Local Students Honored for Service to Others 

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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. 

BAPA’s 17th Beverly Hills Cycling Classic Set for July 19 

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The 2019 Intelligentsia Cup cycling series begins on Fri., July 19 with the Beverly Area Planning Association’s (BAPA) 17th annual Beverly Hills Cycling Classic and Bikes and Brews Festival. The race start/finish line and festival site will be located at the St. Barnabas Parish parking lot, 10100 S. Longwood Drive.  

Day one of the 10-day Prairie States Cycling Series Intelligentsia Cup racing series features events for professional and elite amateur riders competing in men’s women’s, masters’ and juniors’ races. The 1.54 kilometer criterium course takes riders down Longwood Drive to 100th Street to Winchester to 101st Street to Seeley to 102nd Street and back to Longwood Drive, andincludes hills that attract professional riders from around the world. The festival opens at 4 p.m. and races begin at 4:15 p.m.  

Spectators around the race course are encouraged to cheer on the riders who whiz by at speeds of more 30+ mph. 

The Festival  

The popular family-friendly Bikes & Brews festival continues until 10 p.m. Serving beer for the 21+ crowd are local brewery favorites Open Outcry Brewing Co., Horse Thief Hollow, Blue Island Brewing Co. and Argus Brewery, as well as Lagunitas. Food and treats will be available from Original Rainbow Cone, Americanos, America’s Dog & Burger, Franconello, Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery, Calabria, Home Run Inn, 9-1-1- BBQ Shack, Two-Mile Coffee Bar and Swanson’s. 

The festival area also features the Kids Zone with a game truck, face painting, and more, and a bike valet. The evening will include live music, the annual raffle for a Giant bike donated by Beverly Bike and Ski, and more.  will perform following the races, about 8:30 p.m. 

Get In on the Action 

In professional bike racing, riders make their living by winning prizes. To attract the best riders to the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic, BAPA needs to offer primes – cash prizes awarded to the winners of individual laps in a race. Only one rider can win the top prize; several riders can win the primes. Area residents and businesses can sponsor primes at $200, $100 and $50 levels.  Donors have their names announced over the public address system during the race. 100% of the money donated for primes is awarded to riders and the deadline for donating is Mon., July 8.  Sign up for primes at www.bapa.org or request one via email at reception@bapa.org. 

Summer Bike Raffle 

Once again, Beverly Bike and Ski has donated a brand new Giant Cypress bike to be raffled off. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10 and available at Beverly Bike and Ski as well as at the Bikes and Brews Festival.  

The Sponsors 

The lead sponsor of this year’s festival is Beverly Bike and Ski, 9121 S. Western Ave. The shop has been serving the community since 1921, and has been a partner in sponsoring the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic since the beginning of the event’s history. Other sponsors are Mike Haggerty Buick-GMC-Volkswagen, Beverly Bank & Trust, Sports and Ortho Physical Therapy, CIBC, Beverly Hills Animal Hospital, County Fair, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, Smith Village, Uhlmann Home Improvement, Chesterfield Awning, PRP Wine, State Farm Insurance – Zach Betley agent, Allstate Insurance – Josh Mercer agent, and The Beverly Review. 

Be a Volunteer 

People are needed to help out as course marshals and at the festival on race day. Sign up at bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.  

MIKE AND DICK HAGGERTY HELP DRIVE BAPA’S SUCCESS 

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Cousins Dick Haggerty (pictured with BAPA Director of Business Services Anna Fratto (left) and BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood) and Mike Haggerty grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park and remain great community supporters. In addition to supporting BAPA’s weekly enews and special events, Mike Haggerty Buick • GMC • Volkswagen provides the pace cars for BAPA’s races. Learn more about their dealership at haggertycars.com.   

BAPA Board Profile: Brian Roberts 

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By Kristin Boza 

For the last two years, West Beverly resident Brian Roberts has made an impact on BAPA’s Board, specifically on the Safety and Security Committee. After moving to the neighborhood with his wife 11 years ago, Roberts, an assistant principal at Shepard High School in Palos Heights, was impressed with BAPA’s community efforts and wanted to be a part of it. 

“My work requires that I try to get people from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives to work toward one common goal: providing children with a quality education,” he said. “I think this transitions well to serving on the BAPA board; while the area is diverse and has residents from all walks of life, it is the goal of BAPA to make this one of the best neighborhoods in the city for all of the residents.” 

