Thursday, September 12, 2024 | View in browser
I hope everyone is enjoying the end of the summer!
I was lucky to attend the grand opening of the Living Room at 311 Elmwood a few weeks ago. Turning Point staff are putting the finishing touches on the drop-in mental health facility and look to fully open and provide services to the community on October 1. This project has been long in the works and will be a great resource for residents in need. I was really impressed by the work done to create such a welcoming space. There will be a community open house once the facility opens and I will be sharing that information for residents once the date is finalized. Also keep an eye for Turning Point's RV at community events in the future. They will be attending community events to spread awareness of their mental health offerings.
 The next 9th Ward meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 30 at the South End Community Center at 7 p.m. in the Cafe. Come and meet our new deputy city managers, Carina Sanchez and Steve Ruger. I will be discussing the City's acquisition of a warehouse building on 2221 W. Keeney and what the city plans are for the property going forward. Skills for Chicagoland's Future will be sharing information about their organization and the workforce development work they are doing in our neighborhood. We will also have a ward safety report from the Evanston Police Department to share.
9th Ward Meeting
Monday, September 30
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join via Google Meet
Join via Phone: 405-561-2012
PIN: 171 305 656#
Join the Board of the Evanston Parks Foundation
Are you passionate about parks, community engagement, and making a difference in Evanston? If so, you are invited to consider joining the Board of Directors of the Evanston Parks Foundation (EPF)! EPF is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing City park facilities and recreation, arts, and ecology programs. The organization is seeking enthusiastic individuals who are committed to their mission and share their passion for parks and community development. Ideal candidates will bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and a willingness to actively contribute to making Evanston the most livable city. Previous board experience is not required, but a genuine interest in making a positive impact in Evanston is essential. Apply today!
 Participate in the Green Homes Pilot Program
The Evanston Green Homes pilot is a collaboration between Elevate, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, and the City, offering no-cost health, safety, energy efficiency, and electrification improvements to eligible households and properties in census tracts 8102 and 8092. A small number of homes and apartments in the 9th Ward are eligible and you can check your eligibility by clicking on the eligibility button on the top right corner of the page. If you are not eligible for the pilot and are still interested, let Elevate know. The City cannot meet our climate change goals by only focusing on City-owned property. The hope is to expand this program after the initial pilot and help as many residents as possible do what they can to modernize their homes.
 If you are a homeowner or housing provider in those census tracts who would be interested in participating in the program or know someone who qualifies make sure to contact Elevate.
Interested applicants can apply for the program here. Elevate has bilingual staff available via phone and email. For language assistance or any other help with the application or any further questions, contact Elevate at 312-292-9017 or email greenhomes@elevatenp.org.
 Sip & shop for a good cause
The Main-Dempster Mile's Evanston Wine Walk will take place tonight, Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in almost 40 different shops all over Southeast Evanston. As usual, guests will be able to get wine tastings inside small businesses, while 100 percent of profits from the event will be donated to a local Evanston non-profit.
This year, Hive Center for the Book Arts, a new non-profit arts organization, will be the beneficiary of the Wine Walk, and they are bringing book arts to the Mile.
"Hive Center for the Book Arts is a place for people to gather, share ideas, and create. We believe that when humans tell their stories, it deepens and enhances community," says Hive Center Founder Jamie Thome. "The five components of the book arts — writing, paper making, printmaking, book binding, and reading — can be expanded, exploded, and exponentially experimented with to connect humans through learning, making, and sharing."
 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library
Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 through October 15, and the Evanston Public Library is celebrating with events and programs both at the library and throughout Evanston – support a small business, go on a scavenger hunt, play games with the family, make crafts for all ages, and so much more at the Library.
Library Events include:
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Latino Family Game Night: Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Laser Cut Papel Picado: Sun., Sept. 29, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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¡Diversión en español! Flower Festival: Thurs., Oct. 3, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Being Imperfect with Erika L. Sanchez: Wed., Oct. 9, 7p.m. to 8 p.m.
More Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Support small businesses
Explore and support our Latinx-owned Evanston businesses with the Library and get entered for a chance to win. Stop by either the Robert Crown Branch Library or the Main Library beginning Friday, Sept. 15, and pick up a punch card of local Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses. Visit their locations and make a purchase or learn some trivia about the business for a punch, then bring it back to the library by Oct. 15. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, a $75 gift card, or a $50 gift card to one of the businesses.
Do you own a small business and would like to participate? Learn more.
Juan Geracaris
Councilmember, 9th Ward
jgeracaris@cityofevanston.org
847-868-2197
Instagram: @9thWardJuan
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