BAPA residential member profiles

New Neighbors Enter the Art Scene

/in , /by
By Kristin Boza 

Dance and art are passions of new neighbors Megan Wright and Nate Otto.  

Wright grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park and built a dance and art career on the foundation she learned at the Beverly Arts Center.  

Otto, who grew up between Deerfield and Michigan, is a talented artist seeking to leave his mark in Beverly/Morgan Park. Along with their toddler son, Oscar, and pup, Rizby, the Otto/Wright family is excited to explore and create in our community. 

The family moved to their new home from Ukrainian Village in March — right at the start of the global pandemic. Subsequent shelter-in-place orders definitely put a damper on the couple’s enjoying the restaurants and shops. However, they have spent a lot of time biking and exploring in and around the Dan Ryan Woods, and they’re looking forward to attending as many community events as possible in 2021.  

“We like to go on bike rides to explore the neighborhood; it really is a beautiful place. It’s nice to have a house and a yard during these strange times,” Otto said. As an artist, Otto enjoys working from home in his basement studio, although he still plans to resume work at his Wicker Park studio in the future. 

Wright grew up here and moved back to be closer to her parents; the large lots satisfied her longing for a yard, and she appreciates the neighborhood’s diversity, architecture and beautiful trees. She is currently on the faculty at the Chicago High School for the Arts, Ballet Chicago and the Beverly Arts Center, and independently offers classes for adults via Remote Ballet. Wright holds a B.A. in psychology from DePaul University, and danced professionally after high school.  

“The Beverly Arts Center gave me my start and I’ve loved coming full circle to teach there. It’s such a gem of a place. We held our wedding reception there in 2012, and it feels nice to give back. I feel great knowing that a lot of my students moved on to teach at the BAC; it’s been a huge part of their lives and many others’,” Wright said. 

Otto has been an artist his entire life, turning it into a full-time career eight years ago and selling his pieces through galleries or directly to customers via Instagram @ottonate. A graduate of Columbia College, Otto is known for drawing and painting in his own unique style. His latest passion is creating murals, having completed approximately 40 over the last five years in offices and various outdoor spaces. He hopes to create a mural in Beverly/Morgan Park. 

“Since we moved here at such a strange time, we haven’t engaged as much with the neighborhood as we would in normal times. This is the first time in my adult life living in a place where you know the neighbors. I’m used to being somewhat anonymous,” Otto said. “We are probably mysterious to our neighbors, but hopefully someday the world will return to normal and we will get to know the people on our block.” 

“We’re looking forward to really being a part of a new community, but also keeping our roots and friends in our previous community,” Wright said. “Coming back here is familiar, but also brand new in a lot of ways. Beverly seems to be growing in diversity and small businesses, and we can’t wait to explore them all soon.” 

 

Business Spotlight: A Hopping Place for Families

/in , , , /by
By Brittany Wiley

Michelle Bryant-Smith and her husband Maurice Smith opened Little Hoppers Play Café, 2670 W 111th St., in August.  It’s an interactive and creative boutique style play space for kids age seven and under and a café for families.

The idea for the Play Café was birthed out of Bryant-Smith’s frustration as a new mom and the lack of family-focused offerings on the South Side.   Most of the classes and activities that she found were located on the North Side or in the suburbs.  After spending so much time in traffic, she “set out on a mission to find infant and kid activities on the South Side.” The lack of choices was disappointing, so she set out to create something herself.

The open play space features playsets that are engineered to help with cognitive, developmental, and social advancement for infants and toddlers.  Children age two years and over get to participate in active play that allows them to use their imaginations, practice their social skills, and move their bodies.

Parents can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in the café, where they can choose from a variety of refreshments.  They can sip on coffee roasted in Chicago from a local vendor, which is female owned.  Or you can choose a smoothie, snacks or ice cream.

Bryant-Smith is focused on creating an “environment of community, fun, learning, compassion, and warmth.”

It will be more than just a play space, but also a haven for parents. Bryant-Smith struggled with infertility and got through a difficult time in her life by “joining a community of women with a wealth of information and resources.”  She wants Little Hoppers to be that community for other parents. They will provide parent-child classes, yoga, STEM, and more to reinforce this mission.

Little Hoppers is intent on keeping their patrons safe.  Cleaning and sanitizing will occur multiple times a day by staff and weekly by a professional.  Between 12 and 1 p.m., they will close to disinfect all surfaces.  They will limit the patrons and masks are required for everyone over the age of 2.  Customers can also pre-book and pay online to limit interaction.

