COVER PHOTO BY ANTHONY TRIPP PHOTOGRAPHY
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Joan Mattingly
This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!
ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Metta Perspective Acupuncture (847) 701-5788
www.mettaperspective.com
ATTORNEY - BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE LAW
Law Office of Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC Magdalena Murzanski (847) 533-7053 MagMurLaw.com
AUTO REPAIR
Uptown Auto Repair (847) 698-2527 uptownautoparkridge.com
BEAUTY
Aelan Aesthetics (224) 585-9974 www.aelanaesthetics.com
Dermani Medspa (224) 985-3932 www.dermanimedspa/parkridge
FadeAway Medical Esthetics (773) 744-0738 fadeawaymedicalesthetics.com
Uptown Med Spa (224) 377-9677 pruptownmedspa.com
CHILDCARE
Sugar Plum Tree Preschool, Inc. (847) 823-1978 sugarplumtree.net
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Silver Lining Chiropractic (847) 999-4608 www.gosilverliningchiro.com
DANCE
Fred Astaire Dance Studio (847) 653-6157 FredAstaireIllinois.com
Lynnette’s School of Dance (847) 823-7334 lynnettesschoolofdance.com
DENTIST
Dr. Niki R. Laskaris, DDS (847) 823-6400 nikilaskarisdds.com
DENTISTS
Park Ridge Smile Center (847) 825-2277 parkridgesmilecenter.com
Rubino Dentistry (847) 825-1002 rubinodentistry.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Des Plaines Theatre - Onesti Entertainment (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com
Village of Rosemont (847) 993-8312 rosemont.com
FUNERAL HOME
Cumberland Chapels (708) 456-8300 cumberlandchapels.com
HEATING/COOLING Home Comfort Services, Inc HomeComfort.net
HOME CARE
AMADA Senior Care Northshore (847) 324-9450 AMADAnorthshore.com
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Alden Estates of Northmoor (773) 775-8080 aldenestatesofnorthmoor.com
Generations at Oakton Arms in Des Plaines (847) 299-5588 generationsoakton.com
INSURANCE / LIFE / FINANCIAL
Tunnell Insurance Agency Inc. (847) 306-8660 tunnellagency.com
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR
Vanessa Tobin Landscape Design (847) 477-0790 @vanessa_tobin_landscape_design
LAW
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates (312) 578-9300 madonia.com
Daleiden Law, LLC (773) 420-9410 daleidenlaw.com
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Michael J. Athans, Ph.D and Associates, Ltd. (847) 823-4444 athansandassociates.net
MORTGAGE LENDER
Select Lending Services
Kiki Calumet (312) 909-9372 Kikicalumet.com
PARK DISTRICT
Park Ridge Park District (847) 692-5127 prparks.org
PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Blue Coral Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics (847) 861-7695 kidsmyl.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Crystal Parenti Photography (708) 822-3493 www.crystalparentiphotography.com
PLUMBER
Nuzzo Sewer & Plumbing (773) 625-6280 www.nuzzoplumbing.com
Olympian Plumbing (312) 241-0951 OlympianPlumbing.com
PODIATRIST
Dr. Michael J. Palliser (847) 692-3700 palliserpodiatry.com
PREPARED MEALS
Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating Of Park Ridge (224) 633-6247 seattlesutton.com
PRIMARY CARE
One Medical (888) 663-6331
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
D’Agostino’s Pizza & Pub (847) 518-8700 www.dagostinos.com
Des Pizza (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com/restaurants
Firewater Saloon (773) 631-0020 www.firewatersaloonchicago.com
Sal Pique (847) 696-7081 www.sal-pique-parkridge.com
Saltwater Coastal Grill (773) 312-3653 saltwaterrosemont.com
Soup & Scoops (773) 775-1079
www.soupandscoopschicago.com
Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen (847) 696-7029
www.thalaivasIndiankitchen.com
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
FALLING INTO OCTOBER
FALL FUN is just a Stroll away. Plenty of high school football games left to cheer at with your neighbors. Stroll along Prospect to see the majestic trees and fall colors right here in our town as you make your way to the last days of the Farmers market. The kids will love the Park District’s Walk Thru Trunk or Treat event. We are so proud to be a sponsor and will be there with plenty of treats...maybe a few tricks if you aren’t behavin’! Check details in our Community Events calendar.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join us on October 26th for WINGS Program’s annual Purple Tie Ball which raises funds to stop domestic violence. Tickets are still on sale. Check out www.wingsprogram.com Many thanks to our sponsors who make this free community magazine possible for all to enjoy! Won’t you please let them know how much you appreciate their dedication to our community? Stop by their places of business or give them a call the next time you may need their goods or services. Many are Park Ridge family-owned and operated. Good businesses make for a good strong community. So many examples of goodness in our town. We
love to bring community together to play, have fun, and make a difference. Our Back to School Bash, Super Suppers, Ice Cream Socials, and more do just that! We couldn’t do this without our readers support and engagement, and especially not without our sponsors! Thank you Park Ridge!
