thank you” to teachers across the country for everything they do to educate our nation. 

How has a teacher impacted your life? Share your stories with us in the comments section.

Kars4kids, national educational non-profit, prepared a national survey measuring how teachers impacted American adults and ways they have expressed their appreciation.   

  • 80 percent of adults recognize that their work ethic, time spent as a community volunteer, and even career choice was a direct result of teachers who inspired them in the classroom.
  • 78 percent of U.S. adults had an out-of-classroom experience with their teacher enhancing learning.
  • 61 percent believe that teacher taught them skills outside of the standard curriculum.
  • Nearly three quarters of adults said they would want their children to have the same teachers they did.  

Looking for ideas to celebrate the teachers in your life? Here are some options from the National Education Association:

Share photos of your favorite Highland Park teachers with Patch! Upload them to this article to show your appreciation for all that they do for you. 


Half Off Starbucks Frappuccinos: Where to Get Them in Highland Park

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Starbucks Frappuccinos.

Starbucks' Frappuccino Happy Hour is back!

Customers get half off any size or flavor frappuccino until May 12 if they visit a Starbucks location between 3 and 5 p.m. The popular blended coffee beverage comes in a variety of flavors including Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Mocha Cookie Crumble, Caramel, Mocha, Java Chip, White Chocolate Mocha and more. 

Highland Park Starbucks Locations:

1833 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park

1849 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park (Renaissance Place)

600 Central Ave., Highland Park (Port Clinton Square)

An Interview With 'Invasion of Skokie' Playwright Steven Peterson

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Debbie Kaplan (Tracey Kaplan) shares a romantic scene with Charlie (Bradford R. Lund) in "The Invasion of Skokie." (2010)

Enjoy a sneak peek from ShPIeL's upcoming North Shore premiere of The Invasion of Skokie , an original play by Steven Peterson, at the Mayer Kaplan JCC on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. The program will include insights from the playwright, performers, artistic directors of ShPIeL; and Todd Whitman, director of the recent documentary film, "Skokie: Invaded But Not Conquered."

The play opens at the Mayer Kaplan JCC May 22.

The Invasion of Skokie tells the story of a struggling Jewish shopkeeper, Morry Kaplan, who is faced with a "double invasion" of his home during the days of the attempted 1978 neo-Nazi march on Skokie. While plotting to "borrow" a rifle for self-defense, the likeable but misguided Morry is faced with the dilemma of how to come to terms with his home's second invader: a Gentile family friend who has come to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage.

With Invasion, Peterson proves that he's a faithful observer of both local characters and universal dilemmas. He has stressed that The Invasion of Skokie should not be seen as a history play, but as a family drama about the ways in which people protect their faith and identity.

Patch got a chance to catch up and sit down with Peterson at the offices of the Chicago Dramatists to discuss local history, the character of Morry Kaplan and his own memories of the 1978 neo-Nazi march - an event he attributes, in part, to the creation of Skokie's communal identity.     

Patch: I understand you grew up in the North Shore. Were you in the Chicago area at the time of the planned 1978 neo-Nazi march on Skokie?

Steven Peterson: Pretty much. I was off in college during 1977-78, but I grew up in Wilmette just across the border. My father was a dentist and he had a dental practice in Skokie. All of his buddies were these Jewish dentists that he would sit and have lunch with every day of his 35 years there.

So, I got to know them and their families at that time. I had this running commentary from Jewish Chicago on all events: whether that be the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War or the whole Skokie neo-Nazi situation in the late-70s.  That was huge! Yet, even at that time I had the notion that as big as that neo-Nazi threat was, that it was really something that had a positive impact [on the area] in the long run.

It kind of unified the community. It brought out the survivor community in Skokie. All of these people who had survived the Nazi death camps had beforehand stayed mostly quiet. Though it was a bit of an evolution, one of the big steps in that evolution was the neo-Nazi threat of the late-70s. It allowed people to stand up and talk about what they had been through.

Yet there was another issue at the time. All these Jewish families that had just moved out to the suburbs–all of a sudden their sons or daughters were dating or engaged or married to people outside the faith.                      

Patch: What are the challenges of working with local history, especially when dealing with a subject that some of your audience may have lived through? What are some of the interesting things you've encountered in terms of the audience's reaction?

Steven Peterson: Well, I really like history: global history, national history, but also local history. So when you're writing something that is so well known in Chicago, you have to be careful. Even though I remember living through it, I had to go back and do my research just to make sure that the things that I was referring to would be accurate, or as much as I could make them in a play.

I took some dramatic liberties. I condensed the timing: like when the Nazis announced they were going to go to Chicago instead of Skokie, that really happened like three days before they were supposed to show up in Skokie, but I had to condense that into one day. People–and people who knew the history pretty well–didn't seem to notice. Dramatists take dramatic license.

