Category: Events & Announcements

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Events & Announcements

Pumpkin Smash

GREEN Halloween!  Lake View High School, the University of Illinois Extension, Lake Shore Recycling Systems and the Department of Streets and Sanitation are hosting a Pumpkin Smash event for residents to compost their pumpkins post-Halloween and keep them out of the landfill! The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 6 at Lake View High School, located in the parking lot off of Greenview and Irving Park. Pumpkins must be free of candles, stickers, glitter, yarn, synthetic decorations. We can compost pumpkins decorated with water-based paints.  More info found in your favorite metaverse http://go.illinois.edu/pumpkinsmash, GWCA Facebook Event, Nextdoor, GWCA website.

If you are in the Graceland West neighborhood, please come see us at the pumpkin smash to pick up a leaf bag for our 9th annual volunteer street leaf cleanup which begins on November 9th.

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Events & Announcements

From the Alderman’s Office – Public safety update

On Tuesday, October 12th at 6:30 PM, the Alderman’s office and the 19th Police District will host a special CAPS meeting to provide information about public safety in our area, and answer neighbors’ questions. You can RSVP for this virtual event at bit.ly/publicsafety47.

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Dear neighbor, 

As many of you know, over the past several days, our community has experienced three incidents of gun violence on or near major thoroughfares in the Northcenter and West Lakeview communities. Most recently, early this morning, police quickly responded to a shots fired call near the 4400 block of Lincoln Ave. They found a young man in a crashed car with a gunshot wound. The man fled on foot when approached by officers, and was later apprehended and transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital in critical condition. Officers subsequently found a gun they believe the man tossed into a nearby yard, and the man is not currently cooperating with the investigation. If you have additional information, especially video footage, please contact Area 3 detectives at (312) 744-8261.
 
Our office has been regularly communicating with our local police district and area detectives about these incidents. You can read our detailed public safety updates here, which we shared following each incident:  

Incident on Sunday, October 3 at approximately 3 am
Incident on Monday, October 4, at approximately 11 pm
Incident on Wednesday, October 6, at approximately 2 am

On Tuesday, October 12th at 6:30 PM, my office and the 19th Police District will host a special CAPS meeting to provide information about public safety in our area, and answer neighbors’ questions. We have invited other public safety stakeholders to participate and will share updates when those stakeholders are confirmed. You can RSVP for this virtual event at bit.ly/publicsafety47. Please note that this event was previously scheduled for Thursday, October 14th, but in light of this most recent incident, our office requested a sooner date and are grateful the 19th District was able to accommodate. 

On a personal note, I recognize just how unsettling it is that, over the last several days, our community has endured repeated incidents of gun violence. Like many of you, I have young children and want to ensure that they are safe and comfortable wherever they go, both within and outside of our neighborhood. I know that moments like this cause fear and create a justified sense of urgency to see these problems solved immediately. We all want to move swiftly to help ensure this type of violence stops immediately. 

Yesterday evening, the 19th District began ramping up traffic missions throughout Northcenter and Lakeview, and will continue communicating with the 17th Police District and other nearby districts to share information and coordinate actions in response to these shootings. Special attention will be given to identifying cars that have been reported as stolen, in part using mobile license plate readers. And because there is currently no indication that the individuals involved in this gun violence have close ties to our immediate community, we will enhance our engagement with nearby law enforcement and community entities that are responding to similar issues. In addition,
I have been and will continue to visit schools and businesses and to knock on doors throughout Northcenter to answer your questions and discuss public safety concerns directly. 

I also know that, too often, when confronted with community violence, elected officials defer blame and promise quick and easy solutions. While we will continue taking steps to immediately address these incidents, it is important to acknowledge, directly and honestly, that there are no simple fixes to the violence that communities all across Chicago face. We all must engage in the year-round hard work of strengthening our communities, both here in our own neighborhoods as well as across Chicago, with the goal of preventing violence in a systematic way. 

This is an issue that I and my office have been working on since our first day in office. In 2019, one of the first pieces of legislation I introduced called for hearings on two data-driven violence prevention initiatives—CRED and READI. Both have promising initial results—in recent years, for example, READI’s work cut the number of arrests for shooting and homicide among participants by 79% compared with a non-participant peer group. I strongly believe the city should provide funding to scale programs that have demonstrated proof of concept like these. 

This year, we’ve been working to prioritize implementing the Mayor’s violence reduction plan which spotlighted domestic violence as a top issue—in part due to its close relation to gun violence. Late last year, the Mayor released a comprehensive violence reduction plan that spotlighted the need to address domestic violence, based on its close link to gun violence. This year, our office worked with advocates to ensure that the FY 2022 budget provides appropriate resources to address the spike in domestic violence, including domestic violence related homicides. We’re proud to say the initial budget proposal includes $25 million dollars in new investments in this regard.

