South Side Summer: Local Entertainment 

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Castle Benefit Concert 

When thinking in terms of memorable Beverly/Morgan Park architecture you’d be hard pressed to find a building more iconic than the Givins Beverly Castle. Looking as though it would be more at home on some craggy moor, or perhaps a TV set, rather than at the corner of 103rd and Longwood, it’s hard to imagine our neighborhood without our beloved Castle on the hill.  

For over 130 years the Castle has stood tall against Chicago winters, it has been a meeting place and a sanctuary, it’s been the site of markets and marriages. But while the spirit of the Castle is still willing, it needs a bit of help to continue to be able.  

Earlier this year the Castle Keepers estimated a need of over $800,000 in order to complete all the restorations necessary to save the turrets and roof. Half that goal has been met, and the Castle Task Force has turned to the larger community to ask for help.  

For local musician John Devens the Castle is more than just a neighborhood landmark. “I’ve always loved the castle,” he said. “Julia and I were married there. I’m part of South Siders for Peace, who have events there. My daughter went to pre-school at the castle as well.”  

When John and Julia, his wife and musical partner, heard that the Castle was raising money for the restoration fund they jumped at the chance to be able to  give back to the place that has been such a huge part of their lives. “I have always thought the castle would make a wonderful setting for concerts,” Devens said. Devens has planned and presented a popular series of fund-raising concerts at the Castle over the past several months. 

On Sat., July 20 John and Julia, along with a number of other local musicians, will be returning to perform for the season’s culminating Castle Benefit Concert, a night of music, celebration and community.  

Joining John and Julia Devens will be jazz bassist Larry Gray, songwriter and guitarist Michael Smith, folk singer Jamie O’Reilly and celebrated folk and Americana singer songwriter Anne Hills. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Wine, cheese and other refreshments will be served during intermission. Tickets are a suggested donation of $35, with proceeds going to the Castle building fund. Find tickets and information at www.heritagecastleconcerts.org.  

 

Summer Swelter 

July brings barbecues and sidewalk games, and you can enjoy the best of both at Horse Thief Hollow’s Summer Swelter, Sat., July 13 starting at noon. The award-winning brewery and restaurant at 10426 S. Western will combine its popular summer street party with a bean bags tournament this year. As always, the event will raise money for charity, and this year’s recipient is Gigi’s Playhouse. Admission is free; food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase. 

Watch teams compete for the $500 top prize in the cornhole tournament. Horse Thief Hollow craft brews will be flowing, including the debut of two sour beers from new head brewer Jake Nelson.“It’ll be a sour Summer Swelter this year, to reflect Jake’s brewing expertise, and we’re really excited to showcase his talents,” said Horse Thief owner Neil Byers. One of the sour beers will be a mango goze, Byers said, and the other may be infused with habañero chile.  

The Hawaiian themed menu will feature a pineapple BBQ pig roast with Hawaiian potato salad and vegetarian poke bowls, available at 6 p.m.  

At 7 p.m. blues sensation Larry McCray will perform on Horse Thief’s outdoor stage, courtesy of State Farm’s John Harrell, the event’s music sponsor. For details, visit www.horsethiefbrewing.com 

Showtime Calendar 

Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., continues its Live Music Mondays summer outdoor concert series with contemporary folk with John and Julia Devens, July 1; Return 2 Soul Motown, R&B and soul, July 8; Irish tradition meets bluegrass with Far Too Close, July 15; classic rock and originals by the McGinniss Brothers July 22: and upbeat Latin tunes with Caliente, July 29. In inclement weather, the concert moves indoors. Cash bar. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. $5 donation requested.  

Movies in the Park, “Jaws,” Steven Spielberg’s classic about a great white shark terrorizing a resort town beach, Tues., July 2, 8:30 p.m., Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. Free.  

Keep your picnic blankets, lawn chairs and coolers close at hand! The 19th Ward Youth Foundation and Chicago Park District will host free outdoor concerts in neighborhood parks Thursdays, 7 p.m., July 11 through Aug. 22. Complete schedule at www.the19thward.com.  

