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ATTORNEY
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates (312) 578-9300 madonia.com
BEAUTY
Sans Soleil Sunless Tan (847) 852-6677 www.sansoleiltan.glossgenius.com
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Alchemy Studio Aesthetics & Wellness (224) 310-2729 www.alchemystudioaw.com
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Rocco Smeriglio Resident Writer
Kelly Leahy
Charlotte Trecartin Resident Writer
Neal Parker Resident Writer
Catalina Shin Resident Writer
Ruth Jeong Resident Writer
Gianna Suvada Resident Writer
June
AS WE LOOK AHEAD to next month, we are preparing to honor a very meaningful milestone: America’s 250th birthday. In anticipation of this historic celebration, we are inviting residents to share their American stories with us.
Your story may be about your parents or grandparents coming to this country in search of opportunity. It may be about growing up in Arlington Heights, marching in a Fourth of July parade, serving our country, building a business, raising a family, volunteering in the community, or simply reflecting on what America has meant to you through the decades. Maybe your story is joyful, funny, emotional, patriotic, complicated, hopeful — or all of the above. That’s what makes it meaningful.
As a community magazine, we believe these stories matter. They remind us where we come from, what we’ve lived through, what we’ve built together, and what we hope to pass on to the next generation. Arlington Heights is made up of families, neighbors, veterans, immigrants, teachers, business owners, volunteers, children and lifelong residents — each with a unique piece of the American story.
As our country prepares to celebrate 250 years, we would love to hear yours. Email strollscarsdale@gmail.com to participate.
Thank you, as always, for reading, sharing, supporting and being part of this beautiful community.
Happy Flag Day! Happy Father’s Day! Enjoy the Stroll!
Dolly McCarthy, Publisher
HAPPY FLAG DAY, June 14th
the QR code to
up
June 10th, 9 - 10:15
Don’t miss the Stroll Monthly coffees! Open to all in the Arlington Heights community. Our monthly coffees will be held the second Wednesday of every month at Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton Street, Arlington Heights. Thanks to Kobra Hall with Fulton Grace Realty for sponsoring these coffee gatherings. We look forward to seeing you all! RSVP StrollScarsdale@gmail.com.
SAY HELLO Griffin Family! Griffin Family!
TO THE
Family members: Gene, an attorney, and Natalie Griffin, a former Special Education Teacher and co-founder/co-owner of Gerry’s Cafe, a nonprofit cafe employing adults with disabilities. Our daughter, Molly Smith, is a VP of Strategy at a creative advertising agency in Kansas City. She is married to Justin Smith, a VP Creative Director at the same agency. They have a 14-month-old son, Conrad. Meghan Baur, our second daughter, is an occupational therapist. Meghan and her husband, Dr. Nick Baur, recently bought their first home in Arlington Heights and just celebrated their son Jamie’s 1st birthday. Our son Tim lives in Lincoln Park and is an attorney. Tim will marry Alyssa Kovatchis in August 2026. Our favorite family vacation over the years has been spent along Lake Michigan in the beautiful coastal town of South Haven, Michigan.
How long have you lived in Arlington Heights? Gene moved to Arlington Heights with his family from the south side of Chicago in 1967 when he was 5. After Gene and I married, we were looking to buy a home, and from Gene’s experience, we knew Arlington Heights would be the perfect place to raise a family. We purchased our first home in Arlington
Heights in 1989 and have been here ever since. Years later, Gene’s dad would refer to him as the “smart one” for settling in Arlington Heights and raising our family here.
What university did you attend? Gene and I both graduated from the University of Illinois, where we met in 1984.
What are your favorite places in the community? We always enjoy Arlington Alfresco! Favorite spots year-round include Hey Nonny, Peggy Kinnane’s, Passero, Scratchboard Kitchen and Tuscan Wine Market. Beer on the Wall and Kilwin’s are the best for special treats. We love to shop at Ala Mode, Charisma, Upstairs Boutique, and the Eiffel Flower. We frequent the Metropolis for live theater and concerts and enjoy attending and supporting their Annual Gala. We’re of course regulars at Gerry’s Cafe - breakfast, lunch, catering for our parties and we all enjoy the coffee, ice cream and baked goods! We live nearby and walk up several times a week to engage with the employees and connect with neighbors and friends!
