Strollin’ with the
Stroll’s Annual Back to School Bash is back! August 14th at Prospect Park SAVE THE DATE!
8/2
Illinois Brass Band 8/9
The Falconaires Orchestra 8/16
Brian Patti Big Band
Please join us for our STROLL Park Ridge Monthly Community Co ees on the last Wednesday of every month 9-10:15 am at Park Ridge Country Club!
Thinking of Buying or Selling?
Contact me today to see how I can help find your next dream home. JustSoldSue
EMERGENCY
911
(847) 318-5252 (847) 318-5283 (800) 222-1222
(847) 318-5240 (800) 244-1977 (800) 334-7661 (888) 642-6748 (866) 796-9669 (888) 824-2273 (800) 244-4444
(312) 322-6777 (847) 364-7223
(847) 823-3101 (847) 692-5127 (847) 692-3597
(847) 318-5200 (224) 585-3148 (847) 318-5216 (847) 825-3123
(847) 318-4300 (847) 696-3600
(877) 863-6338 (800) 252-2873 (833) 2FIND-HELP 988 (847)221-5680
Fire Police & Ambulance
Park Ridge Police Non-Emergency
Fire Department Non-Emergency
Poison Control Hotline
UTILITIES
Public Works Dept
Groot - Garbage Pickup
ComEd
Nicor Gas
Wide Open West
Comcast AT&T
TRANSPORTATION
Metra PACE
RECREATION
Park Ridge Country Club
Park Ridge Park District
Senior Center
CITY
Park Ridge City Hall
Park Ridge Mayor
Park Ridge City Manager
Park Ridge Library
SCHOOLS
District 64 Office
District 207 Office
HOTLINES
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline
Child Abuse Hotline
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
WINGS Program Domestic Violence Hotline
Dolly Caravette McCarthy (630) 272-7582 dolly.mccarthy@n2co.com
Diane Morris strollparkridge@gmail.com strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com
Anthony Tripp Photography AMT Photos amtphotos2011@gmail.com
Crystal Parenti Photography crystalparentiphotography@gmail.com
Many thanks to the Park Ridge community for your contributions! We are always looking for residents to find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email strollparkridge@gmail.com with your pictures, suggestions and submission requests.
This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!
ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Metta Perspective Acupuncture (847) 701-5788 www.mettaperspective.com
ATTORNEY - BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE LAW
Law Office of Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC Magdalena Murzanski (847) 533-7053 MagMurLaw.com
AUTO REPAIR
Uptown Auto Repair (847) 698-2527 uptownautoparkridge.com
BEAUTY
Aelan Aesthetics (224) 585-9974 www.aelanaesthetics.com
Dermani Medspa (224) 985-3932 www.dermanimedspa/parkridge
FadeAway Medical Esthetics (773) 744-0738 fadeawaymedicalesthetics.com
Uptown Med Spa (224) 377-9677 pruptownmedspa.com
CHILDCARE
Sugar Plum Tree Preschool, Inc. (847) 823-1978 sugarplumtree.net
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Silver Lining Chiropractic (847) 999-4608 www.gosilverliningchiro.com
DANCE
Fred Astaire Dance Studio (847) 653-6157 FredAstaireIllinois.com
Lynnette’s School of Dance (847) 823-7334 lynnettesschoolofdance.com
DENTIST
Dr. Niki R. Laskaris, DDS (847) 823-6400 nikilaskarisdds.com
DENTISTS
Park Ridge Smile Center (847) 825-2277 parkridgesmilecenter.com
Rubino Dentistry (847) 825-1002 rubinodentistry.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Des Plaines Theatre - Onesti Entertainment (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com
Village of Rosemont (847) 993-8312 rosemont.com
FUNERAL HOME
Cumberland Chapels (708) 456-8300 cumberlandchapels.com
HEATING/COOLING
Home Comfort Services, Inc HomeComfort.net
HOME CARE
AMADA Senior Care Northshore (847) 324-9450 AMADAnorthshore.com
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Alden Estates of Northmoor (773) 775-8080 aldenestatesofnorthmoor.com
Generations at Oakton Arms in Des Plaines (847) 299-5588 generationsoakton.com
INSURANCE / LIFE / FINANCIAL
Tunnell Insurance Agency Inc. (847) 306-8660 tunnellagency.com
INSURANCE AGENCY
State Farm Insurance (Ann Witeck) Ann Witek (847) 692-3260 annwitek.net
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR
Vanessa Tobin Landscape Design (847) 477-0790 @vanessa_tobin_landscape_design
LAW
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates (312) 578-9300 madonia.com
Daleiden Law, LLC (773) 420-9410 daleidenlaw.com
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Michael J. Athans, Ph.D and Associates, Ltd. (847) 823-4444 athansandassociates.net
MORTGAGE LENDER
Select Lending Services Kiki Calumet (312) 909-9372 Kikicalumet.com
PARK DISTRICT
Park Ridge Park District (847) 692-5127 prparks.org
PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Blue Coral Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics (847) 861-7695 kidsmyl.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Crystal Parenti Photography (708) 822-3493 www.crystalparentiphotography.com
PLUMBER
Nuzzo Sewer & Plumbing (773) 625-6280 www.nuzzoplumbing.com
Olympian Plumbing (312) 241-0951 OlympianPlumbing.com
PODIATRIST
