Friday, January 12, 2024 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-News featuring information about the KISS dance, Community Garden Lottery, MLK Celebration, Family Trivia Night, Children's Theatre, and more!
As a reminder, all Evanston Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, January 15, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Great Elf Hunt was a SUCCESS!
Winners have been selected and emailed. Thank you to all of those who participated in The Great Elf Hunt and helped us track down the elves! Thank you again to all of the local businesses that donated prizes: The Fat Shallot, Candlelite Chicago, Firehouse Grill, Bluestone, Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge, Art Makers Outpost, FRIO Gelato & Downtown Evanston. If you did not have the opportunity to join us, keep an eye out for the elves next year!
Community Garden Lottery
Enter your name in the lottery for a chance to be awarded a garden plot for the 2024 growing season. There are four community garden sites available to residents: James Park, Lighthouse, Twiggs, and McCormick. Available plots are approximately 200 square feet with a limited amount of raised beds available at James Park and Twiggs. Find more information about the gardens and lottery process on the Ecology Center website. To register, please fill out our online form or visit the Ecology Center.
MLK Day of Celebration
The City of Evanston and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre invite members of the community to attend the 'Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration' on Saturday, January 13, at noon, at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
The celebration will feature community performances while celebrating Dr. King's legacy:
- Matthew Hunter, *MC
- Evanston Children’s Choir
- Faith Temple Combined Choir
- Family Singing Group MC4
- 1619: The Journey of a People
- ETHS Student Gracie Puricelli, *guest speaker
- Pastor Carlis L. Moody, Jr., Faith Temple Evanston, *keynote speaker
KISS Dance at Fleetwood-Jourdain
Join us for our first-ever KISS dance! Kids invite that special guardian they want to bring for dancing, music, and fun.
Winter Wellness Walk
Start the New Year with a Winter Wellness Walk at the Ecology Center this Saturday! This class will meet in front of the multipurpose room fireplace, where we will learn about the practice of forest therapy. Participants will then be invited to walk through the Ladd Arboretum, as we practice connecting with the natural world in a mindful way to support healing and wellness. To register, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Adapted Boccia
Join Evanston's first adapted sports program, beginning Thursday, Jan. 18. The resident fee starts at $68/person. Register for this fun new program!
Levy January Finance Series
The topic for January is "Standing Guard: Protect what you've worked for", which shares strategies designed to help you guard your most valuable assets, and protect your pre- and post-retirement income.
This presentation covers the risks that could impact your retirement financial strategy, and provides solutions to protect against these risks:
- Creating a financial foundation to protect against unexpected events
- Protecting your income during retirement
- Addressing rising health care and long-term medical care costs
The seminar is sponsored and led by Neil Gardner of Edward Jones Financial in Skokie and is offered via Zoom. To register, please call 847-448-8250.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Fee: Free, registration required
Evanston Children's Theatre Auditions
Evanston Children's Theatre is holding auditions for its upcoming play Penelope's Odyssey on Tues. Jan. 16 or Thurs. Jan. 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pre-Registration is required. Register today as everyone who tries out will receive a role for children ages 8 through 8th grade.
Fran Randall Concert at the Levy Senior Center
The Levy Senior Center Foundation is proud to bring the talents of young, award-winning classical musicians to the Levy Senior Center. The outstanding lineup continues to honor the memory of Fran Randall who loved classical music and played an important role in opening the current center. The concert will be on Friday, Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Pottery Studio
Create a masterpiece at this adapted program with individualized instruction and support. Classes start at $80 for residents. Register today.
Noyes Cultural Arts Gallery Presents Sam Onche
Don't miss the next exhibition, Sam Onche: Black in Color at Noyes Cultural Arts Center opening on January 19th from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Family Trivia Night at Chandler-Newberger
Bring the whole family and join us for pizza and trivia. Put your knowledge to the test with trivia questions for all ages. Teams of up to 6 people with at least one adult are allowed. Register at cityofevanston.org/register.
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 yourself for dance-offs and games.
