Author: gracelandwest

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Events & Announcements

Thank You for Making Our Cleanup a Success!

Thank you to everyone who lent a hand, stopped by to chat, or helped organize the August 25th neighborhood cleanup and community gathering. It’s events like these that make Graceland West such a great place to live.

A huge thank you to local high schooler Jay Gillman for organizing and leading the cleanup effort as part of his work with Cleanup Club Chicago!

We had 24 neighbors participate—including local kids, new neighbors, and even a friendly dog! The weather was perfect and the collective effort made a visible difference around Lake View High School and the surrounding blocks.

Afterward, we gathered at the northeast corner of LVHS for pizza, sodas, and good conversation. The location was great as several passing neighbors stopped by to say hello, check out what we were up to, and join in.

GWCA Board Election Update

During our quick outdoor meeting, we officially re-elected Linda and Paul to the GWCA Council! Their terms run through December 31, 2027. Thank you, Linda and Paul, for your continued dedication to our community.

If you are interested in volunteering as part of the community association or have any questions about the organization, please reach out to info@gracelandwest.org.

Other News

Thanks to everyone who helped search for Oreo and return him to his family.

Save the date for our annual Neighborhood-wide Festival. Saturday September 19th from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

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Events & Announcements

TONIGHT: Neighborhood Cleanup & Pizza Party! (5:30 PM)

Tonight is the night! Join us for a quick cleanup around the neighborhood, followed by free pizza and a brief 3rd Quarter GWCA meeting in Warner Park.

  • Tuesday August 25, 5:30 PM – Cleanup Starts Meet near at Belle Plaine & Greenview (by LVHS)
  • 6:15 PM – Pizza & Brief Meeting in Warner Park

Just bring yourself. We’ll have all the cleanup supplies ready for you.

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Events & Announcements Green Council

Join Us for a Neighborhood Cleanup & Pizza Party!

Make a Difference in Our Neighborhood – Tuesday, August 25th!

Next week, we’re coming together for a neighborhood cleanup, and some well-deserved pizza.

Whether you have 15 minutes or can stay for the whole hour, your hands will help us make our neighborhood cleaner.

Details

  • When: Tuesday, August 25th | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Where to Meet: The Traffic Circle at Belle Plaine & Greenview (adjacent to Lake View High School)
  • What to Bring: Just yourself! (We’ll have everything you need.)
  • Schedule
    • 5:30 PM – Neighborhood Cleanup – Led by local high school student Jay Gillman, we’ll head out to tidy up key areas around the neighborhood including the LVHS field, playlot, parking lot, and adjacent parkways
    • 6:15 PM – Pizza in Warner Park -After we wrap up, walk over to Warner Park to relax, grab a slice of pizza and meet your neighbors AND we’ll include a 10 minute 3rd Quarter GWCA meeting for members to vote on two GWCA Council positions

Why Come? It’s a fantastic way to get outdoors, meet your neighbors, support local youth leadership, and help keep our community looking its best, plus, free pizza on us!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Events & Announcements

Tomorrow: Yoga in the Park + LVHS Field Gets Brand-New Nets!

Yoga in the Park is Tomorrow Morning!

Just a quick reminder that Yoga in the Park kicks off tomorrow, Sunday, August 9, from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM in Warner Park and Gardens!

Join us and our instructor, Devyn Kerpan, for a refreshing morning flow in the fresh air. Don’t forget to grab your mat, a water bottle, and a towel to place under your mat. We can’t wait to see you on the grass!

Exciting News for the Lake View High School Field

New nets have replaced torn nets on LVHS field. Looks great and just in time for the ’26-’27 school year! Thank you to Alderman Martin for securing this safety funding. Hopefully the high-flying scooter was harvested from the old net and returned to the rightful owner!

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Events & Announcements

Yoga in the Park is Back! Meet Us in Warner Park This Sunday

Now that the grass is healthy, free outdoor yoga in Warner Park is back! We are so excited to kick off Yoga in the Park this Sunday, August 9, from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

This all-levels event is the perfect way to move your body, soak up some fresh air, and connect with our community.

Meet Your Instructor: Devyn Kerpan

We are thrilled to have Devyn Kerpan leading our session this week!

“By guiding students through their practice, Devyn aims to create space for individuals to experience the transformative power of movement, discover just how strong and capable they are, and feel connected to both themselves and the world around them.”

A former dancer who discovered her passion for yoga at age 15, Devyn brings incredible energy, warmth, and strength to every class she teaches. Her vibrant approach to movement will leave you feeling grounded, energized, and ready for the weekend.

