Did you know: Fun, helpful summertime info from local businesses

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers catering and a food truck for all your events
As if Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard on Northwest Highway hasn’t spoiled us enough with their delicious treats, you should know that they’ve gone mobile, too, adding a food truck for catering and events of all kinds — from birthday parties to festivals and neighborhood block parties.
Italian ice, custard cookie sandwiches, frozen drinks and misto shakes are all available on the truck, and catering for events of all sizes is available. Keep an eye out for their popular promotions each month too. 157 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge. 847-696-7189. RitasIce.com
Le Village in Des Plaines offers co-working and childcare
Le Village Cowork in Des Plaines is a thoughtfully designed co-working community with onsite, teacher-led childcare for children from three months to four years. Built for modern parents, they know that raising young kids and maintaining a career isn’t easy, so they’ve created a space where both can thrive. Members support one another through the chaos and joy of early parenthood with monthly events, spontaneous happy hours and everyday connections that make it feel like you’ve truly found your village.
Even if you don’t have little ones, the Village access pass opens the door to everything the space has to offer, including flexible co-working options (daily, multi-pack or unlimited), access to events and a warm, welcoming community. The first floor is home to cozy classrooms and play areas, while upstairs you’ll find two beautifully designed co-working rooms, private offices and a gym equipped with a Peloton, weights, a walking treadmill and shower.
The childcare program is intimate by design, with three developmentally based classrooms — Wigglers, Wobblers and Explorers — led by nurturing teachers who form strong, lasting bonds with the kids. The curriculum is theme-based and rooted in play, guided by four pillars: Big Body (gross motor), Little Hands (fine motor and categorization), Art and Sensory. The curriculum is inspired by Montessori principles, but they practice play-based learning, and the unique membership allows you to create a childcare schedule that fits your needs. 932 Lee Street in Des Plaines. LeVillageCowork.com
Metta Perspective Acupuncture offers ozone therapy
Want to learn more about ozone therapy and how it can help you better navigate life in an assortment of ways? Look no further than Metta Perspective Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Niles.
Ozone therapy can support your immune system, relieve stress and anxiety, and improve circulation.
Ozone therapy (ear insufflation) is a gentle yet powerful wellness treatment that introduces medical-grade ozone into the body through the ear canal. Ozone, a highly energized form of oxygen (O₃), has been widely studied for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. When applied via ear insufflation, the ozone interacts with the mucous membranes and tissues of the inner ear, allowing it to enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system efficiently. This route is particularly beneficial for supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and stimulating tissue repair — making it a valuable adjunct therapy for individuals dealing with chronic illness, fatigue, sinus issues or recurring infections.
Unlike more invasive methods, ear insufflation is simple, comfortable and quick, often beginning with just a three-minute session. Because the treatment is localized yet systemic, many people experience benefits ranging from improved mental clarity and energy to relief from allergies or lingering colds. As part of a holistic approach, ozone therapy may complement other healing modalities such as acupuncture, nutritional therapy, or detox protocols. While it may sound futuristic, ozone therapy has a long history of use in European and integrative medicine settings and is gaining popularity in the U.S. for its safety and effectiveness in promoting overall wellness.
Call 847-701-5788 or visit MettaPerspective.com to learn more and book an appointment.
Easy Street has new summer menu items and seasonal cocktails
Easy Street Pizza in South Park has some creative summer food options, not to mention a bevy of new cocktails to match the season. Hungry but maybe want to go a little lighter than usual? Their new giardiniera dip with warm kettle chips, chicken Cesar wrap, fresh ground turkey burger or hot honey soppressata should do the trick.
For drinks, try the limoncello spritz, watermelon mojito, Cool as a Cucumber gin concoction, or the tropical margarita with 1800 Coconut, pineapple and lime juices, and pomegranate simple syrup. They’re as tasty as they sound, believe us. 711 Devon in Park Ridge. EasyStreetParkRidge.com
Home Comfort provides semi-annual Clean & Checks and customized comfort plans
Need an HVAC repair in Park Ridge and the surrounding areas? Get your home system running smoothly again and save $50 on repairs of $250 or more with Home Comfort. Plus, they offer convenient and efficient semi-annual Clean & Checks that can give you some peace of mind, maintain applicable warranties and increase the reliability of your systems.
Benefits include:
*Twice yearly visits to perform a cleaning and preventative check of all covered equipment like air conditioners, furnaces and boilers.
*Savings on each piece of equipment enrolled in the plan.
*Friendly reminders to schedule your checks seasonally.
*Priority scheduling of your Clean & Check visit and service appointments when available.
Call 847-306-6602 or visit HomeComfort.net
TeaLula now offers lunch
Did you know TeaLula now offers an expanded lunch menu? Enjoy a creative salad, sandwich or bowl of soup to go with your tea. Summer café lunch hours are from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Try the fresh chicken Cesar wrap or one of the rotating soups like like the chicken vegetable with tri-color cauliflower, broccoli, roasted corn, tomato, green onions and hints of cumin and curry. And might we suggest the strawberry matcha lemonade. 11 S. Fairview Ave. in Park Ridge. TeaLula.com
Get all your digital work done at the media lab at the Park Ridge Library
Do you have a box of home movies you’d love to watch again? Or photos in albums that you’d love to share online? Need to make a movie, design a website or edit your podcast? In the Park Ridge Library’s media lab, you can use top-of-the-line equipment to get organized, get creative and start sharing memories:
*Transfer videocassettes to digital format
*Digitize super 8 and 8mm film
*Scan and edit photos, slides and negatives
*Preserve and digitize cassette tapes and records
*Create movies, slideshows, websites, podcasts and more
20 S. Prospect Ave. ParkRidgeLibrary.org