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Beat the Winter Blues with Outdoor Activities 

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By Cathriona Fey 
BAPA Community Outreach 

January is here and with it come the snowy, cold Midwest weather we all know, but may or may not love. Don’t let the drop in temperatures keep you from experiencing the many benefits of being outdoors. Improve stress levels, lower blood pressure and give your physical and mental health a boost by getting outside this winter.  

Beverly/Morgan Park residents are fortunate to have the Dan Ryan Woods, 8700 S. Western, available. This 250+ acre forest preserve is part of the Cook County Forest Preserves system, with public trails that will remain open during the winter. Solo or with your bubble, BAPA is encouraging neighbors to bundle up, embrace the cold fresh air and try some of the following family-friendly and socially-distant outdoor activities at the Woods.  

Cross–Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing: Every winter, the Beverly Improvement Association (BIA) partners with Ald. Matt O’Shea to host cross–country skiing and snowshoeing in the Dan Ryan Woods on Sundays at 1 p.m. when there is at least four inches of snow on the ground. Participants meet at Beverly Bike and Ski, 9121 S. Western, where equipment such as cross-country skis, boots, poles and snowshoes are available to rent for $15 for the day or $25 for the weekend.  

Sledding: The Dan Ryan Woods has hills perfect for sledding and will be open for sledders as weather permits this winter. Bring your own sled.   

Open Nature Play Days: The Cook County Forest Preserve District hosts open nature play times at the Dan Ryan Woods Nature Play Space, near the Visitor Center. January Play Days are Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Fridays, 12 to 4 p.m. Registration is required: Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov or 312-415-2970. 

Walk & Talk Hikes: Walk & Talk Hikes at the Dan Ryan Woods are for curious people who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes are led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation. The next Walk & Talk Hike is Sat., Jan. 16, 10 a.m. Sign-up at wntdanryan.eventbrite.com. 

Looking for additional ways to get outside and beat those winter blues? Check out these outdoor ideas to brighten up the winter months. 

Walk to the Pandemograms: The Beverly Area Arts Alliance’s Pandemograms became a neighborhood favorite after the 2020 Beverly Art Walk was cancelled. Pandemograms will continue through January, exhibiting the work of local artists in storefronts throughout the community. Take a walk and take in the Pandemograms at the following businesses: Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy, 10909 S. Western; Horse Thief Hollow, 10426 S. Western; Connections Learning Center, 2744 W. 111th St.); Running Excels, 10328 S. Western; Bookie’s, 10324 S. Western; Color Me Beauty Bar, 1810 ½ W. 99th St., and Tranquility, 9908 S. Walden Pkwy. 

Play at Our Parks: Beverly/Morgan Park is home to eight Chicago Park District parks. These parks remain open during the winter and offer plenty of space for some outdoor winter play. Get your quaranteam together for sledding, dodge snowball, tag football, relay races or snowman–building in the parks.  

Plan a Soup Picnic: Dining al fresco isn’t just for a summer day. Grab your favorite soup and a thermos and head outside for a soup picnic!  

Take Your Workout Outdoors: Don’t let the cold weather put an end to your outdoor workout routine. Exercising outdoors has several benefits including improved mood, extra calories burned and a boost to your immunity. Stay safe using these tips from the Mayo Clinic: check weather conditions and wind chill; know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia; dress in layers; protect your head, hands, feet and ears; and drink plenty of fluids.  

Shovel for Neighbors: Kind is always cool, even in the winter. Increase your time outdoors and get some exercise in while doing a good deed. Offer to shovel snow for a neighbor, or contact BAPA, bapa@bapa.org, to volunteer and help other neighbors with snow removal requests. 

Participate in BAPA’s South Side Snowman Contest: This winter, snowmen will be on parade throughout Beverly/Morgan Park for BAPA’s South Side Snowman Contest. Follow BAPA on Facebook or sign-up for BAPA’s e-newsletter at www.bapa.org for details and to enter your home’s snowman. 

