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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Myth: You have to be big and strong to plant trees.
Reality: Just about anyone can help.
The first time I helped out at an Openlands TreePlanters day, I didn’t know what to expect. As suggested, I dressed in work clothes, wore sturdy shoes and brought my gardening gloves. I arrived at the gathering place to find an array of volunteers, school kids to seniors, in all sizes and shapes.
Everyone was welcomed with coffee and doughnuts, given planting instructions by the Openlands Forestry Crew and certified TreeKeepers, divided into small groups, armed with shovels, wheelbarrows and buckets, then assigned to experienced group leaders and sent to our planting destinations.
Small trees, their root balls tied up in burlap, were positioned on the parkway where they were to be planted. Volunteers helped with a variety of tasks, from digging up and removing grass to measuring the correct diameter and depth of the holes, to taking turns digging. Everyone gave their two cents on important issues like whether the hole should be an inch or two deeper or the tree trunk was straight, and once everyone was satisfied, the holes were filled, the dirt tamped down and the mulch spread.
Homeowners were given a set of simple instructions: Give the new tree plenty of water and a little TLC while it’s getting established.
We all went home feeling great about what we accomplished, and that sense of satisfaction does not go away: every time I drive through the neighborhood or look out my front window, I see trees that I helped to plant. It feels good to know that my investment of a few hours a couple times a year is helping to make our neighborhood healthier and more beautiful.
You can feel good too!
On Sat., Sept. 21, 8:30 a.m. to noon, BAPA will be hosting the fall Openlands TreePlanter day, planting trees on parkways between 95th and 101st streets on Damen, Seeley and Winchester. This planting will put the total of trees acquired through BAPA grants in the last three years past 150. More than 20 volunteers are needed, and students can earn service hours.
Openlands TreePlanters grants provide new trees in Chicago neighborhoods and near south suburbs. Mary Jo Viero, BAPA Community Organizer, works with area residents to submit grant applications and oversee planting days. Interested in learning more? Contact Viero, 773-233-3100 or mjviero@bapa.org.
Founded in 1963, Openlands protects natural open spaces in northeastern Illinois to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich people’s lives. Learn more at openlands.org.
BAPA’s work could not be accomplished without the support of our resident and business members. The following people shared some of their thoughts about why making their annual membership donation is an important part of what they do for the community, and for their own quality of life as Beverly/Morgan Park neighbors. You can learn more about becoming a BAPA member on our website https://bapa.org/support-bapa/ or by calling our office, 773-233-3100.
Karen Truitt
Marquette Bank
BAPA’s work is good for the neighborhood! BAPA supports the community in countless ways and is a unifying friendly organization that has been instrumental in defining Beverly/Morgan Park as it has evolved over the years. As a business member, Marquette Bank has benefited from the visibility and exposure at Ridge Run & Memorial Day Parade, Bikes & Brews Fest, Family Fun Nights and more. BAPA has been particularly helpful in amplifying our presence as a business by providing social media, and newspaper and online exposure, as well as use of the BAPA community room for our Business After Hours events.
Jessica Bell
Bell Advocate LLC
“Discovering that I could join BAPA as a business member was heaven sent. My primary office is in the West Loop, but as a servicer of many elderly individuals, I quickly saw the benefits of being able to use BAPA’s business center for meetings that were more convenient for my clients. Being a business member also opens up avenues for networking and advertising in my own community on a much more personal scale.”
Ed & Chris Slattery
Strong neighborhoods don’t just happen. We give to BAPA and support its events to keep our neighborhood strong and expand our own community of support. We love The Villager and information on areas that need attention as well as news on successes. BAPA’s events bring neighbors together and help newcomers feel like they’re part of the Village in the City. Knowing that BAPA that has been working for decades to ensure that our community stays stable, safe and diverse is important to us.
Peggy & Ken Gilbertsen
We used to drive through the neighborhood when we were dating thinking “one day this would be a great place to live.” It was true then and it is today – 35 years later. Like BAPA, we saw and felt the sense of community here. BAPA works hard to maintain and strengthen that spirit through activities and programs designed to expand the quality of life we all enjoy. It’s important to remember that our friends and neighbors at BAPA are only able to accomplish this through our personal involvement and financial support.