The other thing too is as a writer who is not Jewish writing about a subject that involves Jewish identity and Jewish practice–as you saw in the Kiddush scene–I wanted to be very careful that I was treating it with accuracy and warmth of feeling. I've been in that situation, like Charlie, as the Gentile friend. I love the culture, but you still have that feeling that you're a little bit on the outside.

Patch: As the Gentile character, does Charlie serve as your own entrance into this story?

Steven Peterson: A little bit. But with The Invasion of Skokie [the father] Morry Kaplan is the main character and as I was writing it, I more and more identified with Morry. Maybe that's because I'm a father, and it was easy to put myself in Morry's shoes . . . even though he's Jewish and I'm not. He is facing a situation where he has a daughter that he loves very much, but he's arguing with her about the whole Skokie march situation. A lot of the play comes down to that father-daughter relationship.

Patch: Morry Kaplan is a very relatable character, or at least very recognizable. Yet, there are distinct points in the play where we do not feel like we should like this man. What do you think are his redeeming qualities, and how does that balance out with his other traits such as his intolerance?

Steven Peterson: Conceiving of a character, especially a main character, I want to mix in both traits that are admirable and noble with those that are far less so. That makes a character truly come alive. It makes it feel more like life.

Morry is admirable in that he's trying to be a good father and a defender of his faith, both against the Skokie march and by doing what he feels is important for his daughter, making sure she continues on with the Jewish faith. He is in a tough situation in that his own business has failed and he sees himself as a failure. He's trying to make appearances such that he's still the father and the central figure in his home. He loves his wife, and listens to her–though he should probably do so more often–but that family, and his faith, is at the center of his existence.

Yet, he's also prone to anger, sometimes intolerance and sometimes rather hair-brained schemes . . . So, yeah, it's a mixture of all those things and it creates, to me, the kind of character I want to see in the theater. He's a mix of all kinds of traits, and we want to see how they play out.

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HPHS Raises Awareness of Female Athletics Law

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Highland Park's Lena Munzer puts up a shot at a recent game.

The information below comes from Highland Park High School.

The Highland Park High School Girls Soccer Program acknowledged the 40th Anniversary of the historic passing of Title IX legislation at their April 30th game against Deerfield.

Since 1972, female participation in athletics has increased 900 percent, however, many misconceptions and myths still exist about Title IX legislation. It is the HPHS soccer program’s hope to bring about awareness about Title IX and its powerful impact on all female athletes.

The Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a short and simple federal law: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving
Federal financial assistance."

HPHS Soccer took a moment at half-time to acknowledge female Highland Park family and/or community members who played for a high school and/or
collegiate athletic team(s). 

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

Police Recover Resident's Stolen Subaru

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Check back with Highland Park Patch every week for an updated police blotter

The information below comes from the Highland Park Police Department.

Possession of cannabis

April 30: Eyobell Mersha (19) of the 6100 block of Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis and speeding after being stopped by police in the 2500 block of Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park.  Mersha was released on a personal recognizance bond with a court date of May 22, 2013 at 301 Greenleaf Street, Park City Illinois. Passenger Kayla Brite (18) of the 400 block of Fairlawn, Mundelein, Illinois was cited administratively for possession of cannabis and is expected in administrative court at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue on May 16, 2013. 

May 1: Tyler Funk (19) of the 400 block of Frost Place, Lake Forest, Illinois was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis and using a hand held cell phone while driving after being stopped by police in the 1800 block of Green Bay Road, Highland Park.  Funk was released on a personal recognizance bond with a court date of June 12, 2013 at 301 Greenleaf Street, Park City Illinois.

Driving under the influence

May 2: Rogerto Huillca (28) of the 7300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, no valid drivers license and improper lane usage after being stopped by police who responded to a driving complaint near the Edens Expressway and Lake Cook Road, Highland Park.  Huillca was released on a cash bond with a court date of June 7, 2013 at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, Illinois.

Residential burglary

May 4: Cameron Goodwin (17) of the 2700 block of St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park was arrested and charged with residential burglary and possession of cannabis after police were called to the 900 block of Harvard Court for a residential burglary. Officers located a broken basement window. An Ipad was reported stolen which was later recovered.  Goodwin was transported to bond court at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, Illinois pending court date. Two other juveniles were arrested and transported to Depke Juvenile Detention Center. One charged with residential burglary, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia and the other with residential burglary.

Disorderly conduct

May 5: Simon Gorelik (21) of the 1200 block of Crofton Avenue, Highland Park was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing identification and resisting arrest after police were called to the 1400 block of Sunnyside Avenue for a report of two subjects engaged in a fight. Gorelik was released on a personal recognizance bond with a court date of May 30, 2013 at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, Illinois. 

