Sign up for Ridge Run by Jan. 15 and Save $5. Registration is open for BAPA’s Ridge Run on Memorial Day, Mon., May 27. If you sign up by Jan. 15, you can save $5 on race fees. The Ridge Run features a 10K run, 5K run and walk, and one mile youth run. BAPA presents the Beverly/Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade and ceremony as part of the Ridge Run. Find info and registration at www.bapa.org.
Learn How to Draw Comics and Manga. Vanderpoel Art Association Saturday Drawing Classes for 4th through 8th graders begin Jan. 5. Classes cover the basics of drawing, in addition to cartooning and sequential art (comic strips, comic books manga and graphic novels). Each class is limited to 15 students; choose morning or afternoon sessions: 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 12 to 1:30 p.m. Jim and Spencer McGreal will be co-teaching. Info /reservations: www.vanderpoelartmuseum.org/classes/ or jim@jmcstudios.com.
Celebrate the new year with Champagne and Sweets, Sat., Jan. 5, 5 to 7 p.m., Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley. $25 per person, reservations required. 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
Open Mic Afternoons. Open Mic Nights are Open Mic Afternoons starting Sun., Jan. 6, 4 p.m., Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Singers, musicians, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to perform. The event is free. Sign up your act with Debbie Parks, dahp2002@aol.com or 773-574-9727. General info: Meghan Maple, 773-474-7300.
Raise Your Voice in Song. The Beverly Morgan Park Community Choir is recruiting singers for its 20th season. Sponsored by the Community of Churches, the choir performs sacred music from classical to gospel at a concert in spring. There are no auditions and music is provided. Music pick-up and registration is Sun., Jan. 6, 3:15 to 5 p.m., Immanuel United Church of Christ, 9815 S. Campbell Ave. Rehearsals begin at same location Sun., Jan. 13, 3:15 p.m. also at Immanuel UCC.
All voices are welcome though male voices are particularly needed. Info: BMPCChoir@gmail.com.
An Artist’s Life A Century in the Making, an exhibit of batiks and other works by Ethel Wirtshafter, 1909-2009, through Feb. 24, Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley Ave. Hours/appointments: 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
Support Group for Caregivers. Beverly/Morgan Park residents who are caregivers for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are welcome to join a free support group Tues., Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., Smith Village at 2320 W. 113th Pl. In an open discussion led by Diane Morgan, Smith Village social service director of long-term care, participants can address issues such as sun-downing, wandering, memory loss and more. Reservations: 773-474-7300 or familyandfriends@smithvillage.org.
Election Judges Needed. The Chicago Board of Elections is seeking persons to serve as election judges for the municipal election, Tues., Feb. 26. Election judges are responsible for the conduct of elections at each polling place. For details on eligibility and requirements, and to apply to become an election judge, visit www.chicagoelections.com.
CAPS Meetings. All area residents are encouraged to get involved in CAPS meetings. For information, call the 22nd District CAPS office, 312-745-0620, email at Caps.022District@ChicagoPolice.org, or stop by the 22nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey. Court Advocacy Subcommittee, Wed., Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m. 22nd District Police Station. Domestic Violence Subcommittee, Thurs., Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m. 22nd District Police Station.
Parenting the iGen Seminar. Mother McAuley High School and Smart Girl Society, Inc. will host, “Parenting the iGen,” Thurs., Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at the school, 3737 W. 99th St. This free event is open to the community and will offer an in-depth look at how children are using social media, and tips and tools to help minimize negative experiences. RSVP www.mothermcauley.org/parents.
LSC Meetings. Kellogg School LSC, Thurs., Jan. 10, 6 p.m. Library, 9241 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2590; Clissold School LSC, Mon., Jan. 14, 7 p.m. Auditorium, 2350 W. 110th Pl., 773-535-2560; Sutherland School LSC, Tues., Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m. 10015 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2580; Morgan Park High School LSC, Wed., Jan. 16, 6 p.m. Library, 1744 W. Pryor, 773-535-2550.
