We are still buzzing from the energy of this year’s Graceland West Neighborhood Fest! The weather held out and it was so wonderful to see so many of you gathered together, celebrating our incredible community.
The success of this event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers and our sponsors. We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped, with special recognition to Brad, Sarah, Liza, and Kristi for their leadership and tireless efforts. Your hard work behind the scenes truly made this year’s fest a memorable experience for all.
A Look Back at a Wonderful Day
The fest was a fantastic reminder of the spirit that makes Graceland West so special. We hope you enjoyed everything from the caricatures to the comedic juggler, the live music, and of course, the incredible pizza. It was a day filled with laughter, community, and great fun.
Get Involved: Your Neighborhood Needs You!
The fest is just one of many events that bring our neighborhood to life. It’s never too early to start thinking about how you can help with our upcoming events and initiatives. We’re already planning our annual Halloween Party next month, and we need volunteers to help with everything from handing out candy to setting up games.
Looking ahead, we also need volunteers for:
Pollinator Pathways: Help us keep our green spaces beautiful and healthy.
Serving on the GWCA Council: Shape the future of our neighborhood by joining the council.
The Annual Garden Walk: Share your green thumb and help coordinate this popular event.
46th Annual Neighborhood Fest: It may seem far away, but planning for next summer’s fest is already underway!
Your time and energy are what make these events happen. If you want to get involved, please reach out! Just send an email to info@gracelandwest.org to learn more about our opportunities.
Thank you again for your support and for making Graceland West such a great place to live. We can’t wait to see you at our next event!
The rain has cleared, and the sun is out, making today absolutely perfect for our annual Neighborhood Fest!
Come on out and join us from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Greenview Ave. It’s the perfect time to meet up with neighbors, enjoy some great food and entertainment, and support our community.
Caricatures by Kenny Durkin: Get your own custom caricature drawn between 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
Access Contemporary Music Performance: Enjoy a special piano performance at 4:30 PM.
Euchre Tournament: We have one spot open for the tournament. The fun kicks off at 3:30 PM. Reach out to Paul at pmonzella@gmail.com to join.
Andy Head Comedic Juggler: Prepare to be amazed by his incredible show at 5:30 PM.
Five Squared Pizza: Grab a slice of one of Chicago’s best pizzas, available from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
We’ve got something for everyone—from the bounce house and carnival games for the kids to a silent auction and craft cocktails for the adults. We can’t wait to see you there!
4100 North Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner
Get ready to connect with your neighbors and celebrate our community this Saturday at the Graceland West Neighborhood Fest! This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s a great opportunity to have a blast while supporting our special corner of Chicago. Everyone is invited, so bring your family, friends, and anyone who wants to join in the fun.
We’ve got a fantastic lineup of activities this year, including some exciting new additions we can’t wait to share with you.
Can’t-Miss Main Attractions
This year’s fest features an incredible new group of performers and artists to keep you entertained all afternoon and into the evening.
Andy Head Comedic Juggler • 5:30-6:15 PM: Prepare to be amazed! Andy Head brings a trunk full of tricks and a ton of laughs to his show. With hilarious audience participation and incredible circus stunts, this performance is perfect for all ages. As one fan said, it’s “the perfect blend of juggling, comedy, and audience participation.”
Caricatures by Kenny Durkin • 3:30-5:30 PM: Take home a fun and personalized souvenir from the fest! Kenny Durkin is a professional cartoonist with over 20 years of experience, including work with Disney, AMC, and The Jim Henson Company. You may have seen his work on TV or in his online comic strips—now’s your chance to have him draw you!
Access Contemporary Music • 4:30-5:00 PM: Join us for a special piano performance by Seth Boustead, the Executive Director of Access Contemporary Music (ACM). Seth is an award-winning composer and visionary who will be kicking off the completion and grand opening of The CheckOut, ACM’s new venue at 4116 N. Clark. Stop by their booth to learn more about their mission and the new space.
Food, Drinks, and More!
We’ve got something for everyone to eat and drink.
Five Squared Pizza • 4:00-8:00 PM: The legendary Five Squared Pizza is back! Known for their “non-standard Detroit style pizza using organic ingredients & scratch-made everything,” they were called one of the “Best 25 pizzas in Chicago” by the Chicago Tribune. Don’t miss this tasty local favorite.
