Friday, December 22, 2023 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-News featuring information about the Great Elf Hunt, gymnastics classes, a Kwanzaa celebration, Winter Break Camps, and more!
Celebrating Chandler Newberger Gymnastics
Last weekend around 150 gymnasts performed in the Chandler-Newberger Center's Winter Gymnastics Recital, and over 500 of their friends and family came to support them. Congratulations to all of the gymnasts for an amazing performance and thank you to the friends, family, and coaches who supported them last weekend and year-round! Register for January classes now.
A Poetic Kwanzaa at Robert Crown
Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 5:45 p.m. for the traditional lighting of the outdoor Kwanzaa Kinara display at the Robert Crown Community Center. Councilmember Harris and African Storyteller Oba William King will usher us into the first day of Kwanzaa. At 6 p.m., we'll move indoors to enjoy the poetic Kwanzaa celebration, featuring the Artisan Market Place, a Community Drum Circle, food vendors, family arts & crafts, a photo booth, an African dancing performance, and a Poetic Kwanzaa storytelling by JustUsArts! This is a free Evanston Community Sharing event.
This year’s recipients of the “Legacy of Cultural Excellence Award” are Clarence and Wendy Weaver of C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor.
The Great Elf Hunt!
We have received word that the elves are on their way to Evanston! Once they arrive, on December 18, we need help tracking them down. We heard they will be hiding around the City's Community Centers and parks.
Help us find them between December 18 and 28. Find each elf, snap a photo with them, and send your photos to kgrundin@cityofevanston.org to be entered into a raffle to win various prizes including gift cards to local Evanston businesses. Each photo counts as one entry. Winners will be announced on January 2.
Special Thanks to these businesses for donating prizes:
The Fat Shallot
Candlelite Chicago
Firehouse Grill
Bluestone
Koi Evanston
Art Makers Outpost
Frio Gelato
Downtown Evanston
Robert Crown Winter Break Camps
School's out and Robert Crown has you covered with Winter Break Camps. Enjoy everything from snow art to ice skating, games, and more. Register.
Flight & Aerodynamics After School Program
This after school program at Chandler-Newberger combines engineering, the scientific method, and art to investigate the art of flight. Register today for this exciting new program.
Forest School Play Group
The Forest School model makes every day of learning an adventure. Outdoor programs allow children to learn at their natural levels of enthusiasm and energy with long periods of building, inventing, running, climbing, nature discovery, and imagination play. Drop-off option is available for ages 3 years and up. Parents attend with children under 3. Sign up for one or both days! To register, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.
New Class - Move & Groove Dance Class
Come check out the new Move & Groove dance classes at the Levy Senior Center on Tuesday and Friday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get your feet moving with this fun line dancing class. Register today.
The Winter Program Guide is here!
The 2023 Winter Program Guide is now available to view online. This digital-only issue provides hundreds of recreation programs, special events, and ways to keep you healthy, active, and having fun this winter season.
Robert Crown Afterschool Adventures
Need afterschool childcare? Robert Crown has your solution with Afterschool Adventures, available Monday to Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Kerry Bauer for more information at 847-448-8167 or by email at kerrybauer@cityofevanston.org.
TaeKwonDo Classes - Children & Adults
Come check out the TaeKwonDo classes at the Levy Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Connelly Academy offers classes for beginners starting at age 4 to advanced levels. Register today for classes starting in January.
New Winter Break Camp at Chandler
Learn outdoor survival skills while working hands-on with a team. Activities incorporate real world skills, STEM, and adventure. Register today.
SING & PLAY at Chandler-Newberger
SING & PLAY is a creative, multi-level class for instrumentalists who already play basic open chords in multiple keys, and for vocalists who learn by ear. By exploring transposing, arranging, inversions, and chord chemistry, we will enhance our musical vocabulary to communicate, jam, and share ideas. Register here!
Saplings & Oaks at Ecology Center
Join Saplings & Oaks this winter at the Ecology Center! In this 7-week nature class, children and caregivers will learn about the natural world and the wonders of winter together. Each week, we will explore a different winter theme, as we read stories, make crafts, meet live animals, go on nature walks, and develop a relationship with the natural world through imaginative play. An adult must accompany each child. To register, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.
