STROLL Park Ridge January 2025 Issue

JANUARY 2025

Park Ridge

THE

202K4 LOOACK B ISSUE

Dr. John M. Sisto Diplomate American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery “All around excellent experience for my son. He had 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed. Everyone in the office was kind and helpful. We were sent home with all of the information and prescriptions needed. The follow up a few days after went great. Thank you!” –Andi T. “Dr Sisto & the team are professionals.

Simply said: they are the best! I feel fortunate my dentist Dr Sal recommended him to me.” –Jeanne C.

OUR SERVICES Dental Implants Removal of Wisdom Teeth Tooth Extractions Bone Reconstruction IV Sedation 350 S Northwest Hwy, Suite 118 Park Ridge, IL • 847-696-4848 • omsparkridge.com

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BEST OF

PARK RIDGE 2023

N WI N ER

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IM P ORTA NT

P H O NE N UMBE RS 911 (847) 318-5252 (847) 318-5283 (800) 222-1222

EMERGENCY Fire Police & Ambulance Park Ridge Police Non-Emergency Fire Department Non-Emergency Poison Control Hotline

(847) 318-5240 (800) 244-1977 (800) 334-7661 (888) 642-6748 (866) 796-9669 (888) 824-2273 (800) 244-4444

UTILITIES Public Works Dept Groot - Garbage Pickup ComEd Nicor Gas Wide Open West Comcast AT&T

(312) 322-6777 (847) 364-7223

TRANSPORTATION Metra PACE

(847) 823-3101 (847) 692-5127 (847) 692-3597

RECREATION Park Ridge Country Club Park Ridge Park District Senior Center

(847) 318-5200 (224) 585-3148 (847) 318-5216 (847) 825-3123

CITY Park Ridge City Hall Park Ridge Mayor Park Ridge City Manager Park Ridge Library

(847) 318-4300 (847) 696-3600

SCHOOLS District 64 Office District 207 Office

(877) 863-6338 (800) 252-2873 (833) 2FIND-HELP 988 (847)221-5680

HOTLINES Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline Child Abuse Hotline Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances Suicide & Crisis Lifeline WINGS Program Domestic Violence Hotline

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.

STROLL BY OUR OFFICES! Coffee is always on!

132 S. Prospect Ave. Suite 100A Uptown Park Ridge

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January 2025

strollmag.com Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2025 The N2 Company, Inc.

M E E T T H E T E AM !

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Dolly Caravette McCarthy (630) 272-7582 dolly.mccarthy@n2co.com

CONTENT & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Diane Morris strollparkridge@gmail.com strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com

Anthony Tripp Photography AMT Photos amtphotos2011@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Crystal Parenti Photography crystalparentiphotography@gmail.com

RESIDENT WRITERS

Scott Castellanos

Paul Hansen

Joan Mattingly

JUNIOR WRITER

Josette Steinfels

DISCLAIMER: This publication is also known as Park Ridge Living, is owned by The N2 Company, and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

We’re proud to showcase businesses that share our commitment to fostering local connections. When perusing our pages, keep an eye out for the “Local Sponsor” icon to identify articles highlighting these valuable partners. Please note that businesses profiled may have provided free products and / or services for the review.

PUBL IS H ER ’S NOTE

Hello January!

H APPY NEW Y EAR , PARK RID GE!

Now that 2025 is here, we’d like to reflect on what a fantastic year 2024 proved to be for Stroll Park Ridge and our community. In addition to turning 6 (2025 will be our 7th year in print), we met so many wonderful families, kids and pets through this publication and its many events.

We came together multiple times a month to get to know each other better and build community with our events, including our Community Coffees, Annual Back to School Bash, Ice Cream Social, Summer Social & Best of Park Ridge 2024 Celebration as well as the Inaugural Christmas Stroll! We couldn’t be happier putting this magazine together for

you every month. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone -- residents, businesses and local charities who have helped contribute to this magazine and made it so POSITIVELY PARK RIDGE! We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring! We do know this: Stroll Park Ridge will continue to bring friends and families together through our monthly social events and by sharing Your Stories, Your Photos and Your Community. This is your publication, Park Ridge. I am so honored to be producing it for and with you.

Dolly McCarthy, Publisher

Here’s to your health and happiness in the new year! I look forward to meeting you (if I haven’t already) and sharing your story this year!

P.S. Please don’t forget to Like your community magazine on Facebook @StrollParkRidge and follow us on Instagram @StrollParkRidge

SUBTLE CHANGES FOR A MORE

Youthful You!

(773) 580-2590 fadeawaymedical@gmail.com FadeAwayMedical fadeawaymedicalesthetics.com Personal concierge services provided

Stroll Park Ridge

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Featured in Chicago Agent Magazine's Who's Who in Real Estate in 2024

suemhall@atproperties.com 6

January 2025

JustSoldSue

741 W. Devon Ave. | Park Ridge

HELLO 2025!

Thinking of Buying or Selling?

Contact me today to see how I can help find your next dream home.

Sue Hall

Top Agent

Office: 847.692.5522 Cell: 847.917.3188

Stroll Park Ridge

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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!

AUTO REPAIR Skylark Garage (847) 823-8711 www.skylarkgarage.com

CHARITY WINGS Program, Inc. (847) 519-7820 www.wingsprogram.com

Uptown Auto Repair (847) 698-2527 uptownautoparkridge.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE Silver Lining Chiropractic (847) 999-4608 www.gosilverliningchiro.com

BEAUTY Aelan Aesthetics (224) 585-9974 www.aelanaesthetics.com Dermani Medspa (224) 985-3932 www.dermanimedspa/ parkridge FadeAway Medical Esthetics (773) 744-0738 fadeawaymedical esthetics.com Uptown Med Spa (847) 696-7282 pruptownmedspa.com

CLEANING SERVICE Clean Joy Cleaning Services, Inc. (224) 713-6388 Clean-joy.com COUNTERTOPS Stone Masters (847) 678-3333 www.stonemasters99.com DANCE Fred Astaire Dance Studio (847) 653-6157 FredAstaireIllinois.com

DAYCARE/PRESCHOOL Sugar Plum Tree Preschool, Inc. (847) 823-1978 sugarplumtree.net DENTISTS Dr. Niki R. Laskaris, DDS (847) 823-6400 nikilaskarisdds.com Park Ridge Smile Center (847) 825-2277 parkridgesmilecenter.com Rubino Dentistry (847) 825-1002 rubinodentistry.com DERMATOLOGY AND MOHS SKIN CANCER SURGERY North Branch Dermatology (773) 763-6000 www.northbranch dermatology.com

