By Brian Marchetti
Villager Contributor
The newest member of the Beverly Area Planning Association’s board of directors brings his love of Beverly/Morgan Park and his passion for early childhood education to the organization. Please welcome Patrick Singler.
Originally from the Christ the King Parish in North Beverly, Singler made his way to the North Side in Wicker Park then lived a little closer to home at Taylor and Racine. Five years ago, he took the position of director of the Castle Preschool located at 10244 S. Longwood Drive. Since then, he, along with his wife Julie and their three daughters, have lived in the neighborhood near Hurley Park.
“I’m living the dream as director of the Castle,” said Mr. Patrick, the name used by his students and their families. “I’m very lucky to have such a wonderful staff of teachers in a loyal, strongly knit community.”
Singler joined the BAPA board this past April. He hopes to reach out to the community and find out the needs of Beverly/Morgan Park residents and what he can do to make them a reality.
“What do people want the community to be like in 20 years?” Singler asked. “What do they want it to feel like and sound like? I want to know what steps we can take to realize those ends.”
In his free time, Singler enjoys all things outdoors. He bikes, plays tennis, golfs and has visited several national parks, specifically naming Glacier and Shenandoah as his favorites. His home in Beverly/Morgan Park reflects his love of nature.
“Spending time outside with my family is one of my favorite things,” Singler said. “We’re very happy here. We have a big yard with 200-year-old oaks that make a canopy. We love the community.”
Through his membership on the BAPA board, he hopes to open lines of communication with the residents of Beverly/Morgan Park. As a passionate early childhood educator, he has a handle on the pulse of the community, but reaching out for suggestions and feedback will help BAPA become a more effective organization.
“I’m here to listen and help shape what the community wants,” Singler said. “We’re asking people to share their thoughts and concerns about the neighborhood.”
Like so many before him, Singler left Beverly/Morgan Park only to return and raise his family here. He did not intend to do so, but circumstances and opportunities proved otherwise.
“Life reveals itself in so many ways,” Singler said.
