News Posted in: August 2011

Evanston Teens Benefit from $90,000 Employment Grant

Posted in IDNR Grant

The City of Evanston Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department recently received a $90,000 Youth Corps Grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The funds were used to hire 30 youth employees between the ages of 16-19 with skills that could be used in recreation/conservation programs. The IDNR grant was awarded at the end of July 2011 and the youth were hired within a week. The 30 youth benefiting from the program worked full-time until the end of…more »

Hydrants on Howard St to be Painted Purple

8th Ward Alderman Ann Rainey, Y.O.U. and Northwestern University are teaming up to help Paint Evanston Purple this Friday, September 2nd! As part of the festivities leading up to the Evanston Day at Ryan Field--when the Wildcats take on the Eastern Illinois Panthers--Alderman Rainey, Y.O.U. and members of the Northwestern Football Team will be painting fire hydrants on Howard Street (in front on 415 Howard St). Painting will start at 3:45 pm. For more information please contact Adelita Hernandez…more »

Ribbon Cutting at Central Street Café - Another Great Dining Experience Added to Evanston's Great Restaurant Scene

Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl along with Evanston Aldermen Mark Tendam and Jane Grover participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony recently for the area’s newest addition to Evanston’s outstanding restaurant scene, Central Street Café. The Central Street Café is located at 2800 Central Street.  "A unique dining and retail establishment has come to Evanston and it's right here in the 6th Ward. Mitch Dulin has studied the area and created a perfect complement to many of our other favorite restaurants and retailers,” said…more »

Pilot Bus Shelter Installation Debuts on Emerson St.

Recently the City of Evanston installed a new pilot bus shelter on Emerson St. at Dewey Ave. This bus shelter serves as a pilot for a potential proposal that would install bus shelters in other locations throughout the city as discussed in the March 14, 2011 Administration and Public Works Committee. Fifth Ward Alderman Delores Holmes enthusiastically volunteered to conduct the pilot program in her ward. Specifically, noting the need for a bus shelter at the pilot location in order to…more »

File of L.I.F.E. for Evanston Residents

Posted in Fire, Police, Safety Checks, seniors

“Designed to speak for you when you can’t!” The City of Evanston’s File of L.I.F.E. program allows a resident to communicate with emergency responders even if they are unresponsive. The File of L.I.F.E., a plastic pouch with a bright red sticker, contains an information sheet for residents to indicate their medical history, prescriptions, allergies and emergency contacts. This pouch is placed inside the individual’s freezer where emergency response personnel have been trained to look when responding to medical emergencies. Other…more »

CTA Yellow Line Study Public Meeting Sept. 15 at St. Francis Hospital

The City of Evanston is conducting an engineering feasibility study to identify a preferred alternative for an infill station along the CTA Yellow Line (Skokie Swift) service in south Evanston at Dodge, Asbury or Ridge Avenues. The 2nd Public Meeting will be held on September 15, 2011 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Auditorium of Saint Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave. The purpose of the meeting is to give feedback on the preliminary station plans and eventually…more »

City's 3-1-1 Call Center Marks Six Month Anniversary with Open House on Sept. 1

The City of Evanston's 3-1-1 Call Center will mark its six month anniversary this Thursday, September 1st, 2011. The public is invited to an open house at the Call Center on that day from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The 3-1-1 Call Center is located at 1454 Elmwood Ave. inside the Evanston Police Department. The City of Evanston’s 3-1-1 Initiative, which includes a call center and an online citizen support center, went live on March 1, 2011. Learn more about…more »

Take the Survey, Participate in City Budgeting

The City of Evanston will focus its efforts from now until September 22nd on getting feedback from residents about the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. During this time, the city is asking residents to submit their comments and take a budget survey. Currently, the City of Evanston is facing a budget deficit of about $2.1 million for Fiscal Year 2012 and a projected deficit of $3.9 million for Fiscal Year 2013. Engage Evanston is a community outreach initiative intended to give residents…more »

Dziedzic Appointed Interim Evanston Public Library Director

City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz has appointed Donna Dziedzic as Interim Director of the Evanston Public Library (EPL). Dziedzic will start on Tuesday September 6 and serve until early 2012 while a recruitment for a permanent Library Director is underway. Donna Dziedzic served as Executive Director of the Naperville Public Library from 1996 until earlier this year. While in Naperville, the Public Library was consistently ranked as one of the top municipal libraries in the United States for its circulation per…more »

