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
BEAUTY
LTH Beauty Esthetic & Wellness Co (224) 425-4109 www.lthbeauty.com
Sans Soleil Sunless Tan (847) 852-6677 www.sansoleiltan.glossgenius.com
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
Community Calendar
Saturday, February 7
10:30am -12:00pm
Lil Ravers Dance Party
Arlington Lakes Golf Club, 1211 New Wilke Road
Join in the fun for a Saturday morning dance party! www.ahpd.org
Saturday, February 7
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Sweetheart Tea
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W Fremont Street
Enjoy a sweet afternoon with your favorite date. Join in a relaxed celebration in the Historic Banta House, a century-old arts and crafts inspired home. www.ahpd.org
Wednesday, February 11
9:00pm -10:15am
Stroll Scarsdale Monthly Community Coffee
Gerry’s Cafe, 1802 N Arlington Heights Rd,
Join us at our monthly coffee! They 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! StrollScarsdale@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 12
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Preschool Open House
Camelot, Frontier and Pioneer Community Centers. Meet the teachers and learn about the curriculum in the classrooms. Open Houses are at Camelot, Frontier and Pioneer Community Centers. www.ahpd.org
Saturday, February 14
Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 16
Presidents’ Day
Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins)
Friday, February 20
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Totally Tubular Teen Night
Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N Ridge Avenue Middle Schoolers – get ready to party like it’s 1985! Join for open swim, open gym, Za, and snacks! www.ahpd.org
Friday, February 20-28
BITE into LOCAL Arlington Heights www.arlingtonhcc.com
Sunday, February 22
11:00am - 4:00pm
SLSF Fashion Show
Belvedere Banquet, 1170 W Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village
The SLSF Fashion Show is a community tradition that honors the talents and spirit of individuals with disabilities. Stroll Scarsdale is a proud sponsor of this event. https://www.slsf.me/fs
Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 8
Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week
Various locations
Explore your taste buds in Arlington Heights with a multitude of restaurant options including Japanese, Pho, Mexican, Italian, Thai, among many others. www.chicagonorthwest.com
March 11, 2026
9-10:15 a.m.
SAVE THE DATE! STROLL Community Coffee
Lutheran Home
800 W. Oakton St.
Community and conversation! Join us! All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. RSVP strollscarsdale@gmail.com Scan
WE CREATE, YOU CELEBRATE
Anthony Tripp Photographer Anthony Tripp
Eva Simon Photographer simonevaphotography
Diane Morris Content Coordinator strollscarsdale
Dolly Caravette McCarthy Publisher/Editor/
Paula Krueger Resident Writer
FEBRUARY
Love Is All Around...ABSOLUTELY Arlington Heights!
February is the season of love! It’s a time to celebrate the moments and the people that make Arlington Heights so special. May this month bring moments that warm your heart and lift your spirits!
That spirit is beautifully captured by our cover family, the Drost family, whose story reflects what Arlington Heights is all about: connection, community, and service.
At Stroll Scarsdale–Arlington Heights, we love sharing the stories of our neighbors, not for profits, and local businesses. If you’re interested in nominating a friend, or have a fun idea for the magazine, I’d love to hear from you at StrollScarsdale@gmail.com
Be sure to visit our new website at www.strollscarsdalearlingtonheights.com
date on what’s happening around town and signing up to receive the digital edition of Stroll each month.
Let’s connect and stay connected, Arlington Heights!
Monthly coffees! Open to all in the Arlington Heights community. Our first community coffee will take place Wednesday, February 11th, 9:00 am - 10:15 am at Gerry’s Cafe, 1802 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights. 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.
Scan the QR code to sign up to receive a digital copy of STROLL Scarsdale, nominate a neighbor, athlete or pet to be featured in an upcoming issue!
SAY HELLO TO THE DROST
FAMILY!
FAMILY MEMBERS: Tracy and her husband, Charles, have been married for 20 years! They have three children: Kaleigh (18), Charlie (16), Declan (14), and their rescue dog, Margaux (7).
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE COMMUNITY? The family has lived in the Historic Arlington Heights neighborhood for 20 years. Tracy is proud of her Heisler family roots in Crystal Lake, where she grew up. Charles grew up in Scarsdale Estates in Arlington Heights.