Driving under the influence

May 5: Obet Marcos-Jimenez (41) of the 1800 block of Francisco, Chicago was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, no valid drivers license and improper lane usage after being stopped by police who responded to a driving complaint near the Edens Expressway and Lake Cook Road, Highland Park.  Marcos-Jimenez was released on a cash bond with a court date of May 31, 2013 at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, Illinois.

May 5: Nathan Alicea (29) of the 0-100 block of Genesee Street, Waukegan, was arrested and charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and class 4 felony aggravated DUI while transporting a child under 16 years old after police responded to single car accident where a vehicle had struck the jersey wall near the 300 block of the Edens Expressway, Highland Park.  Alicea was transported to bond court at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, Illinois pending court date.

Theft of motor vehicle

Police are investigating a report of a theft of a motor vehicle. It was reported that a Subaru Legacy was parked and locked on May 2, 2013 at around 9:15am on a driveway in the 1900 block of Lake Avenue, Highland Park. On May 4, 2013 at approximately 6:17am a resident in the 700 block of Burchell Avenue reported seeing a suspicious parked vehicle with no plates on the block which was later confirmed to be the stolen vehicle. Items stolen include an I-pad, several music cd's, a phone charger, and a set of keys. 

Burglary from motor vehicle

Police are investigating a delayed report of a burglary from motor vehicle. It was reported that a large Craftsman tool box, assorted tools and CD's were removed from a vehicle sometime between May 2, 2013 and May 3, 2013.  No forced entry was noted to vehicle. The incident occurred in the 2700 block of St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park. 

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

Iconic Teen Movie has Highland Park Roots

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The Tom Cruise classic "Risky Business" was filmed in Highland Park 30 years ago this August.

A host of movies have been filmed in Highland Park, most notably John Hughes' "Home Alone,""Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Sixteen Candles," but the Tom Cruise classic "Risky Business" is perhaps the most memorable for the community.

The iconic teen film, written and directed by Highland Park High School alumni Paul Brickman, celebrates its 30th anniversary in August.

In a nostalgic story published in the Chicago Tribune, Highland Park residents remember what it was like to see their favorite locations like the now-closed Shelton's Ravinia Grill and Highland Park Theatre on the big screen.

Read the full story at www.chicagotribune.com.

Northbrook Woman Faces Charges in Highland Park Hit-and-Run

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A 73-year-old Northbrook woman was arrested last week and charged in a hit-and-run that has left a 77-year-old Highland Park woman hospitalized.

A 73-year-old Northbrook woman was arrested last week and charged in a hit-and-run in Highland Park that has left a 77-year-old woman hospitalized with "a long road to recover," according to the Highland Park Police Department.

Police responded to the intersection of Sheridan Road and Elm Place at around 9 p.m. on May 2 after receiving a report of a traffic crash. The investigation indicated that a vehicle traveling southbound struck the pedestrian as she was crossing Sheridan Road. The driver fled the scene, according to Highland Park Police.

The following day, investigators used recovered parts of the car to glean information that led them to a body shop in Northbrook.

"We used the car parts to try and determine make and model and year of the car," explained George Pfutzenreuter, Highland Park Police Deputy Chief of Support Services.

Police found the car at the body shop, and then found the driver at a rental car facility nearby.

"She came in voluntarily and spoke with us for quite some time," Pfutzenreuter said. "We then contacted the states attorney's office to approve the charges."

Lynne Davis, of the 1000 block of Lonaker Lane in Northbrook, was charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Pfutzenreuter explained that if Davis had not brought her car in for repairs, the investigation could still be going on.

"If she didn't repair the car it would have been more difficult to find it," he said. "These parts were a huge part of our investigation."

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

District 113 Board Selects Referendum Financing Option

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Grand Jury Indicts Armed Robbery Suspects

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Lavell Hughes

Three men who were arrested for the armed robbery of a Deerfield cellular telephone store April 8 after a chase by Deerfield Police learned today they were indicted by a Cook County Grand Jury for both armed robbery and kidnapping.

Lavell Hughes, 41, of Hazel Crest, Tony Johnson, 20, of Harvey and Andrew Wadlington-Anthony, 28, of Harvey appeared before Judge Marguerite Quinn in Cook County Criminal Court in Skokie for a preliminary hearing when they learned the news.

Earlier: Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects After Chase

“This case has been superseded by indictment,” Assistant State’s Attorney Ben Williams said nullifying any need for the hearing. Quinn set arraignment at 9:30 a.m. May 28 in Room 206 of the Skokie courthouse.