Winter Break Camp at Fleetwood-Jourdain
Join us for winter festivities around the globe. Learn how other cultures celebrate during the holiday season at Fleetwood-Jourdain, hosting two weeks of holidays around the world. Sign up for one or both weeks, make new friends, reconnect with old friends, and create plenty of new memories. Register today.
Archery Class at Chandler-Newberger
Participants will learn the fundamentals of archery from experienced coach Brent Harmon. Skills will be honed through games and fun archery activities, progressing to more advanced distances and targets. Register now.
Winter Warm Up Series
Brighten up your season and warm up your winter with a fun and festive series for adults at the Ecology Center! In this wellness focused series, we will explore homemade scrubs and salves, houseplants, winter forest therapy, natural cleaning solutions and stovetop potpourri, and DIY beeswax wraps. To register for these classes, please call the Ecology Center at (847-448-8256 or register online.
Self Defense for Women & Girls (ages 12+)
Want to learn how to protect yourself in 2024? Ladies, come join this non-competitive program with a focus on self-defense in a safe and fun space. Register today.
Fencing Class
Fencing requires patience, concentration, discipline and self- awareness. The rewards are self-confidence, self-control and emotional strength. Register and join the fun!
Ultimate Frisbee Academy at the Levy Center
Practices will focus on skill building, offensive/defensive strategy, and teamwork. Each session will be coached by professional players and tailored for athletes who have some experience in ultimate frisbee. Players, ages 11-14, should be familiar with throwing a forehand and backhand. Register today.
Levy Open House with Free Classes/Workshops
Get a jumpstart on your goals for 2024 by trying out a free fitness or arts class. Classes are free and most are hybrid, so if the weather is bad, no problem. View the schedule and descriptions of the classes. Oak Street Health will also be here on Friday, Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon for blood pressure and glucose testing.
Important registration information:
- No registration is needed for in-person participation
- Registration is required with a valid email address, if virtual
- Virtual participants can can register by calling 847-448-8250
- For virtual classes, a Zoom link will be emailed out before the class
- If you are having any issues, please contact the Levy Center at levycenter@cityofevanston.org or by calling 847-448-8250.
 
Vibrant Living
Are you ready to embark on a journey to a healthier, happier you in 2024? Join our Vibrant Living group wellness program for women, led by Certified Health Coach Jennifer Reddick. The class will begin on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register today!
Dog Beach Winter Update
As the winter months approach, we’re updating you on weather conditions and their potential impacts on our beloved community amenities, particularly the Dog Beach. The City is dedicated to ensuring the continued availability of the Dog Beach throughout the winter season. Learn more.
Beginning Guitar and Ukulele
Classes provide detailed handouts, and hands-on, folk-style sessions teach basic music theory, rhythm, and instrument-specific skills, as well as chart-reading, harmony singing, and ensemble playing. Register here.
Seniors, walk right in!
The Secretary of State's Office has opened a new, walk-in "Senior Only" DMV service temporarily housed in Room G300 of the Morton Civic Center. Seniors will not need appointments, as this walk-in center is specifically designed to meet their needs including Real ID, behind the wheel driving test, and renewals of State ID as well as drivers license.
Save the Date for Senior Prom at the Levy Center
Get ready to rock and roll at the Levy Senior Center's "A Night to Remember" senior prom extravaganza on Friday, Feb. 16. This isn't your grandma's soirée – we're cranking up the fun with a live band belting out the best of the '50s and '60s! Slip into your swankiest threads for an epic night of dinner (soft drinks included) and dancing. For those looking to add a bit of spice, adult beverages will be on hand for purchase. Prepare for dance-offs, games, and the ultimate crowning of the Prom King and Queen.
Grab your tickets online or in person, bring your moves, and let's create some unforgettable memories! It's a night crafted just for our fabulous senior crew, where age is just a number, and the party never stops. Bring in an unframed photo from your own Prom or Senior year to display during the event. Couples and singles are welcome; registration is per person, and pre-registration is required. Don't miss this fun night out.
Accessibility for all
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online.
Facility Locations and Phone Numbers
Chandler-Newberger Community Center: 847-448-8252
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Robert Crown Community Center: 847-448-8258
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 847-448-8254
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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