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This Fourth of July feels especially meaningful as America celebrates its 250th birthday. It is a historic moment for our country and a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people, stories, traditions, and values that make our nation so extraordinary.
For me, the Fourth of July has always been one of the most special days of the year. Growing up on the Northwest Side of Chicago near Belmont and Austin, we did not have a neighborhood Fourth of July parade — so my father created one. With 14 children in our family, he decided we were big enough to make our own parade. Every year, we marched around the block, and one lucky child had the honor of carrying the American flag. We continued that tradition year after year, even into our teenage years. Looking back, what may have felt simple at the time taught us something lasting: traditions matter. Family matters. Honoring our country matters.
Years later, I carried that same tradition forward with my own five children. At the time, we were the largest family on our block, so our little parade made quite a showing. Before long, neighborhood children joined in, and what started as a family tradition became a community memory. Those Fourth of July walks around the block taught my children the same lessons my father taught us — to cherish family, honor tradition, and be proud to be Americans.
In this issue, we are honored to share reflections from local residents about their family histories, patriotic memories, and hopes for the future. Their stories remind us that America’s history is not only found in textbooks. It lives in our families, our neighborhoods, our service, our traditions, and our shared love of country.
As we celebrate this special milestone, may we do so with gratitude for those who came before us, pride in the country we call home, and hope for the generations still to come.
Happy Fourth of July, Park Ridge — and Happy 250th
Dolly McCarthy, Publisher
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Our 4th of July parade 1978 with little brother Danny holding the flag, Dolly (me), my little sisters Carol (the baby of the 14) and Margie to follow.
My Fab 5 4th of July parade 2008.
My favorite holiday....here with my crew back in 2007.
“ Meet the Mainwaring Family
BY RESIDENT KATIE MAINWARING
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
Lance, Katie, Millie (15), Hunter (14), and Joey (12).
WHAT STREET DO YOU LIVE ON? Columbia Ave.
WHAT UNIVERSITY DID YOU ATTEND?
I graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Lance attended Purdue University.
HOW DID YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE MEET?
We were set up by friends. At the time, I was working at Marshall Field’s on State Street. A pipe burst in my office, forcing me to share space with the friend who introduced us. Years later, our wedding reception was held on the 7th floor of Marshall Field’s.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSION?
Lance is the VP of Operations at Mid States Glass and Metal. I am a Senior Retail Merchant.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS.
Millie will be a sophomore at Maine South, where she plays water polo and swims. Hunter will be a freshman and plans to play football and baseball. Joey will be entering 7th grade. She quite literally dances through life and competes with Studio 22.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OR EVENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
Most of our social life revolves around cheering on our very active kids. LMS Wrestling even presented our son with the
Spring Break 2026 in New Orleans
“Loud Family” award. My cowbell at the Maine South pool deck can be heard from the parking lot.
HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY CONTRIBUTE TO FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
We are active members of St. Paul of the Cross. I also serve on the board of the Park Ridge Panhellenic Alumnae Club.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
We are part of a group of six families we lovingly call “Sunday Funday.” We vacation together, rotate weekly Sunday dinners, and our kids bicker like cousins. One of the highlights of the year is our annual block party. It’s the kind of tradition that reminds us why Park Ridge feels like a true community. That sense of connection is one of our favorite parts of living here.
AS WE CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY, PLEASE SHARE WHERE YOUR ROOTS BEGAN.
My family traces its roots to Giles Corey, a figure from the Salem witch trials who lived in Salem Town as early as 1640. His refusal to enter a plea—an act of courage that protected his family’s estate—has become a defining part of our lineage.
Much like our country’s earliest chapters, we honor the past even as we build something new together.” “
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY TRADITIONS AROUND THE FOURTH OF JULY?
The Fourth of July always meant early‑morning parades, community celebrations, and fireworks—often connected to my mother’s DAR involvement. One tradition that has stayed with us is walking in those parades.
HOW IS YOUR FAMILY PLANNING TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY?
We will gather with our family to watch the fireworks at Maine East, reflecting on the generations who came before us while creating new memories with our own children. Much like our country’s earliest chapters, we honor the past even as we build something new together.
My mom, Liz Greenhill, and grandkids representing the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Community Events
FRIDAY, JUNE 5 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
All Day
Park Ridge Public Library - Summer Reading Program
Park Ridge Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave. Kids, teens, and adults can win fun prizes for reading this summer. www.parkridgelibrary.org
FRIDAY, JULY 3
6:00pm -10:30pm
July 3rd Fireworks Celebration
Maine East High School - 2601 Dempster St.