Off Color Brewing Beer, Wine & Craft Cocktails: Our friends at Off Color Brewing will be on hand with a selection of delicious beer, wine, and cocktails.
$1 Bake Sale: Bring a handheld, wrapped treat to share and grab one for just a dollar. We’ll also have cotton candy, popcorn, and other snacks available.
All-Day Activities and Entertainment
The fun doesn’t stop there! Get ready for a day packed with activities:
Live Music: DJ Dan Larson will be spinning tunes all day.
Games & Fun: We’ll have a bounce house, carnival games, basketball hoop, and cornhole.
Creative Stations: Kids can get creative at the sensory play station and collaborative art mural, and everyone can participate in the piñata, egg toss, and musical chairs. You can also create your own custom tie-dye t-shirts from 3:30-5:30 PM.
Friendly Competition: Test your wits at the Youth (5-5:30 PM) and Adult (6:30-7:00 PM) Trivia Contests with Stewpendous Trivia.
Euchre Tournament: Ready to play? Join the Euchre Tournament Fundraiser from 3:30-5:30 PM. It’s a $30 buy-in per player with cash prizes. Contact Paul at pmonzella@gmail.com to sign up.
Silent Auction & Raffle: Bid on amazing items in our silent auction and try your luck with the 50/50 raffle.
S’mores & Glowsticks • 7:00-8:00 PM: End the night with a special treat and some glowing fun!
Don’t forget to stop by the booths from Friends of Lake View High School, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, Quantum Leep Academy, and Access Contemporary Music. And while you’re there, you can purchase your GWCA membership and grab some new GWCA tumblers, cozies, and magnets!
Join your neighbors for the annual Graceland West Neighborhood Fest, our largest fundraiser of the year! This year’s fest features an incredible lineup of activities and entertainment:
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s 44th annual Neighborhood Festival such a tremendous success! As a fundraiser at its core, the Fest would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our amazing sponsors and the dedication of our volunteers. Thanks to your contributions, all net proceeds from this year’s event will help support the GWCA’s numerous upcoming initiatives in the areas of preservation, environment, community service, and social programming. Below is a list of the incredible sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible – we couldn’t have done it without you!
DONORS
The George Pullman – $1000 or more Marlene Granacki – RE/MAX
The Ruth Page – $500 or more 34-TEN Architecture and Josh Hutchison Chris McGowan Family Lee Francis and Michelle Gittler Sarah Maxwell Group, Residential Real Estate with @properties
The Ernie Banks – $250 or more Mary Beth and Bob Flannery Melanie and Brad Pierce
The George Pullman – $100 or more Kristi Passarelli and Matt Buckland
Silent Auction Donors Shruti and Brandon Cruz Climb Zone Lakeshore Sport & Fitness The Long Room Port & Part Bistro & Bar Sarah Maxwell Group
IN-KIND DONORS:
Off Color Brewing Sit Social Daycare, Grooming and Barkery
VOLUNTEERS:
Jonah Agnew Terry Baublis Jen Beattie Matt Buckland Chris Chesne Julie Chesne Will Chesne Donna Forsberg Alexis Frazier Michael Gaertner Laura Hatch Janice Horwich Josh Hutchison Matthew Jennison TJ Maas Andrew Maxwell Ann Maxwell Lily Maxwell Tim McGonegle Kate Guilfoyle Colin McLeod Rob Munds Nehring Family Brian Peterman Fiona Peterman Melanie Pierce Sarah Pierce Chad Rathmann Nick Rizza Barb Sullivan Linda Welsh Michael Welsh Kim Yeatts Josh Yeatts
FEST PLANNERS
Brad Pierce Sarah Maxwell Liza Gaertner Kristi Passarelli
The Graceland West Neighborhood Festival is back tomorrow with a full day of activities for all ages! Among the highlights are a competitive Euchre Tournament Fundraiser, where players can vie for cash prizes, delicious Detroit-style pizza from local favorite Five Square Pizza, and lively trivia contests hosted by DJ Stew of Stewpendous Productions. These are just a few of the many events planned, so come out and enjoy a day filled with games, food, music, and fun in our beautiful community!