Your belief in our mission to build community, support our not for profits and local businesses allows us to bring goodness and greater unity to our community. We cannot do all the good possible, but together there is much we can do!
I am so proud and honored to publish Stroll Park Ridge.
LEO DROSSOS-THOMPSON
Your name: Leo Drossos-Thompson
School you attend and grade you’re in: Marquette University - Incoming Freshman
What sports do you play? Short Track and Long Track Speedskating
How long have you been playing? Entering my 11th season this fall.
What inspired you to get started with your chosen sport? After my hockey practices at Oakton, I was thrilled by how fast people were able to skate.
What do you enjoy most when playing your favorite sport? I enjoy traveling to competitions and being able to see my friends from all over the United States.
What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment was when I competed at the US Speedskating Junior World Cup Trials for both short and long track. I was the only junior to have competed at both events. Another moments was when I captured the gold at the US Speedskating Long Track Age Group Nationals and when I captured Silver at the US Speedskating Short Track Age Group Nationals, both in 2024.
Who do you have to thank for helping you get there?
I have to thank my current short track coach, Tom Anderson and my long track coach, Brian Hansen, who’s guided me with knowledge and experience to be the best skater I can be. My coaches carry over their Olympic and World Cup experience.
What advice do you have for others looking to get into your chosen sport? Do not be scared of how fast we skate! You will get over that fear early on in your career and everything after that comes easier.
Beyond sports, what do you like to do? Outside of speedskating you can catch me working at Chick-fil-a, traveling to new places and spending time with family.
Are you involved with any other extracurricular activities? No, but in college I hope to find a small hobby to enjoy.
If you were to continue practicing your sport, what do you hope to become or accomplish someday?
I hope to make the 2025 Junior World Cup Team that will travel to Italy in the winter. I also look forward to competing in the 2025 Olympic Trials for the upcoming Winter Games.
Do you have an athlete you’d like to see featured?
A Park Ridge family proud to be contributing to the quality of life for our neighbors and friends. Located in Park Ridge since 1978, with Lauren Rubino, DMD joining the practice ready to continue our high standards for the next 40 years.
ARTICLE SPONSORED BY MARIO DILORENZO - KELLER WILLIAMS ONECHICAGO
2024 Land of Lincoln Short Track Championships, Heartland Series 6 in Champaign, Illinois.
2024 US Long Track Age Group Nationals in Roseville, Minnesota.
TEAGAN FRITZ
BORN: MAY 15, 2024
WEIGHT: 6 LBS. 15 OZ
HEIGHT: 20 INCHES
PROUD PARENTS: CASEY AND TREVOR FRITZ
HAVE AN UPCOMING SURGERY AND CONCERNED ABOUT GOING HOME POST DISCHARGE?
Generations Oakton Arms, located in Des Plaines off of Oakton Street, is an intimate inviting community and we can be your temporary home base while you are recovering post-operation. Our fully furnished studio apartments are available for $90 a day and we have individualized care packages and a-la-carte services. Our 24-hour staff could provide a variety of help including stand-by showers, laundry, and assistance with transferring from bed. During your stay you’ll have access to our activities, transportation services to grocery shopping and doctor appointments, cable and Wi-Fi, meals twice a day, and housekeeping twice a week. You can also partake in light physical and/or occupational therapy within our Wellness Gym. If you’re interested in a short term stay, permanent residence, an activities, or are interested in joining us for a meal, tour, or just a friendly hello please reach out to 773-729-7324 or oaadminassist@generationsoakton.com!
The Hotttest Trend is a CRT (in Estate Planning at Least)
SEAMLESS SERVICE ACROSS DISCIPLINES.
It’s hard to keep track of what is hot and what is not. One trend slightly under the radar is a Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT)s, and they are HOT. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is an irrevocable trust that generates a potential income stream for you, as the donor to the CRT, or other beneficiaries, with the remainder of the donated assets going to your favorite charity or charities. At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd., we can explain the many trust types and which ones are best for you.
You may wonder what makes a CRT a hot trend, there are two reasons. First, establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust immediately results in an income tax deduction. The higher the IRS 7520 rate, the higher the deduction. Recently, the 7520 rate has increased significantly in recent years.
WHAT IS THE 7520 RATE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
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.
The Section 7520 interest rate (1) is used to determine the value of split-interest trusts, such as CRTs, Charitable Lead Trusts, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, and Grantor-Retained Annuity Trusts. For a CRT, the IRS starts by discounting the annual payouts over the duration of the trust to the non-charitable beneficiaries.
