 
Thursday, June 24, 2021 | View in browser
Greetings on this rainy afternoon,
Read below for information on how to celebrate Pride and Independence Day this year in Evanston. Plus, find out how you can explore some of Evanston's most beautiful gardens this Sunday, and get an update on the status of Fountain Square's fountain and Greenwood Street Beach.
 Celebrate Pride Month with Evanston Pride, Inc.
In 2020, Evanston residents joined together to form the non-profit, Evanston Pride, Inc. Join this organization on Saturday for a youth car parade beginning at 1 p.m., a community picnic at James Park beginning at 3 p.m., and a Candle Lighting Ceremony and Memorial at the Morton Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m. Make sure to RSVP for more details on these free events.
What if it rains? Evanston Pride, Inc. will make the final rain call on Saturday morning. Those who RSVP will receive both email and text notifications.
 "Best Decorated Storefront" is one of the Evanston Fourth of July Association's photo contest categories.
4th of July Celebration and Photo Contest
For nearly 100 years, the all-volunteer Evanston Fourth of July Association has hosted a safe, family-friendly day of activities to celebrate Independence Day, including an annual parade, concert, fireworks and more. Due to the amount of pre-planning needed and the prior uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the organization in March voted to cancel this year's in-person events. Instead, they invite you to join them for a creative, virtual July 4th celebration!
Submit your photos: Community members are invited to enter the Association's photo contest. Photos can be submitted under five categories and will be accepted through Fri., July 9. Local business gift cards will be awarded to the winners.
A Community United Cannot Be Divided: Read the Association's statement on the 2021 celebration.
 Free activities for youth this summer
The City's new "My City, Your City, Our City" initiative provides safe, fun and enriching activities tailored to high school youth all summer long!
My Center. Your Center. Our Center: As part of this initiative, the Robert Crown, Fleetwood-Jourdain and Levy community centers have extended their hours to 9 p.m. on designated nights to provide indoor and outdoor activities coordinated with and by youth, including video game tournaments, open gym, art and cooking classes, and more.
 Evanston Garden Walk this Sunday!
Tour some of Evanston's most creative and beautiful gardens this Sun., June 27 as part of the Evanston Environmental Association's annual Garden Walk! Proceeds help provide scholarships for children to attend the Evanston Ecology Center's summer camp programs and support the apiary.
COVID-19 Update
Cases and Positivity Rates
 Evanston reported three new COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to zero for the week prior. The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 0.18 percent.
To date, the city has had 4,653 total confirmed cases, and 118 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Vaccinations
72 percent of eligible Evanston residents fully vaccinated
 As of June 24, approximately 82 percent of Evanston residents 12 and older have received at least one vaccine dose, and 72 percent are fully vaccinated. (Note: This week, the City discovered that previous data provided by IDPH erroneously included vaccination data from zip code 60203. That data has been removed from the City’s report, which resulted in a slight decrease in the percentage of residents reported as vaccinated.)
View the City’s updated data dashboard (view on mobile) for the latest Evanston-specific vaccination data from the IDPH.
Where to get your shot
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free, and vaccination appointments are widely available. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination appointment or call 1-800-232-0233.
Community outreach: This week, Evanston Health & Human Services Director Ike Ogbo joined NorthShore University HealthSystem to discuss Evanston’s community vaccination efforts and strategic partnerships formed to help those who may be hesitant or have had difficulty accessing the COVID vaccine. Watch the video on Facebook.
More news and events
Fountain Square fountain to undergo repairs
The City is disappointed to announce that the Fountain Square fountain will remain off for the 2021 season as repairs are contracted to address a significant source of water loss. At this time, the north plaza remains open for seating, gatherings and events.
Good news: Greenwood Street Beach will open July 1!
Due to lower lake levels, the City has determined that there is enough beach space to open Greenwood Street Beach this season. The beach will open for swimming on Thursday, July 1.
Free 'drive up, drop off' recycling event, July 10
Bring your recyclable items to the annual "Evanston Recycles" event on Sat., July 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, at ETHS. Only electronic waste, documents for shredding, and medications will be collected this year.
Coming up next on the Starlight Concert stage...
Head out to Kamen Park East on Tues., June 29 at 7 p.m. for the next Starlight Concert of the season! The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Chicago's original Klezmer revival band, will provide a premier Jewish music and cultural experience.
Discounted public transit fares continue through summer
CTA: Through Labor Day, the CTA is discounting the price of 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes.
Metra: Metra will continue to offer its popular $10 All-Day Pass through September 30. The All-Day Pass is good for unlimited rides on any and all Metra lines all day until 3 a.m. the next morning.
Reminder: Keep each other safe, stay away from fireworks
Please remember that fireworks are illegal in Evanston. Fireworks are dangerous and can be distressing to individuals and pets that are sensitive to loud noises. Violators are subject to citations.
Stay Engaged
Community Calendar
 Photos by: Yancey Hughes
On Saturday, June 19, Evanston residents celebrated Juneteenth with a parade organized by Evanston Present and Future followed by a community celebration at Ingraham Park, including musical entertainment, speakers, art and food. View photos from this great event captured by photographer Yancey Hughes.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
|
