We will announce the winner on Monday, December 19th, at our Christmas/Holiday Party at the World Gym (see below). You don’t have to be there to win-we’ll send a personal e-mail to notify you and to set up a time to hand over the cash.
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Sedgwick Properties has submitted a revised plan for the Columbus/Maryville site on Montrose and Clarendon. Their original plan was overwhelmingly voted down earlier this year at a community meeting held by Alderman Cappleman. Their latest plan, The Lighthouse at Montrose Harbor, is pared down from the original but there are still some concerns that need to be addressed:
1. They are asking for $31 million in TIF funds
2. They currently have two properties in foreclosure
3. The current plan still has density problems
Buena Park Neighbors does not have an official position on this project; however, we believe that all of our neighbors need to be fully informed when such large-scale projects are proposed in or bordering on our neighborhood. With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you attend this very important meeting.
This meeting is being called by The Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development, which is a private organization. Also, we have been informed that, due to prior commitments, Alderman Cappleman will not be present at this meeting.
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On Halloween night in Buena Park our Safe Trick-or-Treating event we call Buena Pumpkins was a huge success, with over 1,000 people in attendance. This family-friendly event keeps growing every year and this year was no exception. Buena Circle Park was packed with people, as were both sides of Kenmore from Irving Park to Montrose.
The houses competing
for the George Ferak Decoration Award pulled out all the stops, to the delight of both children and parents. The organizers did a great job of turning Buena Circle Park into a haunted graveyard, as well as handing out candy and glow bracelets to all the little ones (and a few big ones as well). The weather couldn’t have been better, and from this writer’s vantage point everyone had a great time and fully satisfied their sugar craving.

BPN wants to thank Thorek Memorial Hospital, Awake Cafe, World Gym, and European & US Car Service for generously sponsoring this event. Without this kind of support from local businesses, we couldn’t put on these terrific community events.
A big thanks to Gene Tenner, a Buena Park resident, for taking over 300 photos of the event. You can check them out and download any you want at Gene’s pictures.
Finally, we want to thank all our volunteers and all the neighbors who pa
rticipated in the house decorating and handed out candy. This was a great community event, with hundreds of people pitching in to create a wonderful festival atmosphere that thrilled so many children and gave them memories that will last a lifetime. This is a great neighborhood to grow up in, and we proved it on Halloween night 2011.
George Ferak Winning Entry!
Although there were a number of very creative and fun houses to visit, the nod for the George Ferak Best Decoration goes to…. 4322 N. Kenmore. The winning decorators are Dave Forristal, Larry Keller, Gary Roldan, and Suzanne Dines. Buena Park Neighbors will present a sign that these four Halloween artists can proudly display all year. For everyone else, don’t give up! Next year just might be your turn.

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Do you like your pumpkins spooky or funny?
Join us at Awake Cafe (736 W Irving Park Rd) from 5pm-6pm
Before you head to the Buena Pumpkin Neighbors Safe Trick-or-Treating, or wherever you plan to celebrate Halloween, join us for our annual free pumpkin decorating. We will supply paint and stickers.
No pumpkin to decorate? We will have a few, for $1.00 each (supplies will be limited).
After we decorate our pumpkins, we can walk as a group to the Buena Park event, where we will be providing free apple cider!
We hope to see you here and there!
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14th Annual Bu
ena Pumpkin Neighbors
This is Buena Park Neighbors’ most famous event. Every year hundreds of children have the time of their lives invading the domiciles along Kenmore and Buena demanding confectionery delights – or else…. Many folks along the route decorate their estates with the intent of winning the coveted George Ferak Halloween Decoration Award.
How can you help?
- Volunteer for the day of the event
- Donate candy
- Bring your little ones to the event and have a blast!
Contact us at Buena Pumpkins Neighbors
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