Author: gracelandwest

Categories
Events & Announcements

New Green Alleys + Warner Ave Rezoning: GWCA Meeting Nov 10

Join your neighbors for our final community meeting of the year.

When: Tuesday, November 10 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: The Ivy Bar & Kitchen (1625 W. Irving Park)

Key Discussion Topics

1410–1412 W. Warner Rezoning Request: A developer has requested a zoning change from RS-3 to RM-4.5 to replace the existing 1900 2-flat with a 4-story, 6-unit residential building (~48 feet high). Come hear details and share your feedback.

Environmental & Green Infrastructure Updates:

Parkways for Pollinators: Learn about the city’s newly approved Sustainable Parkway Resolution and how registering native plant parkways builds insect habitat and manages stormwater (GWCA sites absorb 2,000+ gallons annually per 100 sq. ft.!).

Green Alleys: Thanks to federal and city funding secured by Congressman Quigley and Alderman Martin, Graceland West is getting two new green alleys to help capture stormwater!

See you on Tuesday, November 10th at The Ivy!

Upcoming Community Events

Pumpkin Smash & Composting

Sat, Nov 7 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM @ Lake View High School Parking Lot. Bring your sticker and candle-free pumpkins to help top last year’s record of 7 tons of composted gourds! Sponsored by 47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin, LVHS, and UIUC Extension in partnership with SCARCE.

Volunteer Street Leaf Cleanup Kickoff & Pizza Party

Sat, Nov 14 | 10:00 AM (Pizza at 11:45 AM) Meet at Greenview/Berteau or Belle Plaine/Cullom. Bring a rake and gloves. GWCA will supply bags and leaf scoops! Help us clear street drains to reduce flooding, slick crosswalks, and leaf mold, while aiming to beat our record of 500+ bags. Afterwards, celebrate with free Jet’s Pizza at Warner Park!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Halloween 2026 Was a Huge Success + Don’t Trash It, Smash It This Saturday

What a night! Halloween in Graceland West was nothing short of incredible.

Thanks to our neighborhood’s first-ever Halloween Block Party permit, three blocks of Greenview Avenue were safely transformed into a festive pedestrian haven. Seeing hundreds of costumed trick-or-treaters freely running, laughing, and collecting treats without the worry of traffic made all the hard work behind the scenes completely worth it.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made it possible:

  • Our Street-Closure Volunteers: A huge thank you to everyone who stepped up to park cars, place cones, and monitor our street endpoints at Montrose, Cullom, Berteau, Belle Plaine, Pensacola, Hutchinson, and Warner. Your vigilance kept all of our kids safe and the evening running smoothly.
  • Our Generous Neighbors: To everyone who stocked up on sweet treats and handed out thousands of pieces of candy—thank you for your incredible hospitality!
  • The Alderman’s Office: Thank you to the 47th Ward Alderman’s office for granting our block party permit.
  • Our Residents: Thank you to all neighbors along Greenview and the surrounding side streets for your cooperation, patience, and support with parking and traffic adjustments.

What to Do with Your Pumpkins: The LVHS Pumpkin Smash

Now that Halloween has passed and it’s time to clean up the front porch, don’t let your jack-o’-lanterns end up in a landfill.

Join us and University of Illinois Extension for a free, fun, and eco-friendly Pumpkin Smash right here in the neighborhood at Lake View High School.

  • When: Saturday, November 7, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Where: Lake View High School (Chicago, IL)
  • Cost: Free (no registration required)

How to Prepare Your Pumpkins:

Before you bring your pumpkins down to smash and turn into nutrient-rich compost, please remember to:

  1. Remove all non-organic items: Take out candles, wax, ribbons, plastic, yarn, and glitter.
  2. Check for paint: Remove any artificial decorations or painted sections unless water-based.

Composting diverted organic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps our city greener. Drop by Saturday to smash your jack-o’-lanterns into compost.

Thank you again to everyone for making Halloween in Graceland West so safe, memorable, and fun!

Categories
Events & Announcements Neighborhood Safety

Halloween Fun in Graceland West: Warner Park Recap & What to Know for Saturday’s Trick-or-Treating

It is officially the best time of year in Graceland West! From crisp autumn mornings at the park to packed sidewalks on Halloween night, our neighborhood spirit is in full swing.

A Huge Thank You for a Fantastic Warner Park Event!

First, a massive thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday, October 24th, for our annual Halloween Party at Warner Park!

We had an blast watching kids (and parents!) navigate the Spider Maze, compete in the mummy races, decorate pumpkins, play Pin the Stem on the Pumpkin, and enjoy delicious caramel candy apples. Seeing Warner Park filled with families, costumes and friendly faces is always a highlight of the season.

A huge shoutout and heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who pitched in to run games, manage crafts, serve treats, and clean up afterward. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who brought non-perishable food items for Nourishing Hope. Your generosity will go a long way in supporting local families this fall and winter.

