Neighborhood Watch Volunteers Needed

The Neighborhood Watch program co-sponsored by BAPA and the 19^th Ward needs volunteers on weekend evenings for patrol at parks and schools in the community.  All volunteers work in pairs, should be at least 21 years old, possess a cell phone, have an email address and have at least one licensed driver in the pair.  Sign up for as little as one evening a month by contacting BAPA Coordinator of Safety, Alice Collins, 773233-3100 or acollins@bapa.org.     

SXU School of Nursing Celebrates 75^th Anniversary

Saint Xavier University’s School of Nursing will celebrate its 75^th Anniversary with a series of commemorative events on Sat., Sept. 11, including a reception and dinner at

Beverly Country Club, 8700 S. Western Ave, at 6:30 p.m. for information and to register for events, call 773-298-3706. Saint Xavier and Mercy Hospital , both founded by the Sisters of Mercy, joined forces in 1935 to create the first integrated baccalaureate nursing program in Illinois . Today, School of Nursing remains strongly committed to linking innovation and concern for community, to providing basic and advanced nursing education programs, outreach programs, and to providing clinical services to surrounding communities.

EBA Meeting

East Beverly Association (EBA) will hold its monthly meeting Mon., Sept. 13, 7 p.m. at the Coffee Break  Cafe, 10307 S. Hale Ave. Residents who live in the East Beverly area are invited to join us for discussion and planning of community events. Consider joining and becoming involved with your neighborhood association.  Check-out the website: www.eastbeverly.com. 

Nerf Football Registration Deadline is Sept. 13

Registration continues through Mon., Sept. 13 for the 19^th Ward free Nerf Football League for 3^rd and 4^th grade girls and boys. Games will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Beverly Park, 103^rd and Maplewood , and all participants receive a jersey. To register, visit www.the19thward.com.

An Evening for Freedom

Ryan Steinbach and Steve English will host An Evening of Freedom on Wed., Sept. 15, 7 to 9 p.m., to raise funds for The Emancipation Network and Transitions Global, organizations that combat sexual trafficking of women and children. The event will be held at The Blossom Boys, 9911 S. Walden Pkwy., and features Indian themed music and refreshments, a trunk show of international and fair trade merchandise and products from Made By Survivors which are created by women in India who have been rescued from slavery. Reservations are recommended. 773-779-4400.

Friday Night Yoga

Beginning Sept. 17, Beverly Yoga Center, 1917 W. 103^rd St., will offer two-hour Friday night classes with a new theme each week and designed to give students a chance to relax and take time for themselves. The theme of the first class is YogaGroove, a yoga class taught to music.  Other themes are Body Centered Meditation, Mindfulness of the Self, and Yin Yoga and Meditation. Friday night classes are $20. For more information, visit www.beverlyyogacenter.com or call 773-239-9642.

House Walk Tour.

The Blue Island Historical Society (BIHS) will host the 27^th Blue Island House Walk, Sun., Sept. 19, noon to 4 p.m., leaving from Albee House, 13018 Maple Ave. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and available by calling 708-371-8546. Proceeds benefit BIHS.

Big Screen Sunday Feature is ‘West Side Story’

“West Side Story,” winner of 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, will be featured on Big Screen Sunday, Sept. 19, 4 p.m., at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111^th St. Tickets are $7 or $5/BAC members. This modern musical adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet” is set in New York City in 1961, with the enmity of rival gangs (instead of feuding families) setting the scene for forbidden love and tragedy. Original music is by Leonard Bernstein. The film stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer and Rita Moreno. For tickets or information call 773-445-3838 or visit www.beverlyartcenter.org.

CAF Hosts Beverly/Morgan Park Walking Tours

The Chicago Architecture Foundation will host two 1.5 mile walking tours of Beverly/Morgan Park’s Longwood Drive and Ridge Historic Districts this fall. Beverly: Elegance on the Ridge II (99^th to 103^rd Streets) will be offered on Sun., Sept. 19, 1:10 p.m. and Beverly : Elegance on the Ridge I (103^rd to107th Streets) will be offered Sun., Oct. 10, 1:10 p.m. For information check www.architecture.org or call 312-922-3432.

Author Event at Borders

Judge Glenda Hatchett will discuss and sign her book “Dare to Take Charge” Thurs., Sept. 23, 7 p.m. at Borders, 2210 W. 95^th St. For nearly ten years, Judge Hatchett and her unique brand of justice have been featured on TV.  Judge Hatchett uses real life stories from the courtroom and her personal life to help her readers find their true purpose and gifts. For more information call 773-445-5471.

Morgan Park Juniors Host Garage Sale

The Morgan Park Juniors will host their annual garage sale, Sat., Sept. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10640 S. Seeley Ave. All proceeds to support the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry. Great prices will be offered on like-new items including books, home furnishings, small appliances, kitchenware, children’s clothing and bric-a-brac. Sale will be held rain or shine. For more information call Jean Catania, 773-239-2633.

Beverly Hills Juniors Invite New Members

Persons interested in joining the Beverly Hills Junior Woman’s Club, a service organization, are invited to call Betty Jane Knoth, 773-239-8237, for more information.

SXU Ranked Among “Best Colleges in the Midwest ”

Saint Xavier University is ranked among the top 25 percent of all Midwest master’s comprehensive universities for the fifth consecutive year, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 ranking for “Best Colleges in the Midwest .” SXU is ranked 34 of 142 regional colleges, and it is ranked fifth in Illinois . Rankings are based on a set of metrics that are said to reflect a postsecondary institution’s quality.

One Book, One Chicago

Toni Morrison’s “A Mercy” has been selected for fall’s One Book, One Chicago. For a complete list of One Book, One Chicago programs pick up a resource guide at a Chicago Public Library or visit chipublib.org. Local discussions will be held Thurs., Oct. 7, 6 p.m. at Walker Branch Library, 11071 S. Hoyne Ave., 312-747-1920, and Wed., Oct. 13, 2 p.m. at Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95^th St., 312-747-9673.

Free Foreclosure Mediation Program

Free housing counseling and legal services are available to Cook County residents through the Circuit Court of Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program. Homeowners in foreclosure who wish to begin the mediation process may visit www.CookCountyForeclosureHelp.org to fill out an online form to request an appointment with a housing counselor. People can also call the helpline, 877-895-2444, or 312-836-5222 TDD.  Qualified homeowners will have the opportunity to meet directly with their lenders in the presence of a neutral mediator who is trained to facilitate communication between both parties as they work to reach an agreement about the mortgage. Homeowners who are concerned about their mortgages, but who have not received a summons from the court and are not currently in foreclosure, should visit www.CookCountyForeclosureHelp.org for a list of available resources.