Fire Police and Ambulance Police Department Nonemergency Fire Department Nonemergency Groot — Garbage Pickup
Rolling Green Country Club Arlington Heights Park District
CITY
Arlington Heights Village Hall
Arlington Heights Mayor
Arlington Heights Village Manager
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
SCHOOLS
Dolly.McCarthy @n2co.com
Rocco Smeriglio
March
Dear Friends,
As we welcome the month of March, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible partners, contributors, and readers who continually support and inspire Stroll community magazine. You are what make this magazine more than pages. It’s a true reflection of the people, stories, and connections that define our community.
March brings a little extra fun as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! It’s one of those months that reminds us how lucky we are to call this community home.
This month, we’re excited to feature the Mroz family on our cover. Their love for neighborhood traditions- from holiday celebrations like Halloween and Easter to simply walking the neighborhood and reconnecting with lifelong friends— beautifully captures the heart of Arlington Heights. We especially love how their Halloween candy chute has become a tradition neighbors look forward to each
year, and their continued support of Compass to Care reflects the generosity that defines our community.
We’re also thrilled to officially launch our brand new website: www. strollscarsdalearlingtonheights.com
This is your new hub for all things Absolutely Arlington Heights! Visit the site to read the digital version of the magazine, explore past issues, and check out our complete community calendar so you never miss what’s happening around town.
If you’re interested in being featured, nominating a friend, or have a fun or meaningful idea for the magazine, I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out anytime at StrollScarsdale@gmail.com
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @StrollScarsdale_ Arlingtonhts and Facebook @StrollScarsdale
If you’d like to receive Stroll emails, simply email us, fill out the form linked in our Instagram bio @StrollScarsdale, or scan the QR code here.
Wishing you luck, Dolly McCarthy Publisher, Stroll Scarsdale–Arlington Heights
Stroll Monthly community coffees! Open to all in the Arlington Heights community. Our next two community coffees will take place Wednesday, March 11th and Wednesday, April 8, 9:00 am - 10:15 am at Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton St., Arlington Heights. Our monthly community coffees will be held the second Wednesday of every month. Thanks to Kobra Hall with Fulton Grace Realty for sponsoring these coffee gatherings. Refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you all!
Scan the QR code to sign up to receive a digital copy of STROLL ScarsdaleArlington Heights, nominate a neighbor, athlete or pet to be featured in an upcoming issue!
COMMUNITY CALENDER
Tuesday, March 3
6:00pm - 7:30pm Teen Job Fair
Arlington Ridge Center (ARC), 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights Register at ahml.info
Wednesday, March 4
9:00am -10:30am
Small Business Coffee and Connect Hendrickson Room, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights
Connect with members of your local small business community. Meet with other professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in small business and nonprofits at this bimonthly networking event. Come to share ideas, get inspired, and make valuable connections! Refreshments are provided. ahml.info
Friday, March 6
6:30pm - 8:30pm
TGIF Family Dance Party
Arlington Lakes Golf Club, 1211 New Wilke Road, Arlington Heights
This 90s-themed event will feature games, dancing, and a snack and dessert bar. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the fun! All attendees must be registered – children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages 4 and up – costumes encouraged! Register at AHPD.org.
