Safety Committee. Are you interested in committing some of your time and talent to community safety? BAPA invites area residents to volunteer for our Safety Committee. For information, contact Margot Holland, mholland@bapa.org.
Businesses Needed as UPS Access Points. Holiday shopping has begun, and area residents who make online purchases are interested in using local UPS Access Points — businesses that accept deliveries from UPS drivers and hold the packages until customers pick them up. It’s a free service that could potentially bring more customers into your business and helps prevent the theft that occasionally occurs when packages are delivered to residences when no one is home. Springer Blueprint Service, 10640 S. Western Ave., is a UPS Access Point. If your business currently offers this service, please email cconnors918@gmail.com and villagereditor@bapa.org. If you do not currently offer this free service but are interested in doing so, find information and an application at www.ups.com/us/en/services/e-commerce/access-point-network/recruit.page’
Ongoing Monthly Teen LGBTQ+ Support Group: Local support groups, GROW and Gendernauts have joined together to provide an affirming space for gender expansive, transgender, agender, lesbian, gay, queer, bisexual, LGBTQ+ high school aged teens. The group hosts free monthly meetings and social activity opportunities at Beverly Therapists, 10725 S. Western, 2nd floor. Info: Christina Sprayberry, LCSW, 314-550-4384 or Bonn Wade, LCSW, 773-330-2544.
Scout Pancake Breakfast. Boy Scout Troop #607 will hold its annual Scout Pancake Breakfast Sat., Dec. 2, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
19th Ward Document Shredding. Residents of the 19th Ward can bring loose documents with no staples or binders to be shredded. Sat., Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., St. Barnabas School parking lot, 10121 S. Longwood Dr. Free.
Smith Village Open Mic Night. Willie and Debbie Parks will host Open Mic Night Tues., Dec. 5, 7 to 10 p.m. at Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Singers, musicians, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to perform for an appreciative audience. The event is free, and refreshments will be served. To sign up your act, contact Debbie Parks, dahp2002@aol.com or 773-574-9727. Info about attending, 773-474-7300 (ask for Meghan Maple).
Hops for the Homeless. Horse Thief Hollow, 10426 S. Western, will host Hops for the Homeless raising funds Franciscan Outreach services for Chicago’s homeless, Wed., Dec. 6, 7 to 10 p.m. Admission, $40 (advance) or $45 (door), includes beverages, food, music by These Old Men They Play Records, a silent auction and raffle. Bring in new hats or gloves in exchange for raffle ticket. Order tickets/make a donation https://www.franoutreach.org/hops/
9-1-1 Discussion at Beat Meeting. Representatives from the Office of Emergency Management & Communications will attend the Beat 2211/2212 CAPS meeting Thurs., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., 22nd District Chicago Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey Ave. Anyone who has questions or concerns about calling 9-1-1, and the best way to assist dispatchers is encouraged to attend. Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report any suspicious behavior
Snowman’s Ball Luncheon .The 22nd District will be host its annual Snowman’s Ball luncheon for 10 needy youth and their families Sat., Dec. 9, 1:30 p.m., 22nd District Community Room, 1900 W. Monterey Ave. Now being accepted are donations of toys, games and gifts for youth ages 6 months to 17 years old, plus gifts for each mom. If you are out shopping and care to share, there is a donation toy box in the lobby of the station. Info: 312-745-0620.
Monthly Wellness Seminar Series. Beverly Therapists, t 10725 S. Western, 2nd floor, hosts a monthly Wellness Seminar Series on the second Saturday each month, 3 to 5 p.m. On Dec. 9, 2017 Lisa Catania, LCSW, presents Essential Oils, Affirmations and Healing. In this workshop, participants will identify a current area of stress and create an personalized affirmation to amplify positive self-healing and empowerment. Participants will explore the healing essence of specific plant oils and aromas and make a personal sized spray bottle of a scent which inspires and deepens each person’s empowering, healing affirmation. $10. Info/registration: www.Beverly Therapists.com.
2018 Forest Preserve Permits. Forest Preserve District of Cook County permit sales begin at 8 a.m., Tues., Jan. 2. Visitors can purchase them from the Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center. Coming up at Dan Ryan Woods: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Jan. 15. Info: fpdcc.com/event/mlk-jr-day-service/
Monthly Grief Support Groups. Starting in January, Beverly Therapists will hold two ongoing support groups for those mourning the loss of a child or spouse. “Grieving a Child Support Group” will meet the first Wednesday of each month. 7 to 9 p.m., starting Jan. 3, and “Grieving a Partner Support Group” will meet the third Wednesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m., starting Jan. 17. Info: www.BeverlyTherapists.com or l Aida Pigott, LCSW, 773-332-6664 or Lisa Catania, LCSW, 773-719-1751.