Bryant-Smith and Smith are dedicated to our community and families.  They want to “create a convenient, inclusive, fun environment” and a safe space.  And they have worked long and hard to make their vision a reality.

Visit Little Hoppers, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Learn more online at thelittlehoppers.com and follow their journey on social media @thelittlehoppers on Instagram or on Facebook at facebook.com/thelittlehoppersplaycafe.

Beauty and Community: BAPA Hosts the Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk

/in , , , , /by

It almost seems ironic that the blessings of a warm and rainy spring and the need to be productive during the isolation of a global pandemic were a winning combination for Beverly/Morgan Park’s gardens. Inspired by the exceptional beauty of our community and the need for our close-knit community to come together safely, BAPA is hosting its first Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk on Sun., Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to the restrictions enforced by Covid-19, BAPA’s Ridge Run/Memorial Day Parade, Home Tour and Beverly Hills Cycling Classic were cancelled. This new offering will be BAPA’s only community-wide special event for 2020.

From the time the event was announced, community residents have been coming forward to offer their gardens, volunteer to help and purchase tickets. So many gardeners invited us to come see their yards, it was very hard to choose the ten private gardens that will be featured this year! Planners have included several don’t miss points of interest in public spaces, and are already looking ahead to Garden Walk #2 next summer.

This year’s Garden Walk will begin with check-in at the Edna White Community Garden where people are welcome to walk among the beautiful plantings while enjoying music and merchandise from Home Grown vendors.

Masks will be required at all Garden Walk locations. Visitors will be expected to follow the rules of social distancing and adhere to the map in order avoid overcrowding at gardens.

Featured locations range between 89th and 117th Streets, West Beverly to East Beverly, and many points in between. Each stop is distinctive for its style, variety of plantings, and beauty. Three are award winners in the Chicago Bungalow Association’s annual garden contest, and all of them are uniquely beautiful. No matter whether you’re going home to a sunny or shady yard, a mature garden or a freshly dug flower bed, you’ll be inspired by the hard work, creative vision and delight shared by the gardeners.

Among the locations are:

  • A sunny yard where seating areas and paved pathways offer endless ways to enjoy an eclectic variety of colorful and lush shrubs, trees and plants, many of which were purchased on clearance and nursed back to life.
  • A winner of this year’s Chicago Bungalow Association Garden Contest for the front yard where there is a mix of perennials and annuals anchored by evergreens and a shady back yard where lawn was replaced with garden beds separated by curving pathways and seating areas, and an unusual water feature.
  • A serene garden of native plants and prairie style garden fixtures and ornaments, including a stunning pond.
  • Side-by-side yards (one of which earned a Chicago Bungalow Association garden contest award!) where sisters have taken down the fences and joined efforts to create a showcase of flowers, vegetables and herbs as well as beautiful spaces for entertaining and places for the kids to play.
  • A true garden hideaway which surely what they had in mind when Urbs in Horto was chosen as Chicago’s city motto! A cozy yet expansive yard that features a small stage for live music, serpentine garden spaces and a perfectly manicured putting green.
  • A welcoming multi-tiered oasis filled with fabulous plantings and appealing decorations that just three years ago was a concrete jungle. Wait until you see the “before” photos!
  • An expansive yard filled with abundant and colorful interest throughout the blooming season, including whimsical fairy gardens, a dramatic front garden, and an elegant elevated patio.
  • A lovely space situated next to the Dan Ryan Woods that features a meditation pond with sand and ceramic fish, a garden of kitchen herbs, and an array of shade-loving perennials and potted plants that create an ever-changing garden experience?
  • A sprawling double lot with garden spaces that have evolved over 20 years, incorporating quiet seating areas, flower beds bursting with color and texture, and built elements for form and beauty.
  • A lovely garden filled from early spring through fall with outstanding flowers and plants lovingly tended by a group of volunteer garden experts.

Points of Interest to be showcased on the Garden Walk include three school gardens where students and community volunteers create magical outdoor education; a peaceful baptismal garden behind a church; and selected residential front yard gardens that are simply not to be missed.

