IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCY
911 (847) 368-5300 (847) 368-5450 (800) 222-1222
(847) 368-5800 (800) 244-1977 (800) 334-7661 (888) 642-6748 (866) 496-9669 (800) 934-6489 (877) 508-4274
(847) 253-6365 (847) 364-7223
(847) 253-0400 (847) 577-3000 (847) 253-5532
Fire Police and Ambulance
Police Department Nonemergency
Fire Department Nonemergency
Poison Control Hotline
UTILITIES
Public Works Dept
Groot — Garbage Pickup
ComEd
Nicor Gas
Wide Open West Comcast AT&T
TRANSPORTATION Metra Pace
RECREATION
Rolling Green Country Club
Arlington Heights Park District Senior Center
(847) 368-5000 (847) 259-6337 (847) 368-5100 (847) 392-0100
(847) 758-4900 (847) 718-7600
(877) 863-6338 (800) 252-2873 (833) 234-6343
CITY
Arlington Heights Village Hall
Arlington Heights Mayor
Arlington Heights Village Manager
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
SCHOOLS
District 25 Office
District 214 Office
HOTLINES
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline
Child Abuse Hotline
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
NOVEMBER
Season of Thankgiving
November is one of my favorite times of year—a season that reminds us to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for the people and places that make our community so special. Here at Stroll, we’re deeply grateful to be part of such a generous, kind, and giving town.
This month’s issue highlights two wonderful examples of what makes our community shine: our local business spotlight on one of our Preferred Partners - Drost Kivlahan McMahon & O’Connor, LLC, and a feature on the incredible work of Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, a nonprofit that continues to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout the area. Both embody the spirit of service and community that Stroll is all about.
As we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, may we all take a moment to appreciate the blessings around us and the people who make Arlington Heights feel like home. And as we honor Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt
gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country—thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to freedom.
From all of us at Stroll, we wish you a joyful Thanksgiving season filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude.
Publisher
STONE COUNTERTOPS
25 years of superior quality in creating custom stone countertops for kitchens and bathrooms. Our services include
Valerie and Drew Derby Resident Writer
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!
ATTORNEY
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates (312) 578-9300 madonia.com
Attorney - Lisa Bernstein (847) 577-2227 dkmolaw.com
BAKE SHOP
The Bakester Patisserie (224) 310-9192 thebakester.com
BEAUTY
Sans Soleil Sunless Tan (847) 852-6677 www.sansoleiltan.glossgenius.com
CLEANING SERVICE
Violka Cleaning Services (847) 657-8654 www.violkacleaningservice.com
COUNTERTOPS-KITCHENS & BATHS
Stone Masters (847) 678-3333 stonemasters99.com
DENTISTRY & MEDSPA
Fantastic Smiles (847) 577-5464 fantastic-smiles.com
EVENT DESIGNS
Event Couture Flowers & Balloons (224) 200-3445
www.eventcouturechicago.com
HAIR SALON
Eleven 11 Hair Studio (847) 812-1218 www.eleven11hair.com
HEATING/COOLING
Home Comfort Services, Inc HomeComfort.net
HOME IMPROVEMENT & REMODELING
Michael Kautz Carpets (847) 394-8200 michaelkautz.com
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Generations Healthcare Network (847) 299-5588 generationsoakton.com
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
Mikari Integrative Health & Aesthetics (224) 484-0424 www.mikarimedspa.com
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Scarlett Solutions Psychotherapy (773) 349-2111
www.scarlettsolutionschicago.com
NON-PROFIT/CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
WINGS Program, Inc. (847) 519-7820 www.wingsprogram.com
PLUMBING SERVICES
Goode Plumbing (773) 930-3451 goodeplumbing.com
REALTORS
Dazzo & Schneider (847) 797-0200 www.atproperties.com/teams/841/ dazzo-and-schneider
RESTAURANTS
Cortland’s Garage (847) 577-2525 cortlandsgarage.com
ROOFING/SIDING/WINDOWS/DOORS
Erdmann Exterior Designs LTD (847) 357-9607 www.erdmannexteriors.com
TRAVEL PLANNER
Ocean Prime Travel - Cruise Planners (561) 960-9800 oceanprimetravel.com
A Stroll Down
Memory Lane
CHARLES SIGWALT, the postmaster in 1885 pictured here in front of the U. S. Post Office building on the triangle of today’s Campbell and Davis Streets and Evergreen Avenue. Photo credit: The Arlington Heights Historical Society.
