Western Avenue Revitalization Project Plans Progress at UrbanMain Workshop 

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By Cathriona Fey 
BAPA Community Outreach & Improvement 

On the last Saturday of February volunteers representing various businesses, organizations and residents from the Beverly/Morgan Park community gathered to continue planning efforts for the Western Avenue Revitalization Project. This community-led initiative is part of National Main Street Center’s UrbanMain program.  

UrbanMain offers technical assistance and support for community-driven economic development plans in under-resourced older and historic neighborhood commercial districts in order to restore economic vitality and promote quality of life. Led locally by the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association (MPBHBA), the Western Avenue Revitalization Project team completed their second of two workshops to create a detailed workplan and identify projects, priorities, budgets and timelines to move planning efforts forward.  

February’s workshop was a follow-up to last October’s initial meeting in which survey results from over 900 respondents were presented and the need for a safer, more family-friendly, and economically diverse Western Avenue was identified. With a transformation strategy in place, the project team used this workshop to continue to build towards this new vision for Beverly/Morgan Park’s main commercial district. Led by Dionne Baux, Director with UrbanMain, the project volunteers collaborated to develop a path forward.  

During the workshop, volunteers split into four planning groups to identify specific action steps needed to advance the project. Using UrbanMain’s Four Points Framework as a guide, the project team identified preliminary action steps in the following areas: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization. Some of the specific projects that were recommended to support the revitalization of Western Avenue include the identification of high priority commercial vacancies; administration of a survey specifically for Western Avenue business owners; appointment of business block captains; promotion of bikability and walkability throughout the community; installation of a public art mural in the corridor; and creation of resident feedback and input opportunities both online and at community events.  

Throughout these next few months, the volunteer planning groups will continue to meet to implement initial projects, while overall efforts will be focused on developing partnerships, prioritizing specific phases of the revitalization project, and identifying funding sources to allow for the development of a more vibrant commercial corridor through the Beverly/Morgan Park community.  

The volunteers who have been the driving force behind the Western Avenue Revitalization Project and whose energy and participation have kept the importance of enhancing our community’s main commercial district a priority are: Caroline Connors, Colleen Trnka, Katie Soso, Scott Smith, Grace Kuikman, Molly Sullivan, Margie O’Connell, Jan Rauen, Meg’n Barba , Marti Jatis, Anne Alt, Joan Each Rowan, Sonya Eldridge, Debra Gawrys, Tim Noonan, Willie Winters, Mike Carey, Cathriona Fey, Sal Campbell, Nate Hollister, Terri Haymaker and Andrew Linstadt. 

The Western Avenue Revitalization Project is funded through an UrbanMain grant that was awarded to the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association in 2019. If you are interested in volunteering or have additional questions regarding the Project, contact Caroline Connors, cconners918@gmail.com. 

Eat, Drink and Shop Local

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Responding to the coronavirus requires us to maintain a safe distance – not what we’re used to in our close-knit, sociable community. Even from home we can work together to make it through these unprecedented times and stay informed on what is changing and what is needed. Below is a list of Beverly/Morgan Park restaurants offering carry outs & delivery and businesses offering special ways to shop. 

For many of the following businesses, details about their hours and offerings are available on their websites or Facebook pages.

County Fair Foods, 10800 S. Western, is open from 7 to 8 a.m. for senior shoppers only; all others can shop after 8. Countyfairfoods.net.

Southtown Health Foods, 2100 W. 95th St., is open. Reach them on Facebook or at southtownhealthfoods.com. Offering groceries as well as a variety of beauty and healthcare products.

 

Ain’t She Sweet Café, Beverly, 773-840-3309. Carryout and delivery through Grubhub. Details

Beverly Bakery & Café, 773-238-5580. Carryout and Delivery. 7am-2pm Weekdays, 7am-1pm Weekends. Details

Barney Callaghan’s Pub -773.233.6829 – open 3pm – 7pm for curbside beer pickup.  $15 domestic cases, $25 import cases.

