🦌 Local Fun, Big Trucks & Meat Galore

Good morning and happy Tuesday! A Des Plaines gas station recently sold a $10.4 million winning Lotto ticket, which means someone out there is having a way better morning than the rest of us. But don’t worry—we’ve got a fun issue ahead to keep your day interesting!

In this issue:

• Bears playing softball 🐻 

• Arlington Heights Blood Drive 🩸 

• Indoor Adventure Park 🎢 

Let’s get to it.

— Jake & Kayla Sherman, Publishers

P.S. Got a question, comment, or local tip? Just hit reply—we read and respond to everything!

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Montez Sweat Swaps Tackles for Home Runs ⚾

Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat is trading the football field for the baseball diamond, headlining a celebrity softball game at Schaumburg’s Wintrust Field on Saturday, June 7th. The event kicks off with a Home Run Derby at 2 p.m., followed by the main game at 3 p.m.

Sweat says it’s all about bringing the community together and giving back. Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at Wintrust Field. Learn more here. 

Alexian Brothers Leads New Alzheimer’s Trials 🧠

Big things are happening at Alexian Brothers hospital, where researchers are testing new ways to slow Alzheimer’s. One promising drug, remternetug (try saying that three times fast), could replace monthly IV infusions with an easy at-home injection. Another study targets tau proteins, hoping to stop brain cell damage before it gets worse.

Doctors stress that early diagnosis is key—new treatments can’t turn back time, but they might help hit the brakes. With research moving fast, these trials could bring hope to families facing Alzheimer’s. More details here.

Schaumburg Approves First Office-to-Apartment Conversion 🏢➡️🏡

Schaumburg trustees have given the green light for the village’s first office-to-residential conversion, turning a five-story building at 1699 E. Woodfield Rd. into the 98-unit Woodfield Apartments. The project will include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units—each with a balcony—while keeping a dental practice on the ground floor.

Plans also call for a parking garage, fitness center, yoga studio, golf simulator, and even a pet spa. With a growing push to repurpose office space, officials hope this project will shape the Woodfield area into a walkable, mixed-use district.

PRESENTED BY BUSSE BUZZ

Put Your Biz in the Buzz

Do you own a local business? Let us help you get the word out! The Busse Buzz is the go-to source for community news, and we’d love to feature your business in front of engaged, local readers.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more about advertising opportunities!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Stand-Up Comedy at Prairie Center 🎤

Get your weekend started with laughs at the Prairie Center’s comedy series in Schaumburg! Catch Chicago’s rising stand-ups Friday at 6:30 p.m.—tickets are $20, with series passes available. Get tickets here.

Arlington Heights Blood Drive ❤️

Honor Emily Ann Holum’s legacy by donating blood on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church. Every donation makes a difference! Additional details here.

International Gem & Jewelry Show 💎

Need a little extra sparkle? The International Gem & Jewelry Show hits Rosemont this weekend, offering diamonds, vintage finds, and more—at prices that might just justify “treating yourself.” Tickets are $6 online, $8 at the door (cash only), and free for military and wholesalers—just no kids under 9! Get tickets here.

Champagne & Vinyl Cocktail Class 🍾

Looking for a date night idea? Bring some champagne and mix up cocktails with a side of great music at The Empty Corner in Arlington Heights on Feb. 21. Class runs 7-9 p.m., $80 per couple—cheers to a fun night! Learn more here.

Coming up next week

Chicago Golf Show ⛳️

Swing into the 2025 Chicago Golf Show from Feb. 28 – March 2 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont! Score deals on gear, take free lessons from IPGA pros, win prizes, and even snag a free round of golf. Get tickets here.

Monster Jam in Rosemont 🏁

Get ready for high-flying trucks and adrenaline-pumping action as Monster Jam roars into the Allstate Arena on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Parking is $25 (cash or card), and gates open two hours before showtime. Buckle up for a night of massive jumps and wild stunts! Get tickets here.

Wild Things 2025 🌿

Celebrate nature at Wild Things 2025 on March 1 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center! Connect with fellow nature lovers, learn from experts, and explore ways to protect local ecosystems. Tickets $40-$60. Learn more here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Indoor Adventure Park Coming to Arlington Heights 🎢

Urban Air Adventure Park is bringing go-karts, trampolines, laser tag, climbing walls, and more to Arlington Heights this August. The 67,000-square-foot entertainment hub will take over part of the former Burlington store at 30 W. Rand Road, offering family-friendly fun, a small restaurant, and even potential adult beverages. Wristband access limits playtime and ensures safety, with memberships and party reservations available.

Fogo de Chao coming soon in Schaumburg 🥩 

Construction is moving along for Fogo de Chao, set to open near Woodfield Mall this April. With endless fire-roasted meats, a legendary salad bar, and a full bar, it’s already got mouths watering. Sure, Schaumburg’s steak scene is already well-done (see what I did there), but let’s be honest—when it comes to sizzling cuts of meat, you can never have too many.

Firewater BBQ Eyes Roselle Expansion 🍖

Roselle’s downtown is getting a flavor boost as Firewater BBQ plans to anchor the new Timberland Commons. The 5,500-square-foot project replaces a former commuter lot, bringing more businesses and plenty of slow-smoked goodness.

EXTRAS

Valentine’s Day By the Numbers 💘

Whether you went all out or just survived another Valentine's Day, the numbers behind this love-filled holiday are pretty wild. Let’s take a look at the stats—because nothing says romance like cold, hard data.

• 8 Billion Conversation Hearts 💬 – Yep, more than 8 billion of those chalky little candies are made each year, and Necco works on them year-round. The best part? They last five years, so if you still have a box from 2020, it’s basically vintage now.

• 145 Million Valentine's Cards Exchanged 💌 – Hallmark reports that Americans send 145 million cards every year, second only to Christmas. Teachers get the most, followed by kids, moms, and wives. Husbands? Well… better luck next year.

• $27.5 Billion Spent on Love 💸 – Americans dropped nearly $28 billion on Valentine's gifts, averaging about $188 per person. That’s a lot of flowers, chocolates, and last-minute gas station teddy bears.

WEATHER

Today, February 18
☀️ High: 10°F | Low: -2°F — Bitterly cold with some sunshine.

Wednesday, February 19
❄️ High: 12°F | Low: 0°F — Cloudy and frigid with a few flurries.

Thursday, February 20
🌞 High: 17°F | Low: 4°F — Bitter cold but sunny.

Friday, February 21
🌤️ High: 24°F | Low: 14°F — Sunny to partly cloudy and still very cold.

Saturday, February 22
⛅ High: 27°F | Low: 20°F — A mix of clouds and sun with lingering cold.

Sunday, February 23
☁️ High: 37°F | Low: 31°F — Mostly cloudy but finally inching toward tolerable temps.

THANKS!

Thanks for catching up with the Busse Buzz! If you found something worth sharing, pass it along to a friend, neighbor, or anyone who loves staying in the loop. Got a question, comment, or local tip? Just hit reply—we read and respond to everything!