 

 

Neighborhbood Notes – Events for January 2020

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The Ostrega-Uhl Project will present a recital of Mozart and Musicals Sat., Jan. 11, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. The recital will feature Mozart’s famous “Piano Quartet in G” as well as string quartet arrangements of his famous operas from the 18th century, and string quartet arrangements of works from musicals of the 20th century, including selections from “The Sound of Music,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “West Side Story.” Performers include Brian Osrega, violin; Stephen Uhl, piano; and guest artists Don Galat, violin; Emma Strohbusch, viola; and Brian Gaoma, cello. Free and open to the public. Info: 312-747-9673.

As part of their monthly wellness seminar series, Beverly Therapists presents “For Couples: Shifting Communication Patterns,” Sat., Jan 11, 3 to 5 p.m., 10725 S. Western. Kanosha Leonard, LCPC will lead participants in an open discussion about communication in their relationships, define primary and secondary emotions, and learn an emotionally-focused approach to communication. $10 per person. Registration required: www.beverlytherapists.com.

The Beverly Morgan Park Community Choir is recruiting new members for the 2020 season. Music pick-up is Sun., Jan. 12, 3:15 to 5:15 p.m., Immanuel United Church of Christ, 9815 S. Campbell. Rehearsals begin the following week, and the 10-week season culminates with a concert Sun., Mar. 29. Now in its 21st season, the choir was founded by the Beverly Morgan Park Community of Churches and is composed of about 60 singers. No audition is required; male voices especially welcome. Info: bmpcchoir@gmail.com or www.bmpcc.org.

Longwood Writers Guild, a critique group for creative writers, will meet Mon., Jan. 13, 7 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Bring a piece in progress to read for productive input, or write from a prompt. For more information or to get the prompt, email longwoodwritersguild@gmail.com.

The new Rotary Club of Beverly/Morgan Park, Mt Greenwood will meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, and invites interested people to attend and learn more. The Jan. 14 and 28 meetings will be held at 6:15 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr.

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service  at the Dan Ryan Woods will be held Mon., Jan. 20,  12. To 3 p.m. Volunteers age 10 and up will meet at the visitor center, 87th and Western, and help on stewardship projects such as removing invasive plant species from the woodland habitat, as well as outdoor and indoor activities to make the day fun. Community groups, school groups, families and individuals are encouraged to participate. If weather permits, there will be snowshoes for people to try out, a fire outside to warm up with and hot chocolate.  Groups of 5 or more people  are asaked to register in advance, and waivers need to be signed, so minors must be accompanied with a group or their guardians.  Info:  https://fpdcc.com/event/m-l-k-jr-day-of-service/.

Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., is offering Winter Days Off School Arts Camps on days when CPS schools are closed: Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 20; End of Quarter 2 day, Jan. 31; and President’s Day, Feb. 17. Camps are open to children age 5 through 12, and activities include workshops in dance, music, theater and visual arts. Each camp is $42 per child ($38 for BAC members), with pre-camp and after care offered for additional fees. Info: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.

The League of Women Voters of Chicago-Far Southwest Side Group will meet Wed., Jan. 22, 7 p.m., 9904 S. Damen Ave., to discuss the Chicago City Budget.  The League is a non-partisan organization that provides informal discussion of current political, social and economic issues.  Public welcome.  Info: 312-939-5949, 773-233-1420 or my.lwv.org/illinois/chicago.

Mother McAuley High School senior Kathryn Alvarez has been awarded a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship. Alvarez is a graduate of St. John Fisher elementary school and caddie at Ridge Country Club.  At McAuley she is enrolled in honors and AP classes, and participates in the National Honors Society, Science National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. The Chick Evans Scholarship Foundation, sponsored by the Western Golf Association, has awarded nearly 11,000 scholarships for full tuition and housing college scholarships to hardworking caddies with limited financial means since 1930.

Congratulations to Tommy Harris of Beverly/Morgan Park, who was awarded a Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Bungalow Award for landscape design. His award-winning yard and gardens can be viewed on CBA’s website, www.chicagobungalow.org.  The annual Awards were created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association, with the generous support of The Driehaus Foundation. The Driehaus Awards honor the creativity and efforts of homeowners for the work they’ve done in interior and exterior renovations, restoration, and landscape design.

Congratulations to Brother Rice High School class of 2020 students and Beverly/Morgan Park residents who have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars. The scholars and their elementary schools are Henry J. Barsch (St. Barnabas), John R. Dolan (St. Barnabas), John M. Eastman (St. John Fisher), Ryan J. Kopale (St. John Fisher), Michael P. Nelligan (St. John Fisher), and Jeremy J. Zemgulys (Sutherland).