Community Calendar
Saturday, November 1Sunday, November 30
Arlington Heights Memorial Library Holiday Book Drive Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Donate new children’s books throughout November at the library. www.ahml.info
Saturday, November 1
9:00am -12:00pm
Pumpkin Smash: From Gourd to Garden Frontier Park, 1933 N Kennicott Dr.
Bring your post-Halloween jack-o-lanterns, gourds, and pumpkins to Frontier Park and help the Park District’s EnviroGroup smash and pitch them into compostable material. www.ahpd.org
Saturday, November 1
1:00pm - 3:00pm Día de los Muertos Celebration
Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Visit the first floor of the library to enjoy activities for all ages and learn about the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead! www.ahml.info
Tuesday, November 4
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Arlington Heights School District 25 - Superintendent Office Hours (previously Superintendent Open Door) Dunton Administration Building, 1200 South Dunton Avenue
Superintendent Office Hours (previously Superintendent Open Door) is a chance for district parents and community members to meet with the Superintendent to discuss ideas, concerns, or get answers to questions. www.sd25.org
Thursday, November 6
11:00am -12:30pm
Culture & Conversation
Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N Dunton Ave. Join the library for a lively conversation on a new topic each session. www.ahml.info
Thursday, November 6
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Minnie Makes –Embroidered Napkins Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont Street
Minnie Makes is a new adult craft series at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum. www.ahpd.org
Thursday, November 6
6:15pm - 7:30pm
Visit the Library’s Bookmobile in Scarsdale! Bristol Lane & Park Street
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s bookmobile brings its library on wheels to the neighborhood every other Thursday at Bristol Lane & Park Street (Seven Corners). www.ahml.info
Friday, November 7
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Paint & Sip: A 20s & 30s Event
Empty Corner, 214 E Grove St.
Join fellow twenty and thirty somethings for a night of painting! www.ahml.info
Tuesday, November 11 Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 11
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Arlington Heights School District 25 School Board Meeting
Dunton Administration Building, 1200 South Dunton Avenue
This meeting will be held at the Dunton Administration Building and will be livestreamed via YouTube. www.sd25.org
Wednesday, November 12
11:30am -12:30pm Chamber of Commerce
- Women of Arlington Heights Meeting
Navigant Law Office, 3030 W. Salt Creek Lane, Suite 330
Monthly meeting to connect, engage and succeed. www.business. arlingtonhcc.com
Thursday, November 13
10:00am -11:30am
White Glove Tour
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont Street
This tour will give you a behind the scenes look at some of the 50,000 artifacts that the Arlington Heights Historical Museum has in their collections. www.ahpd.org
Thursday, November 13
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Creative Aging: Art with Alayne Artists’ Celebration Reception
Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N Dunton Ave. Celebrate the launch of the first Creative Aging Art Show with Alayne and fellow artists at the opening reception! www.ahml.info
Thursday, November 27
Thanksgiving
Friday, November 28 4:30pm - 6:30pm Tree Lighting and Festive Fun
North School Park, 307 N Evergreen Avenue
Kick off the holiday season with the Arlington Heights Park District and the Village of Arlington Heights Special Events Commission at their annual tree lighting ceremony! www.ahpd.org
Saturday, December 6
SAVE THE DATE:
Arlington Heights Rotary Club Santa Run
Stroll Scarsdale is a proud sponsor of this event. www.rotarysantarun.com/
The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights - 2025 Santa Run
BY AMY LEWANDOWSKI, PUBLIC IMAGE CHAIR, ROTARY CLUB OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights (RCAH) was chartered March 28, 1956. It is one of more than 33,000 clubs, located in over 200 countries and geographical areas, which are members of Rotary International (RI). Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders working to promote humanitarian service, high ethical standards in all vocations and international understanding and peace. The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights holds its weekly meetings every Thursday from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Every December, the Rotary hosts a Santa Run - a fun, festive community tradition for all to come out and support the Rotary’s efforts throughout the year.
Why is the Santa Run so important to our community?