Howard & Kathryn Ludwig
BAPA plays an important role in our vibrant community. When people see folks invested in their communities, they feel more comfortable getting involved too. BAPA’s events stand as a showcase of what we can do together. BAPA works for all of us – serving as a glue that holds all of us together by our mutual interest in maintaining the success of our neighborhood. We live in a very special part of the world. Beverly/Morgan Park stands out because of how we all come together to celebrate good times and support each other when times are tough.
Megan & Morgan McGarry
We are lifelong neighborhood residents, and now reside here with our four children. This community is unlike any other. The people who live here support and love one another. BAPA is such a strong part of our community, which is why we support it. They put on so many wonderful events for people of all ages. BAPA makes it easy to love where you live. As small business owners, we feel like it is important to support BAPA’s mission — BAPA is constantly promoting local businesses through their social media posts, The Villager and their events. Beverly/Morgan Park has so much to offer and BAPA helps to showcase what a truly amazing area we live in.
Kathy & Tom Gibbons
BAPA watches out for all aspects of the community. Over the years, it has been instrumental in making Beverly/Morgan Park a strong, successful, vibrant, diverse neighborhood by focusing on housing, schools, public safety and businesses. The organization has worked with our elected officials to instill confidence and pride on our residents. We live in one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago. BAPA’s work requires money. Finances come from homeowners and business owners, and it behooves all of us to give what we can to support the fine work of this proven apolitical organization. Raising a family and owning a business in Beverly/Morgan Park for most of our lifetime has been a privilege.
Allie Bowles & Graham Elliot
BAPA is a crucial part of the community. We witness the community growing and diversifying with new exciting businesses opening. We see neighbors supporting one another and creating even stronger bonds. Our family purchased a house in 2010 and never looked back. Our neighborhood is the perfect balance of small community feel but with a calendar of fun, family activities, art/music/culture events, businesses, shops and restaurants. It’s the best of both worlds. BAPA’s support helps all of these activities and businesses to continue to thrive and grow our community. We are proud members of BAPA and the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
See the day in pictures!
The Beverly Area Planning Association Youth Community Service Award recognizes 7th and 8th grade students from each Beverly/Morgan Park public elementary school, and a student in the 7th and 8th grade program at Morgan Park High School.
The award was established last year to honor students who are dedicated to improving their school and community by actively serving others. Students are chosen for the award by their principals and all of the public schools were encouraged to participate.
“BAPA is all about community and service, so the Education Committee wanted to create an award that supports this mission,” said Heather Wills, chair of the BAPA Education Committee. “We want our young people to value service and see it as an essential part of any strong community. We have some amazing students in our community and this is an opportunity to promote the excellent work they are doing.”
Awards were presented by BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood and BAPA Director of School and Safety Programs Gary Jenkins. Each award winner was given a $25 gift certificate to Bookies.
Following are profiles of the winners.
Mark Dace
Kellogg School
Mark Dace was in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Kellogg School since the 6th grade. He is an outstanding student who was consistently on the Principal’s Honor Roll for straight As. One requirement of the IBMYP is that students complete a minimum of 10 community and service hours each year. Mark exceeded that minimum by a great deal!
While in 6th grade, Mark put in service hours volunteering at his church, shoveling snow for neighbors, and working at a blood drive. In his 7th grade year, Mark worked as a member of the Kellogg Safety Patrol, volunteered at the school’s weekend Open House, assisted at a hunger walk, and again helped at his local church and with a blood drive.
As an 8th grader, Mark earned his community and service hours while working on a Community Project entitled “Grow Businesses, Grow,” in which he brought attention to the importance of supporting local businesses in Beverly/Morgan Park.
Over the past three years, Mark has done Community and Service in excess of 73 hours. Kellogg teachers and staff are proud of his ability to balance an academic and extra-curricular life, and feel that Mark is most-deserving of the BAPA Youth Community Service Award.
Andrea Morris
Vanderpoel Humanities Academy
Andrea Morris is a 2019 8th grade graduate from Vanderpoel Humanities Academy. “I enjoy reading books that’ll give me cognition, direction and aspirations to help me achieve all of my goals in life,” Andrea wrote.
Fulfilling goals is something she does well! Andrea is a member of VHA’s Beta Club and Student Council, she also played on her school’s volleyball team.
A straight A student throughout 8th grade, Andrea was selected to attend Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Academy High School. She is an active member of the Kroc Center where she has attended various classes in piano, swimming and work-out sessions.