Dr. Michael J. Palliser (847) 692-3700 palliserpodiatry.com
PREPARED MEALS
Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating Of Park Ridge (224) 633-6247 seattlesutton.com
REALTORS @properties
Sue M. Hall (847) 692-5522 justsoldsue.com
Mario DiLorenzo Real Estate Team
Keller Williams ONEChicago (847) 312-0912 mariodilorenzoteam.com
RESTAURANTS
Bourbon ‘N Brass Speakeasy (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com/restaurants
Café Touché (773) 883-0808 cafetouche.com
D’Agostino’s Pizza & Pub (847) 518-8700 www.dagostinos.com
Des Pizza (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com/restaurants
Firewater Saloon (773) 631-0020 www.firewatersaloonchicago.com
Sal Pique (847) 696-7081 www.sal-pique-parkridge.com
Saltwater Coastal Grill (773) 312-3653 saltwaterrosemont.com
Soup & Scoops (773) 775-1079 www.soupandscoopschicago.com
Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen (847) 696-7029 www.thalaivasIndiankitchen.com
The Beacon Tap (847) 715-2772 thebeacontap.com
Zia’s Social (773) 775-0808 ziassocial.com
ROOFING/SIDING
Northwind Exteriors (708) 829-0532 www.northwindexteriors.com
SCHOOLS
Resurrection College Prep High School (773) 775-6616 reshs.org
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Vive! Therapeutic Massage (847) 637-0002 vivemassage.com
WELLNESS
Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen (708) 354-4844
chefbeauskleankitchen.com
StrollIN’ around uptown! It’s one of my favorite things to do. For me, it’s not just about the convenience of shopping, dining, or quick trips to the library, but also just as imprortant are the strolls along Prospect catching up with neighbors and friends.
Happiness starts with a Stroll in Park Ridge.
See you at the 7th Annual STROLL Back to School Bash on August 14th! RSVP today! Guaranteed blast! Kids will love it!
happiness you can fit in your day,
Dolly McCarthy, Publisher
Our menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, all expertly crafted by our talented chefs using only the finest ingredients. From juicy East Coast oysters to delicious Mediterranean calamari and authentic Japanese sushi, all coasts come together at Saltwater. Come and let the experience transport you to the ocean, no travel required!
Local businesses honored & recognized; residents kick off summer with a celebration
BY STAFF
Congratulations to all the recipients of the Stroll Park Ridge Best of Park Ridge Readers Choice Awards 2024!! We are Park Ridge Proud of you! You have worked hard and earned it! It was a very special night on June 20th, with nearly 200 in attendance at the Stroll Summer Social and Best of 2024. Attendees enjoyed dining, dancing, entertainment and more! We have so many to thank including our entertainers --- the amazing Tony Ocean and Angela Spiccia. A shout out to Harp & Fiddle for hosting our annual Stroll Summer Social; all the residents and business leaders who came out to celebrate and elevate our community; and finally to our event sponsors - FadeAway Medical Esthetics, Olympian Plumbing, John Tunnell Insurance Agency/ Allstate, Sue Hall @properties, Home Comfort Services, Be Local NW Chicagoland, and Generations Healthcare Network.
Toasts were given throughout the evening including one by Park Ridge City Clerk Sal Raspanti, who highlighted the positivity and good that Stroll encourages and spreads throughout the community. Stroll staff is incredibly grateful to be your community magazine and build community, highlight the good, support local businesses and not for profits. Congratulations are also in order for Avenues to Independence which was honored with Charity of the Year and to resident Bill Scharringhausen who was honored with the award - Positivity Park Ridge Person of the Year 2024.
Check out of the complete list of winners within this issue. The list can also be found on the Stroll Park Ridge Best of Park Ridge website: https:// bestofparkridge2024.godaddysites.com or use the QR code here to take you right to the website.
Scan this QR code to see the list of winners.
BY RESIDENT ROSA ANALITIS
ARTICLE SPONSORED BY ANN WITEK - STATEFARM
MEET ALEXANDER, ROSA, SOPHIA AND EVIE ANALITIS!
They are a mix of 50/50 Mediterranean roots. Alexander is 100% Greek and Rosa is 100% Italian. 50 years ago, Rosa’s parents and grandparents set foot in this country for the American dream. In their household, their roots are evident. They speak Greek, Italian and English! The love for family and faith runs as deep as those roots.
The Analitis Family has lived in Park Ridge for 11 years. Rosa and Alex have been married for 14 years and have known each other for 20 years. They met at a mutual friend’s birthday party where Alex grabbed Rosa’s phone to put his number in (very smart move on his part). They instantly became friends and after a 2-year friendship, Alex finally asked Rosa out on a date!! Together, they have 2 beautiful, vibrant little girls.
Sophia Alexa age 9 and Evie Rose age 7.
