Neighbors in Action: East Village Association Elects New Leaders and Invests in West Town Branch Library

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town · July 21, 2026

West Town's civic spirit is alive and well — and it just got a fresh injection of energy. At its July 7th membership meeting held at West Town Bakery Cafe (1916 W. Chicago Ave.), the East Village Association elected its 2026–27 officer slate and made a meaningful move for the community: approving a donation to support programming at the West Town Branch Library. Neal McKnight returns as President, joined by Christina Slaton as Vice President, Brandon Winter as Treasurer, and Stephen Rynkiewicz as Newsletter/Webmaster — a team ready to keep one of West Town's most active neighborhood organizations humming.

The library donation is exactly the kind of quiet, impactful investment that makes a neighborhood more than just a collection of great restaurants and new developments. While West Town's dining corridors continue to draw headlines, it's groups like the EVA that keep the community's roots strong — advocating for residents, supporting local institutions, and ensuring neighbors have a real voice in what happens on their blocks. Starting in September, EVA meetings will resume on the first Tuesday of each month, back at West Town Bakery Cafe.

If you've been thinking about getting more involved in the neighborhood, there's no better place to start. Mark your calendar for September 1st and pull up a chair at West Town Bakery Cafe — your neighborhood needs your voice at the table!

Sources:
1. https://www.eastvillagechicago.org/