Park Ridge

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Hey Park Ridge!
We are still here and nearby. Come visit your old friends now located in Niles!
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
Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2024 The N2 Company, Inc.
PUBLISHER
CONTENT COORDINATOR
PHOTOGRAPHER
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
RESIDENT WRITERS
Dolly Caravette McCarthy (630) 272-7582 dolly.mccarthy@n2co.com
Tina DiLorenzo strollparkridge@gmail.com
Crystal Parenti Crystal Parenti Photography crystalparentiphotography.com Susana Rio Mangriotis
JUNIOR WRITER
Many thanks to the Park Ridge community for your contributions to YOUR community magazine! Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! 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
CATERING/RESTAURANT
Pizza Boy Chicago (773) 853-0018 pizzaboychicago.com
CHILDCARE
Sugar Plum Tree Preschool (847) 823-1978 sugarplumtree.net
CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS
Marshall Investigative Group (855) 350-6474 mi-pi.com
DANCE
Fred Astaire Dance Studio (847) 653-6157 FredAstaireIllinois.com
Lynnette’s School of Dance (847) 823-7334 lynnettesschoolofdance.com
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
ENTERTAINMENT
Des Plaines TheatreOnesti Entertainment (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com
Village of Rosemont (847) 993-8312 rosemont.com
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES
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
HOME INSPECTION
Echo Home Inspection (847) 888-3931 echohomeinspections.com
ICE CREAM/DESSERTS
Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness (847) 969-7189 ritasice.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
Neal & McDevitt, LLC
Rick Biagi (224) 628-2747 nealmcdevitt.com
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Michael J. Athans, Ph.D and Associates, Ltd. (847) 823-4444 athansandassociates.net
MORTGAGE LENDER
A and N Mortgage 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
PERGOLAS & OUTDOOR KITCHENS/LIVING
Landscape Additions (708) 612-1946 www.landscapeadditions.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Crystal Parenti Photography (708) 822-3493 www.crystalparentiphotography.com
PLUMBER
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
Pizza Boy Chicago (773) 853-0018 pizzaboychicago.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
love the results as much as the process of growing. Get Growing Park Ridge!
An important heads up for everyone...the cicadas are coming! We are set to experience two invasions this spring and summer, marking the first occurence of this double event since 1803. My tip-- wear a hat!
Park Ridge Farmers Market starts up this month followed by the Summer Concerts in the Park. Kick off Summer with us at the 7th annual Stroll Park Ridge Ice Cream Social! June 18th, It’s FREE! See details inside this issue!
Save the date! June 20 - Stroll Summer Social! Music, dancing and heavy appetizers will be served. This is a FREE fun event for the community! Be present that night to also witness some of the Best of the Best being honored with our Reader’s Choice Awards. We are also so excited to honor the Park Ridge Charity of the Year as well as the POSITIVELY PARK RIDGE PERSON OF THE YEAR that night. We look forward to a fun night in June at Harp & Fiddle.
As always, please Like us at Facebook.com/ StrollParkRidge and follow us on Instagram, Stroll Park Ridge. Get reminders for our fun family events, Supper Club gatherings, community fundraisers for our local not-forprofits and more!
Stroll Park Ridge: Your Stories, Your Photos. Your
Proud Park Ridge Community Member
1776 Ash Street, Northfield, Illinois 60093
Direct: 847.881.2455 Main: 847.441.9100
rbiagi@nealmcdevitt.com • www.nealmcdevitt.com
Who are the members of your family?
We are the Ryan’s. Shannon is a PE teacher at Roosevelt Elementary. John is a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP. John John is our extremely self-confident (borderline over confident) 8 year old. He is a second grade student at Roosevelt. He is a nationally ranked Irish dancer with the Mullane Godley Irish Dance Academy. He also plays Park Ridge Warrior baseball, Park Ridge basketball and flag football.
Nora Grace is our 4 year old year old princess. She is in pre-K at St. Paul of the Cross. She is a member of the Studio 22 High Tek Tiny Novice team and the Mullane Godley Irish Dance Academy. Aunt Kathy is Shannon’s sister and our special olympics star.
Do you have any pets? Shannon says that our family cannot have any pets.
Where are you from? Shannon grew up lace curtain Irish in Park Ridge. John grew up with a shovel in his hands on the border of Edison Park and Norwood Park. Shannon went to Roosevelt, Lincoln and Maine South. She is the youngest of five kids and they all attended Park Ridge
Schools. John is the youngest of 9 kids. John went to I.C. on Talcott Avenue and then Loyola Academy.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? Shannon was born and raised in Park Ridge. John grew up near the Chicago and Park Ridge border. After we married in 2011, we built a new home together in Park Ridge.