Friday, March 6
6:30pm - 9:00pm
AHML Foundation Fundraiser: Real Women, Remarkable Stories Hendrickson Room, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights Celebrate International Women’s Day with the AHML Foundation. Enjoy an empowering evening of storytelling, connection, and inspiration with keynote Jenette Jurczyk, the National Director of The She Said Project and producer of That’s What She Said. Cost: $60 donation per person
Light fare & beverages included Register at ahmlfoundation.org
Friday, March 6 - Friday, March 27
5:00pm - 7:30pm
Holy Rosary Council #4483 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry KC Hall, 15 N. Hickory Ave. Fish Fry Fridays during Lent. Dinner Buffet served from 5-7:30 PM. Proceeds support the youth groups of local parishes and Gerry’s Cafe. www.TheKChall.com
Wednesday, March 11
9:00pm -10:15am
Stroll Monthly 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, March 12
7:30am - 9:00am “State of the Village” Address with Mayor Tinaglia Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights Registration is $25 and includes a breakfast buffet. Visit the following site to register: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/arlington-heights-state-of-thevillage-2026-tickets-1981430047611
Thursday, March 12
7pm
Sacred Sounds Concert Series: Verdi’s Requiem
St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd. www.stjamesah.org/sacred-sounds
Tuesday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
Saturday, March 21
8:00am -12:20pm
Spring TriARCathon
Arlington Ridge Center (ARC), 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights
The TriARCathon is an indoor spring triathlon for all ages. This spring’s event will also have a portion in the new studio upstairs! Visit ahpd.org
This movie night will feature free snacks and on-theme drinks for purchase. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Doors open at 6:45PM and the movie begins at 7:30PM. Register at ahpd.org
Saturday, March 28
10:00am - 1:00pm
Community Egg Hunt
Extravaganza
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
Children 10 and under are invited to race around our grounds for treat-filled eggs starting promptly at the reserved timeslot. Following the egg hunt, families are invited to stay and explore the Museum with a scavenger hunt, craft and take a picture with the Bunny! Register at ahpd.org
Sunday, March 29
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pool Egg Hunt
Arlington Ridge Center (ARC), 660 N. Ridge Avenue, Arlington Heights Register at ahpd.org
Battalion Chief Marc Piscitiello and Lieutenant Matthew Murphy received promotions at the Arlington Heights Fire Department.
More than 400 people attended the “Happy Noon Year Party” at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Members of the Hershey High School band performed at the Women’s Jazz Festival at Hey Nonny.
The Arlington Heights Historical Society hosted a candle dipping craft night.
Over 220 students participated in Prospect High School’s 5th annual EveryKnight Multicultural Fair.
Cast members rehearsed for Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s “Oliver! A Staged Concert” on February 7.
Mayor Tinaglia cut the ribbon on new business Light on Anxiety.
Saint Viator students cheered on the Bears at a pep rally featured on WGN.
Arlington Heights firefighters trained on surface ice rescue at Lake Arlington.
Dolly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
BY RESIDENTS JULIE & BRETT SPRIESTER
How long has your family lived in the community? We just moved to the community in early 2026 and found a copy of Stroll in our mailbox. We loved the Precious Pets article and knew we just had to have Dolly featured! We love the friendly neighbors and all of the activity in town. Dolly especially loves her big backyard! How old is Dolly? She’ll be 5 in June, but people often mistake her for a puppy. She is on the small side for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and has the playfulness of a puppy.
Is there a story behind your pet’s name? My husband’s grandmother had
a dog named Dolly, so our dog is named after her.
What’s the one trait or behavior that makes your pet stand out from the rest? She has the sweetest personality! She loves people and loves to snuggle with her family members. If you let her, she’ll lay right on your chest and gaze into your eyes.
Does your pet have any favorite toys or treats? Her favorite toy is her green octopus. She doesn’t discriminate when it comes to treats! She is always on the lookout for both people and pet snacks.
“We just moved to the community in early 2026 and found a copy of Stroll in our mailbox. We love the friendly neighbors and all of the activity in town. Dolly especially loves her big backyard!”
JULIE SPRIESTER
What is your pet’s “pet peeve”? She gets very nervous when we cook because we have been known to set off the smoke alarm on occasion. She is also not a big fan of baths!
What is your pet’s favorite park? She loves seeing all the kids at Dryden Park!
Share your Precious Pet! Scan QR Code to submit!
GOODEPLUMBING
Goode Plumbing specializes in residential and commercial plumbing projects in and around Chicago and the nearby suburbs. It is our mission to elevate the reputation of plumbers in the industry.
Our “shop” (as skilled-trade professionals call their office or business) has over 80% license holders and apprenticed plumbers on staff, which means that our technicians are trained and skilled in their craft.
