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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
DISCLAIMER: This publication is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.
We’re proud to showcase businesses that share our commitment to fostering local connections. When perusing our pages, keep an eye out for the “Local Sponsor” icon to identify articles highlighting these valuable partners. Please note that businesses profiled may have provided free products and / or services for the review.
Many thanks to the Arlington Heights community for your contributions! We are always looking for residents to find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email strollscarsdale@gmail. com with your pictures, suggestions and submission requests.
Jeff DeCook Resident Writer
Nina Gonzalez Resident Writer
Rocco Smeriglio Resident Writer
Laurie Travis Resident Writer
OCTOBER IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS has a way of drawing us together. The cooler days invite us outside to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall, while weekends fill with festivals, pumpkin patches, and the excitement of Halloween trickor-treating. It’s a month that celebrates both tradition and community, and it always reminds me of the joy in gathering with friends and neighbors.
At Stroll Scarsdale, our mission is to highlight the people, places, and stories that make this town unique. In this month’s issue, you’ll find features on neighbors who continue to inspire us, local businesses who give back, and community events that bring us all together. To keep track of it all, check out our newly expanded community calendar in this issue. Email us with any important dates you want to share with your community such as school plays, musicals, church concerts, charity events and more! If it’s important to you, it’s important to Stroll and the community we reach.
As always, I want to thank our advertising partners for making this publication possible. Their support allows us to create a space where families can connect, celebrate, and strengthen the bonds that make our neighborhood feel like home. Please take a moment to support them, just as they support our community.
Here’s to a season filled with gratitude, warmth, and plenty of fall fun. I am so proud and honored to publish your community magazine. Happy Fall y’all!
Dolly McCarthy, Publisher
Say Hello To
The Pater Family!
Family members: Greg, Carolyn, Charlie (4), Autumn (1).
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? We’ve lived in our current home for 3 years, but Carolyn’s been connected to the area much longer—she attended St. Viator High School and actually used to work for the AH Park District as a lifeguard and swim instructor back in the day!
Is there anything your neighbors might know you for? We actually moved into Carolyn’s grandparent’s old home! They were the second owners, purchasing the house in 1973 (for a whopping $62,000!) After her grandpa passed away in 1994, Carolyn’s grandma lived in the home until her passing in 2022. She was a dedicated realtor and
devout parishioner at Our Lady of the Wayside, so it’s a common occurrence for neighbors to share special memories and funny stories about Carolyn’s family.
How long have you been with your spouse and how did you meet? We met while both living in Chicago in 2014 at a Cubs rooftop event through work. Since then, work has relocated us to Rhode Island, then Southern California, and then back to Chicago where we got married in 2019. We’ve now been married for almost 6 years.
What do you like to do together as a family? Our family loves traveling together. We’ve had many memorable trips, from weekend escapes to Wisconsin and Michigan, to an amazing adventure around Ireland. Every year,
we also head to Southern and Central California to visit Carolyn’s grandmother and take a drive along the coast to visit where she went to college.
Tell us something interesting, unique, or unusual about your family. We love tackling new projects around the house and garden! Even Charlie loves to get involved however she can, from helping to install wallpaper to planting seeds in our garden beds. It’s been very fun to breath new life into a home that holds so many special memories for Carolyn’s family.
What are your professions? We both work for the same company within the IT/data center industry, Carolyn is in Marketing & Program Management and Greg is in Territory Sales.
PHOTO CREDIT: FITZGERALD STUDIO
Are you passionate about any charities?
Carolyn has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor in the past, and we’re both passionate about the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Are you involved in the community at all? As both girls get older, we’re looking forward to becoming more involved through their school and within the community.
Describe your perfect day in Arlington Heights as a family. A perfect day for our family would definitely include a walk to downtown AH, either to grab coffee/ breakfast from either CoCo & Blu, Around Cafe, or Starbucks, or lunch outside at one of our favorite spots like Cortland’s or Peggy’s (followed by drinks at Beer on the Wall if we’re lucky and can squeeze in a stroller nap!) On the way home we love to stop by Cronin Park, and then wrap up the day hanging in our backyard with the girls.
