Family Fun Nights Arriving At Metra's Rock Island Stations

CHICAGO, IL — A series of "Family Fun Nights" will he held at three Metra stations along the Rock Island District line in Chicago's Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. The Beverly Area Planning Association will again organize the events that will occur on consecutive Thursdays in June.

The events carry the theme, "Meet Mom 'N' Dad at the Metra" and will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The gatherings will include live music, family activities and food for purchase.

Susan Flood, the association's executive director, said the evenings are intended to build community, particularly among Metra commuters who often share the same train throughout the week but may not take the time to get to know each other.

"It's a great opportunity for people to spend time with their families and mingle with their neighbors," Flood said in a written release. The plans for the individual events are as follows:

• June 14: The 91st Street Metra Station/Maggie Cosme Park at 9201 S. Longwood Dr. in Beverly will welcome Kics United, an all-volunteer youth soccer league. Kids can participate in soccer drills while others listen to the Chicago Children's Choir or learn about animals with Erin Yanz of Nature's Creatures.
• Jun. 21: The 99th Street Metra Station at 9901 S. Walden Parkway in Beverly will feature live music with Bridget and Garrett at the Tranquility Stage along with an arts and crafts table. Erin Yanz of Nature's Creatures will also return for the event.
• Jun. 28: The 111th Street Metra Station at 11046 S. Hale Ave. in Morgan Park will be the site of the final gathering where children can enjoy a performance by Miss Jamie's Farm, a popular music show for young kids and their families

Sponsors of the third annual summer series include Little Company of Mary Hospital, Mike Haggerty Buick GMC, Beverly Bank & Trust, Office of the 19th Ward, Beverly Improvement Association, AT&T, Shops of Walden and the Beverly Ridge Homeowners Association.

For more information, contact the Beverly Area Planning Association at 773-233-3100 or online at www.bapa.org.

Photo courtesy of Howard Ludwig