 
Thursday, October 22, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening!
Read below for information about outdoor movies, additional fall street cleaning, Halloween activities, and more!
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
I put a spell on you...
Hocus Pocus is up next on the big screen as part of the City's Starlight Movies in the Park series! Head out to Leahy Park (Lincoln Street west of Ridge Avenue) this Sat., Oct. 24 to enjoy this Halloween classic. The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 6:30 p.m.
Reminders: Don't forget your face coverings, blankets and chairs. Social distancing is required. Movies will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Evanston Loves Rotary (and drive-in movies): The big-screen fun continues with a family-friendly drive-in movie and dinner event benefiting Rotary Clubs of Evanston! On Fri., Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., get in the Halloween spirit with Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" at 2201 Autobarn Pl. Purchase tickets.
 Making Lemonade in Downtown Evanston
We’ve been handed a year full of lemons, but Downtown Evanston is turning them into lemonade! The Make Lemonade installation and scavenger hunt—running from October 15 to November 15—is bringing color, positivity and play to downtown.
Keep calm and carry out: As the weather gets colder, please continue to support all of the small businesses that help make Evanston such a great place to live, shop, dine and play!
 Early voting has begun
It's time to get out and vote! Early voting will continue through Mon., Nov. 2 at the Morton Civic Center, Room G300. Voters should enter at the ground floor center entrance on the west side of the building adjacent to the parking lot. Face coverings are required.
Mail-in voting drop box: Drop off your mail-in ballot during early voting hours at the secure "drop box" located inside the building on the ground floor.
 Additional fall street cleaning planned
In November and December, the City will conduct additional street cleaning on residential streets to clear leaves and other debris.
What you should know: Street signage will be updated with the additional cleaning dates, and parking restrictions will be enforced. Visit the City's street cleaning web page to view the schedule.
Other helpful information: The City issued a few fall cleanup reminders to keep you up to speed on seasonal services, including food and yard waste pickup, composting options, and more.
One final tip: Please don't blow or rake leaves into the streets. This blocks sewers and causes flooding. Violators are subject to fines.
Coronavirus update
Situation Report
Below, you’ll find the latest COVID-19 data from the City’s Health and Human Services Department. Visit the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile) for information and metrics updated daily. You can also view IDPH Restore Illinois indicators for Region 10, which includes Evanston.
Confirmed daily cases increasing
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases increased significantly over the last week to 12.29 new cases per day, compared to 6.86 new cases per day for the week prior. Nine new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. To date, Evanston has had 1,327 confirmed cases, and 74 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Coronavirus infections are on the rise statewide. The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents has risen in Evanston (117.85), Chicago (129.7), Skokie (146.73), Cook County (189), and Illinois (225.22). These numbers will likely continue to increase with winter and cold weather approaching, as people are more likely to be indoors in close quarters.
 Remember, COVID-19 may be spread by those who aren’t showing any symptoms. Please remain vigilant about following public health guidance, including wearing a face covering in public settings and practicing social distancing, to protect yourself and those around you.
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average test positivity rate increased to 2.1 percent, compared to 1.49 percent for the previous seven days. Evanston’s rate remains below the statewide seven-day test positivity rate, which stands at 5.7 percent. COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to trend upward.
COVID-19 testing at ETHS, October 26-27
 The City will partner with IDPH to offer a second COVID-19 community testing event at ETHS on October 26 and 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to all residents regardless of symptoms; no registration is required.
Residents can also access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
ICYMI: Watch today’s ‘Coronavirus Q&A’
 Earlier today, Mayor Stephen Hagerty, Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo and representatives from AMITA Health and NorthShore University HealthSystem hosted a “Coronavirus Q&A” to discuss the latest medical guidance related to COVID-19 as well as information about how to stay healthy during the pandemic, including preventive care, health screenings, vaccinations and more. Watch the video.
Used PPE belongs in the trash, not the street
 Safely dispose of used personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, by placing bagged items in a trash can. Do not place PPE in recycling containers.
More news and events
Erika Storlie appointed city manager
Mayor Stephen Hagerty and the Evanston City Council appointed Erika Storlie as Evanston’s next city manager at the October 19 City Council meeting. Learn more about Erika.
Celebrate Halloween safely
Due to COVID-19, community members are encouraged to celebrate Halloween with lower risk activities, such as pumpkin carving, virtual costume parties, and holiday decorating.
Trick-or-treating will take place on Sat., Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. View safety guidelines for trick-or-treaters. Households that wish to accommodate trick-or-treaters are encouraged to place individual goodie bags in a designated location for trick-or-treaters to pick up and go while continuing to social distance.
Save your pumpkins from the landfill
Rescue your Halloween pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns from withering on the front porch by dropping them off to be composted at the 5th annual “It's the Great Pumpkin Compost” Collection event on Sat., Nov. 7. Food waste, including plain, clean pumpkins, can also "ride along" in yard waste carts with grass clippings and leaves.
The 2020 Census count is complete
The 2020 Census has come to a close. Evanston's self-response rate reached 76 percent, with all but four Census tracts reaching or exceeding their self-response rate from 2010! Thank you to all those who filled out the Census and helped spread the word.
Join the waitlist for a Housing Choice Voucher
The Housing Authority of Cook County's waitlist for Housing Choice Vouchers will remain open through November 2 at 4:30 p.m. Applicants' income must be at or below 50 percent of area median income to qualify. Learn more and apply. For questions, call 312-517-2388.
Test your bike safety knowledge
Discover relevant laws and best safety strategies for sharing the road successfully by taking The Bike Safety Quiz, created by Ride Illinois, a nonprofit organization working statewide for better bicycling conditions. As the days get shorter and darker, it's important for all roadway users to exercise additional caution.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Hallo-week Pumpkin Contest
 Let your inner artist shine and enter our Hallo-Week Pumpkin Contest! Carve a face, paint abstract designs, glue on feathers and sequins – be creative! Send a photo of your pumpkin to mbush@cityofevanston.org by October 25. Pumpkins will be voted on at the Evanston Parks & Recreation Facebook page. The winning pumpkin will receive a Parks & Recreation gift certificate.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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