Thursday, October 7, 2021 | View in browser
Good afternoon!
Read below for information about trick-or-treating hours and safety guidelines, fun weekend activities and events, flu shots, and more!
 No tricks, just treats!
Halloween is right around the corner, and you know what that means...it's almost time for some trick-or-treating fun. Evanston's official trick-or-treat hours this year are Sun., Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Safety Tips: To help your family stay healthy and safe, check out our trick-or-treat guidelines. Households wishing to accommodate trick-or-treaters are encouraged to place individual goodie bags in a designated location for trick-or-treaters to pick up and go while continuing to social distance.
Not participating? No problem. Households that choose not to participate are encouraged to turn their lights off or post signage on their door to discourage visitors.
Find more Halloween information at cityofevanston.org/halloween.
 More fall fun happening this weekend
Up next on the big screen: Head to Twiggs Park on Sat., Oct. 9 to enjoy the feature film "Queen of Katwe" as a part of the Starlight Movies in the Park series. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Don't forget your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks!
Fall Fest & Pumpkin Carving Contest: Join the Main-Dempster Mile for a fun, fall event on Sat., Oct. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the entrance of The Mexican Shop, 801 Dempster St. Enjoy a "Fairies & Scaries" Storytime, pumpkin carving contest, concert by the Rolling Clones, food and more!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Sponsored by the City and Northwestern University, enjoy a Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration on Sat., Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Evanston Ecology Center. There will be food, music, and arts and crafts by Las Cartas De Frida!
 Flu season is coming. Get your flu shot!
To reduce the spread of influenza and other illnesses this winter, the City’s Health and Human Services Department reminds you that in addition to getting a flu vaccine, you should practice the three Cs:
- Clean - Properly wash hands frequently
- Cover - Cover coughs and sneezes
- Contain - Contain germs by staying home if sick
October is a good time to get your flu shot. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. Check with your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to inquire about getting the flu vaccine.
COVID-19 Update
Cases, Positivity Rates and Hospitalizations
 Click to enlarge image
Cases: Evanston reported 84 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 71 for the week prior. To date, the city has had 5,303 total confirmed cases, and 121 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate: The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 0.51 percent. Note: there has been an increase in tests reported this week due to Northwestern testing and delays in lab reporting.
Hospitalizations: View local COVID-19 hospitalizations over the last month.
Vaccinations: View the City’s updated data dashboard (view on mobile) for the latest Evanston-specific vaccination data from the IDPH.
Booster Shots
 Pfizer vaccine recipients who are 65 years and older or at high risk for exposure or severe complications from COVID-19 are eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot after six months.
Learn more and find a vaccine location near you.
Mental Health is Essential
For almost 10 years, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department has partnered with AMITA Health to provide free mental health crisis intervention, mental health care, short-term counseling and triage for Evanston residents. AMITA Health also provides a 24-hour mental health crisis assistance line at 708-681-4357.
Email Cindy.SolorzanoCastro@amitahealth.org or call 847-316-3703 for questions or more information. The Evanston Public Library also has a full-time social worker on staff to help you navigate mental health resources.
More news and events
Are you struggling to pay your rent due to the pandemic?
Applications are open for a second Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program is designed to provide emergency rental assistance to suburban Cook County residents who are at risk of housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and apply today.
Cut back on energy and save money
ComEd is encouraging customers who are on a limited budget to learn more about their ComEd Energy Efficiency Program which offers customers a variety of options to help cut back on energy use and reduce their energy bills. Learn more.
The Produce Mobile returns on Tuesday
The Greater Chicago Food Depository's Produce Mobile will be back in Evanston on Tues., Oct. 12! Residents in need can head to the Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St., between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to pick up a box of free, fresh produce while supplies last.
Looking to renew your driver's license?
Drivers of all ages can complete a vision screening and renew an Illinois ID card or driver's license (must be under 75) tomorrow, Fri., Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Levy Senior Center as part of the Illinois Secretary of State's Super Senior Day and Mobile Driver Services event.
Don't toss it, fix it!
Bring your beloved items in need of repair back to life at the next Evanston Repair Café on Sat., Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center Library. Register today.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Farmhouse introduces Charity Giveback Program

Farmhouse in Evanston will launch a new iteration of their Charity Giveback program to support local nonprofits including Madonna Mission, Coming Up Rosies, Rainbows for Children, and Fill a Heart for Kids.
Dubbed ‘Giving Wednesday’, the restaurant will donate 20 percent of the guests’ check amount before tax and gratuity on Wednesdays through December. Learn more about the Charity Giveback Program.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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