Village Viewpoint – We Couldn’t Do It Without You!

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By Mary Jo Viero, BAPA Executive Director

I have to admit it. A few weeks ago, I was in a panic. Along with the rest of the world, BAPA’s “normal” was anything but. BAPA’s regular revenue streams were completely shut off: The city denied the permit for the rescheduled Ridge Run/Memorial Day Parade – too big of an event for Chicago’s COVID-19 guidelines. The racing company that puts on the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic canceled the entire racing series – no Bikes & Brews Festival. My first year as BAPA Executive Director, and everything I knew about doing the job had changed . . .

As I was trying to work out how BAPA could fill in the gaps of time and money left by the suspended events, helping hands and open hearts kept arriving at our doorstep. It was a real wake-up call: I am not in this alone! My community is with me and wants to help. And, believe me, BAPA couldn’t do it without all of you!

Unexpected donations boosted the bank balance and filled us with gratitude. Special thanks to the generosity of County Fair, Weldbend Corp., Mike Haggerty Buick-GMC-Volkswagen and the Clare Foundation, not to mention the wonderful neighbors who sent in a check in addition to their annual membership just to help us through.

BAPA has been able to reach out to neighbors in need of food and personal care assistance through the new 19th Ward Mutual Aid group and established community partners Turpin Cares, Maple Morgan Park Community Food Pantry and the Beverly Area Arts Alliance. It has been great to work beside the volunteers at the weekly Free Store in the BAPA Community Room, providing an essential service to people who have been affected by job loss, illness and other pandemic-related problems.

On the lighter side, the BAPA staff took advantage of the time usually reserved for events and developed outstanding new programs that are keeping people’s spirits up. The Friday Night Live concert series was designed to shine a light on our local musicians unable to work and give them an opportunity to play. It brought local musicians and neighbors safely into people’s homes through Facebook live streaming with the added bonus of a virtual tip jar to help the bands. The concerts were so successful, BAPA is helping other groups and residents plan and present porch concerts throughout the summer and fall.

Local experts shared great information through outstanding business-to-business digital workshops related to Marketing on Social Media and hosted by BAPA. The retooled History Mystery Bike Adventure is giving people who are missing BAPA’s events a chance to bike through the all areas of the neighborhood and discover beautiful homes and businesses they may not have noticed before while they compete for prizes every month.  We are also launching our Bike Beverly campaign with a map available online at bapa.org as well as an online merchandise store.

After years of thinking about the idea, the extra time gave us the opportunity to start the BAPA Teen Service Corps.  The program is designed to help teens earn community service hours for school through neighborhood projects that give them experience and references while helping their community.  We receive so many calls from teens looking for ways to stay busy this summer, and the Teen Service Corps is the answer. A new generation of volunteers is now stepping into the role of neighbors helping neighbors. You can see them in action on Weeding Wednesdays!

Villager advertisers, event sponsors, BAPA members and donors, volunteers. The people participating in the History Mystery Bike Adventures, business workshops and porch concerts. The people reading The Villager. The people who are calling on BAPA for help and the people who are responding so BAPA can continue to answer those calls.

Thank you!

We’re a community. We’re in this together. And we couldn’t do it without you.

 

Welcome to New Neighbors Brady Ruel and Nina Moore

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By Kristin Boza

Brady Ruel and Nina Moore moved to North Beverly in September 2019, giving them just enough time to explore all the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood has to offer before the coronavirus forced everyone inside. Both lifelong Chicagoans – Ruel born and raised in Beverly/Morgan Park and Moore born and raised in Logan Square – the couple became engaged in 2019 and soon after chose a home in our community.

“I am a third-generation Beverly resident,” Ruel said. “There is no other place in Chicago I would like to live. The sense of community and commitment is very strong in Beverly.”

As the couple prepared to look for a house after their engagement, Moore made a list of what she needed in a neighborhood.

“I always knew that I wanted to have a family that can grow up on a block or neighborhood that I felt was safe and nurturing, and a neighborhood that had single-family homes and the residents took great pride of their home and cherished community,” she said. “My love of my life shared countless stories of his fulfilling childhood and it differed from mine; once we were engaged, we took a road trip to see the lavish gardens, the castle-like houses, and the spectacular Dan Ryan Woods. How could you not fall in love with this community?”

