Friday, January 19, 2024 | View in browser
Good Morning,
Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-News featuring information about the Fran Randall Concert, KISS dance, Senior Prom, an art opening, and more!
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 next concert will take place on Friday, Jan. 19, at 1:30 p.m.
Noyes Cultural Arts Gallery Presents Sam Onche
Don't miss the next exhibition, "Sam Onche: Black in Color" at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The exhibit opening will take place today, Friday, Jan. 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks are now open!
It's time to dust off your ice skates - outdoor ice skating rinks are finally open! The Arrington Lakefront Lagoon, Baker Park, and Ackerman Park are officially open for ice skating. Make sure to check the status of outdoor rinks through our Rainout Line before you head out.
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, and stability. Head to Bobby's Room on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more. Call the Levy Front Desk at 847-448-8250 to register for this free program.
2024 Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)
Evanston youth ages 14 to 18 years are encouraged to find their perfect summer job by participating in the 2024 Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP).
This year, to enhance the hiring experience for youth and employers, the City will host its job fair well in advance of the summer season, allowing participants to secure summer employment early.
Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.
Student Registration: The MSYEP is open to all Evanston youth ages 14 to 18 who live in zip codes 60201 or 60202. Participants must register in advance to participate at cityofevanston.org/summerjob by February 9. For questions, students should email msyep@cityofevanston.org.
Employer Registration: Last year, over 60 employer partners helped to provide over 300 summer job opportunities for Evanston youth. This year, the City is encouraging even more local businesses to participate in the program. Interested employers must complete the 2024 MSYEP Job Request Form by January 31, 2024.
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. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 2.
Wild Weekends - Tropical Escape
Warm up this Saturday with a "Tropical Escape" at the Ecology Center! During this Wild Weekends event, we will learn from a wildlife education organization about animals from tropical environments and how their ecosystems can be protected. Participants will also get the chance to meet a sloth, Solomon Island parrot, armadillo, and other creatures up close. 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, Jan. 24! Each month, Afterschool STEM participants explore different scientific topics with hands-on experiments. Materials and instructions will be provided. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Saplings & Oaks
Join Saplings & Oaks this winter at the Ecology Center! Over the next 6 weeks, 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.
Bouquet Bar
Even though it's cold out, we're thinking about spring! For those 21 and over, we're hosting a Bouquet Bar on Friday, March 29, at 6 p.m. The cost of registration covers a glass of wine and all materials needed to create your blooming bouquet. Pre-registration is required.
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.
Aromatherapy - Natural Cleaning Solutions & Stovetop Potpourri
Energize your home this winter with natural cleaning solutions and stovetop potpourri ideas that will engage your senses! This aromatherapy centered class will focus on making your own cleaning solutions and stovetop potpourri that both smell good and are good for you. Any children need to be accompanied by an enrolled adult. To register for this program, please call the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256 or register online.
Robert Crown Flea Market - Now Accepting Vendor Sign-Ups
Do you have a basement, attic space, or trunk filled with items you want to rehome? The Robert Crown Community Center welcomes back its beloved flea market, for the first time in the new Crown building. Table spaces are available for $40 each and must be reserved in advance. Please register online at cityofevanston.org/register.
The Winter Program Guide is here!
The 2023-24 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.
Frets Away - Campfire Sing & Play Music Jam
Rekindle the joy of community music-making, and raise your voice in song on January 29! Gather around the Ecology Center's fireplace, as we sing songs from the campfire songbook that are perfect for community gatherings around the campfire. Already play an acoustic instrument? Tune up, bring it along, and join the circle. Instructor Paula (the Bard) McKernan, Evanston singer-songwriter, will be leading this music jam. Pre-register for this program by calling the Ecology Center at 847-448-8256.
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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