Electronic and Hazardous Waste Collection. Area residents can safely dispose of electronic and hazardous household waste Sat., Oct. 1, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Beverly Unitarian Church parking lot, 103rd and Seeley Avenue. The event is organized by the Green Sanctuary Group of Beverly Unitarian Church. Accepted electronic items are computers, monitors, printers, laptops, peripherals, cell phones and small televisions. Accepted hazardous household chemicals and items are mercury-florescent bulbs, antifreeze, used motor oil, oil-based paints, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosol paints, hobby chemicals, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, lawn chemicals, solvents, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, hobby and photographic chemicals, mercury thermometers, and clean Styrofoam packing materials and egg cartons. Textbooks and eyeglasses also will be accepted for reuse. The following items will NOT be accepted: Freon, incandescent bulbs, appliances, alkaline batteries, bio-hazardous products, needles, latex, acrylic or water-based paints, caulk or cleaning products, or other water-soluble products. Donations are requested to defray collection costs. Info: Eileen Klees, 773-968-3396.
Local Home on Solar Tour. The Atkinson residence, 9904 S. Damen, will be featured on the10th annual Illinois Solar Tour, Sat., Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The self-guided tour features more than 100 solar-savvy homes across the state and showcases real-life examples of how people are harnessing the sun’s energy to generate power and heat, and reduce utility bills. Free. Info: www.illinoissolartour.org.
Blessing of the Animals. Bring your pet to church for a blessing Sun., Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity, 9300 S. Pleasant Ave. All are welcome. Info: 773-445-4427.
SXU Hosts Debate Watching Events. Would you like to watch the debates on a huge screen, hear from local elected officials and register to vote? Saint Xavier University, 3700 West 103rd St. will host debate events in the Warde Academic Center, 4th Floor Board Room. Vice Presidential debate, Tues., Oct. 4, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Presidential debate, Wed., Oct. 19, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. RSVP at newsroom@sxu.edu.
Community High School Fair. Kate Starr Kellogg School and the Kellogg PTA are hosting the 15th annual Community High School Fair Thurs., Oct. 6, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the school gym, 9241 S. Leavitt St. Info: Meg Rooney, 773-535-2598 or mirooney@cps.edu.
Learn Chinese for Free! United Chinese Americans and Cornerstone International Education will hold free Chinese Culture and Language Immersion classes for all ages and levels beginning in October in the BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. The program includes free Chinese class tutoring and a chance to participate in a cultural exchange with Chinese Morgan Park Academy high school students. Info: Tim He, CSDL-PROJECT@hotmail.com.
Chicago Seeks Election Judges. The Chicago Board of Elections is recruiting judges of election for the Nov. 8 presidential election. Election judges are responsible for administering the election in each polling place. They must be registered to vote in Cook County. Applications are available at the 19th Ward Office, 10400 S. Western or online at chicagoelections.com.
Stress Management Seminar. Stress Management and Recovering from Trauma, the second in an ongoing series of stress management seminars, will be held Sat., Oct. 8, 3 to 5 p.m., Beverly Therapists, 10725 S. Western Ave., 2nd floor. The seminars are held on the second Saturday of the month and will cover topics that include boundaries, surviving the holidays, financial wellness, mindfulness, healthy relationships, spring renewal and physical fitness. $10 per session. Space limited. Info: beverlytherapists.com or 773-310-3488.
Jazz Night Out. Jazz Night Out featuring Chicago’s Jazzworks will be presented Sat., Oct. 8, 6 to 9p.m., Kroc Center, 1250 W. 119th St. Tickets: $20. Info: 773-995-0151, kroccenterchicago.org.
Cross Cup Cyclocross in Dan Ryan Woods. The Beverly Bike Vee Pak Racing Team will hose the Dan Ryan Cyclocross Sun., Oct. 9 in Dan Ryan Woods. Races run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and over 700 riders are expected. Part of the Chicago Cross Cup racing series, the Dan Ryan Cyclocross started seven years ago with 260 riders. Cyclocross takes cyclists off the road and putting them on grass and onto the toboggan hills. This is a family-friendly event open to spectators.
