 
Thursday, December 3, 2020 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about community holiday events, a reminder about food and yard waste pickup, and a shop small holiday video!
As a reminder, you can find the latest Evanston-specific COVID-19 updates on the City's website.
 The CTA holiday train won't have any riders this year (except Santa, of course), but you can still enjoy the view!
Experience the magic of the season
Wave to Santa and his elves: The CTA Holiday Train will visit Evanston on the Purple Line December 9, 11 and 12! This year, you won't be able to board, but you can still enjoy the seasonal sight from the platform or street.
Virtual holiday concert: Enjoy performances by Corky Siegel and Lynne Jordan as part of the Levy Senior Center Foundation's free Jamming Jean concert series this Fri., Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. Register.
Virtual Chanukah celebration: Tannenbaum Chabad House will host a virtual menorah lighting on Thurs., Dec.10, at 5:30 p.m.
Parks & Rec holiday fun: Enjoy three great community events hosted by our Parks & Recreation Department to help you get in the holiday spirit! Write a letter to Santa, enjoy an Extreme Dreidel & Candle Lighting, and participate in a community celebration of Kwanzaa.
Tree lighting update: Due to COVID-19, there will be no public tree lighting ceremony. The tree at Fountain Square has already been lit for the season.
 Click image to play video
Shop Small. Shop Local. Shop Evanston!
Behind every business is an owner and staff who put time and energy into picking the perfect items to fill their shelves. Meet some of our local business owners in our shop small holiday video and remember to support the Evanston businesses that help make our city such a unique and vibrant place to live.
 Final week for food and yard waste pickup
December 7 through 10 is the final week for 2020 food and yard waste pickup. Collections will resume in April 2021.
Leaf blower reminder: Gasoline-powered leaf blowers are prohibited after the first Thursday of December through March 29.
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 decrease, but post-holiday surge possible
 Evanston’s seven-day moving average of confirmed daily cases decreased to 25.86 new cases per day this week, compared to 32.43 for the week prior. However, yesterday the City reported 63 new cases – its highest number to date – and public health officials have warned that a post-Thanksgiving surge of new cases is possible. Twenty-four new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Evanston. The city has had 2,440 total confirmed cases to date, and 88 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
The seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents decreased in Evanston (246.35), Skokie (540.67), Chicago (453.31), Cook County (449), and Illinois (489.85), but all remain well above the state’s goal of 50.
Testing and hospitalizations
The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate decreased slightly to 5.59 percent, compared to 6.2 percent for the previous seven days. The positivity rate in Evanston remains significantly lower than the state (10.4 percent) and county (13.3 percent). Local COVID-19 hospital admissions decreased slightly over the last week.
As a reminder, you can access free testing daily at the State's COVID-19 community-based testing sites, including the nearest Harwood Heights and Arlington Heights locations.
Stay safe, stay vigilant
 With infections and hospitalizations at record levels across the country, please continue to do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your actions can save lives and prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
Next ‘Coronavirus Q&A,’ December 9
 Join Mayor Hagerty, Health and Human Services Director Ike Ogbo, and local research physician, Dr. Richard Hubbard, for a "Coronavirus Q&A" on Wed., Dec. 9 at noon. Dr. Hubbard, a longtime Evanston resident, has participated in Moderna's COVID-19 clinical vaccine trial since August and was recently highlighted by the Evanston RoundTable.
The live session will be broadcast on City Channel 16 and streamed on the City's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Submit questions in advance.
Support the Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund!
 Mayor Hagerty has partnered with the Evanston Community Foundation in its effort to raise $2 million in two months to assist Evanston families most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re on the way to reaching that goal, but we need your help! If you’re able, please donate online by December 31.
More news and events
Evanston Public Library resources
Head to the Evanston Public Library to take advantage of their free computer stations and Wi-Fi. They also have a new Laptop Vending Machine at the Robert Crown Library Branch, new Job Search Tech Kits and plenty of Wi-Fi Hotspots for checkout.
Getting rid of those old holiday lights?
Recycle holiday string lighting and extension cords through the City's annual holiday light recycling program through January 31.
COVID-19 Rental Assistance program updates
Receive email updates about the City's upcoming COVID-19 Rental Assistance program. As soon as final details, launch dates, and application guidelines become available, we'll keep you posted. Sign up today!
Amnesty Gun Buyback Event, December 5
An amnesty gun buyback event will be held at Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1711 Simpson St., this Sat., Dec. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. $100 per gun will be provided. This is an amnesty-based program; there will be no arrests.
Two-month late fee waiver on property taxes
The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to waive late fees for two months on both property tax installments due in 2021. First Installment Cook County property tax bills for 2020 are now available on the Cook County Treasurer's website.
Updated hours for City Collector's Office
The City Collector's Office at the Robert Crown Community Center will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice. The office will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please make payments online, if possible.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
ETHS students rally behind restaurant owners
When Gyros Planet Evanston owners, Erika and Pablo, stepped up to feed those in need, Evanston Township High School (ETHS) students stepped up to support them! Thanks to all those taking action in our community.
Watch the WGN news story.
That’s it for today's e-news. Be well and be safe!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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