Category: Events & Announcements

Categories
Events & Announcements Garden Walk

The 43rd Annual Graceland West Garden Walk THIS Sunday, July 27, 1–5PM

The countdown is on!

Join us for the 43rd Annual Graceland West Garden Walk this Sunday, July 27, 1–5PM.

Our neighborhood will be in full bloom, and this year’s walk offers a fantastic lineup of hands-on activities for all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Creative & Sensory Fun at Quantum LEEP Academy (1447 W Montrose Ave, enter through the alley via Pensacola near Greenview)
• Sensory Bin
 – Perfect for little ones—let curious hands explore, play, and discover delightful textures and surprises in our hands-on sensory bin!
• Rock Painting Station
 – Choose from a collection of smooth, beautiful stones and transform them into mini masterpieces to keep or hide as a garden surprise.
• Wooden Circle Painting
 – Unleash your imagination! Kids and adults alike can decorate smaller wood pieces with paints, markers, and more—take your creation home and remember your day in the gardens.

Be sure to swing by Warner Park & Gardens or Quantum LEEP to pick up your Garden Walk activity sheet!
• Garden Walk Haiku – Pause for a creative break and compose a garden-inspired haiku. All ages and poetry levels welcome—just three lines, a little imagination, and your garden observations!
• Bud & Seek: Scavenger Hunt
 – How many treasures can you spot as you wander the neighborhood? Mark off items on your Bud & Seek card as you explore!
• Garden Walk Bingo
 – Fill your bingo card by spotting garden features, flora, and fauna while on your garden walk!

Event Details
• When: Sunday, July 27 | 1–5PM
• Start: Warner Park & Gardens (1444 W Warner Ave)
• Boundaries: Montrose, Clark, Irving Park, Ashland
• Cost: Free & open to all—neighbors, friends, and plant lovers welcome!

Bring family, invite friends, and make a day of it. The Graceland West Garden Walk has something to inspire every visitor

Categories
Events & Announcements Garden Walk

Summer Updates: Garden Walk, GWCA Meeting & 19th Police District Council

Graceland West Garden Walk

Get ready for our 43rd Annual Graceland West Garden Walk! Join us on Sunday, July 27, from 1 to 5 PM.

You can find maps of participating gardens on our website, gracelandwest.org. For physical maps, more information, and to chat with Master Gardeners, head over to Warner Park & Gardens.

What’s New This Year:

We’re excited to feature two new Native Plant Pollinator Pathway & Stormwater Absorption Sites at Lake View High School. This fantastic addition is a collaborative effort with the Junior ROTC at LVHS, Friends of Lakeview, and GWCA. Plus, our Kids Pollinator Site at Warner Park is thriving and growing!

Volunteer Opportunities:

We are still looking for help to make this year’s Garden Walk a success! If you’re able to assist with set-up or put-away at Warner Park, please reach out to info@gracelandwest.org.

August Community Meeting & Welcoming Access Contemporary Music

Our August 12 GWCA Community Meeting at 7 PM is a special one! We’ll be gathering at the new home of Access Contemporary Music (ACM) at 4116 N. Clark.

ACM’s Executive Director, composer, and musician Seth Boustead, is hosting an exclusive open house for Graceland West residents. He’ll even perform a short piano piece for us! This is a fantastic opportunity to be among the first to see the transformation of the former 7-Eleven into ACM’s new space and officially welcome them to the neighborhood.

GWCA is represented by both the 46th and 47th Wards. 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay will attend to welcome ACM and answer any Ward questions Graceland West 46th Ward residents may have. (Residents/businesses on the 1300 block of Irving Park, 4000 block of Clark, and east side of the 4000/4100 blocks of Southport are in the 46th Ward).

In addition to this exciting welcome, GWCA members will also vote on three council seats. We hope to see you there to participate in shaping our community and to give a warm Graceland West welcome to Seth and ACM! You’ll also catch Seth at our Graceland West Neighborhood Fest on Saturday, September 13, from 3-8 PM in the 4100 block of Greenview.