Ruel is an advertising executive and avid outdoorsman and golfer. He enjoys music, playing the guitar, and is experimenting with carpentry around their new home. Moore, a City employee, shares Ruel’s love of the outdoors and is a certified scuba diver with plans to dive the Blue Hole in 2021, when she’s not riding her motorcycle throughout the neighborhood, teaching kids how to golf, or competitively body building.

“Once I moved to Beverly, I felt I needed to pass on my skills and knowledge to others,” said Moore, who also holds a doctoral degree in business administration and is a published researcher. “In October 2019, BAPA was offering an event for ‘Newcomers to the Neighborhood’ at a local bar on Western, and I learned there was a group starting a Rotary Club. I became the secretary of the Rotary Club of Beverly Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood; this platform will bring the community together with all of our Jack/Jane of-all-trades, and we are committed to implementing growth and knowledge for all.”

The couple loves living in the community and staying close with old friends while making many new ones. They enjoy their proximity to the Dan Ryan Woods, often exercising and meditating in the serenity of the area.

Ruel is excited to see the music scene coming to life and all of the new businesses that opened since he last lived here. The couple frequents Americanos, Open Outcry, Horse Thief Hollow, and Two-Mile Coffee, and enjoys spending time at the Ridge Historical Society, the Beverly Arts Center, and local home tours.

“Our main goal is to give back to the community and showcase the foundation we have built to demonstrate our ultimate confidence in our commitment to Beverly and our family,” Moore said.

 

Are you new to the 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. Send contact information to Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org or call 773-233-3100.

 

 

 

 

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By Brittany Wiley, BAPA Business Liaison

Customer Service in the Time of Coronavirus

Small business owners in Beverly/Morgan Park are thrilled (yet cautious) about reopening. A few of them share their plans with The Villager.

Belle Up: Safety is in Style

Belle Up, 1915 W 103rd St., is Beverly/Morgan Park’s source for stylish maternity apparel and chic contemporary clothing.  Owner Jamenda McCoy is committed to continuing a high level of customer service through the store reopening.  By taking appointments during the week, McCoy is assuring her customers a better experience.  This allows them to be “diligent about capacities and sanitization,” said McCoy.  “We want even immune-compromised and women in high-risk categories to feel comfortable” coming into the store.  Each surface is sanitized between visits, including any clothing that has been tried on, as well as the fitting rooms.  Customers sanitize upon entry and everyone must wear masks.  Belle Up is also still offering free local deliveries and curbside pickup.  They go Live on Facebook and Instagram weekly where customers can link to the website or DM to shop.  Even if you can’t make it into the physical location, you can still easily snag a summer dress or some elevated loungewear for the home office.  Shop online at belleup.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @belleup.  Bricks-and-mortar hours of operation are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (by appointment or walk-ins during open spots) and Sat., 12 to 5 p.m. (walk-ins welcome).

Horse Thief Hollow: Crafted Outdoor Dining

The restaurant business model has been constantly changing through the pandemic and Neil Byers has transitioned his business to continue serving our community in any way he can.  Horse Thief Hollow Brewery, 10426 S. Western, served us through the stay-at-home mandate by offering takeout and delivery options for food and craft brews.  Once the new regulations were announced, their work began on an outdoor seating area.  The semi-permanent space on the south side of the building is being designed to create ambience and atmosphere for patrons, all while supporting local artists and businesses.  A fence will enclose the space lined with custom planters by PM Creations and filled with blooms by Olivia’s Garden.  Local artists are covering the asphalt with new murals and updating the current wall artwork.  Patrons will sit along picnic tables and enjoy their beer while chatting at whiskey barrel high tops and listening to music through a new outdoor speaker system.   Every part of the project is well thought-out, with both support to local vendors and customer experience in mind.  Get up there and enjoy a Little Wing by making a reservation for one of their limited indoor seats or on the patio beginning in early July.  www.horsethiefbrewing.com 773-779-2739

 

Everything’s Relative: Luxurious Safety

Joan Each Rowan, owner of Everything’s Relative – Beverly, got ahead of the curve during her closure.  She set out to make her salon beautifully safe and functional through the pandemic.  The salon, located at 10548 S Western, has a new tagline “Safety is the new luxury.”  Glass partitions framed with aluminum now stand between shampoo bowls and stations, which are disinfected between clients.  Hand sanitizing stations and masks are available for every guest.  They will continue to limit the number of people inside while offering haircuts, color, styling and foot treatments.  To book an appointment with one of their talented stylists, visit everythingsrelativesalon.com or call 773-941-6565.