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary under the glow of a fantastic fireworks display! Dance party and children’s entertainment from 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Live music entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
All Day
Independence Day
SATURDAY, JULY 4 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
7:00am - 1:00pm
Park Ridge Farmer’s Market 15 Prairie Avenue (between Main & Garden)
Every Saturday through the end of October. Find a great selection of fruits, vegetables, and other local products. parkridge.us
SATURDAY, JULY 4
9:00am -10:00am
Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge - 4th of July
Kiddie Day Parade
Hodges Park
Join us as we celebrate the 4th of July as we parade around Hodges Park escorted by the Park Ridge Fire & Police departments! Use your imagination to decorate yourself, bikes, or wagons in patriotic colors or as a SuperHero! kiwanispr.org
SUNDAY, JULY 5
10:00am -11:00am
Sunday Yoga in the Park Hodges Park
Join us in Hodges Park on Sunday mornings for free community yoga! Ages 5 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Stroll Park Ridge is a proud sponsor.
MONDAY, JULY 6
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Park Ridge Strollers
132 S. Prospect Ave
Step into something good every Monday with the Park Ridge Strollers. ParkRidgeStrollers@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Stroll Park Ridge Book Club
Email strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com to join! All are welcome!
THURSDAY, JULY 9SATURDAY, JULY 11
All Day
Taste of Park Ridge Uptown
Thursday, July 9 11:00 a.m. 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 11:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Enjoy local food and family entertainment while celebrating our community. For more information, visit tasteofparkrifge.com
FRIDAY, JULY 10
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Concerts in the Park Hodges Park
Pack a picnic dinner and come over to Hodges Park for a summer concert sponsored by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. This week features the Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra. www.prfas.org
SATURDAY, JULY 11
9:30am - 2:00pm
Friends of the Park Ridge Library Summer Book Sale
Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave.
For more information, visit www. parkridgelibrary.org
SUNDAY, JULY 12
10:00am -11:00am
Sunday Yoga in the Park Hodges Park
Join us in Hodges Park on Sunday mornings for free community yoga! Ages 5 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Stroll Park Ridge is a proud sponsor.
MONDAY, JULY 13
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Park Ridge Strollers
132 S. Prospect Ave
Step into something good every Monday with the Park Ridge Strollers. ParkRidgeStrollers@gmail.com
TUESDAY, JULY 14
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Family Summer Concert - Kitty Orca Music & Piano
Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
Join Miss Jennifer with her guitar and ukulele for a concert celebrating our favorite parts of summer! Embrace your inner child as we sing about popsicles, fireflies, bugs, parks, fishing, swimming, animals, and more! Old favorites combined with original songs, and shakers, instruments, and bubbles add to the summer fun! This sing along, dance along, clap along, play along concert will get kids and grownups movin’ and groovin’ to the sounds of summer! prparks.org
FRIDAY, JULY 17
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Concerts in the Park Hodges Park
Pack a picnic dinner and come over to Hodges Park for a summer concert sponsored by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. This week features the Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra. www.prfas.org
MONDAY, JULY 20
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Park Ridge Strollers
132 S. Prospect Ave
Step into something good every Monday with the Park Ridge Strollers. ParkRidgeStrollers@gmail.com
THURSDAY, JULY 23 - MONDAY, AUGUST 3
All Day
Park Ridge Public Library Welcomes T-Rex Norm
Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Ave.
Meet Norm, a full sized replica of a Wankel Tyrannosaurus Rex’s skull on loan from The Field Museum. www.parkridgelibrary.org
THURSDAY, JULY 23
7:00pm -10:00pm
Movies in the Park - The Grinch Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
Grab the family and join us for a movie in the park! Movie begins at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, movies are show indoors at the Paula Hassell O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park. www.prparks.org
FRIDAY, JULY 24
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Concerts in the Park Hodges Park
Pack a picnic dinner and come over to Hodges Park for a summer concert sponsored by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. This week features the Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra. www.prfas.org
SATURDAY, JULY 25
12:00pm - 3:00pm Country Farm Fair
Wildwood Nature Center, 531 Forestview Ave.
Enjoy a day down on the farm! Pet cows, chickens, goats, and more in the petting zoo featuring over 20 animals. www.prparks.org
For more information, visit avenuestoindependence.org
MONDAY, JULY 27
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Park Ridge Strollers 132 S. Prospect Ave
Step into something good every Monday with the Park Ridge Strollers. ParkRidgeStrollers@gmail.com
TUESDAY, JULY 28
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Family Summer Concert - Zydeco Voodoo Band
Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave. Zydeco Voodoo channels the fun of New Orleans and the bayou! Rooted in traditional Zydeco and Cajun dance music, the band also dives deep into NOLA Funk, Swamp Pop, R & B, and reinvents modern songs with a Louisiana/New Orleans flavor. Zydeco Voodoo is an interactive, family friendly band. www.prparks.org
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
9:00am -10:15am
July Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Community Coffee
Park Ridge Country Club, 636 N. Prospect Ave.
