We’re excited to welcome special guest Jensen Allen from Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum for our next GWCA Quarterly Meeting on March 13th! Jensen who will share insights and stories about Graceland’s past, present and future in our community and answer any questions you have about our neighbor to the east.
Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, IL. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan
The event will be graciously hosted by Lorell Marin and Quantum LEEP Academy at 1447 West Montrose Ave. We’ll get started at 7:00 PM and finish up by 8:15.
In addition to Jensen Allen, we’ll also be joined by Seth Boustead, Executive Director, Access Contemporary Music who will update us on the renovation of the former 7-Eleven.
Alderwoman Clay from the 46th Ward will join also us virtually. The portion of Graceland West between Southport, Clark and Irving Park is in the 46th Ward.
Finally, we’ll be sharing key updates on neighborhood initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to stay informed and help shape the future of Graceland West.
Beyond the updates and guest speaker, our quarterly meetings are a great way to meet active members of the community—neighbors who care about making Graceland West an even better place to live. Whether you’re looking to get involved or just want to stay in the loop, we’d love to see you there!
While winter holds us in its grip, let’s warm up with a look at the incredible work our GWCA Environmental Committee accomplished in 2024! From planting native shrubs to launching pollinator gardens, our dedicated volunteers have been working year-round to make Graceland West greener and more sustainable.
Growing Green Spaces
Earth Day 2024: Volunteers planted three native shrubs in key locations, bringing more biodiversity to our neighborhood.
Pollinator & Stormwater Sites: Three new native plant pollinator pathway and stormwater absorption sites were developed, increasing our total to 11 active locations. Native plants provide habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. And each site absorbs over 2,000 gallons of stormwater annually via native plant root systems and by returning stormwater to the aquifer.
Kids Pollinator Garden: A new children’s garden at Warner Park & Gardens is in the works to engage young environmental stewards.
Advocacy & Community Engagement
Committee members continue working with elected officials and local groups on stormwater management solutions, including the possibility of green alleys for Graceland West.
At the Annual Environmental Meeting, guest speaker Judy Pollock of the Chicago Bird Alliance shared insights on bird-friendly gardening, followed by a community potluck.
Composting & Leaf Cleanup
Pumpkin Smash 2024: Thanks to collaboration with Lake View High School, their JROTC, the 47th Ward, other partners and your support, over 19,000 lbs. of pumpkins were composted – 40% of the total city-wide!
Annual Street Leaf Cleanup: Volunteers collected 216 bags of leaves to reduce flooding, improve pedestrian safety, and make winter shoveling easier.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for another impactful year, we invite you to get involved! Whether it’s joining a planting day, attending an environmental meeting, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps make our neighborhood a greener place.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming initiatives, including our new pollinator garden sites and kids planting day, a celebration of cycling for Earth Week 2025, and the next Pumpkin Smash.
Want to help? Email us at info@gracelandwest.org to learn more.
Many of you may already be familiar with the exciting news that Access Contemporary Music (ACM) has officially begun construction on its new home at the former 7-Eleven site in Lakeview. The long-vacant lot at 4116 N. Clark St. is being transformed into ACM’s first dedicated performance and education space, marking a major milestone for the organization and the local arts community.
ACM, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing contemporary classical music to wider audiences, has been a staple in Chicago for years. This new venue will house a music school, rehearsal spaces, and a performance hall, creating a vibrant hub for musicians and music lovers alike. For our community, the renovation signals not only an investment in the arts but also a revitalization of a long-empty property that will now serve as a center for creativity and learning.
As construction gets underway, ACM is committed to keeping neighbors informed and engaged. If you haven’t already seen the recent coverage, check out these articles from WBEZ and Block Club Chicago for more details on their plans and vision:
We’ll continue to provide updates as ACM’s renovation progresses, your next opportunity to find out more about the renovation will be at our March 13th Meeting where we’ll be joined by Seth Bousted, ACM Executive Director.
ACM is currently enrolling students for Spring and Summer piano and voice lessons at this location.
We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 event calendar, packed with activities and opportunities to connect with your neighbors and community. From seasonal celebrations to unique experiences, there’s something for everyone this year. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and event reminders. Don’t forget to subscribe to our online calendar to stay in the loop and never miss a moment (Google, iCal, Outlook). Let’s make 2025 a year to remember together!
JANUARY • FAMILY BOWLING PARTY Saturday, January 25 • 3-5 pm Timber Lanes, 1851 W Irving Park $50/family, pre-registration required contact info@gracelandwest.org
FEBRUARY • ADULTS-ONLY TRIVIA NIGHT PARTY Saturday, February 22 • 7-9 pm 4200 North Block of Greenview $50/person, pre-registration required contact info@gracelandwest.org
MARCH • Q1 COMMUNITY MEETING GRACELAND CEMETERY & ARBORETUM HISTORY Thursday, March 13 • 7-8:15 pm Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W Montrose Graceland Cemetery history, Former 7Eleven update by Access Contemporary Music., Alderwoman Clay update & more.
APRIL • EARTH WEEK: BIKE MAINTENANCE & SAFETY Saturday, April 26• Time TBD Lake View High School Parking Lot
MAY • NATIVE PLANT POLLINATOR + STORM WATER ABSORPTION SITE WORKDAY Saturday, May 10 • 10:30 am Work at 1 of 6 new neighborhood street parkway corners
JUNE • KIDS POLLINATOR SITE PROJECT Sunday, June 1 • 10:30-11 am Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
JUNE – SEPTEMBER • YOGA IN THE PARK Saturdays June 7, July 12 & September 6 • 9:45-10:45 am Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
JUNE • Q2 COMMUNITY MEETING: ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM Thursday, June 19 • 6-7:30 pm Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner Neighborhood updates & Council elections. Join the Summer Solstice potluck with a dish to share. BYOB.
