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More information about the programs below can be found in the Winter 2015/Spring 2016 edition of "Evanston Life" magazine. Click here >>>

Summer Camp Lottery Open January 19-25

It's not too early to start thinking about summer! Registration for 2016 summer camps will begin with a lottery open from Tuesday, January 19 through Monday, January 25 for Evanston residents only (ZIP codes 60201 and 60202). The lottery is easy and fast for parents while it fairly allocates slots in camps which have high demand. Open registration will begin on Monday, February 15. More information is listed on page 29 of the summer camp guide.

Winter Ice Skating Classes Have Begun!

Learn to skate or polish your skills this winter! Winter figure skating classes began this week at the Robert Crown Center; registration is still available. Classes meet for 10 weeks. For more information, please call 847-448-8258 or see page 32 of the Winter/Spring Evanston Life magazine.

When Will Outdoor Ice Rinks Be Open?

Outdoor ice skating will be available at Baker Park, Bent Park and Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park when weather conditions permit. Evanston Public Works Agency staff need several nights of consistent cold temperatures to create ice thick enough to skate on. Cold temperatures are expected next week. Please check the City's Ice Skating and Sledding webpage for the status of the outdoor ice rinks, or call/text 847-448-4311.

Sign Up for Basketball Leagues and Clinics!

The Chandler-Newberger Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center have partnered to bring you the best basketball training Evanston has to offer! Our staff has developed a comprehensive curriculum to offer your child an opportunity to sharpen his or her skills and then use them in league play. Our goal is to help children gain confidence on the court by challenging them with game play, skills and drills and enforcing teamwork and sportsmanship. 

Adult basketball leagues are also available! More information can be found on page 24 and 25 of Evanston Life magazine.

Youth Indoor Soccer Leagues Begin January 9

Youth indoor soccer leagues begin this Saturday, January 9 at the Chandler-Newberger Center. These recreational leagues teach soccer fundamentals, while boys and girls learn about sportsmanship and teamwork. The first week, a group clinic meets; the second week, we'll form teams and begin games. For more information, please call 847-448-8252 or see page 25 of Evanston Life magazine.

Youth and Adult Indoor Tennis Lessons

Do you want to continue playing tennis during the winter months, but don't want to pay a membership fee to a club? Join our tennis programs at the ETHS Fieldhouse! The programs provide a wide variety of instruction, including stroke development, strategy, court positioning, shot selection, footwork, and supervised match play. Programs begin this Saturday, January 9. See page 26 of Evanston Life magazine for details.

Tater Tot Theatre Company Auditions January 11 and 13: "Timothy Goes To School"

The "little sibling" to the Evanston Children's Theatre, Tater Tot Theatre Company was created to allow young thespians ages 5-7 the opportunity to participate in the magic of live theatre. This year, Tater Tot Theatre Company will be presenting "Timothy Goes to School," adapted from a series of children's books by acclaimed author/illustrator Rosemary Wells. Auditions will take place on Monday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Studio 223. For more information, call 847-866-5914 or see page 19 of Evanston Life magazine.

Evanston Children’s Theatre Auditions January 12 and 14: "Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR."

"Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR." is an energetic musical that follows Tom, a young school teacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Children ages 8 through 8th grade are invited to audition for this Evanston Children's Theatre production on Tuesday, January 12 and Thursday, January 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Levy Senior Center. For more information, call 847-866-5914 or see page 19 of Evanston Life magazine.

January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through music, dance and excerpts from his speeches on Saturday, January 16, noon, at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. The day promises to be inspiring and entertaining, with many special guest artists and esteemed speakers. This free event is open to all ages.

Winter Fun at Canal Shores Golf Course January 17!

Enjoy fun, free activities for the whole family at Canal Shores Winterfest on Sunday, January 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Free snowshoeing will be available; cross country skis and fat tire bikes will be available to rent. Canal Shores Golf Course is located at 1030 Central St. See the event flyer for more information.

Exploring Great Artists at Chandler-Newberger January 19

Beginning Tuesday, January 19, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., this class will introduce children to many great artists while challenging them to create using various mediums. Budding artists will learn about the greats and some of their famous works of art, while working on their own masterpieces. Sign up for the entire session or for individual days. For more information, please see page 17 of Evanston Life magazine.

Hands-On Arts Day: Free Preview for All Ages January 23

Enjoy hands-on crafts and activities suitable for all ages at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, January 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This open studio gives you a sneak preview of our camp themes that include medieval, princess, architecture and pirate activities. The art teachers from our summer camps will be leading the event. This free event is open to all ages!

Pre-Super Bowl Chili Cook-off January 31

Come to Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on Sunday, January 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., to show off your chili cooking skills! Test your chili recipe before the big kick-off and earn bragging rights at this inaugural cook-off. Only ten talented cooks will be able to participate in this event, so if you have the best chili in town, don't hesitate to register. The winner will receive an awesome Super Bowl party prize pack. The entry fee is $20. To register, please call 847-448-4311.

Don't feel like cooking? Stop by to taste the best chili in Evanston and enjoy music, beer ($2 per glass), and other refreshments. Admission is $5 at the door.

Evanston Special Recreation Plays on the Big Court!

Thanks to Northwestern University Women's Basketball for inviting Evanston Special Recreation and Clearbrook Special Olympics basketball teams to play during halftime of their game against Nebraska. Great job by all of the players!

Hemingway Appointed Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director

Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz announced the appointment of Lawrence C. Hemingway as the City's Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Hemingway has served as Director of Parks and Recreation for Wayne County Parks in Westland, Michigan since 2010. His start date at the City of Evanston will be Monday, February 8, 2016.