Category: Events & Announcements

What shrubs are best for Chicago yards?

GWCA Meeting Speaker, Botanist Kelsay Shaw will let us know soon. Wednesday, June 26, 6:45 – 8 pm, Rizal Center, 1332 West Irving Park. Free plant to existing and new GWCA members (while supply lasts).

The catch basin, n/e corner of Belle Plaine and Greenview is being rebuilt (7th collapse / rebuild in 36 years) and the s/w corner was cleaned last week for the second time this year. The s/e corner catch basin was rebuilt again last year.
Please notify 311, GWCA (via Face book or info@gracelandwest.org) and the Alderman’s office of any severe street flooding or street flooding lasting more than 10 hours or locations that persistently flood. It would also help if you would photograph or video and post to GWCA’s face book page and provide the location.

More we can do:
Build to 200 year flood guidelines
Help your corner neighbors keep sewer grates clear
Clean up grass clippings and leaves in the street when you mow or rake and educate lawn services to do the same
Do all possible to absorb stormwater where it falls so it doesn’t migrate to a neighbor or need to reach a sewer
Aerate your soil to 9″ or more before planting. Ask us how to engineer your soil for maximum absorbency
Plant native trees, shrubs, plants and grasses as they have longer roots than non-native species or grass online order http://deeprootsmag.org/2012/11/16/with-purpose-and-passion/ fall, resulting the womb lining to be shed just as a monthly period.
Use permeable concrete and pavers. Don’t seal pavers or use concrete.
Add a rain garden green roof, French drain
Report any construction sand / earth on the street to 311 etc.

Thanks everyone for all your work on behalf of your Graceland West neighborhood!

September 8 (Sun), GWCAFest “40”, Sunday, September 8,function. 1-6 PM. Celebrate with us!

To participate, please email mnehring04@yahoo.com. Participation is free to GWCA members and $10.00 to non-members. The Yard Sale fee can be applied to GWCA membership.

GWCA Calendar: GWCA is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year!
June 1, GWCA Annual Yard Sale
June 26, GWCA very quick meeting & election of 3 Council Members. Presentation: Botanist Kelsay Shaw will discuss native shrubs for Chicago and planting for pollinators and the environment. 6:45 pm at Rizal, 1332 West Irving. Parking Available
August 4, GWCA 37th Annual Garden Walk. 1-5 pm.
September, GWCAFest TBD

October, GWCA Community Meeting TBD
October, GWCA Children’s Halloween Party TBD
November, GWCA Community Street Leaf Cleanup (for safe walking and flood reduction), TBD
December, GWCA Holiday Pot Luck and election of 3 Council Members, TBD

ONE DAY ONLY…..Saturday June 1st…… 9AM-4PM….Multiple family garage & yard sale….Lots of books, toys, clothing (adult & children), furniture, household items, music, movies, tools, vintage items, glassware, artwork, costume jewelry, various holiday decorations & costumes, antique picture frames, office supplies, art supplies, electronics, business/marketing/sales courses, appliances, kitchen items…….and much much more….Irving Park Road to Montrose Avenue, Ashland Avenue to Clark Street. . .. .ONE DAY ONLY…..June 1st….

Contact Mark Nehring at mnehring4@yahoo.com to participate in the sale. Free for GWCA members, $10 for non-members of which the amount can be applied toward a GWCA Membership. Deadline to sign up is Thursday, May 30th.

MWRD advises municipalities, residents to prevent winter flooding through proper planning
With temperatures warming up after record-breaking cold the past few days, snowmelt and rain can lead to flooding in the Chicagoland region

Frozen ground is unable to absorb water and snow, and run-off immediately flows to the sewers. In addition, ice can block storm drains and streams. As a result, flooding may occur when the sewer system becomes overwhelmed from the combination of normal sewage flow, rain water and snow melt.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is preparing for the flow by lowering water levels in the Chicago Area Waterway System to make room for runoff. In addition, our Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) tunnels, Majewski Reservoir, Thornton Composite Reservoir, and McCook Reservoir Stage I are ready to hold over 11 billion gallons of water.

Municipalities as well as the public can help plan for and minimize flooding by reducing water use. Postponing high water consumption activities such as bathing or showering, running dishwashers or washing clothes will also help provide maximum capacity in the local and intercepting sewer systems.

Other activities that can help minimize flooding include:
• Make sure storm drains are clear and not buried under snow drifts.
• Keep areas around streams free of floatable debris.
• If your home has a backwater valve installed on the sewer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to ensure that it is functioning properly.
• Check your sump pump to make sure it is working properly.
• If your home or area is prone to flooding you may want to remove valuable items from basement floors.
• Keep your gutters clear. When they are blocked, water will pour over the edges, landing on the ground next to your home. If you have cracks in the concrete wall of your basement or problems with your tile, this water could enter your home.
If you see flooding, report it to your municipality; in Chicago, call 311

We hope everyone is warm and safe.

Please check on your neighbors, especially seniors or anyone you know who is disabled.

If you see someone isn’t shoveled, please help out if you’re able.

GWCA’s motto is “Lights On” dusk to dawn. A bright porch light that illuminates the sidewalk helps pedestrians be more surefooted and helps deter crime to pedestrians and vehicles. A bright rear entry light is essential too. Shoveled walks indicate residents are home and is essential to low neighborhood crime. And video is great to have.

Over 150 Graceland West, Southport and surrounding neighbors attended. Eight candidates participated and were accompanied by about 25 total family members or members of their campaign. About three reporters attended. Here’s a link to the GWCA website and video that was live streamed during the Forum. https://www.facebook.com/gracelandwest/

Eight Aldermanic candidates participated with an introduction, answering nine questions and a closing statement. Candidates included: Eileen Dordek, Jeff Jenkins, Gus Katsafaros, Heather Way Kitzes, Angie Maloney, Matt Martin, Michael Negron, and Thomas Schwartzers.

Thank you candidates, leaders and volunteers with GWCA, SNA and FAA/Rizal. And thank you community for attending. Happy 40th Anniversary GWCA. Great way to begin this anniversary year!

We hope you will join us and hear from the candidates for the 47th Ward Aldermanic seat. The Forum begins at 11:30 at 1332 West Irving Park.