ENTERTAINMENT Village of Rosemont (847) 993-8312 rosemont.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING Alden Estates of Northmoor (773) 775-8080 aldenestatesofnorthmoor.com

FUNERAL HOME Cumberland Chapels (708) 456-8300 cumberlandchapels.com

Generations at Oakton Arms in Des Plaines (847) 299-5588 generationsoakton.com

GUTTERS LeafFilter National Sponsor (833) 380-2581 LeafFilter.com/Strollsolved

INSURANCE / LIFE / FINANCIAL Tunnell Insurance Agency Inc. (847) 306-8660 tunnellagency.com

HEATING/COOLING Home Comfort Services, Inc HomeComfort.net HOME CARE AMADA Senior Care Northshore (847) 324-9450 AMADAnorthshore.com

LAW Anthony J. Madonia & Associates (312) 578-9300 madonia.com Daleiden Law, LLC (773) 420-9410 daleidenlaw.com

Lynnette’s School of Dance (847) 823-7334 lynnettesschoolofdance.com

Ballet • Pointe • Lyrical Tap • Jazz • Poms • Cardio Jazz Hip Hop • Tumbling • Camps Themed Birthday Parties

Celebrating 50 Years in Park Ridge!

BEST OF

Park Ridge 2 02 4

W I N N ER

Register Now! 517 W Talcott, Park Ridge

847-823-7334 lynnettesschoolofdance.com

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January 2025

Law Office of Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC Magdalena Murzanski (847) 533-7053 MagMurLaw.com MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Michael J. Athans, Ph.D and Associates, Ltd. (847) 823-4444 athansandassociates.net Sidekick Coaching and Educational Services, LLC (224) 585-9747 MORTGAGE LENDER Select Lending Services Kiki Calumet (312) 909-9372 Kikicalumet.com ORAL, FACIAL AND IMPLANT SURGERY Dr. John M. Sisto - Oral Surgery (847) 696-4848 www.omsparkridge.com

PARK DISTRICT Park Ridge Park District (847) 692-5127 prparks.org

PREPARED MEALS Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating Of Park Ridge (224) 633-6247 seattlesutton.com

PEDIATRIC DENTIST Blue Coral Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics (847) 861-7695 kidsmyl.com PHOTOGRAPHY Crystal Parenti Photography (708) 822-3493 www.crystalparenti photography.com PLUMBER Nuzzo Sewer & Plumbing (773) 625-6280 www.nuzzoplumbing.com

REALTORS @properties Sue M. Hall (847) 692-5522 justsoldsue.com Chardonnee Cunningham Real Estate (847) 528-9998 Mario DiLorenzo Real Estate Team Keller Williams ONEChicago (847) 312-0912 mariodilorenzoteam.com

Olympian Plumbing (312) 241-0951 OlympianPlumbing.com

RESTAURANTS A + Italian Steakhouse (773) 853-2325 www.aplusitalian steakhouse.com

Firewater Saloon (773) 631-0020 www.firewatersaloon chicago.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.soupandscoops chicago.com Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen (847) 696-7029 www.thalaivas Indiankitchen.com

SCHOOLS Resurrection College Prep High School (773) 775-6616 reshs.org THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Vive! Therapeutic Massage (847) 637-0002 vivemassage.com TRAVEL AGENCY/ TRAVEL ADVISOR Uproute Travel (224) 567-9834 www.uproutetravel.com VEIN AND AESTHETIC CHICAGO VEINCARE CENTER (847) 983-0445 www.yourveinexpert.com

ROOFING/SIDING Northwind Exteriors (708) 829-0532 www.northwindexteriors.com

N OW BOO K IN G N E W BO R N S | FA M I L I E S E D U CATI O N

708.822.3493

20 2 5 DU E DATE S

Start The New Year Off With A Whiter And Brighter Smile!

Zoom Teeth Whitening Special Only $359 after $40 rebate!

BEST OF

PARK RIDGE Awarded Best Dentist by 2023 STROLL Park Ridge N W I N ER Best of Park Ridge Readers Choice Awards 2023

crystalparentiphotography.com crystalparentiphotography@gmail.com

Stroll Park Ridge

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HELLO LITTLE STROLLER!

Welcome to Park Ridge Thomas!

THOMAS DAUL

May 1, 2024 8 lbs 6 oz 20.75 inches

Siblings: Michael & Kelly Proud Parents: Michael & Sara

Every Chiropractic Story Has a Silver Lining Experts in Drug Free Pediatric, Prenatal, and Family Health Care

Photo credit Megan Kristina Photography

LITTLE STROLLERS

1036 W Higgins Rd Suite C Park Ridge, IL (847) 999-4608 10

January 2025

If you have a “Little Stroller” and you would like to announce your new baby or grandchild in the community magazine, email a high resolution photo and details to strollparkridge@gmail.com

Stroll Park Ridge

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LEGAL MATTERS

Cleaning Your Estate Plan:

Refresh, Review, & Revise

W E ALL N E E D A RE FR ESH! Now is the perfect time to reevaluate and refresh your estate plan. Like a spring cleaning for your future, it’s essential to make sure your estate plan remains upto-date and aligned with your wishes. So, take a moment to dust off your estate plan and give it the attention it deserves.

Step 1: Review Your Beneficiaries

It’s crucial to ensure that the people you care about most are still reflected accurately in your plan. This includes updating your will, trusts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies to ensure that your beneficiaries are current Step 2: Reassess Your Estate’s Assets

It’s essential to maintain an accurate inventory of your estate’s assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Review your asset list to ensure it’s up-to-date and add or remove any assets that have changed over the past year.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Fiduciaries

Your fiduciaries (executor, trustee and power of attorney) play a critical role in the administration of your estate. They should be trustworthy, responsible, and capable of carrying out the tasks assigned to them.

Step 4: Update Your Health Care Directives

PROTECTION. COMMITMENT. GROWTH.

SEAMLESS SERVICE ACROSS DISCIPLINES.

Your health care directives, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, are crucial documents that communicate your medical preferences and appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.

Step 5: Check Your Estate Plan for Changes in Tax Laws

We protect your interest with a fierce devotion to solutions that maximize your bottom line.