We take pride in our slogan: “Modern Plumbing, Vintage Values.”
“Modern Plumbing” means we stay up-to-date with current technology and code requirements. New products and solutions, along with the best-in-class software, give our customers a convenient experience. We offer perks like technician-tracking, text confirmations, online booking, tap-to-pay, and quick membership renewals. We want it to be as easy to do business with us as possible.
“Vintage Values” means we’re still old school. We believe in craftsmanship, not just changing plumbing parts. This might mean service that is above and beyond, like soldering, brass dielectrics, and reaching for the top-line parts. We invest in Nexstar training for all of our team members, which is customer servicefocused industry best practices. We want you to enjoy doing business with us!
We offer a Lifetime Warranty to guarantee against defects in our
workmanship. It’s one of the best in the business.
We participate in local sponsorships, like the Lemons of Love 5K in Mount Prospect, local youth sports teams and programs, and even DIY workshops for local homeowners and business owners to learn more about plumbing at home.
Customer testimonial: “A pipe froze in our office during the weekend, and I called Goode Plumbing. They got back to me quickly with a tech assignment and anticipated arrival. Little did Chris know, but he was about to spend the next 8 hours working hard to get us back up and running! Chris was very knowledgeable and professional, he explained things very well. It was a big job and he came through for us!”
BY GOODE PLUMBING - ZACH TEN HAKEN
Goode Plumbing is known for their VW “hippie” service vans.
Goode Plumbing can complete both residential and commercial plumbing projects.
This photo shows a recent job well done by Goode Plumbing.
Technician Chris, one of Goode’s highly-trained employees.
Ryan and Rachel Mroz with their children Madison, Jack and Eleanor.
The Mroz Say Hello to Family!
Family members: Ryan, Rachel, Madison (8), Jack (6) and Eleanor (2).
How long have you lived in Arlington Heights? We have lived in Scarsdale for 7 years. Rachel grew up in Chicago and Ryan grew up right here in Scarsdale!
What university did you attend? Both of us graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. We pretty much bleed orange and blue for the Illini.
What are your professions? Ryan is a Senior Manager with Grant Thornton. Rachel is a computer science and engineering teacher at Saint Viator High School.
How did you and your spouse meet? We met during high school and the rest is history.
Tell us about your kids. Madison loves playing softball and has been involved in dance since she was two. Eleanor is following in her footsteps with dance and started dance in September. “Me go Ballet” is her new favorite sentence. Madison also started playing 7 on 7 this fall with the Arlington Cowboys. Jack is playing baseball and flag football this
fall. He also loves being a part of the Lego Club at school.
Does your family have any interests that bring you closer together? We are huge sports fans and if there is a game on we are watching or attending it. We love the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks and the Illini.
What are your favorite places to visit around the community? We love to walk downtown and visit Salsa17, Coco & Blu or Egg Harbor. The kids love Sweet T’s and Berry Yo! When we have a free Saturday morning, we will be at the Arlington Heights Farmers Market.
Do you participate in any events in the community? We love the Christmas trees in the neighborhood and seeing the blocks lit up with the trees. We also love the Easter egg hunt. Ryan was able to do it as a kid and it is fun for him to watch his kids participate.
How does your family contribute to fostering a sense of community spirit in Arlington Heights? Halloween is one of our favorite holidays in the community. In 2020, we created a candy chute and have continued it ever since. We have added a few things like
a fire pit, speakers and music, and we and love when our neighbors remember our chute! We also love supporting Compass to Care.
What’s your favorite part of living in Arlington Heights? Being able to walk around the neighborhood and seeing people that you grew up with as so many people have moved back home. It is also fun for our kids to see their friends from different activities.
The Mroz family celebrates the holidays in Arlington Heights. Photo by Erin Elizabeth Photography.
Madison, Jack and Eleanor Mroz celebrate Halloween 2025.
The Mroz family bleeds Illini blue and orange! The Mroz kids are ready for their first day of school. The Mroz kids pick out the perfect Christmas tree.