Finally, we have heard from neighbors who want to know how they can help right now to build a safer neighborhood and city. I want to provide a few suggestions:

Ask your local school how you can get involved in attendance initiatives. From our conversations with violence prevention organizations across the city in the last few months, we understand this uptick in gun violence is driven in large part by younger Chicagoans. Since the start of the pandemic, attendance numbers have dropped in CPS schools, and Chicago Public Schools continues to work to re-engage these students.

Consider donating to a local violence prevention organization like READI Chicago, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Alliance of Local Social Service Organizations (ALSO). ALSO specifically does work in the nearby Irving Park and Albany Park neighborhoods. 

Attend an upcoming strategic meeting for your local police district. These meetings, which occur annually, are scheduled for later in October. Our police districts are seeking community feedback on their strategic plan, including regarding community policing. You can register for the upcoming 19th District meeting here.

Yours in service, 
Ald. Matt Martin
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Events & Announcements

GWCA Yard Sale | Sat 9/18, 9 to 4

GWCA-Garage-Sale-2021-Solicitation-Signs-version-4-2015-copy-4

Stop by 4330 N Greenview for more information.

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Events & Announcements

GWCAfest 2021 | Some history

If you’ve been following us on facebook or instagram you’ve seen a few photos from GWCAfests of the past… This year we’ll make some new memories…Sunday, 9/12 from 1-5 pm on the 4100 block of Greenview. More info on Facebook here.

When Graceland West Community Association (GWCA) was just getting started, it was decided that an annual block party would provide a venue for fund raising and a chance for neighbors to meet and talk (“fun raising” ).

Early block parties were pot lucks and our neighbor, DJ Gil Munoz would bring out his gear & provide music. That first year it was decided to have a chili contest – and then they added all of them to the pot luck meal.

As years went on, different people tried different things:

Magic by Randy circa 2007
  • A group of Dads grilled burgers & brats
  • A neighbor and her family members made awesome tacos right there in the street
  • We held a talent contest & discovered some amazing talents in our neighbors (choir members, dancers, kazoo bands, rock bands & more)
  • Neighborhood teens performed (a few have gone on to careers as musicians, some just do it nights & weekends)
  • People sponsored acts like the Jesse White Tumblers, the Roberto Clemente High School Steel Drum Band & a rising new singer LisaB
  • For many years, the party kicked off with a pet parade. Everyone dressed up and costumed & ribboned their pets: dogs, cats, bunnies and even fish (in a bowl in a wagon). One man even brought a pet python!
  • We’ve had the Lake View High School cheerleaders, jazz band & percussionists perform for us
  • We’ve done rummage sales, silent auctions & live auctions to help fund the organization
  • Fortune telling by Madame Sonia
  • Chair massages
  • We’ve tried Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, one year we even did an afternoon party for kids & an evening party for adults only (parents hired babysitters, showered & changed and came back to party with the adults)
  • We’ve moved it around the neighborhood, every couple of years on a new street ! Then for years we did it on Warner by Warner Park & Gardens
  • We’ve had bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoos, dunk tanks and arcade games to amuse the children
  • One of our neighbors, Liz Thomas, painted bean bag & ring toss boards for us to use. And then freshened them up ten years later.
  • One year, using a dog run & a cowboy hat, the Sheriff made his first appearance. For one ticket he would arrest anyone you pointed out to him. Then they had to serve a 15 minute sentence in “jail” or, since this is Chicago, for 2 tickets they could purchase an immediate release (hey, it’s all for the good of the organization).
Jessie White Tumblers circa 1991


This year we’ll make some new memories…Today, Sunday, 9/12 from 1-5 pm on the 4100 block of Greenview. More info on Facebook here.

Tim McGonegle will be re-creating his role as Sheriff, with some assistance from his Grandson, Dawson. So there’s a new Sheriff in town!

Next year the block party could try something new that you suggest. Let us know what would get you to come next year and whether you could help to turn your idea in to reality at next year’s celebration

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Events & Announcements

GWCAfest 2021 | Magic by Randy

Magic by Randy at Sunday’s block party GWCAfest

For more than 30 years Randy Bernstein has been delighting children & adults with has own brand of stand up comedy and magic. He has been a perennial favorite at our block parties and we are delighted he will be performing this year at GWCAfest, Sunday, 9/12 at 4 pm in the 4100 block of Greenview. His nuanced performances keep the little ones engaged & adults laughing at his double entendres. Our children eagerly volunteer to “help” Randy perform his tricks. And even up close, sometimes don’t know how the trick worked.

Randy hasn’t been sitting home idle during this pandemic – he created a series of virtual magic show & classes so that children could still enjoy his unique brand of comedy magic.