Is there anything your neighbors might know you for? Many people in the neighborhood recognize Shannon from seeing her at Roosevelt. John John and Nora’s fame has a broader reach. John John and Nora have been on various television stations for Irish dance. Recently, John John went viral for challenging Patrick Wisdom to a push-up contest at the Cubs Convention.
How did you and your spouse meet? We met in 2006. At the time, Shannon was teaching John’s nieces Maggie and Shannon Ryan Irish dance. Shannon became friends with John’s brother (Tom) and sister-in-law (Carrie). A plan was concocted for us to meet and we have
been together ever since that first meeting at Galvin’s Irish Pub. The owner brought us a bottle of Korbel champagne in a beer bucket filled with ice as he told us we will be married one day.
What do you like to do together as a family? Any traditions? Our family really enjoys traveling. We enjoy getting away from the cold weather for New Year’s Eve. It is great to experience NYE in other countries.
T ell us something interesting, unique, or unusual about your family. We have a large family, so any family event at our house easily exceeds 50 people. We have 38 nieces and nephews. This number is expanding because our nieces and nephews are now having kids.
What are your favorite things to do around town? We love the local restaurants. Our favorite cook book is a menu. Our favorites are Panino’s, Hay Caramba, Harp & Fiddle, Holt’s, or Sonny’s. We also enjoy attending the various city events including the farmer’s market, Vine Street BBQ and the Taste of Park Ridge.
What are your favorite restaurants, events, TV shows, sports teams? We love going to Wrigley Field to catch a Cubs game and to South Bend for a Notre Dame football game.
What are you most grateful for? We are really grateful for our family and friends.
WELLNESS IS A “HOT TOPIC”. When you hear about it you probably think of yoga, matcha tea, retreats by the ocean, etc. There’s another side of wellness that can go overlooked in the hustle and bustle of life. We’re talking about financial wellness. The state of a person’s finances can have a big effect on almost every aspect of their life. And it can be hard for someone to prioritize healthy habits conducive to physical and mental wellness when their finances are out of whack. In a way, it all comes down to financial wellness.
Taking control of your financial health is a learning process. There are things you can do that will have short-term benefits, and things that won’t pay off until well into the future. It’s never too soon to get proactive about your financial well-being.
Here are some steps to get you started:
• Make a budget
• Create savings goals
• Look at your debt
• Set career goals
• Decide to invest or not to invest
• Choose whether you rent or buy your home
• Plan Your Retirement
• Build Your Estate Plan
• Craft a Will and/or Trust
• No more procrastinating
Financial wellness is taking care of yourself and what you own – and Estate Planning does just that. At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, we can help get you on the path towards financial wellness.
Tax Attorney vs. CPA: Why Not Choose Someone who is Both? Whether you need a professional to assist with tax issues on personal or business-related concerns, it can be difficult to determine exactly which expert best fits your needs. Two of the most reliable professionals to aid you with tax problems are the tax attorney and the CPA. Both of which offer different — though often overlapping — services.
Tax attorneys and CPAs can both assist with your tax needs, yet there are distinct limitations to what roles they can play on their own. This is why hiring a dually certified Attorney-CPA is the smartest way to go. They can provide a more comprehensive level of service.
Attorney-CPAs have the financial background to understand the intricate details of your balance sheets and are able to advise on business structure to reduce tax liabilities. Should you ever run into any legal trouble regarding your tax filings, your Attorney-CPA could represent you due to their knowledge of your business’ financial records and their litigation training.
Additionally, you may be able to save money by hiring one professional who has the knowledge and expertise to advise on both important business decisions while still performing the tasks of keeping your finances running smoothly and ensuring your taxes are professionally filed.
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates Ltd. can provide expert assistance with all your tax needs. Contact us for a consultation today.
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.
Your name: Nora Braun Street you live on: South Prospect Avenue School you attend and grade you are in: St. Paul of the Cross in 4th grade
What sports do you play? How long have you been playing? Which one is your favorite? I play softball, volleyball, basketball, and I also swim and ski. My favorite sports are softball and swimming. I have been playing softball since 1st grade, which was my first full summer in Park Ridge. I am now on the Park Ridge Pistols 10U team. I have been taking swim lessons my whole life and my first year on a swim team was 2 years ago with the Park Ridge Riptides. After a season of Riptides, I was asked to join the Neptunes swim team.