We commit to the highest principles of integrity, excellence, and client service.

We grow with you by evolving our service platform to accommodate naturally changing conditions.

Madonia.com · 312.578.9300

NEW ADDRESS

1900 EAST GOLF RD • SUITE 650 • SCHAUMBURG

Happy New Year!

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January 2025

Tax laws are constantly changing, and it’s essential to review your estate plan to ensure that it remains tax efficient. Consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss any recent changes in tax laws that may impact your estate.

At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd. we want you to consider us as a valuable resource when it comes to keeping your estate plan up-to-date and in line with your needs. Schedule a meeting to discuss any changes in your life or assets, as well as any concerns you may have about your estate plan. We can help identify areas that require updating and ensure that your estate plan remains an accurate reflection of your wishes. Please feel free to contact us for more information, or if you need legal representation-info@madonia.com or 312-578-9300.

Make Your

Dream Smile Park Ridge

Happy New Year SUSAN T. THOMAS | D.D.S General, Cosmetic & Emergency Dentistry

3 0 3 N N O R T H W E S T H W Y | PA R K R I D G E

BETTER BIGGER BRIGHTER!

Smile Center

ACC E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S ! parkridgesmilecenter.com

847.825.2277

AELAN AESTHETICS Rejuvenation & Empowerment Embrace your natural beauty and enhance your best features!

Happy New Year Glow Into the New Year with Our Exclusive Offers, scan QR code below

BOTOX/DYSPORT | DERMAL FILLERS SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING SCULPTRA PLATELET-RICH PLASMA MICROINFUSION VITAMIN B12

224-585-9974 2604 Dempster St, Suite 310, Park Ridge, IL 60068

www.aelanaesthetics.com Stroll Park Ridge

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WHAT’S COOKIN’ PARK RIDGE?

DRY JANUARY- AN ALCOHOL FREE COCKTAIL TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR!

Basil Cranberry Mocktail

BY RESIDENT AND OWNER OF CUCINA BIAGIO: ELISSA BAYER

Elissa Bayer, owner of Cucina Biagio

Basil Cranberry Mocktail

INDULGE. ENJOY. REPEAT.

F Savor THE FLAVOR

or many people, giving up alcohol in January is now a new tradition. It’s called “Dry January” so in honor of those who are choosing to not partake, we are mixing up this month’s What’s Cookin’ Park Ridge? feature. This alcohol free cocktail is anything but dry and boring. Mix up your own or Stroll into one of the many fine bars we have in town to partake!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of Cranberry Juice • Splash or more of sparking water or mineral water, such as San Pellegrino • Fresh basil • Fresh lime • Fresh lemon DIRECTIONS 1 / Mix cranberry juice and sparkling

Scan to easily book your reservation!

(773) 853-2325 APlusItalianSteakHouse.com 6690 North Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL 14

January 2025

water together.

2 / Squeeze lime and lemon into mixture.

3 / Top with fresh basil Enjoy!

Share your favorite recipe! Scan QR Code to submit!

Stroll Park Ridge

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CLICHÉ YOUR WAY THROUGH 2025

LIFE IN THE DAD LANE

BY RESIDENT SCOTT CASTELLANOS

C

hicago Bears fans have seen their share of heartbreaking endings, especially this year. We’ve been foiled by

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the Hail Mary, blocked field goals, clock management, and indecisiveness. We have also had moments of promise, but as Yogi Berra

once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over” so, to steal a couple of other sportsisms, you have gotta leave it all out on the field and play till the final buzzer.

Where am I going with all these sports cliches?

What I am saying is not everyone hits the ground running or comes out swinging. I rarely do.

Usually, I need to feel things out, make some adjustments, and apply the slow and steady wins-the-race mentality.

We also try to embed this in our kids’ minds so they don’t get discouraged. My boys complain about us constantly trying to turn everything into a lesson, but that’s one of our biggest jobs as parents. Even though they complain, I occasionally see them

applying it in real life. So, the proof is in the pudding.

The new year is just beginning, and we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make changes, it’s easy to get discouraged if you stumble out of the gate or hit a bump in the road. If this happens, think about the old saying that sums up all the above: “It isn’t how you start, it’s how you finish.”

I know the year ahead can feel like an uphill battle, so if you need a little something to push you across the finish line, hang in there (insert famous cat poster) and remember there is always a cliché or old saying that applies. I literally filled my article with them, and, as a little gift to you, they are bolded to save you some googling time. Happy New Year!

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

LIFE SPAN

Recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Month Stroll Park Ridge and our parent company, The N2 Company, has donated over 22 million dollars to stop human trafficking since 2020.

BY AMY FOX, LIFE SPAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amy Alvarado, Life Span’s Human Trafficking Coordinator, who recently received an “Honoring Our Champions” award from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

2 MILLION: The number of children sold through sex trafficking each year.

How can others get involved or support this organization?

Contributions can be made at life-span.org/donate. To keep victims safe and confidential, Life Span does not use volunteers to work directly with survivors. However, if anyone is interested in getting more involved, we always accept applications to join our Board of Directors or Associate Board.

Contact J.B. At jmantz@life-span.org for more information.

How does one spot sex trafficking in Illinois? Spotting

sex trafficking is not as easy as it may seem from its depiction on film. After all, traffickers are experts at hiding what they are doing from even a victim’s closest friends and family. And every situation is different. Finally, not all sex workers are being trafficked. The Polaris Project describes many of the most common Tell us about this organization. Why is it so situations of human trafficking that also reflect important in this community? Life Span (lifewhat we are seeing locally: a controlling boyfriend span.org) has served survivors of domestic and Amy Fox - Life Span’s who turns out to be a pimp; familial trafficking in sexual violence in Park Ridge and other nearby Executive Director which a relative may force someone into sex work; Chicagoland communities since 1978. Three years online recruitment for modeling jobs; survival ago, we expanded our work to meet the growing sex to avoid homelessness; exploitation of drug addiction or problem of human trafficking. Thanks to donor and community developmental disabilities, and gang involvement. See more support, we provide free of charge legal representation, details at https://polarisproject.org/sex-trafficking-examples/ counseling, and court advocacy to human trafficking survivors.

