See and Ski the Dan Ryan Woods. The Beverly Improvement Association (BIA), Cook County Forest Preserve District and 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea invite neighborhood residents to enjoy cross country skiing and snow-shoeing in the Dan Ryan Woods on Sunday afternoons in the winter when there is sufficient snow. Skiers meet at 1 p.m., Beverly Bike and Ski, 9121 S. Western Ave., where owner Paul Weise will serve hot chocolate. Cross-country skis, boots, and poles are available to rent from Beverly Bike and Ski for $15 for the day and $25 for the weekend. Snowshoes are available for the same rental fee. There is no charge to participate in this event — you own the woods and they are yours to use.
Garbage Collection Changes. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has changed to garbage collection to Monday for the following routes: 87th to 95th Streets, Charles Street to Western Avenue; 95th to 99th Streets, Charles Street to Western Avenue; 99th Street to 100th Place, Charles Street to Longwood Drive; and 100th Place to 103rd Street, Prospect Avenue to Longwood Drive. For households that receive curbside collection, the bi-weekly recycling pick-up will also change to Mondays. If your recycling is picked up in the alley, your collection day may change or fluctuate so leave your blue cart in the alley at all times to ensure collection. Questions: 19th Ward Office, (773)238-8766 or mattoshea@the19thward.com.
LCMH President/CEO Appointed to Hospital Association Board. Dennis Reilly, President and CEO of Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers in Evergreen Park, has been appointed to the Illinois Health and Hospital Association 2017 Board of Trustees. The Board is the policymaking body for the association, which represents more than 200 hospitals and nearly 50 health systems across Illinois. Reilly held several positions with LCMH over the course of his 40+ years of service. In 1996, he was appointed the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer, a role in which he served until his promotion to President and CEO of Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers in 2001. Reilly has served on the Board of the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council for 12 years, including two years as Board chairperson.
Beware of Scams. Residents of the 22nd District should be aware of possible ruse burglary and home repair scams. Offenders typically ring the victim’s doorbell, offering to perform home repairs or saying they are from a utility company, and claiming that they need to enter the house. Once inside, the offender will attempt to divert the homeowner’s attention so that another offender can enter the residence to steal money, jewelry and others small items. Practice these safety tips: Do not open the door for or let unfamiliar people into your home unless you have requested a service. Contact your utility company to confirm technicians are scheduled to work in your neighborhood. Ask to see identification from anyone claiming to represent a city agency or utility company. Write down vehicle information and suspect description for any suspicious people. Call 911 to report suspicious activity.
SCDC Winter Activities and Meetings. Southwest Chicago Diversity Collaborative (SCDC) will partner with Southsiders For Peace on a potluck dinner and screening/discussion of “13th,” about the history of the 13th amendment, which outlawed slavery but also established a pattern of mass incarceration of African-Americans and other people of color which still influences the justice system in the present day, Sat., Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. On Fri., Feb. 24, the SCDC adult book club will discuss “The South Side” by Natalie Y. Moore, time and location TBA. Copies of the book are at The Bookie’s, 2419 W. 103rd St. (mention SCDC when purchasing). SCDC will partner with Beverly Unitarian Church and the Addie Wyatt Center for Nonviolence Training to present an afternoon of education and discussion on Martin Luther King’s approach to nonviolent conflict reconciliation on Sat., Mar. 11. SCDC meets regularly on the first Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m., BAPA Community Room; next meeting Mar. 1. Info: swchicagodiversity@gmail.com
St. Barnabas Parish Honors First Responders. Recognizing the critical roles first responders play in our community and society, St. Barnabas Parish will honor firefighters, police officers and paramedics/EMTs at a special Mass Sun., Feb. 5, 10 a.m., at the church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr. Chicago Police Department Chaplain, Fr. Dan Brandt will celebrate the mass, which is an opportunity for parishioners and community members to thank first responders and pray for their health and safety. First responders from municipal, county, state and federal public safety departments are invited to participate in uniform and to participate in the gathering procession. Info: Kitty Ryan, 773-779-1166 x. 226 or ktryan@stbarnabasparish.org.
Save Time on Appointments. Little Company of Mary Hospital makes it easy to schedule sports physicals online at the Care Stations on 95th Street in Oak Lawn. Click to go directly to Schedule ONLINE http://www.lcmh.org/home/quick-links/online-scheduling/
SWMPCA Meeting. The Southwest Morgan Park Civic Association (SWMPCA) will hold its quarterly general meeting Tues., Feb. 7, 7 p.m., Peterson Hal, St. Walter Church, 117th and Oakley. All residents of the area bounded by 119th and 111th Streets, Western to Metra tracks are invited to attend and get involved.