What inspired you to get started with your chosen sport? I have always loved swimming. I loved going to water parks and swimming in Florida at my grandparents’ house. Once I started racing, I loved it even more and then realized I was pretty fast. For softball, I had a chance to play on a team with my dad and Coach Tony as my coaches for Park Ridge Wildkits and they really taught me to love the game even when I was just learning how to play. I love playing on a team with all my friends.
What positions do you play? Is there a position you hope to play someday to get you better in your sport? In softball, my favorite positions to play are second base and pitcher. In swimming, my favorite stroke is breaststroke.
What do you enjoy most when playing your favorite sport? In softball, I love being with all my friends on the team. I also love when I pitch strikes in games. In swimming, I enjoy racing and cheering on my team.
What is your proudest moment and who do you have to thank for helping you get there? My proudest moment in swimming was going to Regionals last summer. My coaches Nicole and Cyndee on the Neptunes helped me improve all season to get to Regionals.
Who is someone you admire and why? I admire Katie Ledecky because she is one of the best female swimmers in the world and has won 10 Olympic medals. That is why I’m #10 on the Pistols this season. I am going to watch Katie Ledecky swim this summer before the Olympics at the USA team trials in Indianapolis.
What advice do you have for others looking to get into your chosen sport? Make sure to go to as many practices as you can. Don’t give up on yourself if you make mistakes or don’t do as well as you think you could’ve done.
Beyond sports, what do you like to do? Are you involved in any other extra curricular activities? I play guitar and saxophone at SPC. I also love to read and participate in the Battle of the Books at the Park Ridge Library.
If you were to continue to practice your sport, what do you hope to become or accomplish one day? I would like to eventually go to Regionals again and then to the State competition for swimming. One day, I’d like to go to the University of Notre Dame and play either softball or be on their swim team.
Do you have an athlete you’d like to see featured? Email us at StrollParkRidge@gmail.com
May 29th and June 26th, 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, May 29th, 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!
Mother's Day is Sunday May 12th! Let's show mom how much we love her by giving her the gift of beauty!
Thursday, May 2
6:00pm - 8:00pm
STROLL SUPER SUPPER AT D’AGOSTINO’S
D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub ~ 7530 W. Oakton St. Niles
Free Community Event! Cash bar. Suggested free will $20 donation accepted for a local charity. Please RSVP to strollparkridge@gmail.com
Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5
PARK RIDGE LIBRARY SPRING BOOK SALE
Park Ridge Library
For hours and more information please visit parkridgelibrary.org
Friday, May 3
7:30pm - 9:30pm
FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO CABARET NIGHT
Fred Astaire Dance Studio~ 17 N. Prospect Ave.
Enjoy a fun evening of wine, appetizers and a ballroom dance show. $10 per person. Please rsvp to reserve a spot. Call
Monday, May 13
6:30pm - 7:30pm
PARK RIDGE POLICE MEMORIAL CEREMONY - IN HONOR OF NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Front steps of City Hall (Rain out location - Park Ridge Community Church)
The Park Ridge Police Chaplains’ Association would like to honor all of our local law enforcement heroes. All are welcome to the ceremony.
Friday, May 17
6:00am -11:00am
2024 COP ON A ROOFTOP AT DUNKIN
Two locations: 742 W. Higgins Rd. and 1129 W. Touhy Ave.
Proceeds will support Special Olympics Illinois.
Saturday, May 18
9:00am - 1:00pm
PARK RIDGE GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE
Cumberland Park- 101 S. Cumberland Avenue
Annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, Geranium pots, and member grown plants will be sold. For more information, please visit www.
ParkRidgeGardenClub.org
Sunday, May 19
11:00am - 3:00pm
ANNUAL NORWAY DAY PARADE
Parade kicks off from Cumberland/Talcott at 1:00 ending at Hodges Park
Entertainment at the Park will begin at 11:00 am. Featured will be the popular Bachelor Farmers and Leikarringen ‘heimug’ Folk Dancers. In addition, a Face Painter and Balloon Artist will be on hand for children. Sales, food and information vendors will be open from 11-3.
Friday, May 24
LAST DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 207
Saturday, May 25 - Saturday, October 26
7:00am - 1:00pm
Monday, May 27
10:00am -11:30am
AMERICAN LEGION POST 247 PRESENTS THE 101TH
ANNUAL PARK RIDGE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
The parade steps off from Talcott and Cumberland, passing City Hall and ending with the final ceremony at Hodges Park, approximately at 11:20 AM.
Monday, May 27
11 am - 1 pm
MEMORIAL DAY COMMUNITY BBQ
Park Ridge Presbyterian Church
Sponsored by STROLL Park Ridge
1300 W. Crescent Ave
All are welcome!