Horse Thief Hollow, 773-779-2739. Carryout and free local delivery Tuesday-Sunday 4PM-9PM, 25% off Crowlers on Tuesdays, merchandise available for purchase. Details

Open Outcry Brewing Co., 773-629-6055. daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., delivery or curbside pickup. Order 32-oz Crowler cans, kitchen menus items, gift certificates and merchandise. Credit card only.  Details

Swanson’s Deli, 773.239.1197 – open for pickup and delivery 10am – 3pm.  Now offering meal kits along with regular menu and take home meals. Details.

Pizzeria Deepo, 773-840-3087. Carryouts, curbside pickup. Details

Nine One One BBQ Shack, 773-238-9111. No-contact curbside delivery. Carryout. Facebook page 

Top Notch, 773-445-7218. Carryout.

Barracos 95th Street, 773-881-4040. Area locations open 24 hours for carryout and delivery.  Details https://www.facebook.com/BarracosPizza/

AndySunflower Cafe: 9920 S. Western Ave. Accepting mobile, drive-up orders. Details

Manzo’s Burger – 773.779.5945 – open for curbside pickup and delivery – For delivery orders please text your order and address to 773-349-0453. We will be delivering from 95th st. to 127th st. from Pulaski to Ashland  Details

Nicky’s Grill, 773-233-3072. Carry out and delivery. Details and menu

Ken’s on Western, 773-238-0234. Free delivery within 2 miles or curbside pick-up, 4 to 9 p.m. Details

Calabria Imports, 773-396-5800. carry out or delivery. Details

Fox’s Beverly Pub, 773-239-3212. Carryout and delivery, lunch and dinner. Details

Americano’s, 773-941-6787. 11060 S. Western Ave. No-contact curbside delivery and Margaritas-To-Go! Details

Franconello, 773-881-4100.  Curbside pickup and delivery, heat and serve meals and sauces. Wine Delivery Details

Bani’s Beets, 773- 599-9764. Curbside pick up and delivery. Details

Hearty Café, 773-881-1000 carry outs; delivery via Uber Eats, Door Dash and Grub Hub. Details

Two Mile Coffee Bar, 773-614-8115. Available for carry out. Place an order over the phone or through mobile ordering system for rapid pick up. Curbside assistance available upon request. Details

Pizzeria Deepo, 773-840-3087. Pay and order over the phone for curbside pick-up. Details

Retail Specials

Beverly Records, 773-779-0066. Shop via Facetime appointments or in store. Details

Running Excels, 773-629-8587. Shop by phone or by FB messenger. Curbside pickup contactless payment and free delivery within a 5 mile radius. Details 

Turkey Chicago. Shop online or via social media.  Details

Belle Up, 773- 233-2442. Shop online or via social media.  Details

Bookie’s – Chicago is open for shopping online including digital and audio books.

Steuber Florist 773.238.2013 – taking orders 10am-2pm Monday-Friday

Brach’s Auto – 773.238.0606 – All services available, FREE vehicle pickup and drop off, no contact dropbox, vehicle sanitization after service

 

Businesses Temporarily Closed

Beverly Arts Center 

Ohana Ice & Treats

Original Pancake House, 773-445-6100

Capsule Chicago

Starbucks 103rd and Longwood Drive

Health and Fitness

Do Good Movement: Daily adult and children yoga. Details

CORE Fitness and Physical Therapy: Posting daily workout challenges on Facebook: Details

Beverly Barre: Live Instagram workouts: Details 

Beverly Yoga Center: Online classes available: Details

Treadfit: Posting workout challenges on Facebook, Details

Barre It All Fitness, (872) 256-1397, Live Stream Classes 5am-7pm. Details

Fit Code: Unlimited Virtual Training Sessions for 21 days with a donation of your choice. 70% of the donation used to buy gift cards from local businesses and 30% goes to trainers at Fit Code. Details

Dance Gallery 773.445.8910 Streaming workouts and dance classes on Facebook Details

 

Mental Health

Beverly Therapists – 773.310.3488 – offering teletherapy

Begin Within Therapy– offering teletherapy

Mirjam Quinn & Associates – offering teletherapy

C&D Family Farms has made arrangements with a few 95th Street farmers market vendors to distribute their products on their website. Coming soon at cdfamilyfarms.com will be products from Honey and Jam, Feed Your Head vegan meats, Long Table pancake mixes and bread from Breadman Baking.

