Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Highland Park Author Chris Johnson Debuts First Novel 'In The Heart Of The Woods'

Also check out Film: The Breakfast Club on the Highland Park Patch calendar

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Saturday September 12th Patch AM
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Greetings Highland Park! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Highland Park author turns childhood adventures into a nature-filled debut novel
  • Meet the Highland Park fifth-grader dominating Midwest swim podiums.
  • Alison Krauss cancels Ravinia date: what Highland Park ticket holders should do.

Also on today's calendar: Film: The Breakfast Club and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tractor say to the plow? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Partly sunny, warm and humid, with a high of 82 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Sunday: A couple of afternoon showers, temps: high: 72, low: 56.
  • Monday: An afternoon shower possible, with a high of 69 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Highland Park Author Chris Johnson Debuts First Novel 'In The Heart Of The Woods' (patch.com) — Highland Park residents can celebrate local author Chris Johnson's debut novel, a nature-themed coming-of-age story aimed at both kids and adults. Johnson, a longtime environmental advocate and former teacher, channels his passion for the outdoors and youth empowerment into a 1950s adventure about four children discovering identity, confidence, and purpose in the woods.
   

• 10-year-old Highland Parker makes a splash at state, regional summer season swim meets (fooshya.com) — A 10-year-old Highland Park swimmer, Ray Ryser, capped his summer by winning state and Midwest zone titles while representing Highland Park Aquatics Club and Team Illinois. The Ravinia Elementary fifth-grader and his coach describe the hard work, discipline, and race-day mindset that helped him excel against top youth swimmers from across the Midwest.
   

• Alison Krauss & Union Station Cancel Fall Tour (liveforlivemusic.com) — Highland Park residents with tickets to Alison Krauss & Union Station at Ravinia Festival should know the Sept. 12 show has been canceled as Krauss takes doctor-ordered vocal rest. All 17 remaining tour dates are scrapped, and fans are advised to seek full refunds from their original point of purchase.
   

📸 Around Highland Park

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • NSYMCA Youth & Government Program Celebrates Achievements at the 2026 General Assembly —North Suburban YMCA Read on Patch
  • Folk troubadour Mark Dvorak returns to Ravinia Farmers Market September 16 —Loretta Sawyer Read on Patch
  • Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. posted a job opening for Commercialization Manager in Deerfield. Apply here.
  • Kroger posted a job opening for Cashier in Deerfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Highland Park here.

🗞 Nearby News

Deerfield

  • Curaleaf Assistant Store Manager in Deerfield, IL (masslive.com)
  • 943 Forest Avenue, Deerfield, IL 60015 Property for sale (corcoran.com)

Northbrook

  • Strangling Allegation, Officer Battery Charge: Northbrook Police Blotter (patch.com)

Ok Highland Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hold me close John Deere. (Thank you Jenny H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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