“I have achieved all of my elementary school goals (for the most part) and look forward to a bright and prosperous high school and college future,” she wrote.
Karisha Thomas
Esmond School
Esmond School nominated Karisha Thomas for BAPA’s Youth Community Award. Karisha is a leader among her peers as well as in her community. She has a honest and helpful spirit. Dedicated to community service, Karisha helps out with her local place of worship in community outreach.
Emani James
Morgan Park High School
Emani James was a dedicated member of the Academic Center 8th grade class at Morgan Park High School. As a part of the Academic Center, Emani received high school credit for numerous classes. She has been on the honor roll every quarter and is an outstanding student.
Emani is kind to others and shows empathy. Her teachers could always rely on Emani to contribute to discussion in the classroom and to offer creative insights to ideas. She never missed a deadline and worked hard to articulate herself through her essays, projects, labs and daily work.
Emani was a member of the Morgan Park Book Club. She is active in her church community, loves to draw, has a great sense of humor, and is overall a pleasure to be around. She is the type of student and person who teachers and parents love! She made Morgan Park proud and her teachers are happy to share her talents and achievements with the larger community of Beverly/Morgan Park.
Demetria Adams
Clissold School
Demetria Adams recently completed the 7th grade student at Clissold School. Middle School science teacher Vanessa Jordan recommended Demetria for the BAPA Youth Community Award.
Demetria Adams serves in Clissold’s Young Leaders group where she helps develop plans for students to feel safe, challenged and equally treated. The group recruited other students to help fulfill that mission. Demetria, while serving as a young leader, lead her homeroom in social, emotional exercises.
Demetria and another student demonstrated an inventive and creative idea to make their community stronger. They developed an Easter egg hunt in which plastic eggs were filled with pieces of paper on which each student wrote a positive quality of a classmate. Students who found the eggs read the quality to the person it was about, and also shared another positive quality about that person. The class loved the activity!
“Demetria has consistently shown that she is compassionate, reliable, and hard working,” Ms. Jordan wrote. “I can always depend on her to help others and to demonstrate self–control and forgiveness when she is mistreated by others . . . Demetria is a wonderful person whom I’m blessed to have in my homeroom.”
Kailie Patrick
Sutherland School
Kailie Patrick is a recent graduate from Elizabeth H. Sutherland Elementary School. Kailie was a student leader for Sutherland’s Environmental Club, and in that role led student groups in weekly organization and collecting of all recycling in the school. She also planned and participated in monthly Clean & Green Service activities. She promoted going green and encouraged all stakeholders to have a positive environmental mindset. Kailie has continued to care for the urban garden which she helped to install.
As a member of Sutherland’s Stew Crew, Kailie mentored new crew members and coached students on what it means to be in Stew Crew. As a crew member, Kailie worked with various grades leading activities such as read alouds and talking circles, and advocating for student rights such as gender equality, an idea sparked when students questioned why boys were continually asked to set up and take down assemblies.
For her International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme community project, Kalie hosted a youth writer’s workshop at Grove Heights Baptist Church. She invited students from Schmid Elementary School to attend her workshop and presented various writing activities geared to grade levels for primary and middle school students.
Kailie leads by example, always finding ways to better the school, community, and herself.
Ma’Leyah Porter
Barnard School
Barnard Elementary named Ma’Leyah Porter, recent 8th grade graduate, for the BAPA Youth Community Service Award for the 2018-19 school year. Maleyah was born in Chicago and attended Barnard School since 1st grade.
She began serving her community in 6th grade, in fulfillment of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Level 1 requirements. Since then, she has prepared nutrient packets for international hunger relief at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora and Schaumberg, washed and fed dogs at an animal shelter, raised money for her great grandmother’s homeless shelter, Willis House of Refuge, picked up trash around the shelter, helped set up a fundraiser for a benevolent social club, and worked at a charity event to memorialize a child who died from violence.
For her 8th grade IB/MYP Community Project, Ma’Leyah and her two partners, Ciara Gerring and Karla Grant, held technology classes for the elderly after school at Barnard. The lessons taught cell phone and computer basics so that seniors could use their devices to text and email, as well as for fun things like listen to music and play games.
Ma’Leyah will attend Simeon Career Academy in the fall. She wants to study in the medical field, and plans to be a surgeon when she grows up. Congratulations to Ma’Leyah from the Barnard learning community, and to all the BAPA Youth Community Service Award recipients for their good deeds.