Scan this QR code to nominate a family to be featured on the cover of STROLL!
What Type of Trust is Right for You?
The two basic trust structures are revocable and irrevocable. The biggest difference is that revocable trusts can be changed after they are created, while irrevocable trusts typically cannot.
A revocable trust, also referred to as a living trust, is one that can be changed after it’s created. This type of trust can accomplish many of the same things as a will. By creating and transferring your assets to a revocable trust, you can avoid the probate process that’s required for a will. Probate can be both lengthy and public, and a revocable trust usually is not public.
With irrevocable trusts, you typically cannot change after it’s created. The assets move out of your estate, and the trust pays its own income tax and files a separate return. This can give you greater protection from creditors and estate taxes.
We protect your interest with a fierce devotion to solutions that maximize your bottom line. We commit to the highest principles of integrity, excellence, and client services. We grow with you by evolving our service to accommodate your naturally changing conditions.
There are a variety of irrevocable trust types to choose from:
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) This type of trust is often used to set aside funds for estate taxes.
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) GRATs are a common way for people to minimize taxes on financial gifts to their beneficiaries. QPRTs are another way to transfer real estate assets to beneficiaries.
• Special Needs trusts-If you have a child or family member with a disability, you might consider setting up a special needs trust.
• Generation Skipping Trusts (GST) is a trust people often choose for tax reasons. When you place assets in this type of trust, you designate assets to your grandchildren, skipping your children in order to bypass estate taxes that would occur if they directly inherited your assets.
These are just some of the many types of trusts available. When you know what you want out of your trust and how you want it to affect future generations, you can work with your tax and legal advisors to narrow down which trust makes the most sense for you. Contact Anthony J. Madonia & Associates at info@ madonia.com or (312) 578-9300.
A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
Nathaniel Banta, principal of Arlington Heights’ public schools when this photograph was taken in 1913, enjoys the spring weather on his porch at the corner of Euclid and Vail with his wife, Minnie, and daughter, Elizabeth. Banta’s obituary in 1932 called him a “leader in almost every activity of a community nature in Arlington Heights.”
Banta Family
TRISTAN PREUSKER
BY RESIDENT
Where do you go to school? I am in 3rd grade at Longfellow Elementary.
What sport do you play? I love to run and I also play softball through the Arlington Heights Park District.
What inspired you to get started with running and softball? I have 4 older brothers who all played baseball and 2 of them are runners. My brother Grant runs in high school and he’s so fast. My mom is a coach at a gym and I like to workout with her.
What positions do you play, and do you have a favorite? I play all positions in softball, but my favorite is centerfield.
What do you enjoy most about your sports? I love being with my friends and meeting new friends on my teams.
What is your proudest sports moment? My proudest moment was one of my last softball games when I was on 3rd base and we were tied and I scored the winning run.
Who is someone you admire and why? My friend, Aria, because she always kind to everyone.
What advice do you have for someone looking to get started with softball or running? Don’t be afraid to just try. Even if you’ve never played before or done anything before. Just try because you could be really good.
What are some of your other hobbies? I run races with Cardio Kidz and I also love gymnastics.
If you were to continue practicing your sport, what do you hope to become or accomplish someday? I want to become stronger and faster. I just want to be better every year.
Credit: Tiffany Preusker
ROCCO’S REVIEW
BY RESIDENT ROCCO
We braved the frigid temps of January to head out to the warmth of Passero in downtown Arlington Heights. Passero is an Italian-American trattoria that earned our praise for its flavorful food and inviting atmosphere. For a Wednesday night in the winter, the place was full and vibrant and we were met with a staff that was friendly and eager to have us there.
Andrea and I were joined by old friends Perry and Beth Dazzo, who is a preferred partner and community supporter of Stroll Scarsdale. We loved how Passero blends classic Italian influences with seasonal ingredients. Pair that with a great wine suggestion from our server, Sebastian, and a few great dirty martinis and we were off to an incredible start.