Congratulations to Earl Sean Simpson of Beverly/ Morgan Park, who is celebrating his 101st birthday on January 9th. Mr. Simpson served as Private First Class in the United States Army during WWII in a segregated unit, 696th Port Company (Transportation Corps), and has lived in Beverly since 2002.

 

 

Hike, Picnic, Climb, Play at Dan Ryan Woods  

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Dan Ryan Woods has been a popular location for family gatherings and a place to connect to nature for generations. More than $3.5 million has been invested in new amenities at the site in the past six years  

“There is a lot of history here. For more than 100 years, Dan Ryan Woods has been a forest preserve. Our administration has worked with many partners on a Master Plan to reimagine Dan Ryan Woods and write a new chapter,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. The 267-acre Dan Ryan Woods is among nearly 70,000 acres of the Forest Preserves Cook County.  

Since 2013, Dan Ryan Woods, a signature Gateway Site for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, has renovated and reopened the historic Dan Ryan Pavilion to the public as a venue for indoor special events; transformed a former maintenance building into the new Dan Ryan Visitors Center where local residents can purchase picnic permits; repaired limestone aqueducts south of 87th Street that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s; and added walking paths and new signs to tell the history of this special place and to help visitors more easily find their way around.  

The most recent additions are popular new exercise stairs near the sledding hill and a multi-faceted nature play area, where children of all ages can make thunder or make music, climb the netting, lounge in a leaning hammock, or look out over the landscape in the Treehouse. Young people in the Forest Preserves’ Youth Outdoor Ambassadors program have developed new nature play programming for kids based in adventure, creativity and citizen science.  

Dan Ryan Woods includes open woodlands and native grasses and wildflowers, and is one Cook County’s popular forest preserves. 

 

Village Viewpoint

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is hard to believe we are heading into the month of August! As we soak up these last bits of summer and prepare for a productive fall and winter calendar of programming and back to school activities, it is also a time to be thankful for all the support that BAPA receives in the spring and summer – please know your attendance at our events and volunteerism are never taken for granted. We are so thankful for this amazing community!

We have had many proud moments over the last month, including the 15th annual Beverly Hills Cycling Classic. Over 3000 people came out to check out the race and sample some brews from area breweries and especially Lagunitas Brewing Company, which contributed over 20 kegs to help BAPA raise funds for our beautification efforts. Other generous breweries were Horse Thief Hollow, Blue Island Beer Co., Argus Brewery, Baderbrau and of course Western Avenue’s newest brewery Open Outcry Brewing Co.! What an amazing show of support of our community – thank you!

Another highlight of the summer is all the investment into the Dan Ryan Woods by the Cook County Forest Preserve in honor of the 100th anniversary of the woods. We are so lucky to have this resource right here in our community. They have lots of family fun planned on Aug. 27, so please mark your calendars; you will not be disappointed!

Also coming up in August, BAPA is excited to host a seminar with an expert on navigating the high school entrance process for both Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment and the private schools. We are lucky to have many options for all levels of education in our neighborhood. Please join us for this free event.  We are also looking forward to a great month of September when BAPA will host a girls night Shop and Sip supporting local women-owned businesses. It should be lots of fun!

Thanks for all your support through BAPA membership and event attendance. See you around the neighborhood enjoying the rest of the summer!

All the best,

Margot

Dan Ryan Woods Turns 100; Ribbon Cut for Improvements, Visitor Center

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By Kristin Boza

As the Dan Ryan Woods turns 100 this month, numerous family-friendly activities are set to honor the anniversary and showcase the forest preserve to those who may not have had the opportunity to visit before.

On Sun., Aug. 27, 2 to 7 p.m., a 100th anniversary event will be held at the Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion which includes guided hikes, archery and information about the preserve, including its namesake. Forest Jam begins at 5:30 p.m. and offers group jam sessions, education on making instruments from natural and recycled materials and a concert by local musicians. All events are free and open to the public.

Additionally, Archery 101 is offered on Thurs., Aug. 24, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Participants must be at least 10 years old and everyone will learn about the history of archery, bow parts and proper technique. This class is also free and all equipment is provided.