Eat, Drink and Shop Local

Our restaurants and stores need your business! Purchase gift certificates, order carryout meals from restaurants, shop online. Dollars spent helping our business neighbors helps our community stay strong. BAPA is updating local business info on this page. If you have a business update, please email info to Brittany Wiley, BAPA Business Liaison, bwiley@bapa.org.

Infographic with 25 ways to support small businesses

 

 

Tech Smart Seniors Survey

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19th Ward, BAPA Reach Out to Seniors with Technology Survey 

The 19th Ward and Beverly Area Planning Association are collaborating to offer two free series of Smart Tech Seniors classes hosted by Smith Village in June and Mercy Circle in September.   

Seniors who participated in BAPA’s Tech Tuesday classes at Smith Village and the Smart Tech Seniors classes at Mercy Circle are invited to take a survey to help guide what will be covered in the upcoming classes.  

The easy-to-use survey is available online at www.bapa,org. For a link to the survey, email bapa@bapa.org with “survey” in the subject line.  

Survey responses will be tallied and reported in the 19th Ward Quarterly and The Villager when specific dates for the June and September series will be announced.  

New Neighbors: Jessica and Paul Payne 

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New Neighbors 

Jessica and Paul Payne 

Jessica and Paul Payne moved into their Beverly/Morgan Park home on Aug. 21, 2019 and couldn’t be happier to be here. After a dozen years in a South Loop condo near UIC, they were smitten with our friendly neighborhood at first sight. As with many of our new neighbors who arrived here without a history in the community, the Paynes learned about Beverly/Morgan Park from coworkers.  

“Paul works for the City of Chicago and many colleagues raved about how wonderful the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood was and we couldn’t agree more!” Jessica said.  

The couple had outgrown the condo lifestyle and were ready house with a garage – Pau’s hobby is woodworking — and space for family and friends to stay when they visit.  Both were both born and raised in Cadillac. Michigan area.  

“We looked at almost 30 homes before finding our dream home, which was nothing we were envisioning!” Jessica said.  

When asked what they like best about living here, Jessica gave an enthusiastic reply:  “The people!”   

Their block party was held the weekend they moved in.  “Everyone on the block made sure to greet us and truly welcome us to the neighborhood,” Jessica said.  “The sense of community was prevalent immediately. Our letter carrier made sure to welcome us to the neighborhood and said many residents are second or third generation as people just don’t leave Beverly once they are here. We loved hearing that!” 

Although they do not have any children, Jessica and Paul have nieces and nephews ranging from 6 months to 19 years old. “Knowing we were in a safe community with diversity, a yard to play in, and access to incredible healthcare among a plethora of food, shopping, parks, et cetera, made it that much more exciting to be here.,” Jessica said. “Plus, we aren’t that far from the Loop so we really have the best of both worlds.” 

The Paynes have been involved with two not-for-profits outside the community and are excited to become volunteers here at home. They will certainly be hearing from BAPA!  

In the few months they’ve been here, Jessica and Paul have discovered a lot to love about where they live. “We LOVE to eat (who doesn’t?) and so far, we haven’t had a bad meal,” Jessica said.  “Beverly Park has been a top hit with our nieces and nephews and it’s just 2 blocks from our house. We stop at Swanson’s or Nicky’s on the way to the park and a few hours later, we’ll stop at 7-11 for a Slurpee on the way home. Kids love it!” 

The Paynes also enjoy events, and cited the Beverly Art Walk, Sip & Shop Girls Night Out, and Breakfast with Santa at the Givens Beverly Castle as part of “what makes Beverly/Morgan Park so popular and so inviting.  [We] applaud the everyone that gets involved to keep our neighborhood thriving with excitement and opportunities.” 

