Thursday, December 17, 2020 | View in browser
 Safe ways to celebrate this holiday season
Santa on wheels: This Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m., Santa will travel throughout the city by fire truck and make short, five-minute stops in all of Evanston’s nine wards to spread some holiday cheer! Wave to Santa along the route or at any of the 18 designated Santa Stops.
Kwanzaa celebrations: Watch the unveiling of the newly commissioned outdoor Kwanzaa Display on Sat., Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. Then, enjoy a virtual Kwanzaa ceremony with music, spoken word and dance performances beginning around noon. Both events will be live streamed on Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's Youtube channel and Facebook page.
Evanston Loves movie night: Bring your family out for a fun night at the Drive-In in Evanston this Sat., Dec. 19. Enjoy a holiday screening of "Home Alone" and order from the La Cocinita Food Truck!
Santa cleared to visit Evanston: Mayor Hagerty delivered some good news today: Santa's visit to Evanston has been deemed "essential business" by the City's COVID-19 Response Team. However, his visit comes with a few important conditions. Watch the Mayor's message.
 Pop-Up Food Pantries
As a complement to the existing pantries and to ensure food accessibility during COVID-19, the City is providing pop-up food pantries twice per month for those who qualify. The next pop-up pantry is on Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register by calling 847-448-8630.
 Winter break is almost here...
The City's Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department is offering winter break camp options to help keep your kids busy while school is out! Check out available camps in our winter program guide and register today!
Evanstonians’ Water Priorities Survey
 Please share your water perspectives and priorities with the Citizens Greener Evanston's Watershed Collective and Northwestern University in this 5-minute survey about Evanstonians’ water priorities. This is a great opportunity to share how you think about and use water has changed due to the ongoing pandemic. Your feedback will guide water-related advocacy efforts in Evanston!
The City Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
Following the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine, the City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department is providing the community with an update on plans for vaccine distribution in Evanston.
The first phase is anticipated to begin this week as the City receives its first allotment of vaccines and distributes them to Evanston’s two local hospitals. A limited supply of vaccines will be available initially, with supplies expected to continually increase in the months ahead. The City will work with public health partners to ensure that essential workers and those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 have access to vaccinations. For more information visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s FAQ page, at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq.
Eat local for the holidays!
This holiday season, take the Evanston Takeout Pledge and support a restaurant every week until we are back to normal. By supporting our local restaurants, we can help ensure they will still be here after this crisis is over.
Find holiday meal specials and restaurants in Howard Street, Downtown Evanston, Main-Dempster Mile, Central Street, and the Central Evanston, Maple/Foster, Noyes Street, and West End business districts. Find additional deals in this list from Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Free tech and data assistance for small businesses
Chi Hack Night is now offering free tech and data assistance to nonprofits, government, small businesses and people that request it. With everyone adjusting to a more digital work and life, there is a growing need for technical and data assistance. The Chi Hack Night Tech & Data Help Desk is here to help.
They offer assistance with:
- Finding or getting access to data
- Cleaning up or analyzing data
- Providing recommendations on what technology to use to solve a problem
- Guidance on building my own app or website
- Help with using software like Zoom, Google Docs, and GIS tools
- Ethical guidance on the potential harm caused by using data or technology
To request assistance, fill out this form: bit.ly/chn-help-desk
 Mental Health is Essential
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is featuring an awareness initiative, "Mental Health is Essential," to highlight the support and resources available to Evanston residents. Reaching out for help is a positive step to take when you need it.
Medix is hiring in Chicago
 Contact Lindsey Powers at lindsey.powers@medixteam.com or visit medixteam.com for more information.
Paid Research Participation
Chicago based nonprofits Elevate Energy & Metropolitan Planning Council have received funding from the Mott Foundation to research water affordability issues in the Great Lakes, and are looking for participants to talk about their water billing experiences.
Participants will receive a $25 gift card via email 24-48 business hours after participating in a group session or $30 for those participating in individual interviews.
For more information email Bernadette McDaniel at bernadette@lewisassociatesllc.com.
Other News and Reminders
Wheel Tax Renewal
As a reminder, all vehicles registered through the Illinois Secretary of State to an Evanston address are required to pay an annual wheel tax by Thurs., Dec. 31.
The track is open at Robert Crown!
The indoor track at the Robert Crown Community Center and Library is now taking reservations for use. Call 847-448-8258 to schedule a 50 minute track time slot.
Need help shoveling?
Those looking for assistance shoveling their property are encouraged to register for the City's Snow Shoveling Program online or by calling 847-448-4311.
Evanston Animal Shelter Pet Pantry
The Evanston Animal Shelter is offering free dog food, cat food, cat litter and miscellaneous pet items to those in need. Pick-ups are available Monday through Friday by appointment. Call 847-866-5082 today!
Register your pet by December 31
Dog and cat owners: Submit your 2021 pet registration by Thurs., Dec. 31 conveniently online. Pet registration forms were mailed out in late October and can also be returned by mail using the provided envelope.
For more COVID-19 related updates and information, including COVID-19 case data, visit cityofevanston.org/covid19.
Cicely L. Fleming
Alderman, 9th Ward
224-204-4017
cfleming@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org
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