Halloween House Near 96th and Winchester Earns Praise for Creativity
By Matthew Warakomski Villager Contributor Standing outside 9555 S. Winchester Ave., at least three drivers passed by shouting compliments and praise from their car windows, earning a chuckle and smile from Justin and John Uzonyi. Even though Justin says the constant attention can be a bit overwhelming out of season, elaborate decor has become a […]
Pumpkins on the Parkway: Rivalry Forms Along 107th Place
By Tim Moran Villager Editor Gina Sojka and Matt Nash have become good friends over the past few years. All of their kids go to the same school, and both are relatively new residents of 107th Place in the blocks just east of Western Avenue. Sojka moved into the 2300 block in 2021, and Nash […]
Joy Life Center Offers Spiritual Strength at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
By Brian Marchetti Villager Contributor A faith community has formed at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Joy Life Center, led by Pastor Bobby Lewis, looks to maintain joy with God at the center of one’s life. His ministry hopes to guide people to find their true purpose in life while forming healthy relationships with others […]
‘Love Over Fear’ at Core of The Peace Center at Bethlehem’s Mission
By Brian Marchetti Villager Contributor Choose love over fear. That’s the core idea behind Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church’s The Peace Center at Bethlehem’s mission. The church, located at 9401 S. Oakley Ave. in North Beverly, has designed programs through its center that focus on conflict resolution and open communication. Every summer, a week-long Peace Camp teaches participants ways to […]
A Look Ahead: 3 Beverly/Morgan Park Milestones Coming in 2026
By Brian Marchetti Villager Contributor Beverly/Morgan Park has a lot to celebrate in 2026. The Memorial Day Parade will have reached its 100th anniversary of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. The Original Rainbow Cone marks a century of countless customers enjoying five flavors of towering ice cream cones. Fifty years ago, […]
Southtown Health Foods’ Personalized Approach to Service Earns Them BAPA Community Service Award
By Tim Moran Villager Editor The philosophy of Southtown Health Foods has long been to invest in the local community. That mindset is one of the many reasons the beloved 95th Street store is one of this year’s recipients of the BAPA Community Service Award. “We financially support BAPA events, and BAPA itself, because we are about […]
Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry Thrives with Community-Minded Approach
By Tim Moran Villager Editor Nearly 45 years of feeding neighbors in Beverly/Morgan Park and beyond have earned the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry one of this year’s recipients of the BAPA Community Service Award. “The Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry has been an integral part of our community, having served our families for many, many […]
95th Street Business Association Names Kathleen Jensen New Director
By Janie McGann Villager Contributor As a lifelong Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood resident, Kathleen Jensen has always taken an interest in her community. Whether by teaching in local schools or serving on community boards, she prioritizes building connections and getting involved. Now, as she begins her new role as executive director of the 95th Street Business […]
‘George Wendt Way’ Declared at 92nd and Bell
BAPA staff reports Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood residents will now forever know the name of the famous actor who grew up on Bell Avenue between 91st Street and 92nd Place. That stretch of road in North Beverly is now known as George Wendt Way. It’s a nod to the memory of the late George Wendt, the […]
Sutherland Plans Annual Dia de los Muertos Fun Run
Submitted by Sutherland Athletic Association The 3rd Annual Sutherland Elementary School, Dia de los Muertos Fun Run is put on by our School Athletic Association and PTA. The event brings students, families, and the community together to celebrate health, fitness, and school spirit. Through running and walking side-by-side, we aim to promote lifelong wellness habits, […]