Grant Park Music Festival presents an interactive children’s concert exploring music and theater in Chicago, Mon., July 8. 11 a.m.- 12 p.m., Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. Free. Details: www.grantparkmusicfestival.com 

BACinema, “Coraline,” 3D and stop-motion animation is about  a young girl who discovers an alternate dimension with a dark secret, Wed., July 10 and “The Hate U Give,” a biting commentary based on the acclaimed YA novel about a girl who witnesses the shooting of her best friend by a police officer, Wed., July 24, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St.  $6/ $5 BAC members.  773-445-3838, www.beverlyartcenter.org.  

Concert in the Park, Allison Wonder Band performs a free concert of classic and current, Sat., July 13, 3 to 4 p.m., Beverly Park, 2460 W. 102nd St. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 312-747-6024. 

Night Out in the Park, “Cars,” family friendly movie about a cocky hot rod stuck in a small town, Tues., July 16, 8:15 p.m., Beverly Park, 2460 W. 102nd St. Free. Bring lawn chairs or blanket.  

 

 

 

Crashes, Stories and Scars: Conine Ready to Ride in Beverly Hills Cycling Classic

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By Grace Kuikman

When the riders in the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic line up for the Masters’ race on Fri., July 19, Beverly/Morgan Park neighbor Dr. Brandon Conine will be making his debut in criterium racing. How does Conine manage to switch gears from his demanding job as an Emergency Room physician at Metro South Hospital and busy family man and father of two to a demanding training schedule for an elite cycling event that draws rides from around the globe?

It seems like he’s as adaptable as he is hardworking.

Conine and his wife, Maura Conine, owner of Capsule Chicago clothing store on Walden Parkway, have two sons, Liam, 5, who just finished kindergarten at St. Barnabas and will start 1st grade at Sutherland in the fall, and Jude, 3, who will be enrolling in preschool in the fall.

The whole family bikes, just for fun and to get to neighborhood destinations like Maura’s store and out to dinner. But Brandon has taken riding to a higher level – that level is known as Cat 3.

Race categories are set by USA Cycling determine the events for which competitors qualify. The lower the category the higher the qualification. The Beverly Hills Cycling Classic stages Cat 1, 2, 3 races — the highest levels.

Conine started out riding for enjoyable exercise toward the end medical school. “The Tour de France or something like it must have been going on because I thought I’d like to give [cycling] a try.”

When he moved to Ohio for a four-year residency in Emergency Room Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, Conine found friends to bike with and started on his way to becoming an avid rider. He and Maura, who grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park, moved to Chicago four years ago. Following the move, Conine changed his focus from cycling as a sociable form of exercise to training for and competing in races.  He has competed in more than 100 racing events. “It’s a lot of fun if you’re doing it well,” he said with a smile.

Motivated by the change in the race course for BAPA’s Beverly Hills Cycling Classic last year that now brings the racers zooming past his house, Conine decided to work hard to meet one of his goals: to qualify as a Cat 3 rider and participate in the Classic.

The Beverly Hills Cycling Classic is the first of ten days of racing in the Prairie State Cycling Series Intelligentsia Cup. Conine not only qualified as Cat 3 rider for the local race, he qualified to compete in the omnium — all ten days of the race series.

Criterium road races like the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic are lapped races done on closed circuits that range from one to two miles – the local race is 1.54 kilometers, slightly under a mile. Conine will be racing in the Masters’ race, starting at 5:45 p.m. and lasting 40 minutes. At times, he will be riding at 30 to 35 mph on straightaways, and even faster going down the hill.

He expects a crowd of family, neighbors and friends to be cheering him on from his front yard.

In order to be ready to compete on July 19, Conine has been training about 10 to 12 hours a week since March, fitting in his riding around his work and home schedules. He has been practicing on the local route, up and down the hills, and making the sharp turns that will be required in the race which could attract more than 100 professional and elite amateur riders.