At that time it is anticipated Hughes, Quinn and Wadlington-Anthony will enter a plan of either guilty or not guilty. Both armed robbery and kidnapping are Class X felonies punishable by six to 30 years in prison.

The matter began when Deerfield Police received a 911 call at approximately 7:41 p.m. April 8 reporting an armed robbery in progress at the T-Mobile store located in the 100 block of South Waukegan Road, according a news release from the Deerfield Police Department

Deerfield Police were assisted by officers from 13 other law enforcement agencies including Bannockburn, Highland Park and Northbrook. Two of the offenders were arrested by Bannockburn officers and one by an officer from Deerfield.

An officer in the area noticed a vehicle fleeing the scene and followed it to the vicinity of Interstate 94 and Half Day Road, according to the release. “They left the tollway and crashed their car into the median at Half Day Road,” Bannockburn Police Chief Ron Price said. They fled on foot.

All three defendants remain in Cook County Jail unable to post the $35,000 cash portion of a $350,000 bond.

$2.95M Highland Park Home Rivals the Ritz

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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 $2.95 million Highland Park home described as "stately, grand, warm and magnificent."

Located at 1357 Sheridan Road, This six-bedroom home features all en suite bedrooms with master-quality finishes and a master that is larger and nicer than a suite at the Ritz. There's also an elevator, generator, a sound system throughout, an exercise room and a movie screen.

3 Fantastic DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas

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Foot soak prior to getting reflexology in Bali. used with fresh herbs, and limes, and lemon grass, and then its rubbed on the feet where they feel tingly.

Mother's Day is this Sunday and while diamonds are a girl's best friend, nothing makes a Mom's heart melt more than a homemade Mother's Day gift. Here are three easy and super cute ideas that the kids can make for you (hint, hint) or you can work on together to thrill Grandma. 

1. Lime Mint Foot Soak 

Mom deserves some pampering so give her a spa-like experience. Cheryl over at TidyMom.net has the instructions and a free printable label to make Mom or Grandma a Lime Mint Foot Soak. An easy but much appreciated gift, to be sure. If you want to go all out, here's how to have a Family Spa Night at home for Mom.

2. Black and White or Sepia Photo Vases

Better Homes and Gardens shows you how to make a photo vase for Mom. Just print a black and white or sepia photo of you and your Mom, you and the kids, your Mom holding you as a baby, or a photo of every generation and adhere it to the inside of a vase. Click through to see their other photo gift ideas.

3. Love in a Jar

I love this idea from the New Nostalgia blog. She shows you how to write all of the reasons why you love Mom on small slips of paper to put into a decorated Love Jar. On those days when Mom is feeling blue she can pull out the slips of paper and know that she is loved and appreciated. 

For more homemade gift ideas, check out my Mother's Day Gifts Board on Pinterest. Or, here's some more Mother's Day themed articles on 5 Life Lessons My Mother Taught Me, My Mother's Day Traditions, and finally, Is a Mother's Day Card Really a Performance Review?

Happy Mother's Day! What is the best homemade Mother's Day gift you have ever received? 

************

Sue Kirchner is a family fun coach, blogger, kids party planner, and weekly contributor to Patch.com. Sue and her family fun ideas have been featured on TV, newspapers, magazines, blogs, as well as her own family fun site ChocolateCakeMoments.com.

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CLC Plant Sale Begins Thursday

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The Horticulture Department at the College of Lake County will hold its annual plant sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the horticulture greenhouses (Building H near the Brae Loch Road entrance to the Grayslake campus at 19351 W. Washington St.).

Proceeds from the plant sale help support CLC student scholarships and enhancements to the career programs.

Many of the plants have been raised from seed by CLC students and staff.

Customers can choose from annuals (ranging from alyssum to zinnias in six-packs and four-inch containers); hanging basket combos (such as begonias, impatiens and petunias); vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes or squash (three packs and four-inch pots); and herbs such as basil, rosemary and thyme (three packs and four-inch pots.)

A wide variety of perennials are also available in six packs. A complete list of the plants on sale (with prices) is available on the College of Lake County Horticulture Department’s Facebook page.

Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.

For more information, call Dee Sams at (847) 543-2318 or Gianna Fazioli at (847) 543-2632.

Submitted by the College of Lake County

Highland Park Teen Convicted on Drug, Theft Charges

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Jacob A. Lynn, who lives in the 3000 Block Parkside home that was broken into last year, has been convicted on drug and theft charges.

A Highland Park teen who was arrested last year after two Deerfield teens broke into the home where he lives has been convicted of drug and theft charges.

Police investigation into a Highland Park home invasion last year led to the arrest of Jacob A. Lynn, 18, who lives at the home that was broken into.

