Thursday, December 22, 2022 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for winter storm reminders, facility closures and service changes, upcoming holiday celebrations, and more!
Plus, an Evanston community member shares her gift wrapping skills with youth.
 Winter storm update and reminders
The season's first significant winter storm is here, and Evanston Public Works crews are out in full force clearing streets. Operations will continue throughout the night, with strong winds, extremely cold temperatures, and approximately 4 inches of snow expected.
Avoid parking on Snow Routes: Help keep our roads clear by avoiding parking on main thoroughfares posted as Snow Routes (.pdf) overnight tonight into Friday. Free off-street parking is available in the Maple Avenue Garage and a number of other Evanston locations.
Shovel your sidewalk: Clear sidewalks and crosswalks within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice to allow everyone to travel safely. Need help? Learn about the Snow Shoveling Assistance Program.
Stay warm: Take precautions during extremely cold weather, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. The Robert Crown and Fleetwood-Jourdain community centers are open as warming centers during operating hours. Contact Evanston 311 or dial the Police non-emergency line (847-866-5000) if you need additional assistance.
Stay tuned: Snow parking restrictions are not in effect at this time. Additional notices will follow in the event that parking restrictions are declared.
Evanston 311 will be open for extended hours this evening, until 9 p.m.
 Changes in holiday schedules and operations
The City has announced changes in service delivery and facility schedules in recognition of the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Civic Center hours: The Morton Civic Center will be closed on Mon., Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 for the observed Christmas and New Year's holidays. The Collector's Office will also be closed on Fri., Dec. 23 due to staff illness; however, online payments will still be accepted.
Refuse collection: No collections will occur on Mon., Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Monday through Thursday trash and recycling collections will occur one day later than normal following the Christmas and New Year's holiday weekends.
311 Center: Evanston 311 will be closed on Mon., Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 due to the observed holidays. Service requests can be submitted online 24/7.
Parking: Christmas (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1) are City parking holidays. Payment is not required at meters, pay stations and City lots and garages.
 The holiday celebrations continue!
Kwanzaa begins, Hanukkah ends: Monday, Dec. 26 marks the first day of Kwanzaa and the final day of Hanukkah. Join us for an uplifting and inspiring community and cultural celebration of these two holidays at a Community Sharing event at Fountain Square at 11 a.m. Then, head to the Robert Crown Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the Kwanzaa Festival.
Ring in 2023: First Night Evanston is back live and in person this year at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St. Enjoy a program including the Timezone Jazz Band, mentalist Chris Carter, and Corky Siegel on harmonica. Purchase your tickets today!
 There's life after the holidays for trees and lights!
What to do with Christmas trees: City crews will pick up Christmas trees for recycling beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Friday, Jan. 27 on residents' regular refuse pickup day. View tree pickup guidelines.
What to do with burned out bulbs: Holiday string lighting and extension cords can be dropped off for recycling at the Levy Center, Ecology Center, and Robert Crown Center through January 31.
COVID-19 Update
Cases: Evanston reported 147 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 145 for the week prior. The current seven-day moving average of daily confirmed cases is 21.
COVID-19 Community Risk Level: MEDIUM.
Hospitalizations: View local COVID-19 hospitalizations.
To date, Evanston has had 18,010 total confirmed cases, and 157 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19. View the City’s interactive COVID-19 dashboard (view on mobile).
Stay healthy this holiday season
Stop the spread
Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, physical distancing, and at-home testing can help protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 this holiday season. Please stay home from holiday gatherings if you’re sick.
Practice food safety
Food-related illness can ruin a good holiday! The IDPH provides four steps to food safety:
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Clean – Clean your hands, surfaces and utensils with soap and water before cooking.
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Separate – Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between foods that are ready to eat, and raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
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Cook – Use a thermometer to check food temperatures. Turkey should be cooked to 165° F.
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Chill – Do not leave foods at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerate cooked foods that are not served immediately. If food is left unrefrigerated longer than two hours, the chance of bacterial growth increases.
More News and Events
Calling all pet owners!
Don't forget to submit your 2023 pet registrations by Saturday, Dec. 31.
Save the date: Financial Preparedness Training, January 12
Start the New Year by learning how to become financially secure! The City's Office of Emergency Management will host a free Financial Preparedness Training on Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Robert Crown Community Center.
Winter safety reminder
As a reminder, sledding, tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding are prohibited at the James Park hill. All activities at James Park are at the user's own risk.
Serve on a City board, commission or committee
The City is seeking diverse, interested residents to serve on boards, commissions and committees and participate in discussions to help shape the future of Evanston. Apply today!
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Giving the gift of gift wrapping!
 For some, holiday gift wrapping is a pain. For others, it's a gift!
This week, Eva Coley, member of the Foster Senior Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and NAACP, shared her best holiday gift wrapping tips and tricks with Evanston youth at the Robert Crown Community Center. Youth were able to pick out gifts for their loved ones and wrap them as an incentive for participating in the City's violence prevention initiative.
Thank you, Eva, for sharing the holiday spirit with our community!
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading and happy holidays!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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