Online Homework Tool Subscription Launched at Library

The Evanston Public Library has recently subscribed to Brainfuse, an online service which provides live, online homework help in a wide variety of areas, writing assistance, test preparation and sample tests for students and adults of all ages. Any user may access this service from computers in the library or from the library's website on their home computer with a valid Evanston library card. The online program includes Expert Help Services: • Homework Help: Enter their online classroom and receive live, online…more »

Evanston Police Department's Traffic Bureau Receives National & State Awards for Traffic Safety and Enforcement Initiatives

As far back as 1933, a tradition was established when the National Safety Council awarded The Evanston Police Department the National Grand Prize for Traffic Safety. The Evanston Police Department has continued to foster safe streets by proactively educating the public and creatively enforcing traffic safety laws. Programs and initiatives such as child safety seat education, roadside safety checks, impaired driving enforcement, public safety announcements and Teen DUI presentations has established Evanston as a state leader in traffic safety and…more »

EPL School Supplies Drive

We need your help! Starting Saturday, August 13, the Evanston Public Library is collecting school supplies to assist Evanston students. Donated supplies will be distributed by a local non-profit agency that supports Evanston Public Schools. Drop off new supplies in the bin near the Information Desk at the Main Library or at the North Branch through August 28. We’re collecting pens/pencils/crayons, glue sticks, backpacks, spiral notebooks, pocket folders, markers/colored pencils, kid scissors, and rulers.  …more »

Eco Corner: Evanston's own Mayor Tisdahl found out how to save money, help the environment and earn valuable rewards!

Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl is proud to announce that she joined the City of Evanston’s Team on the Citizens Utility Board’s CUBEnergySaver.com. “I like the website because it offers customized advice on how to take simple, low cost and no cost actions to save money on my electricity bill and help the environment” says Mayor Tisdahl. “And as I save energy, I can earn rewards redeemable for valuable discounts at a variety of great merchants.” How you can join the effort:…more »

Community Comes Together to Support NU Wildcats

Northwestern University's Athletic Department and the City of Evanston are once again teaming up to Paint Evanston Purple! “Evanston Day” at Ryan Field is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, when the Wildcats meet Eastern Illinois in the home opener. In anticipation of the event, a pep rally encouraging the community to "Paint Evanston Purple," will be held Thursday, September 8, at Independence Park, from 6 to 7 p.m. Once again, this year, Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and NU President Morton Schapiro…more »

South Blvd. Beach to be Closed for Daytime Swimming Aug. 29-Sept. 2

Posted in swimming beaches

The City of Evanston's South Blvd. Beach will be closed for swimming until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 29 through Friday, Sept. 2, due to staffing shortages. South Blvd. Beach will be open on those days, but swimming will be restricted to the hours of 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Regular hours will resume at South Blvd. Beach on Sat., Sept. 3. Evanston's four other public swimming beaches are scheduled to be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., weather and water…more »

Update on Erie Evanston Health Center

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration (DHHS-HRSA) recently announced community health center New Access Point Awards on August 9, 2011. There were 67 awards nationally out of some 800 applications. Only 8% of applications were funded. Nearly 25% of the awards went to California alone, and only two grants were awarded to fund new health centers in Illinois -- a migrant health center and a rural health center. The Erie Evanston Health Center was…more »

City Manager Announces Two Administrative Changes in City Manager's Office

Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz has announced two administrative changes in the City Manager’s Office while Assistant City Manager/City Treasurer Marty Lyons continues in his role as Interim Director of Administrative Services. Assistant to the City Manager Joe McRae will become Interim Assistant City Manager to support operations in the City Manager’s Office during Lyons’ temporary assignment and Web Communications Coordinator Erika Storlie will take on McRae’s role managing the City’s Citizen Engagement Division. These new assignments will begin September…more »

Mayor Requests IEPA to Reject Veolia Permit Change Request

Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl last week sent a letter to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency expressing the City of Evanston's opposition to the application by Veolia to modify its IEPA permit to allow certain changes at its Waste Transfer Station here in Evanston. View letter here>>> More on the Veolia Waste Transfer Station here>>>…more »