Garden Walk sponsors include OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Beverly Bank & Trust, Southtown Health Foods, The Beverly Review, Chicago Bungalow Association, and County Fair Foods. Garden Walk partners are Steuber Florist & Greeenhouses, City Grange, The Blossom Boys, Edna White Garden and Oak & Bloom.

Garden Walk tickets are $20 in advance at www.bapa.org and $25 on the day of the event.

For information on becoming a Garden Walk sponsor or volunteer, call 773-233-3100 or email bapa@bapa.org.

New Neighbors: Megan Wright and Nate Otto

/in , , , /by
By Kristin Boza

Dance and art are passions of new neighbors Megan Wright and Nate Otto.

Wright grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park and built a dance and art career on the foundation she learned at the Beverly Arts Center.

Otto, who grew up between Deerfield and Michigan, is a talented artist seeking to leave his mark in Beverly/Morgan Park. Along with their toddler son, Oscar, and pup, Rizby, the Otto/Wright family is excited to explore and create in our community.

The family moved to their new home from Ukrainian Village in March — right at the start of the global pandemic. Subsequent shelter-in-place orders definitely put a damper on the couple’s enjoying the restaurants and shops. However, they have spent a lot of time biking and exploring in and around the Dan Ryan Woods, and they’re looking forward to attending as many community events as possible in 2021.

“We like to go on bike rides to explore the neighborhood; it really is a beautiful place. It’s nice to have a house and a yard during these strange times,” Otto said. As an artist, Otto enjoys working from home in his basement studio, although he still plans to resume work at his Wicker Park studio in the future.

Wright grew up here and moved back to be closer to her parents; the large lots satisfied her longing for a yard, and she appreciates the neighborhood’s diversity, architecture and beautiful trees. She is currently on the faculty at the Chicago High School for the Arts, Ballet Chicago and the Beverly Arts Center, and independently offers classes for adults via Remote Ballet. Wright holds a B.A. in psychology from DePaul University, and danced professionally after high school.

“The Beverly Arts Center gave me my start and I’ve loved coming full circle to teach there. It’s such a gem of a place. We held our wedding reception there in 2012, and it feels nice to give back. I feel great knowing that a lot of my students moved on to teach at the BAC; it’s been a huge part of their lives and many others’,” Wright said.

Otto has been an artist his entire life, turning it into a full-time career eight years ago and selling his pieces through galleries or directly to customers via Instagram @ottonate. A graduate of Columbia College, Otto is known for drawing and painting in his own unique style. His latest passion is creating murals, having completed approximately 40 over the last five years in offices and various outdoor spaces. He hopes to create a mural in Beverly/Morgan Park.

“Since we moved here at such a strange time, we haven’t engaged as much with the neighborhood as we would in normal times. This is the first time in my adult life living in a place where you know the neighbors. I’m used to being somewhat anonymous,” Otto said. “We are probably mysterious to our neighbors, but hopefully someday the world will return to normal and we will get to know the people on our block.”

“We’re looking forward to really being a part of a new community, but also keeping our roots and friends in our previous community,” Wright said. “Coming back here is familiar, but also brand new in a lot of ways. Beverly seems to be growing in diversity and small businesses, and we can’t wait to explore them all soon.”

 

New Neighbors: Nikki and Pat Donnelly 

/in /by
By Kristin Boza 

Since moving into their North Beverly home in February 2019, Nikki and Pat Donnelly have become entrenched in all that Beverly/Morgan Park has to offer.  

Before moving to our community, the Donnellys, along with their daughters Kate, Jane and Mary, lived in Oak Lawn. Kate and Jane attended Nikki’s alma mater, St. Linus School.  

“A few factors contributed to our decision to move to the Beverly area,” Nikki said. “First, we outgrew our home in Oak Lawn and needed more space. Also, my sister-in-law, Shelly Cunningham, a long-time Beverly resident, encouraged us to look for a home in Christ the King parish. We ended up moving in three doors down from her, so we are not sure if she knew what she was getting herself into!” 

Kate and Jane are entering 4th and 2nd grade, respectively, at Christ the King School, while Mary will attend preschool at Barbara Vick Early Childhood Center.  

Nikki is a high school special education teacher at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) in the cluster program. “My students truly bring joy each and every day. It is a wonderful school community that I am lucky to be a part of,” Nikki said. Pat works for the City of Chicago as a Local 399 building engineer at O’Hare International Airport. 

