Free Business Counseling at BAPA. Local business owners are encouraged to take advantage of expert advice from counselors from SCORE and the Far South Community Development Corporation. Mentors from these organizations meet with clients at the BAPA office, 1987 W. 111th St. SCORE business mentor Mark Jaswanthkumar is available by appointment on Mondays, 9 to 11 a.m., to help entrepreneurs learn more about business start-up, finding funding, expanding their current businesses, managing cash flow and marketing. Mentoring is free and offered by appointment only. Make appointments at www.Chicago.score.org. Florence Hardy and Kathryn Jackson of the Far South Community Development Corporation (FSCDC) make appointments to help small businesses with business accounting and business plans on the second Wednesday of each month between 10 a.m. and noon. Far South counselors are experts at connecting businesses with resources and services for current and prospective business owners. To schedule an appointment, call BAPA, 773-233-3100.
Call for Artists. Chicagoland artists are invited to apply for the Ridge Park Art Fair & Festival to be held Sat., June 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ridge Park Cultural Center, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. A $20 application fee is required and will be used toward the $85 booth fee for artists who are accepted into the juried fair. Space is limited. The application deadline is Apr. 15. Eligible fine art media include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, leather crafts, textiles, jewelry, and art glass. The art fair is being coordinated by the Ridge Park Advisory Council and John H. Vanderpoel Art Association through the Chicago Park District Partners in Art program. Information/applications at www.ridgeparkartfair.org.
Teacher in the Library Homework Help. Certified teachers and trained homework helpers are available at local libraries to assist students with homework and learning strategies. Help is offered on a drop in basis and days/times vary by location. Contact local libraries for details: Beverly Branch, 1962. W. 111th St., 312-747-9673, and Walker Branch, 11071 S. Hoyne, 312-747-1920.
Light House Wellness Events. Light House Yoga & Wellness, 11240 S. Western, 2nd floor, will host Living Your Life with Passion, Balance & Grace, a women’s workshop with life coach Bridget Rourke, Sun., Mar. 4, 3 p.m.; Goddess Yoga for Women with Erin Kelly, Wed., Mar. 14, 7 p.m.; and Sound Healing: Live Music, Restorative Yoga & Aromatherapy with Brendan McAlinden and Erin Kelly, Sun., Mar. 18m 3 p.m. Information and registration: www.lighthousebeverly.com.
Spring Writing Classes. Registration is open for spring classes at Chicago Writers Studio, 1917 W. 103rd Street, Ste #5. Classes include Life Stories with Grace Kuikman, Blogging 101 with Camille Acker and Getting Started Writing Fiction with Cole Lavalais begin the first week of March. Info/registration at www.ChicagoWritersStudio.com.
Chicago, Collected Exhibit at BAC. Chicago, Collected, an exhibit of specimens, artifacts, and scientific presentations from The Field Museum, will open with a reception Sun., Mar. 4, 2 to 4 p.m., and continue through Sat., Mar. 31 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Through this innovative collaboration, visitors can discover fossils, animals, plants, and other real objects from the museum’s collection, all showcasing the incredible natural world right here in Chicago. On select dates, scientists from the Field will present their research, answer questions, and show off special items from the Museum. Info: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Early Voting. 19th Ward residents can vote early for the Illinois primary election Mar. 5 through 19 at Mount Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. through Sat., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. On Mon., Mar. 19, voting will remain open until 7 p.m. People can register to vote and vote at the same time during early voting; two forms of accepted identification will be required. People who wish to vote by mail can find forms at the 19th Ward office, 10400 S. Western or online at www.chicagoelections.com; a mail ballot must be postmarked on or before Mar. 20 to be counted. Early voting is available at the Chicago Board of Elections, 16 W. Adams St.
After School Matters Spring Programs for Teens. After School Matters is now accepting teen applications for the spring program session that features more than 400 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM at nearly 150 locations throughout the city. Teens can search and apply online at afterschoolmatters.org. Application features include an interactive map to help teens search for programs and a full Spanish translation on a mobile-friendly platform. Questions: 312-742-4182 or applications@afterschoolmatters.org.
Beverly Bank Platinum Adventures. Platinum Adventures through Beverly Bank offers a variety of programs and activities at area Wintrust bank locations. This month: Can You Hear Me? a discussion on recognizing the signs of hearing loss, Tues., Mar. 6, 11:30 a.m., First National Bank of Evergreen Park, 3960 W. 95th St., free/members, $5/non-members; “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Thurs., Mar. 15, Drury Lane Theatre, $99/members, $109/non-members includes lunch; Mollie’s War, a presentation of the role of women in the military with a focus on WACS in WWII, Tues., Mar. 20, 2 p.m., First National Bank of Evergreen Park; Good Mood Food, a presentation from the Little Company of Mary Hospital CHEER program, Thurs., Mar. 22, 10 am., First National Bank of Evergreen Park, free/members, $5/non-members; and Safe Use of Medications, presented by a doctor from Little Company of Mary Hospital, Wed., Mar. 28, 11:30 a.m., First National Bank of Evergreen Park, free/members, $5/non-members. Info, program registration and membership details: Margie O’Connell, 773-239-2265 or moconnell@thebeverlybank.com.