The other reason CRTs are hot is due to the unprecedented performance of stocks like NVIDIA and Tesla. This has led to many new millionaires being created. These new millionaires have stock positions that are highly concentrated and by nature, risky. Upon diversification, these positions would trigger substantial capital gains taxes, but not so with a CRT.
The advantages of a Charitable Remainder Trust include tax efficiency on an asset sale, income provision for the donor, immediate tax deduction, charitable contributions upon the donor’s death and estate tax benefits.
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd. can provide expert assistance with your legal needs. Please feel free to contact us for more information, or if you need legal representation- info@madonia.com or 312-578-9300.
Fun start of the 2024-2025 school year!
Melanie (3rd)
Evie (2nd)
Liliana (4th) Leo (1st)
Maddie (6th) Norah (4th)
These 4th Graders are ready for school
Adaline (Kindergarten) Amelia (PreK)
Mary, Seat of Wisdom’s Principal Due excited for the 1st day
Ella (6th) Emmie (4th)
Hangin’ out in the neighborhood with the Brown & Carter families!
Rosa Analitis - the Cover Girl
and Mom Sara Press prior to Park Ridge Competitive Cheer’s victory.
Fred Astaire Park Ridge Dance Studio celebrates
10-year anniversary!
Jane Curry posing with
The senior team of Park Ridge Competitive Cheer took home 1st place in the first competition of the season. Pictured: Emma Tokarz, Colleen Reimer, Franny LaCorcia and Ella Press
Vine Street BBQ Team BoriBQ wins 1st place for Best Sauce; 5th place for Best Dish; 8th place for Best Chicken. From left to right Scott Castellanos, John-Paul Canepa, Mike Tworek, Louis Canepa, Enzo Ancona, Hector Fabregas, Vittorio Gomez (bottom).
Kiwanis of Park Ridge packing fruit at St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry.
Bubble fun at the Park Ridge Library Summer Reading Sendoff.
Born, Rev. Carol Hill, and Sara Born
Pride in Park Ridge.
Gavin Castellanos enjoying some BBQ at the Vine Street BBQ Competition & Fest.
The Scannell family summer holiday at the Vatican.
On-set with Park Ridge native Leighton Tantillo who is appearing on Mr. Throwback, airing now on the Peacock Network. Leighton can be seen in Episode 4.
Mom’s morning stroll after First Day of School sendoff! (R to L) Mary Becker, Joanna Lasso, Melanie Owens, Julie Gaertner
Chef Mike Ponzio winner of Vine Street BBQ Are you ready for some football? Photo submitted by Kim Ponzio
On June 20th the Park Ridge Community gathered at The Park Ridge Community Church to celebrate LGBTQ Pride for the first time. Pictured: Pastor Mollie Foster, Rev. Kyle Severson, John Bonnell, and Leigh Sasser.
Residents Mike and Debbie Maggio enjoyed closing ceremonies at this Summer’s Paris Olympics.
The 12u Park Ridge Warriors team, coached by Jim Dihu, attended the Ripken Baseball Black Bear Weeklong Experience in Pigeon Forge from July 28th until August
Left to right - Josh Drone, Andy Bradd, Jake Coffaro, Zach Podgorny, Dylan Lukens, Logan Bilben, Jax Tobecksen, Jake O’Brian, Flynn Mallory, Raiden Goliber, Ryan Gardiner, Will Carbonara
National Night Out Brings Community FUN to Hodges Park!
Park Ridge police host NNO on August 6th
Smiles and prizes Resident Sel Newman
Staci Greenwald
enjoying a fun train ride
John Tunnell of Tunnell Insurance Agency
Michael Meranda serving his delicious gelato to our residents
Choo-Choo!
Park Ridge Police Department’s Finest
HARPER IMPARATO
What’s your name? My name is Harper Imparato.
How many siblings and pets do you have? I don’t have any siblings, but I do have one dog. Her name is Kitty.
What school do you go to and what grade are you in? I go to Lincoln Middle School and am in 6th grade.
Do you play an instrument? I don’t play an instrument.
Do you play any sports? I play lacrosse and softball. I started playing lacrosse when I was 8 and I started playing softball when I was 5.
What do you like to do in your free time? When I have free time, I usually hang out with my friends but if they can’t hang out then I might play with my dog or watch TV.
What is your favorite Park
My favorite Park Ridge restaurant is Shakou
because it has really good cheese pizza. I also love their rice.
What is your favorite meal, including dessert? My favorite meal is taco meat on pasta with cheese and for dessert I love brownies.
What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas because of all the decorations around the neighborhood and the food. Also, I love getting all the presents. My favorite present that I have ever gotten is a VR headset.
What is your favorite memory?
My favorite memory is when I got my dog, Kitty. I got her around April, 2021. I named my dog Kitty because my aunt’s name is Katherine and when I was little, I would call my aunt Kitty.
