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Good afternoon!
Read below for information about the next Starlight Movie in the Park, a back-to-school resource fair, end-of-season beach schedules, and more!
 Music and movies under the stars
Starlight Movies in the Park continue this week with Queen of Katwe on Sat., Aug. 21 at Twiggs Park followed by Smallfoot on Tues., Aug. 24 at Leahy Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks out to enjoy movies under the stars beginning at 7 p.m. View the Starlight schedule.
Rescheduled Starlight Concert: The City has rescheduled its previously rained out Starlight Concert in the Park featuring the popular Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. Head to Kamen Park East on Mon., Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. to enjoy this free concert.
 'Back to School Back to the Future'
Join the City and community partners for a "Back to School Back to the Future" Community Resource Fun Fair on Sat., Aug. 21, from noon to 4 p.m., at Mason Park (Church St. and Florence Ave.). Bring your family to enjoy games, free food, giveaways and resources from over 30 organizations providing programs catered to students and families.
 We want your feedback on leaf blowers!
The Evanston City Council is seeking your input as it considers changes to the City Code impacting the use of leaf blowers.
Take a survey: Share your thoughts by filling out a survey by September 3.
Attend a public forum: Participate in one of two public forums at the Robert Crown Community Center, Room D. The forum for residents and property managers is on Thurs., Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. and the forum for landscape/lawn care service providers is on Fri., Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
 End-of-season schedule for Evanston beaches
As seasonal lifeguard and beach staff return to school, the City has adjusted beach operations for the end of the season to ensure safety.
On weekdays: Swimming will only be available at Clark Street and Lee Street beaches for the remainder of the season. The public will continue to have access to the sand on all other beaches, but swimming will not be permitted.
On weekends: All beaches will remain open for swimming through Mon., Sept. 6 for normal hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
COVID-19 Update
Cases, Positivity Rates and Hospitalizations
 Click to enlarge.
Cases: Evanston reported 45 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 62 for the week prior. To date, the city has had 4,859 total confirmed cases, and 118 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate: The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 1.66 percent, down from 1.82 percent for the seven days prior.
Hospitalizations: Local COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased, but remain significantly below pandemic peaks.
Vaccines and Prevention
 The City offered free vaccinations at Bethel AME Church’s Community Day last Saturday.
To date, approximately 86.1 percent of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 79.4 percent are fully vaccinated. View the City’s updated data dashboard (view on mobile) for the latest Evanston-specific vaccination data from the IDPH.
Mask reminder: With 61.25 cases per 100,000 residents over the last seven days, Evanston is still considered to be an area of “substantial transmission” according to the CDC. Therefore, community members two years or older should continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status.
Keep your vaccine card safe: The City’s Health & Human Services Department advises keeping your vaccination card at home in a safe place. You can keep your vaccine record handy by making a print copy of your card to carry with you, taking a digital photo of the front and back of your card, and/or registering for the State’s Vax Verify program.
FAQ: Will the City provide “booster” shots?
This week, President Biden announced that beginning September 20, U.S. adults who received a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) would be eligible for a “booster” shot eight months after they received their second dose. The announcement follows the CDC and FDA’s recommendation of a third dose for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
The City is awaiting further information and direction from the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding plans to administer third doses to eligible individuals. Any updates will be provided through this newsletter.
Reminder: If you’re fully vaccinated, you continue to be well protected against severe illness from COVID-19. If you’re not yet fully vaccinated, now is the time to get your shot. Find a vaccination location near you.
More news and events
City Manager update
The Evanston City Council intends to appoint Deputy City Manager Kelley Gandurski as interim city manager as the City undertakes a community-informed, nationwide search to recruit and hire its next city manager. Gandurski will begin her role as interim city manager upon the departure of City Manager Erika Storlie on October 8.
Pay your 2022 Wheel Tax by September 30
The payment period is open for Evanston residents to pay for their 2022 City wheel tax, residential parking permits, and residential parking passes. The deadline to pay the 2022 wheel tax is Thurs., Sept. 30. Pay online!
Storm Cleanup 101
While City crews work around the clock after severe weather to remove fallen trees, branches and debris originating from public trees, residents are responsible for addressing trees, branches and debris from private property. Check out these reminders to make your cleanup easier.
Lakefront Parking Pilot Program continues
The City's lakefront parking pilot program continues through October 31. Under this program, parking rates are $3 per hour for designated streets along the lakefront. Vehicles registered to an Evanston address with a current year paid wheel tax do not need to pay for these sessions.
Roadway projects beginning next week
Two constructions projects will begin next week impacting traffic on main roadways: road resurfacing work on Dempster Street from Ridge to Chicago Avenues and utility work on Ridge Avenue between Clark and Church Streets.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Northwestern football kicks off Sept. 3
 Wildcat football is back in action! Northwestern University will host its first home game of the 2022 football season versus Michigan State on Fri., Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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