LSC Meetings. John H. Vanderpoel Humanities Academy LSC, Tues., Mar. 6, 5:30 p.m. 9510 S. Prospect Ave., 773-535-2690; Barnard Elementary School LSC, Mon., Mar. 19, 6:30 p.m. Room 203, 10354 S. Charles St., 773-535-2625; Clissold School LSC, Mon., Mar. 19, 7 p.m. Auditorium, 2350 W. 110th Pl., 773-535-2560; Sutherland School LSC, Tues., Mar. 20, 6:30 p.m. 10015 S. Leavitt St., 773-535-2580; Morgan Park High School LSC, Wed., Mar. 21, 7 to 9 p.m. School Library, 1744 W. Pryor, 773-535-2550; and Barbara Vick Early Childhood & Family Center LSC, Tues., Mar. 27, 3:45 p.m. St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. 773-535-2671.
Support Group for Caregivers of People with Dementia. Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl., invites neighbors who are caregivers for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to attend a free memory care support group Tues., Mar. 6, 6:30 p.m. The floor will be open for a Q&A session with caregivers able to ask about sundowning, the disease’s progress and what certain behaviors mean. Reservations: 773-474-7300 or familyandfriends@smithvillage.org.
Open Mic Night. Irish folk musicians — some from the well-known Dyed in the Wool band — are expected to perform during Open Mic Night, Tues., Mar. 6, 7 to 10 p.m., Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Singers, musicians, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to perform for an appreciative audience. Free. To sign up your act, contact Debbie Parks, dahp2002@aol.com or 773-574-9727. Info about attending, 773-474-7300 (ask for Meghan Maple).
CAPS Meetings. Beat 2221, Tues., Mar. 6, 7 p.m. Christ the King, 9225 S. Hamilton; Beat 2213, Thurs., Mar. 8, 6:30 p.m. Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. Court Advocacy Subcommittee, Wed., Mar. 14, 1:30 p.m. 22nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey; Domestic Violence Subcommittee, Thurs., Mar. 22, 10:30 a.m. 22nd District Police Station. Area residents are encouraged to get involved with 22nd District CAPS activities. Info: 312-745-0620.
Burglary Prevention Seminar. “Keeping It Real,’ a burglary prevention seminar for residents of the 19th Ward, will be presented Tues., Mar. 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Convicted criminals will discuss how to protect yuourself rom becoming a crime victim. Information will be available from the police. Free. Info: mattoshea@the19thward.com.
Saturday Drawing Class. Registration is w open for the Vanderpoel Art Association Saturday Drawing Class, beginning Mar. 10 at 10 a.m., Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. Jim McGreal will teach the basics of drawing, cartooning, and sequential art (comic strips, comic books and graphic novels). The class limited to 15 students. Registration: https://jmcstudios.com/vaa/2018-spring-class-registration-form.php
19th Ward Business Breakfast. The 19th Ward Business Breakfast for business owners will be held Wed., Mar. 7, 8:30 a.m., La Fiesta Restaurant, 3333 W. 111th St. Information and resources from the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection will be available and representatives from the Chicago Police Department 22nd District will also be present. Anyone operating a business in the 19th Ward is encouraged to attend and learn more about efforts to support the local economy in Beverly/Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood. For information, contact the 19th Ward Office, 773-238-8766. Co-hosts are BAPA, the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association, 95th Street Business Association and Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association.
One Earth Film Festival Screening. “What Lies Upstream,” a documentary by Cullen Hoback that reveals how the quality of drinking water is impacted by how companies and the government circumvent public health policies and the lax enforcement of laws that protect the environment, will be screened at Wed., Mar. 7, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., as part of the 7th annual One Earth Film Festival. The 2018 theme is “This is the Moment,” and the BAC is one of 47 Chicago area venues that will be screening films about environmental issues and hosting discussions on how people can get involved in protecting the environment. Admission: $6 ($5 for BAC members). Festival info: oneearthfilmfest.org.
BACinema Special Screening. “Rogers Park” (2017), an official selection in the Chicago International Film Festival, will be screened Thurs., Mar. 8, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111th St. In Chicago’s most diverse neighborhood, four intertwined lives begin to buckle under midlife pressures in this thought provoking drama. Filmmaker Kyle Henry will conduct a Q&A with audience following the screening. Tickets: $6 ($5/BAC members). Info, tickets and movie trailer at www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Shamrock Skate. The Shamrock Skate will be held Sat., Mar 10, 4:45 to 6:05 p.m., Morgan Park Sports Center, 11505 S. Western. Admission: adults and teens, $5; age 12 and under, $4; age 60+, $2. Skate rental is $3.