Ridge Beverly Baseball & Girls Softball Sign-Up. Registration is open for Ridge Beverly Baseball & Girls Softball for ages 4 to 13. Season runs April through June. Cost ranges from $115 to $150 per player based on league level (family discounts). Register by Feb. 28 www.ridgebeverlylittleleague.com Questions ridgebeverlylittleleague@gmail.com
Be a Vanderpoel Gallery Docent. The Vanderpoel Art Association invites area residents to become volunteer art gallery docents. The gallery is located at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr., and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Info: Irene Testa, 773-840-3098.
Mindful Stress Management. “Stress Management and Mindfulness,” a workshop on how mindfulness can improve our relationships and sense of well-being led by psychotherapist Patricia Harthun, will be held Sat., Feb. 11, 3 to 5 p.m. Beverly Therapists, 10725 S. Western, 2nd floor. The workshop will offer the opportunity to practice mindfulness techniques and suggestions for how to incorporate them into real life. $10, payable at time of registration through www.BeverlyTherapists.com. Info: 773-310-3488.
February at Bethany Union Church. Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St., welcomes the community to participate in events and programs this month. Boy Scout Troop 607 and Cub Scout Pack 3607 will participate in Boy Scout Sunday at the worship service, Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.; the Sip N Stitch craft class project for Sat., Feb. 18, 12 to 2 p.m., is From the Heart and registration is at falston104@gmail.com; and Lent will be ushered in with a Mardi Gras celebration following the 10:30 a.m. worship service, Sun., Feb. 26 – call the church to make a reservation, 773-779-0123. Ongoing classes: Praise & Sweat Zumba, Mondays, 6:30 p.m., joydancefit@att.net; and voice, piano and hand bell classes, Mon. through Fri., summer1969@sbcglobal.net.
New Church Hosts Meet & Greet. Imago Dei, a new church forming in Beverly/Morgan Park, will host a meet and greet Sun., Feb. 12, 3 to 5 p.m., in the atrium at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Anyone interested in learning more about the integrated, multi-ethnic church is invited to attend, enjoy refreshments and meet the launch team. Imago Dei hopes to experience God in a meaningful way, learn the relevance of the bible, and serve the community. Info/RSVP: 773-609-3135 or tkubiak@imagodeichicago.org.
Register Now for Platinum Adventures Events. Beverly Bank & Trust Platinum Adventures will host several fun and interesting activities: Chicago Maritime Museum & National Hellenic Museum, Thurs., Feb. 16, departing 10 a.m. from Ridge Academy, 103rd and Artesian; Dueling Pianos at Starved Rock Lodge, Utica, Ill., Mon., Feb. 20, departing at 10 a.m. from Ridge Academy; actor Terry Lynch portrays White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger in a performance on the 1,000 days of President John F. Kennedy, Wed., Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Oak Lawn Bank & Trust, 5300 W. 95th St.; an evening of Irish music, Sat., Mar. 4, 7 p.m., Dorothy Menker Theater, Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy.; and a visit to the Irish American Heritage Center, Wed., Mar. 8, departing at 10 a.m. from Ridge Academy. For details, fees and registration, contact Margie O’Connell, 773-239-2265 or moconnell@thebeverlybank.com.
Renaissance Academy Presents ‘Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.’ The Renaissance Academy presents the Farrell Forum presentation, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” Thurs., Feb. 16, 11 a.m., Butler Reception Room, Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. Admission is free and open to the public. Join bestselling author and speaker Rochelle Pennington to learn about the largest shipwreck on the Great Lakes. The Edmund Fitzgerald disappeared in Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975, when wind gusts peaked at nearly 100 miles per hour and waves reached the height of three-story buildings. Audience members will experience the story from the launch of the ship to its final radio broadcast and from the shipwreck’s discovery to the raising of artifacts from its watery grave.
