Chicago Market is coming to Uptown!

 

It’s official, or almost official, the Chicago Market, one of Chicago’s few co-op markets, is coming to Uptown.

Chicago Tribune article

A grocery store is coming to Uptown’s historic Gerber building.

The CTA will vote on Wednesday on letting Chicago Market, a cooperative that specializes on locally grown and organic foods…

Times are a-changing for Uptown. Another important step in building a new future for our community.

EXCITING 46TH WARD DEVELOPMENTS

 

UPTOWN IS ON THE CUSP OF MASSIVE CHANGE. BE PART OF THE GROWTH THAT HAS BEGUN TO FLOURISH.

GWNA BOARD NEWS

The new GWNA Board extends a huge THANK YOU to Katharine Boyda for so many years of loyal service to GWNA. Katharine, your efforts on Sunnyside Mall and to move GWNA forward have been tremendous. 

Although you are no longer on the Board, we know you will continue to help beautify the neighborhood and help usher in new developments and help the community flourish as we continue the rise of Uptown from the ashes. GWNA will continue to push for accountability from organizations like Voice of People that have manage thousands of units in our ward.

GWNA joins forces with SPNA and all Sheridan Park Block Clubs

Sheridan Park Neighbors Association, SPNA, is the umbrella organization for all Sheridan Park block clubs.

The decision was made unanimously by:  Dover Street Neighbors, Beacon Block Club, Magnolia Malden Neighbors and Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association.

Jason Neal, SPNA president, was a featured speaker at this meeting.  The action plan focuses on participating in a master plan for the commercial streets. Just imagine more bustling vibrant shops coming to Sheridan park.

 

GWNA Board Members

Jason DeVore (President)
Colleen McDevitt (Secretary)
Max Reising (Treasurer)

 

GWNA Public Safety Update

Gang Shooting on Magnolia—Police shut down the street

 Gangs are out of hibernation, or jail, not sure which. Shooting up one another on Magnolia just north of Sunnyside this afternoon.

Details are sketchy.  Apparently rival gangs—Latin Kings and Maniac Latin Disciples—crazy names and members.

Took aim and started shooting around noon today. One person down.

911 SPNA Call Group alerted police to gang member hiding out in laundry room of rental building by Malden and Sunnyside.

 

Mark your Planner—GWNA Meeting on March 26 at 7pm

Join us on Monday, March 26, at 7pm. Emerald City hosting.

Chock-full meeting agenda will include: New officer elections, latest on cleaning out gang infested CHA properties or housing court.

And the hot-mess CTA has currently created under the Wilson El Station.    Between Wilson and Montrose. We still believe the Wilson Underline, www.wilsonunderline.com public plaza will happen.

Mark your calendar now—Monday, 26^th

Happy Holidays to All

Wishing you Peace, joy and a Magical Holiday!

 

Holiday magic was all around our Block Clubs’ event at Provisions Uptown on Monday!  Thanks to everyone who showed up for a wondrous evening filled with good tidings of holiday cheer and neighbors meeting neighbors.

Provisions Uptown set the perfect holiday mood—the Christmas and Holiday décor, like this little snowman—gave us reason to celebrate Uptown’s growing small businesses. Especially those who support community gatherings.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! And to all a wondrous New Year!

 

And always remember…

 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

UPTOWN HOLIDAY BLOCK CLUB PARTY – December 11th at Provisions Uptown

Join Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association and all Uptown Block Clubs’ neighbors for a holiday shindig at Provisions Uptown! The event is Monday, December 11th, 5:30-8:30.

 

Uptown’s local independent shop owners are essential to our community’s bright new future. Come share the holiday fun while chatting with your neighbors.

 

Monday, December  11^th, from 5:30 to 8:30pm—Provisions Uptown, located right next door to the Uptown Theater, brings on the holiday cheer with wine tastings, cool-weather cocktails, tasty nibbles and 10% off all purchases…

 

GWNA 1217 Provisions Event

 

Provisions Uptown—4812 N Broadway—one of Uptown’s growing independent small businesses!

See you Monday evening, December 11th.

 

Underscore Theatre Celebrates Holidays in Their Own Unique Way!

