Shop Small. Give Big. When small businesses succeed, we all do! BAPA, the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association, 95th Street Business Association and Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association hosts Shop 19 and Earn Neighborhood Rewards, a month-long campaign through which neighbors who spend $300 at local stores through Dec. 24 and could win a $50 gift card. Drop off copies of your receipts documenting purchases of $25 or more and totaling $300 spent at local businesses by Jan. 6, to BAPA, 1987 W. 111th St., or Mount Greenwood Community & Business Association, 3400 W. 111th St. For details and restrictions, visit www.bapa.org. Make every Saturday Small Business Saturday! #ShopSmall!
Document Shredding/Electronics and Prescription Disposal. Document shredding and disposal of electronics and prescriptions will be available for 19th Ward residents Sat., Dec. 3, 9 to 11 a.m., St. Barnabas School parking lot, 10121 S. Longwood Dr. Free. Documents must be loose with no staples or binders.
Flu Shots. Flu vaccinations for people over age 10 will be available at the 19th Ward Community Room, 10402 S. Western, Tues., Dec. 6, 1 to 4 p.m., first come, first served. Staff from Walgreen’s will be available to assist with paperwork to bill insurance or provide vouchers for free shots for people who do not have insurance. This service is provided by Ald. Matt O’Shea, Sen. Bill Cunningham and Rep. Fran Hurley in partnership with Walgreen’s Pharmacy. Info: 773-238-8766 or tristan@cityofchicago.org.
Young Writers to Create Illustrated Books. Young writers can create their very own comic or picture books in a two-part program at the Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. On Wed., Dec. 7, 4 to 5 p.m., children are invited to bring a favorite illustrated book and tell why they like it, and on Wed., Dec. 14, 4 to 6 p.m., they are invited to return and create their own books using a storyboard and art/writing supplies. Registration required: 312-747-9673.
Become an HCBA member. The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA) has expanded its mission to permit homeowners of any style of vintage home (50 years of age or older) to become HCBA members and take advantage of workshops and programs. HCBA members also have opportunities to apply for grants, of they are income-eligible. Info: www.chicagobungalow.org/membership.
Pillowcase Challenge Benefits Charities. The Quilter’s Trunk, 10352 S. Western, invites neighbors to participate in the 1 Million Pillowcases Challenge, sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting. The shop is collecting donations of handmade pillowcases and quilts which will be given to various local charities.
Pillowcases are quick and easy projects for any skill level and age – even for kids! Free pillowcase patterns are available at The Quilter’s Trunk – just ask! For more information on the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge, visit www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases. For more information from The Quilter’s Trunk, call 773-980-1100 or visit www.thequilterstrunk.com
League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters of Chicago, Far Southwest Side Group, will meet Wed., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., 9746 S. Walden Pkwy., to discuss natural resources – Chicago’s water. The League is a non-partisan organization that provides informal discussion of current political, social and economic issues. Public welcome. Info: 312-939-5949, 773-779-4928 or lwvchicago.org
Surviving the Holidays. The holiday season can be an emotionally charged and difficult one for those who have become disconnected from family and friends. Beverly Therapists, 10725 S. Western, 2nd floor will host this month’s Stress Management workshop Sat., Dec. 10, 3 to 5 p.m. The workshop creates intentional space to discuss tips on how to cope during the holidays, including normal grief reactions, ways to honor loved ones, children’s concern and ways to celebrate oneself and feel validated and uplifted. $10. Info/registration: www.BeverlyTherapists.com or 773-310-3488.
Mercy Circle Open House. Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St., will hold an open house events Sun., Dec., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. providing an opportunity to meet staff members, tour the retirement community and enjoy holiday refreshments. Mercy Circle is the only faith-based retirement community in the area and it offers apartments for independent living residents, along with generous amenities, enrichment programs and services as well as healthcare and services for assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care residents.Info:773-253-3600.
Weight Loss Center Opening. Illinois Wellness and Weight Loss Centers will open at 9933 S. Western in January. Owned and operated by. Dr. Goldwyn B. Foggie who has over 20 years of experience in women’s health. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and a board-eligible Obesity Medicine Specialist. A member of the Obesity Medicine Association and the Obesity Society, Dr. Foggie helps patients who are overweight or obese, working on individual plans to help them meet goals for wellness and weight loss. Info: illinoiswellnessandweightlosscenters.com or 872-702-4254.
Snow Removal Reminder. Property owners are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks and driveways. Snow should not be shoveled, plowed or snow blown onto the street.