Life Span is unique in Illinois in several ways: As the Human Trafficking Collaborative at the University of Michigan summarizes, “While the idea of human trafficking 1 / We are the only agency in Illinois that provides often brings to mind images of people being taken or legal representation, counseling, and court advocacy kidnapped, these situations are the rare exception. More together to victims of human trafficking that intersects often traffickers target individuals who are vulnerable and with domestic violence or sexual assault. Our holistic develop a relationship with them (and potentially their approach allows survivors’ needs to be met in one place. families) so that they can psychologically control and coerce 2 / We both serve individual survivors of human them into labor and/or sex trafficking.” This is why Life Span trafficking - both sex trafficking and labor trafficking - and created this programming and is so invested in providing we simultaneously advocate for stronger laws to protect services to those who are experiencing human trafficking survivors of human trafficking, domestic and sexual that intersects with domestic and sexual violence. violence. Using what we learn from serving survivors, we advocate for better laws and systems to protect victims.

Life Span, 3 / We provide services with staff that match the cultural 701 Lee Street, #700, backgrounds of our clients. More than half of our staff are bilingual; many grew up in immigrant families. Our staff Des Plaines, speak languages including Spanish, Polish, and Arabic. We (847) 824-0382. can serve Park Ridge’s growing immigrant population. www.life-span.org/ 18

January 2025

QUALITY. COMFORT.

Exptertise.

Caryn R. Olshansky, PA-C | Dr. Joanna K. Jaros | Katherine Janezic APRN, AGNP-C | Dr. Elizabeth N. Fahrenbach Megan Bonis MSN, APRN, AGNP-C

7411 N Milwaukee Ave Niles, IL | NorthBranchDermatology.com | (773) 763-6000 “EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION”

Logan and his dad at Dad’s Day

Sugar Plum Tree Preschool, Inc. • Highly Qualified Teachers • All Nutritious Meals Provided • Excellent and Secured Facility • Large Gymnasium • Family Owned and Operated

• Outdoor Play Area • Open all year round • Illinois Early Childhood Learning Standards • State Licensed

sugarplumtree.net 1006 Gillick St. | Park Ridge | (847)-823-1978

Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM | 18 mos-5yrs

L A W

O

F F I C

E

O

F

Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC Boutique Real Estate Law Firm

10 Years of Experience • Residential & Commercial

Real Estate Closings • Contract Review • Lending Agreements Deeds • Power of Attorney • Residential Leases

847-450-0221 • maggie@magmurlaw.com Park Ridge Office (By Appointment Only): 11 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 121 Park Ridge, IL 60068 Chicago Office: 5911 W. Higgins Avenue Chicago, IL 60630 Stroll Park Ridge

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RESIDENT BUSINESS

Fresh Bakes by Mary

BY RESIDENT MARY MCGUIRE

Mary McGuire of Fresh Bakes by Mary.

M Y NAME IS MARY MCG U I RE

and I am the owner of Fresh Bakes by Mary. The journey began with a desire to find a healthier alternative to store-bought bread for my family. By baking sourdough and glutenfriendly bread for family and friends, and incorporating their valuable feedback, Fresh Bakes was born.

How long have you been in business? Since April 2024

baking. Gardening taught me the joy of nurturing something from the ground up, and I wanted to carry that same idea into my business. Baking allows me to create something special with my hands, blending different ingredients to make something unique and enjoyable. By combining my passions for growing, creating, and sharing, I found that the baking industry was the perfect way to bring all those elements together while sharing healthier options with the community.

How long have you lived in the community? I have

lived in the area since 2011 and moved into Park Ridge with my husband and family in December 2022. We love Park Ridge and our community!

How can residents contact you? Residents can contact

me via my website www.shopfreshbakes.com.

What prompted you to start your own business? I started

my business because I care about people and promoting health in my community.

I wanted to use my skills to create positive change through baking, something I love. My passion for baking and promoting a healthier lifestyle motivated me to build Fresh Bakes.

How did you decide on this industry? Fresh Bakes

combines my love for gardening, creating, and

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January 2025

Mary shared delicious loaves of her sourdough bread with our attendees at a recent Stroll Community Coffee.

Mary also provided several dozen treats, scones and cookies. EVERYONE loved her bread and treats! Thank you Mary! We are Park Ridge Proud of you!

Do you have a business you would like to feature? Send us an email at Strollparkridge@gmail.com

Some of Mary’s bakery items

Discover the best of the ocean's flavors at Saltwater Coastal Grill.

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!

Open for Weekend Brunch

(847) 233-0077 • saltwaterrosemont.com Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District 5509 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018

Book your next event,

Saltwater offers a versatile backdrop for all occasions!

Contact Cecily Vasquez cvasquez@saltwaterrosemont.com

Stroll Park Ridge

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PARK RIDGE P OETRY

1925 PARK RIDGE

BY RESIDENT PAUL HANSEN

This century old Park Ridge magazine A hundred years since it was seen Is a journey of what has been Taking us from there to here Spanning a hundred years!

Much has changed is true But much is the same for me and you Family is still what matters most None of us would want to boast But we have the best kids and grands The best in all the land Few if any were here back then Our grandparents told us of when They were all just starting out There were fewer cars about Folks walked to the shops uptown

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Where school and library were found The World War a recent memory The future a hope of what could be The new radio sent music out on air New homes were built here and there Most men took the train to the city Raising the family most womens duty Depression and World War II not far The greatest generation saved us all They would not let freedom fall They went on to build this great land Since then Park Ridge has grown We are proud to call it home The most important parts you see Are all the folks like you and me!

Stroll Park Ridge

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LOCAL EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Stroll Park Ridge Book Club Home of Melissa Poindexter - 425 Grand Blvd.

Book discussion will be on Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. Refreshments will be served.

Email Strollparkridgeevents@ gmail.com to register!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

6:00pm - 7:00pm

District 64 - Parent University Jefferson Early Childhood Center, 8200 W Greendale Ave, Niles

Join D64 and Dr. Devorah Heitner for a discussion on shifting the conversation from just “internet safety” to helping our kids understand who they are. https://www.d64.org/ MONDAY, JANUARY 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Maine South’s Drama Showcase Performance Maine South High School, 111 S. Dee Road

https://south.maine207.org/fine-arts/ TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Emerson Orchestra Concert Emerson School, 8101 N. Cumberland Ave.

https://south.maine207.org/fine-arts/

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January 2025

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

9:00am -10:15am

Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Community Coffee Ted Sigg’s Home: 301 S. Greenwood Ave

Don’t miss this Stroll Park Ridge Monthly coffee with a twist! Enjoy coffee and make a birdhouse! Resident Ted Sigg has offered his home and talents.

