BAPA residential member profiles

History and Community Make Beverly/Morgan Park Attractive to NewcomersHistory and Community Make Beverly/Morgan Park Attractive to Newcomers

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By Kristin Boza 

Historical homes, family-centered living, and a strong community are the attributes Zachery and Brian Wilson-Race apply to Beverly/Morgan Park. The former north siders made the move to the North Beverly community in 2017 after perusing local homes online making a few weekend trips to scout out the potential, with their son, Wayne, happily strapped in his stroller and enjoying the view.  

“After spending time here, it didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the community,” Zachery said. “Beverly checked our two big boxes: we wanted a home with a lot of history and warmth in a diverse, family-focused neighborhood.” The family is getting to know the Christ the King parish community, where Wayne will attend preschool in the fall. They’re also regulars at Ridge Country Club and Nicky’s Grill, where they boast about the vegan menu. 

Zachery spent his career in the fashion industry before Wayne was born; now he is on playground duty and simultaneously consulting for a small children’s clothing line based in Brooklyn. He also volunteers with The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth, and he works on cultivating the family garden. Brian has spent most of his career in the hospitality industry, working with hotels and independent restaurants. He is currently the Senior Director of Operations for a chain of gaming cafes. On the weekends, he takes charge in most of the couple’s home improvement projects. 

“We love how welcoming the community has been, and all of our new friends and neighbors,” Zachery said. “Knowing Wayne has a group of close friends as he grows up means everything to us. Once things get back to normal, we’re very excited to check out City Grange’s new location and continue exploring the restaurants in the neighborhood.” 

 

 

 

New Neighbors 

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Patrick and Lauren Roth  

Patrick and Lauren Roth moved into their West Beverly home in August 2019, and feeling like part of the community was facilitated by the wagging tail of their sociable beagle, _____. “We’re getting to know our neighbors, it helps that we have a dog that wants to say hi to everyone,” Patrick said.  

 Lauren is originally from Guatemala and moved to Chicago for college, and Patrick grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park; his parents still live here. “I’m a big White Sox fan and am slowing wearing down Lauren’s resistance and turning her into one,” Patrick said. Living on the South Side will surely strengthen his case.  

The couple had lived in Washington DC then moved to Old Town when they came back to Chicago. Patrick is a journalist with Crain’s and Lauren is a fundraiser with a national non-profit.  

Like many other young couples, the Roths were drawn to Beverly/Morgan Park when they were looking for a place to settle in. “We were looking for a family-friendly neighborhood that was close to our family,” Patrick said. “There’s a strong sense of community that a lot of neighborhoods lack because they’re transient, but in Beverly people stay because they love being here and they want to make it better.” 

The Roths read The Villager and The Beverly Review to keep up on neighborhood news, and they were enjoying exploring local amenities before the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate. “We’re big fans of Swansons,” Patrick said. “We’d like to walk around the forest preserve more when it gets warmer, and there’s a lot of restaurants and shops that BAPA recommends that we’d like to explore.” 

If you see the Roths out maintaining social distancing while walking the dog, feel free to say hi – they and the dog would love to meet you!  

House, Business, Charity: It’s all At Home for This Couple

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Dale Ludwig and Greg Owen-Boger have been Beverly/Morgan Park neighbors and business owners for two decades, but it wasn’t until a few years ago they became involved in community life.

Now active and involved neighbors, they’ve recently made a move that brings together the essentials of running their business, meeting the needs of homeless people, and owning a very special vintage home.

Turpin Communication, a successful communication consulting firm, was founded by Ludwig 27 years ago. Owen-Boger joined the business a few years later, and 20 years ago, they bought a century old home in East Beverly.

“We loved the area and soon found that we had the most amazing neighbors. We felt at home very quickly,” Ludwig said.

As much as they loved the community, the challenges of owning an older home and running a growing business kept them on a pretty tight and focused schedule.

“Many of those early years here were spent with our heads down working in and growing our business. Eventually, belonging to the larger community, rather than just living in it, became important to us.”

Ludwig and Owen-Boger began attending more community events such as the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic, Beverly Art Walk and 95th Street Farmers Market.

“We love the diversity of the neighborhood. The tree-lined streets and the variety of homes make every drive, bike ride, and walk interesting,” Owen-Boger said.

In late 2016, they, along with then-neighbor Olive Rogers, founded Turpin Cares a charity that provides food, hygiene items and other essentials to homeless people in and around the area. They reached out to BAPA for assistance in spreading the word that donations were being accepted. “The Villager was eager to help us get the word out and promote our fundraisers and other activities,” Ludwig said.