The speed at which these steely-nerved competitors are riding is stunning when you’re standing on the sidelines feeling the breeze as they go by in a blur of brightly colored jerseys. Isn’t that scary? Conine says no. “It’s scarier to go slower than faster,” he said, explaining that the faster the cyclists are going, the better the momentum keeps the bikes straight and upright. In his racing experience, Conine has crossed handlebars with another speeding bike and managed to get free without consequence. “Of course, there have been plenty of crashes, stories and scars to get this far,” he said.

Conine has competed in road racing, cyclocross (including the races at Dan Ryan Woods) and a little mountain biking. His competition history includes a 110 mile race at 10,000 feet elevation in Colorado and a 105 mile race on all gravel roads in the middle of Kansas.

Competing in the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic is a thrilling new challenge. “The best part of this ride is that it’s fun to do something you’re not sure you can do,” he said. “I’m really excited. I’ve worked a long time on this.”

Pizzeria Deepo Reopens with New Owner

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By Kristin Boza

One of the neighborhood’s favorite deep dish pizza places is back! Pizzeria Deepo,1742 W. 99th St., was recently reopened by former staff member Karlie Hernandez.

Hernandez, a Beverly/Morgan Park resident and graduate of St. Barnabas School and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, began waitressing for Pizzeria Deepo in 2013, figuring it would be a great place to work throughout high school. After leaving for college, she always came back for a few shifts during the summer and school holidays, until she transferred to UIC and began working more regular hours.

During Hernandez’s last semester of college, former owner Jeanette Dixon told her she planned to sell the restaurant. “I always had a great relationship with Jeanette; she’s so kind and generous and always made Deepo a fun place for all of us to work,” Hernandez said. “As I got older and wanted to take on more responsibilities, she was happy and eager to show me what it takes to run the place.”

When Hernandez heard the news about the upcoming sale, purchasing the restaurant was in the back of her mind. “It took a lot of time and thought to make this decision, but ultimately, it was an opportunity that came at the perfect time and I just couldn’t pass it up,” she said. “Jeanette built a great local deep dish pizza place that the neighborhood loves. I felt confident taking over, especially with the trust that the neighborhood would be back to support a local business and have their favorite deep dish back.” Customers are also thrilled that the reopening came in time for dining on the outdoor dining patio!

Patrons will be happy to know the original pizza dough recipe, made fresh daily, is back. The restaurant remains a BYOB, but there is a $2/head charge, which will support the minimum wage increase this summer. “We provide glasses, openers, buckets and ice to service your choice of alcoholic drink,” Hernandez said.

The good news continues! “We also offer a vegan pizza served without cheese at 25% off the regular price,” Hernandez said. “The crust contains no eggs and you can add your choice of fresh veggie toppings.” Other new menu items include caprese salad, Caesar salad, Italian beef and Italian sausage sandwiches, and a deep dish cookie dessert topped with ice cream.

Pizzeria Deepo is closed Sundays and Mondays, and open for private parties and events. “We have hosted birthday parties, communions, graduations, wedding showers, baby showers, retirement parties, and more. I look forward to hosting these parties for the people in the community and creating good times and good memories,” Hernandez said.

Call 773-840-3087. Hours: Tues. through Sat., 4 to 10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Promoting Community through Creative Collaboration 

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By Kristin Boza 

When sisters Meg’n Barba and Katie Schickel founded Tranquility Salon Co. 12 years ago, they may not have understood the future impact they would have on the community. The salon, 9908 S. Walden Pkwy., has exploded in its drive to make a creative contribution to Beverly/Morgan Park by connecting people and being a touchstone for so many — plus offering great hair styles and unique products rarely found on the southside.  

“We feel so privileged to have this platform to get to know so many awesome people and be a connecting space for people and things,” Barba said. “I was 22 when we opened Tranquility, and it’s a completely different ballgame now because we really have owned our creative freedom. Katie and I are both single moms, and we’ve learned to be conscious and self-empowered in our business.” 