His main goals are to boost up BAPA’s Safety Committee and use his voice to offer fresh ideas. “The board was already made up of very talented, smart individuals before me coming aboard; I simply try to add ideas and offer a unique perspective,” he said. “I also want to work with Susan Flood [BAPA Executive Director] and Gary Jenkins [BAPA Director of School and Safety Programs] to recruit residents for the Safety Committee and find the best way that the committee can serve the residents of Beverly/Morgan Park.” 

The Roberts family, including first grader Xavier, is committed to BAPA’s mission and continually supports the organization. “Besides organizing so many great events, I feel BAPA does an outstanding job of shining a spotlight on the residents, businesses, organizations and everything else that makes this area great,” Roberts said. “When we first moved here, we were looking for a safe, diverse area that would be a good place to raise children; Beverly/Morgan Park had everything we were looking for.” 

 

Summer Gets into Swing at 95th Street Farmers Market  

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Fresh berries, bedding plants, early summer produce and more will be available in June at the   95th Street Farmers Market, open Sundays through October, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at 95th and Longwood Drive. June 2 –Mark Taylor on music, One Tail at a Time in the Community Tent with a dog available for adoption, and complimentary face painting for the kids, 10 a.m. to1 p.m. Ald. Matt O’Shea and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will be distributing oak tree saplings; reserve saplings online at www.the19thward.com and pick them up between 10 a.m. and noon at the market.  

Look for many of your favorite vendors selling items that range fruit and veggies to baked goods, cheese, homemade jams and sauces, hormone-free meat, fresh eggs, prepared foods, artisan-made merchandise and products, and more.  While you’re there, enjoy a bite to eat as well as activities for the kids, live music, representatives from area organizations in the community tent, tasty treats, and more.  

This month’s market calendar features: June 2 –Mark Taylor on music, One Tail at a Time in the Community Tent with a dog available for adoption, and complimentary face painting for the kids, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ald. Matt O’Shea and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will be distributing oak tree saplings; reserve saplings online at www.the19thward.com and pick them up between 10 a.m. and noon at the market.  

June 9 — Kellogg School Garden Club will be in the Community Tent and Joel Barr performs music. June 9 and 16, the Children’s Librarian from the Beverly Branch Library will be in the Children’s Tent registering children for the summer reading program.  

June 16 — Music will be presented by the popular Beverly All Stars and kids can enjoy complimentary face painting, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

June 23 – Representatives from the new Nautilus School will be in the Community Tent and DJ Ruta Spencer will be providing the tunes.   

June 30 — Mark Taylor will be performing music; PLAE is featured in the Community Tent, and complimentary face painting for the kids, 10 a.m.  to 1 p.m.  

Farmers Market sponsors include Beverly Bank & Trust, Southtown Health Foods, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, State Sen. Bill Cunningham, State Rep. Fran Hurley, the 95th Street Business Association, Pacor Mortgage Corporation, BAPA and Ald. Matt O’Shea. 

Stay up to date on the latest happenings by following the 95th Street Farmers Market on Facebook.  

Beverly Hills Cycling Classic Bikes and Brews: Friday, July 19

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Beverly Hills Cycling Classic Bikes and Brews: Friday, July 19 

BAPA presents the 17th Annual Beverly Hills Cycling Classic: Bikes and Brews Fri., July 19. The start/finish and festival grounds return to the St. Barnabas parish parking lot, 101st and Longwood Drive, and the 1.54KM criterium course takes riders down Longwood Drive to 100th Street to Winchester to 101st Street to Seeley to 102nd Street and back to Longwood Drive.  

The first day of racing in the Prairie States Cycling Series Intelligentsia Cup, the local event features several action-packed pro/am races sure to provide plenty of excitement for spectators all around the race course.  

The Bikes and Brews festival opens at 4 p.m. and features craft beers, food, a kids’ zone, live music following the races, and lots more.  

The Racing 

Founded in 2012 as the Prairie State Cycling Series, the Intelligentsia Cup features top-level professional and elite amateur athletes. The Beverly Hills Cycling Classic will host juniors races, a Masters’ race, women’s race and men’s races starting about 4 p.m. 

Be a Volunteer 

Many volunteer opportunities are open for the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic, including assistance at the festival site and course marshals around the race course. For information on volunteering, call 773-233-3100. 

Already signed on to sponsor the event are Beverly Bank & Trust, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, Smith Village, CIBC and Beverly Hills Animal Hospital. For information on becoming a Bikes and Brews sponsor or donating primes for rider prizes, call 773-233-3100.  