Event Details

  • When: Sunday, August 9 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Where: Warner Park and Gardens
  • What to Bring: Your yoga mat, a water bottle, and an open mind! (Pro-tip: Bring a towel to put under your mat for grass moisture).

No pre-registration is required. Bring a friend, grab your favorite spot in the grass, and let’s move together!

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Events & Announcements

Tomorrow! Join Us for the 44th Annual Garden Walk

The gardens are in full bloom and ready for your visit! We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, Sunday, July 12, 2026, for the 44th Annual GWCA Garden Walk.

Just a quick reminder:

  • Timing: The walk runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
  • Check-In: Start your tour at Warner Park (1446 West Warner Ave) to grab your maps and meet our three excellent master gardeners.
  • Explore: Once you have your map, wander the neighborhood boundaries (Montrose to Irving Park, Clark to Ashland) at your own pace.
  • Identify: Look for the official Garden Walk markers to see which beautiful spaces are open to tour.

Check www.gracelandwest.org for any last-minute updates. We’ll see you in the gardens!

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Events & Announcements Garden Walk

Get Ready! The 44th Annual GWCA Garden Walk is Almost Here

We are thrilled to invite you to the 44th Annual Graceland West Community Association Garden Walk, happening this Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 1 to 4 PM.

Spend your afternoon soaking in the beauty of our neighborhood gardens. Whether you are looking for landscape inspiration or just want a relaxing walk through the community, this self-directed tour is the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday.

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Start Point: Head to Warner Park (1446 West Warner Ave) to pick up your maps and garden descriptions.
  • Expert Advice: While you are at the park, make sure to chat with our featured Master Gardener and local presenters.

Keep an eye out for Garden Walk markers in the front of participating homes to know which gardens are ready for visitors. Visit www.gracelandwest.org for more information. We can’t wait to see you there!

Categories
Events & Announcements Garden Walk Green Council

Final Call: Show Off Your Green Thumb at the 44th Annual GWCA Garden Walk!

Our neighborhood gardens are absolutely bursting with life and we can’t wait for one of our favorite neighborhood traditions: the 44th Annual Graceland West Community Association Garden Walk!

This year’s walk takes place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. If you’ve been on the fence about showcasing your yard, patio, or hidden oasis, this is your official final sign-up call!

Whether you have a meticulously landscaped backyard, a front-porch pollinator paradise, or a charming side-yard veggie patch, we’d love for you to share it. You don’t need a perfect, professional garden to participate—this event is all about celebrating community, sharing inspiration, and enjoying the unique green spaces within our boundaries (Montrose to Irving Park, and Clark to Ashland).

How It Works

  • Self-Directed Tour: Neighbors and visitors will explore the neighborhood at their own pace.
  • If you sign up, you’ll receive a Garden Walk marker to display proudly in your front, side, and/or backyard so attendees know your garden is open for viewing.
  • The walk kicks off at Warner Park (1446 West Warner Ave), where attendees can pick up maps, read garden descriptions, and chat with a Master Gardener and local presenters.

Ready to Share Your Garden?

Don’t wait until it’s too late! We are finalizing our event maps and descriptions very soon. Fill out this form right now to register your garden as an official stop on the tour:

👉 Click Here to Register Your Garden!

Thank you for helping us keep Graceland West beautiful, vibrant, and connected. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been growing!

Questions? For more details about the event, reply directly to Linda at lmbw5@comcast.net.

Categories
Events & Announcements Garden Walk

Neighborhood Updates: Plant Sale, Garden Walk Registration, & More!

We have a lot of exciting Graceland West updates, events, and community news to share with you this weekend. Take a look below at what’s happening in and around the neighborhood!

SATURDAY JUNE 13: SNA Native Plant Sale If you are reading this on Friday or Saturday morning, don’t miss out! The Southport Neighbors Association (SNA) Native Plant Sale is happening Saturday June 13, from 9:00 AM until sold out. Come down Southport, right under the Southport Brown Line station, to grab some beautiful new additions for your garden.

Storm Cleanup & Tree Debris Following the major storms our area experienced this week, many blocks are dealing with fallen branches. If you need to request the removal of tree debris on public property, please remember to file a request through the CHI 311 app (or via 311chicago.org) so the city can address it efficiently.

Kid’s Pollinator Planting: A Huge Success! Our recent Kid’s Pollinator Planting event was an absolute blast. The kids did a fabulous job getting their hands dirty for a great cause. Next time you pass by Warner Park, be sure to stop by and see just how well their new plantings are doing!