TODAY – 19th Police District Council Meeting: Conflict Resolution & Community Safety

Join the 19th Police District Council this Wednesday, July 23, at 6:30 PM at Alcott Elementary School (2625 N. Orchard St.) for their monthly meeting. This month’s meeting focuses on mediation – a powerful, free, and non-violent way to resolve disputes without involving the police or courts.

The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR), a Chicago-based organization that has provided mediation services for over 40 years, will be covering everything from landlord-tenant issues to family disputes.

Dignity Best Practices, an organization dedicated to building field mediation programs where trained, unarmed first responders handle certain 911 calls involving conflicts will also be presenting. They helped launch a successful program in Dayton, Ohio, and are now working to help other cities create similar public safety resources.

RSVP here to join and learn about these valuable community resources!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Yoga in the Park – Saturday July 12 at 9:35 am

Graceland West Community Association Hosts YOGA IN THE PARK at Warner Park and Gardens (1444-46 Warner Ave).

Join us Saturday, July 12, from 9:35 – 10:45 am for a yoga session in the beautiful Warner Park. The event is free and open to all Graceland West residents over 18 years old.

Bring your own mat or throw rug. Weather Permitting.

Categories
Events & Announcements

Final Reminder: GWCA Summer Meeting & Potluck is Tomorrow!

Don’t forget—our Graceland West Community Meeting is Tomorrow, Thursday, June 19
6:00–7:30 PM
Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner

We’ll be covering important neighborhood updates, electing new council members, sharing exciting environmental wins—and wrapping it all up with a Summer Solstice Potluck!

Bring:

  • A dish to share
  • Your own beverage + container
  • Reusable utensils
  • A neighbor or two!

Come early at 5:25 PM if you’re able to help set up tables.
Stay a few minutes after 7:30 PM to help pack them away.

This is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, shape our community’s future, and enjoy a beautiful summer evening in the park.

See you Thursday!

Categories
Events & Announcements Garden Walk Green Council

You’re Invited: GWCA Summer Meeting & Potluck – June 19

Community Meeting + Summer Solstice Potluck
Thursday, June 19 | 6–7:30 PM
Warner Park & Gardens (1444 W Warner Ave)

Agenda includes:

  • Our Annual Environmental Program with guest speaker Olivia Reda from Alliance for the Great Lakes
  • A discussion on green roofing with Kevin Serena of EXO Building Solutions
  • Updates on garden walk planning, pollinator projects, and Earth Week ‘55 successes
  • Election of new GWCA Council members

Then stick around for the potluck! Bring a dish to share, your own drink + container, and reusable utensils.

This is a great chance to meet neighbors, get involved, and help shape our green, connected community.

Categories
Events & Announcements

Yoga in the Park – Saturday June 7 at 9:35 am

Graceland West Community Association Hosts YOGA IN THE PARK at Warner Park and Gardens (1444-46 Warner Ave).

Join us Saturday, June 7, from 9:35 – 10:45 am for a yoga session in the beautiful Warner Park. The event is free and open to all Graceland West residents over 18 years old.

Bring your own mat or throw rug. Weather Permitting.

Categories
Events & Announcements Green Council

Join Us for Our Summer Community Meeting + Potluck!

Thursday, June 19 | Time: 6–7:30 PM | Location: Warner Park & Gardens (1444 W Warner)

Join the Graceland West Community Association for an evening of updates, conversation, environmental inspiration, and a delicious summer solstice potluck. Let’s come together to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and look ahead to what’s next.

Meeting Agenda Highlights

Annual Environmental Program & ECO Updates
We’ll hear from:

  • Olivia Reda of Alliance for the Great Lakes on microplastics, health, and the actions we can take.
  • Kevin Serena of EXO Building Solutions will discuss green roof and water proofing solutions.
  • Our GWCA ECO Committee on our growing network of 14 native plant pollinator and stormwater absorption sites, including two new ones at Lake View High School planted by JROTC.
  • Updates on our Earth Week ’55 projects including our first ever Celebration of Cycling, the Pollinator sites at LVHS and the Warner Park Kid’s Pollinator site.

Garden Walk Planning
Calling all gardeners! Our 43rd Annual Garden Walk is coming up on Sunday, July 27. Want to help organize it, show your garden or just be part of the fun? Come learn more and sign up!

