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!
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
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.
strollmag.com
Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2024 The N2 Company, Inc.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR CONTENT COORDINATOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS
RESIDENT WRITERS
JUNIOR WRITER
Dolly Caravette McCarthy (630) 272-7582 dolly.mccarthy@n2co.com
Diane Morris strollparkridge@gmail.com strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com
Anthony Tripp Photography AMT Photos amtphotos2011@gmail.com
Crystal Parenti Photography crystalparentiphotography@gmail.com
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.
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
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
WELLNESS
Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen (708) 354-4844
chefbeauskleankitchen.com
September. The first day of Autumn happens this month. Cooler temps and daylight hours shorten but there’s still plenty of hours of sunshine to STROLL around town enjoying all Park Ridge has to offer. Schedule some quality time with family and neighbors at the Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge’s Annual Pancake Breakfast. Saturday, September 21st, 7-11 am or the Park District’s Trucktoberfest in Hodges Park. STROLL is a proud sponsor of both of these community events! We can’t wait to see you there!
STROLLin’ on over to the center of town... contributor Joan Mattingly’s feature article Did You Know? takes a look at the Pickwick Theatre. The art deco movie palace holds so much history since it opened its doors as a vaudeville stage and movie
theatre in 1928. Joan has dug up some historic information maybe you just didn’t already know about this Park Ridge gem!
It’s no secret our town is full of talented foodies and home chefs. Our monthly article What’s Cookin’ Park Ridge? is evidence of just that! This month check out a super supper idea by resident Jacqueline Rezmer. Jac’s One Pot Chicken & Rice Dinner is the perfect meal for that busy school night! We would love to feature one of your treasured recipes. Share your recipes on our group Facebook page - What’s Cookin’ Park Ridge? Find countless others on that community page. It’s so helpful and fun!
Enjoy the STROLL!
Dolly McCarthy, Publisher
ARTICLE
I’m Angelica Loiacono and I am 45 years old. Volleyball has been my passion since junior high. Over the years, my love for the sport has only grown and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue playing as an adult on my team, The Avengers, which is an adult recreational volleyball league for the Park Ridge Park District. From starting as a substitute player to now being an integral part of our back-to-back championship team, I owe our success to the guidance of Coach Brandi Zodo and the support of my talented teammates: Sue Coogan, Jason Coogan, Todd Hyde, Sarah Sweeney, and Steve Krone, with Brian Howe currently on injured reserve.
When I’m not on the volleyball court, I lead a busy life as an emergency room nurse and dedicated volunteer at One Tail At a Time, an animal rescue and adoption center in Chicago and medical staff volunteer at Camp One Step, a free year-round camp providing experiences for kids with cancer and their families. In my free time, I enjoy indulging my creative side with DIY projects and crafting, as well as staying active through running. I have participated in many races throughout my life, but the most recent race I have completed is the Rockies Revel Half Marathon in Colorado. On top of all that, I’ve recently discovered a love for snowboarding and indoor rock climbing.
Playing volleyball brings me immeasurable joy and fulfillment, both on and off the court. Being part of a team is a great feeling, and I am grateful for every moment spent with my amazing team, and look forward to more victorious seasons ahead. My dedication to both my team and my community truly defines who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
2
Do you have an athlete you’d like to see featured? Email us at StrollParkRidge@gmail.com.
AUBREY MARELIN CRUZ BORN: 7/17/23
WEIGHT: 8 LBS. 3.2 OZ
HEIGHT: 20 INCHES
PROUD PARENTS: JULIAN AND JOCELYN
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!