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, AUGUST 27
4:30pm - 7:00pm
SAVE THE DATE! 9th Annual Stroll Park
Ridge Back to School Bash
Prospect Park - O’Connor Community Building, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
All Day
SAVE THE DATE! 3rd Annual Park Ridge Christmas Stroll and 2nd Annual Santa Stroll Brought to You by Stroll Park Ridge
Uptown Park Ridge
A full day of holiday fun with Santa, Buddy the Elf, Classic train displays, music, performances, and more! All of this to benefit Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge and Avenues to Independence. Details at www.strollparkridge.com To volunteer or sponsor, please email strollparkridgeevents@gmail.com
Scan the QR code to access our full online Community Calendar.
Park Ridge Remembers and Honors
American Legion Post 247 hosted the annual Memorial Day Parade, with 74 units and 81 active duty military participants marching in honor of our heroes. Stroll Park Ridge marched with our precious pets to honor our 2- and 4-legged heros who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
AROUND TOWN
The STROLL Park Ridge baseball team is swinging for the fences!
Volunteers shared their green thumbs with community members at the Park Ridge Garden Club’s Plant Sale.
Park Ridge Strollers enjoying the beautiful weather. Join us on our next Stroll!
Sue Saccomanno made a window garden box at a workshop hosted by fellow resident Ted Sigg.
us at our next STROLL Community Coffee! Congratulations to all of the Maine South graduates receiving merit scholarships!
Maine South High School seniors enjoy their graduation ceremony.
Lincoln Middle School celebrated its 8th Grade Promotion on May 28, 2026. Congratulations, graduates!
Maine South student Jane Nuich was recently named Best Actress in a Musical by the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards for her role in Hadestown: Teen Edition. Congratulations, Jane!
Come cheer on the STROLL Park Ridge baseball team this summer!
Congratulations to Anna Tinaglia on graduating Cum Laude from TCU! Park Ridge Proud!
Congratulation to Maine South graduates Emery Yates and Emily Rutherford! Emery was the recipient of this year’s Stroll Park Ridge Scholarship. Join
Photo submitted by Vanessa Tobin: Congratulations to the 8th graders from Lincoln Middle School on their 8th Grade Promotion!
OUR AMERICAN STORY
PARK RIDGE CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY
AS AMERICA PREPARES TO CELEBRATE its 250th birthday this Fourth of July, Park Ridge residents are joining the nation in honoring a historic milestone. From immigrant journeys and military service to long-standing fireworks traditions, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues, these local voices reflect the pride, gratitude, and shared spirit of this special holiday. Together, their stories celebrate the faith, perseverance, sacrifice, opportunity, and connection that continue to shape our amazing community and our great country.
Americans deserve. I’ve been fortunate to live a full life with liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and I believe everyone deserves that same opportunity. To me, being American means ensuring those freedoms endure.”
FORREST ARTHUR GREENHILL
“As America celebrates its 250th birthday, our family’s story reflects the many journeys that have shaped this country. My family’s roots trace back to Switzerland, Croatia, Czechia, and Germany, with ancestors settling in Berwyn. The most recent immigrants in my family were my maternal grandparents, who arrived from Austria-Hungary (now Croatia) around the time of World War I. My wife Marjorie’s family came from the Philippines. Her grandfather was a World War II veteran who survived the Bataan Death March when the Philippines was still a U.S. territory. Her parents later immigrated to Hawaii. Marjorie came to the Midwest to attend the University of Notre Dame and eventually began her career in Chicago. Our family’s story is one of service, faith, and opportunity—values that continue to shape our lives today.”
KARL OSCHNER
“My wife traced her family lineage back to the Salem witch trials. My own family immigrated long after the colonists, and I am proud to have served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. I like to think my service helped protect the rights and freedoms
“For more than 30 years, our family has attended the Maine East fireworks celebration. We gather with family and friends, bring food, spend the evening together, and watch the fireworks. It has become a cherished tradition that spans generations and is one of the highlights of our summer. We also celebrate my mother’s birthday on July 5th, so the holiday weekend is always a special time for our family. My parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this July as well.”
STEPHANIE BLASZCZYK
Lulu celebrated her first Fourth of July in 2025! Photo submitted by Mom, Pamela Cullotta
Karl and Marjorie Ochsner
Forrest Arthur Greenhill and family.
Stephanie Blaszczyk and family.