According to Stacina Stagner, communications manager for the forest preserve district, the Dan Ryan Woods was a working farm before the Forest Preserves of Cook County purchased its 112 acres and created the Beverly Hills Preserve. In 1924, it was renamed Dan Ryan Woods in honor of Dan Ryan, Sr., a president of the Cook County Board.

“Dan Ryan Woods is among the most popular sites in the Forest Preserves. It is often one of the top-visited picnic locations year after year,” Stagner said. “Within this 257-acre preserve, visitors can explore historic limestone aqueducts, hop on the beginning of the Major Taylor Trail for a bike ride, and walk the paved loop trail. It’s also home to one of the highest points in Chicago, where visitors can look out and see the beautiful landscape. During winter, Dan Ryan Woods is a popular sledding destination.”

The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers a variety of ways for residents to get involved in preservation and improvement of Dan Ryan Woods, including the Adopt-A-Site and Trail Watch programs. “Through Adopt-A-Site, people of all ages make a commitment to their favorite Forest Preserves location and clean up litter,” Stagner said. “The Trail Watch program means volunteers help make the Forest Preserves safer simply by doing what they’re already doing — visiting the Forest Preserves.” For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit FPDCC.com/Volunteer.

Keep an eye out for some updates to Dan Ryan Woods in the future; Stagner says that a new nature play area and installation of a kiosk featuring panels showcasing Dan Ryan’s new amenities and history are on the horizon.

 

Dan Ryan Woods Enhancements Include New Visitor Center, Loop Trail  

Cook County Board and Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, joined by Sen. Bill Cunningham, Rep. Fran Hurley, and numerous Commissioners and officials from the Forest Preserves of Cook County, celebrated recent improvements made to Dan Ryan Woods as it becomes one of the Forest Preserves’ first signature “Gateway” locations under the Forest Preserves’ Gateway Master Plan.

“Dan Ryan Woods is among the most popular sites in the Forest Preserves, and is actually one of the few within Chicago proper. It is also often one of the top-visited picnic locations year after year, and it’s easy to see why,” said President Preckwinkle. “Without question, Dan Ryan Woods was selected as a Gateway site. For decades, families have come together here to enjoy a respite from the city, gathering for picnics, sporting events, or simply a walk”

The Gateway Master Plan explores gateways as a class of special sites with identifiable entry-ways at various locations throughout the preserves to encourage people to take advantage of the natural open space available in Cook County. According to the plan, Gateway sites will undergo enhancements to help convey a sense of welcome, interest, safety and beauty. Opportunities to create a “sense of place” include increasing natural area restoration, integrating art and sculptures, and developing a policy on interpretation that communicates natural and cultural assets within the Forest Preserves.

Recent investments at Dan Ryan Woods include the Visitors Center which features permit sales and a new outdoor classroom, as well as improvements to the Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion. Further enhancements coming to Dan Ryan Woods include special interpretive signs showcasing the amenities and history of the site, a nature play area with a treehouse and new sledding hill stairs.

“The Dan Ryan Woods are a wonderful place for families to experience the Forest Preserves without leaving the city of Chicago. The latest improvements will continue to enhance the experience of local residents and visitors,” said Commissioner John Daley, 11th District.

“One of the major goals of the Gateway master plan is to encourage the public to take advantage of the natural open space available in Cook County,” said Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves. “We feel this is especially important within the City of Chicago, where residents may not have as easy of access to nature. We also recognize that many visitors may need a guide when it comes to the nature.”

The new interpretive kiosk will stand 11 feet high and display six panels of information including key features to enjoy at Dan Ryan and how to access those locations. The history of Dan Ryan Woods will also be displayed, as well as information on the local habitat and how to get involved in volunteer efforts and participate in upcoming events. The tree house will be built with natural elements and introduce the nature play concept in the area.

On Sun., Aug.t 27, the Forest Preserves will be hosting the Dan Ryan Woods 100th Anniversary celebration, which will include guided hikes, archery, information about the preserve and Dan Ryan himself, as well as a free Forest Jams concert. The event is free to attend, and will be hosted from 2. to 7 p.m.