The response from Beverly/Morgan Park neighbors was generous, and Turpin Cares volunteers were able to give care packages to many people in need.

“What has really opened our eyes to the uniqueness of Beverly is the support we’ve received for Turpin Cares. That has really been gratifying.”

In just a few years, the organization partnered with another not-for-profit to handle the one-on-one distribution of food, hygiene products, and relief items to people in shelters and others living on the brink. Donations are collected throughout the year and at special drives at the Starbucks on 103rd and Longwood. Originally, the drives were held in winter, but a summer collection was added last year.

In 2019, they gave out nearly 10,000 items. In 2020 they’re adding starter kits of household items like linens, cleaning supplies, dishes and more for people transitioning from shelters into permanent living arrangements. “People in Beverly are incredibly generous,” Owen-Boger said.

Items donated to Turpin Cares were “warehoused” at Owen-Boger’s and Ludwig’s office. As the charity has grown, so has the need for more shelf space. Last fall, they decided to sell their East Beverly home, and began looking for a house that offered plenty of space to accommodate the non-profit collections and the for-profit business. What they found was a handsome North Beverly house recently confirmed as a Hetherington architects design (BAPA helped in this quest!). The Hetheringtons – three generations of local architects – designed many of Beverly/Morgan Park’s most gracious homes.

Owen-Boger and Ludwig knew as soon as they saw it that this was the house for them! Not just is there plenty of room for Turpin Cares, there is also ample space for their company’s offices, and a beautiful residence to call home. They are in the midst of decorating now.

Through Turpin Communication, Owen-Boger and Ludwig support BAPA as business members.

“BAPA holds the community together through its communication, support of local business, and community events. The strong community identity we have in Beverly/Morgan Park thrives because of BAPA.”

Ludwig lived in Rogers Park for many years, and Owen-Boger grew up in Ohio, so neither came to Beverly/Morgan Park with “roots,” but both had the same answer when asked, “Why did you want to stay in Beverly/Morgan Park?”

“Because it’s our home.”

 New Neighbors: Kacey, Mike and Finn Carey 

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When Kacey and Mike Carey settled in Beverly/Morgan Park in May 2018, they already knew they were making the right move.  

“We both grew up here and our parents and other relatives are still living in the neighborhood,” said Kacey (nee Kelly). In fact, Kacey and Mike grew up with just two blocks between them, but didn’t start dating until they were in their twenties. They married two and a half years ago, and were living in West Town before coming back to the South Side.  

“When we were ready to start our family we both saw value in having our families close by and raising kids in the tight-knit community that helped give us friendships we still cherish today,” Kacey said. “It is a decision we have never regretted.” The Careys’ daughter Finn is one and a half, and they are expecting their second child in May.  

Mike works in real estate and Kacey is an event planner for a law firm. Even though they grew up with the Rock Island Metra on their doorsteps and easy access to the expressway, Kacey said that one of the best things about living in Beverly/Morgan Park is transportation. “It’s great how easy it is to get downtown for our jobs and other events, she said, adding, “We also love the friendly people that make up the neighborhood whether they are our neighbors, old friends, or strangers saying hello walking down the street.”
The Careys are members of St. Barnabas parish and they try to attend as many BAPA and other neighborhood events as possible. Mike recently got involved with the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association and Kacey volunteers with Pat Mac’s Pack. “We look forward to getting even more involved!” she said. 
Pinning down a favorite place or event is hard for the Careys. “We’ve enjoyed BAPA’s Ridge Run and Bike & Brews, the 19th Ward concerts in the park, and taking our daughter Finn to different playgrounds. It’s great that so many local events and businesses are family friendly!” 

Social distancing has changed the Careys’ activities. “Like many of us cooped up these days we are supporting local businesses via take-out orders,” Kacey said. “But once we’re free to socialize again, we think we will have a greater appreciation for getting out to the local events and businesses and sharing in those experiences with our fellow neighbors.”

Are you new to the Beverly/Morgan Park or do you know someone who recently moved here? Let BAPA know! BAPA provides new residents with information about local organizations, schools, businesses, events and more.  BAPA can help you find out what you need to know! Contact Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.   

 

Neighbor Wins Driehaus Award for Home Landscape  

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By Kristin Boza 

Living in Beverly/Morgan Park, we know what a special place this is. Incredible architecture and carefully crafted landscaping are prominent in our community. 

One neighborhood resident has been singled out for his landscaping efforts. Tommie Harris earned the Chicago Bungalow Association’s 15th Annual Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Bungalow Award in Landscape Design. Harris has spent years perfecting the lushness of his lawn and the incredibly large plants that dot his yard’s perimeter.  