Please register by January 25th.

Strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Park Ridge goes to Ireland Infomation Night!

Harp & Fiddle

Stroll Park Ridge invites you and our community to Ireland in 2025! Join us this night for information on this fantastic trip to the Emerald Isle!

Trip dates: September 20-27, 2025 www.Strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com THURSDAY, MARCH 6

5:30pm - 8:30pm

SAVE THE DATE! Stroll Park Ridge St. Paddy’s Day Bash!

Harp & Fiddle

It’s time for the wearin’ o’ the green! Don’t miss this annual fun event with your community. Free corned beef & cabbage supper. A benefit for Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge. $25 free will donation at the door. www.Strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com

Your partner in recovery.

Our innovative rehabilitation therapies help you get back to the things that matter most.

Visit aldenestatesofnorthmoor.com or call 773-775-8080 to learn more today.

5831 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago IL

l 773-775-8080 l Stroll Park Ridge

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January 2025

PERSONAL COACHING Learn strategies for dealing with: * Academics * Burnout * Mental Health

Chardonnee Cunningham Global Real Estate Advisor (847) 528-9998 c.cunningham@jamesonsir.com

Brad Boden

Regional Manager NMLS ID# 221841 Select Lending Services 773.983.5190 b.boden@selectlendingservices.com

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Stroll Park Ridge

27

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Feeling Overwhelmed

by Life’s Challenges?

Dance Could Be the Answer!

BY FRED ASTAIRE PARK RIDGE STUDIO OWNER, HANNAH FEY

Nick and Patty Mavrogianis

C

ontrary to common belief, dancing isn’t just exercise — it’s therapy for your body, mind, and soul. Scientific studies and reallife stories from our studio students prove it: dancing can seriously change your life.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that dance activates multiple brain areas, including those responsible for movement, coordination, and memory. It’s no surprise that people who dance regularly boost their cognitive skills.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing reduced the risk of dementia by 76%, outperforming other physical activities like cycling and swimming.

Our students feel the impact firsthand. Longtime student and 78 years young, Debbie Maggio shares “I wear corrective lenses for visual memory loss due to previous concussions. Dancing, especially the experience of learning choreographed routines, has enhanced my ability to associate music, lyrics, and movement. Daily, I find my visual memory improving.” Her husband

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January 2025

and dance partner Mike (age 75) adds “I played tennis for years and long considered dancing simply a recreational activity- not a sport. But once I started dancing, learning and practicing, I discovered how wrong I was- dancing challenges the brain, and at the Marty Gaughan with his same time offers healthy Mike and Debbie Maggio instructors Hannah and Liza physical movement to the entire body.”

Ultimately, your well-being is your Beyond mental benefits, dancing also greatest asset. Whether you want delivers a powerful physical workout. to stay fit, manage stress, sharpen Ballroom dancing can burn as many as your mental acuity, or build new 400 calories per hour while improving balance, flexibility, and muscle tone, and connections, dancing can be your path to happiness. Join us at the studio and can be a lot more fun than a treadmill! see why dance is the best thing you can It’s not just about fitness. do for yourself!

Students Nick and Patty Mavrogianis are an amazing example - “We have been dancing together Fred Astaire Dance Studios, 17 N. at Fred Astaire Park Ridge for over Prospect Ave., (847) 653-6157 10 years. We have made lasting friendships, spent one on one time together and have so much fun.

Dancing is a great form of exercise, that doesn’t seem like exercise.

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Stroll Park Ridge

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P RECIOUS PETS

DOLLY

The Beagle/ Basset Hound Mix Age 13

BY RESIDENT DOLLY (AND PAM) ESKRA

M Y NAME IS DOLLY and I am a rescue dog. I have been with my mom since I was 1 1/2 and lived in the city and now in Park Ridge near my grandma. I love chicken, Dunkin Donuts breakfast sandwiches, and any treats from Trader Joe’s. In my free time, I sleep in my many dog beds, watch squirrels outside and protect the house from the Amazon delivery people. I am well traveled and have visited many states with my family. I am proficient at howling to get what I want and have managed to train my people very well to service my every need.

Street you live on: I love to

Stroll down Summit.

How would your pet tell the story of the day they met you and your human family? My new family

waited in line at the AntiCruelty Society so they could be the first to meet me. I was quiet and shy but my mom fell in love with me anyhow. I wasn’t in my new home long before I became sick with pneumonia and had to go back to

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January 2025

the AntiCruelty Society for treatment. My mom, grandma and friends came to visit me everyday for two weeks until I was better and could go home again.

Have you ever run away or gotten into trouble? I have

never run away because I get too many tasty snacks and comfy beds at home.

Are you an angel, a bit of a troublemaker or spoiled? Spoiled Do you have any specific talents or tricks? Howling Is there anything other neighbors or pets would know you for? My barking.

I am protective of my family and my house.

What is your biggest personality trait?

Being stubborn What is your pet’s favorite Park Ridge park?

Jaycee Park What is your pet peeve?

People who try to give me sub-standard snacks, I will spit them out.

Share your Precious Pet! Scan QR Code to submit!

Stroll Park Ridge

31

SP ONSOR SP OTLIGHT

MEET MAGGIE!

The Law Office of Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC Tell us about yourself. I am

Maggie Murzanski, founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Park Ridge and attended Franklin Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and graduated from Maine South. My husband and I met in Maine South and while we currently live in Morton Grove, we have a lot of ties to our roots in Park Ridge. When starting my law practice, it was really special to call Park Ridge home to my first office space, right Uptown out of the Brick & Mortar building.

Can you tell us about your family? I married my

high school sweetheart, Marcin, and we have two children, Jacob (10) and Emilia (7), along with a “morkie” dog, Ellie.

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January 2025

What inspired you to start your business? It was

always a dream of my own to have a local, community law practice where I can serve the community I grew up in and beyond. With my own family history being that of immigrant parents moving to Park Ridge as both an accomplishment and a means to a better life, I strive to help people with the legalities that allow other families to have the same benefits of happy and meaningful homeownership.

What is unique about your business? We are a

boutique real estate law firm, focusing primarily on residential and commercial real estate transactions in the greater Chicago area/suburbs and Chicago. I bring over a decade of experience helping people navigate the complex nature of real

estate closings, as well as contract review, lending agreements, and leases.

