EPR e-News: Winter registration opens Nov. 11, holiday toy drive, play time, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 11/08/2024 11:42 AM CST

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 | View in browser

Good Morning,

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on Winter registration opening Nov. 11, holiday toy drive, play time, and more

Winter Registration Opens Monday, Nov. 11

Registration for our Winter programs will open for residents at 9 a.m. on Nov. 11 and for non-residents on Nov. 18. The program guide is now available to help you plan in advance of registration.

Plan your winter by exploring the Evanston Parks & Rec Winter Program Guide.

Mayor's Holiday Food, Book
& Toy Drive: Nov. 1 - Dec. 9

Evanston's annual Mayor's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive kicks off on November 1. Bring joy to other's lives by donating before December 9 at locations across the area. Find drop off locations.

Are you interested in receiving food or a gift box for you and your family? Call Evanston 311 between November 12 and December 6 to place your order.

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/holidaydonation.

Events This Week

Fall Family Campfire: Nov 8. and Nov. 9

Join the Ecology Center staff for fun-filled campfires with nature themes. Each evening includes stories, songs and the ever-popular s’mores. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

Date: Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach
Cost: $9 R/$12 NR
Register

Until the Flood: Nov. 9 - 10

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre had no bigger supporter than the late Delores A. Holmes (April 21,1937-October 22, 2024). Her heroic efforts as the Fifth Ward Alderwoman, community leader, and civic activist to keep FJT relevant cannot be overstated. If there was ever a question about funding this all-important cultural arts institution, Ms. Holmes led the way by stepping up at every juncture over the decades to make it clear that our community deserves Black cultural representation in the arts. Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre exists because of her selfless efforts. Ms. Holmes loved and avidly supported FJT.

This weekend concludes our 2024 play production season. Our final production, Until The Flood by Dael Orlandersmith, has received rave reviews from audience and the theatre critics, and is listed as a Top Rated Play in Chicago by the esteemed Theatre In Chicago publication. We know Ms. Holmes would love for everyone to experience what we are putting down at the Noyes Cultural Center. So, for our final weekend, if you have already purchased a ticket or are planning to purchase one, you can bring a guest compliments of the Holmes family. Ms. Holmes would want you, your friends, and your family to experience and fall in love with this crown jewel in the Evanston Cultural Arts Scene as she did.

Date: November 9 and 10
Hours: Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Cost: $32
Get tickets

Ecology Half Day School Camp: Nov. 13

Join the Ecology Center for an afternoon of exploring the natural wonders of Lovelace Park through nature play, games, critter visits, and crafts. Please dress for the weather and bring a nut free lunch.

Date: Wednesday, November 13
Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 5-11 yrs
Location: Lovelace Park
Cost: $60 R/$78 NR
Register

Family Trivia Night: Nov. 15

Challenge your brain to a night of family trivia! Enjoy pizza with friends and family while answering questions for all ages. The top teams will win prizes. Limit 6 people per team. Register one person per team.

Date: Friday, November 15
Hours: 6 p.m.
Cost: $50 R/$65 NR
Register

Fall Fermenting & Pickling: Nov. 15

After the fall harvest, it is time to preserve foods from our gardens for the winter season! Participants will learn about the science and art of fermenting and pickling vegetables and will test out techniques.

Date: Friday, November 15
Hours: 7-8 p.m.
Cost: $20 R/$26 NR
Register

Upcoming Events

Breakfast with the Board: Nov. 17

Join the Evanston Environmental Association for breakfast and a discussion on the EEA annual report.

Date: Sunday, November 17
Hours: 9:30 a.m.
Location: South End Community Center

DIY Needle Felted Dryer Balls: Nov. 21

Learn the basics of needle felting by decorating your own wool dryer balls. This eco-friendly craft can help to soften fabrics and reduce static in your dryer loads. An experienced instructor will be available to provide guidance and technical assistance. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Date: Thursday, November 21
Hours: 7-8 p.m.
Cost: $32 R/$42 NR
Register

Newsies Jr.: Nov. 22-24

Evanston Children’s Theatre presents Disney’s “Newsies Jr.,” with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Performances will be Nov. 22-24. For information, call 847-448-8263 or email ect@cityofevanston.org.

Date: November 22 - 24
Hours: Nov. 22, 7 p.m.; Nov. 23, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Nov. 24, 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $12
Get tickets

Flapjacks & Flannels: Dec. 8

Wear your flannel, bring your family, and enjoy some flapjacks! Full breakfast and all activities are included in registration.

Date: Sunday, December 8
Hours: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: $15 R/$20 NR
Register

Play Time & Parties

Critter Visit and Play

Kids love animals and animals love kids! Bring them together at our Ecology Critter Visit & Play at South End Community Center. For information, call (847) 448-8256.

Let's Play: Drop-in Play at South End Center

South End Community Center is now offering Let's Play Drop In on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., as well as Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.. Cost is $15 per child for residents and $10 for each additional child. Cost is $20 for non-residents and $15 for each additional child.

Middle School Open Gym

The South End Community Center will host an open gym for middle schoolers beginning on October 1. Open gym will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cost for drop-in play is $5.

School Days Off & After School Programs

Thanksgiving Gymnastics Camp

Beginning Gymnastics Camp introduces skills and drills that are fun, safe, and understandable for campers of varying backgrounds. Camp is structured to start training and perfecting basic skills on bars, beam, floor, and vault. This camp is appropriate for students in Beginning I, Beginning II, Tumbling I, or with no prior experience - campers will be grouped by age and gymnastics experience. Register now.

Robert Crown Day Off School

The Robert Crown Day Off School offers field trips, activities, ice skating and more from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on this fall. Each day will have a different fall theme. Activities will include visits with field trips, crafts,
games and outside time. Register now.

After School Adventure

The After School Adventure program at Robert Crown Community Center offers a wealth of activities from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and from 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on school improvement days. To register, call 847-448-5949.

Classes, Workshops & Programs

Registration for our Winter programs opens Nov. 11! View all of our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events in our Winter Program Guide.

Submit Your Script to The Old Lady Project

The Old Lady Project develops scripts and screenplays that feature female identifying characters over 55 years old. Submit your work to https://filmfreeway.com/oldladyproject.

Get Engaged with Parks and Recreation

Request for Proposals

Are you passionate about community recreation? We're looking for innovative providers to help bring exciting, diverse recreation programs to our community! Call 847-866-2935, email purchasing@cityofevanston.org or visit cityofevanston.org/business/bids-proposals.

Share your skills and teach classes

Our Parks & Recreation team invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to showcase their incredible talents. If you're a budding artist, fitness guru, cooking maestro, or tech wizard - we want you to share your unique talents with our vibrant community.

We welcome all creative proposals and ideas that are not listed. Let's transform 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 and bring your unique talents and skills to our community.

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 complete a request form online.