He pled guilty last week of theft and possession of cannabis, according to Cynthia Trujillo Vargas, the Communications Manager at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

His arrest occurred two weeks after Deerfield teens Joseph J. Mahoney and Joshua S. Norris, 18, were arrested and charged as adults for home invasion, residential burglary and possession of a stolen firearm.

"That whole investigation revolving around the home invasion led us to this arrest," Highland Park Deputy Police Chief Dave Schwarz told Patch last year.

Lynn will be on probation for the next 24 months, which includes submitting to DNA samples, and keeping away from drugs, alcohol and weapons. He also will complete 300 hours of community service.

North Shore Man Charged With Aiding North Korean WMD Production

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A Glenview resident and his father are facing federal charges for aiding North Korea in the production of weapons of mass destruction after being linked to the supply of weapons machinery to North Korea, according to a Department of Justice (USDOJ) press release.

Yueh-Hsun Tsai, also known as “Gary Tsai,” 36, a Taiwanese native and a legal permanent U.S. resident, was arrested at his Glenview home last Wednesday.

His father, Hsien Tai Tasi, also known as “Alex Tsai,” 67, was arrested the same day in Estonia. He remains in custody there, waiting to be extradited to the United States

Both men were charged with three offenses — one count of conspiring to defraud the United States in its enforcement of laws and regulations prohibiting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by conspiring to evade the restrictions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department on Alex Tsai and two of his companies and one count of money laundering, according to the USDOJ release.  

They are now accused of supporting the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID), which was designated as a WMD proliferator by President George W. Bush in June 2005. 

Alex Tsai "has been supplying goods with weapons production capabilities to KOMID and its subordinates since the late 1990s, and he has been involved in shipping items to North Korea that could be used to support North Korea's advanced weapons program," according to the Treasury Department.  

According to court documents, federal agents believe the Tsai men, an unnamed Taiwanese associate of Alex Tsai and a network of companies all may have engaged in the export of U.S. goods and machinery that could be used to produce weapons of mass destruction. 

The Tsai men and their unnamed associate were linked to at least three companies based in Taiwan that have purchased and exported, or attempted to purchase and export, United States machinery used to fabricate metals with a high degree of precision, according to the release.

The charges also allege that in 2009, Gary Tsai formed a machine tool company named Factory Direct Machine Tools in Glenview, which was in the business of importing and exporting machine tools, parts and other items to and from the United States.      

Violating IEPA carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine; money laundering carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine; and conspiracy to defraud the United States carries a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the release.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Newsweek Names Highland Park High School #373 in USA

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The 2000 best high schools in the country, as calculated by Newsweek.

On mobile? You can see interactive map here.

Newsweek has ranked Highland Park High School as the #373 high school in the country.

For its rankings, Newsweek sent out a survey to more than 5,000 high schools in the U.S., with about 2,500 schools responding in 2013. You can see the details about Highland Park High School's ranking, and every other ranked high school by clicking on the markers in the interactive map above.

Nearby Lake Forest High School ranked #167, while Deerfield High School ranked #211.

The survey scores were then weighted and calculated using several criteria including on-time graduation and college acceptance rates. In addition, instead of averaging the number of courses offered, this year Newsweek considered the percentage of students enrolled in AP, IB or Advance International Certificate courses. The final scores then determined Newsweek’s final rankings.

You can read more about Newsweek's methodology here.

Related:

HPHS Ranked No. 7 in Illinois by U.S. News

Highland Park High School Ranked Among Toughest in Illinois

Tell us: What do you think of Highland Park High School's rank?


20 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale in Highland Park

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Susan Bloch and Isa Goldfarb look at their offerings.

Make some cash by combining your spring cleaning with a successful garage or tag sale with these tips from garage sale experts.

1) Sell on Saturday
Author and host of former PBS show Collect This! Aaron LaPedis is known as the "Garage Sale Millionaire." LaPedis says after more than two decades of success he has learned that Saturday is the day to host a successful garage sale. “Some cities require a permit for sales held during the week and Sundays are reserved by many people for church services and family activities.” 

2) Get a team together
Good planning starts with getting a team of family and friends together to help the day of the sale. “You’ll need someone to go out early in the morning and put up all your signage and a couple of people to be ready to open and work the sale.”

3) Check restrictions
Check your HOA and city regulations for any restrictions before planning your garage sale, says LaPedis. You can find out about local restrictions on garage sales by contacting the City of Highland Park.

4) Start early
LaPedis says veteran garage sale buyers will be out early in the morning looking for signs so plan to start your sale “as soon as the sun is up.”

5) Sell with your neighbors
Amy Barley is a Coldwell Banker realtor and mom of two. Ever year she helps plan and manage her large neighborhood’s annual garage sale. Multifamily and neighborhood sales will draw more buyers and Barley says her neighborhood’s is now so popular that “other developments contact me to make sure their sale does not conflict with ours!”  