“Our Fourth of July tradition is we always go out to dinner together and each year a different kid gets to choose the restaurant. For this year’s 250th, we’re planning a BBQ to celebrate since our son is flying home to visit for the weekend.”
SARAH LEDDY
“I plan to celebrate this Fourth of July by spending time with family and reflecting on the generations that came before me. America’s 250th birthday feels like a special opportunity to appreciate the stories, sacrifices, and dreams that helped shape both our country and our own family history. My grandmother was a proud first-generation American, and the stories my grandparents shared helped me understand the importance of preserving family history and appreciating the opportunities each generation creates for the next. I also hope future generations value kindness, hard work, gratitude, and maintaining strong connections to the people and places that shape their lives.”
ASHLEY MUELLER
“My family’s roots trace back to Italy, Poland, and Sweden. My father emigrated from a town near Lucca, Italy, arriving in America at age three and eventually settling among other Italian families in Chicago. My mother’s family came from Poland and Sweden generations earlier, building their lives on Chicago’s North Side. Both sets of grandparents became property owners, managing apartments and creating opportunities through education. My husband’s family has deep American entrepreneurial roots, including a stained-glass business featured at the 1893 World’s Fair. Together, our story is one of perseverance, education, and hope—values we now pass on to our two boys.”
JULIE SMITH
Submitted by resident Amy Carlson
Little firecracker Alessia celebrating her very first Fourth of July in 2024..
Joe and Theresa Straub - 2017 4th of July
Stella Costantini (age 1.5) at her family lake house in Apple Canyon Lake on July 4, 2022.
Submitted by resident Stephanie Tazioli
Sarah Leddy and family.
Ashley Mueller and grandparents.
The Smith Family
St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry: Serving Families, Strengthening Community
BY LISA MUENCH, FOOD PANTRY MANAGER
Tell us about the pantry.
For more than 30 years, St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry’s mission has been to assist neighbors who struggle with food insecurity and to provide hands on service opportunities for the St. Paul community to serve those in need.
What types of services or programs does it offer?
SPC Food Pantry holds monthly distribution events, providing nonperishable grocery staples as well as frozen ground beef to about 175 households. We serve clients living in Park Ridge, Niles, Des Plaines, Rosemont, Mount Prospect, and the Edison & Norwood Park neighborhoods of Chicago. In addition to the groceries and ground beef, clients receive bags of fresh fruit in the months of April September via our partnership with Park Ridge Kiwanis Club.
How do community partnerships help expand the pantry’s impact?
It takes the generosity of St. Paul parishioners and so many supporters from the wider community to make the pantry operation possible. We receive vital support from local organizations such as Jewel Osco Busse Road, IL Bone & Joint, Park Ridge Kiwanis Club, Mary Seat of Wisdom Church, Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts & Princesses, local Boy Scout & Girl Scout troops, Maine South Boys’ Basketball, and local elementary schools via the annual “Stuff the Squad” back to school food drive in partnership with the Park Ridge Police Department.
In addition to monthly food distribution events, SPC Food Pantry’s holiday outreach program provides Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for our client families with help from our amazing friends at Jewel Osco Busse Road as well as Walmart gift cards for qualifying client households. Park Ridge Kiwanis Club graciously provides pies for our client families’ Thanksgiving dinners.
How can others in your community get involved?
SPC Food Pantry welcomes donations of nonperishable food items (only) from the community via our 24/7 drop box chute on the north side of the food pantry. The pantry is located at the corner of Summit Ave. and St. Paul of the Cross Church’s alley, next to the Parish Garden.
St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry www.spc-church.org
Magdalena A. Murzanski, LLC
Community donations keep pantry shelves full.
SPC Food Pantry partners with the Park Ridge Kiwanis Club to provide clients bags of fresh fruit.
HOT READS FOR SUMMER
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, unwind, and get lost in a great book. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading on vacation, or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, these must read picks deserve a spot in your beach bag this season. Check out these titles recommended by the Park Ridge Public Library staff! Visit parkridgelibrary.org for information on book discussions for adults.
Stroll Park Ridge Book Club will reconvene in September. All are welcome! Check the monthly Community Calendar on our website for updates strollparkridge.com
PICTURE BOOKS:
The Octopus Written and Illustrated by Guojing
Miles Ahead by Minh Lê and illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
Hold by Randy Ribay and illustrated by Zeke Peña
FICTION (ELEMENTARY SCHOOL):
Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames by Jenny Moore
CROSSOVER TITLES (CAN BE FOUND IN THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE LOFT):
Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi Sam(ira)’s Worst (Best) Summer by Nina Hamza
TEEN TITLES (ONLY FOUND IN THE LOFT):
The Oks Are Not Okay by Grace K. Shim
HIGH SCHOOL TEEN BOOKS:
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer
ADULT FICTION:
Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (loved by Laura, Sarah L., and Grace W.)