The Frunchroom, Volume XVI: Winter of our discotheque edition, features five stories Thurs., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The quarterly South Side reading series is organized and emceed by Scott Smith in conjunction with the Beverly Area Arts Alliance. The Frunchroom readers are Dennis Foley, author of The Blue Circus;” poet, novelist and playwright Angela Jackson;
Nneka Jones Tapia, a psychologist committed to justice; photographer, musician and writer Preston Thomas; and co-owner of The Quilter’s Trunk Lisa Wilberding. The event is sponsored by the Beverly Arts Center. $5 donation requested.
Coffee and Conversation. State Sen. Bill Cunningham and State Rep. Fran Hurley invite area residents to share their thoughts at Coffee and Conversation Sat., Jan 19, 9 to 10 a.m., Dunkin Donuts, 10401 S. Western. Info: 773-445-8128 or www.senatorbillcunningham.com.
Need Computer Assistance? Cybernavigators are available at Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment. Get one-on-one help learning how to use your computer. Stop in to set up an appointment or call 312-747-9673.
Programs Focus on Good Health. Little Company of Mary Hospital, 2800 W. 95th St., offers a full schedule of classes, support groups, screenings and special programs aimed at helping area residents get and stay healthy. On the schedule this winter are CHEER (Choices, Humor, Enhancement, Education, Renewal), “Resolve to Get Involved,” Wed., Jan 16, 11 a.m., free; Babysitting Safe and Secure, a babysitting skills class for kids age 11 to 14, Mon., Jan 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $70; Healthy Heart Screenings, a full complement of vital tests, by appointment, $70; Cherished Angel Perinatal Loss Support Group for people coping with miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death, Sat., Jan., 19, 10:30 a.m., free; and Senior Social Club for independent active adults over age 60, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $2/month. Info and registration: 708-423-5774 or www.LCMH.org.
Medicare 101. Do you have questions about Medicare Health Insurance or do you just want to know how it works? Whether you’re turning 65 or a seasoned Medicare member, Medicare 101 presents information on Medicare changes for this year Wed., Jan 16, 12 to 2 p.m., Beverly Branch Chicago Public Library, 1962 W. 95th St. Info: 312-747-9673.
Platinum Adventures. Platinum Adventures programs and day trips are offered through Wintrust. This month’s adventures include “Meet Jackie Kennedy,” a first-person performance by Leslie Goddard set in 1964 and covering stories about the former First Lady’s marriage, work to restore the White House and struggle for privacy, Wed., Jan. 16, 2 p.m., First National Bank of Evergreen Park, 3960 W. 95th St., free; and a trip to the Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst, Tues., Jan. 29, leaving from Ridge Academy, 2501 W. 103rd St., at 9:45 a.m., $75/members or $80/non-members. Info/reservations, Margie O’Connell, 773-298-4712 or moconnell@thebeverlybank.com.
Castle Concert Series. Anne Harris plays the violin and dances Sat., Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. To sample her music, visit www.anneharris.com. The concert is the next in the series of folk music performances at the historic Givins Castle and Heritage Gallery. A $20 donation is suggested with proceeds going toward maintenance of the Castle. Info: 773-719-7059.
Brother Rice High School Trivia Night. Alumni Moms will host the 7th Annual Trivia Night Sat., Jan. 26, Brother Rice High School Carmody Center, 99th and Pulaski. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7. $20 per person. Tickets/ info: Alumnimoms@brrice.org.
Preparations Underway for 2019 Crystal Heart Ball Gala. The Crystal Heart Ball, the premier fundraising event for Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH), will be held Sat., Feb. 2, 2019 at the Field Museum. The theme for the black tie gala is Starry Night and proceeds will benefit Interventional Radiology Services at LCMH. Crystal Heart Ball guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by Food For Thought and music stylings by Maggie Speaks – Talk of the Town Big Band. The Ball will honor Jim McKeever – Kevin Dowling Scholarship Fund and Christmas Without Cancer. Uzma and Hamid Nazeer, D.O., and Lindsay and Chris Vandenberg are 2019 chair couples. For more call the LCMH Foundation, 708-229-5447 or visit www.LCMH.org/Foundation.
