Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about Black History Month events, Winter Wonderland at Canal Shores, a COVID-19 update, and more.
Plus, meet Journey Shannon, owner of local business Noir d’Ébène Chocolat et Pâtisserie.
 Celebrate Black History Month in February
February is Black History Month, when the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Celebrate and recognize the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are a part of our country's history by participating in community events throughout February.
Black History 24/7/365: Black Women of American History: Each week in February, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will broadcast a narrated profile of an influential Black woman who has made an incredible contribution in America. Watch this week's episode highlighting Clara Brown, and tune in Tuesdays at noon at fjtheatre.com for more weekly episodes.
 Photo by Patrick Hughes, Jr.
Don't let the snow stop you!
Just because it's winter doesn't mean we can't get out and have some fun. Check out some great community events to help get you out of the house.
Get your creative juices flowing: Enjoy a month of art making, community building, fire pits and art in nature at Canal Shores Golf Course with Evanston Made's Winter Wonderland.
Embrace the cozy: Get Hygge with Downtown Evanston all month by taking creative classes, enjoying warm meals, and exploring cafes and bakeries as part of Hygge Fest! Pronounced "hue-gah," this Danish expression is an attitude towards life that emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments.
 Apply to be the next 9th Ward councilmember
Mayor Biss has announced the application process and timeline for residents interested in filling the 9th Ward City Council seat. Learn more and apply here.
 Reminder: Snow Emergency parking restrictions remain in effect on Friday
Evanston Public Works crews continue to clear residential streets following Wednesday's snow. To facilitate plowing operations, Snow Emergency parking restrictions will remain in effect tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 4. Parking will be prohibited on sides of the street with even-numbered addresses on Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more about snow parking restrictions.
COVID-19 Update
 Cases: Evanston reported 281 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 477 for the week prior. To date, Evanston has had 10,567 total confirmed cases, and 135 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate: The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 2.15 percent, compared to 2.9 percent for the week prior.
Hospitalizations: Local COVID-19 hospitalizations have decreased over the last month.
Vaccinations: 96.4 percent of residents 5 years and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 86.2 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 Guidance and Availability
 Recent guidance from the CDC states that while all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitted respirators – such as an N95 or KN95 – provide a higher level of protection.
Limited number of KN95s available next week
The City will provide a limited number of free KN95 masks to Evanston community members at a distribution event next week.
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Evanston community members may pick up a pack of five KN95 masks while supplies last from the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.; Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.; and the Evanston Police Department, 1454 Elmwood Ave. Masks will be limited to one pack per household, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The City will plan additional distribution events as supplies are received.
More to come: The federal government is distributing 400 million N95 respirators from its strategic national stockpile to pharmacy locations throughout the country.
FDA reviewing Emergency Use Authorization for vaccines doses for children under 5
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is preparing to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to those ages 6 months through 4 years after Pfizer-BioNTech submitted data this week to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking to amend its emergency use authorization to allow children younger than 5 years to receive its COVID-19 vaccine. The request for authorization of the first two doses of a planned three-dose primary series will still need to be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Following information from the CDC, IDPH will host joint webinars with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics about vaccinations for those ages 6 months through 4 years. Please stay tuned
More News and Events
Some recycling collections delayed
Due to weather conditions, some recycling collections are behind schedule. Areas where recycling was not picked up today will be collected first on Fri., Feb. 4.
Summer camp registration is around the corner!
Evanston residents can register online for 2022 summer camps on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon. Check out the 2022 Summer Camp Guide now!
Community events at Northwestern this February
Enjoy a wide variety of community events at Northwestern (.pdf) this month, including art exhibits, a field hockey clinic, performing arts and more!
First installment of 2021 property tax bill due March 1
The first installment of 2021 property tax bills were mailed at the end of January. This installment is 55 percent of a property's total tax bill for the previous year and is due on March 1.
Tax preparation assistance
The Levy Senior Center, in partnership with AARP Foundation, is offering free tax-aide preparation (.png) appointments beginning on Monday, Feb. 7 for those ages 50 and over. Tax-aide preparation will operate as a drive-thru service only and appointments are required by calling 847-448-8250.
Girl Scout cookie season is here!
Don't miss out on your chance to purchase Girl Scout cookies! Cookies can be shipped directly to your home by placing an order online. The cookie finder map allows you to enter a zip code and support a local Evanston troop. There will also be cookie booths outside local businesses through late March.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Meet Journey Shannon!
 In honor of Black History Month, we're featuring local business owner Journey Shannon, as she is affectionately known by the community.
Journey Shannon was born and raised in Evanston and is the owner of Noir d’Ébène Chocolat et Pâtisserie. Read her story.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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