October 2017
Dear Neighbors,
Our community never disappoints when it comes to supporting one another. That was evident at our first Sip n’ Shop girls night out event highlighting women owned businesses along the 99th and 103rd street business corridors. Over 200 women came out to support our small business community! It was a magical night because the business owners rolled out the red carpet for the community. Thank you to those who came out to participate and to the businesses that stayed open late and provided a unique experience in their shop.
When owners invest in their small business we all win because local economic development is trademark to a healthy community. Shopping local is something our community does because we know how important these retail and service related businesses are to the vitality of Beverly/Morgan Park. If you missed the Sip n’ Shop, don’t worry! Local business owners are already preparing for their next big event, the Beverly Art Walk on Sat., Oct. 7, coordinated by the Beverly Area Arts Alliance. Artists and performers will be featured in local businesses and many other venues. A new dimension his year is the unveiling of the City of Chicago’s public art project for the 19th Ward. BAPA was a part of the committee to choose the public art piece. We love to see all this investment in our neighborhood!
BAPA has been busy working with civic associations preparing for the 30+ trees we will along residential parkways plant in November and advocating for the rehabilitation of the Ridge Park Fieldhouse. BAPA has been very supportive of the newly formed Ridge Park Advisory Council in reaching out to the Chicago Park District and attending their budget hearing to help shine a light on the disrepair of the Ridge Park Fieldhouse.
For 70 years the Beverly Area Planning Association has been bringing the community together to help spur economic development, increase City services and, more than anything, build a strong sense of community. That is made possible thanks to our members. We are so lucky to have over 1400 members currently supporting BAPA. We have worked hard to define membership beyond community events and have rolled out the BAPA card and opened the business center and community room, and continue to offer trade referrals and other services. We hope you will join your neighbors in supporting BAPA through membership. Look for the membership envelope inside this issue of The Villager and please join the BAPA family today!
All the best, Margot
