Previews of upcoming arts events

FLOW Builds Successful Writers

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By Kristin Boza

For Love of Writing, or FLOW, is a south side group dedicated to supporting writers on their journey from conceptualizing to publishing — and a lot in-between. The core group of six African American women writers are Tina Jenkins Bell, Lydia Barnes, Chirskira Caillouet, Dr. Janice Tuck Lively, Sandra Jackson Opoku and Bettina Walker. The women started meeting in the mid1990s as a way to workshop their writing projects and support one another in their writing endeavors.  

The support FLOW was so valuable that the core group decided to relaunch in 2012 as FLOW II, allowing associate members to join and participate in the group’s philosophy. “We wanted to recreate that safe, constructive, supportive space for nurturing and completing writing projects and supporting members by participating or hosting launches,” said Jenkins Bell, FLOW president emeritus. “FLOW II added to the original mission, writer’s retreats, professional development workshops and seminars for south side communities, single author salons, networking, and sharing publishing resources and information.” 

Associate members, from new writers to experienced, have an incredible opportunity to learn from accomplished female writers on the south side. The achievements of the core FLOW group are too many to list, but here’s a few highlights: Jenkins Bell is publishing a mini-memoir in 2019 titled “Devil’s Alley” which will appear in the “Love in a Silent Storm” anthology. Walker and Barnes have poems in “Revise the Psalm: Work Celebrating the Writing of Gwendolyn Brooks.” Jackson Opoku wrote “The River Where Blood is Born,” which earned her the American Library Association Black Caucus award. Caillouet is a poet, both on the page and stage and participated in the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards. Tuck Lively earned a 2016 Pushcart Award nomination for her short story “Dust Tracks.”  

The FLOW network has provided publishing and funding opportunities for its members. “Because of our individual author salons, at least three of our members have completed novel manuscripts. We’ve met and networked with various publishing professionals,” Jenkins Bell said. “Members of the group are always willing to listen, read, or critique work on an as-needed basis.”  

Aside from personal and professional development, FLOW is determined to make an impact on the community as well. Their writers have partnered with Chicago Public Libraries, Soulful Chicago Book Fair, Bookie’s and the University of Chicago Logan Center for the Arts to offer craft and professional development workshops.  

“People don’t understand that there are many layers to being a writer,” said Barnes, current FLOW president. “The business part of writing, like selling your story, is daunting. We want to help people through that jungle of getting the story out to the world and discovering the various paths to do so.” 

While honing their craft and navigating the business angle of publishing, FLOW writers also have developed strong relationships with one another to create a trust and a sense of security within which they provide feedback.  

“We operate as a family, so we’re very honest and constructive with our critiques,” Jenkins Bell said. “But we won’t lie to you. We want people to gain confidence in what they’re writing.” 

Associate members of any gender or race are welcome to FLOW II. Programming for associate members is varied and will appeal to writers of any level of experience. For more information FlowAuthors.com. 

Concert Series Ignites Southside Music Scene

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By Kristin Boza 

Thanks to a generous gift from Beverly/Morgan Park resident Dean Miller on behalf of his late wife, Martha Swift, the historic Givins Castle and Heritage Gallery serve as venues for a series of folk music concerts each month through May 2019. The next installation of the series takes place on Sat., Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Historic Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. featuring Sons of the Never Wrong, a dynamic vocal trio described by the Chicago Tribune as “literate, witty folk music.” A $20 donation is requested, and proceeds will benefit maintenance of the Givins Castle. 

The series promises to bring unique and popular bands to the Southside. John Devens, longtime Beverly/Morgan Park resident and musician is curating the series. Devens is entrenched in the Chicago music scene and many neighbors will fondly recall the concert series he produced at World Folk Music Co. 

“I do this thing where I look at places and think ‘wow, that could be utilized for something cool,’” Devens said. “I always thought that about the Castle. The Castle, to me, is the symbol of our neighborhood. Beverly Unitarian Church has done a great job of being stewards of that building, but time is catching up and it needs some serious work. Doing so is going to take the community, which is why I’m doing this concert series and having the proceeds go to the Castle building fund.” 