What’s your favorite part of living in Arlington Heights? From attending Christmas tree lightings in North School Park, to live music in Harmony Park, to
farmer’s market visits on a Saturday, Memorial Day and 4th of July parades, attending Frontier Days and family events in the Sherwood neighborhood, our family loves to get out into the community and meet up with neighbors and friends to create traditions. We love living in Arlington Heights for the wide range of social events, restaurants and shopping. We enjoy the kindness and kinship that we feel is unique to this community.
Scan this QR code to nominate a family to appear on the cover of STROLL!
Gianna Suvada
BY RESIDENT GIANNA SUVADA
What is your name and what school do you attend? My name is Gianna Suvada and I am in 8th grade at Saint James School.
What sports do you play? I am a member of the St. James 8th grade girls basketball team. We won 1st place in the NWCC and closed out our grade school career completely undefeated from 5th through 8th grade!
What position do you play? I play guard. Together as a team we fill in where we need it and adjust accordingly.
What is your proudest moment? Becoming a better player on and off the court. We learn more from our losses than we do from our wins.
Who is someone you admire? Anyone that is a leader. People who demonstrate extraordinary kindness, resilience, innovation and selflessness.
What advice do you have for others looking to get into your chosen sport? Prioritize mastering fundamentals, shooting form, ball handling with both hands and defense.
Beyond sports, what do you and your teammates like to do? My teammates and I all are multisport athletes. We play volleyball and soccer and run cross country and track.
If you were to continue practicing your sport, what do you hope to become or accomplish someday? Make the most of a single day. Focus on achieving one major goal. Practice gratitude and make connections.
Gianna and the St. James basketball team after winning the championship.
Gianna just graduated from 8th grade and is headed to high school in the fall.
Neeko the Cava-poo-shon
BY RESIDENT RUTH JEONG
Tell us about your pet. Neeko is a 1-year-old cava-poo-shon male (mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle and Bichon Frise). He’s my husband’s and my first dog together and he is such a joy in our life!
What’s the one trait or behavior that makes Neeko stand out from the rest? Neeko knows both Korean and English. Also, he’s super fashionable. If you see a dog with bright pink shoes or dog crocs around the neighborhood, that’s him. We also dress him up in different outfits. He also loves and welcomes everyone. He is SUPER fast when he has the zoomies and outruns many other dogs at the dog park. He can also be super sweet and sleep on my lap even though he’s probably too big to be a lap dog. Unlike other dogs, he will sleep in if we sleep in.
Are there any local businesses or parks Neeko enjoys visiting? He loves going to Bentley’s and getting treats from the amazing people who work there. He also likes just walking downtown, the Arlington Heights Farmers Market in the summer, and Melas Park Canine Commons.
Tell us about your favorite memory with your pet. There’s too many to count. If I have to choose, it’s when it snowed and Neeko was so happy to play outside. He was prancing and running around and sticking his head in the snow.
AROUND TOWN
The Cardio Kidz Spring Running series got off to a fantastic start with 125 runners taking to the track.
Photo by Jessica M. Photography
Arlington Heights residents John Kent and Jim Ray brought out their coins, currency and stamps to the 8th graders at Thomas Middle School for Oral History Day.
Saint Viator students welcomed the spring sports season with a pep rally.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library hosted a Family Robotics Day to help residents explore technology and robots in a fun environment.
Probationary firefighters Ryan Loy and John Holland were welcomed to the Arlington Heights Fire Department.
The library, park district and village Youth Commission partnered for a Teen Job Fair.
Michael ’95 and Melissa Canning, pictured here with Saint Viator High School President Ryan Aiello, were honored with the Saint Viator Legacy Award at the 2026 Night of the Lion benefit.
Guests at Saint Viator’s Night of the Lion event raised funds for tuition assistance and the Viator Foundation.
EXPERTLY PLANNED, PERSONALLY DESIGNED: OCEAN PRIME TRAVEL
BY OCEAN PRIME TRAVEL OWNER AMY DIMAIO
Tell us about your business? I am the owner of Ocean Prime Travel. I was previously an HR executive and sales executive. I left the corporate world to pursue a career in the travel industry. I love my jobI help clients created life long memories and check items off their bucket list.