“The key is fertilizing early,” Harris said. “I fertilize the lawn in March, and I usually don’t have to do it again in the season. I apply a healthy dose of it to give it a good start to spring.” 

Harris, a retired Chicago police officer, began his landscaping adventure as a way to promote some privacy in his yard. He cultivates many of his plants inside during the winter to ensure they grow strong when the weather cooperates in the spring and summer. 

“I pull up my bulbs in the winter to make sure they stay warm,” Harris said. “I really think that is what helped my perennials grow to the size that they are — which is quite large!” 

While local wildlife, from bugs to bunnies to coyotes, often find solace in his garden, Harris takes the time to make sure they don’t destroy his hard work. “I actually remove beetles by hand to make sure they are gone for good. Spraying the leaves with a pest killer is bad for the plant, so I take the extra step to remove bugs that could kill the garden,” he said.  

Overall, Harris spends a lot of time in his yard paradise, making sure each plant is properly watered and has the nutrients it needs to thrive. Aside from the fun he’s having in the garden, Harris was excited to earn the Driehaus Award to meet other winners. “There was a reception for all of the winners, and it was incredible to meet with other bungalow owners and hear their stories,” Harris said. “I met people from all over the city who did different projects on their homes, and we shared a lot of great tips as well.’ 

According to the Driehaus Foundation, there are an estimated 80,000 Chicago bungalows that represent one-third of the city’s single-family housing stock. Chicago developed the Chicago Bungalow Association (CBA) in 2000 to ensure the preservation of this type of home; additionally, the CBA encouraged the renovation and preservation of more than 20,000 bungalows since its inception.  

In late 2019, seven Driehaus Award winners were announced and each won a cash prize of $1,000 and a handcrafted copper plaque made by local artisan Frank Glapa of FMG Design. Seven honorable mentions earned a $250 cash prize and plaque.  

Check out Harris’ garden, and all of the other nominated projects, at ChicagoBungalow.org. CBA is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Driehaus Awards; nominate yourself or a neighbor at ChicagoBungalow.org. 

 

 

 

 

New Neighbors 

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D’Cher and Ronell Whitaker 

D’Cher and Ronell Whitaker already knew Beverly/Morgan Park was the place they wanted to live when they first looked at the East Beverly two flat they purchased. “We’ve always wanted to set roots in Beverly, as it isn’t too far from where we both grew up,” D’Cher said.  Her husband and brother went to Morgan Park High School.  

Established in their careers –she’s a data analyst turned full time business owner and he’s Curriculum Director for the English Department, Community High School District 218 – the timing was right for the Whitakers to make a move. The building was the perfect home, with roomy vintage apartments for D’Cher and Ronell and for D’Cher’s mother, Cheryl, and grandmother, Claudette.  

The Whitakers moved here from Avondale in February, and quickly set about becoming part of their new community.  

“We love the community feel,” D’Cher said. “Everyone is so supportive of one another. It just feels like home. The way that small business is supported is also a plus for us.” 

D’Cher owns the Love Peridot boutique in the South Loop. “It’s a collection of gifts and accessories curated for the ambitious woman,” she said. She also mentioned she may be scouting out a store location in Beverly/Morgan Park – we’ll keep you posted!  

“When Ronell is not assisting teachers with their curriculum, he is advising them on the importance of including graphic novels (comic books) in their classrooms,” D’ Cher said.  

D’Cher and Ronell recently became BAPA members. “We are open to helping out where we can,” she said. Last fall, she attended the Sip and Shop (“My favorite so far!”) and look for her at BAPA’s Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour on May 17 – she’ll be volunteering one of the houses. 

The Whitakers are enjoying exploring the neighborhood. “Ain’t She Sweet and Andy Sunflower Cafe have become weekly staples.”  What’s on their to-do memo? “We really want to explore the architecture and history within the neighborhood. The Beverly Art Center is next on the list to visit!” 

Welcome to the Whitakers. Love Where You Live!  

 

Are you new to 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. Save the date for our spring New Neighbor Meet & Greet: Wed., Apr. 1 at Open Outcry.  For information or to RSVP, contact Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org or 773-233-3100.  

 

 

 

A Neighbor to Know: Mrs. Markham 

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A Neighbor to Know: Mrs. Markham 

Every summer, a patch of flowers on the east and west corners of 99th Street and Vanderpoel Avenue welcome people to the Vanderpoel Improvement Association (VIA) and our community. 