Favorite Arlington Heights Park? Cronin & Pioneer Parks.
Favorite Arlington Heights historic spot?
We love visiting the Farmer’s Market and events like the Irish Fest at the AH Historical Museum.
Drost Kivlahan McMahon & O’Connor LLC
Community Calendar
Wednesday, October 1
- Sunday, October 19
Grease - The Musical Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street.
Step back to the fabulous 50’s and rock the night away in Metropolis’ first ever Main Stage production of Grease! www.metropolisarts.com/ event/grease/
Friday, October 3
- Saturday, October 4
5:00pm -11:00pm
Harmony Fest Featuring the Taste of Arlington Heights Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave. Join the Village of Arlington Heights and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce for the Village’s 3rd Annual Harmony Fest. www.vah.com
Friday, October 3
7:00pm - 9:00pm Prospect High School Varsity Football Home Game vs. Wheeling Prospect High School, 801 West Kensington Road, Mount Prospect www.prospectfootball.com
Saturday, October 4Saturday, October 11
8:00am -12:00pm Arlington Heights Farmers Market
110 W. Fremont Street
Every Saturday thru October 11th. www.arlingtonheights farmersmarket.org
Wednesday, October 8
10:30am -12:30pm Chamber of Commerce
- Women of Arlington Heights Meeting
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Office, 3400 W. Stonegate Blvd.
Monthly meeting to connect, engage and succeed. www. arlingtonhtschamber. chambermaster.com
Friday, October 10
7:00pm - 9:00pm Oddities Night
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont Street
Join for a Victorian Halloween gathering filled with drinks, bites and oddities! www.ahpd.org
Friday, October 10
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Prospect High School Varsity Football Home Game vs. Rolling Meadows
Prospect High School, 801 West Kensington Road, Mount Prospect www.prospectfootball.com
Saturday, October 11
11:00am - 2:00pm Autumn Harvest
North School Park, 307 N Evergreen Ave.
Autumn Harvest is a familyfriendly event at North School Park that features all things fall! www.vah.com
Friday, October 17
7:00pm - 9:30pm Teen Night – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Avenue
Join for a night of open swim, open gym, pizza, and a movie! www.ahpd.org
Friday, October 17
7:30pm - 9:30pm
St. Viator Football Home Game vs. IC Catholic Prep
St. Viator High School, 1213 E Oakton Street www.saintviator.com
Saturday, October 18
10:00am - 2:00pm
Community Open House
The Village’s Police, Fire and Public Works Departments invite you to them for a family-fun community open house. www.vah.com
Sunday, October 19
1:00pm - 4:00pm Pumpkin Splash
Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Avenue
Skip the pumpkin patch and pick your pumpkin in the Arlington Ridge Center Family Activity Pool! www.ahpd.org
October 19th
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
2025 Live4Lali Masquerade: Fleet on the Street Fundraiser
Enjoy semi-formal/costume attire (with a mask), a gourmet dinner, live music, dancing, and a paddle raise! Tickets support substance use outreach.
Chevy Chase Country Club 1000 US-45, Buffalo Grove L4LGALA25.givesmart.com
Wednesday, October 22
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Family Pumpkin Carving Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont Street
Join for a night of pumpkin carving. Bring your favorite carving knives and everything else is provided, including pumpkins, paint and decorations. www.ahpd.org
Friday, October 24
7:30pm -10:00pm
The American Legion Bingo Night
121 N. Douglas Avenue
Enjoy Bingo Night. Doors open at 5:30. Bring your own food, non-alcoholic beverages and
friends! Bar is open for any alcoholic beverages. https:// www.arlingtonheights americanlegion.org
Friday, October 24
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Prospect High School
Varsity Football Home Game vs. Elk Grove
Prospect High School, 801 West Kensington Road, Mount Prospect www.prospectfootball.com
Saturday, October 25 10:00am -12:30pm
Trunk or Treat
Pioneer Park, 500 S. Fernandez Avenue
Come in costume to celebrate Halloween and 100 years of Park District fun! www.ahpd.org
Saturday, October 25
12:00pm - 5:00pm
BOOze Bar Crawl
Join the Chamber of Arlington Heights in this fun filled bar crawl. www.business. arlingtonhcc.com/events
Tuesday, October 28 9:30am -11:30am
Social Worker in the Library Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Avenue
A social worker will be on at the library to assist individuals who may have questions about available social services in Arlington Heights or who may be seeking counseling or other mental health services. www.ahml.info
Friday, October 31
Halloween 3:00pm - 7:00pm Trick-or-Treating Hours
Saturday, December 6
9:00am -12:00pm
SAVE THE DATE:
Arlington Heights Rotary Club Santa Run www.rotarysantarun.com/
Eleven11 Hair Studio
The luxury salon that everyone is talking about!