What inspired you to leave the corporate world and pursue a career in travel? I personally love to travel and experience new cultures. I wanted to help others by curating luxury trips to experience the world.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Stroll asked Amy to name travel destinations that are currently underrated but worth exploring.
Puglia, Italy: Located in the “heel” of Italy’s boot, Puglia is known for miles of bountiful coastline and a landscape of olive groves and vineyards.
Bordeaux, France: Known for wine but also a great summer destination, Bordeaux offers views of stunning 18th century neoclassical architecture and elegant waterfront. It also has a vibrant food scene.
Costa Rica: Rugged rainforest in Central America, this is a perfect location to relax and recharge. There is much to see while here, from beautiful landscape to wild monkeys!
Amy can help you plan trips to locations like Zaanse Schans, The Netherlands, seen here.
What has been the most rewarding part of building Ocean Prime Travel? Being able to truly understand what the clients are looking for out of their vacation is key. Many clients have an idea of the vacation they want to take but don’t know truly where to start. It is important to listen to the client and start to curate their dream vacation all while staying within their budget. It is extremely rewarding when the client returns from vacation and calls to let me know the best part about the trip.
What are some common travel planning mistakes people make when booking on their own? Not getting travel protection is one. You have just invested a lot of money into taking your dream vacation and then life happens! In addition, booking too many destination stops into one vacation. You don’t want to feel rushed while you are traveling!
How do you help make travel less stressful for families, couples, or retirees? You should enjoy your trip and not be stressed while on vacation. We will help plan you perfect vacation and make sure you have a full understanding of what is needed when you are traveling, from packing all the essentials for that Alaskan cruise you’ve been dreaming about to making sure you have the paperwork for the excursion you are taking.
What’s one travel experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime? Travel should be personalized to what is important to someone. This might mean taking
“Wonderful cruise planned by Amy DiMaio. She booked us into rooms with the perfect location. We really appreciate how professional and dedicated she is to her clients.”
AMY P.
that trip to Rome to experience the Vatican and the art and culture, traveling to Europe to see your family heritage, or going on an African safari to witness wild animals in their natural habitat while having an adrenaline-filled day.
What do you think people misunderstand most about working with a travel advisor, and how does Ocean Prime Travel help make vacations more enjoyable and stress-free? I think many consumers don’t understand the true benefits of working with a travel advisor. Ocean Prime Travel does not charge additional fees for you to work with us. We help save you time when booking travel due to our expert knowledge on locations and resorts.
Amy can help plan a variety of trips, including cruises.
Amy in Budapest.
MAINTAINING A LIVING TRUST
Life is a journey and so is your living trust. It is simply not enough to create a living trust, no matter how well designed it is. Changes in your personal and financial circumstances, tax law, trust law, and more affect the long-term viability of your estate plan.. It is important that you periodically meet with your attorney and other professional advisors to review and update your estate plan.
BE A PARTNER WITH AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
You are the expert on your family, so you need to keep your lawyer informed of any changes in your family situation. This includes marriages, divorces, new children, change of beneficiaries, change of the distribution split, and so forth. Your attorney is the expert on changes in the laws which would affect your trust. Estate planning is a process and together you and your attorney will work to ensure you are up-to-date, in compliance with current laws and able to avoid probate.
THE MAINTENANCE FOR MY LIVING TRUST
The best type of estate plan maintenance is a formal updating program that provides for regular periodic checkups between the client and estate planning attorney. A formal estate planning maintenance program will ensure that your documents remain “state-of-the-art,” will provide for a funding review to verify that all your assets are properly titled to match your estate planning objectives and will alert you to changes in the law that might impact your estate planning objectives. It will also give you the chance to revisit decisions you have made about your assets, and evaluate whether you want to make any changes.
Your legacy deserves care.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
District 25 Summer Break Begins
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
8:00am - 5:00pm
SLSF Palatine Hills Golf Classic
Palatine Hills Golf Course, 512 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine
This annual event for the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) benefits Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). NWSRA provides outstanding opportunities through recreation for children and adults with disabilities. Visit www.slsf.me/events
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Village of Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Music with the Mayor! Featuring Exit 147 Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights Visit vah.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Picnic in the Park
North School Park, N. Evergreen Ave. & E. Eastman St., Arlington Heights
Celebrate the start of summer with live music, mini-golf, food trucks, games and more!