Public Invited to See Police Deployment in Action Aug 27

The Evanston Police Department invites members of the community to witness their police deployment strategy in action. This will be a unique opportunity for residents to see firsthand the pre-planning and real time decisions that shape the delivery of police services and response in the City of Evanston to address crime and neighborhood issues. Police officials highly encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity. The event will take place at the Howard Street Police Outpost on Saturday, August 27…more »

The Evanston Police Department Begins Late-Night Enforcement

Steps Up Impaired Driving and Safety Belt Enforcement   The Evanston Police Department today announced its late-night plans for the 2011 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Impaired Driving Crackdown. The intensified enforcement effort against the overwhelming number of late-night impaired drivers and safety belt violators underscores the disproportionate number of traffic deaths occurring during late-night hours. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the midnight to…more »

Community Picnic Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to assist with the preparation, set-up, break-down, food service, and providing general assistance for the CommUNITY Picnic. Most volunteers will be assigned to general duties for the event. Volunteers will be assigned shifts to ensure that everyone enjoys the event. Individuals interested in volunteering for the CommUnity Picnic can click on one of the following time slots or special opportunities below to register as a volunteer or visit www.cityofevanston.org/volunteer : • 7:00am - 5:30pm • 11:00am - 5:30pm…more »

Evanston Welcomes New Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko

On Wednesday, August 17, 2011 Evanston Inventure held a reception at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in downtown Evanston to welcome the new Rotary International General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer John Hewko to Evanston, the international headquarters of the Rotary. Various community leaders, residents and elected officials attended the reception.…more »

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre hosts "Summer Blues Set" August 27

The City of Evanston's Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will present "Summer Blues Set" at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27 at the Theater at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. The Summer Blues Set features Vince Agwada, a guitarist of the highest caliber. Agwada has been a fixture on the Chicago music scene for over 25 years and stands poised to become a major player in the continued evolution of the Blues.   The Blues Set will be the finale of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's…more »

Mayor Cuts Ribbon on New Senior Green Connections Garden

On Wednesday August 17, 2011 Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and Richard Minocchio, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC), cut the ribbon on a new garden located at the Victor Walchirk Apartments, 2300 Noyes Court. This new garden is part of the Green Connections Project, a joint partnership between Family Focus, Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin’s Office, the Housing Authority of Cook County, and the City of Evanston. The Green Connections Project is a container gardening project that…more »

Youth Organizations Umbrella (Y.O.U.) is Looking for Mentors

Do you have an extra hour a week to help youth succeed? Consider becoming a Mentor at Y.O.U. They are looking for 40 mentors in 40 days; help make an impact, become a mentor. Youth Organizations Umbrella (Y.O.U.) serves up to 600 Evanston youth annually through out of school time programming at five community based sites. Mentor Y.O.U.th is a site-based, one-on-one mentoring program that is designed to connect at-risk youth with positive community role models. Mentors are asked to…more »

Job Seeker Workshops at EPL Aug 24 & Sept 21

The workNet center at the Evanston Public Library will be hosting two upcoming all-day power workshops for job seekers. The workshops will focus on job search techniques, resume/cover letter writing and interviewing techniques. The workshops will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on August 24th and September 21st on the third floor of the Main Evanston Public Library located at 1703 Orrington Ave. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early and bring their own lunch. Participants can register online at…more »

Emerson Street/Green Bay Road Pedestrian Safety Project Begins August 22

Over the next five weeks the City of Evanston will be contracting pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Emerson Street and Green Bay Road. The purpose of the project is to enhance pedestrian safety at the intersection. This project is funded by GO Bond Fund and there will be no direct charge to the abutting property owners. The scope of work will include tightening the turning radius at the intersection, move the pedestrian crossing on Green Bay Road Close…more »

CommUNITY Picnic Celebrates Final Days of Summer on August 28

Posted in CommUNITY Picnic

What's more fun than gathering with your friends, family and fellow Evanstonians to enjoy an afternoon in the park with free food, games, activities and entertainment? Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 28, 2011, to attend the annual CommUNITY Picnic. This event will run from noon to 5 p.m. in Ingraham Park behind the Lorraine H.  Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston. Admission is free. The fun includes a NEW 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers, two entertainment stages, balloon art,…more »

Water Main Break in 800 Block of Church St.

