👋 Is Your Suburb Growing? 18 Festivals + Remembering 9/11

A lot can change in 25 years. We dug into population data for 22 communities we regularly cover to see which Northwest Suburbs have grown the most since 2000.

Here are the top five by percentage growth:

Vernon Hills: 20,120 → 26,825 (+33.3%)
Elgin: 94,487 → 115,476 (+22.2%)
Bartlett: 36,706 → 40,855 (+11.3%)
Wheeling: 34,496 → 38,391 (+11.3%)
Crystal Lake: 38,000 → 42,288 (+11.3%)

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As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, communities across the Northwest Suburbs will come together this week to honor the lives lost, recognize first responders and veterans, and reflect on a day that changed our country forever.

We’ve rounded up local Patriot Day ceremonies and remembrance events happening around the area for those who would like to attend and pay their respects.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has sued ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, alleging deceptive sales practices that pressured homeowners, including seniors, into costly and sometimes unnecessary repairs. (Link)

A packed public forum at Elgin Community College brought experts and residents together to discuss the growing impact of data centers, including concerns over electricity costs, water use and effects on local neighborhoods. (Link)

• Arlington Heights: John Hersey High School’s annual Big Game returns Sept. 11, bringing Career Life Skills students to center court while also honoring veterans, active military members and local police and firefighters.

• Buffalo Grove: An overnight fire at Samarkand Café damaged several businesses in a Dundee Road strip mall, with neighboring units affected by smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

• Crystal Lake: The city will hold a curbside electronics collection Sept. 14-18, allowing residents to set out up to five approved electronic items on their regular collection day, including no more than one TV or computer monitor.

• Des Plaines: The former Lattof YMCA site on Northwest Highway is moving toward redevelopment as the Cambridge Athletic & Social sports complex, with plans for racket sports, a restaurant and a local market.

• Elgin: The city will mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at 9 AM Friday, Sept. 11, on the west-side steps of Elgin City Hall. The program will include remarks from local leaders, honor guards and the National Anthem.

• Hoffman Estates: The village’s free curbside tree branch pickup begins Sept. 21 and runs by zone through Oct. 12. Residents should place properly prepared branches at the curb by 7 AM on their scheduled pickup date.

• Mount Prospect: The latest Mount Prospect Update for September is now available, with a roundup of upcoming events, village news and other happenings around town.

• Palatine: The Rotary Club of Palatine’s 18th annual Oktoberfest returns Sept. 18-20 in downtown Palatine with German food, live music, drinks and family activities. Admission is free, and proceeds support local charities and community projects.

Donerka Shawarma & Cafe (Buffalo Grove) | New shawarma restaurant (Link)

Heights Pediatrics (Arlington Heights) | Sept 8th | New pediatric care practice (Link)

Maiden Salon (Barrington) | Sept 8th | New beauty salon (Link)

Little Roots Pediatric Dentistry (Bartlett) | Sept 9th | New pediatric dental practice (Link)

Home Instead (Crystal Lake) | Sept 9th | New in-home senior care office (Link)

My wife and I recently stopped by Grill House in Northbrook for lunch, and we were seriously impressed by both the quality of the food and the portions.

Grill House is a family-run restaurant owned by Gus and Nick Drivas, and next September will mark 10 years of serving the community. We had the pleasure of meeting Gus, who shared a little about the restaurant’s story and his passion for being involved locally. Grill House also gives back to the community by partnering with local schools and other organizations on fundraising efforts.

We tried quite a bit. My wife had the Protein Bowl with basmati lemon rice and chicken souvlaki, which was fresh, flavorful and really well balanced. I went with the gyros plate, which was easily one of the best gyros I’ve had in a long time, and the portion was definitely generous. There was enough meat for two sandwiches!

The standout for me, though, was the roasted chicken with rice and Yukon Gold potatoes. The chicken was perfectly roasted and seasoned, and as a big potato guy, I have to say the potatoes were excellent. My wife also tried the chicken noodle soup and really enjoyed it.

The service was great, the restaurant was clean and nicely designed, and they also have a really nice outdoor patio. They offer an extensive catering menu too, with options for everything from family gatherings to holidays and larger events.

Northbrook may technically sit just outside our usual Northwest Suburbs coverage, but this one is close enough that we had to give it a spotlight. If you’re in the area, we definitely recommend giving Grill House a try. (Link)

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”- Frederick Douglass

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