e-News: 2023 Budget, Halloween fun, and more!

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 10/13/2022 05:10 PM CDT

Thursday, October 13, 2022 | View in browser

Good afternoon,

Read below for information about the 2023 Budget process, Halloween events and trick-or-treating, leaf blowers, and more!

Plus, get to know this month's Featured Evanstonian, Jenny Valdés Del Valle!

Top Stories

What's in the City's 2023 Proposed Budget?

The City has released its 2023 Proposed Budget, which prioritizes infrastructure investments, climate action and community development.

Timeline: The spending proposal will be presented to City Council on October 17, kicking off a monthlong public engagement process.

Get involved: Attend an upcoming town hall meeting to learn about and provide feedback on the budget.

2021 Trunk-or-Treat event.

Spooky season is here

A trunk full of fun: Police cars and other City vehicles will "dress up" in costumes for the annual Trunk or Treat event on Fri., Oct. 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children ages birth through 5 are invited to trick-or-treat through the Chandler-Newberger Center parking lot. Register today!

Calling all zombies: Show off your best walking dead impression by volunteering for the Oct. 22 Zombie Scramble! Must be 16 years or older. Makeup and costumes will be provided!

Trick-or-Treat on Central Street: Celebrate Halloween with Central Street Evanston on Sat., Oct. 22.

The big day: Official City of Evanston trick-or-treat hours are Mon., Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Learn about potential shoreline improvements

Attend a shoreline repair open house on Tues., Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Evanston Public Library.

Fall is here and it's time to clear!

Trees are covered in shades of yellow, orange and red, and the leaves have begun to fall. As a reminder, gas-powered leaf blowers are allowed for use beginning October 15 through December 1 during specified times.

A few more reminders:

Gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited on City holidays.
Violators are subject to fines.
Seasonal restrictions do not apply to electric-powered leaf blowers.
Gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited beginning April 1, 2023.

Welcome home Chief Stewart!

Community members, friends and family of Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart packed the City Council Chambers on Monday night for her official swearing-in ceremony. Watch ABC7's coverage of the event.

COVID-19 Update

Cases: Evanston reported 74 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 122 for the week prior. The current seven-day moving average of daily confirmed cases is 10.67.

COVID-19 Community Risk Level: LOW

Hospitalizations: View local COVID-19 hospitalizations.

To date, Evanston has had 16,803 total confirmed cases, and 156 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19. View the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile).

Updated vaccine boosters authorized for children 5 and older

Children 5 to 11 years old are now eligible for the new, updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines following approval from federal health officials. The updated vaccines are expected to be available for this age group in the coming days as supplies roll out.

As we approach the winter months, everyone 5 years and older is strongly encouraged to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines to be protected. It’s also not too late for children 6 months and up to begin their primary COVID-19 vaccine series if they haven’t already.

Contact your local pharmacy or primary care physician to get your updated Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster, or visit www.vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment. If you’re homebound due to a medical condition or are otherwise unable to visit a provider, complete the City's In-Home Bivalent Booster Vaccination Survey.

More News and Events

Tour Evanston and Chicago architectural gems

Get a free, behind-the-doors peek at architectural gems in Evanston and Chicago this Saturday and Sunday as part of Open House Chicago.

Are you ready for your next emergency?

Attend the City's Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sat., Oct. 22 and Sun., Oct. 23 at the Robert Crown Community Center. The event will include CPR classes, free preparedness kits, cybersecurity workshops, and more.

Tips to discourage skunks on your property

Fall means increased skunk activity. Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department has provided tips to help keep skunks away from your property, including removing food scraps and garbage cans from outside.

From Broadway and Netflix to Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

Purchase tickets to see Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's new play, "American Son," by Christopher Demos-Brown. The play follows an estranged interracial couple as they confront their feelings about race and bias. Shows are on Saturdays and Sundays from October 29 through November 13.

Art contest: Show your love for recycling

In honor of America Recycles Day (November 15), the City and District 65 invite middle schoolers to submit their original artwork illustrating why recycling plays a vital role in being good stewards for the planet. The winning design will adorn a City of Evanston recycling truck! Designs are due by tomorrow, Oct. 14.

Apply for the Cook County Guaranteed Income Program

Applications for Cook County's guaranteed income pilot program remain open through October 21. As part of the program, the County will provide $500 monthly unrestricted cash payments to 3,250 households for two years. Residents who applied for Evanston's program can still apply for the Cook County program if they qualify.

Calling all young entrepreneurs!

The Central Evanston Business Association (CEBA) is seeking young entrepreneurs interested in participating as vendors at the West End Market on Sat., Oct. 22. Interested? Complete the vendor sign-up form.