Saturday, June 1
8:00am -10:00am
LOUIS’ LOOP- LIV FOR A CURE
George Washington Elementary School, Park Ridge
Liv for a Cure Foundation is dedicated to fund Cystic Fibrosis Research. This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. All proceeds will go towards research at the Pulmonary Teaching and Research Program of Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s hospital.
Gather your friends and family to run for a cure! Stroll Park Ridge is a proud sponsor. For more information and sign up please visit livforacure.org
Thursday, June 6
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 64
Friday, June 7
6:00pm - 9:00pm
CRUISIN’ PARK RIDGE CAR SHOW
Uptown Park Ridge- Library Parking lot
Free to attend! Free to display your car. Live entertainment, activities for kids and more.
Dates this summer: June 7th, July 12th, August 2nd, September 6th. For more information visit parkridgechamber.org
Tuesday, June 18
6:00pm - 8:00pm 7TH ANNUAL STROLL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Dairy Queen~ 2 Devon Ave. Park Ridge
Free Community Event! Enjoy DQ ice cream, burgers and hot
Did you know……That Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, originated after the Civil War. In 1971, it became a federal holiday, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the military. Americans celebrate Memorial Day by participating in parades, visiting cemeteries and holding family gatherings. Park Ridge celebrates Memorial Day by hosting a parade that works its way north on Cumberland Avenue from South Park, then winds up Main Street, ending in front of City Hall. The American Legion Post 246 along with the local Boy Scouts also visits the Maine Township Cemetery and places flags at the gravesites of deceased veterans. This year, resident centenarian Marie Sartor Pawelek, a WWII veteran and nearly 70-year resident of Park Ridge, has been invited to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2024 Memorial Day Parade. Her son, Michael, a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, will accompany her.
Born in Eveleth, MN, Ms. Pawelek graduated from high school in 1942 and was a locally known blues singer that attended a Catholic women’s college in Duluth for a year before joining the military as a WAC. She went to Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, TX, for training as a medic and was eventually assigned to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. where she worked with amputees.
At Walter Reed, the staff learned of her music background, singing and playing piano, and modified her job description to work with shell-shocked (now known as PTSD) patients using music therapy. She played and sang and helped her patients to learn to play piano. She was discharged as a Corporal in 1945, using the GI Bill to study at the Sherwood Music Conservatory in Chicago. She married and the family, including son Michael, moved to Park Ridge in 1954. Later divorced, Ms. Pawelek moved to a new condo building in Park Ridge in 1968 where she still resides today. Ms. Pawelek’s career as a singer and pianist involved appearances across Chicagoland; for many years she played at Eli’s on East Chicago Avenue.
Ms. Pawelek is delighted to be invited to be Grand Marshal of Park Ridge’s Memorial Day Parade saying, “This is the greatest honor a vet can have!”
“This is the greatest honor a vet can have!”
Welcome to Park Ridge Baby Jacob!
JACOB SULLIVAN DONNELLY
JANUARY 25, 2024
4 LBS 4 OZ
18 INCHES
BIG SISTERS- OLIVIA AND SOPHIA
PROUD PARENTS - KEVIN AND SARAH
Photo credit: Crystal Parenti Photography
“I know my mom sees my nose on her lap when she’s eating anything at any time of the day or night, and she won’t share.”
—CHEWIE
HI MY NAME IS CHEWIE (short for Chewbacca)! I had a brother Han Solo who crossed the rainbow bridge but I have a new brother and he is just as cute and adorable! We are all rescue dogs and most people think I am a pure Golden Retriever but I’m actually part Spaniel. I’m deathly afraid of baths, vacuums, and this toy dog that doesn’t even look real. I’m 5 years old and love peanut butter, steamed yams and ice cream. True facts: I lost 24 pounds in the past couple years and my vet still thinks I’m overweight. Rude. And I’ve also had recent surgery to remove 70 stones from my bladder. Now I’m on a special diet and oddly enough I love prescription food. I love my long morning walks, but the rest of my days are spent on the couch with my brother.
My Pet peeve: I know my mom sees my nose on her lap when she’s eating anything at any time of the day or night, and she won’t share.
Hi I’m Ralph Lauren, yes, I know famous name, but that’s how you get a name like mine when you are fostered by six college girls. I was found in a Walmart parking lot full of fleas and matted fur, but the girls gave me fabulous hair blow outs and bought me a plane ticket from New Orleans to come live with my new family. I had a terrible diet and college habits (I like to surf the counters), but my family tells me I fit right in. I’m very flexible and awkward, my back legs are too short, but I’m cute and loving at all times and I never have a care in the world. My only job in life is to
make my hooman family and my sister Chewie happy. I will always meet you at the door, wag my tail and lick your face even if you are not watching.