Residents
We are a family of four: Michael, Julia, Caroline (age 9), and Michael “Teddy” (age 7). Michael is from Naperville, Illinois and Julia is from Cincinnati, Ohio. We moved to Park Ridge in 2018. A dog is in our future! We have been married for eleven years. We are serious Chicago Cubs fans who have had season tickets in the family for decades. Our family feels most connected during summer trips to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Michael is the founder of Rev4 and Chief Executive Officer of Burtch Works. Burtch Works is a talent solutions and services company specializing in Data Science, Data Engineering, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, and Technology. Michael has been in the technology talent solutions field for twenty years. Michael is a member of YPO
BY RESIDENTS MICHAEL AND JULIA BUTTS
Chicagoland Chapter. He serves as an Advisory Board Member for both Southern Illinois University and the University of Cincinnati Schools of Information Technology. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with the university communities and students.
Julia is a Sports Medicine Podiatrist and the co-founder of Performance Podiatry Partners in Lincoln Square. She is passionate about helping athletes and performing artists recover from foot and ankle injuries. She especially loves helping fellow runners! Julia is also an adjunct faculty member at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and participates in a mentorship program for doctors in training. She recently retired as a Girl Scout leader.
We are a very active family! Michael and Julia both enjoy running, and
Michael served on the board of the Chicago Area Runner’s Association for many years. We are members of Park Ridge Country Club. Caroline’s favorite sport is softball and Michael is coaching her Park Ridge team again this year. Michael “Teddy” loves golf and has a swing to rival dad’s. Both kids are also involved in swim team and skiing.
Our favorite activity as a family is traveling together. We did our first West Coast ski trip in 2024 and also visit Julia’s parents in Florida as much as we can.
We enjoy exploring the many different parks in Park Ridge and the walkability to each of them. We have loved the central location of Park Ridge within Chicagoland and the wonderful community of neighbors.
Estate planning is a financial process that can protect you and your family. It is a very important component of your overall financial planning. If you don’t have an up-to-date estate plan and you happen to get hurt or sick and cannot manage your financial affairs, the courts will have to appoint someone to manage them for you. Estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of your net worth.
Here are some estate planning moves to consider:
NAME YOUR BENEFICIARIES
It’s important to periodically review your beneficiary designations, especially if you’ve experienced a major life event (such as marriage, divorce, or the birth or adoption of a child).
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.
UPDATE PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
If you’re married and own property that names you and your spouse as joint tenants with right of survivorship (JTWROS), the surviving spouse will automatically take over sole ownership of the property when the other spouse dies. The same is true if you own property with a non-spouse as JTWROS.
DRAFT OR UPDATE YOUR WILL
If you die intestate (without a will), the laws of your state will determine the fate of your minor children and assets. You need a written will to make your wishes known.
CREATE OR UPDATE A LIVING TRUST
For those with significant assets, a living trust can be an effective tool to help avoid probate. You establish the living trust and transfer legal ownership of assets for which you wish to avoid probate, such as your main home and your vacation property, etc.
MAKE AN IRREVOCABLE LIFE INSURANCE TRUST
Life insurance death benefits are generally free from federal income tax. However, the death benefit from any policy on your own life is included in your estate for federal estate tax purposes if you have incidents of ownership in the policy.
Estate Planning is an ongoing process. Major life events could require changes in your estate plan. Additionally, the federal estate and gift tax rules, along with state estate and gift tax rules, have proven to be unpredictable. For these reasons, we encourage you to review your estate plan.
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd. wants to provide you with general information about the law and taxes, a professional opinion with a personal touch. This article should not be taken as official legal advice and does not form an attorney-client relationship. Your use of this information is at your own risk. Please feel free to contact us for more information or if you need legal representation –info@madonia.com or (312) 578-9300
Park Ridge Country Club - pictured sometime after 1912. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned in 1912 to remodel the old Robb farmhouse into the new PRCC clubhouse.
Photo credit/submitted by Scott Holst; Park Ridge - It’s Wonderful Life Facebook group
Perfect recipe for a busy school night!