 

Check out Underscore’s Tiny Storefront Concert Series this weekend when they present Holly Jolly Hanukah!  Join Uptown’s resident theater company as they bring you an evening of carols to put you in the holiday spirit.

 

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

 

Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 online in advance! Performances are Saturday at 11 PM and Sunday at 8PM.

 

And thank you for supporting live theater in Chicago!

 

 

And always remember…

 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

 

REMINDER: GWNA Block Club Meeting Monday, 12/04/17

GWNA BLOCK CLUB MEETING—Monday Night at 7pm

Lots of changes going on in Uptown. Hope to see you Monday to learn more about what’s happening and how you can be part of Uptown’s bright new future!

Bring a neighbor, forward this email, post on Facebook. Emerald City Uptown, 1224 W Wilson, 7pm. Come early, grab a refreshment.

GWNA Meeting Flyer 1217

Block Club Meeting December 4th: Public Safety Strides, Call for New Board Members & More

GWNA Newsletter, November 22, 2017

Block Club Meeting December 4th—Public Safety Strides, Call for New Board Members & More

 

Uptown is rapidly changing and we are too!  You are invited to the GWNA, Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association, block club meeting on Monday, December 4^th, at 7PM, to hear all about what’s happening in our community.

 

We have an ambitious agenda with updates from the Sheridan Park 911 Public Safety team leaders, submissions for new board members, and a short overview on the North Lake Shore Dr. project that will dramatically alter how Uptown folks access Lake Shore Dr.

 

GWNA Meeting Flyer 1217

 

Time for new board members with energy to take us to the next level.  Elections early 2018. Block clubs are the building blocks of vibrant, thriving communities—We are seeking interested, caring board members.  Are you willing to make the commitment? Submissions for President, Secretary and Treasurer are open now.  You can submit your name and reasons why you want to run to gwna13@gmail.com or at the meeting.

 

New committee chairs are also be added—including Sheridan Park Neighbors Liaison. Plus GWNA Events Coordinator to bring new focus to businesses and neighborhood activities that build a sense of community pride. Also GWNA Communications Director to strengthen our outreach.

 

Mark your planner for Monday, December 4^th—Emerald City Coffee, 1224 W. Wilson, is hosting.

 

Save-the-Date—Holiday Cheers at Provisions Uptown on December 11^th

 

All work and no play makes for unhappy people. We aim to add fun and good times with community events that highlight and support Uptown’s independent businesses.

Join us on Monday evening, December 11^th at Provisions Uptown, 4812 N Broadway.  Wine tastings, cocktail of the night, lots of tasty nibbles and special discounts for Uptown block club members. Stay tuned—details and flyer coming soon.

 

 

Save-the-date 12.11.17

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Everyone at GWNA would like to wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy & Safe Thanksgiving!

 

And always remember….

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Uptown Murder Spree Continues

At 6:03pm Tuesday evening, near the corner of Leland and Magnolia, an 18 year old black male was gunned down in a barrage of gunfire that shattered the neighborhood.

Residents calling 911 reported 20-40 gunshots were fired, killing Deshawn Johnson.  Bullets went through the windows of nearby resident’s home

 

The murdered victim was no stranger to violence and well known in the community for his gang affiliation.

 

Click here for Crime in Boystown story coverage:

http://www.cwbchicago.com/2017/11/man-shot-dead-in-uptown-monday-evening.html?m=1

 

Recent gang activity has moved north of Wilson, due to the incredible efforts from the Sheridan Park 911 Public Safety Committee.  Many of the gang infested units in CHA and Voice of the People subsidized housing south of Wilson have been cleared out, forcing gangs to relocate.  Uptown and the 46^th ward holds the #1 position for government subsidized housing in Chicago.  We strongly support the HUD policy of no more than 20% of a neighborhood’s housing should be government subsidized. And will continue our efforts north of Wilson in Sheridan Park.

 

GWNA Block Club Meeting on December 4th

 

Save-the-Date for the Graceland Wilson Neighbors, GWNA, block club meeting on Monday, December 4, at 7pm

We will meet at Emerald City, at 1224 W Wilson.