BAPA hosts the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic as a community-building summer event. The suggested donation for admission to the Bikes & Brews festival area is $5 and supports BAPA’s community-based programs. 

 

 

BAPA’s Ridge Run Offers Paces and Races for All Runners; 

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BAPA’s Ridge Run Offers Paces and Races for All Runners; 

Memorial Day Parade Follows Races to Ridge Park 

The Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) invites runners of all ages, paces and distances to participate in the 42nd Annual Ridge Run on Memorial Day, Mon., May 27. Runners can compete for a share of the $1800 in cash prizes or simply race to place in age categories ranging from 6 to 80 or beat their personal best time.   

The Ridge Run, long considered Chicago’s favorite neighborhood race, takes participants through the Ridge Historic District to run the 10K run, 5K run and walk and Youth Mile run routes. Cheering spectators line the route, offering encouragement, water and energy to the runners. Races start and finish at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.  

Runners who are training for the Chicago Marathon are also encouraged to sign up for the 10K since completing a 6.2–mile race by June is a benchmark in marathon training. 

The Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the men and women in the U.S. armed forces who have given their lives in service to our country, will be held at 9 a.m. at Ridge Park. The ceremony includes the laying of the wreath, taps and a solemn remembrance of the true meaning of Memorial Day.  

The running events are followed by the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade, starting at 110th Place and traveling north down Longwood Drive to join the Ridge Run post-race festival at Ridge Park. Run and parade spectators and participants are invited to enjoy food, beverages, information from event sponsors, Team Town and more. The Kids Zone, sponsored by Marquette Bank, will feature a visit from Captain America, the popular Tot Trot, jump houses and more.  

The presenting sponsor of the Ridge Run is Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers (LCMH), Evergreen Park, which generously provides the day’s health necessities including the Ridge Run doctor and first aid tent, as well as with general health information. The hospital has been a vital health resource for the community for nearly 90 years and continues to achieve accolades for quality through its revolutionary medical technologies and services both at its home and satellite locations. LCMH was recently named among best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. 

Ridge Run registration continues until race day for participants signing up for the 10K run, 5K run or untimed walk, Ridge Run Challenge 5K and 10K, and, for kids up to age 12, the untimed Youth Mile.  Register by May 1 to guarantee getting your Ridge Run t-shirt. Sign up online until May 20 at www.bapa.org, then sign-up and pick up race packets through May 26 (see www.bapa.org for complete registration schedule). Fees increase for race-day registration, which opens at 6:30 a.m.  

Volunteers are needed to help with the Ridge Run, and a variety of dates and tasks are available. Sign up at www.bapa.org on the Ridge Run page or call 773-233-3100 for more information.  

Memorial Day Parade 

The Beverly/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade, planned and presented by BAPA  steps at about 10 a.m. The parade features a variety of units including military vehicles, antique cars, floats, scouts, bands, the Jesse White Tumblers and the Bluesmobile.  

Beverly/Morgan Park resident Tim Noonan, founder of the Chicago Council of Gold Star Mothers (CCGSM), will lead the parade as Grand Marshal. The Road Home Program Center for Veterans and their Families at Rush University Medical Center is the parade presenting sponsor.  

A few years ago, Noonan formed CCSGM with the mission of restoring and preserving a forgotten monument erected nearly a century ago to honor Chicagoans who gave their lives serving in World War I. His tireless efforts have led to the restoration of that monument, which was installed last fall in a place of honor in the Dan Ryan Woods and rededicated in an official ceremony in time for the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended WWI. 

The CCCSM relied on what Noonan called “blind faith” to get the project completed. They ordered a new bronze plaque from a Chicago manufacturer who, according to Noonan, used the same techniques employed on the long–lost original plaque. The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers guided the hands of apprentice masons in rebuilding the monument, also using century-old techniques, with the original stones supplemented by local stones collected by Noonan. The Forest Preserves District of Cook County built the new concrete footing for the memorial.    

The CCGSM continues to raise funds to cover the costs of the restored memorial, and the costs of preserving the memorial as well as adding benches and amenities for visitors. For more information about the history behind the monument, the restoration effort and how you can make a donation, visit Chicago Council of Gold Star Mothers on Facebook.  

Parade presenting sponsor, The Road Home Program, provides individualized care to veterans and their families to help heal the “invisible wounds of war.”  The program helps veterans returning home to address service and combat-related health and mental health issues as well as family challenges. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay. Beverly/Morgan Park neighbor Modie Lavin is the Community Outreach Coordinator; call her at 312-942-8354.  

