Champagne & Sweets. Enjoy and evening of Champagne and Sweets to celebrate the new year, Sat., Jan 6, 7 p.m., Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave. $25. RSVP by Jan. 3: 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
Restock the Food Pantry Drive. The Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association will host a non-perishable food drive in January to help re-stock the shelves of the Maple/Morgan Park Food Pantry after the holiday season. Collection boxes will be located at various Beverly/Morgan Park businesses and monetary donations will also be accepted. Info: Caroline Connors, 773-779-2530
Longwood Writers Guild. Longwood Writers Guild, a critique group for adult creative writers, will be held Mon., Jan. 8 and 22, 7 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Open to serious writers who wish to improve their work. Info: longwoodwritersguild@gmail.com.
The Untold Story of Chicago’s First Black Banker. Don Hayner, former Chicago Sun-Times editor, will present “Jesse Binga: The Untold Story of Chicago’s First Black Banker” as features speaker for the urban history seminar, Thurs., Jan. 18, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. $25 admission includes a reception and dinner, 5:45 p.m., program at 7 p.m. and free parking. Reservations required: 312-642-4600 or http://www.chicagohistory.org/events
Storytelling Showcase: South Specific. A Storytelling Showcase features personal stories from the participants of David Boyle’s storytelling workshops Fri., Jan. 19, 7 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. storytellers are Grace Kuikman, Caroline Mooney, Jean Vanier, Madeline O’Malley, Tirzah Manley and Betsy Lenehan-Sloan. $10 donation requested. BYOB.
Beverly Wedding Expo. Couples who are making wedding plans can streamline the search for just the right vendor services at the 2nd Annual Beverly Wedding Expo, Sun., Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The event will feature more than 50 wedding vendors including caterers, bakers, florists, photographers, hair and make-up artists, musicians, invitation designers and more. Attendees can meet local vendors, sample food and sweets, hear live music, check out the latest wedding trends and also experience the BAC, which is a wedding venue. Tickets: $10 for individuals or $15 for couples, 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
League of Women Voters Meeting. The League of Women Voters of Chicago-Far Southwest Side Unit will meet Wed., Jan. 24, 7 p.m., at 9904 S. Damen Ave., to discuss Prescription Drug Pricing. 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 lwvchicago.org.
The Frunchroom. Readers will be presenting their stories for The Frunchroom reading series Thurs., Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Details: thefrunchroom.com.
‘According to Mark.’ “According to Mark,” a one-man play of the Gospel According to Mark, will be performed Sun., Jan. 28, 3 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 9401 S. Oakley. Transforming Biblical passages into a compelling, moving, and often humorous story of love and sacrifice. The Biblical story is brought to life by Broadway, film, and television actor Jim Krag, who has researched and performed pieces of the Gospel of Mark for over two decades, offering insight that can enhance or even challenge one’s notions of the story. Free. Info: 773-445-7558 or www.bethlehem-chicago.org.
Join the Community Choir. The Beverly Morgan Park Community Choir (pictured) is recruiting singers for its 2018 season. Rehearsals start on Sun., Jan. 28 with music pick-up and registration 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 9815 S. Campbell Ave. Rehearsals are held each Sunday for 10. No audition is required. Singers from Beverly/Morgan Park and surrounding suburbs are cordially invited. Male voices are particularly needed and all sheet music is provided. The season will conclude with a concert Sun., Apr. 22 at St. Cajetan Church. Info: bmpcchoir@gmail.com or www.BMPCC.org.
South Side Irish Parade Fundraiser. The South Side Irish Parade will kick off 2018 festivities with a pre-parade fundraiser Sat., Feb. 3, 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St. The event features raffle prizes, a silent auction, the South Side Irish Parade Queen Selection, live Irish music and much more. The parade is operated by the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Heritage Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. More than 100 volunteers work year-round to ensure this family-friendly celebration continues for future generations. Tickets and info: southsideirishparade.org. Special Olympics Chicago is Grand marshal of the parade to be held Sun., Mar. 11.