Jessica and Paul are looking forward to spring. “You’ll be sure to find us out and about exploring everything Beverly/Morgan Park has to offer.” 

 

Are you new to the Beverly/Morgan Park or do you know someone who recently moved here? Let BAPA know! BAPA welcomes new residents to the community and shares information about local organizations, schools, businesses, events and more to help new neighbors become a part of our community. Send contact information to Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.  

 

Buona BAPA Benefit 

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Buona BAPA Benefit 

Buona Beef, 10633 S. Western and will host a benefit day for BAPA Wed., Nov. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.  It’s the night before Thanksgiving – supporting our neighborhood association is a great reason not to cook!  Present a copy of the ad printed on this page or a the digital version on your phone, and 20% of your sales will go to BAPA to support programs that directly benefit Beverly/Morgan Park.  

BAPA’s Cookie Crawl

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Holiday Event Yields Sweet Surprises 

Easy steps for holiday fun: 1. Open tin. 2. Insert cookies.  

Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) is making collecting cookies especially fun at the 4th annual Holiday Cookie Crawl, Sat., Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families are invited to purchase a tin then visit participating businesses to do some shopping and pick up a cookie at each stop. Tins must be purchased in advance online at www.bapa.org for $20 each; online sales open at noon, Fri., Nov. 22, and maximum order is two tins. The quantity is limited. Find more details in the December issue of The Villager.  

BAPA Board Profile: Tim Doody 

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By Kristin Boza 

Tim Doody is the latest addition to BAPA’s Board of Directors and serving as a member of the Finance Committee. As a CPA and attorney/partner at Weis, DuBrock, Doody, and Maher, Doody brings his wealth of tax know-how to review leases and tax documents for BAPA. 

“My role with BAPA’s board is based on my background as a numbers person,” Doody said. “However, I’m excited to also get involved in helping plan events and with strategic planning.” 

Now that Doody’s children, Bridget and Tim, are out of the house, Doody has increased his volunteer time in the community. He currently serves on the Mother McAuley High School Board of Trustees and is involved with the Fathers’ Club, and is an active member of the Christ the King Parish Council.  

“I’ve always been the type of person to get involved; when you’re raising kids and coaching games and generally running around, it’s hard to commit. Now that my youngest just went to college, I have more time to make a recommitment to the neighborhood,” Doody said. “I’m blown away with the commitment and passion that Sue (Flood) and Maureen (Gainer Reilly) bring to BAPA, which really benefits the whole neighborhood. They’re absolute treasures and the neighborhood is really lucky to have them.” 

Ensuring that the next generation of neighbors gets involved in the community is a high priority for Doody. “There’s a lot of new families in the area what aren’t fully aware of all that BAPA is doing. I hope to bring more awareness that will eventually lead to getting more people involved,” Doody said. “The more people who get involved with BAPA and the neighborhood, the stronger our neighborhood becomes.” 

BAPA Has One Goal: Improving the Community 

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From representing our community’s best interests with city government to planting trees on neighborhood parkways, the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) is at work making Beverly/Morgan Park the place where we love to live.  BAPA’s staff are changemakers, connectors and cheerleaders, and everything they do has one goal: Improving the community.  

BAPA Means Business 

Building on the organization’s core programs, BAPA has been expanding and updating services, starting with staff.  In November, Anna Fratto became BAPA’s Director of Economic Development, connecting businesses with opportunities that can gain them exposure with target customers.  

“Anna has brought terrific energy to BAPA’s business relationships,” said BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood. “Business owners are embracing BAPA membership and event sponsorship, and they’re taking advantage of the opportunities BAPA provides for getting their messages in front of their customers.”  

Fratto’s program area includes the BAPA Card, event and program sponsorship, business membership and communications, and reenergizing business referrals. She brings to BAPA experience as Public Affairs and Community Relations Coordinator for Citgo Petroleum Co., and Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  

 In spring, Gary Jenkins took on the role of BAPA Director of School and Safety Programs. “Gary brings to BAPA outstanding insights gained from a long career with Chicago Public Schools and an active role in CAPS initiatives with the 22nd District Police,” Flood said.  Jenkins works on school initiatives that recognize achievement through the BAPA Student Community Service Awards for outstanding public school 7th and 8th graders, strengthening relationships with local schools and identifying school needs as liaison to the BAPA Education Committee. Jenkins works with CAPS officers to support safety and crime prevention programs, and he is expanding BAPA’s Safety Committee. He is currently serving as President of the Vanderpoel Improvement Association.  