I think I’m about a year old and probably a Tibetan spaniel.
My Pet peeve: Getting a bath after having a fun time outdoors. Mom doesn’t like mud and is no fun sometimes.
“My only job is to make my hooman family and my sister Chewie happy.”
- RALPH LAUREN
Do you have a pet you would like to see featured? Email us at strollparkridge@gmail.com
It’s always been for the kids! Now, 70 years later, it’s still about the kids. Parents from Field Elementary School prepared and wrote original songs, skits and dances then performed five shows in March to raise funds for Field School PTO. The hilarious new sketch comedy show... And We Turned Out Fine was much more than acting and singing on stage. The audience enjoyed great costumes, a few commercials, and a ton of laughs by a talented cast and crew. Stroll Park Ridge was a proud sponsor of the VShow! Congratulations Field School parents for 70 years of consistent dedication and support of our kids!
Congratulations to all the incredible students who participated in the Freddy Ball 2024! Check out the Fred Astaire Dance Studio!
On March 8th, International Women’s Day, the Park Ridge Police Department celebrated the incredible women that serve and protect our community.
For the first time in 25 years, the choir programs at Maine East, Maine South and Maine West collaborated to present a District 207 Choral Festival. Singers from all three programs joined together to make music under the direction of guest conductor Ms. Sarah Jaewon Catt from Elmhurst University.
The Park Ridge library hosted an author talk with Park Ridge native Patrick Wohl. His book ‘Down Ballot,’ tells the story of the legendary 1990 Park Ridge campaign between Rosemary Mulligan and Penny Pullen. Stroll Park Ridge featured Wohl in a past publication on our Author’s Revealed article.
Maine South feeder basketball program sent multiple teams to State at the University of Illinois at Champaign the weekend of March 15th. Congratulations to all the players. Bright future ahead for Hawks Basketball!
Maine Park hosted a fun Spring Holiday Event! Families enjoyed seeing the Easter Bunny, receiving special baskets filled with crafts and an Eggs-stravaganza Egg Hunt!
On March 21st, teachers and students at Resurrection College Prep High School rocked striped socks in solidarity with World Down Syndrome Day. What a great way to celebrate diversity and inclusion!
STROLL PARK RIDGE COMMUNITY COFFEE
Good times in April! We love meeting with our neighbors at the Stroll monthly Community Coffee. Come join us this month, (May 29th 9-10:15) at the Park Ridge Country Club. All are welcome!
We of Park Ridge often pass by
Taking notice of those who died
Hodges’s Park sits in the middle of town
So it is where all gather round
These boys first died over a century ago
Their names all ones we should know
The memorial is in front of City Hall
Where
The wind in the trees whispers a refrain
Of the boys long now gone drawing you near
Biding you to honor them as you pass here
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!
There are so many special events at the Park Ridge Park District this summer! I love how summer events bring out families and friends and enhance the wonderful, community feel of Park Ridge. The following are some of my favorite events this summer:
Summer Craft & Vendor Fair – It’s time to shop local vendors! The Fair is held outdoors on Saturday, June 8 at Centennial Park from 9:00am – 3:00pm. There’s always a nice selection of fashion items, accessories, jewelry, skin care, home goods, and sweet treats! It a great event to pick up a gift for someone special or just treat yourself!
July 3rd Fireworks Celebration – This event seems to bring out the entire city to Maine East High School!
The Park District provides a DJ and an interactive dance party for the kids from 6:30-8:00pm, live music entertainment starts at 8:00pm, and then the huge fireworks show once it’s dark. You are encouraged to pack a picnic and get there early to claim a great spot. If you are worried about parking, you can purchase a preferred parking pass in advance from the Park District. The deadline to purchase a pass is June 19 while spaces last.
Concerts in the Park – If it’s a Friday night, Hodges Park is the place to be. The Park District will kick off the summer concerts with “Are You Ready For It,” a Taylor Swift tribute band, on June 21, then “Todd and the Ten Pins”, covering hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, on June 28. All concerts are 8:00-9:30pm, but come early for a dance fitness class with Centennial Fitness Center instructors from 7:00pm –8:00pm. Starting on July 14, the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society take over the Friday night concerts in Hodges Park. Plus, if you have little ones, family concerts are held at Prospect Park on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm. July 16 is “Miss Jamie”, and July 30 is “Nanny Nikki”.