BY RESIDENT JACQUELINE REZMER
• 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 2 cups of uncooked rice
• 14.5oz can of stewed tomatoes (I prefer the Del Monte original recipe with onions, celery & green peppers)
• 4oz can of sliced olives (I use green olives but you can easily substitute in your favorite variety or blend)
• 2oz jar of capers
• 32 oz carton of chicken stock
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• ½ tsp Vegeta
• Salt
• Pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1 / In your french or dutch oven, heat ~2tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. While your oil is heating, trim your chicken and season with paprika, salt & pepper on both sides. (Season based on personal preferences, we like a lot of paprika to coat the chicken). Once your oil is hot, sear your chicken, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. You will probably need to do this in batches (typically I am able to fit 3 chicken thighs to sear at a time.) You may also need to add another 1-2 tbsp of olive oil for your second batch of chicken.
2 / Add your rice and chicken stock to the french/ dutch oven and stir together. Scrape the bottom of your oven during this step to get the seasoning from the chicken to dissolve into the stock. Stir in your remaining ingredients: stewed tomatoes, olives, capers, and vegeta. Finally add your chicken back into the french/dutch oven, and bring to a boil.
3 / Cover and reduce your heat. Cook for ~30 minutes. Turn the heat off when you can only see a little bit of water bubbling from the crevices in the rice. Let rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. Serve!
Do you have a recipe you would like to share? Please email us at strollparkridge@gmail.com
Scan this QR code to share a recipe to be featured in a future issue.
This recipe is great because you can personalize it to your own tastes. Feel free to swap out the stewed tomatoes with crushed or diced if that’s your preference. Switch out the green olives for kalamata or black or a medley if that’s your jam. Enjoy!
BY RESIDENT SCOTT CASTELLANOS
The other day I was doing something everyone does all the time, begrudgingly. I was on hold and going through an endless loop of transfers and nonanswers with customer service for a company that will remain nameless here, but if you catch me around town, I may let it slip (wink wink).
Since I have started doing ‘Life in the Dad Lane’ I tend to look at situations and make the connection or find metaphors relating to parenthood. If you have read any of my previous articles, it’s probably obvious. There are benefits in seeing life through this lens. Hers’s a few:
1. I find a little bit of humor in the frustration.
2. It gives me a different perspective and makes me approach the situation differently
3. I get something productive out of it, this article
Either way, it doesn’t make dealing with customer service much better, but the connections are there. For example:
• Who has sat waiting for undetermined amounts of time?
• Who has talked to someone with an attitude only to have that person not understand why you are so upset? and
• Who has explained a situation over and over, had the other person acknowledge everything you said, state they understand only to be completely oblivious to the point one minute later?
If you raised your hand for any of these, you know what it’s like to deal with customer service and my kids.
Another way these are similar, on the positive side is, occasionally, you get a representative that truly wants to help. This is the most amazing feeling because progress is made, and you feel understood. As a parent this happens too, like when your son takes the garbage out without being asked. Or when that magical moment happens when they ask for your input and even give you a thank you. These are the moments I’d be happy to stay on the line for and take that survey.
What grade are you in and what school do you attend? 5th gradeWashington School
Do you have any favorite TV shows or movies? Favorite movies: Descendants and The Rise of Red; Favorite show: The Simpsons
Do you have any favorite songs or bands? My favorite song is “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift
Do you play any sports? If so, what positions? Basketball and I play center which is so much fun but it is kind of hard because I am tiny.
Do you play a musical instrument? No.
What are your three favorite things to do? Playing with my friends, having sleepovers, and shopping!!
What is your favorite thing to do in Uptown Park Ridge? Going shopping and getting Starbucks.
Do you have a favorite vacation? If so, tell us what you liked about it. I love the Bahamas. I liked swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling and I loved how clear the water was.
Have you ever met anyone famous? No not that I know of.
BY RESIDENT 10 YEAR OLD BRIDGET AIELLO
Are there any upcoming challenges you’ll face this year? Basketball games will be challenging because the other teams are soooo tall and once we had to play against a travel team and we aren’t a travel team.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like to be a stylist for weddings with my little sister and my cousin. We would do people’s hair, makeup and nails.