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (loved by Joanna, Grace W., Kelly, Sarah R., and Sarah V.)
Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall (loved by Cathy, Grace W., Joanna, and Rachel)
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DID YOU KNOW?
BY RESIDENT JOAN MATTINGLY
This year our country marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which declared the thirteen American colonies free and independent states, severing all political ties with Great Britain and officially launching the American Revolution.
In 1776, Park Ridge as we know it, was not even a gleam in anyone’s eyes. Among the earliest residents of this region were the Potawatomi Indians who found this land to be fertile and rich in natural resources. They established relationships with French fur traders and roamed as needed to hunt and fish, traveling along the Des Plaines River, carrying their canoes across a portage (such as modern day Touhy Avenue) to the north branch of the Chicago River. They also traveled by land, creating trails (modern Milwaukee Avenue) that went northwest from Lake Michigan.
As settlers moved westward, the Potawatomi and other tribes were forced out by treaties. The Treaty of 1833 enabled the American government to purchase 5,000,000 acres of land
in exchange for land west of the Mississippi. A few Potawatomi leaders were permitted to remain behind. Their names are part of our heritage: Billy Caldwell (Caldwell Woods, Caldwell Avenue) and Alexander Robinson (Robinson Woods, near Schiller Park).
The years have rolled past. Mancel Talcott’s lonely farm at Touhy and the Des Plaines River became a post office. George Penny and Robert Meacham opened a brickyard which at its height produced 5,000,000 bricks annually. Pennyville became Brickton. A train depot was built.The clay field petered out. The Chicago Fire brought an influx of new residents. A Village was born and George Carpenter elected President. Leonard Hodges developed a new residential community. An Art Colony was born. The Village became a City with Albert Buchheit as mayor. A Library was built. William Malone commissioned the Pickwick Theater and re shaped uptown Park Ridge. And the growth and changes continue. There is much for us to celebrate in this semiquincentennial year!
Main Street in 1939.
A family photo of George Penny’s widow and children on the steps of the second home that George had built before he died in 1868.
EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE
OVER 15,000 SERVED IN PARK RIDGE & SCAN TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT.
THE SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1985
Celebrating 10 YEARS of Chicago Oral Surgery and Implant Center
BY DR. JORDAN LEDGER
Tell us about the practice:
Chicago Oral Surgery & Implant Center opened in 2016 in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. The idea was to build a practice that combined surgical precision with a genuinely patient centered experience. Oral surgery carries a lot of anxiety for most people, and I wanted to create an environment where patients felt informed, comfortable, and well cared for from the first phone call through recovery.
Over the past decade the practice has grown to three locations — West Loop, Roscoe Village, and Park Ridge. This year we also welcomed Dr. Omar Faraj to the team, joining Dr. Michael Lee and myself. Having three board-certified surgeons across three locations means patients are never waiting long for the care they need.
What types of services does your practice offer?
Chicago Oral Surgery & Implant Center offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial
surgery services, including dental implants, All on 4 full arch implant restoration, wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, tooth extractions, and more. Dental implants and full arch restoration are at the heart of what we do. Over the course of my career I’ve performed nearly 3,000 All on 4 procedures — a technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four implants.. For patients who have been living with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, it’s genuinely transformative.
What’s unique about your practice?
What sets us apart is the experience we’ve accumulated and the accessibility we’ve built around it. We have three board certified surgeons across three locations, Saturday hours, free parking, and a staff fluent in Spanish, Polish, and Arabic. We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for every patient in this city to get the care they need, on their schedule.
Please share any upcoming milestones you’re excited about.
This October we celebrate 10 years. That’s the milestone we’re focused on — reflecting on the patients we’ve served, the team we’ve built, and the relationships we’ve created this last decade. We’re grateful and looking forward to marking the occasion with our team and the community.
Chicago Oral Surgery & Implant Center 312-620-1926 oralsurgerychi.com
Dr. Omar Faraj, Dr. Jordan Ledger, and Dr. Michael Lee
Happy Birthday: Walter, Papa, Dad and America!!!
BY RESIDENT SCOTT CASTELLANOS
Keeping it light isn’t always easy, but I’ll do my best because I have a tough topic to tackle. So, I will start with a joke my dad, aka Papa, used to tell my kids when they were little.
A horse walks into a bar, and the bartender asks, why the long face?
You may or may not know, but that’s not the full joke, but that’s the way my dad told it, and truth be told; it always had him and my boys laughing. Papa was full of goofy jokes and comments and had so many inside jokes with his ‘turkeys,’ aka his grandchildren, my boys.
