Food Pantry Holiday Appeal. The Maple Morgan Park Community Food Pantry invites area residents to help them feed hungry neighbors in the 60643 and 60655 zip codes by making donations to the 2018 Annual Holiday Appeal. $20 donations can help provide holiday turkey dinners and emergency food. Send donations to Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago IL 60643-4102. Info: 773-239-3013 or foodpantry11030@outlook.com.
Combined Voices Reading. Longwood Writers Guild, Tallgrass Writers Guild and FLOW come together for a reading of original short stories and poetry Sat., Nov. 3, 2 to 4 p.m. BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Free. Info: longwoodwritersguild@gmail.com.
A Taste of Giving. Victory Reins and chef Alvin Green present A Taste of Giving, an evening of gourmet foods and desserts paired with wine, craft beer and spirits, Sat., Nov. 3, 6 to 10 p.m., Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St. $50 per person, over age 21 only. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund that provides special needs students with equestrian opportunities. Purchase tickets at vrtasteofgiving.brownpapertickets.com.
Say Happy 75th to Steuber Florist. Steuber Florist and Greenhouse, 2654 W. 111th St., will celebrate their 75th anniversary as a family owned neighborhood business with an open house, Sat., Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, sign up to win a holiday décor item, browse through the greenhouse and check on the progress of their amazing poinsettias. 773-238-2013.
Sing Handel’s Messiah. Get into the holiday spirit by participating in the community musical tradition of singing Handel’s “Messiah” at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 2017 W. 110th Pl. Rehearsals are Saturdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, 10 a.m., with dress rehearsal Fri., Nov. 30, 6:45 p.m. The performance Sun., Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m., featuring soloists, mass choir and orchestra with Charles T. Hayes, conductor. Performance tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and free for children under age 10. Purchase tickets at morganparkpres.org/messiah. Info and tickets via phone: 773-779-3355.
Harvest Fest and Bazaar. Open Outcry Brewing, 10934 S. Western, hosts the 2nd annual Harvest Fest Sat., Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local artisans and businesses including Belle Up Boutique, Brendan McAlinden Art, BSides Coffee + Tea, Capsule Chicago, Collette Park Candles, McCabe Clay, Repurposed Midwest Furniture, SixtyFour Creative and Turkey. Open Outcry will drop the exclusive Harvest Fest beer. Admission is free.
Come See the Magic. Beverly/Morgan Park resident David Gruba and Chicago magician Sean Masterson will present Timeless Magic, Sat., Nov. 3, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. This family-friendly show combines sleight-of-hand and illusions with storytelling and audience participation. $16 adults/$12 children. Tickets and info: www.brownpapertickets.com
Wreaths Across America. The Morgan Park Junior Women’s Club is raising funds for Wreath Across America, an initiative that teaches the value of freedom by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves at the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood. Donations are needed by Nov. 4 and the laying of the wreaths will be held Sat., Dec. 15 – members of the Juniors will be there to help with this moving ceremony. To donate or volunteer, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0095 and follow the instructions.
Spirit FUNdraising. Halloween, All Souls Day and All Saints Day are the topics of a presentation by Medium Máirín at the Medium for Good Spirit FUNdraising event, Sun., Nov. 4, 1 to 3 p.m. Ingersoll-Blackwelder House, 10910 S. Prospect. The program features information on how to connect with loves ones and a Q&A. BYO cocktails and conversation, and a tour of the historic house follow. South Sider and spiritualist, Máirín is an award-winning author and speaker who shares her gifts for the purpose of doing good. Proceeds benefit the Beverly Area Plannign Association. Tickets and info: mediumforgood.com.
Celebrate Nate: Sweet 16. The I Am Who I Am foundation and friends will Celebrate Nate at a Sweet 16 party Sun., Nov. 4, 4 to 6 p.m., O’Rourkes Office, 11064 S. Western. Nate’s birth started his family on the I Am Who I Am journey of awareness, acceptance, opportunities and education celebrating people of special abilities. This special birthday party is open to all who want to stop by and say Happy Birthday; people are also invited to write a memory of Nate that will be put in a book. In lieu of gifts, consider making a donation at www.Iam-whoIam.com
Stand Up for Childhood Cancer. The 4th annual Stand Up for Childhood Cancer, a comedy show hosted by Pat McGann, will be held Sun., Nov. 4, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. $50; 100% of proceeds befit cancer fighters through the Cure It Foundation. 21+ only. Tickets cureitfoundation.org/comedy.
Tai Chi for All Abilities. Tai Chi Classes for Seniors & All Abilities are offered every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Immanuel United Church of Christ, 9815 S. Campbell. $10 per session. Info: annasyork@gmail.com or 630-234-5532.