Tranquility is focused on staying up-to-date on the latest in health, wellness, and hair products. They are one of only two locations in Chicago that carry Mary’s Nutritionals, a CBD (cannabinoid) product that is naturally derived from hemp. “CBD products from Mary’s Nutritionals are great for overall health and general wellbeing. I know people who use it for anxiety, sleep issues, pain relief, and other health issues,” Barba said. “We love carrying products that are beneficial to our customers; we’re really intentional and conscious about what we promote.” 

While interacting with so many people each day in the salon, Barba saw an opportunity to build a stronger community and find ways to make an impact beyond the salon. “We’re obviously doing things we love, and with the studio space across the street, we’re able to host concerts and art installations. We will continue to use our platform to help artists in the community thrive,” she said. 

Barba and Schickel realized they can be unique entrepreneurs and aren’t limited to what goes on within the salon’s doors. “When you first open a business, it’s about what your customers want, but also it’s about achieving your own goals,” Barba said. “I advise people to focus on what they love while owning their self-confidence and giving themselves permission to go after their dreams.”  

Everyone is welcome to be a part of the Tranquility experience, whether they get their hair done there or not. “The connectiveness and relationships are what make this business worthwhile. It’s been truly such an honor to get to know so many people and connect them with others to produce and create amazing things. We want people to know how awesome Beverly is and we want to help others get the word out about the cool and unique things that are going on here.” 

 

Summer Solstice Celebrates Local Art and Spirit 

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Summer Solstice Celebrates Local Art and Spirit 

June 21 is the longest day of the year, and the perfect night for the Beverly Area Arts Alliance (The Alliance) to celebrate the spirit, inspiration and interaction of the vibrant local arts community at the Uprising Summer Solstice, 5 to 10 p.m.  

The onset of sizzling summer days and languid summer nights has inspired an event that mixes a quirky variety of hands-on arts activities and music in an outdoor setting 99th and Walden Parkway with the opening reception for the Prairie Gothic art exhibit at the Joplin Marley Co-Creative Space, 9911 S. Walden Pkwy. 

Family friendly art “projects” invite people to create something fun, then take it home. Projects include making flower crowns, doing screen printing with members of the Spudnik Press cooperative and creating unique personalized images of the community on wood.  

Summer’s spirit will be captured in festival hair creations by stylists from Tranquility Salon, Tarot card readings and a bonfire.  

Fans of the Alliance Uprising events can expect to find hand-crafted items from a number of vendors, as well as merchandise from Fair Trade Chicago.  The 99th and Walden shops will also be open.  Available for purchase will be tote bags featuring the Summer Solstice poster graphic created by Chris Wilczak and screen-printed by Spudnik Press.  

The highlight of the event is the opening of Prairie Gothic, a group show featuring works by artists from across Chicago: Kass Copeland, John Walker, Robin Power, Jake Saunders, Larry Tuckman and Kevin Blake, that promises “the dark side of the prairie and the mysteries of the midway will be revealed to the more curious among you.” Following the Summer Solstice, viewings can be scheduled with exhibit curator Sal Campbell, sal@beverlyarts.org. The exhibit closes with a reception Sat., July 20, 7 to 10 p.m. 

Summer Solstice food vendors include Ellie’s Café. Music will be supplied by DJ Ruta Spencer and pop-up musicians.  

The Alliance was formed in 2014 to coordinate art-focused events and projects fostering collaboration between artists and the community. The Alliance presents the Beverly Art Walk, The Frunchroom reading series, art exhibits and music events. Learn more at beverlyarts.org.  

 

 

Art Fair & Festival Returns to Ridge Park this Summer 

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More than 40 artists will be exhibiting and selling original works at the 2nd annual Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival Sat., June 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Ridge Park Cultural Center, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. The event is being planned and presented by the Ridge Park Advisory Council (RPAC) and John H. Vanderpoel Art Association along with the Chicago Park District. 

