See and Ski the Dan Ryan Woods
Beverly Improvement Association (BIA) with 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea and the Forest Preserves of Cook County invite Beverly/Morgan Park neighbors to enjoy cross country skiing in the Dan Ryan Woods on Sunday afternoons this winter when there is enough snow on the ground, about four inches. Neighbors gather about 1 p.m. at the 89th and Leavitt entry into the woods. There is no charge for this event. The Dan Ryan Woods are absolutely gorgeous in winter, so even if you don’t ski, you can join the group and take a walk to see the treasure we have in our own backyard. Encourage your friends to join you! If you can walk, you can cross country ski. There are places that rent skis, and they may be available to purchase via Ebay or at Play it Again Sports.
CAPS Beat Meetings
February and March community meetings for 22nd District police beats that serve Beverly/Morgan Park will be held via Zoom. Beat 2221, 1st Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m., Feb. 7 and Mar. 7; Beat 2213, 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., Feb. 9 and Mar. 9; and Beats 2211 and 2212, first Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., Mar., 2. Info: 22nd District CAPS office, 773-745-0620 or 022district.caps@chicagopolice.org.
Southside Parish Renewal
Southside Parish Renewal (SPR) is a community of parishes striving to grow stronger in faith through shared ministry, inclusion, spiritual enrichment, and celebration. SPR responds to Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Church campaign that has changed leadership to one shared pastor for St. Cajetan and St. John Fisher parishes. Christ the King and St. Barnabas parishes currently retain their pastors but may eventually share a pastor. SPR consists of laypeople and clergy, and focuses across all four parishes with a goal to keep them strong and sustainable for generations to come. Area residents who are interested in learning more or getting involved can visit southsideparishrenewal.org.
Volunteer Days
Beverly Free Box and the Walker Library invites volunteers to assist with the Beverly Free Clothing Give-Away Store at the library, 11071 S. Hoyne. Help is needed leading up to the shopping event on Feb. 11. Get details and dates from Tina Jenkins Bell*, tbell@bapa.org, 773-387-7588
BAPA Teen Corps Meeting
Need: Youth looking for leadership opportunities to plan volunteer opportunities, workshops, and other events and represent Beverly/Morgan Park youth on BAPA’s Teen Corps Board of Directors are invited to attend the board meeting Feb. 12, 11 a.m., at the BAPA office, 1744 W. 99th St. Board meetings are held monthly and students receive volunteer service hours for participating. Info: Tina Jenkins Bell, tbell@bapa.org, 773-387-7588
Beverly Branch Library Programs
Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St., hosts the following free programs this month: Adult Book Club featuring “Yonder” by Jabari Asin, online, Wed., Feb. 15, 2 to 3 p.m.; Teen Ankara Pillow Craft, celebrating Black History Month and geared to grades 9 to 12, Sat., Feb. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.; Introduction to 3D Printing for teens and adults, Mon., Feb. 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (reservations required); Makers and Gamers D&D One Shot Adventure for kids 10 and up, Thurs., Feb. 23, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Info/reservations: 312-747-9673.
The Beverly Branch Library and Bethlehem Lutheran Church invite area residents to “Let’s Talk About It: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” an evening of connection, reflection, and dialogue about “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson, Wed., Feb. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Beverly Library, 1962 W. 95th St. Info: 312-747-9673.
South Side Irish Parade Kickoff Party
The South Side Irish Parade hosts the 2023 Kickoff Party, Sat., Feb. 25, 3 to 7 p.m., 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St. $40 per person includes live music by Pat Finnegan & Friends, Liam Durkin, and 4Cast, plus draft beer, wine, pop and food. Tickets: southsideirishparade.org or at the door. Save the date for the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Sun., Mar. 12, stepping off at noon from 103rd and Western.
Free Store Distribution
The Turpin Cares Free Store distribution of household, hygiene, and first aid items for families in need will be held Wed., Feb. 15, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 11056 S. Longwood Dr. Info: turpincares@gmail.com.
BAC Youth Theatre Auditions
Students enrolled in grades 7 to 12 are invited to audition for the BAC Youth Theatre Company teen show, “Into the Woods Jr.,” Thurs., Feb. 24 and Fri., Feb. 25, 5 to 7 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Info: thebeverlyartscenter.com/auditions. Students cast in the production will be required to enroll in the BAC/YTC Production Course.
Garden Exchange
The Garden Exchange, a free event for getting your 2023 garden started, will be held Sat., Mar. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 2017 W. 110th Pl. The event will feature workshops on garden planning, native plants and pollinators, and gardening with children, as well as free seeds, a tool exchange, plus nature-based arts for children, music and snacks. Learn more at morganparkpres.org/garden.
