Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Happy New Year!

I hope you are refreshed after the holiday season and ready to move forward into 2018 with peace and purpose. I enter the new year grateful to serve each of you and continue to focus on reaching our goals. I am proud of all that we were able to accomplish together in 2017, and look to accomplishing more in the coming year. So far, we are off to a great start!

Our first 5th Ward meeting of the year is next Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting location has changed to the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave, in Room G300, located on the ground floor level. 

We have an important agenda this month, so I hope you are able to attend.

5th Ward Meeting Agenda

 Thursday, January 18, 2018

Welcome
Alderman Rue Simmons

Community Announcements 

New Restaurant Proposal For "Rubies" 

Niles Morton Grove Water Pumping Station Proposals

Police Report

Summary sheet of the 2018 rate changes to taxes and fees.

5th Ward 2018 Meeting Schedule

Meeting Location:
Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. in Room G300, located on the ground floor level.

Meeting Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Meeting Dates: 
Third Thursdays of the Month

• Thursday, January 18, 2018
• Thursday, February 15, 2018
• Thursday, March 15, 2018
• Thursday, April 19, 2018
• Thursday, May 17, 2018
• Thursday, June 21, 2018
• Thursday, July 19, 2018
• Thursday, August 16, 2018
• Thursday, September 20, 2018
• Thursday, October 18, 2018
• Thursday, November 15, 2018
• Thursday, December 20, 2018

Transportation: Transportation to and from the meetings will be available from Ebenezer-Primm Towers, located at 1001 Emerson St. and Jacob Blake Manor, located at 1615 Emerson St. Transportation will leave the locations between 6:30 p.m. and 6:50 p.m.

Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy January 13

Please join me at the “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and Unity" on Sat., Jan.13, beginning at noon. The celebration will be held at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.

This celebration promises to be inspiring and entertaining, as it will focus on the Civil Rights Movement and the young people who are continuing the struggle today. The keynote speaker is ETHS grad and Northwestern University student Nolan Robinson and King Arts student Ca'ron Walker will give a spoken word presentation. Other speakers scheduled to appear include Mayor Stephen Hagerty, former Mayor Lorraine H. Morton, along with myself, 5th Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons.

The Evanston Children's Choir, Second Baptist Church Children's Choir, and Faith Temple Children's Choir will perform and refreshments will be served after the program courtesy of Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. All are welcome to stay and meet their Evanston neighbors.

Diverse Communities United January 13

Join Y.O.U. on Sat. Jan. 13 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Evanston Township High School Auditorium,1600 Dodge Ave for Diverse Communities United. This event is Y.O.U.'s annual celebration of peace, diversity, unity, leadership, and service help in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year's theme is "I am deliberate and afraid of nothing" (Audre Lorde, New Year's Day).  The youth-led event will feature performances and artwork by youth from 11 schools across Evanston and Skokie who seek to realize Dr. King's vision today. The event is FREE, family-friendly, and open to all ages. A community reception will be held in the lobby outside of the auditorium immediately following the program.

Ald. Rue Simmons Appointed to NLC Community and Economic Development Committee

Evanston 5th Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2018 Community and Economic Development (CED) federal advocacy committee. This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC’s federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness. The appointment was announced by NLC President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas. “It’s an honor to be appointed to the National League of Cities 2018 Community and Economic Development Committee,” said Alderman Rue Simmons. “I look forward to representing Evanston as we work to develop smart policy solutions to address our cities' most urgent issues.” As a committee member, Rue Simmons will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the administration and at home. “Serving on an NLC committee is one of the most effective ways for a local official to advocate for their community in Washington,” said NLC President Stodola. “I am thrilled to have Robin Rue Simmons join a team of local leaders from around the country working to craft our policy platform and to solve the most pressing challenges facing our communities.” The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Gina Bivens, councilmember, Fort Worth, Texas; and Vice Chairs Lou La Monte, mayor, Malibu, California; and Kevin Thompson, councilmember, Mesa, Arizona. For more information on NLC’s federal advocacy committees, visit: www.nlc.org/advocacy/committees. The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. www.nlc.org

New 5th Ward Business

I would like to welcome Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA), located at 2130 Green Bay Rd. on the second floor of the Social Security Administration building to Evanston's 5th Ward. ITA provides specialized creative arts therapy to promote growth and healing for 42 years as part of the Music Institute of Chicago. For more information, visit their website at Itachicago.org.

60-day Fitness Challenge and Winter Programs

Start your new year right! Join me for a 60-day Fitness Challenge at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center in partnership with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and HAA Elite Training.The program runs now until March 8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The fee for the program is $60 and all ages can participate.

