Friday, April 18, 2025 | View in browser
I want to remind everyone about our virtual ward meeting on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. We meet on the last Thursday of each month, so please mark your calendars. Below are the topics we’ll be discussing:
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Sidewalk and Alley Improvement Programs: The presentation will cover how sidewalks and alleys are prioritized, how the improvements are funded, and which locations are scheduled for upgrades in the coming year. Bridget Nash, Senior Project Manager in the Bureau of Capital Planning and Engineering within our Public Works Agency, will be joining us to provide an overview.
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Introducing the new Community Arts Division Manager: We’re excited to introduce Karen Michelle Perkins as the new Community Arts Division Manager, overseeing the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, and the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.
Karen will be joining us to introduce herself, share her background and experience, and outline her vision for these spaces
Join via Google Meet
Join via Phone: 516-667-0566
PIN: 598631691
Si desea recibir este boletín en español, por favor envíeme un correo electrónico a bburns@cityofevanston.org.
 No Cost Lead Service Line Replacement for 5th Ward Residents
The City is replacing all lead service lines in the 5th Ward (west of Green Bay Road) over the next 3-5 years, and your home may be eligible this year at no cost to you.
If you see yard signs on your block, that means crews are preparing to work on your street in 2025. The City will be contacting eligible properties directly. If you hear from them, please Sign up right away to participate. You can also call 847-448-4311 for assistance.
If you're not included in the eligible properties repair locations this year, you may be included in a future phase. Please wait to be contacted.
Why Sign Up?
- No additional cost to you
- Safer water
- Increases your home’s value
- Supports a healthier 5th Ward
Let’s work together to make the 5th Ward lead-free!
 Foster School Update
School Enrollment Options Meeting
All elementary-aged students who live in the Foster School attendance area for the 2026-2027 school year will be enrolled in the new Foster School unless they opt to stay at their 2025-2026 school.
The Foster School Transition Committee is hosting a community meeting to review 2026-2027 school year enrollment options for families who live within the Foster School attendance area and address any questions they may have.
The meeting will take place on Thurs., May 1, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. Spanish interpretation, snacks, and childcare will be provided. Lincolnwood families can stay until 5:45 p.m. and still get to their Kindergarten Open House that starts at 6 p.m.
Can't attend on May 1? A virtual make-up meeting will be offered on Thurs., May 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Construction Traffic & Truck Flow
Now that the school precast walls are up, we expect deliveries for the steel beams next, which means truck deliveries to the site will continue through May. Residents are encouraged to avoid driving on Ashland between Foster and Simpson when possible to prevent delays.
If you need to address an issue related to the ongoing construction of the school building at or near the site, access the City of Evanston's 311 center for the most immediate response.
A New School Rises...
Now that the walls of the Foster school are up, the roof framing begins:
Save the date!
Mark your calendars for the first Foster Family Block Party on Saturday, June 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at Twiggs Park, 1901 Simpson St. Enjoy food, fun and community and meet the school's principal!
 Join Northwestern Football for their free Spring Practice on April 19
Community members are welcome at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium for this free event, featuring a surplus sale, giveaways, raffles, and engagements with the team and Coach Braun. Learn more.
Keep up-to-date on community-specific programming with Northwestern Athletics
Join the monthly ‘Cats Community Connection newsletter which shares Northwestern Athletics community-based events (such as Community Movie Night, ‘Kits, ‘Cats and Kids Block Party, and more!) programming (Bark in the Park, Most Valuable Teacher recognitions, Willie’s Winter Wonderland, and more!), and initiatives. This newsletter focuses on both gameday and non-gameday programs and events that are community-focused, and does not share general solicitations.
 Learn about MetroSquash
MetroSquash is a free, year-round program for D65 and D202 students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. We offer academic support, enrichment activities, and squash instruction for students in grades 6 through 12, three days a week. Programming takes place after school from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with limited transportation available from King Arts, Chute, Nichols, and ETHS. If you’re interested in joining, please fill out the school year enrollment form and a team member will follow up with you.
They also offer a free summer camp for rising 6th through 9th graders, running from June 25 to July 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp includes academics, enrichment, squash, and weekly field trips. To sign up, complete their summer enrollment form.
MetroSquash is located at 1599 Maple Ave. and the McGaw YMCA in Evanston. To learn more, visit www.metrosquash.org, call 773-241-5150, or email erika@metrosquash.org.
 Draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan: Ready for Your Feedback
This Strategic Plan is designed to shape a long-term approach to maintaining, enhancing and investing in Evanston’s parks, green spaces and recreational facilities. All community members are encouraged to review the Draft Strategic Plan and share their input via an online comment form by May 9.
 "We're Out Walking" (WOW) is back!
The Evanston Health & Human Services Department is relaunching We’re Out Walking (WOW), a fun, 16-week health and wellness program for all ages and abilities. Participants can enjoy fitness classes, community walks, and wellness events, plus track their progress using the optional Wellable app.
WOW kicks off with a free launch event on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ETHS, featuring a live DJ, food truck, bounce houses, fitness demos, giveaways, and more. Registration is $10 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors, with financial assistance available. Learn more at cityofevanston.org/wow.
Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate by offering classes, workshops, or experiences. If you specialize in meditation, art, cooking, fitness, financial literacy, or any service that promotes overall well-being, submit your event information online.
 Participate in STEM Fest!
Register to participate in the 9th Annual Fifth Ward STEM Fest on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Family Focus, 2010 Dewey St. Youth in kindergarten through 5th grade can enjoy fun STEM games and activities, STEM kits, a free lunch and more!
View the flyer in English and Spanish.
 2024 West End Area Block Club Annual Holiday Party Recap
The Annual West End Area Block Club Holiday Party was held on December 12, 2024, at the ETHS Transition House.
Neighbors gathered for a potluck dinner comprised of a variety of favorite family recipes. Festive Table Centerpieces were provided by our neighbor Veronica.
Program was provided by Janet Alexander Davis & Carolyn Leman. They welcomed attendees and discussed various topics. There was an acknowledgement of our great loss in 2024 of our neighbor Delores Holmes.
Families that paid the club dues of $30.00 per year were entered in a Raffle. Prize Basket of “Wintery Holiday Items” was created by Bonnie James. It included items that were donated by block club members. Winner was Elizabeth Cox.
A rousing game of Bingo was provided by neighbor Albert Merdith. Several bingo prizes were awarded that were provided by block club members. Art supplies and activities for the children were provided by our neighbor Emilia. Music was provided by Nina Wade & Nichole Pinkard.
Thanks to the many neighbors who helped with clean-up after the dinner. Fun was had by attendees of all ages. It was a wonderful evening together.
Written by: Brigitte Rody; Photos: Jim Davis
 Chicago Ballet Arts Annual Concert
Chicago Ballet Arts will present its Annual Concert on May 17 and 18, at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, 1100 Laramie Ave. This professionally-produced performance celebrates dancers in their Pre-Professional Division, ages 5-18, and is the culminating event of their school year.
The first half features each of their ballet and modern levels in original works choreographed by their faculty. The program's second half will showcase excerpts from the classical ballet, Raymonda, danced by their Junior and Senior Ensembles.
Cheer on the hard work and dedication of these passionate young artists by joining them for this year's Concert. Tickets start at $13 for children and $22 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.chicagoballetarts.org/concert.
Bobby Burns
Councilmember, 5th Ward
224-714-2184
www.cityofevanston.org
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