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.
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.
Youth Kendo at Fleetwood-Jourdain
Youth Kendo is back! Strengthen and sharpen your physical and mental skills in this Japanese-style martial arts program. Register here.
Aging Well Series at Levy-Sit & Be Fit
Join PT Solutions for an educational session to learn more about improving your flexibility, balance, muscle/bone strength as well as stability. Come to Bobby's Room on Tues. Jan. 23 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. and learn more. Call Levy Front Desk at 847-448-8250 to register for this free program.
The STEAM Lab
This exciting program from After-School Enrichment Solutions brings together elements of science, art and math in a hands-on, action-packed environment! Students will conduct experiments, play educational games, and unlock their creativity through building challenges and projects. No experience necessary. Register today.
TaeKwonDo Classes - Children & Adults
Come check out the TaeKwonDo classes at the Levy Senior 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.
Fireside Storytime
Cozy up by the fire with nature books, puppet friends, and hot cocoa! Each Fireside Storytime, we’ll read a different story, make a craft, meet an animal, and bundle up for a nature walk before ending the hour with hot cocoa. This early childhood program is sure to warm you up. Pre-register to reserve your spot by the fireplace! Caregiver required. To register, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Sit and Fit Blood Flow
Get a midday workout...in your seat! Physical fitness is important for all ages and ability levels. Learn ways to keep your blood flowing right from your chair. Register today.
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.
Learn Cartooning at Fleetwood-Jourdain
Learn the basics of cartooning. Create your very own comic book where the star superhero is you! Classes start on Tuesday, Jan. 16, so sign up today!
Wild Weekends - Tropical Escape
Go on a "Tropical Escape" staycation next Saturday, January 20th! Warm up at the Ecology Center during a live animal presentation, as we meet and learn about a sloth and more! During this Wild Weekend we will be partnering with a wildlife education organization to meet and learn about six types of amazing creatures and how they can be protected. Join us early at 6:30pm for an introduction activity with the animal presentation starting at 7pm. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult. To register, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Light the Night
Join us for an enchanting evening of local art illuminated by solar and battery-powered lights in the park. Come sip on hot cocoa while wandering through the magical displays. This free event is open to the public on January 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Afterschool STEM
Join the Ecology Center for Afterschool STEM on Wednesday, January 24th! Each month, Afterschool STEM participants explore different scientific topics with hands-on experiments. Materials and instruction will be provided. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256 or register online.
Cook'n with Kids
Learn how to make fun tasty treats to share with your family and become the top chef of your household. Join the fun and sign up today!
3-on-3 March Madness Basketball Tournament
Registration is now available for our 3-on-3 March Madness Basketball Tournament taking place on March 23. The tournament will have divisions for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. All registration forms and waivers should be emailed to eeichholz@cityofevanston.org. Register now.
Unleash Your Talents:Parks & Rec Invites You to Share Skills and Teach Classes
Ready to share your passion, skills, or expertise with the community? Our Parks & Recreation facilities are calling for the incredible talents that lie within our diverse community.
Whether you're a budding artist, fitness guru, cooking maestro, or tech wizard – we want YOU to bring your unique talents to our vibrant community!
Join us in creating a tapestry of skills at our Parks & Recreation Centers. Share your love for:Music and Performing Arts,Visual Arts and Crafts,Fitness and Wellness, Culinary Delights or Technology and Innovation
Have a skill or class idea not listed? We welcome all creative proposals!
Let's turn our community spaces into lively hubs of learning and fun. Your passion could be the spark that ignites new hobbies and friendships!
Submit your program proposal today to bring your special talents and skills.
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.
Dive into Community Engagement: Attend Parks and Recreation Community Meetings
Dive into community engagement! Attend our Parks and Recreation Committees and Board Meetings to share your ideas and shape the future of our recreational activities. Mark your calendar, participate, and let's build a stronger community together!
James Park Sled Hill Regulations
Winter weather is here! Check out some friendly reminders about sledding in James Park. More information.
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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