This comprehensive Boot Camp includes: A certified trainer, cardio workouts, core training, strength and conditioning training, resistance band exercises, meal plan and prizes!  Boot camp includes unlimited access to the Fleetwood-Jourdain Fitness Center during the challenge! Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 847-448-8254 for Sunday hours. 

Additional winter programs at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center and Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Arts Center: 

Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center

Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Arts Center

First Church of God Comedy Show January 20

First Church of God Christian Life Center, located at 1524 Simpson St., will host Pastor Monté Dillard's 7th Anniversary Comedy Show on Sat.Jan. 20. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call 847-866-7050 or visit fcogevanston.org. Tickets are $20 in advanced and $25 at the door. 

WestEnd 5th's Westie Awards Gathering January 20

WestEnd 5th A&E will host their 1st annual Westie Awards Gathering on Sat.Jan. 20 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center,1655 Foster St. The event begins at 8 p.m., and will honor the most entertaining, beloved, admired and selfless individuals who have made an impact to our community and beyond. For more information, visit WestEnd Fifth Facebook page.

Shorefront’s “Legacies” Exhibit on Display at Morton Civic Center

The Shorefront traveling exhibit, “Legacies: Profiles on the North Shore,” is now on display at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston. It will remain on display in the second floor hallway throughout 2018. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

The exhibit consists of 15 graphic panels profiling contemporary and historic people, organizations and institutions, illustrating the lives and existence of thriving Black communities that have been virtually ignored in historical context.

Shorefront is a nonprofit archival center that collects, preserves and educates people about Black history on Chicago’s suburban North Shore. To learn more, visit www.shorefrontlegacy.org or follow Shorefront on Facebook and Twitter.

5th Ward Residents Appointed to Boards, Commissions and Committees

Congratulations to our 5th Ward neighbors for their recent appointments to a City of Evanston Board, Committee or Commission!

Pastor Monte Dillard of First Church of God Christian Life Center and Alderman Delores Holmes were appointed to the Equity and Empowerment Commission. Pastor Dillard is a local and national leader in the faith community and is committed to empowering people and our community. He leads by example and is very active and engaged in our community. Alderman Holmes has served our community with excellence for decades. She has touched thousands of families in her service. Alderman Holmes has the experience and enthusiasm we need to contribute to the Commission.

Mr. Malik Kemokai was appointed to the Minority Woman Evanston Business Enterprise Committee. Mr. Kemokai and his family are committed to healthy and livable neighborhoods and overall community development. His personal and professional background makes him a valuable voice on this committee.

Mr. Donald Michelin was appointed to the Evanston Parks, Recreation and Community Services Board. Mr. Michelin has served our community for decades while living in the Ward. 

Thank you to all for serving and representing the 5th Ward..

Lunch and Free Activities at Fleetwood-Jourdain for Everyone 60 Years and Up

Everyone age 60 years and up is invited to enjoy a lunch, meet new friends and have some fun in our free post-lunch activities at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center Wisdom Café, Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional lunch menu options are available on the last Wednesday of the month. The suggested donation for the lunch program is $5. For information, call 847-448-8254.

Blood Donations Needed to Meet Seasonal Demand

During the winter season, blood donations are needed more than ever. Consider giving blood this week or during January,  National Blood Donor Month. Donations may be made anywhere between three and 24 times each year, depending on the type of donation. There are basic qualifications that every donor must meet; most restrictions are because of medical and travel history. The actual donation process is quick, easy and painless. Evanston Hospital's Blood Drive will be held January 8-31, 2018, at Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge Ave., Room 1957. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours are available Monday, Wednesday and the first Saturday of the month. To schedule an appointment, please call 847-570-2242 or email donateblood@northshore.org.  For more information about donating blood, visit northshore.org/donateblood. You also may donate blood at the Evanston LifeSource location, 2436 Main St. View the  LifeSource flyer for Center hours; walk-ins are welcome.

EFD Firefighter/Paramedics Recruitment Process

The City of Evanston's Fire Department is recruiting firefighters and paramedics. Applications will be available online beginning Jan. 15 to Feb. 28 at applytoserve.com. The written exam will be held on Sat., March 31. To learn more about the the recruitment process, please attend one of the following sessions:

Sat., Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
Second Baptist Church, 1717 Benson Ave.

Sat., Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.

Employment Opportunities with the City of Evanston

Robin Rue Simmons   
Alderman, 5th Ward
847-521-6434
Rsimmons@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org