 

Agenda will include:

• Update on Sheridan Park 911 Public Safety initiatives
• Submissions for GWNA board members, president, secretary and treasurer + committee chairs
• Social events supporting local businesses
• Lake Shore Dr. project—what’s in the works

 

More details to come—mark your planner for December 4^th at 7pm.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Uptown Hit again with Gang Battles, Shootings & Murder

Starbucks was the latest battle field in the continuing gang warfare that plagues Uptown.  Around 8:10 PM Thursday evening, Gunfire erupted in the Starbucks on the busy corner of Lawrence & Broadway.

One male died inside the Starbucks café. Two others were shot, one a 12 year old boy, and another male.  Police believe all the males knew one another.

 

 

Click here to read details from Chicago Tribune article  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-shootings-violence-20171102-story.html

 

Earlier this week, in the wee hours after Halloween, at 1:30 AM, another round of gang gunfire work up neighbors in the 4428 N Greenview gated condominium complex around corner from Chase Park.

Two males in a minivan were plummeted with bullets. One seriously injured. The other critically injured. No word on their survival.

 

The gangs have been moving their operations north of Wilson,after heavy pressure from the Sheridan Park Public Safety Committee working with the CHA, Voice of the People, Police and alderman to clean out the gang infested housing.

Efforts will continue to address the long time elements that have been the breeding ground for Uptown gangs, drug warfare and shootings.

 

Community Bright Spot

Uptown’s own Underscore Theatre Company has a new production in a space they created themselves in one of the closed shops at 4609 N. Clark St..  Underscore’s world premiere of  Carrie 2: The Rage is getting rave reviews all over town. You can check one out by clicking this link:

http://perform.ink/review-carrie-2-underscore-theatre-company/

According to their Executive Director, Laura Stratford, “Underscore Theatre Company is six years old and specializes in world premiere musicals. We’ve had a rehearsal space on Clark and Leland for three years, but are just now looking into the feasibility of having a home at 4609 N Clark, where we are currently running the world premiere of “Carrie 2: The Rage (An Unauthorized Musical Parody).” The show has been getting rave reviews, and is a really smart, sassy 90s throwback.

We’d love to get more involved in the community, and to that end, would like to offer neighbors a discount code if anyone is interested in checking out the show, the theater space, or us in general. Your members can get $5 off tickets with the promo code NEIGHBORS.”

The show is not to be missed AND it is a positive bright spot in our Uptown community. Worthy of our their neighbors’ support.

 

 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is all that ever has.

Clarendon Park Renovations

Clarendon Park Renovations—Community Open House

 

Clarendon Meeting Sept 20 2017 (1)

Clarendon Park will begin renovations next year to give our community center some much needed love and attention. The TIF money combined with the Chicago Park District contribution establishes a good start with $5 million for the renovations. We are halfway to our goal of $10 million to update the building.

The Clarendon Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District would like to invite you to attend the Clarendon Park Open house on September 20^th to share your ideas and vision for the future of our community center.

Please join us for the Open House:

o   Wednesday, September 20^th, 6-8 PM

o   Clarendon Park, 4501 N Clarendon

The Open House will include a tour of the entire building, including the Model Railroad Club housed at Clarendon Park. Take a peek at this wonderful train room, www.garfieldcentral.org. Please share, post and forward to your neighbors.

Who knew, Uptown has a Runners’ Club

Looking for Uptown community group for staying in shape?  Are you a runner and enjoy socializing with your neighbors?  Uptown Runners’ just might be a great group for you!  From one of our Sheridan Park neighbors….

For five years, I have sponsored Uptown Runners, a free neighborhood running group. We started in 2012 with 17 members, and now have 850 official members, with active membership of about 50 people.

 

We run 3 miles every Monday night at 6:30 from Fat Cat, and have other runs during the week as well. Folks come from Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Edgewater, Rogers Park and beyond to join us!

 

All the info you need can be found on our Meetup Site.  They can also contact me with questions: Dinah Barthelmess, dinahjaneb@mac.com/

 

Slowly but surely…Uptown is finding its voice, building a new vision for a strong vibrant community and showcasing its wonderful resources.

 

And always remember…

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.