The Ridge Park Fieldhouse will undergo a $2.5 million renovation that includes concrete and masonry repairs, window replacements, auditorium improvements, ADA-compliant entrances, and restroom upgrades. A new three-stop elevator will provide access between the first floor, second floor and John H. Vanderpoel Art Gallery levels. Work was set to begin at the end of last month and continue through late 2023. The Vanderpoel Gallery will be closed during construction. For gallery information, contact Irene Testa, 773-294-8311 or visit vanderpoelartmuseum.org.
The Turpin Cares Free Store distributions of free toiletries and essential hygiene items will be held Wed., Jan. 4 and 18, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church parking lot, 110th Place at Longwood The distributions are scheduled regularly on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Info: turpincares@gmail.com.
The Edna White Community Garden, 1850 W. Monterey Ave., is searching for board members — worker bees, a few drones, and soon a new queen — to guide the garden into 2023. Contact Kathy Figel, kathyfigel@me.com to be invited to the Garden’s meet-up.
Registration is open for the Beverly Arts Center School of Fine Arts eight-week winter and spring sessions in visual, written, and performance arts at the Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The first winter session begins Jan. 9, the second winter session begins Mar. 6, and the first spring session begins May 1. Find the complete class schedule and registration information online at thebeverlyartscenter.com under the fine arts classes tab.
Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley Ave., is now open to the public Tuesdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., as well as by appointment. Area residents are encouraged to stop by to learn more about the history of the Beverly/Morgan Park and the Ridge communities. The current special exhibit is The Hetherington Design Dynasty, which features the lives and designs of three generations of the Beverly/Morgan Park Hetherington family of architects, as well as a display of the remarkable architectural photography of Mati Maldre. Included in the exhibit is the story and art of Mildred Lyon Hetherington, a Ridge girl married to second-generation architect, Murray Hetherington who was a successful portrait artist and children’s illustration artist. Images of her original family Christmas cards were added to the exhibit in December. The exhibit continues through the end of January. The RHS will also celebrate the new year at Champagne, Sweets & Savories, Sat., Jan. 7. 7 p.m. $25 on Eventbrite, https://bit.ly/RHS-newyear. Reservations required by Jan. 3. Info: 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
Local School Council meetings: John H. Vanderpoel Humanities Academy LSC, Tues., Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m., 9510 S. Prospect, 773-535-2690, VHAelementary.org; Kellogg School LSC, Thurs., Jan. 12, 6 p.m., 9241 S. Leavitt, 773-535-2590, Kellogg.CPS.edu; Sutherland School LSC, Tues., Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. 10015 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2580, Sutherland.CPS.edu; Morgan Park High School LSC, Weds., Jan. 18, 6 p.m., 1744 W. Pryor, 773-535-2550, MorganParkCPS.org; Barnard School LSC, Mon., Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m., 10354 S. Charles St., 773-535-2625, Barnard.CPS.edu; Clissold School LSC, Mon., Jan. 23, 7 p.m., 2350 W. 110th Pl., 773-535-2560, Clissold-School.org. Call the school or visit their website for more information.
Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St., will host an all school open house for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Sat., Feb. 4, 10 a.m. Hear from current students and faculty, and experience MPA’s college-like campus. Information will also be available about the school’s indexed tuition model, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and engaging global experience for students. Register for the open house at morganparkacademy.org.
