Categories
Events & Announcements

Spring Community Meeting Recap

Greetings, Graceland West Community!

Our recent GWCA Community Meeting, held on March 20 at Quantum LEEP Academy, was full of great discussions and exciting updates. We’re thrilled to share the highlights and the full meeting minutes with you.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Quantum LEEP Academy Engagement: Lorell Marin, the founder, provided an overview of the Academy’s plans and expressed eagerness to integrate the community with the Academy’s activities.
  2. 2024 Events and Initiatives:
    • Environmental Focus: The Chicago Bird Alliance’s Native Plant Sale and the Earth Day shrub/tree planting event.
    • Summer Quarterly Meeting: President of Chicago Bird Alliance, previously “Chicago Audubon Society” and possible community potluck.
    • Yoga in the Park: Plans for summer yoga sessions were shared, with a request for community input on preferred times.
  3. Community Engagement and Safety:
    • Kid’s Pollinator Project: Scheduled for Warner Park with options for May 4 or May 11.
    • Historical Homes Focus: For the September meeting, we’re gathering stories and documents about pre-1900 homes.
    • Speed Bump Initiative: Discussions on Warner, Berteau, Greenview and Belle Plaine’s speed bumps.
  4. Cubs Season Update: Heather Way Kitzes provided insights into the upcoming season’s plans, including environmental initiatives and community involvement.
  5. Lake View High School’s 150th Anniversary: Julia Van Vliet highlighted the school’s significant milestone and ongoing community support initiatives. Currently the High School’s track team needs the community’s support purchasing attire. See their Amazon Wishlist.
  6. Budget and Council Elections: An overview of the balanced budget for 2024 was presented, and congratulations to Colin McLeod and Janice Horwich on their re-election to the GWCA Council!

We wrapped up with discussions on old and new business.

Download the Detailed Meeting Minutes Here

Your involvement and enthusiasm make GWCA a vibrant and proactive community. Let’s keep this momentum going! Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming events and initiatives.

Join Us Next Time: Remember to mark your calendars for our next meeting June 20th at Warner Park. We can’t wait to see you there!

Thank you for your continued support and participation in the GWCA.

Categories
Green Council

Receive a native shrub | Participate in our 2024 Earth Day Celebration

Interested in receiving a native shrub / tree during our 2024 Earth Day Celebration planting. We’d like to select 2-3 members to each receive a small native shrub.

Let us know ASAP if you are interested. Planting will be on Saturday, April 20 beginning at 10 am and everyone will learn about soil prep, planting and care. Contact info@gracelandwest.org if interested.

Schuette’s Oak – an example of the type of 1 qt shrubs/trees we’ll be planting. Credit: Possibility Place.
Categories
Events & Announcements

Get your Cubs questions answered this Wednesday

Join us at Quantum LEEP Academy, located at 1447 W Montrose Ave, for our Spring Community Meeting.

Mark your Calendar: Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00

Here’s what’s in store for you:

  1. Meet Our Hosts: Quantum LEEP Academy Founder Lorell Marin will share insights about the school and their mission.
  2. Special Guest: We’re thrilled to welcome Heather Way Kitzes the Chicago Cubs Director of Community and Government Affairs! She’ll share her experiences, vision and how we can collaborate to make our neighborhood even more vibrant. Let’s explore how we can team up with the Cubs to strengthen our ties with the organization.
  3. Additional meeting topics:
    • GWCA budget vote: Have your say in our organization’s financial future.
    • Semi-Annual Council Election: We’re actively seeking passionate individuals to run for council positions! If you’re enthusiastic about the community, step up and make a difference. 
    • Garden Walk Sign-Up: Get ready for our most beautiful event! Sign up to show your garden.
    • Plant Sale Kickoff: Bring your green thumb and learn about the plant sale we are supporting.

We’ve attached the 2023 Cubs Neighborhood Protection Report that highlights some of the Cubs contributions over the past year.

See you there!