Devens has cultivated relationships across the city to get great performers down to the South Side. “Sons of the Never Wrong are like Peter, Paul, and Mary on acid. They’re funny, quirky, write their own materials, and people just love them. Their act is spellbinding,” he said. Other upcoming acts include violinist Anne Harris, gospel jazz group Come Sunday, Irish musician Kathleen Keane, and folk singer Eddie Holstein, to name a few. 

“It’s a real big mix of musicians and I look for originality. I also look for the size of the group that will fit into the venues that I book. I intend for this to be a very intimate performance,” Devens said.  

Another goal is to expand the music scene on the south side. Devens strongly believes in the power of organic, original music as a driving force behind a vibrant community. “Art makes you whole. It’s a great thing for people to get out and understand that there’s music that’s not just thrown together by executives at Sony,” he said. “I also think that a healthy nightlife attracts more businesses as more people stroll around at night. It’s important for people to be out at night in our safe neighborhood; the more of us out there enjoying concerts or meals, the better it is for everybody.” 

Tickets are available at the door, at the Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., at Heritage Gallery, 1907 W. 103rd St., or by calling John Devens at 773-719-7059. Stay up-to-date by liking Beverly Unitarian Church on Facebook. 

BAC Black Box Theatre Series Debuts with ‘Dying City’

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The Black Box Theatre Series at the Beverly Arts Center (BAC) debuts with a five-performance run of “Dying City,” Christopher Shinn’s play that eloquently explores a world in which loss, grief and violence profoundly affect people’s lives. Performances are Fri., Oct. 5, Sun., Oct. 7, Fri., Oct. 12 and Sat., Oct. 13, 7:30p.m., and Sun., Oct. 14, 2 p.m. at the BAC, 2407 W. 111th St.  

“Dying City” is set in an urban apartment and revolves around a young woman, Kelly, who has lost her husband, Craig, in the Iraq War. A year after Craig’s death, his twin brother Peter shows up unannounced looking to Kelly for closure. Instead, the reunion reopens old wounds and brings back painful memories.  

“Dying City is an impactful and relevant piece that tackles some serious issues,” said show director Tim Stompanato. “The show is gritty and unapologetic, and it highlights very real elements of humanity that are best expressed in an intimate setting like our Black Box for maximum effect.” 

The BAC’s Black Box theatre is a small and intimate space, offering flexibility in staging innovative shows for audiences of 75 or less. The Black Box series season will feature three more productions, scheduled for February, May and August 2019. 

In “Dying City,” Stompanato will be directing Becca Brazel in the role of Kelly and Chris Galvan in the roles of twin brothers, Peter and Craig.   

Born and raised in Chicago’s Canaryville neighborhood, Becca Brazel traveled to St. Ambrose University (Iowa) for college and began her acting career in the Quad City area. Recently returned to Chicago, Brazel performed in the BAC’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” last year and looks forward to her dramatic role in “Dying City.”  

Chris Galvan, a native of Beverly/Morgan Park, earned his early theater credits in BAC productions that include “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “The Producers.” While studying theatre at St. Ambrose University (Iowa), Galvan acted professionally on stage and in film.  

Actor, musician and teaching artist, “Dying City” director Tim Stompanato currently serves as Company Manager for Chicago Kids Company.  For three years, he served as theater coordinator for the BAC School of the Arts and was involved in many theater productions at the BAC, both as performer and director.  

“In directing this show, I am putting a lot of focus not only in the words, but in the actions and the silence as well,” Stompanato said.  “The characters are flawed and real, and the show does a great job of analyzing the different ways we process grief, how violence affects our lives and how understanding actions doesn’t necessarily excuse them.” 

Time has been set aside following each performance to discuss the content, themes and ideas brought up throughout the show.  

Tickets for “Dying City” are $22 or $20 BAC or members and available at the BAC, 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.  