Euchre TournamentFundraiser 3:30-5:00 pm Players needed – please sign up to participate – contact Kate Guilfouyle (keguilfoyle@gmail.com). Three rounds of round robin, $30 buy-in per player with cash prizes.
Five Square Pizza 4:00-8:00 pm Five Square Pizza, is a husband and wife duo who left the corporate world in 2019 to follow their dreams of owning a pizzeria. Detroit style pizza using organic ingredients and scratch made everything. “The best 25 pizzas in Chicago” by Chicago Tribune and “13 best pizza places in Chicago” by Condé Nast Traveler.
DJ Stew of Stewpendous Productions We’re excited to have Stew of Stewpendous Productions join us as our host throughout the Fest. He’ll be leading 2 of his famous trivia contents for us too – a Kids Trivia Contest from 4:30-5:00 pm and adult trivia contest from 6:30-7:00 pm.
We’re just one day away from our annual Graceland West Neighborhood Fest, and we still need a few more volunteers to help bring everything together! Whether you can spare an hour or more, your support will make a big difference. If you’re able to lend a hand, please reach out to sarah.maxwell@gmail.com to volunteer. Thank you for helping make this year’s fest special!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 3:00 – 8:00 pm Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner
Join us for Graceland West’s largest fundraiser of the year! Come out and meet-up with your neighbors while supporting our special neighborhood. All are invited including those outside GWCA.
Day-Of Volunteers Needed
Fest Contributions Silent auction donations (gift certificate, goods, or services)
Fest Sponsor Donations The George Pullman ($100) The Ernie Banks ($250) The Ruth Page ($500) The Conrad Sulzer ($750) The Daniel Burnham ($1000)
DJ Stew of Stewpendous Productions
Euchre Tournament 3:30-5:00 3 rounds of round robin, $30 buy-in per player with cash prizes. Contact Kate Guilfouyle (keguilfoyle@gmail.com) to sign-up
Magic Show By Randy 3:30-4:00
Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle
Create Custom Tie Dye T-Shirts & Spin Art 4:00-7:00
Painting Booth with Art City 4:00-7:00 Painting for adults and youth. Get creative with this local art class & gallery venue.
Five Square Pizza & Snacks 4:00-8:00 Detroit style pizza using organic ingredients& scratch made everything. ‘The best 25 pizzas in Chicago’ -Chicago Tribune; ’13 best pizzas in Chicago’-Conde Nast Traveler
Trivia Contests with Stewpendous Trivia Youth (4:30-5) & Adult (6:30-7)
Face Painting 5:00-7:00
Off Color Brewing Beer, plus Wine & Craft Cocktails
Cotton Candy & Sno Cones
Friends of Lake View High School, Sit Social & Lakeshore Sport & Fitness Booths
You’ll be receiving the attached newsletter at your door this week. Visit gracelandwest.org for details on GWCA’s initiatives + updates & details on all these upcoming events. Save these dates and join us!
Events
YOGA IN THE PARK Saturday, June 15, 9:50 – 11:15 am Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
The event is free and open to all Graceland West residents over 18 years old. Bring your own mat or rug. Weather permitting. Please RSVP to info@gracelandwest.org by June 14 and check gracelandwest.org for possible additional summer dates.
SUMMER SOLSTICE ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY MEETING Thursday, June 20, 6:30 – 8 pm Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
Judy Pollock, President of Chicago Birding Alliance (former Chicago Audubon) will return by neighborhood request and share information on local and migrating birds and their needs.
Neighbors Ben and Sarah Conley are certified TreeKeepers, who will provide support information on habitat for birds and tree care.
Neighborhood updates, Garden Walk sign-up, semi-annual Council election.
Summer Solstice Potluck, bring a finger food app, main or dessert to share. BYO beverages, compostable plates and reusable utensils.
42ND ANNUAL GARDEN WALK Sunday, July 28, 1 – 5 pm Throughout neighborhood, start at Warner Park and Gardens, 1444 W Warner
Sign up by 7/15 at gracelandwest.org/garden-walk to show your apartment, condo, house, school or business garden of any size and type.
Printed and virtual maps and garden descriptions will be available. Information Tables to include Master Gardeners, TreeKeepers, Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Initiative and Pizzo Native Plant Landscape.
Invite family, friends, or neighbors to enjoy our neighborhood gardens with you.