Describe your perfect summer day. We go on vacation to California and then go to the beach, pool and swim for a little. Then we would go back to our hotel (which would have a nice view ) and get ready for a nice dinner that is dressy but casual. Then go to mini golf. That would be my perfect summer day.
BY RESIDENT LUNA (AND NANCY) PATTERSON
Hi there, my name is Luna!
I spent my young puppy days on a farm in rural Wisconsin, but I traded in chasing barn mice for chasing garbage trucks when my mom adopted me at 5 months old and brought me back to beautiful Park Ridge. I haven’t managed to catch a truck yet, but its only a matter of time!
I remember sitting on the side porch in those early days watching these strange objects flying through the sky. My mom, who grew up in Park Ridge, comforted me and made me feel safe and loved. I’ve gotten used to the airplanes by now but I remember what an unusual sight that was for a little puppy from the farm.
These days I love to run and play in my big backyard but there are
sneaky squirrels everywhere! They are constantly taking the birdseed from our bird feeder so I’m always on alert so I can chase them away. Protecting my yard from those pesky squirrels is one important job I have but my absolute favorite job is working as a therapy dog with Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. My mom and I make an amazing team, and together we volunteer in various programs helping kids grow their reading confidence, teaching them about dog safety, and many other things. Perhaps we’ve met at the Park Ridge Library where I work in both the Read to the Dogs and Sensory programs, or maybe at Jefferson School where I work with the preschoolers? I also have lots of skills to share with the people I visit and then mom puts on my sleep mask, covers me
with my blankie, and I have a nice nap. I love my job and I get lots of treats and pets along the way!
If you’ve ever seen a sweet, spritely golden retriever around Uptown Park Ridge who seems to know all the stores to stop by for free treats, that’s probably me. I may be 5 years old now but I’m really still a puppy at heart and there’s nothing I love more than going on long walks with my mom around town. Maybe I’ll see you one of these days!
Do you have a pet you’d like to see featured? Email us at StrollParkRidge@gmail.com
Let’s Get Together!
September 25th and October 30th, 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, September 25th, 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!
New restaurant provides quite the delicious spread for a great cause!
Another successful Stroll Super Supper! Everyone enjoyed salad, pasta, chicken, desserts and COMMUNITY! “The food buffet was delicious!,” resident Mary Meranda said. We passed the hat and are excited to announce nearly $200 was raised for The Harbour. The Harbour serves young people by providing emergency shelter, transitional housing and support programs to link them to a pathway towards permanent housing and long-term success.
Special thanks to our sponsors....John Tunnell Agency, FadeAway Medical Esthetics, and Sue Hall @Properties. Land & Lake provided a fantastic space for our community supper! If you would like to book Land & Lake’s event space, contact Mary Kehoe, Sr. Catering Sales Manager at mary@lmrestaurant.com.
BY FORMER PARK RIDGE RESIDENT AUTHOR VIC LARSON
Park Ridge Memories” is now a two-book series with the release of “Native Son.” Stroll back in time through the halls of Madison School, Lincoln Junior High, and Maine South. Along the way are carnivals, swimming lessons, roller skates, lightning bugs, lunch ladies, memorable teachers, and weddings. Take a ride to Bill’s Hobby Shop, Village Green, Walter’s Hideaway, the Pickwick Theater, and Mario’s Barber Shop. You’ll read about school sports, jobs, parties, and adventures under the shadow of “The Big Dirt Hill.” A trip to the wild side recalls historic weather, fires, shootings, fast cars, a hitchhiker, and memorable drives down I-57. World events interfere with attempts to leave Park Ridge. It is a coming-of-age compilation, and ultimately, a reminder that “There’s no place like home.”
After graduation, many of us scattered to the winds like seeds from a single flower, lived our lives, and settled all over the country. The lucky ones never left at all.
I tend to romanticize the life we might have led had we remained in the sacred space where I played as a child, had family meals with my mom, dad, and sister, learned to drive, got my first job, went through college, and began the whole cycle over with my wife and kids. The front door I entered as
a four-year-old was the same portal through which I carried my wife on our wedding night. It is a place where I loved and laughed and yes, even grieved.