SATURDAY, JUNE 6 - SATURDAY, JUNE 27
8:00am -12:00pm
Arlington Heights Farmers Market 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
The Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings from May through September and features fresh produce, hot food, live music and family activities. Visit arlingtonheightsfarmersmarket.org
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
11:30am -12:15pm
Arlington Heights Park District Kids Concert: Miss Jamie North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights Miss Jamie grew up on a ranch, and her music celebrates her love of animals, nature and the outdoors. Come down to North School Park and learn about life down on the farm through songs both new and familiar. Visit miss-jamie.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Arlington Heights Park District Summer Concert: Community Band
North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights
The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band entertains with light-classical music, marches, show tunes and theme concerts. Visit arlingtonheightsband.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
9:00am -10:15am
Stroll Community Coffee
Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton St., Arlington Heights
Don’t miss the Stroll Monthly coffees! Open to all in the Arlington Heights community. Our monthly coffees will be held the second Wednesday of every month. Thanks to Kobra Hall with Fulton Grace Realty for sponsoring these coffee gatherings. We look forward to seeing you all! RSVP strollscarsdale@gmail.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Village of Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Mac Attack - Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights
Visit vah.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Flag Day
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
11:30am -12:15pm
Arlington Heights Park District Kids Concert: Jeanie B North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights
In Jeanie B’s experience, kids love rock ‘n’ roll. Her interactive shows are packed with dancing, singalongs, and plenty of silliness—ensuring that everyone, young and old, goes home with a smile. Visit jeaniebmusic.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Arlington Heights Park District Presents Pride! with Beyond the Blonde
North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights
The party starts at 6:30pm with glam and color powder stations, info and activity booths, and giveaways. Bring a picnic and stop by
the Kona Ice truck for frosty treats! At 7:00pm, unleash your inner superstar with Chicago-based tribute band, Beyond the Blonde.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
11:00am - 1:00pm
Live Well, Age Well Expo: Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the USA Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Rd., Arlington Heights
This free event will provide advice on real estate, moving & organizing, home care & home health, state & local agencies, and financial & legal advisors, along with giveaways and a complimentary lunch. Call 847-253-5532 to register
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Village of Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Heartache Tonight - A Tribute to the Eagles Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights Visit vah.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
Father’s Day
MONDAY, JUNE 22
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Pool Deck Party: DJ Matthew Camelot Park, 1005 E. Suffield Dr., Arlington Heights Get ready to dance as Matt the DJ from FeelGood Party Band joins us for a rockin’ poolside party!
MONDAY, JUNE 22
6:00pm - 7:30pm Rock ‘n Run Fundraiser
Winston Campus School Track, 900 E. Palatine Rd., Palatine
This fundraiser, jointly presented by Cardio Kidz and Music for the Ages, is for kids ages 1-6 and will feature music by Miss Jamie’s Farm. Visit musicfortheages.net/rocknrun to register
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
11:30am -12:15pm
Arlington Heights Park District Kids Concert: Being Bilingual Rocks!
North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights Alina Celeste and Mi Amigo Hamlet provide an interactive, one-of-a-kind celebration of love, acceptance and diversity. Bring your kids and family on a musical journey with a mix of bossanova, rumba-flamenco, contemporary Caribbean beats, bluegrass twang, and humor. Visit gocreativeprograms.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Arlington Heights Park District Summer Concert: Arlingtones
North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights
The Arlingtones a cappella chorus has been entertaining audiences in the northwest suburbs for over 65 years with traditional barbershop sounds as well as contemporary music. Visit arlingtones.net
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Village of Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Matchbox 90s - A Tribute to Matchbox 20 and More Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights Visit vah.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lecture & Learn – Stars & Stories
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
The Historical Museum presents a fascinating lecture on its American Flag restoration project and its importance to Arlington Heights history. A $5 registration fee is required.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
7:00pm - 7:45pm
Arlington Heights Park District Kids Concert: Wendy & DB
North School Park, 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights Wendy & DB are a dynamic, award-winning children’s music duo from Chicago who inspire curiosity and imagination through their original songs, positive lyrics, and catchy melodies. Visit wendyanddb.com
ONE KITCHEN, ONE COMMUNITY, HUNDREDS OF MEALS AHML’s Effort to Fight Food Insecurity
BY CATALINA SHIN, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUPERVISOR, AND NEAL PARKER, PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS SPECIALIST, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
At the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, the kitchen has become more than a place to cook — it’s become a place where community members come together to nourish hope, build connections, and make a difference one meal at a time.