WHAT COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY DID YOU ATTEND? Tracy graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in travel and tourism. She studied abroad at Bermuda College and later worked in eco tourism on St. John, USVI. Charles graduated from Augustana College with majors in International Business and German and later earned his MBA from DePaul University. He also studied abroad in Germany at the University of Passau.
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?
Charles works as the managing director of a specialty finance company. Tracy currently holds the title of Mrs. Illinois America. With no prior pageant experience, she represented Illinois at the Mrs. America competition this past August in Las Vegas. Her year is dedicated to philanthropy and to supporting
communities and nonprofit organizations by helping them gain greater exposure through engagement, appearances, public speaking, volunteerism, and fundraising. She continues to do print and commercial modeling work. Her goal is to inspire positive change and raise awareness for organizations that strengthen communities across the state.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS: The Drost Family enjoys a busy and active lifestyle. The oldest attends the University of Iowa
after earning her CNA certification at Hersey High School and spending years as a competitive equestrian jumper. The older son plays on the Hersey golf team, and the youngest plays travel baseball for the Cardinals Black team. The family enjoys time together at their home course, Medinah Country Club.
DOES YOUR FAMILY HAVE ANY UNIQUE TALENTS OR INTERESTS?
Travel plays a meaningful role in the Drost family’s life, taking them to
destinations across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Their children hold citizenship in the United States, the Czech Republic through Charles’s family, and Luxembourg through Tracy’s. They also enjoy time at their family homes in Naples, Florida, and in Ephraim, Door County, Wisconsin, where Tracy and Charles married in 2005.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES? Helping start and carry on the annual block party remains a favorite tradition. The event has grown to include activities the children look forward to each year. Inspired by a beloved neighborhood pet, they introduced the group name Highland Hounds as a fun way for kids who live nearby to feel connected.
HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT? The Drost Family finds joy in bringing people together through meaningful acts of service. Their efforts have included food drives, kindness rock painting, lemonade stands, clean up walks, car washes for charity, comfort blanket projects, and letter writing for military families. Contributing to neighbors winning AH Heart of Gold awards remains one of their most rewarding experiences.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD MEMORY? A standout memory is the 2015 Highland Haunted House. In a collaborative effort, the family and neighbors transformed the home that originally stood on the property into an immersive haunted experience visited by hundreds of families on Halloween night. The house eventually gave way to the home the family lives in today.
ROTARY CLUB OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
SANTA RUN
The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights’ Santa Run brought holiday cheer to town on December 6th with its beloved annual tradition of fitness, fun, and giving back. More than 2,000 participants of all ages joined in festive Santa suits for the 5K run, 1-mile walk, and the kid-friendly Reindeer Dash, creating a joyful “sea of Santas” through downtown Arlington Heights. Stroll Scarsdale - Arlington Heights was a proud sponsor of this event.
AROUND TOWN
Community Barre3 Workout at Metropolis Ballroom. Jubilation Event for St. James.
Such a beautiful night at Recreation Park for the Luminary Walk.
High Tea at the Arlington Heights Historical Society.
Community members enjoyed a festive workshop with the Arlington Heights Garden Club.
Passero celebrating their 8th year anniversary.
The Arlington Heights preschooler wrapped up the year with smiles, songs and plenty of festive spirit.
The Arlington Heights Senior Center celebrated at the Holiday Cheer Luncheon.
Residents gather together for the Holiday Bar Crawl in Downtown Arlington Heights.
Community Outing at GolfVX.
Feed My Starving Children at Pathway Church in Arlington Heights hand-packed 28,728 meals in December.
Congrats to the Arlington Heights Park District’s Men’s Basketball League champions.
Over 1150 coats were collected by the Village of Arlington Heights and the Arlington Heights Fire Department.
The 100th Anniversary float took on new life as a festive holiday display.