Sophia attends St. Andrews Lutheran School as a Fourth grader and Evie attends Franklin Elementary as a Second grader. Sophia and Evie attend a Greek School on Saturdays and St. Paul of the Cross on Sundays for Catechesis. They are the little social butterflies of the block! They know all the neighbors by name and Evie loves every single dog that passes by. She never hesitates to run out and give a hug, while Sophia is vaulting from her high bar onto the tumbling mat! Sophia and Evie both do gymnastics and dance. They are also both Girl Scouts, Sophia as a Junior Scout and Evie as a Brownie. The girls set up shop on the front lawn and their entrepreneur skills kick in! Both girls are very involved in their schools, from fundraising to extracurriculars! The park is their paradise and there isn’t one in town they haven’t met! The summers are spent swimming at Centennial on
MAKING MEMORIES TOGETHER, AS A FAMILY, IN A COMMUNITY THEY LOVE IS HOME!
the days when they aren’t in summer camp at the Park Ridge Park District.
They love celebrating each other, whether it be a big or small accomplishment, a milestone or an A on a report card. Birthdays are a big deal and the biggest reason to party! An ice cream treat on a summer night, walking through uptown is a family favorite past time while saying “HI” to friends and neighbors is the feeling of home.
Rosa is the owner, fashion stylist and bridal consultant of Annabella Boutique at 3320 N. Harlem Avenue in Chicago. Annabella Boutique is a family-owned business and was established in 1986, 38 years ago. Rosa and her mom, Annabella, worked closely together for many years. Rosa graduated from Columbia College - Chicago. Rosa went on to engulf herself fully in the bridal world now working alongside her sister. Dressing brides, mothers of the wedding and prom is by far one of Rosa’s greatest joys. This past prom season Annabella’s had the pleasure of dressing so many beautiful young ladies of Maine South High School. Rosa loved the way she could connect with a client based on the community and neighborhood pride. Through the years many gown donations are made to organizations in which young ladies have the opportunity to pick a prom or evening gown for their once in a lifetime special event. Rosa is grateful her work life allows her to be able to drop off and pick up her girls from school and allowing her the time to volunteer at each school. “It’s a way of giving to my kids and still feeling a sense of community, being present in the present is a big deal to me”. Spending time as a family is a priority and a privilege. Alexander is a Physical Education, Health and Drivers’ Education teacher at Proviso East High School. He is also the Head Varsity Golf Coach. Alex loves and lives for all things sports! He is also a big time Cubs fan!
Rosa enjoys event planning and throwing unforgettable parties! She also loves having a good girl’s night, sipping on a Prosecco and taking in all the laughter! Rosa says that summer nights are the best nights. Also, adventures with the kids, whether traveling to Italy to meet ancestors or a concert in the park to hear a Taylor Swift cover are what their lives are all about at this moment in time. Making memories together, as a family, in a community they love is HOME!
ARTICLE SPONSORED BY MARIO DILORENZO - KELLER WILLIAMS ONECHICAGO
HELLO, I AM SALVADOR MACÍAS, I live on Parkwood and I graduated from Emerson Middle School and will be a Freshman at Maine South this fall!
I am honored to be selected for Athlete of the Month. Breaking the long jump record at school was a fun achievement. I jumped 18’ 4”, breaking an 18 year record of 16’ 10” set back in 2006. I appreciate all the support of my teachers and classmates. I have much respect for the previous record holder who provided inspiration to many and whose name was displayed proudly on the walls of Emerson Middle School for 18 years!
Outside of school, I split my time as a striker in soccer (Park Ridge Soccer Club) and a right side hitter in volleyball (Forza). If I had to choose one, I would say that soccer is currently my favorite sport. However, I am excited to continue developing my skills on the volleyball court. I have been playing soccer since the age of 5 (9 years) and volleyball since the age of 13. When on the soccer field, I love scoring goals but there is something very special about assisting my teammates and seeing their joy when they finish with a strong goal. My biggest inspiration is my dad. He has always been a great role model who taught me to be positive and stay calm no matter what the situation. When I am not on the field or court,
I enjoy hanging out with friends, catching up on sleep, spearfishing with my grandpa in Greece and working on cars with my dad and uncle.
To all the kids out there, I encourage you to play what makes you happy and to find joy in every moment. Enjoying your sport is what will drive you to succeed. I am grateful to all my coaches and their dedication over the years!
Do you have an athlete you’d like to see featured? Email us at StrollParkRidge@ gmail.com.
Generations Oakton Arms, located in Des Plaines off of Oakton Street, is an intimate inviting community and we can be your temporary home base while you are recovering post-operation. Our fully furnished studio apartments are available for $90 a day and we have individualized care packages and a-la-carte services. Our 24-hour staff could provide a variety of help including stand-by showers, laundry, and assistance with transferring from bed. During your stay you’ll have access to our activities, transportation services to grocery shopping and doctor appointments, cable and Wi-Fi, meals twice a day, and housekeeping twice a week. You can also partake in light physical and/or occupational therapy within our Wellness Gym. If you’re interested in a short term stay, permanent residence, an activities, or are interested in joining us for a meal, tour, or just a friendly hello please reach out to 773-729-7324 or oaadminassist@generationsoakton.com!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
8:00pm -10:00pm Movie in the Park - Wish Prospect Park - 733 N Prospect Ave. Family fun night! Movie begins at dusk. www.prfas.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
6:00pm - 9:00pm Cruisin’ Park Ridge Uptown Park Ridge - Library parking lot
Free Community Event! Live entertainment, activities for the kids and more. Upcoming date: September 6.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
8:00pm -10:00pm Concerts in the Park Hodges Park - 101 S. Courtland Ave. Grab a blanket, chairs, drinks and good company to enjoy the Illinois Brass Band, presented by Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. www.prfas.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
7:00am - 1:00pm Park Ridge Farmers Market 15 Prairie Ave. (between Maine and Garden)
Every Saturday thru October. Find a great selection of fruits, vegetables and other local products. parkridge.us
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
6:00pm - 8:30pm National Night Out Hodges Park - 101 S. Courtland Ave. Join us for this Stroll sponsored event.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
6:00pm - 7:15pm Zombie Tag Wildwood Nature Center - 531 Forestview Ave.