A highlight of cultural opportunities in the community, the Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival will feature work across a wide variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, jewelry, art glass, leatherwork and more.  

The art fair debut last year was a resounding success, with more than 1000 visitors and a host of activities. This year’s festivities will be expanded to include more live music, more kid-friendly options and more food trucks including Misiericordia Hearts and Flour, Calabria and Pollo Locuas. Children’s and adult beverages will be available.  

Performing music are inspirational singer Gincy Hartin, a local jazz ensemble and the Over the Side Band, a popular cover band.  

New this year are limited edition tote bags featuring a beautiful water color of Ridge Park by famed artist Judie Anderson. Anderson will be will be on hand to sign the bags also and she has donated the original artwork to be auctioned off at the art fair.  

For the kids there will be two bounce houses (one will be just for the little ones), and Twistcity with two amazing shows, one with giant bubbles and the other with balloon twisting.   

As a Chicago Park District cultural center, Ridge Park offers rich and dynamic programming that will be highlighted throughout the art fair and festival. The John H. Vanderpoel Museum Gallery is located in the fieldhouse through the Chicago Park District’s Arts Partners in Residency Program, which unites artists and communities in Chicago’s parks. The gallery hosts a world-class collection of Impressionist paintings and other late 19th and early 20th century paintings and works on paper. Ridge Park Art Fair attendees will have the opportunity to take guided tours of the Vanderpoel Museum, as well as of the park facilities and ceramics studio. 

Information about the Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival is available at www.ridgeparkartfair.org. For more information, contact Irene Testa, irene@vanderpoelartmuseum.org, or Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@yahoo.com.  

 

The Return of Live Music Mondays at BAC

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By Talie Leeb 

Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 S. Western, will reprise the annual summer favorite, Live Music Mondays, kicking off June 3 with one of the hottest blues groups around, The Smiley Tillmon Band. The free outdoor concert series takes place in the BAC courtyard and will feature the talents of both local Chicago favorites and visiting artists from further afield.  

Every Monday, after the return-of-the work week slog, Beverly/ Morgan Park residents are invited over to the BAC’s back yard to kick-back for a music-filled evening. BYOLC (bring your own lawn chair), full-bar and free parking provided! 

6/3 Fronted by Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Smiley Tillmon, the popular classic blues group is sure to start off Music Monday’s on the right note! 

6/10 Holden and Company. Described as soulful, soothing and uplifting, Holden and Company are back after their turn as a crowd favorite last summer. 

6/17 Man Crush. Bluegrass music.  

6/24 Steve Haberichter and Friends. Bluegrass musician and mandolin phenom, Steve Haberichter and his band bring a melodic combination of bluegrass, folk and rock to the BAC. 

7/1 John and Julia Devens. Husband and wife duo John and Julia Devens are no strangers to the neighborhood, performing their contemporary take traditional Irish folk music.  

7/8 Return 2 Soul. This dream team of vocalists, brass, drums and bass prides itself on bringing together a group of outstanding musicians capable of performing all styles of music – R & B, soul, blues, gospel, jazz, pop, reggae, hip-hop and Motown 

7/15 Far Too Close. “A band to enjoy an Irish whiskey,” Far Too Close is the intersection of bluegrass, fast driving traditional Irish folk and old-time string band, all hailing from the South Side of Chicago. 

7/22 The McGinniss Brothers Band. Local brothers Luke and Liam McGinniss have been combining elements of classic rock and traditional Irish folk since they were kids. They have been hometown favorites since they started performing in 2015, and now they’re bringing their unique sound back to the neighborhood.  

7/29 Caliente Old School. Caliente makes their return to BAC’s summer Monday lineup with the soulful sounds of old school jazz, rock, Motown and so much more, all with a Latin groove twist. 