Tackling Without
IF A LOVED ONE PASSES without a will or any funeral plans in place, the stress and the expenses can end up on your shoulders. Losing a loved one is hard enough on its own. But when they pass without a will, a funeral plan, or any instructions, the grief quickly gets tangled up with stress, and a heavy feeling of “what now?” This is the reality for families who have to sort out someone’s final affairs while they’re still trying to cope with the loss. If there is no will, the state decides who gets what from the deceased’s estate. A Caring.com survey found that two-thirds of Americans don’t have a will. When someone dies without a will, they’re said to have died “intestate.” This means state law
determines how their assets are distributed. Every state has its own rules, but most follow a general order of inheritance:
Spouse and children first: If there are none, the estate typically passes to the next closest relatives.
Parents, then siblings: If the deceased’s parents are alive, they may inherit the estate. If not, it typically goes to siblings.
Then extended family: If there are no parents or siblings, the estate might pass to grandparents,
Without a will, your first step is usually opening a probate case, and you may end up being appointed as the estate’s administrator. That means you’re suddenly responsible for tracking down bank accounts, insurance policies, retirement funds, personal belongings — and any debts. It’s basically a detective job, and it’s even tougher if your cousin didn’t keep
If you ever find yourself in this situation, start by getting several copies of the death certificate — you’ll need them for banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. After that, reach out to the probate court in the county where your family member Contact Anthony J. Madonia & Associates at info@madonia.com or (312) 578-9300.
Poli Tzarevski
Where do you go to school?
Freshman at Illinois State University.
What sport do you play?
competitive dancer at Illinois State University. I have been dancing for about 9 years!
What inspired you to get started with dance? I originally started in gymnastics at Rise Up Academy. However, after taking a ballet class, I fell in love dance. I have never regretted my decision since. I have made my best friends through dance.
What do you enjoy most about dance? I enjoy the freedom. It gives me an outlet to express how I feel through movement and song.
Are you an athlete or would you like to nominate an athlete? Scan QR Code to submit!
WHAT’S COOKIN’ ARLINGTON HEIGHTS?
“Baking has always been part of my life, influenced by both my mom and grandma. I enjoy reinterpreting classic recipes and adapting them with my own personalized spin.” - Paula Krueger
• Preheat over to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 3 8” pans, adding parchment to the bottom of each pan
• In medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda
• In another bowl, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, lemon zest and extract
• In the mixer bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese at medium speed until smooth
• Gradually add in the sugar and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes
• Add the eggs one at a time
• With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk mixture
PREPARE THE RASPBERRY SWIRL
• Remove 1 cup of cake batter and put in a separate mixing bowl
• Add the raspberry jam, add a drop of red/pink food coloring
FILLING THE PANS
• Fill the pans equally with the plain batter
• Spoon the raspberry batter equally on top of each
• Use a knife to run through the batter to create swirls.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 28 – 30 minutes
• Let cool 10 minutes before removing from the pans and then assemble the cake.
Share your favorite recipe! Scan QR Code to submit!
PatchesThe Mini Goldendoodle
BY RESIDENT THERESA SCHULTZ
When and how did your pet come to join your family? My husband and I never grew up with dogs, but our two daughters had been begging us for years to get one. I held out for three solid years of constant reminders and even written pro-dog arguments from my then-7-yearold. But during the thick of COVID, when life slowed down, I finally had the reset I needed to feel ready to add to our family. So in early 2021 we started searching, and that May, Patches joined our home.
Is there a story behind your pet’s name? We spent weeks trying to come up with a name, and no one could agree on anything. It felt just like when my husband and I were trying to name our girls. One day, everyone was outside and I was on the computer staring at a photo of our soon-to-be puppy. I noticed he had a bit of different coloring around one of his eyes, almost like a little patch. ‘Patches’ popped into my mind, and I ran outside to share it with the family. Everyone immediately loved it. The funniest part? He totally grew out of that coloring and now has zero patches. We couldn’t imagine him being called anything else. Of course, he’s also inherited a handful of nicknames such as “Patchy,” “Patchybaby,” “Patchy-poo-poo.” He proudly responds to all of them and depending on the tone also knows when he is in trouble.
Does your pet have any unique talents or tricks? We taught him how to come, sit, lay down, give paw “high five” and speak.
Where does your pet love to hang out in the neighborhood? Patches loves EVERYONE human and dog. Sophie is his best friend. She lives a few blocks away and we go on multiple walks a week together.