What career most interests you right now? I want to babysit kids when I am a teenager and when I am older I want to become an inventor so I can make a hoverboard that actually
Stroll Park Ridge 7th Annual BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Kicks
Off the School Year!
Thousands raised for Friends of the Parks
ON AUGUST 14TH more than 250 kids and parents enjoyed the 7th Annual Stroll Park Ridge Back to School Bash presented by the John Tunnel Allstate Agency. It was a fun-filled evening with choo-choo train rides, a bounce house, face-painting, complimentary back to school haircuts, Balloons by Laura and games. Supper was
provided by City BBQ and dessert from Gelato D’Oro. Donations were accepted for Park Ridge Friends of the Parks. Thanks to our sponsors and the Park Ridge families in attendance, donations totaled more than $3,300. Thank you to all our sponsors: Allstate John Tunnel Agency, Be Local NW Chicagoland Magazine, Sue Hall @
Properties, Generations Healthcare Network, Rubino Dentistry, dermani MEDSPA, Home Comfort, Aelan Aesthetics, Athans & Associates, Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge, Sugar Plum Tree Day Care Center, City Barbeque, Wahl Barber Academy and Gelato D’Oro. Stroll wishes all kids the best school year ever!
Thank you to Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge for giving all the kids rides on Toot the Train!
Friends of the Parks Park Ridge Newcomers Club activity table. Thanks Newcomers!
Rosa Analitis showing off her STROLL swag!
Enjoying a sweet treat.
STROLL Publisher Dolly McCarthy with Park Ridge Police Officer Franco. Thanks to the Police for coming out to play with the kids!
Thank you to our sponsor Aelan Aesthetics.
Nice spread by City Barbeque!
Thank you to City Clerk Sal Raspanti for donating all the water bottles at this event.
Tunnell Insurance Agency. Thank you for sponsoring and supporting the Bash!
Dominic reluctantly gives into a back to school haircut, but he actually enjoyed it!
Photo submitted by his mom.
Victoria Rojas from Escultura Body Studio.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Stop the Bleed Class
Park Ridge Library - 20 Prospect Ave.
Join the Park Ridge Community Health Commission for a hands-on workshop to learn how to stop bleeding in a severely injured person. Class is free but registration is required. Registration is through the Park Ridge Library or go to: https://parkridgelibrary.libcal. com/event/12513066
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
7:00am - 1:00pm
Park Ridge Farmers Market
Uptown Park Ridge- 15 Prairie Ave.
Enjoy food, entertainment and shopping at the Park Ridge Farmers Market every Saturday through October!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
5:00pm - 9:00pm Halloween Hoopla Wildwood Program Center
Registration required to participate. prparks.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
All Day
Park Ridge Library Fall Book Sale
Park Ridge Library - 20 S. Prospect Avenue
Please contact the library at 847-825-3123.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
12:30pm - 4:00pm
Park Ridge/Niles Crop Hunger Walk
First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge - 418 W. Touhy Avenue
This walk is sponsored by ten churches in Niles and Park Ridge. Funds raised will go to the Maine Township Food Pantry and to support relief projects of Church World Service national and globally. www.crophungerwalk.org/nilesil.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Halloween House Decorating Contest Registration required. Houses will be judged on October 21st. prparks.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Park Ridge Park District’s Walk Thru Trunk or Treat
Parking lot at Centennial Fitness & Activity Center
Enjoy a spooktacular walk-thru trick or treat experience! Enjoy a walkthru maze to multiple trick or treat stops. Participants are encouraged to dress up and decorate their cars. Stroll Park Ridge is a proud sponsor! Registration deadline: October 14th. prparks.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
6:00pm -11:30pm
WINGS Purple Tie Ball Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire
Contact Nikki Katrodia, nkatrodia@ wingsprogram.com or 847-519-7820 x233
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
9:00am -10:15am
Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Coffee
Park Ridge Country Club
Don’t miss the Stroll Park Ridge Monthly coffee! This is open to all in the Park Ridge community. Thank you Sue Hall with @properties for sponsoring these fun monthly community coffees! See you there! strollparkridge@gmail.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
3:00pm - 7:00pm
Park Ridge Trick or Treat Hours Park Ridge
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Stroll Park Ridge Book Club Kick Off!
132 S. Prospect Ave. Book discussion will be on The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. Refreshments will be served. Future book club meeting locations to be determined. Bring your calendars. Email strollparkridgeevents@ gmail.com to register!
Save the Date!