This garden spot begin when neighbor James Markham planted brilliant orange lilies more than 40 years ago. Since then, his wife, Ruth Markham, has tended the corner garden every spring. At the end of February, she was recognized by the VIA for her many years volunteering to tend the corners.    

‘We as a community are always grateful for each and every contribution to the upkeep and beautification of where we live,” said the VIA newsletter. “Mrs. Markham, a true gardener has now retired from her volunteer service. Vanderpoel Improvement Association [thanks her for her] years of dedication to the upkeep and beautification of our neighborhood.” 

Mrs. Markham has lived on the 9800 block of Vanderpoel since 1977. Everyone who drives down 99th Street during the spring and summer should add their voices to the VIA in thanking Mrs. Markham for adding so much beauty to our travels.  

SCORE Mentor Gets Businesses Up and Running 

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By Kristin Boza 

Invaluable business advice is available right in the neighborhood, thanks to SCORE mentor Kevin Scanlan and BAPA. SCORE, or Service Corp of Retired Executives, is a national group of retired business executives in a variety of industries who volunteer their time to help others get started. Scanlan holds office hours at BAPA, and is available to meet with current and potential small business owners. 

In 2019, Scanlan mentored 185 clients, and his office at BAPA was the second busiest in SCORE’s entire Chicago district. Before retirement, Scanlan spent 40 years in health care administration, making him a unique mentor who is sought after from SCORE clients across the nation who seek health care related advice. Overall, SCORE focuses on three services: Mentoring, educational programming, and onsite consulting for established businesses.   

“I help clients get a business started, or grow an established business. SCORE’s downtown location offers in–person and online educational programming, and the onsite consulting is specific to businesses that have been operating for a minimum of three years and have a minimum $3 million in annual revenue,” Scanlan said. “The in-person educational programs are fee-based, but SCORE offers hundreds of pre-recorded workshops for free at ChicagoScore.org.” 

To get help from a SCORE mentor, business owners are asked what they are specifically looking for, and then paired with a mentor who has experience in that field. Chicago SCORE is one of 30 districts nationally, and there are more than 350 mentors nationwide. 

Creating a business plan is the most common assistance Scanlan provides to business owners. “We talk about the business plan, what should be in it, and I provide several resources to help them write it,” he said. “Business plans are really individual; between the resources SCORE provides and what can be found at the Chicago Public Library Small Business Resource Center, I feel confident that people have enough information on how to write a strong business plan.”  

Once a business plan is written and in action, Scanlan recommends that owners revisit the plan often to account for the changes in their business.  

“This means they will always have a viable business plan that recognizes the positive and negative things that could impact their business,” he said. “When I wrote my own business plan in 1987, it was still viable in 2017 because I made the necessary changes. If you don’t have the right plan, you’ll be chasing your tail.” 

Scanlan also offers advice through his monthly column in The Villager and welcomes people to email him to get officially registered with SCORE. Scanlan can be reached at Kevin.Scanlan@ScoreVolunteer.org. 

Beverly Morgan Park Community Choir Welcomes New Director 

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By Kristin Boza 

Larry Deweese has been named as the new Musical Director for the Beverly Morgan Park Community Choir, currently entering its 21st season. This spring season’s theme is “A New Vision,” which applies to both the new decade and their new leadership. 

Deweese studied music at Millikin University, including choral conducting under the world-renowned choral director Dr. Brad Holmes. He spent 21 years educating elementary and middle school children, with 12 of those years devoted to music education; he currently is the K-3 elementary music teacher in Peotone, Ill. 

“I’ve had many years of experience as a church music director in a variety of denominations,” Deweese said. “I am currently the Minister of Music at the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, where I’ve led the music ministry for over 13 years.” 

A resident of Willowbrook, engaging with the Beverly/Morgan Park community is new to Deweese. “I am encouraged by the diversity that I find when I am in the area; my taste in choral music is diverse, and I believe that performing diverse music reaches each and every listener, while expanding their musical palettes to new genres,” he said. “It’s like going to a buffet; there’s always something you’ll love, maybe even something that will evoke memories of the past. There are also new dishes to try, and many other dishes will satisfy you!” 

Joining the Beverly Morgan Park Community Choir does not require an audition and membership is open to anyone in the community. The choir usually boasts 50 members that represent 25 churches in the area. The first choir meeting for music pick-up and intriductions to Deweese is Sun., Jan. 12, 3:15 to 5 p.m., Immanuel United Church of Christ, 9815 S. Campbell Ave. Rehearsals will be each Sun., Jan. 19 through Mar. 22, 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at Immanuel UCC. The spring concert will be held on Sun., Mar. 29, 4 p.m. at St. Cajetan Church, 2445 W. 112th St. 