6) Safety first
Barley says, “Safety is often overlooked at garage sales. Make sure you take cash only. Use a fanny pack for collecting money and giving change and go in your house and empty it a few times as you collect lots of money. Do not allow anyone in your home for any reason.” 

7) Save your big ticket items for eBay or Craigslist

8) Lots of good signage is key to a successful sale
LaPedis makes up to 20 signs using large pieces of white foam board or cardboard which he puts out very early on the morning of the sale. He says to include your address and the cross street, and to specify if it is a multifamily sale and if you are offering popular sale items including children’s toys and clothes, furniture and collectibles. At the entrances to your neighborhood, add arrows for buyers to follow to the sale. 

9) Use Craigslist and social media to get out the word
List your sale for free on Craigslist, says LaPedis, and use your Facebook page to promote the sale and recruit friends to help you work the sale and sell their stuff as well. LaPedis says, “the more items you have to sell, the more people will stop to check out the sale.” 

You can also list your garage sale on the Highland Park Patch calendar

10) Price everything in advance & be willing to negotiate on everything
Barley says the most successful garage sales are those that price everything in advance. But remember that people will expect to bargain for less than the posted price. LaPedis even says, “don’t bother pricing any item under $15. Ask the buyer what they are willing to pay and you’ll have more power and flexibility that way.”

11) Don’t sell anything unsafe or recalled
Don’t sell anything that is potentially unsafe, including “drop-down” style cribs, says LaPedis. You can check the recalls.gov site that provides recall information from six government agencies. 

12) Get them to stop and park
Put “big ticket” and popular items such as TVs at the front of the sale near the street says LaPedis to get buyers to “stop, park and shop.”

13) Keep off the grass
Use tarps and tables instead. 

14) Limit “holds”
Don’t offer to hold items for a buyer “for more than 45 minutes, or have the buyer put enough money down that he or she is sure to come back,” LaPedis says.

15) Offer free coffee or lemonade to get shoppers to linger longer. Starbucks and other area coffee stores offer a box of fresh brewed coffee to go with cups, cream and sugar included.

16) Put out a power strip attached to an extension cord so you can demonstrate electronic items work to potential buyers. You can purchase extension cords and power strips at the Craftwood Lumber and Hardware in Highland Park and other nearby hardware stores. 

17) Negotiate like a pro
LaPedis says if you let the buyer speak first and indicate what he or she is willing to pay for an item, you are far more likely to get more for it.

18) Display like a store
LaPedis says use your fence to hang clothes on if you don’t have racks and group items such as toys or electronics together to make it easier for buyers to shop.

19) Use fanny packs with lots of change
Do not use cash boxes, says LaPedis. The people helping you at the sale should all have fanny packs with lots of change instead. “Assume every buyer will pay with a twenty dollar bill.” Get rolls of quarters and small bills from your local bank. 

20) Stay firm before noon, then get generous to move items out
LaPedis says most buyers will arrive early so you can afford to be firmer with prices before noon but be more flexible in the afternoon so you have fewer items to haul away for donation at the end of the day. Unsold items can be donated locally to local charities like Nova-HP.

TELL US: What was the best thing you ever bought at a garage or tag sale? Share your awesome buy in the comment section below.

Dold Announces Rematch Against Schneider

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Will Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) (right) face former Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) in a rematch next year?

Former Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) wrote in a letter to supporters today he will run for the United States House of Representatives in the 10th Congressional District in 2014, a seat he lost to Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) in November.

“With deep reflection, and strong support from you … I’ve made the decision to step forward and run in 2014 to represent the 10th District of Illinois,” Dold wrote in the letter.

Earlier: Is Dold Seeking 2014 Rematch With Schneider 

Dold was elected to represent the north suburban District in 2010, defeating Dan Seals in a close contest. In his bid for reelection last year, he lost another close race, this time to Schneider in a redrawn district that carved out his Kenilworth home.

Dold ran for reelection on a platform of moderation and independence last year and his letter indicates he will offer the same message to voters next year.

“We provided what so many say our country is missing right now—thoughtful leadership that was able to build bridges between parties and put people before politics and progress ahead of partisanship,” Dold wrote.

Dold has been interviewing potential members of a campaign staff, according to a report in Roll Call. Dold did not raise any money for a potential race in the quarter ending March 31, 2013, according to reports filed with the Federal Election commission.

Take an Ice Cream Tour of the North Shore

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Ella (left) and Devin Dixit dig in to ice cream cones from Homer's Ice Cream. With hot temperatures lingering in the area and intermittent rain, guests to the weekend celebration struggled to stay cool and dry.