 

 

 

 

Pick Yourself Up: AndySunflower Cafe

Andrea “Andy” Robinson is the owner of AndySunflower Café, which sits inside of Ain’t She Sweet Café at 9920 S Western.  Andy believes “coffee and great conversation is what matters mos.” Although she has had to limit her customer contact as of late, she looks forward to being able to open her bar to two seats spaced to adhere to social distancing guidelines.  Andy will continue to serve her coffee and specialty creations for curbside pickup as well, with a delivery option coming in the near future.  Through the midst of the coronavirus, her ideas (and coffee) didn’t stop flowing.  She is working on some exciting new projects to expand her business: a whole bean coffee subscription and new apparel for the store.  Order a foamy cappuccino or a refreshing Peach Mint Iced Tea online at andysunflowercafe.com or by phone 312-961-3171. Hours: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.to 2 p.m.

 

 

Beverly Records: Vinyl Goes Virtual

Vinyl still lives in this 53 year old record shop owned by the Dreznes family and located at 11612 S. Western.  After being forced to close their physical doors until non-essential retail was able to reopen, Jack Dreznes and his son John decided to take their business virtual.  They launched their live shopping events on Apr. 7. After the success and surprising amount of fun they had, they followed with two more virtual events. John explained that although they had an online platform to sell through, they “missed customer interaction, so using Facebook Live was a great way to get some of that interaction back.”  Their doors are back open now, but they will continue to do their live events. Follow them on Facebook @BeverlyRecordsChicago to hang out, have a beer with the Dreznes’ and buy some rare vinyl at their next Live home shopping event.

A Message from the Beverly Area Planning Association

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To Our Neighbors,

With BAPA’s unique history around racial integration and diversity, and as a community of first responders and helpers, we feel it’s important for you to hear from us about recent events. We are in a time when all of us must come together to bridge the gaps between us.

We first want to recognize the sadness and anguish many black families in our neighborhood feel right now. While many Americans are developing a new or deeper understanding of the harm racism has played in their communities, we know many here have felt it for decades, and continue to do so now. It’s important for us to recognize this and not lose sight of it. We love where we live because of its diversity. It takes all of us working together to keep these values sacred in our community.

Moreover, we live in a community full of first responders — some of whom are also people of color — who are already under tremendous stress due to COVID-19 response. We’ve asked them, once again, to provide safety and support to our community and city whether in law enforcement, fire prevention, or health care. As always, they have answered the call and we are grateful for their service.

The mental and physical stresses all of this puts on our community can be devastating. Some of these threats will fade over time as science and health care catch up. Others will take a sustained effort to build equality and equity.

As we all think about what we can do right now, we wanted to share with you some simple steps. First, we must remember that we have not yet come out from under a viral pandemic that threatens everyone. Please continue to follow social distancing and safety guidelines. But practice social engagement as well. Call or message friends and family who may be hurting or seeking connection right now.

It is also important not to spread rumors, or share unsourced information or misinformation. Doing so spreads fear among the vulnerable and makes the jobs of first responders more difficult.

Our local small businesses continue to experience hardship. Please consider keeping as much of your spending within our community. Beverly/Morgan Park’s neighborhood associations remain a way to be of service to your immediate neighborhood. Find information about local businesses and organizations at bapa.org.

Finally, as we walk around our neighborhood, our spirits have been lifted by the many signs, messages of support, and cheer neighbors like you have shared. Know that it makes a difference.

If you have other ways you’d like to volunteer with BAPA and be of help in this time, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Regards,

Mary Jo
Mary Jo Viero
BAPA Executive Director
mjviero@bapa.org

  Beverly Area Public School Community Service Awards 

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By Tina Jenkins Bell 
BAPA School Liaison 

 

Annually, the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) and its public education committee gives out community service awards to public school students who make a difference. Each public elementary school has the opportunity to nominate one student, who in their own way contributed to their community, including their school, their neighborhood, or elsewhere.  

“Even with the quarantine, many have shown a resilience and commitment to move forward while also making difference,” said Heather Wills, BAPA public school committee chairperson. “Though our list of celebrants is usually longer, this year, we are more than happy to celebrate these three and the many others who are out there being the solution and responding to greater needs then their own.   