LAKE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL 150TH ANNIVERSARY Late Summer, Early Fall, Details shared when available Lake View High School, 4015 N Ashland
In 1873 the citizens of Lake View Township voted to establish a High School. Built on land donated by the Graceland Cemetery Company, Lake View High School was constructed at a cost of $16,000 and opened its doors to 73 students on May 4th, 1874.
After a massive fire nearly destroyed the entire building in 1885, Lake View reopened in 1886, with a new four-story addition.
In 1916 a new 5-story building was erected and in 1939 another section was added.
Today Lake View High School encompasses 77,000 SF and a full-city block. A $27 million renovation project was completed in 2018.
44th ANNUAL GRACELAND WEST NEIGHBORHOOD FEST Saturday, September 14, 3 – 8 pm 4100 block of Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner
FALL COMMUNITY MEETING Thursday, September 26, 7 – 8:15pm See website and social updates for topic and location
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY Saturday, October 26, 11am – 1pm Warner Park & Gardens, 1444 W Warner
11TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER STREET LEAF CLEAN-UP November 16-24 Kickoff 11/16 at 10am at Greenview & Belle Plaine, Berteau & Cullum Reduce stormwater flooding and increase pedestrian safety.
WINTER COMMUNITY MEETING & HOLIDAY SOCIAL Thursday, December 5, 6 – 7:30pm See website and social updates for topic and location
News
Congratulations Lake View Class of 2024! Congratulations graduates on receiving over $1.9M in scholarships and acceptances to over 180 Universities. Lake View is home to over 1476 students grade 9-12. Lake View’s Core Belief is Honor…for self, school, and society. Ownership…of learning and leading. Mastery…of skills and growth. Education…for the future.
4116 North Clark Zoning Thank you Alders Pawar, Martin and Clay, the GWCA Council and neighbors for helping with the 5+ year vacancy at the former 7-11. We are told that the 7-11 lease ends in July 2024. On May 7th GWCA held an in-person Community Meeting and joined Alderwoman Clay’s on-line Presentation with potential tenant Seth Boustead, Executive Director of Access Contemporary Music. ACM wants to bring their fourth neighborhood site to Graceland West to teach music and hold recitals and small indoor concerts. GWCA Members voted 89% Yes, 11% No to change zoning from RS-3 to B3-1 if ACM is the tenant. Members voted 84% Yes, 16% No to allow ACM to sell alcohol during indoor music concerts if ACM becomes the tenant.
9 Ashland Bus Extension Alderman Martin has announced that the CTA 9 Ashland bus will be rerouted from its current turnaround on Clark north of Irving Park to continue north on Ashland to a new terminal at the Ravenswood Metra Station. The extended route will also provide direct connections to the Metra, #78 Montrose bus, and #81 Lawrence bus. Additional details are forthcoming.
Pollinator Habitat Donations + 3 New Sites Thanks to a $1,000 donation from Congressman Quigley and a matching $1,000 donation from neighbor Mark Signa, the GWCA Native Plant Pollinator Pathway and Stormwater Absorption Initiative established 3 new sites in May. Each will provide pollinator habitat and absorb more than 2,000 gallons of stormwater annually. All will be on our July 28 Garden Walk. Contact GWCA if you’d like to develop a corner parkway, or share information about your native plants, grasses, shrubs, trees, rain gardens, green roofs and green efforts.
Greenview and CuylerGreenview and CuylerSouthport and Warner
Cicada Photos Wanted Celebrate our 2024 double cicada brood emergence, the first in 221 years. Email photos to info@gracelandwest.org
Neighborhood History Sought Lake View High School was established in 1874, 150 years ago and neighborhood development began in the early 1890’s. GWCA’s September meeting will focus on our history. Please contact membership@gracelandwest.org if you have a property built before 1900 or if your family has information or photos dating from 1870-1970.
Fest Donations + Volunteers Sought Looking for individuals to help the day-of event in a variety of roles. Have a connection to a local business or a unique activity/experience you can donate to our silent auction? Please contact info@gracelandwest.org
It was a beautiful day for the 43rd annual neighborhood festival in Graceland West (photos below). The 2023 Graceland West Neighborhood Fest was only possible because of many volunteers and many sponsors. A very special thank you to Sarah, Brad, Kristi and Liza who led the planning for the amazing event.