The City of Evanston Water Division has determined that there is a water main leak in the 800 block of Church St. The water is not surfacing and is flowing into the sewer main. Crews are determining the location of the break and there will be a traffic lane blocked off. Crews will try to be sensitive to the businesses in the area and schedule the water shut off (if needed) to cause the least amount of inconvenience.…more »

Clark Street Sidewalk Brick Replacement Project to Begin August 22

Starting August 22nd, for five weeks, the City of Evanston will be contracting brick sidewalk replacements on Clark Street from Sherman Avenue to Orrington Avenue. The purpose of the brick replacement project is to enhance pedestrian mobility and safety on Clark Street. This project is funded by Washington National TIF funds and there will be no direct charge to the abutting property owners. The scope of work will include replacing the existing pavers with a new concrete sidewalk, installation of new…more »

Final Starlight Concert Features Ken Arlen Orchestra

Posted in Starlight Concerts

The City of Evanston's 2011 Starlight Concert Series will conclude with a performance by the Ken Arlen Orchestra on Tuesday, August 23. The free concert will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church St., Evanston. The Orchestra was originally scheduled to perform on August 2, but sudden inclement weather caused a cancellation. The Ken Arlen Orchestra is a 15-piece orchestra that combines four world-class vocalists with eleven of the top professional musicians in Chicago. They will perform a mix of…more »

Water Shut Down- 1700 & 1800 Block of Dempster & 1300 Block of Darrow

Water will be shut down today at 9:30 am for 4 hours for the contractor’s water main work at: 1700 & 1800 blocks of Dempster and 1300 block of Darrow.…more »

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Do you have questions about your mortgage? Are you concerned about affording your mortgage? Join Interfaith Housing Center & the Evanston/North Shore NAACP as we discuss information on how to prevent foreclosure. Sunday, August 28th 12:30pm Second Baptist Church of Evanston 1717 Benson Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 Please RSVP to Jasmine S. Brewer, 847.501.5768 or jasmine@interfaithhousingcenter.org. This event is Co-Sponsored by the Evanston/North Shore NAACP and The Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs.  …more »

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is Recruiting for Fall Session

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. The CERT course will benefit any citizen who takes it. This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster. The next course will begin on September 7, 2011. The course will run every Wednesday through November 2, 2011 starting at 7 p.m. each Wednesday evening. The final exercise will then take place Saturday…more »

Eco Corner: Plastic Bag and Film Recycling - More than Shopping Bags

Did you know that many products we encounter on a daily basis are made out of plastic “film” and can be recycled? Plastic film is used to create many products including newspaper bags, bread bags, and even the wrapping on the outside of paper towels and toilet paper. Plastic “film” or thin flexible sheets of plastic is typically defined as any plastic less than 10 mm thick. The majority of plastic film is made from polyethylene resin and can be…more »

Stay Informed about What's Going on in Evanston! Sign-up for e-News today!

Stay informed - Get updates on city information, news, events and more from your local government and community partners when you join the City of Evanston's e-News City Newsletter! Every week the city sends out information that helps keep residents informed along with a listing of activities for the whole family. Sign-up today by clicking here>>> Enter your email address and select the "City Newsletter" from the list. You will receive an email after subscribing. You must confirm your subscription through that…more »

Volunteer Painting Help for Seniors

  To assist our senior residents, Northwestern University is committing volunteers to the City of Evanston for the Northwestern University Orientation Service Event. On Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, volunteers will be available to assist seniors with any painting project they may have in conjunction with the free paint giveaway. If you would like help from a Northwestern volunteer, please call Leslie J. Perez at 847-866-2950 by August 31, 2011. Please make your requests early as the…more »

Free Movies in the Park Series Begins August 10

Posted in Free Movies in the Parks

The City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division is screening movies at dusk on select Wednesdays and Saturdays from August 10 through September 10 in Evanston parks. Admission is free. Movies will be cancelled in inclement weather.   The movie schedule is: Wed. Aug. 10 at Harbert Park, 8 PM, The Princess and the Frog (2009) Sat. Aug. 13 at Twiggs Park, 8 PM, Napoleon Dynamite (2004) Wed. Aug. 17 at Bent Park, 8 PM, Groundhog Day (1993) Sat. Aug. 20 at…more »