New Art Installation at Warner Park The Warner Park and Gardens board is thrilled to announce the permanent installation of Sentimental Sentry by Charles Yost. This beautiful sculpture is dedicated in loving remembrance of Lois Buenger (Park Founder) and Georgie Yost (Park President). Please go check it out next time you visit the park, and keep an eye out for news regarding an upcoming official dedication ceremony.

44th Annual Garden Walk (Sunday, July 12, 1–4 PM) The countdown is on! Our neighborhood’s signature summer event is less than a month away. If you’d like to showcase your hard work this year, please use this link to register your garden if you haven’t already. It is always a wonderful day for the community!

  • Volunteer Opportunity: The garden walk planners are still looking for an enthusiastic neighbor to lead the post-walk potluck for our displaying gardeners. If you’re interested in helping out, please reach out to Pat (pat.spaulding@comcast.net) or Linda (lmbw5@comcast.net).

POSTPONED: Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park, led by our wonderful neighbor Kelly, is being temporarily rescheduled. We want to give Warner Park’s new grass plenty of time to become strongly rooted before we start working out on it! This is a free event you won’t want to miss, so watch your inbox for future scheduling announcements.

POSTPONED: June Environmental Meeting Please note that the June Environmental Meeting has also been postponed due to the new grass in the park. We will share the rescheduled date and meeting topics in an upcoming e-blast and in the physical newsletter delivered to your door.

Zoning Update: 1410-12 Warner Ave. Neighbors are currently gathering information regarding the rezoning changes requested by the property owner of this site. The community is reviewing the details, so please watch for future updates as we learn more.

Thank you for making our neighborhood such a vibrant place to live. Have a wonderful weekend, and we hope to see you at the plant sale tomorrow!

Categories
Neighborhood Safety

Community Safety Alert: Montrose Graffiti Incident & Key Safety Best Practices

We are writing to update you on a recent incident of vandalism in our neighborhood and to remind everyone of the simple, everyday safety practices we can all use to protect our community.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday May 26, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, a series of etched glass graffiti attacks occurred along both sides of Montrose Ave, stretching from Clark Street to Ravenswood.

Over 10 windows were damaged, targeting local businesses and neighborhood schools—including Ravenswood School (4332 N. Paulina), the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts (1441 W. Montrose), and Quantum LEEP Forward Academy (1447 W. Montrose). The suspects left behind initials tagged as “KOM”. Repairing etched glass is incredibly costly and a massive and unfair burden for our local small businesses and schools.

Thanks to our highly connected network, GWCA neighborhood leaders jumped into action immediately. Security camera footage capturing two suspects has already been retrieved and shared with Alderman Matt Martin’s office, Alderwoman Angela Clay’s office, and the 19th District CAPS team.

How you can help right now

Check Your Cameras: If you have security or doorbell cameras facing the street, sidewalk, or alleys near Montrose, please review your footage from Tuesday, May 26, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. If you spot any suspicious behavior or individuals matching the timeline, please forward clips or stills to GWCA and the 19th District CAPS office.

File a Police Report: If your property or business was tagged, please ensure you file an individual police report immediately. Police reports are required for every separate crime so that law enforcement can officially track patterns.

Report to 311: Several locations have already been reported for graffiti removal (including SR numbers tracked by Ald. Martin’s office), but if you notice any missed tags or other neighborhood damage, please snap a photo and submit it using the Chicago Works / 311 app.

Incidents like this remind us how vital our Neighborhood Safety Guidelines are. To deter future vandalism and property damage, we encourage every household and business to reinforce these collective steps:

  • Light Up the Night (Dusk to Dawn)
  • Install and Utilize Video Security
  • Know Your Neighbors & Keep the Lines Open
  • Report Everything: never hesitate to call 911 for crimes or suspicious behavior in progress

GWCA Announcements & Upcoming Events

While we stay vigilant about safety, we also have plenty of exciting ways to bring positive energy to our community

  • TODAY 5/30/26, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM: 47th Ward ECO Fest: Don’t forget that Alderman Matt Martin’s EcoFest is happening this Saturday! Come out to support local environmental initiatives.
  • TOMORROW 5/31/26 10:30 to 11:00 AM: Kids Pollinator Planting Garden Event in Warner Park.
  • 44th Annual Garden Walk: Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 12 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM! If you would like to join the Garden Walk Committee, help with the Pot Luck Committee, or open up your own garden to be showcased, please contact Linda Welsh to get involved.
  • Join the GWCA Council: We currently have two open positions on the GWCA Council! If you want to bring your ideas and energy to help shape the neighborhood, please reach out to us at info@gracelandwest.org.

Thank you to all the block leaders, business owners, and neighbors who stepped up so quickly to look out for Montrose Avenue. Together, we keep Graceland West safe, vibrant, and strong!

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