Hats (and scarfs) For the Homeless. Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., invites the community to join in knitting or crocheting hats and scarfs to be given to homeless shelters as part of the church’s Advent Outreach Program. Learners welcome. Participants can choose to will gather at 6:30 p.m. every-other Monday through Dec. 10 or work on their own and drop off finished items at the church by Fri., Dec. 14. Info morganparkumc@wowway.com.
The Scriptures of Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ Study the scriptures of Handel’s “Messiah” with Pastor Ben Heimach-Snipes of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, Smith Village Theatre Room, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Info and RSVP: 773-779-3355.
CAPS Meetings. All area residents are encouraged to get involved in CAPS meetings. For information, call the 22nd District CAPS office, 312-745-0620, caps.022district@chicagopolice.org or stop by the 22nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey. Beat 2221, Tues., Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Christ the King, 9225 S. Hamilton; Beat 2213, Thurs., Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.; Court Advocacy Subcommittee, Wed., Nov. 14, 1:30 p.m. 22nd District Police Station; Beats 2211 and 2212, Thurs., Dec. 6, 7 p.m. 22nd District Police Station.
Smith Village Open Mic Night. Willie and Debbie Parks will host Open Mic Night Tues., Nov. 6, 7 to 10 p.m., Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Singers, musicians, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to perform for an appreciative audience. Free. To sign up your act, contact Debbie Parks, dahp2002@aol.com or 773-574-9727. For information about attending, call 773-474-7300 and ask for Meghan Maple.
Gold Star Mothers Monument Rededication. The refurbished Gold Star Mothers monument will be rededicated Thurs., Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dan Ryan Woods, 87th and Western. The ceremony will be hosted by the Chicago Council of Gold Star Mothers.
Support Group for Caregivers. Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl., invites caregivers, family or friends of older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to a free memory care support groups Tues., Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m. The open topic discussion will be led by social service director of long-term care Diane Morgan. Q and A follows. Reservations: 773-474-7300 or familyandfriends@smithvillage.org.
Glam, Glow and Goodies. Area women are invited to Glam, Glow and Goodies, an evening of skincare tips from dermatologist Dr. Sonya Kenkare, plus holiday shopping advice, wine and hors d’oeuvres and dessert prepared by chef Jim Denvir, Thurs., Nov. 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Little Company of Mary Hospital, Women’s Center, 2800 W. 95th St. $20 per person. Registration required: 708-229-5830.
Pick and Choose Workshops. The Beverly Arts Center. 2407 W. 111th St., offers Pick and Choose one-day workshops in a variety of visual and performance arts options for children and adults. November workshops include bucket drumming for kids, painting and pinot wine glass-painting for adults, and acting for the musical stage for teens. Cost ranges from $15 to $40 with discounts for BAC members. Info: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Platinum Adventures. The Platinum Adventures, Wintrust’s travel and activity club, will host the following programs this month: Hear the story of Cleopatra, The Last Pharaoh of Egypt, Thurs., Nov. 8, 2 p.m. First National Bank of Evergreen Park, 3960 W. 95th St., $5; and visit the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet for “Remembering Marshall Field’s at Christmas,” Tues., Nov. 27, bus departs from Ridge Academy, 10 a.m., $85 includes lunch. Reservations and information: Margie O’Connell, 773-298-4712 or moconnell@thebeverlybank.com.
An Artist’s Life A Century in the Making. The art and life of Ethel Wirtshafter, 1909-2009, is subject of An Artist’s Life A Century in the Making, a program by Mary Lenzini, Fri., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave. $10 ($5/RHS members). Reservations required: 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com
Mercy Circle Open House. Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St., will host an open house Sun., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to touring the chapel, exercise room, salon, library and dining rooms, visitors are encouraged to ask questions about the many services and continuum of care. Mercy Circle offers spacious apartments and welcoming common areas, as well as private suites for short-term stay rehab for those transitioning from a hospital stay to returning home. Info: 773-253-3600.
BACinema. November film screenings at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., are “Isle of Dogs,” (PG-13) director Wes Anderson’s hilarious and insightful stop-action animated film about a society of dogs who have been banished to a lonely island, Wed., Nov. 14; and “Trust,” (R) 1990s indie film that is a dark take on madcap romantic comedy in which a pregnant girl inexplicably falls for an older man, Wed., Nov. 28. Tickets are $6 ($5 for BAC members). Info 773-445-3838, www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Class Topic is Living with Kidney Disease. The Associates in Nephrology and Fresenius Medical Care presents interactive classes about chronic kidney disease and how to stay healthy, Thurs., Nov. 15, 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Advocate Care Center, 2210 W. 95th St. Reservations 773-341-3500.