The Santa run is held by the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights (RCAH) to raise funds for its annual Community Grants Program. To date, the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, with your assistance, has donated over $350,000 to worthy
causes throughout Arlington Heights and its neighboring communities, directly as a result of the Santa Run. Last year, Rotary of Arlington Heights Santa Run broke it’s record with 2,012 registrants.
When is the Santa Run and how can our neighbors sign up? The Santa Run is on December 6th; Reindeer Dash begins at 9:30 AM, Race Starts: 10:00 AM. Please sign up at: www. rotarysantarun.com.
Is there a way that others can get involved or support your organization? Run for a Cause as a Claus! Donations are also always accepted to the Rotary.
For more information on the Rotary Club, please go to: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2354 Stroll Scarsdale is a proud sponsor of the Santa Run.
Rotary Santa Run
Rotary Club of Arlington Heights members volunteering around the community.
Photo credit: Simon Eva Photography
Patrick, Elaine, Eddie 3.5, Louie 1.5
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE COMMUNITY? Elaine grew up in this neighborhood, but she and Pat have lived in their current house for 10 years.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOUR NEIGHBORS MIGHT KNOW YOU FOR? We love to throw a huge 4th of July party during the Frontier Days festival. Elaine’s team has won the Water Fights competition several times and Pat’s bags team regularly trophies at that tournament during the fest.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH YOUR SPOUSE AND HOW DID YOU MEET? We have been together since 2015. Officially, we connected online but in reality we had been in each others’ orbits for much longer. We both attended Prospect High School so we had a number of mutual friends that kept us connected until the time was right.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS. Eddie is in pre-school at the Park Districtt.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TOGETHER AS A FAMILY?
We love exploring our neighborhood and Arlington Heights together! In the summer we swim and play at Rec Park, walk to Al Fresco, and enjoy the Farmer’s Market every week.
WHEN DOES YOUR FAMILY FEEL THE MOST CONNECTED?
We feel most connected when we are spending quality time with our extended families. We are lucky to our grandparents and many aunts and uncles living locally, but also have special places where we all get together, like Pat’s family’s lake house in Wisconsin, and Elaine’s family’s farm in Iowa.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONS? Elaine is a High School Spanish teacher, currently staying at home with the little guys while they are young. Pat is a software engineer at Motorola where he has worked over 15 years.
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY AT ALL? We attend
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where Elaine sings in the choir and volunteers at PADS.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS AS A FAMILY. We love waking up early on a Saturday to head to the farmers market for coffee and breakfast. If the Bookmobile is there, that’s a bonus. Hopefully we run into some friends we know as we wander around, enjoy the kids area, and listen to the musical group for the day. Maybe we stop at the AHML book sale on the walk home, and definitely play on the swings at North School Park. We get home to play outside and do some gardening, and then after lunch (Egg Harbor) we go for a swim at Rec Pool. For dinner we order Gumrai Thai to eat on our patio, and we end the day playing outside and having some drinks with neighbors.
FAVORITE ARLINGTON HEIGHTS RESTAURANT: Javier’s Sabor Mexicano.
FAVORITE ARLINGTON HEIGHTS PARK: Recreation or Lake Arlington.
FAVORITE ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HISTORIC SPOT: Eddie’s or the American Legion (Post 208).
Photo credit: Simon Eva Photography
Tina’s Slice of Thanks
Mrs. Bukowski’s pumpkin bread
BY RESIDENT TINA KANTER
Ingredients:
• 3 cups flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 t. baking soda
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1 t. nutmeg
• 1 1/2 t. salt
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup oil
• 1 small can pumpkin
Instructions: Mix all ingredients together. Spray loaf pans with cooking spray. Pour into 2 loaf pans --Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
“This recipe is very near and dear to my family’s heart. When our (now adult) children were at Our Lady of the Wayside Preschool, they had a wonderful teacher and her name was Mrs. Mary Bukowski. She made this pumpkin bread recipe in her class with the kids. Each child brought some home along with the recipe. We have enjoyed it for many years. Sadly, Mrs. Bukowski passed away in 2014. We continue to make this delicious pumpkin bread in her honor. She was a beloved teacher and we miss her very much. Hope you enjoy the pumpkin bread as much as our family does!”
TINA KANTER
Share your favorite recipe!
AROUND TOWN
Some photos courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights and Arlington Heights Park District.
End of summer crowds at Harmony Fest.
