Thursday, September 25, 2025 | View in browser
Read below for information about weekend community events, feedback opportunities, vaccines, and more!
 Weekend event roundup
Get ready to groove: The South Boulevard Band returns to the Levy Senior Center on Fri., Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. for a free Jamming Jean Concert. Enjoy soul and old-school R&B in James Park, with food from Tacos 606 available for purchase. Bring your family and friends out for a rockin’ good time. View the Pulse Dempster and Route 250 Detour Alert for the event.
Embrace the fall spirit: Join us for the Fall Harvest Festival at Eggleston Park on Sat., Sept. 27, from noon to 4 p.m.! Enjoy tours of the Farmette, Bee Apiary, and Food Forest, plus fall games, a pumpkin patch, and more!
Cyclists unite! Join in on Sun., Sept. 28 for the annual "Bike the Ridge" event. Ridge Avenue will transform into a car-free zone between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., allowing cyclists to pedal from Howard to Church Streets. After your ride, head to Ridgeville Park to enjoy music, food trucks, and bike repairs.
Provide your thoughts on biking in Evanston!
The City is reviewing its 2014 Bike Plan as part of the development of a new Bike Plan to identify remaining gaps and barriers in the bike network. We're seeking community feedback to help shape a safer, more connected bike network for the future.
Provide feedback: Community members can provide feedback by filling out our online comment form or in person at the Bike the Ridge event on Sunday. Additional in-person feedback opportunities will be announced.
 Share feedback on the new Housing4All draft plan
The City is seeking your feedback on the draft strategic housing plan, Housing4All! The plan will look at how to meet the city's housing needs over the next 10 years with a focus on effective implementation, clear objectives and strategies, and initiating progress reporting. Feedback forms are available online or in person at several City locations.
 Beaches are closed to swimming for the season
As a friendly reminder, Evanston beaches are closed for swimming. No lifeguards are on duty for the rest of the season, so please remain out of the water for your safety.
Dangers of rip currents: Rip currents can form anywhere on the Great Lakes and aren’t always visible, often pulling people from shore and catching even the strongest swimmers off guard. View this "Play it Safe at Great Lakes Beaches" video created by the National Weather Service.
A Message About Vaccines from Health & Human Services
On Tuesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released its guidance for fall vaccinations. These recommendations followed a meeting of the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC) where medical and public health experts from the state gathered to review the science around vaccines for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other diseases. This long-standing group then made evidence-based recommendations to protect individuals from illness and complications.
Importantly, the IL-IAC greatly expanded the groups of people for whom COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. This guidance is in alignment with many professional medical organizations, but is a departure from the CDC's advisory committee. The press release also indicates that most public and private insurance will cover the COVID-19 vaccine this year.
In accordance with Governor Pritzker's executive order, Dr. Sameer Vohra, the director of IDPH, also issued a standing order so that Illinoisians can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies and other health care settings more easily.
The Evanston Health and Human Services Department encourages all those who are eligible for fall vaccinations to get them in the coming weeks, ideally before the end of October. With the recent announcement, the COVID-19 vaccine may not be immediately available to all groups. To schedule an appointment for vaccination, reach out to your medical provider or your local pharmacy.
More News and Events
Join our free wellness workshops
The City’s Health Department has partnered with the McGaw YMCA, Black Women of Evanston, and Whole Woman Fitness to launch the Evanston Community Wellness Reset, a free program with interactive workshops designed to inspire healthier lifestyles. Sessions are open to all who live, work, or play in Evanston. Learn more and view the workshop schedule.
The City is hosting another round of free Mental Health First Aid trainings for community members that teach how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges. Upcoming fall dates include: October 18, November 5 & 6, and December 6. Learn more and register.
Celebrate the Love Your Block projects and participants
Join us tomorrow, Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Morton City Hall, Room 332, for a Love Your Block Dessert Social! Celebrate community members who have completed projects to make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more connected. Enjoy sweet treats, connect with neighbors, and learn about the Love Your Block program. Register today.
Evanston Water Bureau has begun upgrading meter systems
The Evanston Water Production Bureau is upgrading its Automatic Meter Information (AMI) system over the next two years, in three phases. Residents will receive a notification letter when work is coming to their area, with instructions to call and schedule an appointment. Learn more.
Accessible Solar comes to Evanston
The City has received federal funding to install solar panels on income-qualifying residential homes with up to four units. If you are interested in being a part of this program, please fill out our interest survey.
Enjoy coffee and conversation with a cop
Celebrate National Coffee Day with Coffee with a Cop! Join in on Mon., Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Brothers K Coffeehouse (500 Main St.) to chat with Evanston Police officers and the C.A.R.E. team, ask questions, and connect with your community.
Update on the 2024 Second Installment Tax Bills
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is still working to resolve technical issues affecting the mailing of 2024 Second Installment tax bills. A specific mailing date has not yet been confirmed. In the meantime, track progress and view updates via the Assessor’s Daily Progress Tracker.
Friendly reminder: pay your wheel tax!
If your vehicle is registered to an Evanston address, don’t forget to pay your 2026 wheel tax by Tuesday, September 30. Failure to pay on time may result in tickets.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Evanston’s Alex Moore Takes on Survivor Season 49!
#ICYMI, Evanston native Alex Moore is competing on Survivor Season 49, which premiered last night! A proud ETHS alum, Alex grew up watching the show and now gets to live the adventure himself. He currently calls Washington, D.C. home, where he serves as communications director for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Cheer him on as he represents Evanston on the ultimate survival challenge.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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