By Mary Jo Viero ∼
NEW COMMUNITY PROJECTS. Residents from across the community came together in May for BAPA’s civic association meeting. BAPA introduced the idea of forming a Ridge Park Advisory Council and invited interested residents to get involved. The council is a group of volunteers who support the effective functioning of their local park, promote ways for the community to better use the park, communicate park needs to the Chicago Park District, increase community awareness of park projects, and assist in finding funding to enhance park services. Community residents interested in getting involved in the Ridge Park Advisory Council can contact Mary Jo Viero, 773-233-3100 ext. 206 or mjviero@bapa.org.
Another idea proposed at the meeting was the formation of a committee to develop ideas for better using and maintaining neighborhood Metra stations. Roberta Kleinman, BAPA’s Coordinator of Property Preservation Programs, is heading the committee and invites all neighbors interested in helping to preserve and repurpose these landmark buildings to contact her, 773-233-3100 ext. 209 or rkleinman@bapa.org.
BEVERLY WOODS HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (BWHA) sponsored a successful food drive, collecting groceries for four area food pantries, including the Maple Morgan Park Community Food Pantry and the St. Walter Parish pantry. For information on BWHA activities, contact Lydia Barnes, ldbarnes9@cs.com.
BEVERLY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (BIA). The Beverly Improvement Association named Sue Bever the 2016 BIA Person of the Year. Bever has been actively involved in our community for years, serving several organizations with enthusiasm and dedication. Among these organizations are: Trinity United Methodist Church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, BAPA, Far Southwest Mental Health Council, Ridge Park Advisory Board, Beverly Athletic Club, Brownies and Cub Scouts, Kellogg School PTA and LSC, Beverly Juniors Woman’s Club, Beverly Garden Club and Special Olympics. She served on the BIA Board of Directors 30+ years.
EAST BEVERLY ASSOCIATION (EBA) will hold an open meeting Tues., June 7, 7 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Neighbors residing between 99th and 107th Streets, Metra tracks to Beverly Avenue are encouraged to attend and get involved.
WEST BEVERLY CIVIC ASSOCIATION (WBCA) will hold an open meeting to discuss community issues and projects, and to meet John Brand, the new owner of O’Brien’s, on Wed., June 8, 7 p.m., O’Brien’s Pub, 10934 S. Western. Neighbors residing between 99th and 103rd Streets, Western to California Avenues are encouraged to attend. Info: Joe Murphy, murphy.joe72@gmail.com.
BEVERLY RIDGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (BRHA) and the 19th Ward will co-host Coffee and Conversation Tues., June 28, 7 p.m., Original Pancake House, 10437 S. Western. Info, Michelle Page, mtbpage09@gmail.com.
VANDERPOEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (VIA) will hold a Resource Extravaganza, Sat., Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vanderpoel Humanities Academy, 95th and Prospect Ave. Table rental: $10. People interested in learning more about being a vendor or sharing business information should contact Carol Vaughan, 773-209-0855.
SOUTHWEST BEVERLY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (SWBIA) is reorganizing and invites neighbors residing between 103rd and 107th Streets, Western to the Metra tracks to get involved. Volunteers are needed to assist with a project to re-landscape the 107th Street hill parkway. BAPA will earmark proceeds from the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic Bikes and Brews Festival on July 15 to fund the project. Info: Mary Jo Viero, 773-233-3100 ext. 206, mjviero@bapa.org.