The community is encouraged to come out and join the choir or attend the concert. For more information on becoming a member, visit www.BMPCC.org. 

Grace and Sid Hamper Will Receive BAPA Community Service Award 

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By Grace Kuikman 

For the past three decades, Sid and Grace Hamper have been tireless stewards of one of Beverly/Morgan Park’s most cherished institutions, the John H. Vanderpoel Art Association (VAA) collection of 19th and 20th century American art. As lovers of art and their community, the Hampers have committed their outstanding time and talents in abundance, Sid as treasurer, president and now president emeritus, and Grace as a volunteer and curator.     

For their dedication to the Vanderpoel Art Association, the Hampers will be presented with the BAPA Community Service Award at the Beverly Area Planning Association annual Donor Recognition Reception on Thurs., Nov. 14. The by-invitation-only reception also honors BAPA donors giving at levels of $500 and up, and this year will be held in the John H. Vanderpoel Gallery at Ridge Park.   

The Hampers were recruited to the VAA through a friend, the late George Ralston, who recognized the talents that the couple possessed and the Association needed.  Ralston was right: the Hampers’ dedication to the VAA has been unmatched.  

Grace, who always had an interest in the arts, joined VAA in 1989, once the couples’ four children were grown. Grace summed up her experience with the VAA as “years of joy.” Through her work at the gallery, she has helped to curate the art, prepare exhibits and help wherever she has been needed. “I’ve met lots of interesting people from the art world,” she said.  

Sid joined the VAA in 1992, following his retirement from a successful career at the Chicago Board of Trade and as a lawyer in private practice. He was a teenager when he started working as a runner at the CBOT, and in the early 1950s became a trader. He is still a CBOT member and served ten years as a director. In 1958, Sid earned a law degree. In addition to this career as a trader, he opened a law practice with partner. He specialized in wills, probate, commodities and security law, and as a qualified trade advisor. Conveniently, the law office was located in the CBOT building.  

Sid’s expertise in finance and law were pivotal in raising funds needed to protect the Vanderpoel Art Association collection in perpetuity. He cultivated donors whose generous gifts made it possible to provide for the future of the collection and to underwrite important art conservation efforts, including the cleaning and restoration of about 30 art works. The VAA continues to preserve art, working with top quality art restorers.  

The outstanding art collection is named for Dutch-born artist John H. Vanderpoel who lived in North Beverly while teaching at the School of the Art Institute. Following the artist’s death in 1911, community residents took up a collection and purchased Vanderpoel’s painting “The Buttermakers.” In 1914 the painting was placed in Vanderpoel School as a tribute to the artist for whom the school – and the street where it’s located — was named. It was later decided that a memorial collection of works would be an even better honor. Vanderpoel was beloved by his students, many of whom were eager to donate their works to the collection.  

Many of the paintings in the collection were donated by artists or owners. “A lot of the paintings were in people’s homes,” Sid said. He explained that the first curator of the collection – John Campbell – would write to Chicago area artists asking them to donate pieces of their work. And they did. Paintings, drawings and sculpture arrived at Ridge Park. The file of Campbell’s correspondence documenting this fascinating aspect of the gallery’s history still exists.  

When the collection had grown too large to be housed in the school’s gallery, a new wing was built on the Ridge Park field house, creating a permanent home for the John H. Vanderpoel Art Association collection.  The collection of what is now more than 600 19th and 20th century works by American artists also grew in reputation. Counted among the artists are Mary Cassatt, Maxfield Parrish, Grant Wood, Daniel Chester French and Vanderpoel, whose work, “The Buttermakers,” is still on display. 

At the gallery almost every day for many years, Sid also dedicated important time to research and myriad other important tasks that illuminate, protect and benefit the art collection.  Many people – from the community and beyond – recognize the Hampers as the faces of the Vanderpoel collection. In fact, when Chicago Magazine profiled the Vanderpoel Gallery Feb. 2018, Grace and Sid Hamper were interviewed and appeared in the photograph.  

At age 88, the couple is no longer in the Ridge Park gallery every day, but they remain involved as tremendous resources and keepers of the collection’s history.  

“Grace and Sid Hamper have shown an extraordinary and steadfast commitment to the care and preservation of the John H. Vanderpoel Art Association’s art collection,” said Irene Testa, current VAA President. “Their leadership has been crucial to the success of the organization.  We are profoundly grateful for their efforts to preserve this valuable art collection for posterity.” 

For information on how to support BAPA at the Community Support Circle and higher levels, contact BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood, 773-233-3100.