The family is heavily involved in parish and neighborhood events and activities. Nikki assisted at the Thanksgiving dinner held at CHSAS, ensuring students of all abilities were included in the event. The family has attended the Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K Run and Family, and they attend as many school and parish activities as they can.  

Nikki is a regular at Treadfit, and her daughters love visiting Original Rainbow Cone.  

“Some of our favorite events have been the 91st and Hoyne Block Party, the BAPA Cookie Crawl, and Trivia Night at Christ the King,” Nikki said. Another memorable event was an author meet-and-greet with Mary Pat Kelly, author of “Galway Bay,” at a neighbor’s house. Once the pandemic subsides, the family plans to get out even more in the community, specifically sitting down for a coffee at Two Mile Coffee Bar. 

When the Donnellys are not hanging out at home or biking through the neighborhood, they enjoy kayaking in Wisconsin and spending the summer at their home in Fontana on Geneva Lake. “We love to travel to Sanibel Island in Florida; however, this summer we are looking forward to traveling to Mackinac Island. Recently, we installed a bike rack on our car to explore new trails outside of the neighborhood and while we’re on vacation,” Nikki said.  

“Our absolute favorite part about living in Beverly is our neighbors and the sense of community throughout the area,” Nikki said. “Immediately upon arrival, our neighbors graciously welcomed our entire family. We love our new neighbors and neighborhood and are looking forward to many years in Beverly!” 

Former Resident Attributes Academic, Work Success to Great Education, Beverly Area Schools 

/in /by
By Kevin Rouser and Tina Jenkins Bell 

Kelly K. Rouser recently graduated from California College of the Arts (CCA) with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Industrial Design. This degree was the latest in a list of successful educational and work–related pursuits, including a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and continuing education courses at the School of the Art Institute where she discovered a fascination for making product prototypes.  

At 23, Rouser also acquired two U.S. Design patents. More recently, she developed a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) product she believes will break the stereotypical belief that girls and minorities can’t do math and banish young children’s fear of STEM subjects. 

Rouser attributes her stance as a life–long learner and her academic and work success to the education she received at Beverly/Morgan Park schools. 

Rouser’s foundational start in education began as a three-year-old student at Beverly Montessori School. There, the Montessori environment fostered self-starting skills, independence, and a curiosity for learning. Rouser fondly recalls being in the “Fireplace Room” under the excellent guidance of her teachers and building the “Pink Tower,” learning mathematical concepts in the “Base 10 Beads,” and gathering on the large rug for story time, and working collaboratively with her classmates. 

After graduating from kindergarten at Beverly Montessori School in 1995, Rouser attended the Montessori program at Clissold School where teachers and their teaching assistants shaped and molded her love of learning. Clissold is one of five Chicago Public School Montessori programs and one of two on Chicago’s south side.   

“I was not principal when Kelly attended Clissold, but I am very happy to hear that she epitomizes the core Montessori approach to teach students how to learn, not just what to learn,” said Clissold Principal JaMonica Marion. “I’d love to hear more stories from Clissold alumni who attended our Montessori program. 

“My Montessori education during my formative years was an integral part of my current success, as I learned how to make visual-tactile connections to all of my school subjects. In each of my Montessori classrooms, from preschool through 6th grade, I learned how to play while learning, how to ask questions, how to collaborate with my fellow classmates, how to express myself through art, how to be curious about the world, and how to problem solve. I use all of these skillsets today, when I invent ideas, and when I bring them to life via 3D modeling and 3D printing,” said Rouser. She also credits her early exposure to art to her Clissold art teacher, Katherine Kampf and Ethel Wirtshafter at the Vanderpoel Art Association as well as a fortuitous encounter with a Beverly/Morgan Park resident. 

While Rouser was a senior Whitney Young High School, she made a connection while teaching an art class at Smith Village where she met Thomas Miller (deceased).  

“I had the opportunity to get to know Tom . . . He had an amazing and inspiring career as a visual artist and was one of the first professional African American graphic designers in this country . . . Tom’s influence and encouragement was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a career and life-long calling as an artist, mentor and designer,” Rouser said, adding that she promised Miller she would persevere and give a career in art her “best shot.”  

Rouser believes her success can be emulated if not surpassed and advises students today “to persevere.”  

“Do not give up. Study what interests you, but do not be afraid to take a class in a subject that is entirely unfamiliar

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

/in /by
  
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 

/in /by

 

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

/in , /by

 

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 

/in /by

 

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.