Do I forget the noisy airplanes and the long winters?
Sure. But our return to Illinois felt like a homecoming. A family-friendly place with seasons, lightning bugs, sidewalks, and wide tree-lined streets.
Travel with me here, back in time, around town, across the country, and back home to Park Ridge. The pull toward home is irresistible. As we grow older, our bonds become stronger, not weaker. Believe what you will, but I cannot deny the privilege of having come of age in a place called Park Ridge. We were students at the best school in the country when my class headed off to college, with the world as our oyster, at a time when we could have it all, and did.
Vic Larson was born in Park Ridge in 1954, graduated from Maine South in 1972, and received a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Illinois Medical Center. He now spends summers in Morton, Illinois, “The Pumpkin Capital of the World.” The rest of the year he is a “Florida Man” from Port Charlotte, on a canal frequented by manatees and alligators. Vic was the 2021 winner of the Gulf Coast Writers Association fiction contest. His memoirs, Park Ridge Memories: A Child of the 1960s, and Park Ridge Memories: Native Son, are available on Amazon.com.
BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY
Did you know that Charles Laughton, one of the most distinguished Hollywood actors of stage and screen, appeared at the Pickwick Theater in January 1952? Famous for his film roles including Mutiny on the Bounty, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Witness for the Prosecution, Laughton was equally at home on the stage and regularly performed on Broadway. In addition to acting, Laughton directed and produced both on-stage and on screen.
The Women’s Circle of the Community Church arranged the visit; tickets were $2 and were sold at various venues including Scharringhausen’s Drug Store and Dean’s Stationers as well as the Community Church office.
Laughton’s one-man performance included dramatic readings from James Thurber, the Book of Daniel (the story of the fiery furnace) and
the 139th Psalm from the Bible. He closed with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Acknowledging the setting for his performance, Laughton added a selection from Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers. According to the news accounts, though the temperature outside was below 20 degrees, the theater was filled, and the audience was captivated by his many memorized recitations. “Mr. Laughton ran the entire gamut of human emotions, as expressed by the written word.” (Park Ridge Herald 1-24-52)
Commissioned by former Mayor William Malone, the Pickwick has been included on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and was pronounced a Local Landmark by our City Council in 2010. The Pickwick’s 100foot tower, capped by an ornamental iron lantern, and its marquee, are well-known by all residents.
The building interiors, designed by Park Ridge resident sculptor/ designer Alfonso Iannelli, are equally spectacular. The main auditorium, reportedly designed to resemble a Mayan temple, with stepped ceiling adorned with bright geometric patterns and additional Mayan-inspired designs climbing the walls, seated 1500 when opened in 1928 and operated both as a movie palace and a vaudeville theater, a venue for plays and concerts. Over the years, the Pickwick has occasionally hosted live theatrical productions, entertainers and some special events.
The Pickwick owners, the Vlahakis family, have now partnered with the Copernicus Center to operate the theater with proposed plans that include concerts, live performances, and a focus on community outreach.
Hey Park Ridge! We are still here and nearby. Come visit your old friends now located in Niles!
BY RESIDENT MARIA HRYCELAK
The Kalo Foundation/Iannelli Studios is celebrating the journey of Alfonso Iannelli’s bust of Abraham Lincoln from Park Ridge to Paris.
In 2016 the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop in Chicago was relocating, and they saw an opportunity to return a bust of Abraham Lincoln to its original home. The bust was created by Modernist sculpture Alfonso Iannelli at his Park Ridge Studio in the early 1900s as a prototype for the Lincoln Highway construction project. The bust was not selected for the project however, it was part of an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1925.
In 2016 the Paris-Chicago Comité, led by Renée Johnson, after consulting then Chicago Cultural Historian Tim Samuelson, reached out to the late Kalo Foundation President Judy Barclay for permission to replicate the bust for placement in Paris.