Movies in the Parks – This great family event is held at Prospect Park. On Thursday, July 25 it is Christmas in July! Arrive early to visit with Santa on Park Ridge’s original 1934 Fire Trick. This event is presented in partnership with the Park Ridge Historical Society. A second Movie in the Park night will be held on August 1. Movies begin at dusk, and in the event of inclement weather, movies will be shown indoors at the O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park. At the time of publication, movie selection has not been finalized. Please check prparks.org for updates.
Country Farm Fair – Did you know you could enjoy a day down on the farm, right here in Park Ridge?! Head over to the Wildwood Nature Center on Saturday, July 27 from Noon to 3:00pm. There’s a petting zoo featuring over 20 animals, pony rides, and hayrides, along with family events like a pie eating contest and tug of war. Event admission is free, but some activities have a nominal fee.
Thanks to Stroll Park Ridge for being a media sponsor of this event. For more happenings this summer, please visit prparks.org
We vacationed in the Smokey Mountains and the Airbnb had a book with notes from past guests. We used it mostly for recommendations for entertainment and food, but there was one entry that stood out. It was a father that wrote about his son wanting to see Bigfoot. No other context, just “My son is hoping to see Bigfoot,” Seemed out-of-left field, and I am pretty sure that Sasquatch is normally ‘sighted’ in the northwest, so none of it really added up, but it got me thinking that being a parent of teenagers is kind of like being a big foot hunter. We both navigate rough terrain without any real evidence and are mostly driven by belief and hope. Like ‘Squatchers’ we surround ourselves with others on the same journey and, ultimately, both our goals are to spend time with primitive primates. My primates aren’t eight feet tall or as hairy, but sometimes it does feel like they eat as much and are quite possibly just as stinky. Another part of parenthood that we share with folks searching for the mythological creature is how elusive our targets are. Every time we feel we are getting close; we must be extra careful not to spook them. A big foot may get scared by a sudden loud noise or a scent, but with teenagers you never know what will do it. It can even be as simple as a hello or showing too much interest in them or even, heaven forbid, encouragement. I really shouldn’t complain, because the best bigfoot hunters of all time only have a few recorded sounds, and a blurry photo. I have thousands of pics, hugs, and memories. Plus, I’m pretty sure the thing ‘Squatchers’ and parents of teens have in common is that the reward isn’t so much in the end result, but the journey getting there.
Grade and School: 6th grade - Lincoln Middle School
Favorite movies: Mean Girls, Avatar, Damsel, Sandlot, Moana
Favorite show: Stranger Things, Outer Banks, Ginny & Georgia, Riverdale, The Watcher
Do you have any favorite songs or bands? Yes! Morgan Wallen, Alan Jackson, Katie Perry, Rihianna, Ariana Grande
Do you play any sports? I play basketball and love to play volleyball. I also was a cheerleader for several years.
Do you play a musical instrument? I play the piano and the violin.
What are your three favorite things to do? My favorite things to do are play volleyball, go on shopping sprees and go uptown with my friends.
Favorite Hangout in Park Ridge? Uptown Park Ridge at Starbucks drinking a strawberry acaí lemonade, Panera and the library.
Do you have a favorite vacation? If so, tell us what you liked about it. My favorite vacations were to Charleston, South Carolina and Hilton Head Island. There were so many fun things to do. I went horseback riding, surfing, drove a golf cart and stayed in a big house that had a pool and a hot tub. My mom and dad used to live there and it
INGREDIENTS
Yield: 12-16 Slices
Crust:
• 1 cup finely ground/chopped pecans
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
Cheesecake
• 4 8-oz bricks full-fat cream cheese
• 2 packed cups brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or 1 tbsp corn starch)
• 1-2 tsp vanilla (to taste)
• ¼ cup bourbon (use what you would drink)
• 4 slightly beaten eggs
Optional
• 4-6 ozs chocolate (semisweet or dark)
PREPARATION
1. Make sure you’re prepared. You’ll need: Soft cream cheese; just leave it out for a couple hours to get soft. 9-inch springform pan. 10-inch works as well, just don’t go smaller. baking sheet for conveying the springform in an out of the oven. A couple of bowls and a stand mixer if you have one.
2. You’re heating the oven and making the crust at the same time: Turn on the oven to 350 degrees while you make the crust. For the crust, mix the ingredients in a small bowl until you have a moist and spreadable consistency. (It should feel like kinetic sand.) Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan and up the sides of the pan a bit if you can. Put the springform on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Remove and cool as you work on the filling.