Registration required to participate. prparks.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
8:00pm -10:00pm Concerts in the Park Hodges Park - 101 S. Courtland Ave.
Grab a blanket, chairs, drinks and good company to enjoy The Falconaires Orchestra, presented by Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. www.prfas.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
10:00am -12:00pm
Summer Reading Sendoff Library lawn Parkridgelibrary.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
District 64 First Day of School
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
4:30pm - 7:00pm
Stroll Park Ridge 7th Annual Back to School Bash
Prospect Park - 733 N. Prospect Ave. FREE event for the Community!! Bounce house, balloons, train rides, supper, ice cream, face painting and more! Donations will be accepted for the Park Ridge Friends of the Parks. RSVP to strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
District 207 First Day of School
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
8:00pm -10:00pm
Concerts in the Park Hodges Park~ 101 S. Courtland Ave.
Grab a blanket, chairs, drinks and good company to enjoy the Brian Patti Big Band, presented by Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. www.prfas.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
12:00pm -10:00pm
Vine St. BBQ Competition & Fest 505 Butler Place
Fun for the whole family! Enjoy bbq, music and kids activities. vinestbbq.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
9:00am -10:15am
Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Community Coffee Park Ridge Country Club
Open to all in the Park Ridge community. Thank you Sue Hall with @properties for sponsoring these fun monthly community coffees! See you there! RSVP strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com
Let’s Get Together! Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Community Coffees!
August 28th and September 25th, 9-10:15 AM
Don’t miss the Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Community Coffee! Open to all in the Park Ridge community. Our next community coffee will take place Wednesday, August 28th, 9:00 am - 10:15 am at the Park Ridge Country Club. Thank you Sue Hall with @properties for sponsoring these fun monthly community coffees! See you there!
BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY
Did you know…………..
That early residents of Maine Township (including Park Ridge and Des Plaines) travelled to Jefferson Park High School for education beyond the local elementary school level?
Jefferson Township High School, established in 1870, was housed in the community’s town hall at Milwaukee and Irving Park Road until a building was constructed at Wilson and Knox. In 1910, Carl Schurz High School opened, replacing the old high school and collecting the records of those graduates.
By 1900, however, Maine Township saw the need to establish its own high school and a referendum was passed in 1901. Abuilding was constructed on Thacker in Des Plaines and the school opened with two teachers and 35 students. The Class of 1904 was comprised of three students. By 1915, enrollment had reached 181 and the building was expanded to provide additional classroom space and facilities.
As the population in the northwest suburban area grew, it was determined that a significantly larger facility was needed. A referendum was passed in 1927 approving issuance of bonds to construct a new school building. The land at Dempster and
Potter was purchased, equidistant from Park Ridge and Des Plaines, to serve the students of both communities. R. Harold Zook and William F. McCaughey, the team that had designed the Pickwick Theater complex in Park Ridge, joined John Chubb of Chicago to serve as project architects.
Though the stock market crash of 1929 raised concerns, the principal and school board funded completion of the building and classes began there in March 1930.
Constructed of brick, the original multi-story building includes glazed Art Deco-style terra cotta ornamentation and a clay tile roof. Though several additions were built, Maine East’s enrollment grew to be so large that in the late 1950’s the school day was split into two parts so that half the students attended in the morning and half in the afternoon.
A 1957 referendum authorized the establishment of additional Maine Township High Schools; Maine West and Maine South still exist today; Maine North was closed in 1981.
Some of the famous graduates of Maine East include Harrison Ford, Karen Black, Carrie Snodgrass, Steve Goodman and Scott Mutter. Hillary Clinton attended Maine East for most of her high school years but graduated from Maine South.
BY RESIDENT PAUL HANSEN
In the shade of the garden just sitting here
Drawn in by the restful sounds I hear Cardinals sing in the bushes nearby
Crickets singing their day long lullaby
The August breeze drifts through the air
Skies so blue with hardly a cloud up there
Woody is pecking a few lots away
Hark, there too the sound of the Bluejay
The sunlight and shade doing their delicate dance
The Monarchs flit by fast in their romance
Half way through a day of going all over town
It is delightful to be here just sitting down
The August end if summer is heavenly
Relaxing in the garden so peacefully
It’s a shame we all let so many decades go by
Being so busy and I don’t know why
Sure there were jobs to do and families to raise
All of that certainly deserves high praise
Taking part in all the community activities
We are all proud of doing all these
Then grands came along much to our delight
Park Ridge Farmers Market always a favorite Saturday morning run!
Lynnette’s School of Dance Recital
“The show must go on!”