8/5 City Lights Orchestra. A Chicagoland classic, the City Lights Orchestra has been entertaining audiences with their unique renditions of everything from the Beatles, to the Big Band Era to Sinatra, to Motown, since 1974.  

8/12 Forest Sun. Stopping in Chicago on his way to Nashville, California singer-songwriter Forest Sun performs Americana folk music, steeped in the musical traditions of the gospel, reggae, country, soul, jazz and funk he grew up with. 
On select dates food trucks will be serving during the performances. Space for seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Suggested $5 donation will help the BAC keep providing great music and art programs in Beverly/Morgan Park. 

 

Summer Pet Care Tips 

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Summer Pet Care Tips 

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control urges pet owners to take special precautions to protect the health and welfare of their pets in the summer. 

The department offers tips for pet owners: 

Keep pets on leash: Only let your dog off-lead in designated dog-friendly areas. This protects your dog and people or other dogs or animals that are nearby. In Cook County, 80 percent of dog bites occur in the summer.  Children running, cycling or skateboarding can tempt an off-lead dog to chase them, and this can result in bite incidents. In addition, dogs may be tempted to chase squirrels and break free from their leads. 

Do not leave your pet in a hot car:  Studies have shown that even with the windows rolled down,  the temperature inside the car can increase by 15 degrees above the outside temperature. The law requires that any time the ambient temperature is above 78 degrees, you cannot leave your dog in a car. 

Keep your pets cool when outside: All dogs should be provided with cool water and shade and monitored when outside. Short-coated animals and animals with white or tan fur are susceptible to sunburn, especially on their noses. 

Consider a haircut: If your dog has a thick coat, consider a haircut for summer. One inch is a good length to keep you dog more comfortable in the heat while avoiding sunburn. 

Vaccinate your pets: Make sure that your pets ae up-to-date on all shots, including canine influenza virus, feline distemper and rabies. Cook County Animal and Rabies Control offers low-cost rabies vaccine clinics in June, July and Aug. Find locations, dates and times at www.cookcountyil.gov/service/low-cost-rabies-clinic 

Take care of your pet’s paws: Asphalt and sidewalks are hotter than grass, and paw pads are highly sensitive to heat. Whenever possible, walk your dog on grass, dirt or gravel, and avoid asphalt and concrete during a heat wave. 

Keep inside temperatures cool: Make sure your indoor pets have water and are comfortable when in the home. And don’t be alarmed if you see your cat sleeping somewhere odd, like the bathtub or the closet. Cats look for the coolest spot in the home. 

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,

Art Fair & Festival Returns to Ridge Park this Summer 

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The 2nd annual Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival will take place Sat., June 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Ridge Park Cultural Center, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. The event is being planned by the Ridge Park Advisory Council (RPAC) and John H. Vanderpoel Art Association along with the Chicago Park District and will highlight cultural opportunities in Beverly/Morgan Park. 

The Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival will feature Chicago area artists working across a wide variety of media, selling original paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, jewelry, art glass, leatherwork and more. The registration deadline for artists is Apr. 15.  

The art fair debut last year was a resounding success, with more than 40 participating artists and a host of activities. According to art fair planners, the festivities will be expanded this year to include more artists, more live music, more kid-friendly options and more food trucks. 

As a Chicago Park District cultural center, Ridge Park offers rich and dynamic programming that will be highlighted throughout the art fair and festival. The John H. Vanderpoel Museum is located in the fieldhouse through the Chicago Park District’s Arts Partners in Residency Program, which unites artists and communities in Chicago’s parks. The Museum hosts a world-class collection of Impressionist paintings and other late 19th and early 20th century paintings and works on paper. Ridge Park Art Fair attendees will have the opportunity to take guided tours of the Vanderpoel Museum, as well as of the park facilities and ceramics studio. 

Information about the Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival is available at www.ridgeparkartfair.org. Donations and sponsorships are still available. For more information, contact Irene Testa, irene@vanderpoelartmuseum.org, or Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@yahoo.com.