Neighborhood Notes – November 2019
The Advent Outreach Program at Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., invites the community to join in knitting or crocheting hats and scarfs to be given as Christmas donations to homeless shelters. With the help of the community, the program gave 53 hats and 36 scarfs to homeless people last year. Items can be dropped off at the church. The program runs through Dec. 7. Details: morganparkumc@wowway.com.
Zoraida Sambolin, breast cancer survivor and Emmy-winning Weekday Edition co-anchor of NBC 5 News Today, is the keynote speaker for the LCMH Cancer Survivor Event Sat., Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Double Tree Hilton, 5000 W. 127th St., Alsip. The event offers a day of inspiration, education and resources. $25. www.lcmh.org/survivorevent or 708-229-5047.
Bookies, 10324 S. Western, offers a variety of events: Jason Muhr and Markisan Naso, creators of graphic novel “Voracious,” will sign copies of Vol. 3 “Appetite for Destruction,” Sat., Nov. 2, 12 to 12:30 p.m.; author Sara Shacter reading from her newest picture book for kids age 6 and under, ”Just So Willow,” Sun., Nov. 10, 2 p.m.; and on Nov. 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., get a bundle of book bargains at Bookie’s Old Location Blowout Sale, 2419 W. 103rd St. Info: 773-239-1100 or bookiesbookstores.com.
Area singers are invited to join the choir for the Handel’s Messiah Concert on Sun., Dec. 1, 3:30 p.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 2017 W. 110th Pl. The annual concert by the concert choir and orchestra begins the holiday season. Join the choir for rehearsals beginning Sat., Nov. 2. Info: morganparkpres.org or 773-779-3355. Tickets: morganparkpres.org/messiah.
Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St., welcomes prospective residents, their families and friends to tour its community and learn about the lifestyle and services at an open house, Sun., Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 773-253-3600.
Smith Village hosts an Open Mic Afternoon, Sun., Nov. 3, 4 p.m., in Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Singers, musicians, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to perform. 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 Bridget Murphy.
Local School Council meetings: Vanderpoel Humanities Academy LSC, Tues., Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. 9510 S. Prospect Ave., 773-535-2690; Kellogg School LSC, Thurs., Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Library, 9241 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2590; Clissold School LSC, Mon., Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Auditorium, 2350 W. 110th Pl., 773-535-2560; and Morgan Park High School LSC, Wed., Nov. 20, 6 p.m. Library, 1744 W. Pryor, 773-535-2550.
CAPS Meetings. Area residents are encouraged to get involved in CAPS meetings. For information, contact the 22nd District CAPS office, 312-745-0620or Caps.022District@ChicagoPolice.org, or stop by the 22nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey. Beat 2221, Tues., Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Christ the King, 9225 S. Hamilton; Court Advocacy Subcommittee, Wed., Nov. 13, 1:30 p.m. 22nd District Police Station; Beat 2213, Thurs., Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.; and Beats 2211 and 2212, Thurs., Dec. 5, 6 p.m. 22nd District Police Station.
GFWC Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club will host a New Member Meeting Wed., Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley. The Morgan Park Juniors, a club for 80 years, meet one Wednesday a month. At the meeting information about the many community projects will be presented. Info: Dena O’Reilly, morganparkjuniors@yahoo.com
Special programs offered this month at Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St., include: Home for the Holidays Military Toy Drive collecting new, unwrapped toys for ages 1 to 16, Sat., Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., info 773-828-8195; Dorenda M. Clink, independent Medicare and Certified Long Term Care Specialist, presents how to improve overall healthcare through VA benefits and Medicare, Mon., Nov. 11, 2 p.m.; and Sew and Tell, make a Thanksgiving holiday table decoration with felt and embroidery thread (all supplies provided), Sat., Nov. 23, 11 a.m. Library programs are free. Info: 312-747-9673.
Tai Chi-Qigong Classes for Seniors & All Abilities, every Tues., 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.