Council Election
Three of your neighbors—Bruce, Colin, and Janice—are running to serve on the GWCA Council. Interested in joining too? Let us know! (Eligible voting members must reside in the neighborhood and be current on dues.)

Community Thanks & Neighborhood Projects

  • Big thanks to volunteers helping with bioswales and traffic circles—your work helps reduce flooding and beautify the neighborhood.
  • We’re also fundraising to support continued planting at Lake View High School—every dollar helps create more green spaces.

Summer Solstice Potluck

Bring a dish to share, your own beverage + container, and reusable utensils. The pot luck will begin as soon as the meeting concludes. We’d love help setting up tables at 5:25 PM and putting them away at 7:30 PM. Volunteers are also needed to help run the potluck!

How You Can Get Involved

Reach out to info@gracelandwest.org to:

  • Help organize or participate in the Garden Walk
  • Volunteer for bioswale cleanups or potluck setup
  • Join the Council or serve as a Block Rep
  • Donate to support our native plant and stormwater projects

Let’s keep Graceland West beautiful, green and connected.
We can’t wait to see you on June 19 at Warner Park!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Join Us for the Kids Pollinator Project This Sunday!

We’re kicking off summer with a fun and educational event for kids this Sunday at 10:30 AM at Warner Park and Gardens — the Kids Pollinator Project!

Little gardeners will learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment and get hands-on planting pollinator-friendly flowers in the community garden. It’s a great way to dig in the dirt, learn something new, and help make our neighborhood greener and more beautiful.

Come ready to plant, play, and learn. Bring a hand shovel and gloves. If not, don’t worry, just bring your enthusiasm (and maybe a sun hat)!

When: Sunday June 1 at 10:30 AM
Where: Warner Park and Gardens
Who: All kids and families welcome!

We hope to see you there!

Categories
Events & Announcements Green Council

Join Us for the Celebration of Cycling – This Saturday!

Celebrate Earth Week with Us – Saturday, April 26!

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to dust off the pedals and join your neighbors for a morning of community and cycling. GWCA, in partnership with Lake View High School, Pedalheads, The Recyclery and Quantum LEEP Academy, invites you to our Celebration of Cycling on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Lake View High School’s parking lot (4015 N Ashland Ave).​

Event Schedule:

  • 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Bike Decoration Station
    Join students and staff from Quantum LEEP Academy to add some flair to your bike and get parade-ready!​
  • 10:00 – 11:30 AM: Kids’ Obstacle Course
    Guided by the Pedalheads team, young riders can build confidence and have fun navigating a safe and exciting course.​
  • 10:00 – 11:30 AM: Bike Donation & Swap
    The Recyclery will be accepting bikes and parts for donation. It’s a great opportunity to give unused items a new life or find something new-to-you.​
  • 11:00 – 11:30 AM: Bike Parade
    An all-ages neighborhood ride to showcase our bike infrastructure and celebrate cycling together. Safety volunteers will guide the route.​

Why Attend?

This event is a fantastic way to engage with the community, promote sustainable transportation, and enjoy a fun-filled morning with activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking to donate a bike, help your child gain confidence on two wheels, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride through the neighborhood, there’s something for everyone.​

Get Involved:

If you’re interested in assisting with setup, guiding the parade, or spreading the word, please reach out to us.​

Stay Connected:

For more details and updates, visit our event page.​

Let’s celebrate cycling, community, and Earth Week. See you there!

Categories
Events & Announcements

Celebration of Cycling – Looking for Volunteers

GWCA is hosting a Celebration of Cycling from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 26 at Lake View High School, and we’d love your help! The event will feature a bike donation + swap, bike decorating, an obstacle course for kids, and a bike parade through the neighborhood—all aimed at dusting off the pedals and showcasing our bike infrastructure.

We’re looking for volunteers at the event. If you can help, reach out to info@gracelandwest.org. Even a little help goes a long way in making it a success!

Details & flyer here:
https://gracelandwest.org/calendar/celebration-of-cycling-bike-donation-swap-obstacle-course-bike-parade/

Verified by MonsterInsights