 

MPHS Teams Up with The Alliance for ‘Arts in the Dark’ Parade

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By Kristin Boza 

Morgan Park High School (MPHS) juniors and seniors are taking part in an after-school arts program designed by a collaboration between the Beverly Area Arts Alliance (The Alliance), MPHS art teacher Wendie Bloxsom, and retired CPS art teacher and Golden Apple winner Mathias “Spider” Schergen. Funded through The Alliance and driven by creative and motivated artists, the program is providing students with the opportunity to create life-size moveable sculptures that they will parade in the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Arts in the Dark Parade on Sat., Oct. 20, 6 to 8 p.m. on Columbus Drive. 

Schergen has been involved with The Alliance for several years. As a visual artist specializing in creating sculptures from found objects and a former art teacher at Jenner Academy of the Arts, he was an obvious partner for Arts in the Dark project based on his talent and experience.  

“The program started from scratch with neighborhood people in a very organic way,” Schergen said. “I enjoy interacting with kids and young people and facilitating activities in a communal setting. As The Alliance sought ways to participate in city-wide events, we all came together to brainstorm and work with a local school to represent the 19th Ward in the ‘Arts in the Dark’ parade.”  

Schergen and Bloxsom are leading the students through the process of creating giant puppet-like figures. 

“The kids are learning how to move beyond 2D art in creating these figures,” Schergen said. “Each week, they’re getting more comfortable and imaginative and we hope to see them make the conceptual leap to something less literal to something more fantastical and beyond the human form.” 

“Spider is a rock star in the arts education community, and I have great regard for his work,” said Corinne Rose, Alliance member and coordinator of the project. “I really think that strong public schools depend on the involvement of the community. With this project, we’re hoping to do something more in-depth and have more of an impact. We think that culminating activities are really important, not only to make the art, but have a reason to display it. The kids have a sense of being a part of something larger, and for us, it’s important to have a visual show of support for the school and the kids.” 

For inspiration in his personal art, Schergen seeks ways to turn discarded items into imaginative pieces.  

“I’ve always enjoyed making stuff with stuff; I was fascinated with things in the world since I was little,” he said. “When I was teaching full time, it was extremely foundational for me to go home and work out the day for a few hours. Working on art helps to free up my mind so I can approach my job in a fresh light.” 

Schergen stresses the importance of students gaining knowledge of working in a studio to truly embrace their creative sides.  

“The arts are so often crammed into an academic format of assessments that it becomes more important than what the kid actually made,” he said. “Studio time allows students to control their own development. When combined with exhibit experience and interaction with the larger community, the students will have a chance to explore their gifts.” 

The Alliance is fully supporting the collaboration financially through their own fundraising efforts, so there is no cost to MPHS.  

“We view this as a beginning of a supportive relationship with the high school in our community,” Rose said.

95th Street Fall Fest Offers Family Fun

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Pumpkin Spice and everything nice! Celebrate the new season at the 95th Street Fall Fest, Sat. Oct. 6, 12 to 3 p.m., Barraco’s Beverly parking lot, 2105 W. 95th St. From face painting for the kids to TVs tuned to college football games for the dads, it’s a guaranteed good time for the whole family. 

The event provides a platform for 95th Street businesses to promote themselves to area shoppers. Many of the stores are participating in or sponsoring the fest. 

Erin Ross, Executive Director of the 95th Street Business Association, said the fest is the perfect opportunity for residents to discover all that the 95th Street businesses have to offer. “Our businesses are excited to showcase their goods and services,” Ross said. “Residents can travel down 95th Street and explore our many shops.” The business community looks forward to welcoming area residents for an afternoon of celebration, she added. 

Don’t miss enjoying the Fall Fest pictures colored by local third grade students that will be displayed in many of the store windows. Students from Kellogg, Christ the King, St. Barnabas, Sutherland and Vanderpoel elementary schools were invited to participate in a coloring contest sponsored by the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA). Check out the art while browsing at your favorite shops.  

The Fall Fest offers a wide itinerary of activities: Live music by Bridget Cavanaugh and Garrett Degnan, arts & crafts and cookie decorating for kids, and a live animal show. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Football fanatic? Televisions inside the bar area will be tuned to live college games. 

This event is sponsored by 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea, Sen. Bill Cunningham, Rep. Fran Hurley, Barraco’s, Beverly Area Planning Association, 95th Street Business Association, Christ the King Parish, 22nd District Police, Beverly Improvement Association, Beverly Ridge Homeowners Association and Smith Village. 