3. Using a stand mixer with a beater, combine the cream cheese, sugar, flour (or cornstarch), and vanilla and mix on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the bourbon until smooth, then add the eggs and mix until combined. Note that the longer you beat the mixture, the most air your introduce and the fluffier/creamier the cheesecake gets. The downside is the cheesecake will crack, in which case you will need to deploy Step 5 – camouflage!
4. Pour the filling into the springform and bake about an hour. Bake for about an hour, maybe a little more. When ready, it will be golden and the middle will be a touch jiggly. (It will be a function of how big a pan and how fluffy to beat it.) Cool on a rack for up to an hour and transfer to the refrigerator. When ready to serve, run a knife around the pan if needed. There is enough milk fat and sugar, so it may just pop out of the pan easily.
5. If the surface cracked, it’s OK. Tastes delicious and you will likely be the only person to care.If you are a perfectionist and can’t live with that, hide it with chocolate. Heat the chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave or using a double boiler. You can use a spoon to pour the slightly cooled mixture into a pattern on the cheesecake – swirl, lattice, or big painterly strokes. You can also use a piping bag if you have one and don’t mind cleaning yet more things.
Do you have a recipe you would like to share? Please email us at strollparkridge@gmail.com
I was raised by my immigrant single-mom in Edison Park. Mom was a great baker, but I wasn’t the kid who grew up with fresh baked cookies, unless it was around Christmas. She did, however, make delicious cakes - Usually bundt cakes when we had people stopping by. If she really liked you, she would make a cheesecake. Looking back it, it was quite an expensive gift for a single mom to make - several bricks of cream cheese and enough fresh berries to cover the top. She died when I was 25 but her memory lives on in so many ways, including her mini-me (my daughter) who cooks/bakes alongside me and the fact that I am now the one who brings the cheesecake. You can change this recipe to suit your needs or tastes. If you’re gluten free like me? Use gluten free graham crackers or all nuts and corn starch. Don’t like bourbon? Swap in cashews and rum, vanilla wafers and amaretto, or chocolate wafers and Luxardo cherry liquor. Can you turn into a plain cheesecake with strawberries? Probably. But for me, some things are just better in my memories. Enjoy!
Growing the agency from $350,000 to $13 Million, Darr plans celebrations once a month throughout the agency’s service areas
This is a special year for the WINGS Program. Executive Director Rebecca Darr celebrates 25 years with the not for profit that is the largest provider of domestic violence services in Illinois. Once a month, WINGS has held and will host gatherings commemorating a program or service expansion in honor of Rebecca Darr’s leadership. The March gathering in Park Ridge allowed WINGS to honor the McCabe family for donating their Park Ridge home to WINGS in 1994. This house has provided a safe place for thousands of families to move beyond domestic abuse. Rebecca also celebrated the success of WINGS graduate Hyon
Our chef has crafted a custom Southern food menu full of homemade classics and unique house specialties ready for your next event
Memorial Day Events hosted by the Park Ridge American Legion Post 247
FRIDAY 5/24 NATIONAL POPPY DAY
On the Friday before Memorial Day wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform. Donations accepted for our veterans at various posts around town.
SATURDAY 5/25 9:00 AM
Scouts work with American Legion members & volunteers to place American Flags on the graves of over 600 veterans at the Town of Maine Cemetery.
SUNDAY 5/26 11:00 AM
Mel Tierney Post 247 of the American Legion conducts a brief Memorial ceremony at the Civil War monument at the Town of Maine Cemetery.
MONDAY 5/27 9:30 AM
American Legion will conduct a brief ceremony at the World War II monument on the West side of the South Park Fieldhouse honoring the 46 Park Ridge Men & Women who gave their life for their country during World War II.
10 AM MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Steps Off from Talcott & Cumberland, passing City Hall and ending with the final ceremony at Hodges Park at approximately 11:20 AM. Marie Sartor Pawelek, resident centenarian and WWII veteran, will serve as Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade.
A Mother’s Love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, For nothing can destroy it or take that love away, It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, And it never fails or falters.
By: American writer, Helen Steiner RicePremium Quality Materials & Workmanship
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Grand time for our community!
