Bill & Aileen Halvorsen “We bought our house in Beverly/Morgan Park in 2005 and have benefited from BAPA ever since, starting with the new neighbor packet that BAPA sent us when we moved in. We’ve attended so many fun BAPA-sponsored events over the years — Ridge Run, Beverly Cycling Classic, the pub crawl — and are very appreciative that BAPA lets local organizations like the Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Words by Friends use their Community Room as a gathering place. Supporting BAPA through annual membership and volunteering is an easy decision because of the hard-working, creative staff that are constantly trying to improve quality of life in our neighborhood.”
Marlon Eastmond & Shirley Blazejczyk, Blazin’ Cycle Spin Studio “We proudly joined BAPA because we love our neighborhood and want to improve it, benefit the community and have a connection with the other businesses. We live in Beverly, we work in Beverly and we spin in Beverly. As business owners it is essential that we participate, network and provide assistance to each other. We have seen positive results from our BAPA membership, our business.”
Maureen and Tom Gavin “We give because BAPA is such an integral part of this fantastic neighborhood. We give because we want to nurture the spirit of generosity in those around us. We give because we feel the responsibility to an organization that exists for us.”
Sara and Pat McGann “BAPA helps our beloved neighborhood consistently thrive and evolve. BAPA guarantees that our residents enjoy a dynamic, safe, welcoming and kind environment in our great city. Through their insightful communications, BAPA ensures that every resident has an opportunity to celebrate local achievements and accolades, mourn our losses, stay up to par on current local happenings and engage in thoughtful discussion about issues that affect our community. As lifelong South Siders, we returned ‘home’ because, after years of living out-of-state and elsewhere in Chicago, we fully realized that there is no better community to raise our children and live fulfilling lives as adults. Anyone who visits our neighborhood would be impressed by our warm residents, committed politicians, attractive public landscape, beautiful homes, robust school offerings and vibrant local shops. BAPA is essential for this neighborhood’s preservation and growth, and we are so thankful that the staff and board invest their time and brilliance into this outstanding community.”
Joshua Mercer, Allstate Insurance “I think it’s important to support BAPA as a member because whether it be education, business, or safety they are champions for the Beverly community. As a Beverly native, parent and business owner it is important to be a part of a well-established network that can help me navigate through life and build relationships.”
Carol Macola “BAPA brings the community together through so many diverse and fun events throughout the year. With the Home Tour, I see unique houses and get great ideas for decorating, remodeling, and landscaping for my own ‘this old house.’ In years past, I challenged myself in the Ridge Run, enjoying the camaraderie of the event. Now I work with other BAPA volunteers on the Memorial Day Parade that follows the Run, remembering the lives of those from our area that gave their lives in service to our country. I am so proud of those participants in the parade that help to honor this day. At Bikes and Brews, I meet friends and neighbors. These BAPA events and the others throughout the year showcase our community’s charm and enthusiastic lifestyles. BAPA reflects the caring that has made Beverly/Morgan Park a community that encourages long term commitment. Being a BAPA member exemplifies my own commitment to our community. I love where I live, and I am proud to be a BAPA member.”
Robin Harmon, RMH Design “Great communities are built on the people who live in them, and our neighbors who work at BAPA do a good job of making this a great community. BAPA’s events keep people coming together for activities then staying involved in the neighborhood. BAPA helps small business owners grow their businesses, and makes sure everyone knows each other, connecting business owners with homeowners. BAPA creates a community feel that just does not happen in other neighborhoods. BAPA is awesome.”
Sheila Gainer “Growing up in Beverly/Morgan Park there was always a thought in the back of my mind that I would come back to here to raise my own family. We’ve been back for five months, and in some ways, it feels like I never left. What made this such a great place to grow up is also what makes it such a great place to live as an adult: the people you have chosen to live around care about you and your family and care about the neighborhood we all call home. That feeling is personified in BAPA. As the daughter of a former BAPA board president and the sister of the current board president, I know first-hand how much time and dedication it takes to make a neighborhood successful, and how much BAPA is behind so many of the things we love. Being a member seems like the least I can do!”
Shirley Conley “I’m proud to support BAPA’s work in our neighborhood. The three areas most important to me are 1. The family oriented events like the Ridge Run, the adult events like the fun Sip and Shop, and Tech Tuesdays for seniors like me. 2. The references for reliable contractors and other service providers. 3. The BAPA Card – when I’m thinking about going outside the community to shop, it reminds me to support local businesses.”