Registration for participating in the Memorial Day Parade continues through May 20. Applications are available online at www.bapa.org  on the Ridge Run page or you can request a paper application by emailing bapa@bapa.org.  

Thank you to all of the Ridge Run sponsors: Little Company of Mary Hospital, Mike Haggerty Buick-GMC-Volkswagen, Beverly Bank, Marquette Bank, Whole Foods, The Road Home, CIBC, Beverly Hills Animal Hospital, Southtown Health Foods, Berlshire Hathaway Home Services – Biros Real Estate, Smith Village, County Faor, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, Original Rainbow Cone, The Beverly Review, Running Excels, State Farm Insurance – Agent John Harrell, Home Run Inn Pizza, 670- The Score, Meijer, Beverly records, Calabria Imports, Chicago Park District,  

For more information about the Ridge Run or Memorial Day Parade, contact the Beverly Area Planning Association, 773-233-3100, bapa@bapa,org or www.bapa.org. 

BAPA Board Profile : Brian Wilson: Maintaining Positive Momentum 

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By Kristin Boza 

With an entrepreneurial spirit, BAPA Board Vice President Brian Wilson is spearheading the economic development committee and assisting in BAPA’s efforts related to economic development within the community. 

As a Board member for the last five years, Wilson has sought ways to bring a fresh perspective to BAPA initiatives, particularly as they relate to finance. Wilson owns his own investment banking firm and works with entrepreneurs, start-ups and Fortune 1000 businesses.  

“It’s been interesting to see which things translate well between businesses and non-profits/community organizations, and which things don’t translate as well,” he said. “I believe the BAPA team has done a tremendous job at refreshing its programs, communications platform, and events and has collaborated more with community organizations and stakeholders.” 

Wilson’s future goals for BAPA are to maintain the positive momentum to ensure forward motion. “We will continue to collaborate with community schools, businesses, and organizations for events and programs, as well as helping local groups best utilize BAPA’s unique communications platform,” he said. “We also want to try to establish relationships with new families in the area soon after they move here.” 

BAPA is dedicated to ensuring every community member and organization within the community is assisted in any way possible. By developing programs, events and assistance opportunities, the BAPA Board and core team can fulfill its mission.  

New Ideas for Vintage Homes

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BAPA Home Tour + Home Expo Give Before-and-After Insights to Gracious Living

On Sun., May 19, the old and the new come together as the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) launches the new Home Expo on the morning of the popular Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour. Together, the events offer before-and-after insights to gracious neighborhood living.

The BAPA Home Expo will take place at Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St., Chicago, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Home Tour will start at the same location, with tour check-in and ticket sales 12 to 3 p.m. Home Tour locations are open 12 to 5 p.m.

BAPA Home Expo

Designed to give property owners a range of accessible expert advice, the Home Expo invites attendees to talk to interior designers, wood restoration experts, people who offer eco-friendly services, and companies that offer roofing (including slate roofing), heating and air conditioning, plumbing, decks, landscape design, composting, paint and more.

People considering home projects are welcome to participate in the AIA Chicago Ask and Architect program that connects residential architects with homeowners looking to expand or improve their homes. Bungalows, two-flats, or new construction—architects will be standing by with free, personalized advice.  The architects will be available for short consultations on a first come/first served. Bring plans, drawings, ideas, or any other pertinent information so the architects can assist in the best possible way.

The Chicago Bungalow Association will present information on its Stop the Pop campaign that encourages bungalow owners who are planning home additions to maintain the exterior integrity of the original architectural design. This presentation, scheduled for 10:15 a.m., can benefit all property owners who are considering additions.

Oak Brothers Architectural Restoration will present information on restoring and caring for vintage windows, woodwork and architectural elements at 11 a.m. The Oak Brothers are specialists in repairing original windows, providing custom millwork and hand carving, refurbishing vintage hardware, plaster repair and more.

Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board will be available with tips on saving money on utility bills, CHI 311 will provide information on Chicago’s expanded 311 service and the new easy-to-use 311 app, and the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will offer a variety of service information and give away 100 free tree saplings.

BAPA Home Expo admission and presentations are free. The Expo is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour

This year’s Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour takes a look at how savvy renovations, inspired decorating, new construction and down-to-the studs restoration add an exciting variety to traditional architectural designs in the historic Beverly/Morgan Park community.