We kicked off with appetizers which included the Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Prime Beef Meatballs, and Fritto Misto (calamari). One was better than the next! And if you usually pass on the apps, you’re encouraged to try at least one of these!
Our salad and entrees were incredibly memorable as well! While we indulged in Loretta’s Chopped Salad, the Kale Crunch Ceasar and the Mozzarella Caprese were tempting as well.
Our entrées included a delicious Mediterranean Branzino Piccata, the Pappardelle (with braised wild boar ragu), the Hand Rolled Fusilli, and - we just had to - the Passero Double Cheeseburger.
We decided to make it a shareable evening, and we all tried a little bit of everything. I can’t call out a favorite this month because all the above were made with a level of freshness and quality that we appreciated. If none of the above sound exciting to you, know that five other artisan pastas are on the menu and other main selections including a Kurobota Pork Shank Osso Bucco and an asiago-crusted prime sirloin are available.
Great food, a friendly warm environment, impeccable service and a management team that checked in with all tables made us feel welcome and appreciated. If you’ve never been, give Passero a try, and you’ll understand.
Passero
3 S. Evergreen Ave. Arlington Heights, IL (224) 857-8900
SMERIGLIO
Andrea Smeriglio, Beth Dazzo, Rocco Smeriglio, and Perry Dazzo enjoying dinner at Passero.
The wine selection at Passero is top-notch.
Passero’s pappardelle is paired with a braised wild boar ragu.
The Crispy Brussels Sprouts are a can’t-miss app.
One of Passero’s delicious appetizers, the Prime Beef Meatballs.
CARDIO KIDZ
BY THERESA SCHULTZ, CARDIO KIDZ FOUNDER
Tell us about your organization. Cardio Kidz is a nonprofit youth running program that supports the physical, social, and emotional growth of children ages 2-14. The program helps kids of all ability levels build confidence, set goals, and develop a positive relationship with movement while bringing families together and strengthening community connections. We launched in July 2024.
What challenges have you encountered along the way?
Launching a nonprofit with no funding or prior experience and figuring out everything from program design to spreading awareness to operations was daunting. Through the many valuable programs offered by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and various local networking events, I had the privilege of meeting people who became mentors, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and even dear friends. Thankfully, the Chicagoland weather cooperated in 2025, but it’s a hurdle I’m still learning to navigate!
What’s been the most rewarding part of Cardio Kidz? Seeing the kids thrive in the environment. Watching them show up each week with courage and determination is truly inspiring.
How to get involved: In April, we’ll kick off a three-week “Sprint into Spring” running series on the track at Winston Campus in Palatine. We will also host a two-week Strength & Conditioning program in partnership with FLO Fitness in Palatine. Cardio Kidz is always looking for energetic volunteers and community
sponsors to support our family-friendly events. To be notified of future events and volunteer or sponsor opportunities, please share your email at https:// cardiokidz.org/contact-us
www.cardiokidz.org info@cardiokidz.org
Children as young as 2 can participate in Cardio Kidz.
Cardio Kidz participants cheer each other on at a running events.
The spring running clinic will take place on Sundays this April.
“Growing up, my Nana’s baking was a staple in our household and at every family gathering. Every Thursday since I can remember she dropped off cookies and other homemade desserts and meals, a favorite being her chocolate mousse. Over the years we have baked a variety of things together. I am so grateful for this time together.”
CAMPBELL
Nana’s Chocolate Mousse
BY RESIDENTS NICOLE PERRON & HER GRANDDAUGHTER CAMPBELL MICEK
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup cream
• 6 oz chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons rum (could substitute with vanilla)
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Whip cream and set aside.
2. In a saucepan or microwave, melt chocolate and milk, stirring until smooth.
3. Add rum and egg yolks; set aside.
4. Beat the egg white until soft peaks form.
5. Add sugar gradually and beat until the egg white is stiff.
6. Pour chocolate mixture into the egg white and fold to incorporate.
7. Add the whipped cream and gently fold in until mixed.
8. Pour into serving dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hours.