Children’s Programs at Beverly Library. Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St., hosts the following free programs for children this month: Preschool Story Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., including stories, songs, activities and crafts; Irish Tales for all ages, Wed., Mar. 14, 4 to 5 p.m., featuring stories, songs, dance and treats; and Sew & Tell, in which participants will create a Celtic knot-inspired hand-stitched block, Sat., Mar. 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Registration required; call 312-747-9673.
SXU Spring Internship and Job Fair. Seeking an internship, part-time or full-time job? Need help navigating the job market? Saint Xavier University (SXU) will host the 2018 Spring Internship and Job Fair Fri., Mar. 16, 12 to 3 p.m., SXU Shannon Center, 3700 W. 103rd St. Free and open to the public. Employers will recruit for full-time, part-time and internship positions. Attendees are advised to dress professionally and bring many copies of their resumes. Find a full list of employers at www.sxu.edu, keyword: job fair. Info: 773-298-3131.
Troop 609 Pancake Breakfast. Boy Scout Troop 609 invites area residents to the annual Pancake Breakfast Sat., Mar. 17, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Morgan Park Baptist Church basement, 11024 S. Bell Ave. Enjoy pancakes and more: $4 for adults and teens, $2 for ages 5to 10, and free for preschoolers. Carry outs available.
Math Know How Boot Camp. Math Know How Boot Camp offers an eight-week workshop Mar. 20 through May 17 at Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St. Students will be participant in grade level groups, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.: grades 3 and 4, on Tues., grades 5 and 6 on Wed., and grades 7 and 8 on Thurs. Fee: $450 per student. Info: 773-590-0096 or email mathknowhow@gmail.com.
SXU Community Health Fair. Free health screenings, assessments and information are available at the 15th Annual Community Health Fair, Fri., Mar. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saint Xavier University, Shannon Center, 3700 W. 103rd St. The fair, which is free and open to the public, is a “one-stop shop” for free health services that include free screenings and assessments for blood pressure, blood glucose, bone density, hearing and vision, injuries, stress, body mass index, spinal cord. The fair also includes free chair massages; 15-minute chair yoga classes every hour starting at 9 a.m.; demonstrations about child and adult CPR, first aid, exercise demonstrations, and free screenings; a scavenger hunt, a children’s activity corner, and face painting; and a wide range of vendors. Info: 773-298-3592.
Utility Bill Clinic. Representatives from the Citizens Ulility Board (CUB) will help area residents spot ways to reduce their uillity bills at a clnic, Mon., Mar. 26, 6 to 8 p.m., 19th Ward office, 10400 S. Western. Residents should bring copies of their bills for review. Free. Reservations required: Anairis Boror, 312-263-4282 ext. 111.
Amplified Phone Testing. The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities will provide phone testing for people who have trouble hearing on the phone Wed., Mar. 28, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., 19th Ward Office, 10402 S. Western. Illinois has a free amplified phone program that may be able to help people with hearing loss; to qualify you must no longer be able to use a standard telephone. Participants must bring copy of latest landline and/or cell phone bill, must have Bluetooth on their cell phone, must have proof of residency, and must have pre-paid phone service verification. Info about the program at www.itactty.org. RSVP for testing is required at 773-445-8128.
East Beverly Town Hall Meeting. A 19th Ward Town Hall meeting will be held Wed., Mar. 28, 7 p.m., Graver Park, 1518 W. 102nd Pl. Representatives from various government agencies will be present to address concerns and share information. The meeting is being sponsored by 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea, State Sen. Bill Cunningham, State Rep. Fran Hurley, BAPA, Vanderpoel Improvement Association and East Beverly Association.
Registration Open at Dance Gallery. Registration is now open for the spring session of dance classes for children and adults at the Dance Gallery, 10628 S. Western. Classes are offered for beginners through advanced levels in several dance disciplines, and are taught by a professional dance faculty. Info: 773-445-8910 or www.dancegallerychicago.com.
Jesus ‘Jewishness’ Seminar. Lois Tverberg, author of “Reading the Bible with Jesus,” will present a seminar on the topic Jesus, Our Rabbi, and Lord Sun., Apr. 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Bethany Union Church of Chicago, 1750 W. 103rd St. The seminar will look at how Jesus’s first-century Jewish context sheds light on his ministry and messianic claims. Free. Info/RSVP: 773-779-0123 or office@bethanyunion.com.
Save the date: City of Chicago citywide clean and green spring clean-up, Sat., April 21.