In 2017, Mike Grucza created a mold of the bust and by 2019 it was finally on its way to Paris. However, COVID,
the fire at Notre Dame and the yellow vest protests delayed further work.
Finally in 2023, the bronze bust was poured at an old prestigious foundry Susse Fonderie in Paris. After Carla Knorowski, former CEO of the Lincoln Library and Museum Foundation was able to secure funding for a plinth, the Lincoln bust was unveiled on May 13, 2024 at the intersection of Ave Georges V and rue Francois 1er, just 2 blocks off the Champs de Elysee. It is the first representation of the 16th President and Illinois iconic figure to be installed on a Parisian public space. Many dignitaries from Paris and Chicago were present. Several members of the Kalo Foundation were able to attend.
President Maria Hrycelak stated “this event gives Alfonso Iannelli, a great talent, international exposure”.
The original plaster bust is on display at the Kalo Foundation Iannelli studios at 255 N Northwest Highway.
Annual fundraiser in honor of Will Simkins cousin’s memory
BY 7 YEAR OLD RESIDENT WILL SIMKINS
MY NAME IS WILL SIMKINS. I am 7 years old and I go to Mary Seat of Wisdom School. I live with my mom and dad (Kristin and Clint) and I have one brother Jack (4), and twin sisters named Annie and Vivian (3).
Every year I have a lemonade stand to remember my cousin Liliana. This year, I raised over $2,100 at my lemonade stand on July 27th in front of my cousin Liliana’s house. I donate all of the money to The Cure Starts Now to support pediatric brain cancer research. Liliana lives in
heaven with Jesus now, but Liliana and I both loved Mario and played Mario games with her dad. Lilianna has a baby sister now and I can’t wait to tell her about her brave and funny sister.
If you would like to help, you can donate to The Cure Starts Now in honor of Liliana O’Donnell or watch Park Ridge social media groups each summer for my lemonade stand announcement!
ONL I N E O R DE R ING • PIC K-UP • D E L IV E RY c hef b e au s k le a n k i t c hen. co m 8 47 . 337 . 64 5 6
Our meals are made from the highest quality ingredients, with no added preser vatives. We use many organic breakfast, snacks, soups, salads, entrees and of course our delicious gluten-free baked goods and pastas, in fact our lasagnas are legendar y! Our menus change weekly, and we include many plant-based and vegetarian options along with pasture raised, 100% grassfed beef and wild-caught animal proteins. All meals are made fresh by Chef Beau and his professionally trained and educated chefs, catering to ever yone who wants or needs to eat KLEA N !
BY RESIDENT PAUL HANSEN
As September First brings a hint of fall
I readily admit it is my favorite season of all
The crisp cooler air, the color of the leaves
The smell of wood smoke carried on a breeze
I have always loved this time of year
Autumn Leaves and September songs bring a tear
The scrunching sound the leaves make as we walk
The longing and past remembrance as we talk
Especially now in the autumn of our lives
More than ever before we realize
Cherish every moment, everything we hold dear
Hug each other tightly and keep each other near
This little picture I painted decades ago
Reminds us what we should always know
Live life, love life and share it all you can
That’s been our purpose since it all began
Embrace
BY RESIDENT LAURA SCALETTA
My name is Laura, and am the owner of Balloons by Laura. I am married to Matt, an Air Force veteran and we have three children. We have lived in Park Ridge for 8 years and love the community and its desire to support local businesses. I have really enjoyed working with all the local businesses, schools, and residents.
Balloons by Laura started 10 years ago. While volunteering on a committee, we needed some kids’ entertainment for our farmer’s market. I quickly whipped
up some balloon entertainment! Making a balloon dog for every kid at the market, I was eager to keep learning. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to complete many fun projects for businesses, families, and events.
One of my favorite projects are doing parade balloons and being able to watch the balloons coming in the distance while seeing the excitement in the crowd.