The Home Tour begins at Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St. The sanctuary was designed by noted architect Raymond M. Hood soon after he won the contest to design the Chicago Tribune Tower, and erected in 1926. It features carefully preserved Norman Gothic details and as well as a cloister Garth paved with Hudson River blue stone and featuring an open-air stone pulpit. Founded in 1872, Bethany Union Church will also be sharing artifacts and information about it’s long and interesting local history.

Homes being showcased on the tour are:

A stunning home built just ten years ago and designed with an English Eclectic influence that fits beautifully into the vintage character of the surrounding neighborhood. Inside the house is a spectacular combination of vintage amenities, contemporary lifestyle and carefully incorporated elements that make the house handicapped accessible to accommodate the needs of aging parents. From the basement party room with its expansive bar and sparkling disco ball to the perfect-for-entertaining open floor plan kitchen and family room to the fully furnished patio, this house was designed with welcome in mind. Experiences in this house include the Calumet Paint/Benjamin Moore Interior Paint Showcase and a beverage sampling in the back yard.

A handsome French Eclectic home designed by Murray Hetherington and built in 1935 on a secluded lot nestled at the edge of the forest preserves. The home offers a seamless meshing of original construction and renovation projects including a spacious addition with design-perfect details that incorporate original exterior brick and windows that match the unique windows in the front of the house that are protected as historic. Artwork throughout the house has been collected on family vacations and selected for its beauty, diverse media and styles, and as reminders of world travels. Experiences in this house include plein air painting by artist Judie Anderson.

A charming Mediterranean Revival with a brand new, custom-designed kitchen that combines function with contemporary beauty. This welcoming home is filled with elements including lovely casement windows and woodwork, decorating that uses a rich and warm palette of colors, and extensive collections of African American art and literature. Experiences in this house include tastings from guest chefs.

A stately North Beverly Georgian Revival with a warm and welcoming traditional appeal carried through from the original home into a stunning two-story addition. Be prepared to “ooh” and “aah” as every room features styles and decorating that make it special: the gorgeous fireplace in the sunken living room, the elegant dining room with its faux painting; the spacious master suite with walk in closet and spa bath, the comfortable family room that opens into a three-season room; even the cozy TV-room for two! Experiences at this house include beverage tastings on the deck.

A special feature of the Home Tour is the Longwood Drive historic home once owned by Paul Harris, founder of Rotary International, the global organization dedicated to taking action on some of the world’s most persistent issues. The house is currently undergoing a cellar-to-rooftop restoration by Rotary, bringing it back to what it was like when Harris lived there in the 1940s. Members of the Rotary Club will act as guides, offering insights into the home’s fascinating history and its amazing transformation back in time. Experiences include a candy tasting.

Home Tour attendees will get a chance to walk through each of these outstanding sites for an up-close look at the details of design, decorating, art collections and lifestyle that make each of them a unique example of gracious living in Beverly/Morgan Park – the Village in the City.

Many thanks to Home Tour sponsors including Mike Haggerty Buick-GMC-Volkswagen, Beverly Bank, Calumet Paint and Wallpaper, Beverly Hills Animal Hospital, Southtown Health Foods, County Fair Foods, PRS professional real estate services, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Biros Real Estate, Benjamin Moore Paint, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Solution 3 Graphics, Pacor Mortgage, Green Apple Cleaning, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, The Beverly Review, Smith Village, Horse Thief Hollow, Open Outcry Brewing Co., Sweet Freaks, The Blossom Boys, Steuber Florist & Greenhouse, RMH Interiors + Design, The Music Scene, Nine-One-One BBQ Shack and Chef Alvin Green.

For more than four decades, BAPA’s Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour has been opening the doors to some of the neighborhood’s most remarkable private residences. Home Tour tickets are $30 in advance and available at Steuber Florist, 2654 W. 111th St., The Blossom Boys, 1810 W. 103rd St., Sweet Freaks, 9927 S. Wood St., and County Fair, 10800 S. Western (cash or checks only) or online at www.bapa.org. The price increases to $35 on the day of the tour. Home Tour locations are open from 12 to 5 p.m. All tours are self-guided and must begin by 3 p.m.

Information about the BAPA Home Expo and or Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour contact BAPA, 773-233-3100 or bapa@bapa.org,

Run, Walk, Trot or Cheer 

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BAPA Hosts 42nd Annual Ridge Run on Memorial Day 

Expect some new challenges and fun changes at BAPA’s 42nd Annual Ridge Run on Mon., May 27. The race course has been recertified and will take 10K runners on a slightly different route, and the festival will offer new vendors and kid-friendly activities.  