See What’s Inside Our Iconic Buildings: Open House Chicago Architecture Tour Comes to Beverly/Morgan Park Oct. 13 & 14

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On the second weekend of October, more than 250 of Chicago’s most intriguing buildings will open their doors for the Chicago Architecture Center’s (CAC) annual Open House Chicago (OHC) tour. For the first time, Beverly/Morgan Park sites are included in this free, behind-the-scenes event.  

One of the world’s largest architecture festivals, Open House Chicago is a free, two-day public event taking place Sat., Oct. 13 and Sun., Oct. 14, with most sites open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.   

“Open House Chicago gives Chicagoans the rare opportunity to discover hidden gems in architecturally significant buildings all across the city,” said Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of the CAC. “But attendees are discovering not only what is near their homes, they are exploring new neighborhoods across town and in the process changing preconceived notions about their neighborhoods.” 

The Beverly Area Planning Association and 19th Ward office worked with OHC planners to identify Beverly/Morgan Park locations for this year’s event.  

“We are thrilled that people from all over Chicagoland will have a chance to get an inside look at the diverse architecture and historic buildings that make Beverly/Morgan Park so amazing,” said BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood. “Being on Open House Chicago’s map has the potential to bring more than a thousand new visitors to our neighborhood. BAPA is proud to be a partner in this citywide event.”  

Persons interested in OHC can pick up a program that details all the citywide locations at any of the participating sites.  

Neighborhood sites and OHS touring hours: 

Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago’s most famous castle, built 1887 by real estate Robert C. Givins as an extravagant private residence. Open Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun., 1 to 5 p.m.  

Vanderpoel Art Association Gallery, Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr., features an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century art including many pieces that depict Chicago scenes. An exhibit of works by the Chicago Society of Artists will be on display during OHC. Open Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Optimo, 1700 W. 95th St., the headquarters and production facility for Chicago’s only custom maker of men’s hats, located in a century-old firehouse renovated by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, is a working museum of hatmaking. Open Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Driscoll-Graver House, 10621 S. Seeley, designed by John T. Hetherington in the Tudor Revival style and built in 1922, the house is home to Ridge Historical Society. Open Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, 9030 S. Hermitage, a crafty adaptive reuse of an industrial building is home to Chicago’s first meadery and winery. Open Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. 

Ingersoll Blackwelder House, 10910 S. Prospect, an elegant Victorian home built in two stages beginning in 1874, and home to several historic community leaders. Currently owned by physicists, the house will showcase three quark-inspired outdoor sculptures by Guy J. Ballaver during OHC. Open Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Morgan Park Academy Alumni Hall, 2153 W. 111th St., a stately neo-Gothic building built in 1927 and showcasing dramatic spaces that include the historic library with a vaulted ceiling, grand fireplace and wrap-around mezzanine. Open Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., designed by village architect H.H. Waterman and built in 1913, the Prairie Style church features Art Nouveau windows, curving pews and a stained glass dome. Open Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. 

Wintrust is the presenting sponsor of Open House Chicago.   

Cherished Angels Brings Solace to Grieving Parents

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By Abby Johnson 

They are Angel Moms and Angel Dads. Once a month, they gather at Little Company of Mary Hospital’s (LCMH) Family Birth Center, 2800 W. 95th St., for the Cherished Angel monthly perinatal loss support group. This is a safe zone, a place where the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillborn or infant death can be felt- and grieved.  

Dr. Kathryn Gardner, a volunteer on the LCMH Perinatal Loss Committee, leads these sessions. She is a psychologist who helps women cope with fertility, pregnancy and perinatal loss. The grief and anger that follows a perinatal loss can be overwhelming, she said, adding that Cherished Angels provides a needed outlet. 

“People don’t know what to do when this kind of thing happens to them,” Gardner said. “They’re experiencing such turmoil that just taking the step to look for help can be too much.” 

Gardner believes every woman should receive specialized care. When LCMH contacted Gardner with their idea for the Cherished Angels program, she was thrilled and immediately hopped on board. It was the perfect opportunity to show parents that there is hope, and that peace can be found. 