What sets you apart from others in your industry?

Communication and trust go hand in hand and with every file that comes into my office, clients can expect us to go above and beyond to provide effective communication and guidance in order for trust to be attained among all parties of the real estate team.

What do you find most fulfilling about what you do? It is so fulfilling to see

the American dream in full force and effect when a person or a family makes homeownership a reality.

Before the threshold of that home is crossed, I help make home a legal reality, one signature at a time.

Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer to the residents of the neighborhood regarding your industry? Be educated

and fully informed when buying or selling real estate.

The process will be smooth if you have the right team and guidance in place.

What do you love about our neighborhood publication?

Stroll really allows the community to get to know one another, on both the personal and business levels!

How can residents contact you? Please contact our

office (847)450-0221 maggie@magmurlaw.com

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AUDREY DUFFY

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

BY RESIDENT AUDREY DUFFY

Street you live on: Home Ave. School you attend and grade you’re in: I attend Emerson

and I’m in 6th grade.

What sports do you play? I play competitive cheer and

basketball. I have been playing for the last 7 years, since I was 4 years old. Cheer is my favorite, it is so much fun and my favorite part is stunting.

What inspired you to get started with your chosen sport? My sister, Emma, and my cousin, Macayla,

Wishing all of our Stroll Park Ridge Community a

VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! We look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs in 2025.

inspired me to start cheer. I was on the same spirit cheer team with them my first year of cheerleading.

What do you enjoy most about cheerleading? What I

enjoy most when cheering is that I’m with my team, my friends.

What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment

is when I landed my round off back handspring tuck for the first time and also winning state two times.

Who do you have to thank for helping you get there?

I have to thank my mom and Coach Josie for helping me get there.

Who is someone you admire? Someone I admire is Coach Josie because she taught me everything I know.

Mario DiLorenzo 847.430.4420 www.mariodilorenzoteam.com mdilorenzo@kw.com

What advice do you have for others looking to get into your chosen sport? Advice I have for others looking to

get into cheer is to take your time with skills and don’t rush things.

Beyond sports, what do you like to do? Beyond sports I like to hang with

family and friends, go to the pool, and play Pinochle. If I were to continue practicing cheer, I hope to accomplish a full someday.

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January 2025

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P OSITIVELY PARK RIDGE

Stroll Super Supper Raises Funds for Rainbows For All Children Sal Pique serves up mouth watering Mexican dishes for a great cause!

O N NOVE MBE R 1 3 TH, residents enjoyed a fantastic Mexican feast at Park Ridge’s restaurant Sal Pique! It was a fun night and all for a good cause. Stroll passed the sombrero for Rainbows for All Children. Thank you to all who came out to this wonderful community event which raised over $2,000! There was no better place to spend a Wednesday night! This amazing charity is led by Steve Russell, Mary Yarashefski, Justine Karl, Elissa Reiner, Theresa Straub, Rory Seider and Kristen Olson. Thank you Sal Pique for hosting and the delicious buffet. Thank you to BeLocal and Stroll Park Ridge for sponsoring the event!

Rainbows for All Children provides peer groups for grieving kids in 1st - 8th grade.

These groups provide a safe space for them to share their experiences associated with loss of a loved one and/or a changing family dynamic due to divorce or deployment.

Rainbows for All Children Facilitators: Steve Russell, Mary Yarashefski, Justine Karl, Elissa Reiner, Theresa Straub and Rory Seider

“When community comes together it’s really a powerful thing. But when community comes together for our children, it’s meaningful, it’s impactful, and it’s important.”

— JUSTINE KARL

Rainbows supporters, Joe Straub and Steve Fausch

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January 2025

Thank you, Zinnia - owner of Sal Pique; pictured here with Justine Karl.

Park Ridge residents Gloria Suriano and Theresa Straub

The Rodbro Family and friends

Jackie Russell enjoying the latest issue of STROLL

Stroll Park Ridge

37

PARK RIDGE PROUD

Carpenter Elementary Named as a Top School in Illinois

Carpenter School Principal Brett Balduf

“Staff support and collaboration helps to create a positive culture and climate within the building that then gets emphasized with the students through values and teachable moments.”

Celebrating Red Ribbon Week with school mascot George.

CA R P E NTE R E LE ME N TA RY SCHOOL was ranked #20 in the state according to the latest U.S. News & World Report of the top elementary schools in Illinois. Schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments.

In total, 47,573 elementary schools and 23,861 middle schools were ranked. Carpenter has 435 students, making it the smallest school in District Carpenter School Office Staff’s Flag Football Team Halloween Costumes: Sean Degman, 64. Each grade level typically has 3-4 homerooms Paula Coleman, Erin Gilfert, Hillary Larson, Brett Balduf and range from about 70-80 students. Principal Brett Balduf and Assistant Principal Sean Degman within the school community. Each Den has students from have focused on creating consistent systems and every grade level, and students stay in their den throughout fostering a sense of community. elementary school to build and strengthen their relationships.

When asked about the honor of being the #20 “Staff support and collaboration helps to create a positive elementary school in Illinois, Balduf said, “Carpenter’s focus culture and climate within the building that then gets is not on awards, recognition, or accolades; it is always a emphasized with the students through values and teachable welcomed surprise. Various awards or rankings help to moments.” D64’s five elementary schools also earned the remind everyone that the daily work that they put in has “Best Elementary Schools” designation, and the two middle long-term and/or bigger impacts that they may not know or schools were named “Best Middle Schools.” D64 earned see. Education and learning is a long process.” these honors because the schools were in the top 40% of the Balduf, who became Carpenter’s principal in 2012, U.S. News’ Illinois Rankings. emphasizes student-centered decision-making and creating “This recognition reflects a school and community a fun, developmentally appropriate environment. Degman dedicated to excellence in education,” said Park Ridge has helped enhance some of these efforts by establishing Niles Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins. “We are proud to Cougar Dens. All 435 students have been divided into 35+ be featured in this report and will continue to provide the groups and assigned to a Carpenter Staff member who leads highest quality education in all of our schools.” social-emotional and engaging activities to foster community

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January 2025

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PARK RIDGE LIVING

SPEEDSKATING CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL PARK RIDGE OPEN SHORT TRACK RACE

BY RESIDENT MIKE OLIJNYK

Race winners: Immanuel Martinez-Mohabir and Carolyn Tegtmeier

Emerson Middle School Orchestra. Photo credit: Alriel Martin

The skaters representing the Park Ridge club. From left to right: Brian Kearns (above), Max Mountainbear (below), Eddie Kim, Matthew Fernandez, Gary Martin, Fabian Aceves, and Lauren Gunn.