Spring weather ushers in ice cream season on the North Shore. So where’s the best place to pick up a cone? Patch shares this list of the most beloved spots for sweet treats around the region. 

Andy’s Frozen Custard, Evanston: Andy’s opened its first store in Missouri, where frozen custard—a creamier, smoother version of ice cream—is a local tradition. Find the authentic stuff at the company’s downtown Evanston location at 719 Church St.

Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Evanston: Take a trip back in time when you walk into Hartigan’s at 2909 Central St. in Evanston, which has served families there for three decades. Take your pick from an endless list of flavors, with creative names like “Lady Bug,” “Sneakers” and “Pirate Booty.”

Homer’s Ice Cream, Wilmette: There’s a reason generations of North Shore kids have been going to Homer’s, which opened with just two tables at 1327 Green Bay Rd. in Wilmette 78 years ago. Now the restaurant sells hamburgers, hot dogs and other food, but Homer’s homemade ice cream is what keeps customers coming back.

Bobtail Ice Cream, Wilmette: Specialty flavors at this gourmet ice cream shop include the “Signature Sunset,” which combines Merlot ice cream with dark chocolate chips, as well as the Lakeview Barhopper—a combination of Dutch cocoa ice cream and Jack Daniels. This quaint-looking shop is located in downtown Wilmette at 1114 Central St.

Via Gelato, Glenview: Via Gelato makes its gelato in-house in the Glen at 1835 Tower Dr. in Glenview. The owners opened the restaurant after a trip to Italy, when they were inspired by the food and culture. Taste a little bit of Italy here with creamy gelato in creative flavors. 

Dairy Bar, Glenview: Nothing says summer like an ice cream stand. Kids have been lining up outside Glenview’s Dairy Bar, 1015 Harlem Ave., since 1955. The specialty is soft serve, of course, but you can also order up a sundae, shake or slushie to eat outside. 

Yogen Fruz, Northbrook: Fill up your cup with frozen yogurt, fresh fruit and candy at Yogen Fruz in Northbrook, then walk across the street to the Village Green, where you can sit in the park and people-watch as families meander through downtown Northbrook. 

Frost Gelato, Highland Park: Authentic Italian flavors like Fior Di Latte, Giandula, Panna Cotta and Stracciatella round out the menu at Frost Gelato, 617 Central Ave. in Highland Park. Tried and true favorites like chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan and strawberry are also available. Really, you can’t go wrong.

Sweets, Lake Forest: Open for more than 25 years at 260 E. Deerpath Rd., Sweet’s is renowned in Lake Forest for its ice cream, toffee and homemade chocolates. If you don’t want to enjoy the creamy, rich ice cream on-site, Sweet’s will hand-pack a pint for you to take home.

Baskin-Robbins, Deerfield: Stop by Baskin-Robbins at 671 Waukegan Rd. in Deerfield for one of the famous 31 flavors. This cute location with a maroon awning is the perfect stop for a sweet treat after shopping at nearby Deerfield Square. 

Should Federal Government Restore Impact Aid Now?

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Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield), Sen. Richard Durbin(D-Springfield and Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) did not make any specific commitments about giving impact aid special treatment with the Sequester.

Did you know the Sequester, which forced spending cuts on the Federal government earlier this year is taking money out of schools in Highland Park, Glenview and Deerfield?

Schools in these communities receive approximately $140,000 a year to cover the cost of educating children of military parents. That stopped when the Sequester went into effect, according to school officials.

Earlier: Kirk, Durbin Schneider Tour New School as Sequester Removes Shine

Congress restored money for air traffic controllers cut by the Sequester to ease flight delays. Patch wants to know if you think local schools should get the same treatment as the airline industry and has prepared an unscientific poll to gauge your opinion.

Township High School District 113, which oversees Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools, is $60,000 short, according to Communications Director Natalie Kaplan. She made it clear neither the institutions nor the students would suffer.

“Of course these cuts in funding are difficult for the District to manage,” Kaplan said. “We have worked collaboratively with surrounding districts to strongly advocate for these funds. However, regardless of what the federal or state (governments) do in regards to impact aid, we will continue to educate and support all of our military families and students.”

In Glenview District 34, there is also a $60,000 drop in revenue because of the Sequester’s effect on impact aid, according to a spokesperson for the District. In North Shore School District 112 serving Highland Park and Highwood, the shortfall is $20,000, according to Communications Director Andi Rosen.

When asked by Patch during a press conference Friday, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Springfield) and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) did not directly say they would seek special legislation though they recognize action is necessary.

“We all have to work together as a team and find a way to do so,” Schneider said. “We need an answer to close excesses but we can’t use a meat clever. We have to come together and nail it down where we need it.”

Please take the poll and offer your ideas. We will publish the results next week.