Balloons have given me some fun opportunities. One of them is attending a yearly balloon convention where I have connected with many people in the balloon industry from across the globe. Last May I packed my bags to help one of the balloon artists build a Balloon Selfie Museum in her town in Indiana. Since she and her husband also own a farm, all of the displays built over the 3 days span reflected activities on their farm. I headed up the pumpkin patch design that i built with the 6 other artists and it was completed with a real live tractor from their farm.
Another opportunity my family enjoyed was a Chicago Bears Event we attended that I did the balloon decorations for it. My sons were thrilled going around asking players past and present to sign their footballs. At the end of the event, we witnessed one of the players walk out carrying the balloon replica I made of him. It was amusing and rewarding at the same time.
I love Stroll Park Ridge because it really shows what Park Ridge is all about. I enjoy reading it to see residents enjoying local events, recipes, and fun interviews from kids around town.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
5:00pm -10:00am
Park Ridge Park District
Backyard Campout
Wildwood Nature Center
Camp out with your family in the Park District’s backyard. Enjoy a campfire dinner, s’mores and breakfast Saturday morning. Say hello to wildwood critters, fish in the pond and watch a family friendly movie before turning in for the night. prparks.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7SATURDAY, 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!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
5:30pm - 6:30pm Zombie Tag
Wildwood Nature Center - 531 Forestview Ave.
Registration required to participate. prparks.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
10:30am - 7:00pm
Have Dreams Golf Classic
Kemper Lakes Golf Club https://havedreams.org/events/golfclassic-2024
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
7:00pm - 8:30pm
S’more Stories, Songs & Strolls
Wildwood Nature Center - 531 Forestview Ave.
Registration required to participate. prparks.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
7:00am -11:00am
Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge 40th
Annual Pancake Breakfast
Park Ridge Presbyterian Church - 1300 W. Crescent, Park Ridge
All You Can Eat - $10 Adults, $5 Children. Pancake breakfast is a great way to kick off the school year! In addition to delicious food, there will be music, entertainment and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit local charities for children, teens and young adults. Stroll PARK RIDGE is a proud sponsor. kiwanispr.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
12:00pm - 9:00pm Trucktoberfest
Hodges Park, 101 Courtland Ave. Trucktoberfest is everything you love about Octoberfest but with a new name. Sample an assortment of beers and delicious food from local food trucks. Children’s inflatables and activities from noon to 6:00 pm. Entertainment and performances from noon to 9 pm. Stroll PARK RIDGE is a proud sponsor. prparks.org
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
9:00am -10:15 am
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
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
9am - 12:30 pm
Park Ridge Newcomers Club Kids Sale
Park Ridge Presbyterian Church 1300 W. Crescent Ave
Fall sale. $2 Admission fee per adult until 11:30 am. Cash and credit accepted at check out. https://www. parkridgenewcomersclub.org/ kidssale
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
7 pm
STROLL Park Ridge Book Club Kick off 132 S. Prospect Ave Email strollparkridgeevents@gmail. com to register!
Filip Dolegiewicz part of the Olympic Team roster
Filip Dolegiewicz was part of the roster for the Men’s Saber team as a replacement athlete for the Olympic Games Paris: 2024. Filip is an
Filip was the 2022 NCAA Men’s Saber champion and is a nephew of a 1972 Olympic silver medalist. Securing a spot on the team meant
Filip’s team may not have brought home the gold but, he will always be an Olympic winner in our eyes. We couldn’t be more #ParkRidgeProud!
BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY
From the earliest times of the settling of this area, when early residents knew it as Brickton, there are many stories that, woven together, have created the fabric of modern Park Ridge. Many of these stories have been lost over time. An opportunity for you to learn some lesserknown history of Park Ridge awaits your perusal in the Main Lobby at City Hall. Perhaps you will recognize some of the locations featured or recognize some of the names of residents that were movers and shakers of their day.
One of the residences featured is a striking Art Deco Home built in 1929, just before the Great Depression. It was featured as a “Moderne Electric Home,” about 50,000 persons bought an admission ticket and took a tour. It was raffled off by the Mel Tierney Post of the VFW, hence its nickname, The Raffle House. Check out the exhibit!
