Around the Neighborhood: BAPA Business Member Spotlights
By Aaqila Harvey Community Business Director In every edition of The Villager, we love celebrating the local businesses that not only serve our community but also support BAPA’s mission as active business members. These members help strengthen Beverly/Morgan Park by investing in our neighborhood, providing essential services, and standing alongside our not-for-profit organization in building […]
Groff Painting
By Marianne Walsh Aaron Groff recalls the moment he realized house painting was not for everyone. “I was attending school at the Cleveland Institute of Art. After waiting tables, my friends and I started painting houses. They absolutely hated it. I remember distinctly being on a ladder and my friend turned to me and said […]
Valentine’s Day and Every Day: Sending Messages With Flowers
By Grace Kuikman More than a century has passed since Victorian friends, lovers and enemies used flowers to communicate feelings they were unable to aloud, but the tradition of giving flowers to send best wishes, express sympathy, or deepen affection is very much alive. And on Valentine’s Day, the message is usually “I love you.” […]
Al’s Cookie Mixx Promotes Employment for Adults with Special Needs
By Kristin Boza Chef Alvin Green, known throughout the neighborhood for his personal/private chef business, is now in the cookie business. Al’s Cookie Mixx creates handmade, small batch, luxe gourmet cookies made with the finest ingredients, all while employing adults with special needs. Green’s youngest son, Aiden, lives with autism and he inspired Green’s idea […]
Mind | Body | Heart Yoga & Wellness Transforms Emotional and Physical Connections
By Kristin Boza Carly Crone is recognized as one of the yoga pioneers in Beverly/Morgan Park; for many years she owned and operated the Beverly Yoga Center on 103rd Street. The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were incredibly difficult for Crone and her business, so she did what she does best: with grit and determination, she transformed […]
New Fitness/Wellness Studio Opens at Ridge Church on 103rd
By Kristin Boza The Studio Beverly, a yoga, fitness, and wellness studio, opens this month in a space originally built as a church at 2501 W. 103rd St. The former church is also home to home décor and gift shop Haven 1890 and women’s clothing store Emilia Gray. The Studio Beverly co-owners and yoga instructors […]
Look Local to Plan the Perfect Holiday Party
By Kristin Boza December — the most wonderful time of the year, right? Parties, cocktails, small bites, cozy dinners, and time well spent with family and friends. This dreamy, joyful month is not at all stressful, unless of course you’re the one actually planning and presenting the parties that will make magical memories. Lucky for […]
Swanny’s Barbershop Opens on Western
By Kristin Boza Swanny’s Barbershop, 10450 S. Western Ave., is more than just a place for men and boys to get the most stylish haircut; it’s a meeting place for people to gather and share stories and laughs. The old-school barbershop flair is coupled with precision hair styles and beard care, and its owner, Erik […]
Shopping Spotlight: Get a Keepsake Photo of Santa
Real Life Moment Photography Studio in Mount Greenwood offers unique holiday photo sessions featuring fun and interactive experiences with the guest of the season: Santa Claus. Real Life Moment Photography Studio is owned and operated by Bridget Forbes, who offers holiday photo sessions with a real-life Santa Claus who interacts with children and listens […]
Business Spotlight on Afro Joe’s
By Kristin Boza Afro Joe’s, 1818 W. 99th St., has become a neighborhood go-to for unique specialty coffee drinks and savory breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Since it moved Beverly/Morgan Park earlier this year, the shop has become a staple for work-from-homers, commuters, and neighbors enjoying glorious lazy Sundays. Kendall and Aisha Griffin started the shop […]