STROLL Super Supper
NOVEMBER 13 5 PM - 7 PM Sal Pique
130 N. Northwest Highway Free community super for all! Join us for another STROLL Super Supper! Free will donations will be accepted for Rainbows For All Children. RSVP strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com
game of connections invented
MY NAME IS SARA HORAK. My husband and I grew up in Park Ridge and we have been lifelong residents of this amazing town. We sat next to each other on the first day of school at Maine South High School. My business is called SAH, Inspirations, LLC and I created a game for families/friends/schools/businesses called, “Know Your Neighbor®.” My team and I are currently working on our next version for college-aged kids.
What prompted you to start your own business? I created this game for my four kids about fifteen years ago as an icebreaker. Many Fridays, they would each invite a friend over to play. My only rule is that it would have to be a different person so they would get to know other people. I saw how much fun they all had playing it. With mental health issues on the rise, I thought that my little game could help people connect, laugh, and have fun just like they did in our home. I wanted to share my game with the planet in the hopes of making the world a kinder, gentler place!
What advice can you offer to the residents of your neighborhood? I would love for people to buy our game and have a lot of fun with it! It’s great for families, friends, schools, businesses, and communities that are looking for a great way to connect with others.
How did you decide on this industry? I never imagined that I would be a game creator, but there’s no telling where your heart and mind can take you!
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? My husband and I were both born and raised in Park Ridge. We loved it so much we wanted to raise our own children here.
How can residents contact you or buy the game? www.knowyourneighborgame.com
I would like to personally thank my most amazing team that has helped me with both our original and our college-aged version. I could not do this without their incredible time, talent, and support! Tricia has been my creative illustrator/ graphic designer helping me with all of the artwork. Lora has helped me with sales, marketing, and everything else in between. Kate has worked diligently with me regarding finances. Angela reviewed all of the cards to ensure they were safe from a mental health perspective. Without one of these terrific human beings, Know Your Neighbor® would not be the heartfelt, intentional, and special game that it is today.
Sara Horak, Creator & Founder of the Know Your Neighbor® Game
Know Your Neighbor® Game - a wonderful icebreaker and amazing game of connections!
Know Your Neighbor® Game Team: Tricia Morrissey, Angela Demikis, Sara Horak, and Lora Winton. (Not pictured: Kate Lewis)
Lucy the Hamster
BY RESIDENT LUCY (AND MELANIE) MAGUIRE
HI MY NAME IS LUCY, or Lucey Goosey.
I am a 1 year old Syrian Hamster. I was picked up at the pet store after my now family came back from vacation. I was looking very sad and lonely at the pet store and a bit scared. They brought me home and got me a huge hamster cage and tons of toys and started playing with me everyday and now I am very social. I love to come out and play all the time, mostly at night. I love to sleep during the day. I usually wake up at about 10 pm! I know my name, when I hear my owners calling for me I will come out of my house and have a good stretch and a bath, then I am ready to play! I love mostly running in my ball around the house. The dog in the house, Rocky, loves to chase me around in the ball too! One time it was late at night and my ball wasn’t secured all the way and I was able to get out and have a great time running around the house all by myself! Then I heard my name being
called, and came right out to my mommy! That’s why I am really a good hammy. She was so relieved to find me because I could have gotten lost and then everyone would’ve been very sad. Especially me because I would be hungry!
My biggest fear is not having enough food and snacks because when I get them I store them in my cheeks and run back into my house to hide them. I have a half bag of food and snacks sometimes in there and it gets a little tight. When that happens, they take it all away and I have to start over again! Our neighbors babysat for me when my family went on vacation for a whole week. I was told they fell in love with me. And I had a great time over at their house! I am quite a lovable hammy! I heard some other hamsters aren’t as awesome as I am! Maybe they just need a bigger house and more toys! I am grateful I have them and lots of snacks.
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
BY RESIDENT ANNA BARTOSZUK
This apple coffee cake is versatile and could be served after a formal holiday dinner, but at the same time, it goes great with a hot cup of coffee on a cool fall morning. This recipe has been in my family for generations and is my Mom’s all-time favorite. Every time I make it, I feel a bit nostalgic because it smells like my childhood. It was the first dish my son ever made all by himself. I hope that at some point, it will be passed on to my grandchildren and beyond. I use this recipe all year round and just substitute apples with other fruits. It works well with all sorts of additions - strawberries and rhubarb in the spring or cranberries around Thanksgiving time. It tastes great with nuts instead of fruits and chocolate frosting on top. This isn’t a complicated cake. Even beginners can bake it easily. And it smells like heaven!
INGREDIENTS
Cake:
• 2 sticks of butter
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 cups of flour
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 5 medium-sized apples
• Granny Smith are best for this recipe
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Glaze:
• 10 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of milk
DIRECTIONS
1. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in eggs, flour, sour cream, and baking powder. The cake batter will be thick.
2. Peel and cube apples, then toss them in a bowl with cinnamon.
3. Spray the baking pan with cooking oil. I like using the bundt pan.
4. Pour half of the cake batter into the baking dish. Spread the apples on top, and push some of the apples into the batter. Next, add the remaining cake batter on top, and spread out to cover the apples completely.
5. Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 F oven.
6. Mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth. Drizzle on top of the cooled cake.
Say Hello TO THE Family RAMIREZRAMIREZ
BY RESIDENT FRANCESCA RAMIREZ
My name is Francesca and I live on Washington Avenue with my husband, Steve, and two sons, Dominic (6) and Julian (3). I’ve lived in Park Ridge for most of my life. Both my husband and I grew up in Park Ridge. We met at Maine South as teenagers and have been together for almost 20 years. When we got married, we moved to Highland Park to try out a new town. Although being close to Ravinia and the lake were huge perks, we just couldn’t stay away from our hometown. We moved back to Park Ridge almost a year after Dominic was born. Park Ridge is the perfect place to raise a family, and we have lots of built-in babysitters! Both of our parents live here, as well as Steve’s brother and sister, and eight of our nieces and nephews.
I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in District 64. This will be my third year in the district and most of my time has been spent at Jefferson School. I always knew I wanted to work with kids. When I was a senior in high school, I actually shadowed an SLP at Jefferson, and that influenced me to study speechlanguage pathology in college. I have worked in Evanston and Skokie/Morton Grove, but when I saw an opening in District 64, it was like it was meant to
be! Many of my students have Autism Spectrum Disorder, and over my 11-year career, I have grown so much as a therapist in how to best support autistic children and their families with communication. I love my students like my own children and although I work a lot on speech and language skills, my number one focus is having them feel happy and safe at school.
Dominic started his District 64 journey last year, and I’m so excited for him to have the same, excellent education as me and my husband (and be on the same break schedule!) Dominic has also played baseball the past two years, and Steve has had so much fun coaching his team. For work, my husband remodels homes, and it feels like he is always tackling a project in our house! While I like helping pick out materials, my husband is the chief designer and executor on all renovation projects in our home.
Some of our favorite places to go in Park Ridge are the Park Ridge Public Library, the Wildwood Nature Center, and the Pickwick Theater. My parents told us if we ever moved back to Park Ridge, they would put a swimming pool in their backyard, and boy, did they deliver! During the summer, we
spend a lot of time at that pool, making memories as a family. Our favorite family tradition is Friday Movie Night. The boys get to pick out a movie to watch and a special treat to eat. Going to Goldy’s for breakfast also feels like a family tradition, as Steve and I have been going there since high school. Our other favorite restaurant is definitely Panino’s; their pizza and pasta is amazing, and don’t sleep on the burgers! Outside of work and running around with my boys, I love to cook and bake. With so many nieces and nephews nearby, I love creating cakes and cupcakes for their birthday parties. My boys love helping me bake, but I like to do the frosting and decorating of my cupcakes and cakes as my “me-time!” It is so special to watch my boys grow up in the same town as we did. We know someone almost everywhere we go, and every place feels like home. I love working in the same district I went to school in, as it allows me to give back to a community that has given me so much.
Family day at the Cubs game
Julian’s 3rd birthday party
Watching the Northwest Side Irish Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Photo by Anthony Tripp Photography
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Do you remember Thompson’s Finer Foods?
Thompson’s was THE grocery shop in Park Ridge for more than 50 years, closing its doors back in 1996. Fun fact, it actually started out as a milk store in the city making their own ice cream and then quickly became a full service grocery shop and bakery once the owners moved to 901 West Touhy Avenue in Park Ridge (now Walgreens). Stroll recently posted a lot more photos of Thompson’s on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Check them out! You’ll enjoy reading all the comments and memories of this once beloved spot in Park Ridge.
Summer Slipped Into Autumn
BY RESIDENT PAUL HANSEN
Even as summer flowers continue to bloom
For autumn mums they make room
Fall blows in on a cold breeze
We anticipate the colors changing the leaves
A kaleidoscope of reds and golds on the trees
Why do we all take such pleasure each day
In all the beauty that comes our way
Each bright colored flower we see
The profusion of leaves on each tree
The depth of the blue in the sky
The flocks of geese flying high
The beautiful music an orchestra plays
Perhaps it’s because we are just a tear away
From losing all we that we hold dear
You see it now, then it’s no longer here
Love that crashes in like a wave on the sea
That over time can disappear just as easily
Unless we hold to it tightly and don’t let go
Ah but these are hard learned lessons to know
Sometimes the age and pain can take it all
Or perhaps major shocks may cause the fall
Some are lucky in that every thing they touch
Continues all their lives to mean as much
Others may struggle forever for no reason why
For some it is slow and steady time going by
That whittles away at what they once had
Catching them unaware as they grow sad
Many of these things we can prepare for
If we know what will be in store
Not waiting until we feel it slipping past
LIVING each moment to make it last
Trying our best to save the dying parts
Remembering well what touched our hearts
If we miss a step along the winding path
We can change the direction we have cast
If we but learn from our collective past
1 / We strive to make sure that kids are growing up as healthy as possible in a natural approach. 2 / At Silver Lining Chiropractic we can provide personalized care throughout your pregnancy as well as after. Our trained staff can help alleviate and even prevent common pains and problems associated with pregnancy. 3 / Some of the issues we can help with are Colic, Gastric Reflux, Constipation, Trouble Latching, and Sleep issues in newborns.
