Thursday, November 19, 2020 | View in browser
News and Events
 Celebrate Thanksgiving safely with your favorite Evanston business!
Thanksgiving plans may look a little different this year, but there is still much to be grateful for. Make your celebration easy and festive with one of the many delicious Thanksgiving specials being offered by Evanston restaurants, ranging from traditional meals to soul food to pastries. Check out these holiday dining guides to support Evanston businesses!
Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely
As COVID-19 infections surge across the country, the City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department is urging all residents to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19 this Thanksgiving by limiting in-home gatherings to household members only and vigilantly following CDC and IDPH guidelines, including:
- Stay home as much as possible
- Refrain from hosting or attending social gatherings with those who do not live in your household
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet from those outside of your household
- Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in public settings (indoors and outdoors) when social distancing is not practical
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Stay home if you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you’ve been in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
In addition, residents are encouraged to get a flu shot to prevent illness from influenza and to preserve scarce medical resources.
 Pick up your Silver Lining passbook November 28
Shop unique and shop safe this holiday season. Beginning on November 28, the Silver Lining Passbook with be available filled with special offers from local businesses. When you spend a minimum of $100 at local shops, you'll be eligible for a giveaway including Downtown Evanston's annual holiday mug.
Find more information at https://downtownevanston.org/silverlining.
 Adopt-a-Shop Program for Evanston businesses
Evanston community members have come together to help support Evanston's shop, salons, and studios during this holiday season. In a effort to help local businesses survive the pandemic, the Adopt-a-Shop program encourages residents to "adopt" a local shop by buying something once a week and posting about their experience. Over a 100 businesses have been adopted so far. What a great way to support Evanston's small businesses!
 Sarkis Cafe opening second location in Chicago
Congratulations to Sarkis Cafe on opening their second location in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant, located at 3517 N. Spaulding Ave, is slated to open next month as a carryout and delivery-only operation. The cafe plans to offer all the same favorites as their Evanston location. Sarkis Cafe's Evanston location remains open for carryout and delivery, as well as a fully heated and winterized outdoor seating area.
 Mayor Hagerty's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive
To ensure every Evanston family gets to celebrate this holiday season, Mayor Stephen Hagerty is encouraging all community members to participate in the 12th annual Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive.
Through Friday, December 11, the City is collecting new, unwrapped toys in addition to staple food items for holiday meals. The City is also collecting new and gently used children's books. Find more information and drop off locations here.
Modified garbage collection fees for commercial properties effective January 1
In an effort to increase recycling rates and meet waste diversion goals, the City of Evanston recently approved an increase to the Franchise Service Administrative Fee on garbage containers for commercial properties, effective January 1, 2021.
The modified fee will include the following:
- 20 percent reduction in the administrative fee from $3.00 to $2.40, which will now be applied to both size of garbage containers and the number of weekly collections. Those with more than once a week garbage collection will see an increase in the fee.
- The permanent or temporary roll-off fee will increase from $0.95 to $1.00 per cubic yard.
- No fee is imposed for recycling containers.
The average monthly price change for most businesses will be less than $8 per month. Businesses with frequent weekly pickups (5-6) will be most affected, while those with less pickups (1-2) will likely see a slight cost savings. Any fee increase can be offset or minimized through increased recycling and decreased garbage. See cost examples here.
Winter weather preparedness
The Economic Development Division would like to remind businesses and residents to keep sidewalks clear during the snow season.
Property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice; paths must be at least 36 inches wide. Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from hazardous conditions. The City does not clear snow from sidewalks in business districts.
Additional information can be found on the City's website. Thanks for working together to keep Evanston sidewalks safe and accessible during the cold weather.
New Comast RISE program to help small business
The new Comcast RISE initiative is designed to strengthen small independent Black and underrepresented group-owned businesses hit hard by COVID-19 by providing grants, marketing and technology upgrades (including media campaigns and connectivity), computer and voice equipment, and free marketing insights. Learn more about the resources offered through this program here.
ComEd Small Business Assistance Program
The Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers, whose service has not been disconnected, with a one-time grant equal to 30% of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000) that will be applied to the past due balance and the remaining balance can be spread over a payment plan of up to six months.
BeyGOOD Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund
BeyGOOD is on a mission to spread hope. The goal is to provide a life line for small businesses at the epicenter of dual pandemics. BeyGood has teamed up with the NAACP to expand economic opportunity by awarding grants of $10,000 on the 15th of each month through the end of 2020.
Support Latino Business Impact Fund
Support Latino Business will provide grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 to help support our Latino Business community who have been affected by COVID. To apply, you must register in the Latino Business free directory. Once you're registered, Support Latino Business will send information about the application process.
Business Interruption Grant (BIG) applications open
The second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) Program is now open, offering $220 million in financial assistance for small businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic.
LEND offering zero interest small business loans
Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND), a student-run, microfinance organization, is providing zero percent interest loans to small businesses in Evanston. Visit their website for the application and to learn more about their lending process.
North Suburban Cook County Job Center
North Suburban Cook County Job Center can help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering services and resources to connect you with opportunities in a variety of careers. Visit their website to learn more about programs and resources available.
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