7 Jobs that Make the World a Better Place

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A recycling truck driver is one career that can make a real difference in the world.

The following story was provided by AOLJobs.com.

By Debra Auerbach for CareerBuilder

Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we've compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life – from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe. 

1. Conservation scientistConservation scientists are hired to help preserve and protect natural habitats. They usually work with landowners and federal, state and local governments to find the best ways to use and improve the land while conserving the environment.*

  • How to become one: Conservation scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field. It helps job prospects to have a degree from programs that are accredited by the Society of American Foresters and other similar organizations.
  • Pay: According to Economic Modeling Specialists International, conservation scientists earn a median hourly income of $28.28.

2. Energy auditorWhen a building is cooled or heated, it uses energy. Buildings often leak energy, so they produce extra heat or air to compensate, which wastes more energy. Energy auditors help curb energy waste by inspecting buildings to find areas of air leakage and advising customers on how to fix and prevent leaks.

  • How to become one: There are no nationwide education or training requirements for energy auditors, but some states require auditors to take courses or earn a certification. Certification is available through organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, the Residential Energy Services Network and the Association of Energy Engineers. Some local technical and community colleges also offer energy auditing courses.
  • Pay: Since it's such a new field, national wage information is currently unavailable.

More: How To Find A Job That Is A Good 'Fit'

3. Green construction manager: Construction is another area that has seen an emergence of green jobs. As interest for environmental protection increases, the demand for green buildings grows with it. Construction managers that specialize in green buildings plan, direct, coordinate and budget construction projects, ensuring that onsite processes are environmentally friendly. This could mean setting up a recycling plan for unused construction materials or protecting environmentally sensitive areas of the site. They're also responsible for choosing contractors who have knowledge of green building techniques.

  • How to become one: Most construction managers come to the job with experience working on other similar projects. Most also hold a bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, business management or engineering. They may also acquire a LEED Green Associate credential or have taken the NCCER's Sustainable Construction Supervisor Training and Certification Program.
  • Pay: Median annual pay for construction managers is $85,030.

4. Landscape architect: According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, these workers analyze, plan, design, manage and nurture natural and built environments. Projects they may work on include: academic campuses, conservation, corporate and commercial areas, gardens and arboreta, green infrastructure, interior landscapes and land planning. Landscape architects who work on green building sites apply their expertise to plan attractive scenery while also conserving water, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They may also plan drainage channels to diffuse rainwater throughout planting beds.

  • How to become one: Landscape architects are required to have licenses. Requirements vary among states but usually include a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, work experience and a passing score on the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.
  • Pay: According to the ASLA, average annual salary and bonuses for landscape architects is $78,600.

5. Recycling truck driver: There are many roles that help ensure that the U.S. recycling system works and is successful. One such job is that of the drivers, also known as recyclable material collectors. These workers are employed by recycling companies or local governments to pick up recyclables from residences and offices and transport them to a materials recovery facility. Several drivers usually work together as a team to collect recyclables.

  • How to become one: Drivers should have at least a high school education or a G.E.D. To be certified to handle these trucks, drivers must have a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with airbrake endorsement. Drivers need to pass drug screening and background checks and should have clean driving records.
  • Pay: The median annual pay for refuse and recyclable material collectors is $29,610.

6. Solar power plant operator: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every hour, enough energy from the sun reaches Earth to meet the world's energy usage for an entire year. Creating solar power by converting sunlight into electricity lowers emissions from electricity generation and helps decrease long-term energy costs. Because of these benefits, solar power has continued to grow as an industry. Solar power plants are run by operators, who oversee power generation and distribution from control rooms. They monitor the solar arrays and generators and regulate output from the generators, and they monitor instruments to maintain voltage to regulate electricity flows from the plant.

  • How to become oneStrong mechanical, technical and computer skills are needed to operate a power plant. Certification by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is necessary for positions that could affect the power grid.
  • PayThe median annual pay for power plant operators is $64,270.

7. Wind turbine service technicianWind power is a relatively new source of electricity generation and has been used on a utility scale for only a few decades. Wind turbines -- the machines that generate wind power -- are extremely complex, and if any part fails, they have to be shut down until repairs can be performed, losing time and money. Wind turbine service technicians help prevent and solve issues by inspecting turbines and providing regular maintenance. They're capable of diagnosing and fixing any problem that could require the turbine to be shut down.

  • How to become one: Since the field is still so new, there isn't formal training to become a wind tech. Instead, most come from technician jobs in other industries. Experience or training as an electrician also is beneficial.
  • Pay: The BLS notes that while no national wage information is currently available, industry sources say starting wages are between $35,000 and $40,000.

*Job descriptions, experience/education and pay taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise noted.

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