Attorney Maggie Murzanski was sworn in to the Supreme Court of the United States on May 23, 2024. Maggie is a proud member of the Park Ridge community, having grown up in Park Ridge, a Maine South alumna, with law offices currently in Park Ridge and Chicago. She is also a proud sponsor of your community magazine. Without sponsors like her, this publication would not be possible. We are thrilled and honored to introduce you to Ms. Murzanski and highlight her achievements! Stroll strives to only feature high quality local businesses that can serve our residents in their times of need. As you can see, Maggie is excellent in her field. We are so #ParkRidgeProud of you Maggie!
It was a Happy 4th in Park Ridge with many bbq’s, fireworks, and parades! Maine East hosted the town’s annual fireworks show on July 3rd made possible by the Park Ridge Park District, City of Park Ridge and School District 207.
The Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge’s 69th annual 4th of July Kiddie Parade was surrounded by Park Ridge Super Heroes! Many thanks to the Kiwanis, Park Ridge Police and Fire Departments for creating a fun-filled Fourth of July! Once again, Stroll was a proud sponsor of this year’s parade.
My name is Moira Cahill and I recently opened Dermani Medspa here in Park Ridge. I was born and raised in Galveston County, Texas. I grew up near the Gulf of Mexico and rode out the aftermath of a few hurricanes in my life. I initially came to Chicago in 1998 to spend a service year working at an emergency overnight shelter on the West side. I did return to Texas when the year was up, only to return in 2002 after I finished my undergraduate degree because I just couldn’t shake my love for the city. The novelty of having four seasons and the energy of the people here just drew me back. Until 2013, I was living in the Lakeview neighborhood but I moved north when I got married. I now live in Norwood Park with my husband, George, who is a real estate attorney and home builder, and our 5 year old daughter, Frannie, who attended the Park Ridge Park District Nature Preschool. She is very excited to be starting kindergarten at Mary, Seat of Wisdom in the fall. My husband’s family moved to Park Ridge in 1987 and are still here as well.
George and I have always been involved in residential real estate but we thought we would try something in a new industry to diversify. We were connected with a fantastic franchise consultant who took us through the process of discerning which industry and model would be the best fit. I have an MBA, so every franchise opportunity presented I would comb through the financial, staffing, real estate, and marketability details very
carefully because I had to see it make sense for me to be interested. Dermani Medspa was the one that grabbed my attention. Everything about it “made sense” plus the pull of participating in such a caring and exciting industry made it the clear choice.
What is unique about our business?
First and foremost, our pricing at Dermani is completely transparent. You will know how much every treatment costs before receiving it. There is no front desk “sticker shock” here! Secondly, our membership model makes aesthetic services more accessible to people who might have previously thought they were out of reach financially. We have Botox memberships, skin rejuvenation memberships, and laser hair removal memberships, with only a 6 month obligation, in which every penny paid goes toward services and offers discounted prices. Lastly, a key part of the services here is the emphasis placed on educating the client about their skin’s needs and listening to their concerns and questions. I am proud to say I have hired the most talented group of people I have ever worked with. The dedication and level of care the estheticians and nurse practitioners show the clients never fails to impress me. They genuinely want to help clients feel a little more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Also, we have Spanish speaking estheticians which helps us reach out to a broader community.
How are you and your business involved with the community? We have served as Silver Sponsors for the Park Ridge Newcomers Club Labor of Love event as well as worked with St. Paul of the Cross School to make their Celebrating the Spirit event a bigger success. We have served as sponsors for the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Angel Event. We have donated gift baskets for raffles to a variety of local organizations. We recently signed up to be Touchdown Sponsors for Park Ridge Football and Cheer! We love finding
new opportunities to work with the Park Ridge community!!
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer to the residents? SPF is needed year round! Consistency with your skincare routine and hydration are key to feeling your best. We can help you reach your goals with treatment and medical grade skincare products available here, but 80% of reaching your goals happens with consistency in your home care regimen.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful and tight knit community that I am a part of! We have met some wonderful people who come through our doors for help achieving their aesthetic goals and we are grateful to have the chance to improve their confidence. I think we are so good at what we do because we believe that educating clients combined with great customer service is the best plan to create a trusting relationship with the provider and sets the client up for skin goal success. Local magazines like Stroll play such an important role in connecting prospective clients to new businesses who might just have what you have been looking for.
Please come in to see us for a free consultation!
dermani MEDSPA
535-b Busse Hwy, Park Ridge 224-985-3932 www.dermanimedspa.com/ parkridge
BY RESIDENT 10 YEAR OLD BRIDGET AIELLO
What grade are you in? 3rd grade at Washington School
Favorite movies: The Quiet Place, Jurassic Park
Favorite show: The Simpsons and I like to watch YouTube
Do you have any favorite songs or bands? Lil RT
My favorite song: Astronaut in the Ocean
Do you play any sports? I play baseball, travel soccer, wrestling, and flag football. My favorite sport is football and I play quarterback.
What are your three favorite things to do? Playing football, playing more football, going to the movies, and hanging out with my friends
What is your favorite place to go in Park Ridge? Eating wings at Easy Street
Do you have a favorite vacation? Destin, Florida
Have you ever met anyone famous? I have met Chance the Rapper.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a MLB player when I grow up.