In her role as BAPA Executive Director, Flood has been working with staff to expand programs and refresh projects to ensure BAPA’s work responds to current community needs. Flood now attends Chicago City Council meetings, representing Beverly/Morgan Park and staying informed about the work of our city government. She is forging strong relationships with community partners, working together on shared goals, and challenging staff and supporters help make BAPA’s services and successes even better.    

BAPA is known for working hard, but most people may not realize that the staff actually uses a lot of muscle. Beautification activities are designed to keep our community looking its best, and include the neighborhood-wide Clean and Green in April, Openlands tree planting days in spring and fall, and occasionally jumping out of the car to pull some weeds or pick up litter.  

Also serving on the BAPA staff are Associate Director and Communications Director Grace Kuikman, Community Organizer Mary Jo Viero, Office Manager Talie Leeb and Accountant Eileen Kenah.  

Progress Through Programs  

All of BAPA’s programs and events unify neighbors, build community pride, and align with the association’s missions. 

BAPA’s reorganized Housing Committee features members who represent Ridge Historical Society, Beverly Givins Castle and Chicago Bungalow Association as well as architects, real estate professionals and planners. Events like the Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour and Open House Chicago support the goals of the committee. The Home Tour showcases our beautiful homes to potential home buyers, and this year launched the BAPA Home Expo to connect homeowners with tradespeople who work on vintage homes.  

Beverly/Morgan Park’s first year on the Chicago Architecture Center’s citywide Open House Chicago architecture tour was a huge hit last fall, bringing several thousand people to visit the Village in the City. The event returns to the neighborhood on Oct. 19 and 20 and will feature several new locations. BAPA is the Open House Chicago community partner, assisting in local site selection, event promotion, and volunteer recruitment and training.   

The Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade bring thousands of athletes and spectators to the Ridge Historic District to show off rich architecture and the community’s spirited lifestyle. The Bikes and Brews festival, this year expanded to include restaurant row and more brews, brings people together to celebrate with neighbors and enjoy a professional level cycling event.    

Other BAPA events support commercial areas. The 3rd Annual Sip and Shop will be held Thurs., Sept. 26, and feature shopping and sampling from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by an after party from 9 to 11 p.m. Co-sponsored by BAPA, Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association and 19th Ward Office, the event takes place in the 99th Street and 103rd Street businesses located around the Metra stations. In December, BAPA will host the 4th annual Holiday Cookie Crawl inviting people into local businesses to claim cookies and share holiday cheer.  

On Friday, Nov. 8, BAPA will co-sponsor the 19th Ward Veterans Breakfast to recognize local men and women who have served or currently serve in U.S. armed forces.  

Get the Message 

“BAPA has the biggest megaphone in the community,” Flood. “Our communications cover all platforms.” 

The Villager is delivered to 16,000 mailboxes every month, covering the people, institutions and businesses that make us all Love Where We Live. BAPA’s weekly e-newsletters go to more than 8,000 inboxes and on alternate weeks provide updates on local news through the Neighborhood Notes and upcoming events through the new Nightlife & Entertainment. BAPA’s online Community Calendar is the go-to place for events information, and robust postings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram keep people connected.  In partnership with the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association, BAPA is engaged in a digital radio campaign to promote the Village in the City as a great place to life, shop, dine and visit. Ads drive listeners to villageinthecity.org for visitor information.  

You Can Be a Changemaker Too! 

A 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization, BAPA relies on the support of neighborhood residents and businesses to fund its work in the community. BAPA is not politically affiliated and represents the best interests of everyone Beverly/Morgan Park. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Look for the membership envelope in this issue of The Villager or join/renew online at www.bapa.org.  