2023_Cubs_Neighborhood_Protection_Plan_Annual_ReportDownload
Categories
Events & Announcements

2024 Calendar CORRECTIONS

Please note that there were a few mistakes in the post that went out yesterday and the blue flyer that will be delivered shortly:

The June Summer Community Meeting is Thursday, June 20th.

The Graceland West Neighborhood Fest is Saturday, September 14th.

The Children’s Halloween Party is Saturday, October 26th.

Categories
Events & Announcements

The full 2024 GWCA calendar is up

Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for emails with additional information and event announcements.

Subscribe to our online calendar:

Wednesday, March 20 | 7:00 – 8:15 pm
SPRING COMMUNITY MEETING
Quantum LEEP Academy, 1447 W Montrose

March 1 – April 26
NATIVE PLANT SALE
Pickup May 26 1-3pm, North Park Center Nature Preserve, 5801 N Pulaski

Saturday, April 20 | 10:00 am
EARTH DAY TREE PLANTING
Meet at NE corner of Lake View High School (Greenview & Belle Plaine)

Tuesday Thursday, June 20 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
SUMMER COMMUNITY MEETING: ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner

SUMMER YOGA
Look for details on Yoga in Warner Park coming this summer

Sunday, July 28 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
42ND ANNUAL GARDEN WALK
Throughout neighborhood, start at Warner Park and Gardens, 1444 W Warner

Sunday Saturday, September 10 14 | 3:00 – 7:00 pm
44th GRACELAND WEST NEIGHBORHOOD FEST
4100 block of Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner

Thursday, September 26 | 7:00 – 8:15 pm
FALL COMMUNITY MEETING: NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY
Location TBD

Saturday, October 28 26 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner

November 16-24
11TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER STREET LEAF CLEAN-UP
Kickoff 11/16 at 10am at Greenview & Belle Plaine, Berteau & Collum

Thursday, December 5 | 6 – 7:30pm
WINTER COMMUNITY MEETING & HOLIDAY SOCIAL
Location TBD

Categories
Uncategorized

The cicadas are coming

GWCA is wondering if we have any professional or hobby entomologists in the neighborhood. Please connect with us at info@gracelandwest.org.

Credit…Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times

This May and June, the Northern Illinois Brood, or Brood XIII and the Great Southern Brood, Brood XIX will both be out in force in the greater Chicago area. “The world hasn’t seen cicadas like this since 1803“, but according to our friends at Illinois Extension (see attachment) “besides the noise, which may be substantial, this large group of insects is harmless and can be appreciated and enjoyed by nature lovers of all ages.”

Illinois Extension – Cicadas – 2024 Brood Fact SheetDownload
Categories
Neighborhood Safety

Police seeking information from 2/19

On Monday, Feb 19 (President’s Day) a carjacking incident occurred at 4 am on the 4200 Block of Greenview. Please check your video cameras for a red SUV and email CAPS019district@chicagopolice.org with any information, please copy info@gracelandwest.org.

Help us prevent crime in the neighborhood by always reporting crime, suspicious activity & dangerous driving to 911. Confirm that your porch lights and rear lights are working from dusk to dawn.

More safety tips at: https://gracelandwest.org/neighborhood-safety/

Categories
Neighborhood Safety

Staying Safe in the Neighborhood – Vehicle Edition

You may have heard about the recent attempted carjackings at the gas stations in our neighborhood. Members of GWCA and GWCA council members have contacted both the 19th District police station and Alderwoman Clay’s office as well as attended CAPS and District 19 meetings.

Please be sure to visit our Neighborhood Safety page for recommended best practices to prevent crime. It is very important that you call 911 and report any suspicious activity or crime happening “now”.  It is equally important that you report any criminal damage or theft and get a report number.  Our police coverage is based on actual reports.

Specifically related to the recent gas station incidents, please see the attached flyers from the CPD.

  • When you are getting gas, lock your vehicle while you gas up and put your keys in your pocket.
  • Don’t leave your car at a pump and go inside to buy something. Re-park your car closer to the convenience store.
  • Don’t leave your keys or your cell phone in the car.
  • Don’t fill up if you’re the only vehicle.
  • Don’t have your vehicle nose out to fill up.