Photo credit: Mike Olijnyk

I spend my days listening to people tell stories about the places they’ve always dreamed of visiting. For some, it’s a romantic getaway to Paris or a trip to Japan to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. For others, it’s diving in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or sipping an Aperol Spritz on the beaches of Italy's Amalfi Coast.The one thing these once in a lifetime trips have in common is that they are perpetually ‘in the making’.

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January 2025

T HE PAR K R I D G E SP E E DSKAT I N G C LU B hosted their

annual Park Ridge Open short track race on Nov. 9th at Franklin Park Ice Arena since Oakton is currently closed for renovation. The race was a success, with a total of 69 participants, coming from Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and even 2 from Canada. There was a special $150 award presented for the fastest 1000m skaters for the men and the ladies. The winners were Immanuel MartinezMohabir and Carolyn Tegtmeier, both of whom skate for the Northbrook Speedskating Club.

The theme for this year’s race related to Park Ridge historic places, including some with connections to speedskating roots in the community. The competitors were grouped by ability into 9 named groups: Oakton Park, Pickwick, Prospect Park, Hinkley Park, Hodges Park, Iannelli Studio, South Park, Brickton, and Summit (for the older skaters). The results board displayed pictures and historical bits on each of the places.

Of particular significance to speedskating in Park Ridge: • Oakton Park has been the home of the Park Ridge Speedskating Club since 1968. It was also the first indoor rink to host a race in the Chicago area, • South Park was the site of the very first Park Ridge club race, held in Feb. 1968.

• Hinkley Park also hosted races and outdoor training practices before the Oakton Ice Arena opened.

The Emerson Middle School Orchestra, led by conductor Erica Faulhaber, performed the Star-Spangled Banner before the race, bringing yet another piece of Park Ridge to the Franklin Park ice away from home.

AROUND TOWN O N V ET ERAN ’S DAY, Park Ridge paid tribute to all Veterans, past

and present and their families at Hodges Park. Many thanks to all who serve to protect and enable our well-being and the wellbeing of future generations. Thank you to American Legion Post 247 for hosting the Veteran’s Honor Ceremony.

Maine South Varsity Football Senior Night

Colin Kearney

Luciano Binz & family

Keenan Kraut & family

Stroll Park Ridge

41

AROUND TOWN

Carpenter Elementary School was ranked #20 in the state according to the latest U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about it in the full article on page 38 in this magazine.

Hats off to John Tunnell Insurance Agency for fulfilling everything on St. Paul of the Cross 1st grade teacher Rachel McCarthy’s Amazon Wish List! What a guy!

Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge’s Light the Night Awareness Event was a success.

The Park Ridge Lions Club hosted a Hearing/ Vision Screening at the the Park Ridge Library and had a great turnout!

Boy Scout Troop 1 and Pack 201 presented the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a recent City Council meeting.

677 blankets were made at the Blanket of Dreams event.

This event was hosted by the Women of Hope.

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January 2025

WINGS Purple Tie Ball raised over $1 million dollars. Attendees: LtoR: Board President Elaine Sambo-Reyther, Melissa Canning, Dolly McCarthy (WINGS leadership council), Executive Director Rebecca Darr, and Mimosa Unno

Mary, Seat of Wisdom’s 3rd grader, Vincent Vena, earned the opportunity through the Park Ridge Public Library’s Summer Reading Program to be “Mayor for the Day”. Well done, Vincent.

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LET’S GET TOGETHER!

YOU’RE INVITED!

Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Community Coffee!

Join Us at the Home of Resident Ted Sigg!

January 31st from 9-10:15

Santa came to visit the Community Coffee last month at the Park Ridge Country Club.

D O N ’ T MI SS T H I S Stroll Park Ridge Monthly coffee with a twist! Enjoy coffee and make a napkin holder!

Resident Ted Sigg has offered his home and talents. Meet at 301 S. Greenwood Ave in Park Ridge at 9 am sharp! Please enter through the garage and take the stairway on the left to the basement. Participants will be using drills, air nailers, and screw shooters to assemble. Don’t worry - Ted will show you how and will be there to assist. It’s easier than you think! Coffee & sweets will be provided.

Please RSVP to Strollparkridge@gmail.com as space is limited!!

Thank you Sue Hall with @properties for sponsoring these fun monthly community coffees! See you there!

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January 2025

Stroll Park Ridge

45

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

WE LOVE STROLLIN’ WITH OUR PARK R I D G E FA M I L I E S

The Butts Family

2024 COVER HIGHLIGHTS One of the best parts of Stroll Park Ridge is getting to know all about our neighbors! We’d like to thank all of the families who took the time to share their stories with us in 2024! We all enjoyed getting to know you better! You are #positivelyparkridge

The Prandato Family

The Kennedy Family

The Tantillo Family

Marie Sartor Pawelek

The Analitis Family The Stinson Family

46

January 2025

The Ryan Family

The Ramirez Family

The Mickelson Family

The Parilla Family

Nominate a family! Email us with their name and email. We’d love to include them in a future issue!

Send submissions to Strollparkridge@gmail.com.

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WHAT’S THE GOOD WORD?

Park Ridge Girl Scouts Celebrate Their 100th Anniversary

BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY

P

ark Ridge Girl Scouts recently celebrated their 100th anniversary since the first Troop was organized in Park Ridge.

32 girls, including Gladys Pascoe, Jane and Edwina Ricketts and Kay and Marian Ransley, joined that first troop, meeting in the basement of the Community Church.

Subsequent meetings were held in various locations in town including the Methodist Church, St. Luke’s, Central MSW’s Girl Scout Troop.

School and city hall, which was located between Touhy, Northwest Highway and the Masonic Temple.

From 1923 to 1928, a Park Ridge Scout Community Committee operated under the auspices of the Chicago Girl Scout Council. Mrs. A.J. Buchheit, the wife of Park Ridge’s first mayor, was a Chairman of that Committee.