This month is especially important for the Cherished Angels. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a good time for spreading the message that resources are available.  

“It’s common to feel lonely after experiencing something like this,” she said. “This group helps show the Angel Moms and Angel Dads that they’re not alone. Other people are going through the same thing. There are others who understand.” 

Even those who aren’t comfortable talking openly about their pain are welcome at the coping sessions, said Gardner.  

“If you’re someone who just wants to listen, that’s fine, too,” she said. “Everyone is welcome to speak as much or as little as they like.” 

This month’s Cherished Angels support group will take place on Thurs., Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the hospital’s West Pavilion. Guest speaker Rachael Sedor will discuss skills for coping with anxiety and anger, as well as her own experience with perinatal loss. 

Last month marked the one-year anniversary of Cherished Angels. Gardner’s main goal remains the same: To provide emotional support for parents during this difficult time. 

“I just want everyone to know that tranquility is within reach.”  

For more information, email cherishedangelsupport@lcmh.org. 

Beverly Theatre Guild Presents ‘She Loves Me’

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Beverly Theatre Guild (BTG), Chicago’s longest running community theater, will present the romantic musical comedy “She Loves Me,” Fri., Oct. 12 and Sat., Oct. 13, 8 p.m., and Sun., Oct. 14, 2 p.m., Morgan Park Academy Arts Center, 2153 W. 111th St.  

Set in a 1930s European perfumery the show revolves around shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don’t see eye to eye. Both of the clerks respond to a “lonely hearts” advertisement in the newspaper, then live for the love letters they exchange with their anonymous admirers. A series of endearing and witty twists and turns unfolds as Amalia and Georg move closer to discovering the identity of their true loves. 

Music for “She Loves Me” is by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, who also wrote the music for “Fiddler On the Roof,” and the book is by “Caberet” author Joe Masteroff.  

Glenn Hering of Beverly/Morgan Park directs the show which is considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written.  The cast features actors and vocalists from the community and throughout Chicago.  

Tickets are $24 and available online at www.beverlytheatreguild.org or by phone at 773-BTG-TIXS. 

CBS 2 Chicago’s Dana Kozlov to Emcee AND Benefit

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A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park (AND), the community’s local domestic violence agency,  will hold its annual benefit and reception Sat., Oct. 27, 7 p.m., Ridge Country Club, 10522 S California.  CBS 2 Chicago’s Dana Kozlov will be the emcee and the 2018 ANDi award will be presented to Shelton Matsey and the staff at FitCode for their outstanding support of AND during the annual Work Out to Wipe Out Benefit Day.   

Kozlov is a general assignment reporter at CBS 2 Chicago. She joined their news team in 2003. after working at WGN as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor. Her live reports from DeKalb during CBS 2 Chicago’s coverage of the Northern Illinois University shootings in 2008 helped the team win an Emmy Award for spot news.
Before working at WGN-TV, Kozlov was at WEEK-TV in Peoria as the 5 p.m. news anchor and general assignment reporter. She began her career in journalism at CNN’s Chicago bureau as an intern in 1991, and served as a field producer for CNN, based in Chicago in 1995-96.
Kozlov’s work includes covering issues like domestic violence. In 2016, she reported on the state’s funding cuts for domestic violence programs. In 2017, her reporting examined how deportation was becoming a new fear for undocumented domestic violence victims.   

AND is in its 8th year as the domestic violence agency for Beverly, Morgan Park, Mt. Greenwood and the surrounding suburbs.  This is AND’s largest fundraiser of the year with proceeds supporting agency services, including the legal advocacy and children’s therapy services and its domestic violence community education initiative. 

AND provides confidential counseling and advocacy services at no charge to victims of domestic violence as they navigate their journey to safety.  Most of AND’s client are from Beverly/Morgan Park, Mt. Greenwood, and the surrounding suburbs.  AND’s vision is to have every home be safe and free of domestic violence and abuse.
The annual benefit is their largest fundraiser of the year and its success is critical to the agency being able to continue to provide services.  Highlights of this year’s event are musical entertainment the Megan Hurless Group followed by a late night DJ, open bar and hors d’oeuvres, along with a grand raffle and silent auctions.    