MEET YVETTE BRANCATO OWNER OF ELEVEN11 HAIR STUDIO
ELEVEN11 HAIR STUDIO is a luxury salon specializing in hair extensions, toppers, scalp facials, smoothing treatments and custom haircuts.
How long have you lived here locally? I’ve lived in Arlington Heights for 35 years. We built our home in South Arlington Heights in 2003, and I love our neighborhood.
Can you tell us about your family? My husband Joe and I are both small business owners, Joe owns Alltech HVAC in Des Plaines. We have been married for 25 years and have three children; Anna (20), Angelica (18) and Vince(13).
What inspired you to start your business? Owning a salon has always been my dream since my early days at Mario Tricoci. I love transforming clients’ hair and seeing their confidence grow. Many have been with me over 20
years, evolving from traditional services to achieving their dream hair.
What is unique about your business? We specialize in custom hand-tied hair extensions that blend beautifully with natural hair. This hand-sewn method creates a seamless, natural look - whether you want just a bit of volume or waist length hair, we tailor it to your goals.
What sets you apart from others in your industry? From our reclining shampoo bowls to the espresso and snacks we offer, every detail is designed to make your experience feel special and relaxing.
What do you find most fulfilling about what you do? The joy comes from clients loving both the space and the uplifting energy inside the salon. Watching guests leave smiling and taking the time to leave us five-star
reviews reminds us that our care and compassion make a true difference.
Given your business expertise what advice can you offer to the residents of the neighborhood regarding your industry? Being in this industry for many years, I’ve learned that there’s a price point for everyone. At Eleven11 Hair Studio, we have Rising Star stylists who are just graduating and perfecting their skills under my guidance. With a little patience, you can receive a quality haircut at a discounted rate while helping our team grow. Our team is made up of skilled professionals who have been personally trained and are consistently advancing their education in hair. They are passionate artists committed to bringing out your best self.
What do you enjoy about STROLL community magazine? It is nice to see a local magazine highlight small businesses in our community.
Eleven11 Hair Studio
1910 W. Central Rd. Rolling Meadows 847-812-1218 www.eleven11hair.com
“I have been seeing Yvette for over 20 year, she is one of the best. Makes you feel so important. Can’t wait to see her again!” CARLEEN
Yvette Brancato, owner of Eleven11 Hair Studio.
Eleven11 Hair Studio Team.
Rocco’s Review
Paréa Greek Kitchen
– A Taste of Greece in
Arlington Heights
BY RESIDENT ROCCO SMERIGLIO
IN THE HEART of Arlington Heights, Paréa Greek Kitchen welcomes guests with warmth, hospitality, and the comforting aromas of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Owned by Danny Barbarigos and Peter Sarantopoulos, Paréa is the realization of their shared vision. With a combined 28 years in the restaurant industry, the duo transitioned from their much-loved La Tasca Tapas to open Paréa in late 2024, bringing with them a deep passion for food and community.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Pete Pashos, who draws from his heritage in Kefalonia, Greece. His culinary approach blends authenticity with refinement, and that spirit shines through in every dish we sampled.
The Greek Chicken was a standout, perfectly roasted and bright with lemon and oregano—a rustic dish elevated with finesse. The Salmon was delicate and buttery, its seasoning subtle enough to let the freshness speak for itself. The Shrimp Kabob, lightly charred and kissed with garlic and lemon, brought out the sweetness of the seafood.
For heartier fare, the Gyro Plate delivered comfort in every bite, pairing tender, seasoned meat with pillowy pita and creamy tzatziki. The Stuffed Chicken Breast was rich and flavorful, while the Pork Kabob offered a smoky, savory finish that rounded out the meal.