The Fourth of July has always been a big holiday for my family because the next day is my dad’s birthday, and for the past thirty ish years, we have celebrated both days at Lake Ladonna, my parents’ favorite place to spend their time off. Throughout the holiday weekend, you hear folks yelling out, as they zip by in a golf cart, “Happy Birthday Walter,” and he’d yell back, “Happy Birthday America,” or vice versa, depending on who it was and how lively the party got.
The moment we’d arrive, after a 90 minute car ride, the boys would run out of the van, forgetting to help unload the
M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
car. Papa would light up and start goofing around with the kids immediately. When they were little, he would give them countless rides in the golf cart, including stops at the creek to look for critters. When they got older, Papa would let them give him rides in the golf cart, minus the critter stop.
We lost my dad this winter, and this is our first July 4th & 5th without him. I don’t know how I will handle it, but I do know we will continue to drive around in the golf cart, make jokes, yell “Happy Birthday America,” and do what we do best, have fun and laugh together, because just like Papa taught my boys, long faces are for horses…not turkeys.
Stroll Park Ridge Scholarship Recipient Honored: Emery Yates
BY STROLL PARK RIDGE STAFF
We are proud to celebrate Maine South High School graduate Emery Yates as this year’s Stroll Park Ridge Scholarship recipient.
During her time at Maine South, Emery immersed herself in a variety of activities that helped shape both her interests and her voice. She joined Southwords, Maine South’s student
publication, as a freshman writer before serving as Editor in Chief her senior year. Emery also founded Maine South’s ASL Club, serving as president for the last two years.
Emery’s family has been a constant source of encouragement throughout her journey. Emery credits her parents, Leslie and Eric, along with her sister Sophia, for
encouraging her and helping her pursue her passions with confidence.
This fall, Emery will attend Boston University, where she plans to study Public Relations/Journalism and Political Science. With a passion for storytelling and communication already evident through her work with Southwords, Emery is excited to continue developing her voice.
STROLL Park Ridge recognizes Emery at the Maine South Senior Honors Night with the annual Stroll Scholarship Award at Maine South HS.
Receiving the Stroll Park Ridge Scholarship serves as both recognition of Emery’s hard work and encouragement as she prepares for this exciting next chapter. “Receiving this scholarship gives me satisfaction in the work that I have done over the years. As I go into a difficult and new challenge in college, it is nice to know that my work has been seen,” Emery shared.
When asked what she loves most about Park Ridge, Emery pointed to the strong sense of community that surrounds the town.
“People want each other to succeed and they root for each other,” she said. “Everyone is kind and everyone is always willing to give a helping hand.”
That spirit of encouragement, connection, and support is exactly why Emery Yates is such a deserving recipient of this honor. Congratulations, Emery! We cannot wait to see all the wonderful stories you will tell.
Congratulations, Emery!
Mike Calahan
BY RESIDENT MICHAEL CALAHAN
What street do you live on? Lahon
What sport do you play and how long have you been playing?
I have played golf for about 40 years.
What inspired you to get started with golf?
At first it was business connections conducted over a round of golf. Later I joined the Park Ridge Golf League and really enjoyed the weekly competitions, spring and fall outings and special trips to Geneva National, Purdue and the Robert Trent Jones courses in Alabama.
What do you enjoy most about golf?
Getting to spend 4 hours in nature and time with your fellow golfers whether they be people you know or people that got selected by the course to fill a foursome. It is a gentleperson’s sport so it can be a great way to get to know people. Also, hitting the unbelievable fantastic shot that turns into an “eagle.”
What is your proudest moment?
Playing the Old Course at St Andrews and hitting a good drive on #1 with so many onlookers. I have my Irish luck to thank for winning the lottery with the other 3 guys I was traveling with.
Who is someone you admire?
All men and women professional golfers. They all have so much skill and dedication. Also, in the Park Ridge Golf League we have had several guys in their 80’s play
very good golf. I hope to be like them and still playing good golf in my 80’s.
What advice do you have for others looking to get into golf?
Be patient and practice, it usually does not come quickly. Most of all be positive and have fun out on the course. Great conversations can be had on the golf course, take advantage of the interaction with real live human beings. Best of all, join the Park Ridge Golf League so that you have a schedule of getting out to play 9 at least once a week. Call me!!
To learn more about joining the Park Ridge Golf League, email Mike: MCalahan8 7@ outlook.com
Mike Calahan (right) with friends.
Mike (second from left) at a local golf outing with members of the Park Ridge Golf League.
Aribella is 18 years old and a recent Maine South High School graduate. She is looking forward to attending Mercyhurst University this fall.
What street do you live on? Oakton
Do you have any siblings? I have 2 older brothers, Emanuel and Daniel.