The next chapter begins at Recreation Park! Commissioners and Staff officially broke ground on the future pool and bathhouse.
Thank you to the Arlington Heights Police Department for serving and protecting at Harmony Fest.
All smiles at Harmony Fest Featuring Taste of Arlington Heights 2025.
Arlington Heights Parks Foundation Annual Golf Outing.
Congratulations to Al and Donna Kunz who were presented with the Kenneth Hood Award. Al and Donna Kunz awarded this for their commitment to the Arlington Heights Lending Closet and their countless volunteer hours.
Resident Kitty McGrath enjoying the wonderful AH Farmers Market.
Adisa Kandzic - Just your friendly neighborhood STROLL-er.
Annual Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive at Gerry’s Cafe.
The Arlington Heights Police Department was recognized for their three first place awards in the 2025 Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge.
Drost Kivlahan McMahon & O’Connor, LLC
Where legal expertise meets lasting trust
BY MARY BAUMEISTER OF DKMO LAW
DKMO, FOUNDED IN 1987, thinks of ourselves as one extended team. Our attorneys and staff come from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds, but what unites us is a shared commitment to serving clients with both skill and compassion. We’re proud that many of our attorneys were raised or now raise their families in Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities. That local connection means we’re not only your legal counsel, but also your neighbors—familiar faces you might see at school events, on the soccer field, or volunteering in the community. As a firm, our “family” extends beyond our walls to include the clients who trust us with their homes, businesses, and legacies.
What’s the history and mission of your business? DKMO has a simple yet powerful vision: to build lasting relationships grounded in trust, community, and expertise. From the very beginning, our mission has been to act not just as legal advisors, but as long-term partners—offering clear, honest guidance that spans generations and life stages. What inspired the firm’s start was the recognition that people deserve legal counsel that feels both accessible and sophisticated. The founders wanted to create a practice where clients could get big-firm knowledge delivered in a personal, approachable way. Over the years, that vision has guided us to expand into estate planning, probate, real estate, and corporate law, while staying true to the idea that good planning—and good relationships— make all the difference.
What types of services does your business offer? Our firm handles estate planning, probate and estate administration, residential and commercial real estate, and business/corporate law.
What’s unique about your business? We like to say we’re “big enough to know, but small enough to care.” Clients get the benefit of highly experienced attorneys across multiple practice areas, while still enjoying personal relationships and direct communication. Many of our clients tell us they feel like they know us—and we know them—which is exactly how we like to work.
How does your business connect with and contribute to the local community? Arlington Heights is home for us, and we’re proud to give back through sponsorships and partnerships.
What’s your vision for the future of your business? Our goal is simple: to make legal services accessible, understandable, and empowering for everyone who walks through our doors.
Given your professional expertise and experiences, what advice do you have for our residents? Our best advice is to think about legal planning as something that supports you throughout every stage of life—not just when a challenge comes up. For young adults, that might mean establishing basic documents like Powers of Attorney so your wishes are clear in the event of the unexpected. For growing families, it’s creating an estate plan that protects your loved ones and provides peace of mind. For homeowners, it may be guidance through the excitement of buying your first home—or the
Rhonda Jensen
Ernest Rose - Managing Partner
important decisions that come with downsizing later in life. For entrepreneurs, it’s building a strong legal foundation for your business so you can focus on doing what you do best.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you? We want people to think of us the same way they think of their doctor, dentist, or favorite teacher—approachable professionals who know their field inside and out, and how it connects to everyday life.
“DKMO has represented me and my family in our corporate and individual affairs for over 20 years. I have been very pleased with the quality of their sound legal advice and the relationships we have built with the firm.”
RESIDENT BILL S.
DKMO Law 11 South Dunton Avenue Arlington Heights www.dkmolaw.com 847-577-2227
Justin Jay
Mary Anne Frank
John O’Connor
Pat McMahon
Pax and Butterbean
Tiny paws, giant personalities
BY RESIDENTS VALERIE AND DREW DERBY
Pax and Butterbean are littermates and 5 years old. They’re pure pug in every way: they sleep 22 hours a day, snore like lawnmowers, and shed like buffalo.
When and how did they come to join your family? After we lost our last two pugs, Wrigley and Tex, we found Pax and flew down to Texas to pick him up in August 2020. He’s a true COVID puppy! Butterbean found her way to us two years later when her owners couldn’t care for her anymore. We were happy to take her in and reunite her with Pax!