For more information on the Gateway Master Plan, visit fpdcc.com/gateway-masterplan. For more information on the Forest Preserves, visit fpdcc.com.

Neighborhood Notes

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Superhero Series at Beverly Library.  Don’t miss the action at Beverly Library, 1962 W. 95th St.! Superhero Ballet for preschoolers, Tues., Aug. 1, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Masked Heroes of Reading for ages 7 to 16, Thurs., Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Superhero Character Program featuring research, discussion and more for ages 6 and up, Sat., Aug. 5, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Registration required for these programs: 312-747-9673.

Food Truck Fridays. Food Truck Fridays continue this month in the beer garden at Cork & Kerry, 10614 S. Western. Enjoy food in a family-friendly atmosphere on Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4, Joey’s Red Hots; Aug. 11, The Fat Shallot; Aug. 18, Cheesie’s Truck & Doughs Guys Bakery; and Aug. 25, Calabria On Wheels Beer special available. Info: www.corkandkerry.com.

Top Programs at Little Company of Mary Hospital in August. Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers, 2800 W. 95th St., offers a variety of programs that help area residents lead healthier lives. The 30th Annual Men’s Wellness Event, Sat., Aug. 5, 7:30 to 10 a.m., offers breakfast, a presentation on symptoms and treatment for erectile dysfunction, and comprehensive lab work, blood pressure, and PSA and exam with urologist for men at risk for prostate cancer, $85 to $100; Health Academy – “Don’t Get Shingled Out,” what you need to know about shingles presented by infectious disease specialist Dr. Godfredo Carandang, Mon., Aug. 14, 11:15 a.m., free; and, new this summer, Reflexology, a healing modality that stimulates sensitive sensory cells to specific points in areas on the feet, hands, or ears that impact the muscles and internal organs, $50 per session. Info and registration (required), 708-423-5774.

BAC Outreach Offers New Page to Stage Program. Among the new theatre performance outreach programs offered by the Beverly Arts Center (BAC) at area schools is the new Page to Stage program through which students will read and interpret books, then develop an original show based on the story. The Page to Stage program was developed with the assistance of a donation from Michaels. As part of the Outreach curriculum that provides teaching artists for a variety of performance programs, Page to Stage has a goal of helping schools raise test scores, according to information from BAC Outreach Manager Carly Bishop. Teaching artists in participating schools will work with students to read and interpret a book, concentrating on literacy concepts such as plot, character, sequence, dramatic irony, conflict, etc. In the process of creating a show based on the book, students will learn dramatic playwriting terminology not always covered in the classroom, but present on standardized testing, according to Bishop. Students would also help create costumes, set and props, and participate in rehearsals. The show would be presented to the entire school, parents, guardians and friends. The BAC Outreach Department provides arts enrichment programming in theater, dance, music, film and visual arts in before school, in-school, and after school drop-in workshop and residency programs. More than 6000 students in 32 Chicago and suburban public and private schools and community organizations participated in BAC Outreach programs during the 2016-17 school year. Schools interested in learning more about Page to Stage and other theater performance programs, including staging original musicals, can contact Bishop, 773-445-2828 ext. 208 or carly@beverlyartcenter.org.

Live Music Sundays. Enjoy live music on Sundays, 3 to 5 p.m. at Cork & Kerry, 10614 S. Western.

Live Music Mondays. Live Music Mondays features the BAC Cabaret and Open Mic, Mon., Aug. 7, 7 p.m. in the courtyard at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. $5 donation appreciated. Cash bar available. No outside beverages or pets. Bring lawn chairs.

Registration Open for BAC Summer Camps. Area kids who love to perform can still enroll in the last two sessions of summer camps at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. In Original Musical!, campers will work with a professional playwright and composer to write an original musical, which they will perform for a live audience on the final day of camp. The camp runs Mon. through Fri., Aug. 7 to 18. Other performance camps are also available. In The Rhythm is Gonna Get Ya!, campers will take workshops in drumming, body percussion, rhythm and movement, dance, singing, improvisation and more, Mon. through Fri., Aug. 21 to Sept. 1. The session in a showcase in the Baffes Theatre, Camp hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and before and after care are available. Info and registration: 773-445-3838, www.beverlyartcenter.org.