Author Discussion with Nancy Nau Sullivan. Nancy Nau Sullivan author of “The Last Cadillac: A Memoir,” will discuss and sign her book Mon., Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m., Beverly Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1962 W. 95th St. The memoir chronicles the author’s search for autonomy and dignity for herself and her aging father. Set on Anna Maria Island, Florida, the book will make you laugh and cry and offers a common sense and humorous guide to surviving family relationships. Info: 312-747-9673.
Volunteer Tree Planters Needed. Volunteers are needed to help with the Openlands tree planting in West Beverly, Wed., Oct. 12. Tools and instruction will be provided. Bring gardening gloves and be ready to work. Info/time/registration: Mary Jo Viero, 773-233-3100 ext. 206 or mjviero@bapa.org.
Financial Advice That’s Right for You. Finding Financial Advice that’s Right for You, a program by Karen Chan of Karen Chan Financial Education and Consulting LLC, will be presented Thurs., Oct. 13, 2 p.m., Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. While there’s no fool proof way to choose the best financial adviser, asking the right questions and understanding the answers can help. Chan draws on 20 years of studying personal finance to help educate people. This program is part of the Smart Investing @ Your Library series, a partnership with FINRA Investor Education Association and the American Library Association. Info: 312-747-9673.
LCMH Seeks Hospice Volunteers. Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH) invites members of the community to become hospice volunteers, providing compassionate care to patients with a terminal diagnosis in their homes surrounded by the people who love them. Hospice training will be held Sat., Oct. 15 and 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the hospital, 2800 W. 95th St. Attendance is required at both sessions. Reservations (required)/info: 708-229-6901.
Police Explorers Enrollment Open through Oct. 15. High school students age 13 to 17 are invited to enroll in the 22nd District’s Police Explorers program. Enrollment is open through Oct. 15. Participants will explore careers in various professions, develop a positive relationship with the police and earn Service Learning Hours. Info: CAPS Office, 312-745-0620.
Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity, 9300 S. Pleasant Ave., hosts the annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Sat., Oct. 15, 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children age 8 and younger. $2 off adult ticket with donation of non-perishable food item for Maple/Morgan Park Community Food Pantry. Tickets/info: 773-445-4427. Bottles, Bites, Brews. Bottles, Bites, Brews, the St. Barnabas Tasting Event, will be held Sat., Oct. 15, with Chef Hour of tastes and wine pairings, $75 per person (limited to 100 tickets), 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., and the main event, $40 in advance or $45 at the door per person, 7:30 p.m., 10121 S. Longwood Dr. Wine and beer tasting until 9:30 p.m. Cash bar and dancing until midnight. 21 and over. Info/tickets: bottlesbitesbrews@yahoo.com.
Art Competition Submission Deadline is Oct. 17. The deadline for artist submissions to the 40th Annual Beverly Arts Center Competition and Exhibit is Mon., Oct. 17. Submission guidelines and applications are available at beverlyartcenter.org. Jurors for the prestigious competition are Judie Anderson and Raymond A. Thomas. The exhibit will open Nov. 8 and run through Jan. 8 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Info: Conor, 773-445-3838 ext. 211.
Life Line Screening Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St. will host Life Line health screenings Tues., Oct. 18, by appointment. Five screenings scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries; abdominal aortic aneurysms, hardening of the arteries in the legs, atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat, and a bone density screening, for men and women. All five screenings take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Register and receive a $10 discount: 1-888-653-6441 or www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners. Parking is available in the lot across 103rd Street and Bethany Union Church is handicap accessible.
Oktoberfest. Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St., hosts its annual Oktoberfest Fri., Oct. 21, 6 to 10 p.m. The party includes German food, beer, wine and pop and German music by Walter Flechsig. Takes of 6 to 10 can be reserved. A free will offering will be collected. Tickets/reservations: 773-779-0123.