What sports do you play?
Softball and flag football. I’ve played softball since 1st grade. I’m a utility player, but I also catch for Maine South.
Quarterbacking Her Future: Aribella Spandiary Prepares for College Flag Football
BY RESIDENT & JUNIOR WRITER JOSETTE STEINFELS
I’ve played flag football since 1st grade and I play quarterback and linebacker. I’ll be playing flag football in college.
What is your favorite thing about flag football?
Definitely the competitiveness. It’s such a rewarding sport, and there’s no better feeling than throwing a touchdown and seeing all the hard work pay off.
What are you most excited about for college?
To play flag football. It’s a fresh start and a new challenge, and I can’t wait to show people what I can do at the next level.
Do you have any summer plans? I’m mostly going to spend time with my friends and train for college flag football.
What is your favorite thing to do with your family and friends over the summer?
My friends and I love to go to the beach and really just enjoy each other. Little things like driving around, listening to music, trying new foods, and just lying out together. My family loves to barbecue and play games.
What is a piece of advice you would give to students entering Maine South?
Get involved. Join a club or join a new sport; you never know who you’ll meet and what they’ll mean to you down the road.
Photography by Margaret Rajic Styling by Studio O cer
Stars, Stripes & Spuds: A 4th of July Potato Salad
BY RESIDENT PASCALE JOHNSON
SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 3 pounds baby potatoes, scrubbed and halved
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 pound thick cut bacon
• 6 eggs
• 3 scallions, sliced (about 1 cup), plus more for serving
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a high protein option!)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup dill fronds (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup parsley leaves (about 1 ounce)
• 1 cup roughly chopped chives (about 1 ½ ounces)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves
• Kosher salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Add a generous amount of salt and cover the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, covered, until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a knife (8 10 min). Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside. You can arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray to allow potatoes to cool faster.
2. Arrange the bacon slices on a foil lined sheet pan and roast until browned and crisp (10 15 min). Remove from the oven and set bacon on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess grease, then cut into ½ inch pieces and set aside.
3. Bring a medium pot of water to boil over high heat. Gently add the eggs to the water and boil for 8 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel the eggs, then set aside.
4. To a blender or food processor, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, parsley, chives, vinegar, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt and blend until the herbs are finely chopped and everything is combined (30 60 seconds). Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, if not using immediately.
5. To a large serving bowl, add the cooled potatoes, scallions, cheddar, bacon and enough dressing to coat. Using your hands, break the eggs into chunks into the bowl (or chop if preferred). Gently toss the salad until everything is coated, adding more dressing as desired, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. Before serving, add freshly ground black pepper and toss again to refresh the dressing, then garnish with more sliced scallions on top.
“These recipes have always been Fourth of July favorites! The ranch in the potato salad cuts the heat from the hot honey in the Firecrackers.”
PASCALE JOHNSON
THE FIRECRACKER
INGREDIENTS:
• 3-4 whole pitted cherries
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz hot honey
• 2 oz reposado
• 1/2 oz triple sec
DIRECTIONS:
Muddle cherries at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add in lime juice, hot honey, reposado and triple sec. Shake and strain over ice garnish with fresh cherries.
Legal Expertise You Can
We The People
BY RESIDENT PAUL HANSEN
For 250 years we have celebrated this day
July Fourth calls for something special to say
John Phillip Sousa beautifully playing in my ear
But there is much more I must admit that I hear I hear the words read, written so long ago
Hard won by sacrifice of millions we all know
Freedom means different things to every one
But it has always been easier said than done
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Is something that no one should have to miss
We have often been a country divided,
We usually talked and reached across the aisle
We might not always agree, but ended with a smile
We could always find common ground
No obstacle we could not find our way around I still believe this to be inherently true I know it would happen if it was me and you
On this 250th Independence Day I still believe America will continue to be all it can be
While I see us with all our flaws I still have hope because I know as Americans we can all agree
A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
BY STROLL STAFF
July 4, 1961 during the Park Ridge Fourth of July “Kiddie Parade.” Children were dressed to represent international countries. The Park Ridge Kiwanis Club has continued the tradition and will be hosting the 71st annual parade this year.
Don’t miss the Stroll Park Ridge Monthly Coffee! Open to all in the Park Ridge community. Our next community coffees will take place on Wednesday, July 29th and Wednesday, August 26th from 9 - 10:15 AM at the Park Ridge Country Club. Thanks to Sue Hall @properties for hosting these fun community gatherings! We look forward to seeing you all!
The Return of Quiet
IN A WELLNESS CULTURE long defined by optimization (faster workouts, smarter tracking, and measurable results), a quieter status symbol is emerging: the ability to unplug and focus. Reading, once relegated to leisure, is being reimagined as a form of mental fitness.