South Side Irish Run to the Pub. Run to the Pub – a training group that couples running with visiting area pubs – kicks off a six-week training for local St. Patrick’s Day races, Thurs., Feb, 16 at Cullinan’s Stadium Club. The group will meet at a different Irish Pub each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Following the run everyone will receive a free beer and a long sleeve tech T-shirt at end of series. Bars include Clancy’s Pub, Oak Lawn; Blarney Stone, Oak Forest; Durbins, Tinley Park; BJ McMahons, Oak Lawn and Irish Patriot, Orland Park. Info/registration: campscui.active.com/orgs/DevineNutrition
American English in Concert. American English will recreate the phenomenon of The Beatles from the early years through the psychedelic era Fri., Feb. 17, 8 p.m., BaffesTheater, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. $25 ($23 BAC members). 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Winter Farmers Market. The Green Sanctuary Group at Beverly Unitarian Church will host its annual Winter Farmers Market Sat., Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. The market will feature local, organically grown vegetables, herbs, mushrooms and apples, as well as soup mixes, cheese, veggie burgers, cheesecake, frozen yogurt, ice cream and baked goods. Local singer Anna Stange will perform. The event is sponsored by Faith in Place and helps small, local farmers extend their income beyond the growing season. For information or to volunteer, contact Fran Sowa, 708-229-0390, frannevpk@yahoo.com, or visit www.beverlyunitarian.org.
Mercy Circle hosts Open House. Mercy Circle, 3659 West 99th St., will host an open house and tours Sun., Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event provides a chance for prospective residents and their families to meet Mercy Circle staff and learn about the advantages of the newest retirement community in the neighborhood. Refreshments will be served and complimentary parking is available by entering the lot from 99th Street.
Author Discusses New Book About ‘The Castle’. On Sun., Feb. 19, 2:30 p.m., author Errol Magidson will discuss “Chicago’s Only Castle: The Book,” a new book about the landmark at 103rd and Longwood Drive known to some as the Irish Castle, and to others as Givins’ Castle. Magidson, who did the comprehensive documentary on the building and its fascinating “keepers,” will give his program at the Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley, and present new and interesting information uncovered since the film debuted in 2011. The program is free; light refreshments will be served. Info: 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
League of Women Voters Meeting. The League of Women Voters of Chicago, Far Southwest Side Group, will meet Wed., Feb. 22, 7 p.m., 1721 W. 104th Place, to discuss, the city of Chicago budget. 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
Squeaky Weal Lecture Topic is Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is today’s tragic form of slavery and a devastating reality for many people around the world. Religious Sisters are among the leaders in efforts to raise awareness, rescue victims, and eliminate this abuse in the world. Sister Jeanne Christensen, RSM, will serve as the keynote speaker to address the topic of ending human trafficking at the Squeaky Weal Lecture series Thurs., Feb. 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Warde Academic Center Butler Reception Room, Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. Free and open to the public. Info: 773- 298-3809.
BAPA Discount for Hustle Up the Hancock. The first 50 BAPA members and Ridge Run runners to register for the 20th Anniversary Hustle Up the Hancock will receive an exclusive $25 registration discount. The Respiratory Health Association’s world class stair climb will be held Sun., Feb. 26, raising funds to support clean air and people living with lung diseases. Spots are available for the full climb of 94 stories or the half climb of 52 stories at the John Hancock Center downtown. Use coupon code BAPAHUSTLE for registration www.hustleupthehancock.org.
Beer & Food Pairing Dinner. Private Chef Alvin Green will partner with the Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 S. Olde Western Ave., to host a night of great beer, food and music Sat., Feb. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. Each of the five courses in the gourmet meal will be paired with a craft brew, including dessert. Music will be provided by the Molly Rose Combo. $60 per person; limited spots. Must be 21 or older. Reservations:
A Women’s History of HIV/AIDS. In Plain Sight, History Moves’ mobile exhibition created in cooperation with Women;s Interagency HIV Study Chicago (WIHS), opens with a reception Sun., Feb. 26, 2 to 4 p.m. and continues through Apr. 16, Jack Simmerling Gallery, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The exhibition shows that women living with HIV have moved from the margins of what was once a deadly epidemic to become survivors and history-makers.
South Side Irish Parade Film Fest 2017. The South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and tBeverly Arts Center will present the South Side Irish Parade Film Fest 2017, Sat., Mar. 4 at the BAC, 2407 W. 111th St. New this year is a matinee screening. The fest includes a traditional Irish music reception and post party featuring live Irish-American music, dancing, raffles and a cash bar. Info and tickets: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Calling All Veterans! On Sat., July 15, the Chicago Park District, Road Home Project @ Rush University, and Ald. Matt O’Shea will host a Veteran’s Softball Tournament and Family Fest at Beverly Park. They are currently looking for any veterans who might be interested in volunteering to promote this event or recruit players and teams. On Thurs., Mar. 2, 7 p.m., there will be a brief meeting at Cork & Kerry, 10614 S. Western, to discuss the event. All area veterans are invited to attend; lite food and drink will be provided. If you are interested in helping out, but cannot attend this meeting, e-mail Modwene_Lavin@rush.edu.