Tell us about your cause. Our library launched a culinary volunteer program that brings neighbors together in the library’s Makerplace kitchen to prepare and donate meals to PADS sites across Arlington Heights. This initiative addresses food insecurity and has built a strong community of volunteers who gather once a month to cook and serve.
How did you get started with this work? We started this work three years ago, sparked by Neal’s idea to create a meaningful service project for MLK Day of Service. What began as a simple plan to assemble brown-bag lunches quickly grew. With modest budget support and strong community partnerships with nearby churches that serve as PADS sites, we launched the seasonal PADS Meal Prep Program, running once a month from October through April. Over the past three years, the program has donated more than 500 meals.
Why is this program so important to our community? It turns compassion into action. It brings library customers, community partners, and local organizations together around a common goal, supporting those experiencing homelessness while reinforcing the library’s role as a trusted community hub for service, collaboration, and care.
How to get involved: This program is open to all and a great opportunity for Arlington Heights residents to connect with a wonderful cause. Registration is available through the library’s website. Looking ahead, our long-term goal is to partner with a local community pantry and establish a Little Free Pantry inside the library.
Catalina Shin, Community Engagement Supervisor 847-870-4312 ahml.org
Volunteers work together to prepare salads.
The AHML has partnered with Makerplace Chef Brian Baseggio since October 2026. He has become a vital part of the team, elevating the meals AHML makes through his recipes and techniques.
A group of volunteers poses in the Makerplace kitchen.
Rocco’s Review
Francesca’s Tavola
BY RESIDENT ROCCO SMERIGLIO
This month, Andrea and I were able to convince Arlington Heights royalty, Mike and Molly Wolfe, to join us at Francesca’s Tavola. Full disclosure that since Francesca’s opened their doors here in April of 2001, it has been a staple for our family.
Francesca’s is best described as comfortable and upscale dining. Upon walking in, you are quickly greeted by the warm smiles of the staff along with the beautifully updated bar area that is chic and feels very cosmopolitan, but with beautiful TVs just in case the game goes into overtime.
We were welcomed by Juan Ramirez, our waiter, who we were lucky to have. Juan and the entire staff are all very invested in making sure your meal and experience are perfect! The menu is bold, flavorful and heavenly all at once.
Our table indulged in the halibut topped with fresh scallops, chicken milanese, rigatoni alla vodka, and the melanzane parmigiana. Every entrée was delicious and the portion size was generous! Multiple
offerings of Italian-inspired salads are on the menu, and none are your ordinary garden salad. Our favorite is the famous Francesca’s Salad!
Ten starters are available including the always popular calamari and the more unique lentils with spinach and goat cheese. Both of these selections were enjoyed by our party and were delicious and fresh! Just in case you have a sweet tooth like I do, desserts are not an afterthought. We shared the Sloppy Sundae like a bunch of kids whose parents were not looking.
While a traditional dinner may first come to mind, the new bar area is inviting with many familiar faces on any given night. The bar offers a full dinner offering, an array of specialty cocktails, beautiful wines, or even just a snack like the pizza pastore.
Francesca’s incredible party room makes having a celebration elevated, easy and private.
A special thanks go out to General Manager Eustacio “Stash” Duarte and Assistant GM Vincent Kunicki for making this review possible!
The staff at Francesca’s, especially Stash Duarte and Vince Kunicki, welcomed the Smeriglios and the Wolfes with open arms.
The melanzane (egglant) parmigiana is just one classic Italian entree
Francesca’s bar is the perfect setting for a cozy meal or a casual cocktail.
Server Juan Ramirez elevated the dining experience for Rocco and Andrea.
Diners can enjoy the Sloppy Sundae for dessert.
Guests at Francesca’s are treated to generous portions and freshly-grated parmesan.
“Those Book Ladies” Share Their Top Ten Summer Reads
Finally....Summertime reading is here!