Up Next: Halloween Night Trick-or-Treating & Street Closure Details!

As everyone knows, Halloween in Graceland West is electrifying. Many homes on Greenview hand out well over 1,000 pieces of candy. To keep our trick-or-treaters safe from speeding delivery drivers and heavy traffic, the 47th Ward Alderman’s office has granted our community a Halloween Block Party permit!

Here is what you need to know for this Saturday, October 31st:

  • Hours: Street closures will be active from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • Closed Blocks: Greenview Avenue will be closed to through traffic in three sections:
    • Montrose to Cullom
    • Cullom to Berteau
    • Berteau to Belle Plaine
  • Intersections: East-west streets remain open to through traffic, but cars will be blocked from entering Greenview at Pensacola, Hutchinson, and Warner. Endpoints will be secured with cars or cones.

Parking & Resident Info

  • Parked cars are allowed to stay on Greenview! The goal is safety, not disruption.
  • If you plan to drive in or out of the neighborhood between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM, we recommend parking on an east-west street or using an off-alley spot for easy access.

Volunteers Needed & Final Shoutouts

A huge thank you in advance to our Greenview neighbors and the Alderman’s office for getting this permit secured and flyering the neighborhood.

If you’d like to help keep the evening running smoothly—whether by helping monitor endpoints or assisting with setup—please reach out

Thank you all for making Graceland West such a safe, fun, and welcoming place to celebrate. We can’t wait to see your trick-or-treat costumes this Saturday!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Final Reminder: Halloween Fun Tomorrow at Warner Park!

Join us tomorrow morning for our annual Halloween celebration! Bring the whole family out for games, treats, and community.

  • When: Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Where: Warner Park

Quick Reminders for Tomorrow:

  • Scavenger Hunts: Bring your completed scavenger hunt sheets to claim your prize!
  • Food Drive: Don’t forget to bring non-perishable food items for Nourishing Hope. We will have a collection box set up right at the park entrance.

We can’t wait to see everyone in costume!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Join Us for the Graceland West Halloween Party at Warner Park!

Get ready for a morning of festive fall fun! We are excited to invite you to this year’s Halloween event, filled with neighborhood-favorite activities and treats for the whole family.

  • Date: Saturday, October 24th
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Location: Warner Park

Event Highlights

  • Spider Maze: Can you navigate your way through our web-tangled maze?
  • Caramel Candy Apples: Enjoy a delicious, sweet seasonal treat!
  • Mummy Races: Wrap up and race to the finish line in this high-energy favorite!
  • Pumpkin Decorating: Unleash your creativity and design your very own pumpkin masterpiece.
  • Pin the Stem on the Pumpkin: Put on a blindfold and see who can get closest to the mark!
  • Don’t forget to bring your filled out Scavenger Hunt sheets!

Food Drive for Nourishing Hope

While we look forward to seeing everyone in their best costumes, we are also gathering to support our local community. We will be collecting donations for Nourishing Hope to help stock their shelves for the fall and winter seasons.

A donation collection box will be located right at the entrance of the event. If you are able, please consider bringing non-perishable food items to drop off when you arrive (Most needed list). Your generosity directly impacts local families in need!

Bring your family, friends, and costumes! We look forward to seeing you there.

Categories
Events & Announcements

How Many Spooky Decorations Can You Find? The Graceland West Halloween Scavenger Hunt Returns!

Calling all ghosts, goblins, and neighborhood detectives…scary sights, spooky skeletons, and festive decorations have popped up all across Graceland West…after a one-year hiatus, the Graceland West Halloween Scavenger Hunt is officially back for 2026!

How to Participate

  • Download the Scavenger Hunt Sheet: Download and print your copy of the official 2026 Graceland West Halloween Scavenger Hunt Document.
  • Explore the Neighborhood: Take a walk around the neighborhood boundaries (between Clark & Ashland, Irving Park & Montrose) and match the spooky photos on the sheet with the real-life decorations around Graceland West.
  • Record Your Answers: Write down the house address where you spot each matching display next to its corresponding number on your sheet.

Turn In Your Sheet & Win a Prize!

Bring your completed scavenger hunt sheet to the GWCA Halloween Party at Warner Park!

  • When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Where: Warner Park & Gardens (1446 W. Warner Ave.)

Turn in your sheet during the party for a fun prize!

Grab your shoes, rally the family, and see how many scary sights you can spot. Happy hunting!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Yoga in the Park – Sunday Morning at 9:00 AM

If you missed the session in August, you still have a chance to enjoy free Yoga in the Park this Sunday, September 27, from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

Yoga in the Park is for all-levels and is the perfect way to move your body, soak up some fresh air, and connect with our community.

Event Details

  • When: Sunday, September 27 | 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!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Rain Couldn’t Stop Us! Thank You for an Amazing Neighborhood Fest!