Beverly Theatre Guild Season Opens. The Beverly Theatre Guild (BTG) 2016-17 season opens with “Seussical The Musical” Oct. 21 to 23 and continues with “Amadeus” in February and the local premiere of “Sister Act, A Divine Musical Comedy,” in May. The three-show season subscription is $57 per person. BTG is also accepting tax-deductible contributions which start at $175 and include season tickets. BTG is Chicago’s oldest community theatre group and a member of the League of Chicago Theatres. Performances are at Morgan Park Academy Arts Center, 2153 W. 111th St. Info/subscriptions: beverlytheatreguild.org or 773-284-8497.
Make a Difference Day. Community residents are invited to join the Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club for Make a Difference Day, Sat., Oct. 22, beginning at 9 a.m., and help to make 25 colorful fleece blankets for preschool children at Beacon School, 107th & Longwood Drive (enter from the Seeley parking lot). Participants will cut and tie to create cuddly double sided blankets – no sewing necessary. Community service hours are available for students. If you can, bring a good pair of scissor. Info: Kathy Ruopp, kathyruopp@cs.com or 773 445 5946.
Halloween Events at BAC. From family-friendly to classically ghoulish, the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., is staging three unique Halloween events. Get In Get Art Get Spooky Sun., Oct. 23, 2 to 4 p.m., features the haunted theatre — if you dare! — and the not-so-spooky haunted house plus crafts, treats, costumes, games and more. Don’t miss the screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with live shadow cast Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., $10 ($9 for BAC members). Costumes and props strongly encouraged or buy a deluxe props kit for $10. The Duke Street Kings featuring Michael McDermott rock out with Halloweensteen Sat., Oct. 29, 8 p.m. $29 ($26 for BAC members.) Info: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Know Before You Vote. A public forum and discussion of the referenda that will be on the Nov.8 ballot will be held Sat., Oct. 22, Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7 p.m. Topics of discussion: merger of the Cook County Recorder’s Office into the Cook County Clerk’s Office, state amendment for a transportation budget “lock box”, full funding for Chicago Public Schools, stronger penalties for gun crimes, Chicago issuing ID cards, and information on judicial retention. Info: Mark Kuehner, 312-617-8904. Sponsoring organizations: NAACP (South Side and South Suburban branches), South Siders for Peace, Citizens in Action Serving All (CASA) Blue Island and Unity in Diversity Group.
League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters of Chicago, Far Southwest Side Group, will meet Wed., Oct. 26, 7 p.m., 9204 S. Kedvale Ave., Oak Lawn, to discuss voter service and election issues. The League is a non-partisan organization that provides informal discussion of current political, social and economic issues. Public welcome. Info: 312-939-5949, 773-779-4928 or visit lwvchicago.org
Furniture Wood Refinishing Workshop. The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association will present a free workshop on furniture refinishing with Toms-Price Furniture, the world’s largest Stickley dealer, Sat, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. On Wed., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., the Association will present a seminar on practical ideas for basement finishing and remodeling, Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. Make reservations at www.chicagobungalow.org at events calendar. Info: 312-675-0300 ext. 10.
Homestay Seeks Host Families. Coordinated by Cornerstone Educational Consulting Inc., the CS-Homestay program has partnered with the Morgan Park Academy to provide international students an American high school experience. Families interested in hosting a student can learn more and find the online application at www.csdongliang.com or contact CS-Homestay Program Coordinator Nate Blaida, 630-973-9842.
Drum Circle. Drum Circle: A Participatory Percussion Experience will be held Sun., Oct. 30, 3 p.m., Beverly Therapists, 10725 S. Western Ave., 2nd floor. This wellness activity will be led by a music therapist and does not require musical training. Space is limited. A $10 donation to benefit “A New Direction” will be collected. Info: beverlytherapists.com or 773-310-3488.
Networking for Healthcare Professionals. Beverly Therapists, 10725 S. Western Ave., 2nd floor, will host a presentation and networking event for healthcare professionals, “Beyond the Gender Binary: A Clinical Framework to Support Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Clients,” Fri., Nov. 4, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Info: beverlytherapists.com or 773-310-3488.
HollyDays. I Am Who I Am Foundation presents HollyDays vendor fair Sat., Nov. 5, 6 to 10 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The event includes local artists and vendors selling their wares, martini station, music and more. $10 donation at the door. Info: holly@iam-whoiam.com.