What ties these entrées together is Chef Pashos’s skill in honoring tradition while letting each ingredient shine. Combined with the owners’ decades of hospitality experience, Paréa succeeds in creating more than just a dining experience— it creates a sense of gathering, of sharing, of community.
In Arlington Heights, Paréa stands as both a new chapter and a fresh favorite, offering exceptional food, heartfelt hospitality, and a genuine taste of Greece.
Paréa Greek Kitchen 25 W Davis St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (847) 398-2400 www.pareagreekkitchen.com
Salmon
Residents gathered for the review (Left to right): Residents John Beletti, Jeff Martini, Rocco Smeriglio, Bob Napoleon, Brogan Ptacin, and Vince Gaffney.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Greek Chicken
RESIDENT VINCE GAFFNEY
Pork Kabob
Gyro Plate
Shrimp Kabob
Owner Danny Barbarigos and Resident Rocco Smeriglio.
“I used to bolt out of the house and take off all over Arlington Heights so I could get swarms of people trying to catch me.”
Connie the Miniature Whippet/Chihuahua
BY RESIDENTS CONNIE AKA GONNIE (JEFF) DECOOK
MY NAME IS CONNIE, the beloved dog of the DeCook Family. I am well known to be Jeff’s personal sidekick. Wherever he goes at all times, I am sure to follow him and be right by his side.
Family members: Jeff, Heather, Payton, Taylor, Nathan and Reese DeCook.
Street you live on: Pine Ave.
Is Connie an angel or a bit of a troublemaker? Connie is a sweet little trouble maker who can’t wait to find a sock or stuffed animal to run away with or maybe sneak off with a nice meal if someone has left the kitchen table. She will then pull off her patented cower and extend the shaky little paw of shame to get forgiveness.
Does she have any specific talents or tricks? My specific talent is that I am a born hunter. I have caught numerous squirrels and bunnies in my backyard or in my walks though the neighborhood. I also can tear apart a dog toy in record time.
How did you meet your human family? When I first met my family, they all came and picked me up in a a swaggy black minivan and I threw up on the way home. The whole family was there and i was a little scared and really skinny. THEN I met the dad, Jeff, and it was love at first site for me!! I grew to love the whole family right away, even Reese!
Have you ever run away or gotten into trouble? I used to bolt out of the house and take off all over Arlington Heights so I could get swarms of people trying to catch me but they all stood no chance because I am lightning quick and can turn on a dime. One time it took an hour to catch me and I even fell in a Koi pond and still got away until I was trapped in a neighbor’s garage.
What are her personality traits? Super fast, energetic, friendly and affectionate (mostly with Jeff).
What is her favorite Arlington Heights park? Canine Commons.
What is her pet peeve? July - she hates fireworks.
Connie and bestie Jeff
CONNIE
Nina Gonzalez
BY RESIDENT NINA GONZALEZ
Street you live on: Noyes Street. What grade are you in: I am in 7th grade. How old are you? I am 12 years old. What sport do you play? I am a cheerleader and have been cheering for 4 years with the Arlington Cowboys Cheer Team. What inspired you to get started in cheer? I was inspired by watching the Dallas Cowboys cheer during a Cowboys game. What positions do you play? I am a flyer, back and front spot. What do you enjoy most when cheering? I love being with all the girls on my team and the friendships I have made. Who is someone you admire? My coaches. They help me to learn, grow, and evolve. What advice do you have for others looking to get into cheer? Start tumbling. Tumbling will give you a great foundation to start. Beyond sports, what do you like to do? I am in poms and cross country. I am also learning how to play lacrosse. If you were to continue to cheer, what do you hope to become or accomplish someday? I aspire to be a cheer coach and to coach the younger girls.
WHAT’S COOKIN’ ARLINGTON HEIGHTS?
“S’mores Bars have been a family favorite for years! Their year-round deliciousness is a crowd pleaser without the mess of outdoor s’mores. My kids request this for their birthday dessert year after year. They are perfect at this time of the year!”