Cookie Dough Makes Baking Easy. Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., is selling tubs of cookie dough for your holiday baking. Purchase them for yourself, to give as gifts and/or to be donated to the Maple/Morgan Park Community Food Pantry. Six varieties of cookies are available for $10 per tub. The deadline for order with payment is Thurs., Nov 15. For more information or to place an order call 773-238-2600, Mon. through Fri.., 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Forest Preserves Permit Sales Open Nov. 15. Forest Preserves of Cook County picnic and special event permit sales for 2019 begins Thurs., Nov. 15, nearly seven weeks earlier than the traditional January opening day. In-person sales will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Dan Ryan Visitor Center, 8700 S. Western Ave. Online sales will also open at 8 a.m. on Nov.15, and will remain available 24 hours a day at fpdcc.com/permits. In addition to saving time by purchasing permits online, visitors can view information such as site availability, grove maps and the various fees associated with grove rentals. People planning to apply for permits in person must have a valid state identification card or driver’s license. Accepted payment methods are cash, check or Visa or MasterCard. Picnic permits are required for groups of 25 or more.
‘Dance and Romance.’ The Ostrega-Uhl Project presents “Dance and Romance,” a performance of the music of the Late-Romantic era and a unique collection of tangos and dances from composers of Spain and Argentina, Thurs., Nov. 15, 4:15 p.m., Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. Featured artist Emma Strohbusch will showcase the often overlooked lyricism and virtuosity of the viola; she will be accompanied by Brian Ostrega on the violin and Stephen Uhl on the piano. Free. Info: 312-747-9673.
LSC Meetings. Clissold School LSC, Mon., Nov. 19, 7 p.m.. auditorium, 2350 W. 110th Pl., 773-535-2560; Sutherland School LSC, Tues., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., 10015 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2580; Morgan Park High School LSC, Wed., Nov. 28, 6 p.m. School Library, 1744 W. Pryor, 773-535-2550; John H. Vanderpoel Humanities Academy LSC, Tues., Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., 9510 S. Prospect Ave., 773-535-2690; and Kellogg School LSC, Thurs., Dec. 6, 6 p.m., School Library, 9241 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2590.
Four Seasons Tribute Band at BAC. The Four C Notes recreate the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Sat., Nov. 24, 8 p.m. Baffes Theatre, Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. $30 or $27 for BAC members. 773-445-3838, www.beverlyartcenter.org.
A Jazzy ‘Nutcracker.’ “Nuts & Bolts: In the Mix,” the Joel Hall Dancers’ take on “The Nutcracker” that fuses classic Tchaikovsky with jazz and house music, Sun., Nov. 25, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Baffes Theatre, Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. $27.50. 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org
Beer and Hymns. Bethlehem Lutheran Church hosts Beer and Hymns, a good, old fashioned hymn sing with the added twist of local craft beer, Wed., Nov. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Open Outcry Brewing Co., 10934 S. Western. Participants will sing a variety of familiar hymns that cross denominations led by organist David Ritter. Song sheets will be available. All are invited. Info: 773-445-7558 or www.bethlehem-chicago.org.
League of Women Voters Meeting. The League of Women Voters of Chicago-Far Southwest Side Group will meet Wed., Nov. 28, 7 p.m., 9904 S. Damen Ave., for a discussion of the state budget and its ramifications on education and other funding. The League is a non-partisan organization that provides informal discussion of current political, social and economic issues. Public welcome. Info: 312-939-5949, 773-233-1420 or my.lwv.org/illinois/chicago.
“Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical” returns to the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., for performances Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 on selected weekdays at 10:30 a.m., Saturdays Dec. 15 and 22, 12 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 23, 1 p.m. Performed by Chicago Kids Company Theater for Children, the show is targeted to children from 2 to 10 years old, and filled with holiday charm and humor. Single tickets start at $14 (lap children under age 2 are free); group rates available. Info and tickets www.chicagokidscompanmy.com or 773-205-9600.
Stars, Stories and S’mores. Stars, Stories and S’mores , a countywide series that features storytelling, s’mores making, and various astronomy-based activities, will be offered Fri., Nov. 30, 5 to 8 p.m., Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion. The event features telescopes and other tools to read the night sky as well as educational- and art-based activities around the night sky theme. The storytellers will use musical instruments to tell African folk-lore style tales. Free. Info: 708-386-4042
Medicare Seminar. Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St., host Medicare Made Clear, Sat., Dec. 1, 1 p.m. The seminar will cover Medicare choices, information on coverage and a free educational guide. Free. Info: 312-747-9673.
Preparations Underway for 2019 Crystal Heart Ball Gala. The Crystal Heart Ball, the premier fundraising event for Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH), will be held Sat., Feb. 2, 2019 at the Field Museum. The theme for the black tie gala is Starry Night and proceeds will benefit Interventional Radiology Services at LCMH. Crystal Heart Ball guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by Food For Thought and music stylings by Maggie Speaks – Talk of the Town Big Band. The Ball will honor Jim McKeever – Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund and Christmas Without Cancer. Uzma and Hamid Nazeer, D.O., and Lindsay and Chris Vandenberg are 2019 chair couples. For more call the LCMH Foundation, 708-229-5447 or visit www.LCMH.org/Foundation.