Describe your perfect summer day. My perfect day would be to go to the pool with my friends and then after go to Dave and Busters.
Do you have a child you would like to see featured? Email us at strollparkridge@gmail.com
Park Ridge doing its part to “sack” homelessness throughout Chicagoland
BY RESIDENT CAROLYN MURPHY
Pete Zonsius, also known as “Uncle Pete” started Uncle Pete’s Ministry in 2010. All of the District 64 Elementary Schools and Middle Schools participate in Uncle Pete’s lunches, as well as St. Paul of the Cross, St. Andrew’s and Mary Seat of Wisdom. Maine South Key Club and some of the sports teams including football, lacrosse, basketball, and Hawkettes all have held sackmaking events. Multiple tribes of Indian Princesses, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts have given to this Ministry. Lastly, Park Ridge Community Church, Park Ridge Community Women and Guilds have all donated to Uncle Pete’s Ministry.
How did the sack ministry come about? Trips to the west side of Chicago showed there were more and more people who were homeless, in shelters, or living on less than adequate wages to support their families. It is hard to see people so in need, and not respond. There had to be a way to mobilize the community so each could do something to contribute a small amount that adds up to a significant impact on the daily lives of hungry people. Uncle Pete organized the St, John Brebeuf community in Niles to make sack dinners once per month
for eight months of the year. He built relationships with people, mainly from the west side and Uptown areas of Chicago and planned how to get them a sack dinner. He knew that he wasn’t solving the problem of hunger but rather alleviating some of the challenges of getting thru the day for those who are less fortunate. He began to ask other organizations and parishes to join in. Today, we have over 10 Churches, over 15 groups including sports teams, scouts, guilds and youth groups, 12 public and private schools, individuals hosting sackmaking parties, as well as businesses, all making sacks. In 2023, we collected and delivered over 25,000 sacks. This sounds like a large number but we go to 15 different places and probably could use 30,000 if we were able to visit each place once per week with sacks. There is a great need.
What is in a sack? Each bag contains two sandwiches, two hard-boiled eggs, a small bottle of water, a piece of fruit, a bag of chips, and a treat such as a candy bar or cookies. But there is much more in a bag. There is a sense of caring, a sense of concern, a realization that in a small way, anyone can reach out to those in need.
Where do they go? In addition to families in need across Chicago’s West Side and Uptown, we serve Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Shelters, Housing Facilities for Women and Children and Senior Programs.
1 / Volunteers and students help with the collection of sacks for the homeless at the beginning of the school day.
2 / To connect with the recipients of the sacks, sack preparers message the bags.
3 / Our Lady of Angels Mission is one of the recipients of sack lunches. Sr. Stephanie Baliga receives the boxes of sacks to hand out at the food pantry,
Park Ridge Park District’s Centennial Activity Center hosts S.T.A.R. program for
BY RESIDENT JILL CROOKER
After I retired I did not know what to do with myself. I was a paid volunteer at School District #64 until COVID-19. During this time I met Mrs. Jackie McNulty who was also a volunteer and she told me about the exercise classes at the Centennial Activity Center. So I went and after some months and a luncheon at the Diplomat West, Fran Showalter said to me that I should just join and I did. It has been wonderful for me. I have been on so many wonderful trips and great exercise classes, movies, etc.
There is a box from Lions Club with used glasses for donations and also at the holidays, they have a bin for food items. I enjoyed the center as I met new people and took as many classes/trips as I could. We also have guest speakers from
the Fire department, Mariano’s for the shopping app, and other departments in town. Osco Drug comes and gives shots for flu, COVID-19, etc. Also, AARP meets with us during income tax season and does taxes.
Anyone can join the center, even non-residents. They do have an annual fee for singles, couples and persons over 90 years old. We also have a lending library and a medical lending closet. I am excited to be a part of the S.T.A.R. (Seniors Together at Recreation) program.
If you are interested in more information about the center or joining the S.T.A.R. program, please reach out to Sarah or Eileen at 847-692-3597, or stop by the facility. The Centennial Activity Center is located at 100 South Western Avenue.
Girl Scout Troops 47423 & 47272 care for our veterans
Mary Seat of Wisdom’s Girl Scout Troops assembled care packages for unhoused veterans through the Guardian Corps of America. They assembled over 100 packs that contained over 20 essentials, such as toothpaste, hair brushes/combs, shirts and socks. Troop Leaders: Caitlin Beaver, Erica Kron, Adriana Carlson and Jackie Mikhail.
The FUN starts at DQ! Social raises funds for local boy scouts.
Summer kicked off at the Stroll Park Ridge 7th annual Ice Cream Social! It was a perfect night for dinner and sweet treats at Dairy Queen in Park Ridge. It was a blast hanging out at the DQ corner enjoying community and having some fun. The kids loved the balloon creations from Balloons by Laura. DQ --once again your team knocked it out of the ballpark with your generosity and yummy treats along with such excellent and friendly service! Thank you to all
the amazing sponsors! Home Comfort, Rubino Dentistry, Dermani MedSpa, Allstate - John Tunnell Agency, BeLocal NW Chicagoland, Generations Healthcare Network, Dairy Queen, and Balloons by Laura and to our presenting sponsorSue Hall @properties. Stroll Park Ridge “passed the hat” and collected nearly $500 for local Boy Scout troops thanks to the generosity of YOU Park Ridge! See you again soon at DQ...the best summer fun and treats in town!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
Hi my name is Rocky from South Park. I am a four-year-old miniature brown poodle. My neighbors know me for my sweet nature, however I let out a big bark and like to run out the door and jump all over you. I like to protect my family. Sometimes I think I am a bigger dog, but when I get to know you, I just want to be your friend.