BY RESIDENTS COLLEEN COLEMAN AND KELLY LEAHY
We asked residents Colleen and Kelly from the @ ThoseBookLadies Instagram account to share their summer reading recommendations with Stroll readers. Check out their fiction (and one non-fiction!) recommendations below and get ready to enjoy one for your poolside reading.
ThoseBookLadies: Top 10 Summer Reads
We could’ve easily made this a list of 100—but these are the best of the best: peak summer vibes, a mix of genres, and something for every kind of reader.
Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore
A fresh, fun Great Gatsby–inspired story set on Block Island. Familiar, but with enough twists to keep everyone guessing.
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
Former child star turned screenwriter + grumpy (hot) coworker + big Irish family + Long Island setting = summer rom-com perfection.
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
1970s Baltimore, a nanny gig gone wildly unconventional, and a front-row seat to sex, drugs, and rock & roll. A coming-of-age you won’t forget.
Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino 1960, the Jersey Shore, and a summer that changes everything. Charming, funny, and full of heart.
Every Beautiful Mile by Ashley Manley
A road trip, a grieving family, and a reminder that life is meant to be lived. Tender, hopeful, and quietly romantic.
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal
A sweeping, decades-spanning story of love, loss, family, and food set in Minnesota. Bittersweet, immersive, and deeply satisfying.
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
An Oprah’s Book Club pick that dives into morality, family, and consequences after a devastating crash with an autonomous car that leaves you with more questions than answers.
Guess Again by Charlie Donlea
A fast-paced, page-turning thriller set in summertime Wisconsin. Short chapters, big twists, total escapism. We love a local author!
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
A peaceful Northwoods getaway turns deadly. Atmospheric, twisty, and from a favorite local author who we got to meet this year!
The Storm by Rachel Hawkins
A twisty Gulf Shores thriller with an impending storm—both literal and emotional. Multiple timelines, maximum suspense.
And one bonus recommendation for the non-fiction readers!
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Enjoy this memoir that details Ina’s journey from painful childhood to the beloved Food Network star, The Barefoot Contessa. You can’t help but be impressed and inspired by Ina’s work ethic, success, resilience, and most of all, joyful spirit.
Residents Kelly and Colleen from @ThoseBookLadies.
Arlington Heights’ Charlotte Trecartin Named Illinois Small Business Person of the Year
BY STROLL STAFF AND RESIDENT CHARLOTTE TRECARTIN
Arlington Heights local Charlotte Trecartin was recently named Illinois Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Trecartin is the founder and CEO of CharCharms, which creates collectible trinkets that turn everyday items like water bottles into eclectic accessories. Since its founding in 2021, the business has since grown into a multi-million dollar business. CharCharms are sold in retailers including Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Walmart. Trecartin was honored in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week in May. Stroll caught up with Trecartin to hear about her exciting honor and her love for Arlington Heights.
What inspired you to create CharCharms? I had the idea after looking at my own water bottle and thinking about how to accessorize it. I did a quick
online search and saw that nothing like it really existed yet, so I decided to create it.
How did you find yourself on Shark Tank? I auditioned three times before I got on. I first applied online and didn’t hear back, then went to an open casting call in Indianapolis with no response again. I tried one more time in Las Vegas, and that’s when I got the green light. The biggest difference was that I leaned into my personal story more in the pitch, which resonated with the casting team.
Can you tell us about your experience being named to Forbes 30 Under 30? I actually nominated myself and had strong recommendations from people in my industry. Being named to the list was a huge honor. It’s opened up incredible networking opportunities and added a layer of credibility that’s been really valuable for myself and the business.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition. As a young entrepreneur, it’s especially meaningful to use my platform to uplift and inspire other young founders.”
CHARLOTTE TRECARTIN
What is your connection to Arlington Heights? I live in Arlington Heights and I’m very involved in the community. I’m part of the Action Heights group and a regular at Coco & Blu. I also speak at local high schools in entrepreneurship incubator classes. Recently, I hosted a Hot Smart Cool meetup for young, ambitious women in the northwest suburbs at Coco & Blu.
What are your favorite things about Arlington Heights? My favorite things about Arlington Heights are Arlington Alfresco, the Thursday concert series, and the sense of community.
Do you have a favorite memory tied to Arlington Heights? One of my first dates with my now long-term boyfriend was in Arlington Heights before I lived there. We went to Carlos & Carlos.