Pat Mac’s Pack hosts Trash To Treasure, an auction for one-of-a-kind upcycled and repurposed items created by creative donors, Fri., Nov. 8, 7 to 11 p.m., Cork and Kerry, 10614 S. Western. All proceeds benefit pediatric brain cancer research and patient support. The event also offers a raffle for a room re-do including consultation by a professional interior decorator, paint and a gift card to a home store. Donation: $10 (includes one free drink). Info: Lucy Beemsterboer, 773-991-1357; Karen Hoey, 312-925-4629; Clare McKeown, 773-633-9674; Shannon McKeown 773-574-6239; or Dee McNamara 773-316-5296.
Volunteers are welcome to join the Friends of the Dan Ryan Woods Tues., Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 91st and Hermitage to help clear brush. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month for workdays. Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Tools and gloves provided. Info: 773-398-1178.
Boys in kindergarten through 5th grades and their parents can learn more about joining Beverly Cub Scout Pack 3607 at an information meeting Thurs., Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Bethany Union Church, 103rd and Wood Street. From participating in the Pinewood Derby to learning how to toast the perfect marshmallow at a campout, Cub Scouts offer activities that encourage children to make new friends and succeed in life. Info: Liz Zapata, 708-439-5824 or ewzapata@yahoo.com.
Neighbors are welcomed to join residents for the holiday fair featuring a dozen vendors offering gifts, sweets, decorations and even fresh donuts for holiday shoppers, Fri., Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Info: Bridget Murphy, 773-474-7300.
Red Lotus meditation sangha will host a Guided Meditation Retreat Sat., Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. Appropriate for all levels of meditation. Conversation topic: racism and poverty. Admission by donation. Info: redlotussangha.org.
Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 2017 W. 110th Pl., is reaching out to help homeless people this month. The Sharing Closet is collecting winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves and socks for men, women and children, and volunteers are welcome to help on sorting day, Sat., Nov. 16, 2 p.m. The church will be preparing and serving Thanksgiving dinner for and sharing fellowship and support with guests from several area homeless shelters Sat., Nov. 23. Volunteers are welcome to help cook, and serve meals. For more info or to volunteer, contact Pastor Ben, morganparkpres@gmail.com or 773-779-3355.
Trinity United Methodist Church, Unity in Diversity, Southsiders for Peace and Southwest Chicago Diversity Collaborative will host fun, fare and fancy footwork at a potluck dinner and square dance Sat., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., at the church, 9848 S. Winchester. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and dancing follows. Donation: $3 for an individual or $5 for a family. Bring a dish to share. Activities for children will be available.
The Chicago Bungalow Association presents Adapting Your Home to a Long Life: Accessibility into the Golden Years, cost-effective design ideas for making modifications for aging residents, Mon.,, Nov. 18, 6 p.m., Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. Free. RSVP through chicagobungalow.org/seminars.
Cherished Angel Perinatal Loss Support Group for parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death meets meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (Tues., Nov. 19), 7 to 8:30 p.m., Little Company of Mary Hospital, 2800 W. 95th St. led by Kathryn D. Gardner, LCPC, PMH-C, Specialist in Women’s Issues, the group is a place to share grief and discuss topics about emotions, relationships and coping. Free. Info: Gina Demas, RN, 708-229-5928 or Susie Schultz, Angel Mom, cherishedangelsupport@lcmh.org .
Bookies will be swinging open the doors once again at the original store, 2419 W. 103rd St., for the Old Location Blow Out Sale, offering incredible deals Sat., Nov. 23 and Sun., Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info:
773-239-1110 or bookiesbookstores.com.
Mark Your Calendar
The League of Women Voters of Chicago-Far Southwest Side Group will meet Wed., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., 9904 S. Damen Ave., for a discussion of Local School Councils. 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.
Don’t miss Breakfast with Santa at the Givins Beverly Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., Sat., Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. $5. Christmas tree sales at the Castle will be the weekends of Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.