 

Community Service with a Smile 

Milani Walters, 8th Grade 

By Mary Blake, Mathematics Teacher 

Kellogg Elementary School 

As an 8th grader, Milani Walters, is a determined and very hard-working young lady who can be counted on to lend a helping hand, always with a smile on her face. She recently completed her International Baccalaureate Community Project on building awareness for heart disease, a cause near and dear to her heart.  She educated members of her local church community on warning signs of heart disease and preventative measures for leading a healthier lifestyle.  

On a routine basis, she has dedicated countless hours volunteering at her church and a local daycare, cleaning up in the Beverly area for Earth Day, shoveling snow, and cooking food for the elderly. “Milani is a wonderful person and student who is very worthy of this honor,” one of her instructors said. 

Inherent Giving Spirit  

Deja Bailey, 8th Grade 

Morgan Park High School Academic Center 

Deja Bailey, 14, says contributing positively to her community is something her mother has encouraged her to do for as long as she can remember. During the quarantine, she has encouraged her fellow students to stay on task, so they won’t fall behind in their studies. She also performs well being checks on elderly residents in her neighborhood. Regularly, she can be found giving food, coats, or holiday dinners to people experiencing homelessness or tutoring students in math at her former school Ninos Heroes Community Academy and at Morgan Park High School Academic Center.  

Deja, who is usually first in line to welcome new students and conduct school tours, believes she was nominated for a community service award because “they recognize how much work and effort I put into helping others.” 

Recently, Deja was inducted into the National Honor Society whose pledge encourages inductees to volunteer and commit to maintaining a high grade-point average. Deja plans to do both. This fall, Deja, who wants to be a lawyer one day, will attend Gwendolyn Brooks High School, where she looks forward to taking pre-law classes. She encourages everyone, no matter their age, to see if there is anything they can do to help people who cannot help themselves. “Be a positive contributor,” she said. 

Innovating Change 

Christopher Edison, 8th Grade 

John H. Vanderpoel Humanities Academy 

Christopher Edison, 14, says, “You can have an idea that benefits others.” Christopher won first place in Vanderpoel’s Hackathon competition, a “Shark Tank” opportunity for students to pitch ideas for positive change. Christopher’s idea was to diversify the school’s physical education program to include yoga. His idea led to weekly yoga classes, and his winnings paid for equipment, like mats, straps, and blocks. 

“We were already doing basketball and the arm and leg stretches that go with it and vertical leaps for volleyball. I wanted to open myself and my classmates to something new.” Christopher, who had no prior experience with his suggested exercise, felt yoga’s ability to strengthen the body and mind would help his fellow 8th grade classmates in their transition from elementary to high school courses.  

“My classmates didn’t like the idea of yoga at first, but they moved forward. That’s something we have to do in life because there will be lots of things we don’t like, but it’s not all about what you want but what you need.”  

Christopher said this lesson would help he and his classmates focus more on succeeding in all of their classes, even the ones they were forced to take. In the fall, he will matriculate to Lindblom Math and Science Academy. Later he hopes to study technologies, such as film editing or music or video game production. He says thanks to this project, he is ready for what comes next because “I’m a leader who is not afraid of hard work.” 

 

School News – May 14, 2020

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Kellogg’s New Student Registration

Kellogg Elementary School’s Kindergarten and new student registration is now open. According to Principal Cory Overstreet, families within Kellogg’s attendance boundaries may register students now through the opening of school in September. Interested families can access a registration form at kellogg.cps.edu. For more information, contact Principal Overstreet

The Chicago Public School school locator link to find which Chicago Public School attendance boundaries you live within.

Distance Learning Strategies Keep Young Children on Track

All Day Montessori School proves even the youngest learners (15 months to six years of age) can successfully learn at home with the help of a dedicated teaching staff and administration. The school offers age-appropriate instruction and support that covers everything from guided potty-training via texts and Facetime, to toddler enrichment activities, like art and planting, to academic instruction via video, private Facebook pages, and other technology. Routine parent-teacher conferences keep students on track for reaching their learning goals. On a bi-weekly basis, toddler instructors drop off materials for thirty activities, an average of three per weekday. For more information about All Day Montessori School, call 773-239-8248.