LAURIE TRAVIS
S’MORES BARS
The Sweetest Way to Kick Off Fall
BY RESIDENT LAURIE TRAVIS
INGREDIENTS
Crust
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (made from 1 1/2 packages of graham crackers)
Cookie Dough
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using salted butter)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
Toppings
• 1-2 Hershey chocolate bars (each “Hershey” section broken or cut in half)
• 1 graham cracker (broken into pieces)
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
DIRECTIONS
1 / Preheat oven to 325F and line a 9”x13” baking pan with parchment paper.
2 / Crush graham crackers, then combine 1/2 cup melted butter with crumbs and stir until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan, and press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Put entire pan into the freezer while you make the cookie dough.
3 / In a large mixer, blend together both sugars and the melted butter. Add eggs and vanilla and continue to blend until well combined.
4 / In a separate bowl, add flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the flour to the butter/sugar mixture. Stop the mixer immediately when you have added all the flour. Add the marshmallows and chocolate chips and blend until all of the ingredients are well combined.
5 / Retrieve the baking pan from the freezer and scoop the dough on top of the prepared crust.
6 / Top the dough with the toppings listed, pressing them into the dough slightly.
7 / Bake 35-40 minutes - or until the top is golden brown.
8 / Remove from oven and allow to cool FULLY before cutting (1 hour or more). For easiest cutting, run a knife around any edges that are touching the sides of the pan, then pull up on the parchment paper and place giant bar on a cutting board. Yields about 24 bars.
Resident Laurie Travis shows off her fall treat!
Mackenzie & Jackson Travis and Murphy The Dog.
MAKING
Live Like Roo Foundation
Hope has four legs: Supporting pets in their toughest battles
BY SARAH LAUCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tell us about your organization: Live Like Roo Foundation is a 501c3 (nonprofit group with a dedicated mission) that assists animals that have cancer by providing emotional and financial support. Since 2016, we have granted over 3 million dollars in medical assistance and sent over 5,000 cancer care packages.
Tell us how long you have been doing this and how it started? We started in 2016. We pulled Roo from Chicago Animal Care and Control and shortly after found out that he had cancer. We gave him a bucket list that went viral and after 6 months of adventures, he passed away. We encouraged others to Live Like Roo and started the Foundation in his name.
Why is it so important to our community? A cancer diagnosis in a pet is a tough time. We are proud to provide a bit of light.
Is there a way that others can get involved or support your organization? We always need volunteers and donors!
Are there any important events coming up with your organization? Check our our website and Instagram for upcoming events @livelikeroofoundation
Live Like Roo Foundation www.livelikeroo.org sarah@livelikeroo.org
617 East Golf Road #104 Arlington Heights IL 60005
One of the recipients of Live Like Roo’s Cancer Care Packages.
Sarah Lauch & Roo.
Live Like Roo volunteers gathering together to tie blankets to add to care packages.
Time to Consider Updating Your Estate Plan
LIFE CAN TAKE twists and turns, and as time goes by and life changes occur, for this and other reasons it is important to keep your estate plan up to date. When exactly is the right time to update your estate plan? Consider these factors:
Current Goals and Priorities: Over time goals and priorities change, the estate plan will need to have certain provisions updated to reflect your particular place in life.
Major Life Changes: As major life changes occur due to births, illnesses, deaths, real estate sales or purchases and more, invariably over time, the estate plan will need to be updated.
Core Estate Planning Documents: Every estate plan should include a will, a trust, a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) form.
Updating beneficiaries in an estate plan is essential to ensure that it aligns with current intentions
It is the executor’s responsibility to account to the beneficiaries the value of the assets and expenses. The estate plan should address any special circumstances such as a beneficiary with significant debt and to safeguard the inheritance from possible creditors.
A special needs trust or supplemental needs trust allows a person with a disability to have money set aside for them without it affecting their capacity to receive
Avoiding probate should be a key estate planning goal, with the estate structured with the goal that the majority of it passes to your beneficiaries without probate.
Life can change quickly. An up-to-date estate plan can provide peace of mind for you and your family when you need it most. At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd., we are committed to simplifying matters for our clients. Our firm focuses on trust and estate planning and guides individuals and businesses during future planning.
