August Newsletter: Valli Produce Grand Opening, Penny Park Starlight Movie, and More

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2nd Ward Header

Greetings!

Dear Friends,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Last week, our 2nd Ward and the entire Evanston community celebrated the ribbon cutting of Valli Produce in Evanston Plaza. As we continue to welcome this new business to our community, I encourage you to enjoy the special "Taste of Valli Evanston Grand Opening" festivities, which will be held on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. I look forward to seeing you there!

Please share this information! My goal is to keep all neighbors in our ward informed about upcoming events and opportunities they can benefit from. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to contact me directly at pbraithwaite@cityofevanston.org, or 847-801-9386.

I ask that you please spread the word in the community about this newsletter. If you or someone you know would like to be added to this newsletter, please follow the link: cityofevanston.org/newsletter.

Take care,

Ald. Peter Braithwaite
“We Are One Community”


Valli Produce Now Open in Evanston Plaza!

Thank you to Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, City staff, and all of our 2nd Ward neighbors and friends who gave Valli Produce a warm welcome at last week's ribbon cutting.

valli ribbon cutting

Valli produce customers

Valli Interior

Valli Exterior

Upcoming Events


Celebrate Jamaica's Independence at Friends & Family Day in James Park on Sunday, August 2

I invite you to join the Evanston Cricket & Social Club, friends and neighbors on Sunday, August 2, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., in James Park, as we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Jamaica's independence! Activities will include cricket and soccer matches, dominoes, kids' activities, plenty of great food, reggae music, and much more.

Jamaica Day 2015

Enjoy National Night Out with Starlight Movie, "Akeelah and the Bee," at Penny Park on Tuesday, August 4

National Night Out 2015

I encourage all 2nd Ward residents to bring their families and neighbors to Penny Park on Tuesday, August 4, 8 p.m., for a showing of Akeelah and the Bee, the season's first Starlight Movie in the Park.

The Starlight Movie is one of many "National Night Out" events happening across Evanston and the entire nation that evening between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. National Night Out is a unique crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). It's designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know the neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Residents are also asked to turn on their front porch lights the evening of August 4 as a display of unity.  Learn more >>>


CPAH Open House on Wednesday, August 5

CPAH Open House

Join Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) for an open house at 1800 Greenleaf St. on Wednesday, August 5, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to view a recently rehabbed home that was transformed from a blighted property into a neighborhood gem! RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Email akaufman@cpahousing.org or call 847-681-8746. 


Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's "Maya's Last Poem" Hits the Stage August 8-23

FJT Maya's Last Poem

I encourage all to attend Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's final production of its Summertime Season, "Maya's Last Poem." Performances will take place Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., August 8 through 23. The play takes a leap and asks the question, "Now that Maya Angelou is in heaven, what conversations is she having with God?" And as she seeks to write again from God’s library, how will this glorious, entertaining conversation influence the words she chooses? Buy tickets >>>


In the Community


Reminder: Plastic Shopping Bag Ordinance Begins Saturday, August 1

Plastic Bag header

As a reminder, beginning this Saturday, August 1, large Evanston retailers will no longer offer free disposable plastic shopping bags to customers. Paper bags, as well as plastic bags used to package products in-store, such as produce, meat and other grocery items, are not affected by the ordinance. Take advantage of the City's Share a Bag program to donate or pick up reusable bags at locations throughout Evanston.  Please share this information, and learn more at cityofevanston.org/bags.


Thank You to the "Evanston Own It" Initiative

Evanston Own It donation

A special thank you is due to the "Evanston Own It" initiative, which donated the proceeds from its June 19 choir concert, "Evanston Sings," totaling $13,500, to the 2016 Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP). The donation was presented at this week's City Council meeting. 
More >>>


Participate in the Community Health Survey!

Healthy People

The City’s Health & Human Services Department has launched a five-year strategic planning process to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Evanston's public health system. Please complete the Community Health Survey to provide your input.