I like to steal snacks from my family. Especially when my big sister leaves her breakfast out after she goes to school, that is the best! Then I like to hide some for later like in the laundry piles or in the couch cushions. I will look over at the spot where I hid my snacks hoping nobody will notice, but they always seem to find out where they are!
Recently my family brought home a hamster, her name is Lucy and I
BY RESIDENT MANDIE MAGUIRE
love to chase her around in her ball. She seems afraid of me but I just want to be her friend too. It would be fun if we could play sometimes but my mom doesn’t think I will be nice.
I love to go camping with my family, that is one of my favorite things to do because I can run around outside and explore plus, they give me lots of food I am not supposed to have! I love to go for the long drive and sleep in the fresh air. One of my favorite places in on the lake where I can run and roll around in the sand and get all dirty.
I am grateful I get to take long naps when everyone is gone, then I am so excited when my dad comes home from work so we can hang out in the backyard. I love being part of this family because they spoil me and my dad takes me to McDonalds sometimes for a hamburger.
Hey Park Ridge! We are still here and nearby. Come visit your old friends now located in Niles!
Packing
BY RESIDENT SCOTT CASTELLANOS
I am a parent of two teenage boys that play multiple sports. What that means for us is that their (our) summer is jam-packed with various sports camps. Various anything, in my world, equates to busy schedules and busy schedules equals STRESS. There are many ways to deal with stress, some are healthier than others, but honestly, my favorite is escapism. What better way to escape than to get out of Dodge, as they used to say. What I am alluding to is taking a vacation.
I don’t know how most folks pick dates for vacation, but with camps, commitments, work, and school starting, we generally have one week at the end of the summer we can slide a
trip into. Once we lock that in and sync our calendars, the prep work begins.
A few weeks out from the trip my wife asks us to make sure we have everything. Of course, no one needs anything, but mysteriously, a list of needed items appears just days before the trip. After all items are purchased, found, borrowed, and gathered, it’s time to pack. We have four people and four different ways to pack. My wife over-packs, my youngest under-packs, my oldest seems to pack for a very different trip than all of us because there is no rhyme or reason to what winds up in his bags. Me, I like to think I am an expert packer, no one else thinks this, but that is my story,
and I am sticking to it. We only bring carry-ons, which means packing is a contact sport. Someone asks if anyone has room for this and another person accuses someone of bringing too much of that. We start bartering for space in someone else’s luggage, and we all save a little space for my wife, because she deserves it for organizing everything. The stress persists while commuting to the airport, checking in to the flight, but once we get in the air and the ear buds go in, you can tell we are all good. For now, at least.
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BY RESIDENT TINA MINISCALCO
I am known amongst my family and friends for grilling yearround – rain, shine, snow, freezing temps – you will find me grilling dinner. I love how grilling won’t heat up my kitchen or leave me with a stack of dirty pots and pans, which is great for this busy mom of three! My family is also full of big meat eaters, so grilling is an easy way for me to cook mass quantities of meat all at once. This is one of my favorite go-to recipes because it is fast to prepare, doesn’t make a mess, and is both husband and kid approved. This recipe is a perfect way to grill pork tenderloin so that it turns out juicy and delicious every time!
Prep time: Less than 10 minutes
Grill time: 14-16 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 pork tenderloins, about 2-2.5lbs. total (ask your butcher to trim them for you!)
• 3 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or olive oil spray
1 / Heat your grill to high heat on all 3 burners.
2 / Prep the meat by sprinkling both tenderloins on all sides with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix together all the remaining spices in a small bowl. Then sprinkle evenly over all sides of the pork. Brush or spray olive oil over all sides. Pork should be at room temperature before grilling.
3 / Turn off one side burner on your grill. Place the pork across the other 2 lit burners. Close the top and grill for 90 seconds. Flip the pork and grill for another 90 seconds. Do this two more times for the “edges” of the tenderloin. Grills can vary, but the temperature on my grill usually reads at 450ºF.
4 / Next, move the tenderloins to the other side of the grill over the unlit burner. Picture the pork having 2 main flat sides and grill both of those “flat” sides for 4 minutes each, with the top closed. The pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140-145ºF.
5 / Remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle some of the juices over the slices when serving.
Do you have a recipe you would like to share? Please email us at strollparkridge@gmail.com
The following was read at the Stroll Best of Park Ridge Readers Choice Award Night on June 20, 2024
BY RESIDENT & STROLL POSITIVELY PARK RIDGE PERSON OF THE
There are few times in life when we get the opportunity to talk about friendships that have stood the test of time and take note of rare milestones in life. If any of you have been wondering if there really is a secret to the fountain of youth, just follow the lead of Bill Scharringhausen.
