Thursday, October 10, 2024 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the FY2025 Proposed Budget, October Halloween events, fall reminders, and more!
Plus, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, meet Alfonso "Piloto" Nieves Ruiz, owner of Zentli.
 FY2025 Proposed Budget Released
City Manager Luke Stowe has released the City’s 2025 Proposed Budget, which focuses on key priorities like economic development, public safety, climate action, housing, and public health.
The budget will be presented at the City Council Meeting on October 14, with additional ward meetings and town halls planned. Check out our budget one-pager, which provides budget highlights.
Call for Nominations: Mayor's Awards for the Arts
Nominations are open for the 46th annual Mayor's Awards for the Arts, honoring Evanston artists or organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts. Winners will be celebrated at “A Bright Night for the Arts” on Sat., Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at Studio 5.
Submit a nomination: Community members are encouraged to nominate an Evanston artist or arts organization by completing the online nomination form by Fri., Nov. 1.
 Halloween event roundup 🎃
October is full of spooktacular events to help get you in the Halloween spirit! Check out our list of community events.
Trick-or-Treat hours: Evanston's official trick-or-treat hours are Thursday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Zombie Scramble: The goal of the Zombie Scramble is for you to finish the race with all of your "lives" intact. This year's event will take place on Sat., Oct. 19, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Ladd Arboretum. Register to participate!
Trunk-or-Treat: Held in the Robert Crown Center parking lot, young trick-or-treaters can see how City vehicles and staff dress up for Halloween! This free event will take place on Fri., Oct. 25, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
 It's time to tackle those leaves, Evanston! 🍂
As leaves begin to fall, check out some important seasonal reminders:
Leaf Blowers: Don't forget, only electric leaf blowers are allowed for use in Evanston. Community members may only use leaf blowers during specified times. Violators are subject to fines.
Street Cleaning: Additional fall street cleaning dates are planned for residential streets in November and early December to ensure that debris is cleared before the winter season. View the 2024 schedule.
Food & Yard Waste Collection: As a reminder, collections occur on resident's regular refuse and recycling collection days. The final day for regular weekly food and yard waste collections is December 5.
A Message from the Health Department
This week, the City identified and worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to test several deceased ducks found at the Arrington Lagoon. Four tested positive for Avian Botulism, and one tested positive for the Avian Flu. The one that tested positive for Avian Flu is assumed to be a migratory bird and not part of the ducks that frequent the area.
Recommendations
It is recommended that community members:
- Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds and other animals suspected to be infected, dead, or sick. Keep a distance and do not touch or handle them.
- Do not touch materials or surfaces, such as bedding or litter, contaminated or visibly with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals suspected or confirmed to have Avian Flu infection.
- If anyone must handle or be in close contact with a suspected or infected bird or other animal, it is advised to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as eye protection, masks, and gloves. Discard the mask and gloves after use.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after being in an area where birds or other animals are or after working with birds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer.
- If a sick bird is spotted or for any questions regarding Avian Botulism or the Avian Flu, contact the City's Animal Warden and/or Health and Human Services Department at 847-448-4311.
About Avian Botulism & Avian Flu
According to the US Geological Survey, birds can contract botulism after consuming decaying matter or live invertebrates infected with the toxin. It's important to note that Avian Botulism outbreaks are not typically associated with human illness, thus posing a low risk to the public.
As per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Avian Influenza Type A viruses (bird flu viruses) do not usually infect humans. While there have been rare cases of human infection with some bird flu viruses, the current risk to the general public is low. Visit the CDC's website for more info.
More News and Events
Submit Your Comments on the Environmental Review Record
The City completed an environmental review of the Family Focus Evanston Center Renovation at 2010 Dewey Ave. and found that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. The Environmental Review Record is available for public review, and comments can be submitted to the Housing and Grants Division by 5 p.m. on October 21.
Explore the Evanston Police & Fire Departments
Join the Evanston Fire and Police Departments for a First Responder Open House on Sun., Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 909 Lake St. Enjoy free hot dogs, a children's firefighter challenge, safety and rescue demos, and more! This event is taking place on the heels of Fire Prevention Week.
Proposed Transition of Ascension St. Francis Hospital
Join House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel and Mayor Daniel Biss for a Town Hall on the proposed transition of Ascension St. Francis Hospital to Prime Healthcare, inc. The event will take place on Tues., Oct. 15, from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 2404 of the Morton Civic Center.
Welcome back to Main Street!
#ICYMI, the Lighthouse Rotary Club and Main-Dempster Mile are hoping to bring back the spirit of the former Custer Fair with the “Rotary Clubs’ Main Street Fair” in 2025. Until then, enjoy a mini-festival, Evanston Main Street Fall Fest, on October 20. This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and showcase live music, an art market, and local food. Come out and help celebrate the completion of Main Street’s improvements!
Ryan Field construction update
Construction activities at the new Ryan Field are turning a corner as fall sets in, with mass excavation now mostly complete, resulting in fewer trucks and dirt coming from the site. The focus now shifts to installing concrete foundations and underground utilities.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Meet Alfonso "Piloto" Nieves Ruiz
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re celebrating Alfonso "Piloto" Nieves Ruiz, a visionary artist and owner of Zentli restaurant in Evanston.
Originally from Querétaro, Mexico, Piloto moved to Chicago in 1997 and discovered his passion for art while facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture. His work, primarily using clay and recycled materials, aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Piloto continues his community outreach through public art projects, teaching, and fostering connections between art, food, and culture at Zentli, which opened in 2022.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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