What an incredible turnout for this year’s Graceland West Neighborhood Fest!

Despite Mother Nature throwing a few curveballs and forcing us to cut the bounce house, movie, and a few crafts, the spirit of Graceland West shone brighter than ever. Seeing so many neighbors bundle up in rain jackets, grab a drink, catch up under the tents, and support our community association made all the prep work completely worth it.

A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers, Sponsors, and Neighbors! Events of this scale take a massive team effort.

  • To Our Volunteers: From tent setup, to serving cotton candy, to staying late for breakdown, thank you! Your energy and hard work kept everything running smoothly.
    • Brad, Sarah M., Krist, Liza, Ann, Andy, Melanie, Sarah P., Barbara, Rob, Terry, Donna, Andrea, Colin, Charlie, Margot, Katie D., Addie, Sophie, Sam, Katie W., Megan, Sara L., TJ, Bonnie, Katherine, Matt, Angelia
  • To Our Sponsors & Local Vendors: Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership. Your support directly funds the GWCA’s projects and initiatives that make our neighborhood such a special place to live.
    • The Daniel Burnham ($1,000+)
      • Lowe Group Chicago
    • The Bertha Palmer ($750+)
      • Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
    • The Ruth Page ($250+)
      • 34-TEN Architecture
      • Greg Jareczek State Farm
      • The Ivy Bar & Kitchen
      • Off Color Brewing
      • Sarah Maxwell Group / @ Properties
  • To Everyone Who Attended: Thank you for showing up, buying tickets, tasting treats, and proving once again that Graceland West has the best community spirit in the city!

Looking Ahead: Halloween Event Needs Your Help!

We love bringing our community together, but we need your help for our next big tradition!

Our annual GWCA Halloween Event is coming up fast, but we are currently in urgent need of volunteers to lead the event. Without neighbors stepping up to take the lead on planning and coordination, this beloved neighborhood tradition is at risk of not happening this year.

If you love Halloween and want to help create a fun, safe celebration for our neighborhood kids, please reach out to us right away at info@gracelandwest.org. Whether you can lead or join a planning committee, every bit of help counts!

Thank you again for an unforgettable Fest weekend. See you around the neighborhood!

Categories
Events & Announcements GWCA Fest

Rain or Shine: The Graceland West Neighborhood Fest is ON Today!

While mother nature didn’t give us ideal weather today, the Graceland West Neighborhood Fest is officially moving forward TODAY!

Because so much of our programming is booked months in advance, a rain date isn’t possible for an event of this scale, and we aren’t letting a little unpredictable weather ruin our biggest fundraiser of the year.

What to Expect Today:

  • The Plan: Setup is underway, and we expect a break in the rain just in time for the fest.
  • The Hours: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Greenview (between Belle Plaine & Warner).
  • Weather Safety: We’ll be out enjoying the fun during light rain, but safety comes first. If any lightning occurs, we will briefly pause activities so everyone can safely wait it out.
  • Event Prep: We’re setting up rain covers, tents, and even clearing storm drains to keep the street as dry as possible.

What to Bring:

Grab your rain jacket, toss an umbrella in your tote, and come on out to catch up with friends, enjoy food and drinks, and support our wonderful neighborhood!

We can’t wait to see everyone on Greenview this afternoon!

Warmly,

The Graceland West Neighborhood Fest Committee

Categories
Events & Announcements GWCA Fest

Join Us This Saturday! Graceland West Neighborhood Fest & Outdoor Movie

Neighbors & Friends,

Get ready for our largest fundraising event of the year! All members, subscribers, neighbors, and friends are invited to celebrate our vibrant community at the annual Graceland West Neighborhood Fest.

Event Details:

  • When: This Saturday, September 19 | 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Movie starting at 7:00 PM)
  • Where: 4100 N. Greenview Ave. (between Belle Plaine & Warner)

Schedule of Highlights & Featured Activities:

  • Entertainment & Games:
    • DJ Stew spinning music all day
    • Trivia Contests: Youth (4:00 – 4:30 PM) & Adult (6:30 – 7:00 PM)
    • Magic by Randy Show: 5:00 – 5:45 PM
    • Euchre Tournament: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
    • Outdoor Family Movie + Glowsticks: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
  • Activities & Attractions:
    • Bounce House, Craft Station, Carnival Games, Corn Hole, Basketball, & Pickleball
    • Create Custom Tie-Dye
  • Food & Beverages:
    • Jet’s Pizza: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
    • Drinks: Off Color Brewing Beer, Wine, & Craft Cocktails
    • Treats: Cotton Candy, Snacks, & S’mores!
  • Fundraiser Favorites:
    • Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come connect with your neighbors while supporting our community!

We look forward to seeing everyone out on Greenview this Saturday.

Verified by MonsterInsights