THANK YOU PARK RIDGE for opening up your hearts and wallets to support Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge at the 6th Annual Stroll St. Paddy’s Day Bash! Thank you Harp & Fiddle for providing delicious corned beef and cabbage to all the generous donors. Special thanks to the amazing talents and performances of Terry Byrne Music, Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, and Dillon Gavin School of Irish Dance. Together we raised over $4,500 for Kiwanis of Park Ridge thanks in part to the generosity of our sponsors: Tunnell Insurance Agency, Sue Hall @properties | Christies International Real Estate, Rubino Dentistry, Be Local NW Chicagoland and Aelan Aesthetics. “Thank you Stroll Park Ridge for organizing a FABULOUS event! Your dedication to secure sponsors and entertainers kept the evening FUN and LIVELY from beginning to end. We are deeply grateful for your work and commitment to our mission. Many thanks to all who attended and chimed in to buy raffle tickets!,” said Kris Cichowski, Co-President Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge. We are Park Ridge Proud! *Special thanks to Tony Tripp for some of the photos.
MISSION: The Harbour provides emergency housing and services to youth experiencing homelessness to promote safety, stability, and personal growth.
Our beginnings in 1971 reflected a community response to a young woman experiencing family trauma, with no place to turn for safety, save a juvenile detention center. Since then, The Harbour has been steadfast in our commitment to support youth navigate the challenges that led to their housing insecurity. These may include abuse and domestic violence, severe family conflict and/or parental mental health or substance abuse issues. Lacking essential adult role models and critical resources impairs their ability to develop skills to achieve successful adulthood and permanent housing.
Through a 3-pronged approach including community outreach, emergency shelter, and transitional living programs, The Harbour provides a continuum of housing options for female-identifying and non-binary youth ages 12-23 experiencing homelessness throughout all urban and suburban Cook County.
Our community outreach program expands awareness of youth homelessness and creates community-based access points for youth to obtain housing resources and referrals. Safe Harbour Emergency Shelter, our flagship program, provides emergency shelter for female identifying and nonbinary youth ages 12-20 for up to 21 days.
Transitional Living programs respond to longer-term housing needs, up to 18 months, for youth ages 16-24 at high-risk of homelessness. These include survivors of human trafficking, pregnant and parenting teens, and youth aging out of the Department of Child and Family Services, DCFS.
• Youth in Transition-provides up to two years of supportive housing for youth referred by individuals, partner agencies, and family members.
Empowering
• Successful Teens/Effective Partners- provides supportive housing, mentoring, and parenting support only for pregnant and parenting teens.
• Department of Justice- provides supportive housing and specific programs and interventions only for identified survivors of human trafficking.
• DCFS- provides supportive housing and care only for young adults who no longer have foster placement after age 18. Core activities include ongoing therapeutic case management, life skills training, sexual and general health education, clinical support groups, budgeting and financial literacy, employment skills training, educational support, and parenting education and support when needed. We rely on our community of supporters and volunteers to enhance community engagement, provide learning opportunities for our youth, build systems of awareness and community-based healing, and promote fundraising activities and events to raise funds to sustain critical programs. We invite you to join us as learn why a long-term volunteer noted: It is so important to me to be part of an organization that works so hard to help young women achieve success despite the hazards of family breakdown, broken spirits, and dysfunctions.
Common landscape mistakes & tips from a local pro
BY PARK RIDGE RESIDENT - LANDSCAPE DESIGNER VANESSA TOBIN1. Poor Planning- Failing to have a plan before starting your project can lead to improper placement of plants, wrong plant selection,costly project and a high maintenance landscape.
Tip: Think through the project before starting and know your outdoor space and light requirements. Hire a professional to design your outdoor space and create a functional plan that works well for your families needs, etc.....
2. Poor Plant Selection- Choosing the wrong plants can result in poor growth and an undesirable looking garden.
Tip: Before purchasing any plant materials make sure you look at the sunlight, spacing, region/zone, soil type and water requirements.
3. Improper plant Spacing and Placement- This is a huge mistake most homeowners make. Improper placement of plants can lead to a “jungle effect” years later. Plant placement is crucial
for growth and development of the plant as well as aesthetics and design.
Tip: Read the plant’s tag and label! Placement of the plant should be determined by the plant’s size at maturity and not the actual plant’s size when purchased. Be patient and allow your plants to thrive over time.
1st year of planting.. They Sleep 2nd year...They Creep 3rd year...They Leap
4. Poor Soil Preparation- This can lead to nutrient deficient soil that can lead to drainage issues, root damage, and delayed growth of the plant.
Tip: Turning or tilling your soil every spring and before installing new plants can help avoid common soil issues. Adding organic matter, such as compost and peat moss to the soil can help stimulate growth and help with drainage.
5. Neglecting to mulch- Weeds, weeds and more weeds! Neglecting to mulch
your garden beds will result in weed growth and loss of moisture in the soil.
Tip: Applying a 2”-3” layer of premium triple shredded mulch to your garden bed can suppress weeds, but more importantly maintain the moisture in the soil.
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