May Crowning at a Distance

There is a popular saying, “Show me who you are,” that is meant to encourage authenticity, courage, and morality. In May, in many Catholic parishes, the May Crowning ceremony is not only a remembrance of the Blessed Mother Mary, but it is also a reminder to matriculating 8th graders that, like Mary, they are people of faith and morals. This year, the quarantine made a Mass celebration impossible, so St. Cajetan School principal Michelle Nitsche and staff created a way for students to participate remotely.

“May Crowning at St. Cajetan is a significant ritual that allows us to honor Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Our 8th grade class looks forward to this service each and every year as they lead our entire school in prayer. One female 8th grade student, who displays the positive character traits Mary did, is chosen by her classmates to crown Mary. Due to the pandemic and not being in school, we knew that we had to think of a creative way to share this beautiful service with our students and community,” Principal Nitsche said. See this year’s inspiring May Crowning on YouTube

 

 

Mercy Circle Celebrates Moms, Nurses With Car Parade

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In the midst of National Nurses Week and just before Mother’s Day, a caravan of 68 cars decorated with colorful bouquets of balloons, streamers, posters and car windows painted with personal messages circled the campus of Mercy Circle, a continuing care retirement community at 3659 W. 99th St.

Waving, honking horns, playing music and shouting words of gratitude, love and encouragement, paraders’ messages to their grandmothers, moms and aunts in residence at the community, and to the dedicated team of Mercy Circle nurses were loud and clear on the sunny afternoon of Fri., May 8.

In observance of social distancing, vehicle passengers of all ages as well as Mercy Circle residents and staff members who stood along the parade route were wearing masks. Music played and a bubble machine was working in overdrive at the main entrance of Mercy Circle where cars stopped to deliver gifts for Mother’s Day and for staff members. They repeated the circle of love twice.

Mercy Circle is the only faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community on Chicago’s southwest side. Learn more at 773-253-3600 or www.mercycircle.org.

BAPA’s 7-Day Earth Day Challenge

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This month has brought change beyond what any of us could have expected. As we adjust to our socially distant, quieter lifestyles at home, we are focused on the health and well-being of our family, friends and neighbors. However, this month we also will still celebrate Earth Day, and bring awareness to the health and well-being of our planet. To do so, BAPA is hosting a 7-Day Earth Day Challenge that neighbors can participate in from home.  Throughout this upcoming week, BAPA encourages the community to consider ways to reduce their environmental footprint and will be sharing tips, ideas, stories, and initiatives to inspire you to choose green.

Day 1 of our Earth Day Challenge starts TODAY and we are highlighting the prevalence of plastic in our everyday lives. As a planet, we are producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year, 50% of which is for single-use purposes – utilized for just a few moments, but on the planet for at least several hundred years. More than 8 million tons of that plastic is dumped into our oceans every year (Plastic Oceans). According to conservation.org, by 2050 there will be more plastic than marine life in our oceans. For more information on the impact of plastic on our environment and the future of our earth, please watch the Plastic Pollution Coalition. 

Day 1, BAPA challenges residents to conduct a Plastic Audit at home. What plastic items are you using daily? Can they be reused or are they single-use items? What products can be switched out for non-plastic alternatives? Talk with your family and discuss different ways you can eliminate plastic-use within your own home. Visit Dabbling Green for tips on conducting a plastic audit at home and let us know how you are eliminating plastic! Tag BAPA and #bapaearthdaychallenge on social media to share your experience.

The BAPA 7-Day Earth Day Challenge will continue for the next week leading up to an Earth Day virtual celebration on Wednesday, April 22nd with Two Mile Coffee Bar. The full Earth Day Challenge schedule includes:

Thursday, DAY 1: Conduct a Plastic Audit at Home

Friday, DAY 2: Create Earth Day Art / Or Snap a Photograph #beautifulbeverly

Saturday, DAY 3: Pick Your Clean and Green Beverly/Morgan Park Location

Sunday, DAY 4: Unplug- Read Don’t Stream

Monday, DAY 5: Go Plant-Based for 1 Meal

Tuesday, DAY 6: Take a Clean and Green Walk

Wednesday, DAY 7: Make a Plan for your Home Garden and/or Compost Bin

 

 

5 Small Business Trends in 2020 

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5 Small Business Trends in 2020 
By Kevin Scanlan, Certified SCORE Mentor 
If you have a small business, it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends in technology, marketing, customer service and other areas that could impact the success your business. Inc. Magazine identified the following trends that may affect your business in 2020. 

