 
Thursday, July 1, 2021 | View in browser
Good afternoon!
Read below for information about Independence Day celebrations and City facility closures and service changes, a First Friday event, the next Starlight Concert, and more!
 4th of July Celebration and Photo Contest
Due to the amount of pre-planning needed and the prior uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Evanston Fourth of July Association 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.
City facility closures and service changes: The City has announced service and facility schedules for the Independence Day holiday on Sun., July 4, observed this year on Mon., July 5. No refuse collections will occur on Mon., July 5. All trash, yard waste and recycling collections will occur one day later than normal.
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.
 Coming up next on the Starlight Concert stage...
Head out to Canal Shores Golf Course on Tues., July 6 at 7 p.m. for the next Starlight Concert of the season! Enjoy a performance by James Sanders & Conjunto who combine classical training and theory with the freedom of jazz improvisation, all grounded in the lively rhythms of the Caribbean: rumba, son, danzón, bolero and more.
 Farmers' market season is in full swing!
Head to the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market every Saturday through November 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue to enjoy over 60 vendors selling everything from fruit to flowers to baked goods!
Support local artisans: Stop by the Maple Avenue Parking Garage after visiting the farmers' market to check out the Maker's Market featuring hundreds of handmade goods, including art, crafts, jewelry, handbags and more! Purchase tickets for this Saturday.
 Attend a First Friday event at Mason Park!
As the next event in the My City, Your City, Our City initiative, enjoy a First Friday Family Night at Mason Park, located at Church Street and Florence Avenue, tomorrow, Fri., July 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Community members will enjoy an obstacle course, free food, outdoor games, and more!
Parking information: Participants are invited to park in the Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) parking lot across from the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center.
COVID-19 Update
Cases and Positivity Rates
 Evanston reported one new confirmed COVID-19 case over the last seven days, compared to three for the week prior. The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 0.06 percent.
To date, the city has had 4,654 total confirmed cases, and 118 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Vaccinations
76 percent of eligible Evanston residents fully vaccinated
 As of June 28, approximately 83 percent of Evanston residents 12 and older have received at least one vaccine dose, and 76 percent are fully 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.
More news and events
Financial assistance programs are available
Rental/Housing Assistance Programs
Multiple rental and housing assistance programs are still open for those impacted by COVID-19, some offering up to 15 months of rental and move-in fee assistance. Contact the Entry Point Call Center at 877-426-6515.
City of Evanston Business Grants
Applications will open on July 7 for the Entrepreneurship Grant Support program. Grants between $2,500 and $6,000 may be available to businesses in Evanston. Learn more and apply.
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.
Evanston is recertified as a Community Wildlife Habitat
Evanston has been recertified as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation for the second year in a row thanks to the work of community members and Citizens' Greener Evanston!
If it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes!
Recent rainfall has created numerous potential mosquito breeding sites throughout the area, make sure to examine your property for items that are holding water and drain them as soon as possible.
We want your feedback!
Join the Public Services Bureau for a virtual, public meeting on Wed., July 7 at 7 p.m. to provide your feedback on proposed amendments to the parkway plantings ordinance.
Stay Engaged
Community Calendar
Featured Evanstonian: Loren Hassleson
 We're closing out Pride Month with another featured Evanstonian, Loren Hassleson! Loren is a trans man who moved from Chicago to the 5th Ward in Evanston in 2020 because of its diversity and inclusivity. Learn more about Loren.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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