Citizen Police Academy Opens Registration for Fall Session

Posted in Citizen Police Academy, Police

The Evanston Police Department has opened up registration for its Fall 2011 Citizen Police Academy program. The Citizen Police Academy is a twelve week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Evanston Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week on Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. There are two academy sessions per year (Spring & Fall Sessions) and each class size is limited to approximately 25…more »

Evanston Water Quality: Chromium and Other Chemical Testing

Posted in Chromium, PPCP, Water Division, Water Quality Report

The Chicago Tribune recently published two articles, "Toxic chromium found in Chicago drinking water," August 6, 2011 and  "Odd chemicals turn up in drinking water," August 6, 2011, pertaining to two separate water quality issues. The first was a follow up on the levels of hexavalent chromium (CrVI) first reported in December of 2010. The second was in regards to levels of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCP) first reported in May of 2008. The common link was that both articles referred…more »

City Council Actions - August 9, 2011

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Monday, August 8th, 2011 MAYOR PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS 1. Mayor Tisdahl proclaimed August 8th, 2011, US Army Sergeant Kevin Ramon Dunn Day. The ceremony was attended by the family of Sergeant Dunn and fellow veterans. 2. Mayor Tisdahl announced September was National Yoga Month CITY MANAGER PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. CommUNITY Picnic is Sunday, August 28th, 2011. 2. Labor Day Trash Pickups will not take place on Sept 5, 2011. All collections will take place one day…more »

Eight Acts to Compete in Evanston's Got Talent Showcase

Posted in Evanston's Got Talent Showcase

Evanston youth and young adults will show off their singing, dancing, acting and rapping talent in the "Evanston's Got Talent Showcase" on Saturday, August 13, at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. The show will begin at 6:00 p.m., but there will be games, give-aways and free food starting at 5:00 p.m. Eight acts will perform for the judges and crowd; prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Free roller skating will take place in the gym from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (skates will…more »

Fall Issue of Recreation & Arts Activity Guide Online

The fall issue of Recreation & Arts Activity Guide covers Evanston's recreation, arts and leisure scene from now through November. The publication is scheduled to be delivered to the Evanston post office on Wednesday, August 10 for delivery to residents in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202. You may register now for City of Evanston classes online, as well as by phone, mail and in person. To register for classes listed in this issue that are offered by other arts organizations, please contact those organizations…more »

Northwestern University Purchases Ambulance for Evanston

Northwestern University will donate a new ambulance to the City of Evanston, Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl recently announced. “We appreciate very much the continued support of Northwestern University for our fire and life safety department,” Mayor Tisdahl said. “Northwestern University is a wonderful part of our community, and we are grateful to receive this generous donation.” The new ambulance, which will be an advanced life support transport unit, will go into frontline service this fall, as soon as the licensing process…more »

Newsy Items on Monday City Council Agenda

Posted in City Council

All links are Adobe Acrobat PDF Monday is the City Council's last meeting before its Summer Recess.  The next meeting of the City Council is Monday September 12, 2011. 1.  The Council will receive an update on FY 2012 budget preparation.  Staff has been reviewing and costing 39 service changes and will report on our progress.  In addition, staff will report on its exercise to prioritize every service provided by the City.  We hope that this information will be helpful…more »

Duck Race and Pluck to Make a Splash in Dawes Park on August 13

Posted in Duck Race and Pluck

The Evanston Environmental Association will host its annual fundraiser, the Duck Race and Pluck, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 13 at the lagoon in Dawes Park. Funds raised from the event go towards the care of the animals who reside at the Evanston Ecology Center. Center staff will bring some of these "critters" to the event. The program will start with arts and crafts and the meet-and-greet with the Ecology Center critters. Then, yellow rubber ducks will…more »

Free Friday Night Tennis Lessons in August

Posted in Free Friday Night Tennis Lessons

Evanston residents are invited to come learn to play tennis for free on Friday nights throughout August. This is the sixth year that the Evanston Recreation Division has offered this popular, free program for Evanston residents age 5 and older. Lessons will be held at James Park, on Oakton Street west of Dodge Avenue. One-hour classes will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on August 12, 19 and 26. Registration is limited to one hour per evening, but residents are welcome to register for one,…more »