Many customers prefer businesses that are “green” and socially responsible.  Examples include using local products as much as possible, minimizing packaging, encouraging customers to use their own bags and recyclable materials for packaging. Use green cleaning products and patronize fellow vendors and services that are “green.” 

Customer reviews will be more important than ever, especially on-line reviews. Customers trust reviews over ads or any other content that businesses create themselves. Google My Business, Yelp and other sites that are relevant to your business may be helpful in promoting you to potential customers. Gently “nudge” your customers to leave reviews of their experience with your company. Be prepared for some less than positive reviews.  If you get a negative review, respond to it immediately, apologize and, if possible, offer a resolution. Customers appreciate it when the business owner listens to them and responds. 

Learn to leverage e-commerce. E–commerce may be a way to expand your business without expanding your physical space. There may be products that are complementary to yours that you could sell (or cross-sell) from another business, expanding sales opportunities for both of the businesses. 

Mobile marketing. One of the top trends in 2020 is the increase in mobile marketing. An example is using geo-targeting to provide ads targeted to customers in your service area. Text message advertising is a great way to reach customers with your latest offers and sales. Expand your payment options to include mobile payments such as Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Visa Checkout and others. 

Livestreaming. Facebook, You Tube and Instagram can be powerful marketing tools. Keeping in touch and attracting new customers in our digital world is a critical element to success. Post frequently and provide the latest news about your products and services so you are in constant contact with your customers. 

As always, if you would like to meet, send me an e-mail at kevin.scanlan@scorevolunteer.org. 

BAPA Board Announces New Executive Director

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The Board of Directors of the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) today announced that Susan Flood is moving on from the role of BAPA Executive Director to pursue other opportunities and BAPA has promoted Mary Jo Viero to that position.  “It has been a real privilege to be able to give back to a community I love so much,” Flood said.

“Susan has been an outstanding leader for BAPA,” said BAPA Board President Maureen Gainer Reilly.  “We were delighted when she made the commitment to serve BAPA for two years as executive director.  In that time, BAPA has benefited greatly from her knowledge and experience. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her all the best in her next endeavor.”

During her time at BAPA, Flood enacted new procedures and technology to make the office operations more efficient; established valuable new relationships with community partners; expanded the scope of important committees working in the areas of economic development, housing and schools; oversaw projects to manage and improve the BAPA building; and energized engagement with volunteers, organization members, and donors.

“In the two years since I started, I’ve seen an increased awareness, respect and even excitement about BAPA’s role in the community,” Flood said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to get to know and work with the BAPA Board, staff, volunteers and members, and I look forward to continuing to partner in promoting this amazing neighborhood.”

A longtime Beverly/Morgan Park resident, Mary Jo Viero began her service to BAPA as a member and volunteer, then joined the Board of Directors in 2015.  Viero seized the opportunity to join the staff as a Community Organizer in 2016, confident her skills could better benefit BAPA as a staff member.

In that role, Viero helped to launch and elevate programs to connect residents to businesses, including the BAPA Card, Holiday Cookie Crawl, Sip and Shop and Tap Into BAPA; played key roles in planning, execution and development of BAPA’s Home Tour, Ridge Run/Memorial Day Parade, and Beverly Hills Cycling Classic/Bikes & Brews; created opportunities for meaningful community outreach including the New Neighbor program and working with civic associations; spearheaded the Love Where You Live community spirit campaign; and developed and executed “green” initiatives including Openlands Tree Planting grants and organizing community groups for the annual Clean and Green volunteer day at local parks, schools, train stations and institutions.

Before coming on Board at BAPA, Viero was an active member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Greater Illinois Chapter where she oversaw the development and launch of programs targeted to caregiver education, community awareness and fund raising. Viero also led the vision and establishment of the chapter’s Junior Board and served as program leader and president.

As a community activist, Viero initiated the founding of the Ridge Park Advisory Council and serves as president; is a member of the Castle Restoration Taskforce; was active on committees at St. Barnabas Parish; and served as a member of the Executive Board of Beverly Ridge Homeowners Association.

“My motto is ‘Put your passion into action,’ and my goal is to empower our community to do just that,” Viero said. “Together, we can make Beverly/Morgan Park stronger and more vibrant than ever.”

Viero invites people to contact her with questions and ideas. Call 773-233-3100 or email mjviero@bapa.org.