For more information or to hire Randy for your next event:
www.MagicByRandy.com

(Note:  there is a Groupon available for his virtual sessions)

Want to help? Call or text Barbara Sullivan at 773-727-3419. We need volunteers for 2 hour shifts from 1-3 or 3-5

We need treats for our bake sale table. Drop off individually wrapped treats, or bring a whole pan. Please wear a mask when baking.

Most importantly: Come, bring family & friends & enjoy the afternoon!

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Events & Announcements

GWCAfest 2021 | Music by Lisa B

Next Sunday, 9/12 from 1-5 pm
4100 block of Greenview

Want to help?  Call or text Barbara Sullivan at 773-727-3419. We need volunteers for 2 hour shifts from 1-3 or 3-5

We need treats for our bake sale table. Drop off individually wrapped treats, or bring a whole pan. Please wear a mask when baking.

Most importantly: Come, bring family & friends & enjoy the afternoon!

Live music will be provided by solo artist MUSIC BY LISA B

Lisa lives in Madison, WI, but has been traveling down to Chicago to play at our block party nearly every year since she first performed at GWCAfest in 2001. She has been a frequent supporter of Graceland West Communiy Association and we are lucky to have her come down to help us each year.

Lisa has a successful career as a solo artist, as well as keyboard & vocals for Rachelle & the Red Hot Ramblers. She also is a proud member of V05 – a dance band that will really get you moving!

For more information about Lisa, check out her website at
www.MeetLisaB.com

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Events & Announcements

GWCAfest 41 – Sunday 9/12, 1-5 PM

Our 41st annual GWCAfest (neighborhood block party) will be held:

Next Sunday, 9/12
from 1-5 pm
4100 block of Greenview

Come buy a beer or pop, or a glass of wine and enjoy the weather, the music & kick back and stay awhile. An opportunity to meet new neighbors (many new ones since our last block party) and a chance to reconnect with those you already know.

This year will be a bit simpler than in past years. Due to pandemic, we are not allowed to have a bounce house – but plenty of other things happening!

Live music by Lisa B all afternoon
Sheriff will be on duty from 1-3
The infamous “Silly String Battles” ever hour beginning at 1:30
Magic by Randy at 4

In order to offset costs there will be a charge for drinks (soft drinks, water, beer & wine), food, baked goods & children’s games. Cash or Venmo (and we are working on setting up credit card capability).

We are asking everyone to wear a mask and to maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer & antiseptic wipes will be available

Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with your neighbors!

Stay safe!

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Events & Announcements

From the LVHS Principal – Time to Celebrate! WELCOME HOME Wildcats…

Wildcat Families –

Our construction crews are finishing up, our cleaning crews are working overtime, and our teachers are jumping into professional learning and planning meetings to be ready for your students to start on Monday, August 30. We’re excited to be launching several new courses, including our new Freshman Seminar and, for our seniors, the College in High School course Poetry in America: The Streets from Whitman to Hip-Hop, taught by Harvard Professor Elisa New.

To make sure our return to 100% in-person learning is healthy and safe for all students and staff, we’re using the following protocols:

  • Mask protocols: All students and staff will be masked at all times, regardless of vaccination status. CDC guidance, based on current research, is that returning to school is safe when everyone masks and avoids extended close contact.
  • Entry protocols: We are using two entrances to help avoid “clumping” as students walk in the. building. Students in grades 9 and 11 will enter through the usual door, Door 3, off Ashland Avenue. Students in grades 10 and 12 will enter from Door 10, off the field.
  • Health protocols: Students should complete the screener before coming to school and stay home if sick. If a student gets sick during the school day with COVID-like symptoms, they will be taken to the care room, and will need to be picked up by an adult.

Please come to this Thursday’s virtual town meeting at 5pm (Link is Detailed Below) to learn more about what we’re doing to keep everyone safe, and to get your questions answered! And don’t forget Wednesday’s Welcome HOME bash!

Sincerely,

Paul J. Karafiol, Ed.D. (preferred pronouns: he/him — more information on pronouns here)

Principal

Lake View High School

4015 N. Ashland Ave

Chicago, IL 60613

www.lakeviewhs.com

(773) 534-5438

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Events & Announcements

39th Annual Graceland West Garden Walk

39th-Annual-GWCA-Garden-Walk-Flyer

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Events & Announcements

Summer 2021 Flooding – Please Provide Info

Flooding near Lake View High School 6/26/21

Stormwater flooded the 4000 block of Greenview and other areas in the neighborhood on June 20, Father’s Day and AGAIN on June 26. If you experienced street, sidewalk, alley, basement or vehicle flooding on one of these dates, can you please fill out this anonymous survey: https://forms.gle/Stx8uXKehXkfJEv96 If you wish to provide additional information, reach out to us at info@gracelandwest.org. This information will be helpful in our discussions with our local, state and federal representatives.

Flooding near Lake View High School 6/26/21
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