If there’s ever been a more impeccable role model and mentor on how to live life to the fullest it’s this guy. Bill, every day you walk the talk on kindness, generosity, good citizenship, and dedication to helping our community shine bright in the lives of all people who Stroll through Park Ridge. Your POSITIVITY and the lessons you have bestowed to us are insurmountable.
Bill’s infectious positivity stems from a great family. He is a third generation Pharmacist whose grandfather, father, and then Bill served our community in the spot we are in today which was the Scharringhausen
Pharmacy, established 100 years ago in Park Ridge.
Throughout Bill’s entire life, Bill has led by example, living by the golden rule, sharing good will and good citizenship. He knows more people and more about our town’s history then anyone I know and will give you the shirt of his back if he knows it will help you and your family.
Bill continues to lead an active life helping KIDS and instilling strong family values our Kiwanis of Park Ridge Club for which he has been a member for 68 years!
In addition to the historic work in this club, Bill has an impressive list of life-time accomplishments. These include serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Park Ridge Jaycees, Chairman of Blood Central (now Life Source), Co-Chairman of PR Community Fund, Chairman of PR Healthy Community Partnership, Member of Mayor Marty Butler’s Vision
2000 Committee, Citizen’s Committee to Support Emerson Middle School, and President of the National Association of Retail Druggists. For over 50 years, Bill has been an active member and member of the leadership team at Park Ridge Community Church where his wife Barbara manages the medical equipmentloan closet. Bill also chaperoned 7 youth mission trips and has been involved in Solid Rock Carpenters on 16 Habitat for Humanity Home builds.
In addition to this, Bill remains an ACTIVE member of Kiwanis with 99% perfect attendance serving as Past President, member, and Secretary for several years.
Bill, you have been an amazing friend and teacher to all of us and to so many more. We are proud and grateful to present the Stroll Positively Park Ridge Person of the Year 2024 to Bill Scharringhausen.
Park Ridge author’s new book reveals early 20th Century Cubs
I am a retired commercial litigation attorney, and afterward I worked an “encore” career in the fundraising department at my alma mater, St. Patrick High School, on the northwest side of Chicago where I grew up. Along with my wife Mary Kay, I have been a proud Park Ridge homeowner for 36 years and have long been active with the community at Park Ridge’s Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish. Over the years, I have chaired the parish’s Angel Dinner fundraising event, and served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. Furthermore, like many other residents of Park Ridge - home to
By resident author Gary Santella
many transplanted northwest siders and a hotbed of Chicago Cubs fans - I have been a life-long Cubs fan.
On April 8, 2024, Arcadia Publishing released my first book, The 1906-1910 Cubs Dynasty: Rowdy Times and Rugged Men in Cutthroat Chicago. It is about the early 20th century Cubs who did not always display commendable traits. The manager would brawl with his own players, and the players brawled with each other. The second baseman and shortstop hated each other and didn’t speak to each other for years. The ace pitcher threw with a mutilated hand. The star catcher got into a spat with management and left the team for a year to play professional billiards. The manager over time despise the team owner. Yet, the Cubs dominated the National League and established a baseball dynasty, winning four National League
pennants and two world championships in 5 years.
The book also covers the historical events that were taking place in the city up to and at that time. Toughs roamed the streets carrying billy clubs, black jacks, and pistols, and brawled in the city’s streets. Furthermore, corrupt aldermen of the City Council made a fortune taking bribes and pay-offs from purveyors of vice. In short, this book shows how the Cubs’ toughness reflected the toughness of real-life, early 20th century Chicago - rowdy, rough, and brawling.
I was inspired to write the book when I went to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game in 2002 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, then the defending world champions after having been a Major League franchise for only three years. That day I noticed a flag flying on the Wrigley rooftop that said “1908,” the year that the Cubs had, at that point, last won a World Series. It occurred to me that in 1908, Arizona was not even
a state yet! It wasn’t granted statehood until 1912. So, after 1908, when the Cubs were at the pinnacle of baseball success and Arizona was just a wild west U.S. territory, it was Arizona which would next win a world series (in 2001) before the Cubs would win another! I wondered why the Cubs had performed so poorly for so many years, and what it would have been like to be a fan in 1908, living life and cheering for a World Series winning Cubs team. To answer those questions, I then started my historical research, becoming a member of the Chicago History Museum and a member of the Society of American Baseball Researchers (SABR).
My goal in writing the book was to educate my target audience, primarily Cubs fans, about the Cubs and the City of Chicago at an interesting time in history. I especially hoped that teenagers might be drawn to the stories about the toughness of the Cubs and the city and be inclined to read further about local history. To that
end, I have committed to be donate all the net royalties I earn on this book for the next two years to the St. Patrick High School Scholarship Fund. The book can be purchased at www. arcadiapublishing.com and wherever books are sold.
ONL I N E O R DE R ING • PIC K-UP
c hef b e au s k le a n k i t c hen. co m 8
Our meals are made from the highest quality ingredients, with no added preser vatives. We use many organic breakfast, snacks, soups, salads, entrees and of course our delicious gluten-free baked goods and pastas, in fact our lasagnas are legendar y! Our menus change weekly, and we include many plant-based and vegetarian options along with pasture raised, 100% grassfed beef and wild-caught animal proteins. All meals are made fresh by Chef Beau and his professionally trained and educated chefs, catering to ever yone who wants or needs to eat KLEA N !