Lead Levels in Evanston Drinking Water Well Below USEPA Standards

The Chicago Tribune has published an article pertaining to lead levels in drinking water. The City of Chicago's water was discussed at length as well as the results of lead testing performed by both the City of Chicago as well as additional testing being done by United States Environmental Protection Agency (UPESA). The City of Evanston’s Utilities Department just completed the lead testing as required by the Lead and Copper Rule this week and submitted results to the Illinois Environmental…more »

Evanston Adult Mosquito Control Operations for August 8 -9

Posted in North Shore Mosquito Abatement District; Health

Adult Mosquito Control Operations – Monday, August 8, 2011 – Evanston The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District will be conducting targeted adult mosquito control operations in portions of Evanston on Monday, August 8, 2011, between the hours of 8:00 PM and 2:00 AM, weather permitting. The specific NSMAD map numbers to be treated are: 02-18 Evanston 02-19 Evanston 02-30 Evanston 03-13 Evanston 03-24 Evanston 03-25 Evanston Roughly, the area covered will be south, east and west Evanston: from the north…more »

Eco Corner: Mystery Revealed - Pizza Box Recycling

A common question often asked about recycling is related to one of the region’s favorite foods – pizza. It is a fact that the City of Evanston’s recycling program does include corrugated cardboard. And most pizza boxes are made out of corrugated cardboard and will contain a visible recycling symbol on the outside of the pizza box. So why can’t those pizza boxes be recycled? The problem is that our beloved pizza usually soils the cardboard with cheese and grease. The…more »

Free Compost Bins Offered by Evanston Public Works

The fall season is right around the corner and with it comes the annual problem of what to do with the fallen leaves. While residents can either bag them in special yard waste bags with a yard waste sticker affixed to it or use their yard waste carts, they can also compost their leaves and other items. To facilitate composting, the city's Public Works department is offering Evanston residents repurposed 95 gallon garbage containers as compost bins. Composting allows your household to reduce the amount of…more »

Cargill Initiates Voluntary Ground Turkey Recall

In response to the Nationwide Salmonella outbreak, Cargill has initiated a recall. See here for Evanston Health Department press release>>> From Cargill press release: Cargill initiates voluntary ground turkey recall; public health concern key to decision; ground turkey production suspended at Arkansas plant Information gathered since July 29 sparked decision as investigation continues by company, government agencies, to determine source Download the Cargill 8/3/2011 product recall list (PDF) here>>> Date: 3 August 2011 Media Contact: Mike Martin, 316-291-2126   WICHITA,…more »

Gallery 4502 Call for Artists "Line Dancing: A Drawing Show"

The Evanston Art Center, in conjunction with Gallery 4502 at the Morton Civic Center is currently looking for submissions of drawings that may go beyond the traditional parameters of pencil drawing. Lines can be etched into a copper plate and printed. Drawn lines can be incorporated into paintings. Self-taught artist, Martin Ramirez used black shoe polish. The artist De Kooning drew with ink, charcoal, pencils, brushes, palette knives, spatulas, pastels, and crayons all in a search for form. Artists 16…more »

Public Health Alert - 7 Cases of Salmonella in Illinois Linked to Nationwide Outbreak

Ground turkey may be the cause The Illinois Department of Public (IDPH), along with Evanston Health Department, is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella ser. Heidelberg infections likely caused by eating ground turkey. According to Evonda Thomas, Evanston Health Department director, "We have learned that a total of 77 people infected with the outbreak strain have been…more »

Evanston "Dress Art-piece" on Display in Mayor's Office

For Colette Green, the process of creating this piece of art allowed her to portray the faces and atmosphere of Evanston in the best way possible. Evanston is packed with a variety of special places—from the Downtown shopping area to Northwestern University. In her piece, she used memorabilia that represented Evanston best from flyers and pins to stickers and brochures. She picked a simple pattern, muslin, and thread. Through the process of zig-zag stitching, she hand-sewed different types of buttons—including…more »

Come See Evanston Police Deployment in Action

The Evanston Police Department invites members of the community to witness their police deployment strategy in action. This will be a unique opportunity for residents to see firsthand the pre-planning and real time decisions that shape the delivery of police services and response in the City of Evanston to address crime and neighborhood issues. Police officials highly encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity. Residents will be able to: See deployment maps produced each week by the department’s crime…more »