What you do for a living: I am the Youth and Special Events Supervisor for the Park Ridge Park District. I am fortunate that my job entails so many different aspects and that I am able to interact with the community on a variety of levels — from classes, to summer camps, concerts in the park and the 3rd of July fireworks. It’s amazing to be able to give back to the community that gave so much to me as I was growing up.

How long you’ve lived here: I was born and raised in Park Ridge and grew up a stone’s throw from City Hall. I graduated from St. Paul of the Cross, where my son also graduated and my daughter currently attends. I currently live up the road in Norwood Park and have since 2011.

What you like best about Park Ridge: I like the small, friendly community feel of Park Ridge. I love the proximity to both Chicago and nature. Not to show partiality, but I think we have an amazing Park District. My children have gone to both camps and classes with the Park District long before I worked here. Our parks are second to none. You can find something to do at each of the 21 we operate.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Recently, I was at WineStyles in Norwood Park on a Thursday night for their weekly wine tasting and their food, and my friend and I had one of every appetizer on the menu. I recommend the baked brie, charcuterie and any of the flatbreads or pizzas. I have never had a miss when going there. Some people do a rail of beer, but I prefer a nice glass of wine with a rail of small bites.

Vaughan’s Pub fish & chips

Favorite restaurant in the area: It is hard to pick just one, but I love going to Vaughan’s Pub & Grill in Jefferson Park. It feels like family whenever I walk in. Great food and great drinks. Never a miss.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: I am biased toward my local spot, Three Counties Pub. When you step in, you feel like you are in a pub in Ireland. There’s enough TVs to watch any game, but not too many to be overwhelming. It’s a great place to have a relaxing pint of Guinness and watch a match.

I love Sun and Moon Yoga on Oakton & Northwest Highway. I get my Zen and stretch on with them, and always leave feeling so calm and relaxed.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: Starting the day at the Park Ridge Farmers Market is tops on my list. I love getting some fresh fruit and veggies, as well as cheese and veggie burgers for me, regular for the family. Going to the pool or beach too. Generally, any outdoor activities. We get every season in a week, so why not enjoy it?

Soup and Scoops panini

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Soup and Scoops in Edison Park. The daily, rotating menu of soups always has something for everyone. Their red wine with cheesy potato soup is delectable. My daughter loves when we stop there because she gets her choice of ice cream. They also have amazing paninis. And you can’t beat their homemade salad dressings.

I can remember sitting on our deck and listening to the Concerts in the Park from my backyard as a kid. As I got older, they were a wonderful and safe place to hang out with friends. Now as an adult, I am able to share that experience with my children.

What’s something you look forward to every summer?
The Concerts in the Park in Hodges Park. I can remember sitting on our deck and listening to the concerts from my backyard as a kid. As I got older, they were a wonderful and safe place to hang out with friends. Now as an adult, I am able to share that experience with my children. And as the Special Events Supervisor for the Park District, I have the privilege to continue to bring bands on June 21 and June 28 for the the Concerts in the Park.

2 Sisters Boutique

Favorite local store or best shopping area: 2 Sisters Boutique is the place to go for fun and unique fashions. I’m obsessed with their line from Steve Madden. I also love MD Ventures Med Spa on Prospect, where the facials make me feel like I am 25 again. The vitamin IV treatments are a must when you need a pick-me-up or are training for a race, and the skin-care products there are phenomenal too.

Secret spot: Don’t know how secret the spot is, but I love Sun and Moon Yoga on Oakton & Northwest Highway. I get my Zen and stretch on with them. I always leave feeling so calm and relaxed.

Hiking in Galena

Weekend getaway spot: I love going to Galena. We had a home up there when I was growing up, and I still love visiting. The shops are wonderful, and I love hiking while I am there. There is so much to do in the area.



Underrated activity in the area: The Park Ridge History Center by the Park Ridge Historical Society is a wonderful place to visit. It adds to the small-town feel of Park Ridge, reminds us of our past, and gives us hope for the future. Learning about the history of Park Ridge and those who helped make Park Ridge a wonderful town should be a must for anyone who calls Park Ridge home!

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I have yet to visit the new Don Juan’s Cantina. I have heard such great things about it, and it is on my to-visit list for the summer.