BAPA’s office is located at 1987 W. 111th St. For more information on programs, events, memberships and donations, call 773-233-3100 or visit www.bapa.org.  

 

Shopping, Sampling & Smiling: 3rd Annual Sip & Shop  

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Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA), 19th Ward Office and Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association will present the 3rd annual Sip & Shop Girls Night Out on Thurs., Sept. 26, 6 to 11 p.m. Shoppers are invited to take advantage of free bus transportation that will travel between the 99th and 103rd Street shopping districts continuously that evening.  

Businesses in the train station districts at 99th Street and 103rd Street will offer special sales, beverage and food tastings, demonstrations and more from 6 to 9 p.m. starting at Beverly Barre, 9909 S. Walden Pkwy.  

Participating stores in the 99th Street shopping district are Beverly Barre, Cakewalk Chicago, Capsule, Color Me Beauty Bar, Joplin Marley Studios, Markland Hubbard, Pizzeria Deepo, Sweet Freaks, Tranquility Salon Co. and Turkey. 

In the 103rd Street shopping district, participating stores are BHive, Calabria Imports, Bani’s Beets, Belle Up Boutique, The Blossom Boys, The Heritage Gallery, Ohana Ice & Treats, Starbucks, RMH Design and Root Consignment. 

Pop-up shops include Beverly Dry Goods and Mayta Design in Joplin Marley Studios, 90+ Cellars in Pizzeria Deepo and Traveling Vineyard in Root Consignment.  

Free raffle tickets will be offered at every participating stop, so the more places you visit the better your chance to win merchandise from Sip and Shop businesses.  

An after party with a DJ, signature pasta dish from Calabria Imports, and beverages will be held in the Beverly Bank & Trust parking lot at 103rd and Walden Parkway from 9 to 11 p.m.   

Admission of $15 in advance or $20 at the event covers the goodies and giveaways including a souvenir shopping bag (while supplies last) and the after- party. Order advance tickets online at www.bapa.org; there is no processing fee for online orders.  

BAPA Welcomes New Neighbors, Invites All Neighbors to Get Involved  

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By Mary Jo Viero 
BAPA Community Organizer 

Are you new to the neighborhood?  

Moving to a new community can be overwhelming.  Trying to meet people and learn about everything the neighborhood has to offer takes time and is not always easy.  BAPA is making this process easier by hosting a new neighbor meet and greet on Tues., Oct. 1.   

If you moved into your Beverly/Morgan Park home after January 2018, BAPA wants help you connect with new friends and neighbors, local businesses and resources, and organizations, including your civic association. Homeowners will receive reusable welcome bags filed with giveways and coupons from local businesses and helpful information about the neighborhood.  

Little Company of Mary Hospital is sponsoring this event.  

Everyone Can Get Involved  

BAPA’s serves the area from 87th 119th streets, California to Beverly avenues. In order to communicate effectively and address the different needs of each section of the community, BAPA’s service area is broken down into several smaller sections called civic associations.  These groups are vital to our overall community because they give a voice to the specific needs of particular areas.  

Every resident of Beverly/Morgan Park is encouraged to be involved in their civic association. Each association has its own personality, priorities and challenges which contribute to the spirit of the neighborhood. BAPA’s goal is to help each of the civic associations to be strong and active so that we can work together on larger projects that are important to the whole community.  

Active civic associations help build relationships with neighbors, strengthen communication and create a unified voice. Working on projects together provides a sense of pride and satisfaction right where we live.  Most associations have a family friendly focus, offering activities like bike rides, movie nights and Easter egg hunts. Many associations participate in tree plantings and the annual Clean and Green, working to beautify their area’s park or public space.  

Problem–solving also fosters active participation.  In the past, associations have addressed issues such as traffic, noise, and problem homes or businesses.  

The more you get involved, the more you will Love Where You Live.  

Neighbors who want more information about the new neighbor meet and greet or becoming active in their civic association can contact me at  mjviero@bapa.org or 773-233-3100. I look forward to hearing from you. Together we are stronger.