What is your pet’s “pet peeve”? He absolutely hates the blow dryer!
Share your Precious Pet! Scan QR Code to submit!
A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
GENERATIONS OAKTON ARMS
Generations Oakton Arms’ residents are a part of a growing family. Each day offers something new and inviting — friendships, activities, meals and memories. Residents start their mornings with their favorite breakfast staples in our spacious dining room before moving on to reading the newspaper or listening to music in our bright Atrium, enjoying a conversation during our walking club or watching the news in our cinema. In the late morning, we offer a fun daily exercise. We don’t just encourage improving and maintaining our motor skills but also challenging our brains with a popular word game. Lunch is our biggest meal of the day and residents receive a gazette with an overview of the history of the day, a famous birthday and word puzzles that generate discussion and education. In the afternoon, we have two led activities for two hours. Usually, these are hands-on and well-attended, such as bingo, a board game, or a craft. Unique and entertaining activities include a monthly spelling bee, a Kentucky
Derby-style horse racing game, and a giant blown-up bowling competition. Not to mention our weekly happy hours that bring the whole community together to celebrate the end of the week.
Generations Oakton Arms is Independent and Assisted Living, offering residents an intimate setting and family-oriented environment. Recently we have added an In-House Therapy department to our family. Organized by HealthPro with our sister Skilled Nursing facility across the street, we now offer Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy. Generations Oakton Arms encourages continuous care from hospitalization to rehab with the ultimate goal of returning back home to a safe atmosphere. We offer a full range of services with personalized care plans to maintain and improve functioning.
Generations at Oakton
1660-1665 Oakton Place Des Plaines
847-299-5588
Special Leisure Services Foundation
Local Hearts, Lasting Impact: Supporting Abilities Across Arlington Heights
BY
PRESIDENT ANDREA GRIFFIN, SUPERINTENDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
ANNE KIWALA, MANAGER OF DEVELOPMENT LIZ THOMAS, AND EVENTS COORDINATOR MEGAN O’BRIEN
Tell us about your organization: Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting children and adults with disabilities by removing financial and logistical barriers to inclusive recreation. Through philanthropy and signature events like its 36-year Fashion Show, SLSF celebrates abilities, builds community, and funds programs that enhance quality of life.
What types of services or programs does it offer? SLSF supports children and adults with disabilities by funding accessible transportation, scholarships, inclusion services, athletics, and recreation programs through its partnership with
Northwest Special Recreation Association. From arts and fitness to camps and social clubs, these services promote independence, connection, wellness, and year-round opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
What’s your role in this cause? SLSF’s development team includes President Andrea Griffin (20+ years), Superintendent of Development Anne Kiwala (4 years), Manager of Development Liz Thomas (5 years), and Events Coordinator Megan O’Brien (8.5 years), all dedicated to advancing the foundation’s mission of supporting inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities.
Sunshine, smiles, and shared moments of joy—summer memories made at NWSRA Summer Day Camp.
Please join the SLSF Fashion Show on Sunday, February 22, 2026. For ticket information go to: www.slsf.me
What challenges have you encountered? A key challenge is meeting diverse disability needs while reaching families unfamiliar with available programs and providing needed financial support. By staying adaptable, listening to families, strengthening outreach, and collaborating as a team, flexibility and innovation help ensure meaningful, accessible experiences continue despite a changing environment.
In what ways have you seen your efforts positively impact Arlington Heights? The impact is seen in participants’ confidence, joy, and sense of belonging as they access new programs, build friendships, and gain independence. The most rewarding moments come from seeing individuals feel included—whether on stage, receiving support, or discovering life-changing opportunities that bring families and communities together.
Tell us about any upcoming projects, fundraisers, or events you’re excited to pursue in the coming months. We’re excited for the SLSF Fashion Show on Sunday, February 22, 2026, a signature event celebrating ability and inclusion while raising vital funds for NWSRA programs. Community members can get involved by sponsoring, volunteering, attending, donating raffle and auction items. Each gift ensures access to programs that inspire, engage, and connect participants. Stroll Scarsdale is a proud sponsor of the SLSF Fashion Show.