If you contact CAPS (CAPS.019district@chicagopolice.org) or Alderwoman Clay (info@46thward.com), please copy info@gracelandwest.org. 

If you are interested in participating in our Block Rep program, please reach out to info@gracelandwest.org.

       

CPD – Gas Station PSADownload
CPD – Carjacking – What you should knowDownload
Categories
Events & Announcements

Spots Open for GWCA’s Bowling Party

There are a few spots still available yet for GWCA’s upcoming and new Next Gen Experience Bowling Party. Please join us!

GWCA will be taking over the entirety of Timber Lanes (1851 W Irving Park) on Saturday, January 20, from 2-4 pm. We’ll have light snacks for the kids, along with bowling and fun for everyone. Parents, note that the bar at Timber Lanes is cash only.

Cost of attendance is $30 per family (up to 5 people)

Advanced registration and payment is required – please email sarah.maxwell@gmail.com to RSVP. Payment can be sent via Zelle (info@gracelandwest.org) or Venmo (@graceland-west-community-assoc)

Categories
Events & Announcements

Celebrate the year at GWCA’s holiday social

This Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30 at Port & Park Bistro & Bar (bar entrance) come celebrate the year with other Graceland West residents and GWCA members.

The list below highlights the GWCA activities throughout the year.

January GWCA & Southport Neighbors Association 46th Ward Aldermanic Forum, Music Box Lounge

March First Quarter Community Meeting, Lakeview Taproom. This was an opportunity for GWCA Block Reps and 19th District Police to get to know each other. 19th District Police Cpt. DelPilar and CAPS Sgt. Hernandez led the update. 19th District Police Council elect Samuel Schoenberg attended. Alderman Martin provided updates for a Traffic Circle for Greenview and Belle Plaine and an update on construction of protected bike lanes on Clark from Irving Park to Montrose. GWCA approved zoning for renovated and new condo construction on Cuyler.

April Earth Day Cleanup. GWCA has held neighborhood cleanups since its 1979 inception.

May GWCA received not-for-profit status again. Donations to GWCA, not including membership dues, are now tax deductible.

June Second Quarter Community Meeting and semi-annual election, Warner Park. Celebrated the Summer Solstice with an annual outdoor Environmental Topic Meeting. Live Roof and Pizzo Native Landscape were our 2023 panel. The Environmental committee focus includes neighborhood Climate Change, pollinator habitat, stormwater flooding, diesel air pollution, composting, recycling and more. Semi-annual elections are held in June and December for 18-month Council terms.

May Annual Yard & Garage Sale

July 41st Annual Garden Walk. 31 Gardens & 7 Pollinator Sites. Information tables included GWCA information, Master Gardeners, Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Initiative and Tree Keepers.

September 43rd Annual Neighborhood Fest. GWCA was established in 1979 and our first event was our Fest.

September Third Quarter Community Meeting, Warner Park – this meeting was cancelled. The bike maintenance and safety clinic was postponed and the Alder led bike ride will happen when the new Clark Street protected bike lanes open.

September GWCA Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Site Gardeners received a Chicago Excellence in Gardening (CEGA) Honorary Mention for their seven parkway sites. 5 sites are available for this initiative at Berteau and Ashland, Belle Plaine and Ashland, Cullom and Greenview, Cuyler and Greenview and Warner and Southport.

October Guys of GWCA gathering, Long Room Chicago

October Children’s Halloween Party, Warner Park

November Gals of GWCA gathering, Long Room Chicago

November 11th Annual Street and Crosswalk all-volunteer Leaf Cleanup. 20 volunteers kicked off the cleanup on Greenview intersections filling almost 100 bags with street and crosswalk leaves in 90 minutes. Our 9-day 2023 goal was 500 bags.

December Fourth Quarter Community Meeting, Port & Park. Semi-annual elections, holiday social & Golden Rake Award.

Verified by MonsterInsights