Traditional reading races toward a destination, but mindful reading is slow, distraction-free, and nonjudgmental. Reading isn’t about productivity. It’s not about completing a certain number of pages or titles to feel accomplished; it’s about prioritizing mental recovery. Opening a book becomes an intentional habit and a daily ritual as common as pouring a glass of wine while cooking dinner. It’s a replacement for evening phone scrolling or reality television. It reflects control, intention, and the luxury of uninterrupted time, especially for adults who are increasingly protective of their attention. Unlike the page count or books finished, that dedicated time spent in silence is the destination. And research supports the reframe. A 2024 study published in the American Journal of Health Behavior found that reading measurably reduces work stress and improves job satisfaction. Reading is evolving into a modern wellness marker, shifting concentration away from constant stimulation toward something far more restorative. The ritual requires nothing more than a quiet corner and thirty minutes. No subscription, no equipment, and no instructor. Even Barnes & Noble, which closed 150 stores over the prior decade, opened more than 60 new locations in 2025. These days, it seems as though you’re as likely to find a small bookstore as you are a boutique fitness studio. The goal isn't to just build a reading list. It's to build a recovery practice. Books, it turns out, are excellent medicine.
RED, WHITE, AND WOOF: MEET AUGIE!
BY RESIDENT CANDICE HARTRANFT
Tell us about your pet.
Augie is a standard size Golden Doodle. He will be 6 years old on July 4th although like most dogs, he isn’t a fan of fireworks. He’s pretty fluffy and weighs close to 70 lbs.
When did Augie come to join your family?
Augie joined our family as a puppy in the fall of 2020.
Is there a story behind his name?
Augie’s name is short for a well known golf event held every spring in Georgia. Our family enjoys playing golf together.
What’s the one trait that makes Augie stand out from the rest?
Augie loves to meet all our guests in the driveway. He makes sure you hear him before you see him! The minute the door opens, he’s excited to greet, but typically spends most of his time lying under someone’s feet.
Does he have any unique talents or tricks?
Like all dogs, he loves to play fetch and go on long walks. He is especially talented at hiding socks and swiping food off the counter.
Does Augie have any favorite toys or treats?
Augie loves apples, carrots, and duck jerky. He also has an avocado shaped stuffy that he has carried around since he was a puppy.
Tell us about your favorite memory with Augie. When he was a puppy, we bought a large dog bed, thinking he would grow into it. Now that he is 6 and huge, it is better suited as a pillow than a bed. We laugh every time he puts his head on it and his body stretches across the floor.
Where does Augie love to hang out in the neighborhood?
His favorite place to spend time is our backyard. We have a small putting green he likes to lounge on. He loves playing fetch or sitting under our feet around the fire.
What is Augie “pet peeve”?
Augie doesn’t like windy and rainy days.
If Augie could choose any adventure to go on, what would it be?
Augie is pretty laid back, anywhere he can stroll and have a snack, he’d be happy. He’d probably be happy following us around for 9 holes!
By customizing face and body treatments to the individual needs of the patient, Uptown Med Spa can refresh and enhance an already beautiful you!
A NEW ERA FOR FIRE STATION 35
BY STROLL STAFF
After years of planning, construction, and working around an active firehouse, the newly remodeled Fire Station 35 is officially complete. The transformation delivers a faster, healthier, and more modern home for the Park Ridge Fire Department and the community it protects.
The project first took shape in 2020 when the department commissioned a comprehensive study of Fire Stations 35 and 36. Officials examined aging infrastructure, firefighter safety concerns, cancer prevention measures, and the needs of a
(L to R) Fire Chief Jeff Sorensen, Lieutenant/ Fire Marshal Kevin Plach, Lieutenant Frank Villari, Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Villegas, Firefighter Geoffrey Mleko, and Executive Officer Paul Lisowski.
modern workforce. After weighing everything from basic repairs to complete rebuilds, the city chose a middle ground solution: a full gut renovation paired with strategic additions and upgrades.
The result is a station designed around efficiency, wellness, and rapid response. The new open concept layout places firefighters just one door away from the apparatus bays and emergency vehicles, shaving valuable seconds off response times.
One of the station’s most important upgrades focuses on firefighter health. Firefighters routinely face exposure to carcinogens and hazardous materials, so the redesign intentionally separates areas where contaminated gear is stored and cleaned from the living quarters and offices. Dedicated decontamination areas, gear storage rooms, specialized laundry facilities, and showers help reduce long term health risks for crews returning from calls.
The new gym helps keep firefighters healthy, strong, and ready for the next call.
The heart of the station, the new kitchen has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for the crew.