My name is Ryan Maxwell, D.C., and I am the Owner and Head Chiropractor at Silver Lining Chiropractic in Park Ridge. The practice is a Neurologically based Chiropractic Office, focusing on the brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves. I do not guess with your health. My job is to get to the root cause of every practice member’s health concerns by utilizing technology in our office to pinpoint where the problem areas are, and take X-rays (on adults only) which helps us to be extremely specific. Our goal here at Silver Lining Chiropractic is to help our community raise healthy kids and healthy adults.
Where did you grow up? How long have you lived here locally? I grew up and lived most of my life in a suburb right outside of Chicago in Norridge. I currently live in Norwood Park with my wife and dog, Paisley. I always knew I wanted to open my chiropractic practice in the heart of Park Ridge and serve the local community.
Can you tell us about your family? I come from a close-knit family with one younger sister and a bunch of cousins who are like siblings to me. In 2023, I married the love of my life, Gina, and we are so excited to welcome our first child in October!
We also have one dog, Paisley, who we rescued in 2021 from a local shelter.
Silver Lining Chiropractic
Meet
Dr. Ryan Maxwell, D.C.
What inspired you to start your business?
I wholeheartedly believe my mother’s support taught me from a young age that I could be anything I wanted in life.
After receiving my undergrad degree in Biopsychology from Monmouth College, I decided I wanted to go to chiropractic school.
In 2018, I completed my Doctorate of Chiropractic and from there, I just knew I wanted to open my own practice and see everyone ranging from infants, kids, pregnant moms, and elderly. After board certifications and visiting over 50 chiropractic offices around the country, I decided Park Ridge would be the best place to open a family chiropractic office. On November 30th, 2020, after an entire year’s delay due to the pandemic, we opened our doors!
What is unique about your business?
I think the most unique thing about our office is that we see everyone for all different reasons and are not just painbased. We see everyone from 2 week old infants to 102-year olds.
What do you take the most pride in?
Changing lives. It might sound cliché, but I genuinely come to work everyday and love to hear about the positive impact chiropractic care has made on our practice member’s lives. Just recently we heard from a mom whose son hasn’t had any seizures since starting at Silver Lining Chiropractic.
Torque Release Technique and are Webster Certified which is a technique used to care for pregnant moms.
What do you find most fulfilling about what you do? Giving back to the community. Not only through neurologically based chiropractic care and helping local families feel their best, but also by giving back to the community through office drives. We host an annual back to school supply drive, a winter coat drive, and have collected donations for local families struggling with health complications.
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? The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions in the body. Making sure you have a properly functioning nervous system is vital for true health.
What are you most grateful for? I am most grateful for my supportive family and wife, our loyal practice members, and dedicated team at Silver Lining Chiropractic.
What do you love about our neighborhood publication? How Stroll Park Ridge fosters a sense of community by sharing information about upcoming events, initiatives, and local stories in the neighborhood.
What sets you apart from others in your industry? We are always continuing our education and learning. We are Chiropractic Board Certified, a Member of the International Pediatric Association, Advanced Proficient in
How can residents contact you? Call: (847) 999-4608 or Stop in: 1036 Higgins Rd Ste C, Park Ridge and follow us on social media. We are always accepting new patient appointments. Come in and get your nervous system assessed.
Park Ridge’s Got Talent!
Local artist inspires creativity & connection: meet Mary Ann Tunnell
My name is Mary Ann Tunnell and I’m a visual artist and art therapist. When I am making art, I feel most like myself. Art helps me make sense of the chaos and the beauty of life. I make paintings about my emotions, experiences, and the world around me. My art is about the struggle and strength of being deeply vulnerable in the world. I paint to stay grounded in my own humanity so that I can continue to shine light on the humanity of others.
What prompted you to start your artwork? My identity as an artist formed as a child growing up in Indianapolis, always doodling, drawing or making things. I studied art at Miami University, earning a BFA with a concentration in painting. The field of art therapy merged my love of making art with my interest in psychology, so I moved to Chicago to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning an MA in Art Therapy. My perspective as an artist is shaped by my work as an art therapist (ATR-BC) and counselor (LCPC) for the past 25 years. While working, I maintained my personal art practice, which kept me grounded so I could continue to show up for others. After years of making artwork for myself in my home studio, I decided in 2023 to begin sharing it with others.