In the mid-1920s, the Regina Bertucci sporting Members of MSW’s Girl Scout Troop Regina Bertucci and her population of Park Ridge grew her grandmother’s wool selling Girl Scout cookies. grandmother Donna Cecchini significantly; the Girl Scout Girl Scout beret. program doubled in size: two troops of 35 girls each. The Park Ridge and Des Plaines Scouts While girls can now join Boy Scout Troops, some withdrew from the Chicago Council, forming a Park Ridge girls prefer Girl Scouts. For some it is to recognize a long Council. Early camping adventures included treks to Juniper family history in Girl Scouting. Mary, Seat of Wisdom 4th Knoll Camp and Camp Hickory Hill, both in Wisconsin, and Grader Regina Bertucci ALWAYS wears her grandmother’s the Methodist Campground, much closer to Park Ridge. wool beret for her Girl Scout meetings and events. Her By 1953 the Park Ridge Girl Scout Council joined grandmother, Donna Valenziano Cecchini, grew up nearby area communities to form the Girl Scout Council of and has resided in Park Ridge since 1989.

Northwest Cook County and the national program When thinking of Girl Scouts, one thinks of the adapted itself offering girls opportunities to develop delicious cookies that are sold to help fund so many skills in a range of fields. scouting activities. It’s cookie time NOW! Sales started Both the Girl and Boy Scout programs have reinvented December 13th with delivery expected at the end of this themselves in the last twenty years and there continue month. Watch for site sales in your neighborhood and to be both girl and boy scout troops at local schools. The celebrate the history of girl scouting and the life skills local Girl Scout Council is now titled Girl Scouts of Greater that the sales force learn!

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Stroll Down Memory Lane

Outside of Rainbow Records Photo credit: Paul Hansen

Inside of Rainbow Records Photo credit: Scott Holst

Rainbow Records

BY FORMER RESIDENT VIC LARSON

R

ainbow Records was one of my favorite places during the 1970s. It was located on Summit Avenue, across from the train tracks and around the corner from Pines Menswear. I rode there on my bike, weather permitting, down streets with very little traffic.

I didn’t have much money as a kid. My meager income came from mowing lawns. But in those days, a frugal youngster could amass the small fortune necessary to buy a vinyl record album. Inside the shop were rows of bins packed with colorful albums, arranged alphabetically and by genre. I went straight to the Rock section labeled “U” on the day I’m describing here. I wanted to buy an album by the British band named Uriah Heep. Buying an entire

album to own a copy of one favorite song wasn’t uncommon. (I now know that Uriah Heep was a sinister character created by Charles Dickens for his book David Copperfield.)

Today, I would ask Alexa to play a tune on Amazon or Spotify anywhere an Echo device is handy. But not so back in the early 1970s. I had to carefully carry my purchase home on my bicycle and play it on a turntable.

I gently split the cellophane wrapper on the cardboard outer album cover and slid the inner paper sleeve out to examine the record. The sleeve had

song lyrics, and if you were lucky, there was a folded poster perfect for teenage bedroom walls. There, instead of Uriah Heep, was a record by Siouxie and the Banshees. I was disappointed to have made the four-mile journey only to wind up with the wrong product. I headed back, and the clerk graciously replaced my selection with the correct one.

The air at Rainbow hung heavy with the sweet, musky smell of patchouli incense, a fond association I carried with me throughout my life. I still find comfort thinking about the era when an album full of songs cost only four dollars and when Cat Stevens, Chicago, and Fleetwood Mac formed the framework of my life’s musical soundtrack.

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DID YOU KNOW ?

Relevant, Busy & Changing with the Times!

BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY

The first booklet published by the Park Ridge Improvement Association listing membership, Bylaws, etc.

Clara Barck Wells was a founder and first president of the Park Ridge Improvement Association.

D I D YOU KN OW… that the Park Ridge Improvement Association, founded in 1912, still exists today?

In the Spring of 1912, 33 women met at the home of Mrs. Kate Knowles, now a parking lot behind City Hall.

They titled themselves The Park Ridge Improvement Association and announced their objectives were: • “To promote civic pride.”

• “To do practical work pertaining to the physical welfare of Park Ridge.”

• “To assist, in every feasible way, the city authorities in enforcing existing ordinances, concerning the beauty, comfort, cleanliness and health of Park Ridge.”

Recent presidents of the 20th century club L to R: Park Ridge residents Susan Kosinski (current president), Mary Schaeffer, Patricia Long, Susan James, Helen Ideno, Barbara Avery and Shirlee Ehlers.

The Club hosts monthly meetings October through May that include a program, in this case a presentation on Beatrix Potter.

Guests attending the Springtime in Paris-themed fundraiser.

The first President was Clara Barck Welles, founder of the Kalo Silversmith Shop, a talented artist, acute businesswoman and later, an active suffragette.

Projects tackled by this group of civic-minded women included buying and erecting street signs, purchasing school equipment, organizing art exhibits (Park Ridge was an “artist’s colony!”), hosting a community Halloween Party, and decorating the first community Christmas tree in the park.

The Club evolved, and, in 1930, it was renamed the 20th Century Club. Club committees created included Fine Arts, American Home, Music, Civics, and Garden.

The Garden Club was eventually spawned, becoming a separate entity, still thriving today.

In this 21st century, the group is evolving again, re-directing fundraising efforts to help address more recently identified social and cognitive degeneration concerns, including homeless girls and stimulating the brain. Recent recipients have included WINGS, the Park Ridge Public Library and The Harbour. One group of women makes small teddy bears distributed to children that are ill or have emigrated, having been forced from their home countries. The Club is busy and changing with the times!

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January 2025

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NUZZO

SEWER & PLUMBING Comprehensive Sewer Services All Sewer Repairs and Installations | Power Rodding Sewer Lines and Drain Lines Installation of Sewer Cleanouts | Video Inspection and Sewer Pipe Locating

Comprehensive Plumbing Services All Plumbing Repairs and Installations | Toilets | Sinks | Faucets | Bathtubs Water Heaters | Ejector Pumps | Sump Pumps | Water Lines

Specialties Flood Control | Plumbing Rehab and Remodeling | Backflow Assembly Testing

LEN NUZZO

773-625-6280 www.nuzzoplumbing.com Family Owned Business Established In 1948 Licensed, Bonded and Insured

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January 2025

Stroll Park Ridge

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9151 Currency St. Irving, TX 75063 A Publication for the Residents of Park Ridge