JULY • 43RD ANNUAL GARDEN WALK Sunday, July 27 • 1-5 pm Throughout neighborhood, start at Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
AUGUST • Q3 COMMUNITY MEETING: TOPIC TBD Thursday, August 14 • 7-8:15 pm Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
SEPTEMBER • 45th ANNUAL GRACELAND WEST NEIGHBORHOOD FEST Saturday, September 13 • 3-8 pm 4100 block of Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner Our annual fundraiser including a DJ, magic show, games, raffle, silent auction, creation stations, Five Square Pizza, beverages, treats & more!
OCTOBER • CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY Saturday, October 25 • Time TBD Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
NOVEMBER • CITY PUMPKIN SMASH Saturday, November 8 • Time & Location TBD
NOVEMBER • Q4 ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, November 13 • 7-8:15 pm Location TBD Bylaw vote, alderpeople & representative visits & Council election
NOVEMBER • VOLUNTEER NEIGHBORHOOD STREET LEAF CLEAN-UP November 15-23 • Kickoff Saturday November 15 at 10 am Greenview & Belle Plaine, Berteau & Cullom
Support our local students and enjoy a morning of crafts, food, and community spirit!
Lake View High School is hosting a German Market Fundraiser on Saturday, January 25th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the school’s cafeteria at 4015 N. Ashland Ave.
This festive market will feature handmade crafts and delicious treats, all available for purchase at this cash-only event. Every dollar raised will help fund a life-changing opportunity for 8 Lake View High School students as they prepare to embark on a Cultural Exchange Program in Germany, starting in less than two months.
Let’s rally together to support these young ambassadors and celebrate the incredible programs Lake View High School offers. Whether you’re stopping by for unique finds, tasty snacks, or just to show your support, your participation makes a big difference!
Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you at the market!
Get ready for another afternoon of strikes, spares, and family fun at Timber Lanes (1851 W Irving Park)! The Graceland West Community Association is thrilled to host our second annual Next Gen Experience Bowling Party on Saturday, January 25, from 3:00–5:00 PM.
We’ve reserved the entire venue, so there’s plenty of space for kids and parents alike to enjoy bowling, light snacks for the little ones, and an all-around good time. Parents, please note: the bar at Timber Lanes is cash only.
Cost: $50 per family (up to 5 people) RSVP Required: Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Email sarah.maxwell@gmail.com to reserve your lane.
Graceland West Community Association, GWCA, is pleased to welcome Access Contemporary Music, ACM, to the neighborhood at 4116 N Clark. This will be their newest class and performance space.
Seth Boustead, ACM Executive Director, let us know that ACM received their building permits the week before last and began construction on Monday, December 2ndat the Clark and Southport site previously rented to 7eleven. They hope to do a soft open in July with a grand opening in September.
From their website:
ACM turns 20 this year! Over the last twenty years we’ve commissioned hundreds of composers, taught musical creativity to thousands of students in our storefront music schools, produced hundreds of concerts throughout Chicago and beyond, created a nationally syndicated PBS series featuring newly commissioned music inspired by architecture and produced innovative programs like the Thirsty Ears Festival, Sound of Silent Film, Composer Alive and Meditative Mondays.
Their interior space will be all new and include four teaching rooms and seating for performances. ACM is now offering sign-up for summer lessons in piano and voice at this location through their website.
Boustead was one of over 400 applicants who applied for Chicago’s Community Development Fund grant, and one of just 40 total grant recipients city-wide. ACM is now fundraising for staffing, programming, construction costs not covered by the grant, and hopefully a small cash reserve to ensure that they are sustainable. Here is a link to their fundraising page, fundraiser.
A huge THANK YOU to all the incredible neighbors who joined us for the kickoff of the 2024 GWCA Street & Crosswalk Leaf Cleanup on Saturday, November 16.
Together, we tackled key Greenview intersections at Cuyler, Belle Plaine, Berteau, and Cullom, and even mid-block areas along Belle Plaine, Berteau, Warner, and Hutchinson. By 11 AM, more than 40 bags of street leaves were already ready for pickup—what an amazing start to this annual tradition.
But we’re not done yet! Let’s keep up the momentum through November 24. Rake and bag street and crosswalk leaves in your area to:
Prevent street flooding.
Keep sidewalks and crosswalks safe for everyone.
Ensure a cleaner, more beautiful neighborhood this fall.
How to Help:
Place bagged leaves on the closest crosswalk.
Streets & Sanitation will do a special pick-up after November 24.
Your hard work makes a real difference—let’s keep the energy going and make 2024 our best cleanup yet.
Saturday, November 9, 10 AM – 2 PM LVHS Parking Lot, 4000 block of N Greenview
Give your pumpkins a smashing send-off! Join us to compost old Halloween pumpkins—over 1,000 were smashed last year! Costumes welcome (again), just remove any candles, paint, or decorations first. Sponsored by U of I Extension Services, USDA, and Streets and Sanitation.
Photo: Teddi Burgess
GWCA Annual Street & Crosswalk Leaf Cleanup
Saturday, November 16, 10 AM – Noon Meet at Greenview & Belle Plaine, Berteau, or Cullom
Bring a rake and help us clear street leaves to reduce flooding and keep crosswalks safe. Last year, we filled 400 bags—let’s top that! Can’t make it on Nov 16? Clean up any time from Nov 16-24 and leave bagged leaves on your parkway for our special pick-up.
Reminder: Leave yard leaves as winter homes for pollinators!
Why do we do this? Our 47th Ward 4th and final scheduled street sweeping was in early October. All our leaves now fall after that last sweeping and removing them will reduce stormwater and snow-melt flooding. This effort also reduces falls by making crosswalks and streets less slick for pedestrians.