Shakespeare in the Park. The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks presents a free 75-minute abridged production of “Romeo and Juliet” on Fri., Aug. 18 and Sat., Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. The Saturday performance includes an American Sign Language interpretation. A specially equipped truck will roll into the park, a stage unfolds, and a company of professional actors shares Shakespeare’s story of star-crossed lovers caught in the feud between the Capulets and Montagues that divides the city of Verona. The performances are made possible by a partnership between Chicago Shakespeare Theater, City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Boeing and BMO Harris Bank.

Free Activities at Dan Ryan Woods. Plan to have some fun at the Dan Ryan Woods! Archery 101 covers the history of archery, bow parts and proper technique for participants age 10 and over, Thurs., Aug. 24, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Dan Ryan Woods Central, 8395 S. Western; celebrate the 100th anniversary of the woods with guided hikes, archery, history of the woods and a free Forest Jam concert and instrument-making workshop Sun., Aug. 27, 2 to 7 p.m., Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion. Info: 312-415-2970 or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov.

Back to School Fest. Barnard School, 10354 S. Charles, will hold Back to School Fest, Thurs., Aug. 24, 4 to 7 p.m. The school will partner with IMPACT Family Services to present the event, which is also supported by BAPA and the 19th Ward and features food, activities and giveaways.

Free Home Buyer Seminar. Ernest Jones, Mortgage Loan Specialist with Marquette Bank, will present a free home buyer seminar Sat., Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Topics include whether to rent or own, understanding the home-buying process, the benefits of working with a real estate agent, kinds of mortgages and how to make an offer. First time buyers can also learn about whether they are eligible to apply for grants that can be applied toward down payments or closing costs. Seating is limited; registration by Aug. 24 at ejones@emarquettebank.com.

BAC Hosts 4th Annual Beverly Brews Fest. The Beverly Arts Center of Chicago will host the 4th annual Beverly Brews Fest Sat., Aug. 26 at the Center, 2407 W. 111th St. The event opens at 7 p.m. for participants purchasing $35 general admission, which includes a sampling glass and unlimited tastings from more than 20 craft breweries, including Open Outcry, Horse Thief Hollow, Blue Island Beer Company, Flossmoor Station and Argus Brewery. Food trucks will be on site to complement the evening’s festivities. People purchasing the $50 VIP ticket gain entry at 6 p.m. and enjoy special food pairings from Horse Thief Hollow, Chef Alvin Green and others, as well as a free t-shirt and beer sampling glass. Only 100 VIP tickets will be available. Live music at the Beverly Brews Fest will be performed by the winners of the BAC’s Battle of the Bands on Fri., Aug. 25. Up to ten bands will compete for prize money and the chance to perform. Battle of the Bands admission is $15 and the audience will have the chance to vote for their favorite band. Tickets to the Beverly Brews Fest and Battle of the Bands are available at the BAC, by calling 773-445-3838 or online at www.beverlyartcenter.org.

Painted Lady Competition. The Chicago Paint and Coatings Association is accepting submissions to the 31st Annual Chicago Finest Painted Ladies and Her Court Competition, open to owners who have completed their exterior painting projects between Labor Day 2016 and Labor Day 2017. Buildings do not have to be Victorian architecture, and can be painted professionally or by the building owner. Entrants will be required to submit photos and paint chips. Applications, photos and competition details are available at 847-240-0102, director@chicagopaint.org or www.chicagopaint.org.

Sip and Shop. Save the date for BAPA’s back-to-school Sip and Shop supporting local businesses, Thurs., Sept. 14 in the train station districts on 99th and 103rd Streets. Included in admission are a Love Where You Live wine tote, beverage and food tastings, trunks shows and demonstrations, and an after party. Look for details in the September issue of The Villager.

Reservations Open for Anti-Bullying Conference. Area resident Dorothy J. Thompson, head of Bullying Prevention and Awareness 365, and  National Louis University, Chicago will hold a one-day conference, “The Collective Roles of Adults in Bullying Prevention and Students’ Well-Being,” at the University, Fri., Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Approximately 250 educators, paraprofessionals, authors, parents and anti-bullying activists are expected to attend. Reservations: www.bullyingprevention365.com.   Questions: bullyingpreventionawareness365@gmail.com.