This year’s grand raffle first prize includes a 6 night/five day vacation at Playa Flamingo Costa Rica in a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo steps from the beach and an airline travel voucher worth $1000.    

Tickets to the AND benefit event are $75 per person and can be purchased in advance at www.anewdirectionbmp.org/2018Tickets or at the door.

Salon Professionals Bill Expands Domestic Violence Awareness

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By Kristin Boza

Domestic violence awareness is at the forefront of the Beverly/Morgan Park community, thanks to the efforts of local domestic violence non-profit groups A New Direction and Chicago Says No More. In fact, State Rep. Fran Hurley and State Sen. Bill Cunningham sponsored an amendment to an existing cosmetology training law that was passed in Jan. 2017 and will be in effect by Jan. 2019 requiring an additional hour of training for licensed salon professionals on becoming more aware of domestic violence.  

“The Illinois salon professionals bill is a truly transformative piece of legislation,” said Jessica McCarihan, president of A New Direction and a member of the steering committee of Chicago Says No More, which, along with Ald. Matt O’Shea, Hurley, and Cunningham, was responsible for the legislation and curriculum. “There are over 80,000 salon professionals in the state of Illinois, all of whom will soon know how to support and connect with their clients who may be affected by domestic violence. The number of people who will be helped through this training is amazing. The awareness creation, education on the issue and the connecting of survivors to much-needed resources is imperative to help break the cycle of violence now and for future generations.” 

Joan Each Rowan, owner of Everything’s Relative Beverly, 10548 S. Western Ave., and Everything’s Relative Oak Lawn, has advocated on behalf of domestic violence victims throughout her career and has made it one of her missions in life to ensure that those who need help getting out of an abusive situation are aware of their options. 

“I’ve been a hairdresser for 44 years, and the industry has always been very aware of domestic violence due to the fact that we are in a ‘high touch’ industry — we’re constantly with women,” Each Rowan said. “We’re aware of when people are being abused, and not just physically.” 

Each Rowan and her colleagues have heard numerous tales of domestic abuse, from women fearing their husbands will see that they spent money on their hair, to men calling the salon angrily wondering why their wives changed their hair color from blonde to brunette.  

After having another local domestic violence activist, Rita Ryan, talk to her salon staff over 20 years ago about recognizing signs of abuse, Each Rowan began a path of advocacy that hasn’t let up.  

“I realized that we all need awareness, so I decided to [talk about it] more regularly. We started putting cards with resource numbers to call in our bathrooms at the salon, and to this day we still find that we have to refill the cards quite often,” she said. “I’m thankful for the #MeToo movement, Chicago Says No More, A New Direction, and many other people and organizations that have been working on bringing awareness long before we had a law.”   

It’s important to note that the new law does not teach hair dressers and others with a cosmetology license to be mandated reporters or counselors; rather, hair stylists will learn to recognize signs of abuse so that they can discreetly offer resources. “We’re teaching them to be aware if they have a client with hair ripped out of her head, or the client says that she ‘fell down’ again. Hair dressers learn that if a client is avoiding eye contact or sitting in the chair shamefully that they can bring up potential resources by saying ‘you know, I have some stuff in the bathroom with phone numbers you can call if you need help.’ That’s the kind of conversation they are learning to have,” Each Rowan said. 

Each Rowan stresses that the beauty shop is a safe place and gossip is strictly prohibited among staff. “Our goal is for our clients to be safe. By educating the staff, you can change the world,” she said. “In the middle class society where we live, there’s shame brought on when admitting that the person you love is abusive. The reality is that we are trying to get out and talk about it. We have to stop it, because it’s not stopping on its own.”    

For more information on domestic violence awareness, Everything’s Relative Beverly is hosting a workshop on Mon., Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In collaboration with St. Bernadette Parish, this event intends to inform attendees about domestic violence. Call the salon at 773-941-6565 for more information. 

“Joan and her salons and staff have made this issue a priority for decades, and we at A New Direction and Chicago Says No More are truly grateful,” McCarihan said. 

For information about AND’s services, visit www.anewdirectionbmp.org.