Is your art displayed somewhere locally? Two of my paintings will be displayed in an exhibit entitled Policy of Truth at the Bridgeport Art Center (1200 W 35th St., Chicago, IL 60609) from September 20 - November 1, 2024.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? 10 years. I moved to Park Ridge in 2014 with my husband John and our kids, Alex and Caroline.
What advice can you offer to the residents of your neighborhood?
Bring more art into your life. Attend a concert, visit a museum, see a play, read some poetry. Art isn’t just for those who call themselves artists. Art is absolutely available to everyone. Make some art for yourself. Take a pottery class, arrange some flowers, or create a new recipe. Creative possibilities are endless. Experience or make art with others. Art cultivates community and connection, and we all could use more of that in our lives.
How can residents contact you to find out more about your art or to purchase your art?
Visit my website: www.maryanntunnell.com Email: maryann@maryanntunnell.com Facebook & Instagram: @maryanntunnellart
Thanks for allowing me to share my story and my art. I hope it inspires others to bring more creativity into their lives.
Layered History
Acrylic and mixed media on wood
From The Arrivals Series - Mary Ann Tunnell
Tentative Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
From the Feeling My Way Through Series - Mary Ann Tunnell
Mary Ann Tunnell painting in her studio
Mary Ann Tunnell in the artist’s studio.
DID YOU KNOW that Park Ridge has a connection to river showboats?
Edna Ferber’s 1926 story, Show Boat, set to music in 1927 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, told of showboats that plied the rivers of middle America for over a hundred years.
30+ year Park Ridge resident Betty Bryant was born and raised in a showboat family. Emigrating from England in 1884, her paternal grandparents toured, honing their theatrical skills. With son Billy and daughter Florence, they developed vaudeville routines.
A chance booking on a Mississippi River showboat in 1917 inspired the family to build their own, traveling the Ohio River and various tributaries, performing at riverfront towns.
Claiming that her first role, at 6 weeks, was as Eliza’s baby in a staging of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Betty, only daughter of Billy and his calliope-playing wife, thrived on board, playing all sorts of roles as she grew up. Bryant keenly enjoying life on the river, making friends everywhere they stopped. Betty studied on board, taking exams at various schools along the showboat’s route, eventually earning a high school
DID YOU KNOW?
BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY
diploma. Bryant married a fellow actor who had performed on the Bryant Boat’s final season.
After touring America and Europe for many years, they divorced. Betty continued to perform but found it difficult with two daughters in tow. Friends suggested she move to Park Ridge which she did, sharing her love of theater teaching drama classes at the Park District and establishing acting troupes including the Park Ridge Players and the Maine South Adult Players, staging plays for many years. Bryant’s lectures about her life growing up and performing on the river became a book, Here Comes the Showboat! Coming into existence to meet the a need for formal entertainment, showboats, hard to operate during WWII, due to rationing, disappeared due to improved access to radio and films, as well as better roads and the availability of automobiles. The Bryant Showboat was sold in 1943. A scaled model of it was installed in the Maritime Wing of the Smithsonian in D.C. in 1978. Betty Bryant died in Park Ridge in 1999.
Cover of book written by Betty Bryant
The Bryant Showboat pictured in the mid-1920s
WINNER WINNER FAMILY DINNER
BY RESIDENT SCOTT CASTELLANOS
The school year is well underway, and our routines are in full swing. Each year has created different challenges and different schedules. This year, with both our boys in high school, we have been blessed with similar schedules. Their day starts and ends at the same time and place, which coincides (roughly) with when I get home from work. Serendipitously, the timing has allowed us to eat dinner together more nights than we have in years. My wife, Carla, has taken full advantage of this by trying out some new recipes, the results of which will be saved for a future article or an upcoming comedy bit.
Whether the menu consists of a fancy fish dinner, or the family favorite Taco Tuesday spread, it is all about the time together. This twist of fate has given Carla the opportunity to encourage some good old-fashioned dinner conversation. My teenage boys, as you can imagine, are not always eager
to share too much, but she is clever and persistent. She has tried many approaches, but the boys always seem to catch on and put up a new challenge. A challenge she is up to. Honestly, looking back at all the ways she has tricked the boys into sharing is hilarious. I really think law enforcement ought to incorporate her methods in coaxing criminals to spill the beans. She has pulled out games, idea cards, Q&A, special topics…. She zigs, they zag and the backand-forth winds up being the most fun part. Unbeknownst to the boys it all plays into their mom’s master plan of getting some quality time. When all is said and done, around here dinnertime is full of laughter, and we generally learn something about what is going on in each other’s lives.
Regardless of how we do it, sneaking in some family time is definitely one in the win column for parents.
A Publication for the Residents of Park Ridge