Is there a story behind their names? Pax is named after a character in our favorite book series: Red Rising by Pierce Brown. We didn’t get to name Butterbean, but it just suits her so perfectly! She’s such a little bean.
What’s the one trait or behavior that makes them stand out from the rest? Pax thinks he’s a Doberman and is always on
neighborhood watch. Butterbean does about 20 spins before she eats – she just gets too excited for food!
Do they have any unique talents or tricks? Is napping a talent? If so, yes.
Do they have any favorite toys or treats? All treats. They do not discriminate. But Pax has a favorite stuffed owl, and Butterbean has a chicken. Besties from day one.
Tell us about a favorite memory with them. We took them both for their 4th birthday up to Door County for a long weekend and showed them around another place we love.
Where do they love to hang out in the neighborhood? Oh, there are plenty! First is their cousin Daisy on Evergreen, but their other street friends are Opus, Lily, and Vinny. But they’ve never met a person or dog they didn’t want to make friends with.
Are there any local businesses or parks that they particularly enjoy visiting? They love (tolerate) visiting their friend Sean at The Grooming Lodge and enjoy their daily walks through Westgate Park.
What are their “pet peeves”? Butterbean’s pet peeve is when we’re three minutes late getting her food ready. And Pax’s pet peeve is probably Butterbean.
Morgan Greenwell
BY RESIDENT MORGAN GREENWELL
School you attend and grade you’re in? Prospect High School and I am a Sophomore.
What street do you live on? Forrest.
What sport do you play? I am a dancer and have been dancing for about 12 years.
What inspired you to start dancing? I loved watching the dance teams at college football games and the dancers in the Nutcracker. I also took classes very young and loved it.
What type of dancing do you do? I mainly do contemporary, jazz, and poms styles. I would like to get stronger and sharper in all styles of dance, especially hip hop.
What do you enjoy most about dance? Dance is a way for me to express myself and I love connecting to the mood of the music through my movements.
What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment is finding out I made competitive dance at Prospect. I would thank my former studio teaches for teaching me everything I knew before joining Prospect dance. I would also thank my parents for being so supportive leading up to auditions.
Who is someone you admire? I admire all dance teachers because they are able to teach and display their passion in a way that makes other people fall in love with it.
What advice do you have for others looking to get into dance? Try not to compare yourself to others and focus on your own growth. Set goals and stay disciplined so you can accomplish those things.
Break is just around the cornerstart planning your travels, today!
Beyond dance, what do you like to do? I like to hang out with my friends and bake. I also play soccer.
If you were to continue dancing, what do you hope to become or accomplish someday? I would hope to become a dance teacher so I could teacher other people my passion and hope they enjoy it just as much as I do.
Are you an athlete or would you like to nominate an athlete? Scan QR Code to submit!
ESTATE PLANNING FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!
Buying a home is a “life goal” and the cornerstone of the American dream. While enjoying your new house, don’t overlook a critical aspect: estate planning. How you structure your home ownership now can have significant implications for you and your loved ones down the road. Here are some essential estate planning considerations for homeowners.
Protect Your Spouse with Joint Tenancy
Even if only one spouse is listed on the mortgage, it’s crucial to ensure both spouses are listed as joint tenants with right of survivorship on the property’s title. If one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse automatically inherits the entire property
Got a Trust? Include Your House in It
If you already established a trust, make your new home part of it. You can either buy the home directly through your trust or transfer the title of an existing property into your trust. Holding your home in a trust can help your beneficiaries avoid the often lengthy and costly probate process when you pass away.
Passing Down the Family Home? Choose the Right Option
Leaving your property to your children is a wonderful legacy. However, the method you use to transfer ownership matters immensely. While a quitclaim deed often seems like a simple solution, it can create significant headaches down the line. Consider a Transfer-on-Death Deed (TODD). This allows you to name a beneficiary who will automatically receive the property upon your death without going through probate. You retain ownership and control during your lifetime.
Buying real estate is a significant investment and integrating it into your estate plan from the beginning is a smart move. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney is crucial to understanding your options. Let our team of professionals at Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd. help you create a legacy with your new home. Contact us at (312) 578-
9151
Sponsored by Stroll Scarsdale