1 / Say Cheese!
2 / Mary, Seat of Wisdom summer camp’s campers Andrew, William and Connor enjoying some juicy watermelon and cooling off after playing outside.
3 / Best of Park Ridge 2024 Winner John Tunnel - Tunnel Insurance Agency.
4 / Thalaiva’s owners, Vinoth Raju and his wife Revathi Manoharan, pose for a picture during a busy lunch hour.
5 / Sunny Olijnyk enjoying a “sunny” day and wearing our stylish STROLL bandana.
6 / Park Ridge Garden Club Annual Beautification Winner. 716 Edgemont Lane.
7 / Park Ridge Garden Club Annual Beautification Winner. 2101 Manor Lane.
8 / Sunset at the Taste of Park Ridge.
9 / Park Ridge Garden Club Annual Beautification Winner. 530 N. Elmore Street.
10 / Edie Pasley & Noelle Butchko are Making a Difference! The two Park Ridge tweens sold lemonade to raise money for Wright-Way Rescue.
/ Taste of Park Ridge.
/ Best of Park Ridge 2024 Winner Silver Lining Chiropractic.
/ Park Ridge Garden Club Annual Beautification Winner. 1315 Lundergan Ave.
/ Taste of Park Ridge volunteers.
15 / Mary, Seat of Wisdom summer camp’s campers Mila and Emily munching Doritos!
/ Best of Park Ridge 2024 Winner Mario DiLorenzo.
/ Park Ridge Garden Club Annual Beautification Winner - 909 S. Home Ave. 18 / Theresa & Joe Straub in front of their award winning home! Park Ridge Garden Club
Beautification Winner! 19 / STROLL Park Ridge Interns enjoying a lunch break at Thalavia’s. 20 / Concerts in the Park - Brian Patti Big Band, presented by Park Ridge Fine Arts Society.
/ Author Vic Larson Strollin’ over to say hello at the STROLL Park Ridge offices, 132 S. Prospect Ave.
It was loads of fun at the Park District’s Country Fair at the Wildwood Nature Center in July! There were plenty of fun activities for the whole family including a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, games, crafts and more! Stroll Park Ridge was proud to sponsor this family fun event!
I grew up in the Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago and moved to Park Ridge with my family in 2019. We chose Park Ridge because of the strong community, schools, proximity to the city, and O’Hare since we love to travel. Our oldest daughter, Quinn, just graduated preschool at the Park Ridge Park District at Maine Park, while our youngest daughter, Maddy, is enrolled at Kensington School on Northwest Highway. My wife, Kaitlyn, works as a UX Principal for Nordstrom in the digital technology department.
In 2021, I established my law firm, Daleiden Law, LLC, located in Park Ridge, specializing in real estate transactions, estate planning, and estate administration. My primary focus is to protect homeowners from
the risks associated with the real estate transaction to ensure that no issues arise after closing. Additionally, I provide estate planning services such as preparing wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, which is particularly valuable to homeowners who want to ensure their family is well-protected in the event of an unexpected or untimely accident or death.
In 2024, I opened my first brick and mortar office at 422 N. Northwest Hwy. The primary reason I started my law firm was to be a valuable resource for the Park Ridge community. Before starting my practice, I worked for a downtown law firm specializing in civil litigation defense, which was a highly contentious work environment that demanded long working hours kept me
away from my family. Opening my firm in Park Ridge has allowed me to focus more on serving the local community and being more present and available for my family. As a father and family oriented person, I focus on ensuring the protection of my clients’ largest assets: their homes and families.
I would not have been able to start my law firm and achieve success without moving to Park Ridge and becoming involved in the local community. I am forever grateful to the wonderful people of Park Ridge for their support, as it has played a crucial role in my journey.
Daleiden Law, LLC
422 N. Northwest Hwy #B5 (773)420-9410