“We keep the event fresh and exciting for participants, but some things will never change for the Ridge Run,” said BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood. “The spirits of the runners will always be lifted by cheers from the spectators and beauty of our neighborhood, and participants will always be challenged by making it up Chicago’s highest hill.” 

The community’s signature event takes runners, walkers and marchers through the historic district to run the 10K, 5K and Youth Mile Ridge Runs followed by the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade down Longwood Drive. 

“The Ridge Run is Chicago’s favorite neighborhood race because it expresses such a strong sense of community,” Flood said. “The cheering spectators all along the route are neighbors who have become friends and friends who have become family. It’s a symbol of belonging that, like the race, runs through the heart of our neighborhood.” 

The presenting sponsor of the Ridge Run is Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers (LCMH), which generously provides the day’s health necessities including the Ridge Run doctor and first aid tent, as well as with general health information.  

A Catholic, not-for-profit hospital, LCMH been a vital health resource for the community for nearly 90 years. LCMH continues to achieve accolades for quality through its revolutionary medical technologies and services both at its home and satellite locations and was recently named among best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. 

Presenting sponsor of the parade is the Road Home Program Center for Veterans and their Families at Rush University Medical Center (find more information on page ).  

Start Training Now! 

April is the time to get in the full swing of training for the Ridge Run. If you’ve never run before, check out the new 5K training at Running Excels, 10328 S. Western (read more on page __.) 

Students and families at local schools are also training to run as teams and compete for the 2019 school team trophy presented by BAPA. School teams are supervised by volunteers and training guides developed by Jenny Harkins of Treadfit Beverly are available for free from BAPA, contact Gary Jenkins, gjenkins@bapa.org.  

Registration 

Ridge Run registration continues until race day for participants signing up for the 10K run, 5K run or untimed walk, Ridge Run Challenge 5K and 10K, and, for kids up to age 12, the untimed Youth Mile. (The wee ones can compete in the Tot Trot in the kids’ zone).  Register by May 1 to guarantee getting your Ridge Run t-shirt. Sign up online until May 20 at www.bapa.org, then sign-up and pick up race packets through May 26 (see www.bapa.org for registration schedule). Fees increase for race-day registration.  

Registration for participating in the Memorial Day Parade continues through May 20. Applications are available online at www.bapa.org  on the Ridge Run page or you can request a paper application by emailing bapa@bapa.org.  

Race Day 

The Ridge Run begins with the 10K at 8 a.m. followed by the Youth Mile at 8:10 a.m. The Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. in Ridge Park and the 5K run and walk starts at 9:30 a.m.  

Make your way or stay on Longwood Drive once the 5K runners pass by! The Memorial Day Parade steps off immediately following the last runner at about 10:30 a.m., starting from 110th and Longwood Drive and proceeding north to Ridge Park.  

Post-race festivities at Ridge Park feature runner awards, food trucks and children’s activities.  

Be a Ridge Run Volunteer 

BAPA’s neighborhood race travels through the heart of our community, and we need volunteers to help as course marshals at selected corners to make sure runners stay on the route, at aid stations where they hand out water and at Ridge Park. Volunteers get a great volunteer t-shirt. Interested? If you have questions, call BAPA, 773-233-3100.Sign up to volunteer at www.bapa,org on the Ridge Run page.   

 

Thank You Sponsors  

Ridge Run sponsors help to ensure the success of the event, and sponsorships are still available; for information contact Anna Fratto, 773-233-3100 or afratto@bapa.org.  

Thank you to Little Company of Mary Hospital, Mike Haggerty Buick GMC Volkswagen of Oak Lawn, Beverly Bank, Road Home Program, Southtown Health Foods, CIBC, County Fair, 19th Ward Youth Foundation, Marquette Bank, Smith Village, Whole Foods, ExcellCare Physical Therapy, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Biros Real Estate, Beverly Hills Animal Hospital, Home Run Inn, Chicago Park District, 670 Score Sports Radio, State Farm Agent John Harrell, IMPACT Physical Therapy, Chicago Recovery Room, Calabria Imports, Running Excels, The Beverly Review and Beverly Records.  

For more information about participating in or volunteering for the Ridge Run or Memorial Day Parade, contact the Beverly Area Planning Association, 773-233-3100, bapa@bapa.org or www.bapa.org.