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News and Updates
HER Evanston
It is Women's History Month and we dedicate this edition to the women helping to shape Evanston’s creative and entrepreneurial community.
This means artists and makers, restaurateurs, shop owners, and cultural leaders. Women across the city are building spaces, businesses, and experiences that enrich our community every day.
We invite you to Enjoy Evanston through their work, discover women-owned businesses, connect with local artists, and participate in events and woman-centered experiences throughout the month.
CORA Chiropractic Energy Medicine
 Imaged owned by Dr. Meggie Smith
Business Spotlight: Dr. Meggie Smith
This month, we highlight Cora Chiropractic Energy Medicine, located at 832 Dempster St. and owned by Dr. Meggie Smith. This wellness practice on Evanston’s Main-Dempster Mile is dedicated to supporting healing of both the body and mind. We were delighted to interview Meggie, lean in for this one and visit her at https://cora.healthcare
Enjoy Evanston: Can you share some of the history of Cora?
Meggie: "Cora Health has been a woman owned business since its founding in the mid-1990s. Dr. Liz Erkenswick founded Chiropractic First in Evanston. I joined the practice in 2011 and purchased it in 2012.
A few years ago, Chiropractic First rebranded as Cora Health and we moved from Chicago Ave to Dempster St. The new name reflects that the practice has always been a place where people receive chiropractic energy medicine. It's not the “cracking” people expect from a traditional chiropractor."
Enjoy Evanston: What can folks expect if they come to your practice?
Meggie: "People can expect trauma-informed healing for their body and mind. We recognize that stress and anxiety are stored in the body. Those emotional experiences can manifest in your body as headaches, digestive discomfort, or injuries that just won’t heal.
Using chiropractic energy medicine, we are able to help people not just heal their physical pain, but also their emotional unrest."
 Image owned by Meggie Smith
Enjoy Evanston: What is your favorite thing about running a business in Evanston?
Meggie: "My favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston is the strong sense of community between business owners and the dedication of the City of Evanston to being friendly and receptive partners.
When we have a problem that needs city assistance, 311 is always there to help. We are always amazed at how quick and responsive the city is to concerns like street drains being blocked or a need for more bike racks on our block."
Enjoy Evanston: How does the Main-Dempster Mile support your business?
Meggie: "I am president of The Main Dempster Mile and love the MDM for the vibrancy and strong sense of place that they bring to our neighborhood. The MDM brings together the community of business owners and residents in joyful and fulfilling ways.
Most recently the MDM has supported Cora and Link PT, another woman-owned Evanston business, in creating the Women’s Wellness Health Series. The year-long series kicked off with a Health Fair in February and throughout the year there will be a Lunch and Learn Series, as well as other fun and free events for women to gather and learn more about their health."
Women-Own Businesses to Discover
Image owned by Andrea Liss of Hannah Handmade
Women entrepreneurs are an essential part of Evanston’s economic and creative life. Across the city, they are opening doors, building businesses, and creating spaces that bring people together.
We are celebrating some of the women who are shaping Evanston through their leadership, vision, and commitment to their craft. We hope you check out the following businesses and give them some love:
Women Artists to Know
Work by painter Juana Fernandez Hamer
Artist Spotlight: Juana M. Fernández-Hamer
Born in Cuba in 1966, Juana M. Fernández-Hamer eventually settled in northern New Jersey after living in Spain, Miami, and New York. A track and field athlete at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she later became an educator and has been teaching since 2001. Working primarily in acrylic, Fernández-Hamer creates vivid portraits inspired by the spirit of Las Caras Lindas by Ismael Rivera. For her, painting is a spiritual act and one that invites viewers to feel beauty, pride, and emotional depth through her work.
“Las Caras Lindas,” an exhibition of paintings by artist Juana Fernández-Hamer, is on display at the second-floor gallery of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.
The exhibition draws inspiration from the lyrics of "Las Caras Lindas" by Catalino Curet Alonso, capturing the vibrant essence of the West African diaspora in the Americas. The exhibition highlights the shared heritage and cultural vitality of communities in Cuba and the United States.
Where: 927 Noyes St.
When: Free public gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Other Exhibitions featuring Women
Women Centered Experiences
The Woman's Club of Evanston has been making audiences laugh for a good cause for 70+ years with its annual benefit show. Members of the club write, direct, choreograph, and perform an entertaining variety of parodies of show tunes and popular songs on current and timeless topics.
What: WCE Revue Performance Night: "All Downstage from Here"
When: March 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 | 8:00pm
Where: 1702 Chicago Avenue
Get your tickets here.
Other options
Photo: @mattglavin_photography
Dempster Design Row Weekend
 Image owned by Claire Cahan
March 5 - 7, the stretch of Dempster Street in Evanston’s Main Dempster Mile comes alive with design, craft and conversations. Independent design firms, shops, and artisan spaces open their doors for a weekend of talks, studio visits, a home tour, curated shopping, and artist receptions.
Explore vintage at Modern Vibe, Secret Treasures, and Skylight Vintage. Discover new handmade work at Pink & Tan, Grandmont Street, and Third Culture Ceramics. Join architect Claire Cahan for a designer-led shopping walk through the district.
Throughout the weekend: design talks with Claudia Swan, Isabel Schultz, Zak Rose, and Schuyler Smith; a home tour of a recent project by Isabel Schultz Design; an open studio and artist reception with Cody Tumblin at Jodi Morton Design; and a new exhibition by Meghan Borah at Pink & Tan.
Step inside. Meet the makers!
In Other Business News
Evanston is Blossoming: A Season of Growth!
Evanston is buzzing with fresh energy! From cultural milestones to exciting restaurant shuffles and skyline-enhancing developments, there is so much to be optimistic about right now.
Here is a quick look at the incredible new developments, openings, and upgrades happening around town.
A Cultural Hub on Church Street
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Northlight Theatre: The wait is almost over! The theater is nearing completion and gearing up for a spectacular late-summer opening.
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The Addled Bunny: Say hello to your new pre-show hangout! This new restaurant is opening right next door in the former Little Mexican Cafe space.
The Great Pizza & Pastry Shuffle
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The Pizza Exchange: Pizzeria Deville is getting ready to open in the former Giordano’s spot. But don't worry, deep-dish fans Giordano's is just moving down the street into a portion of the former Reza’s space.
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The Spot: Bringing Chicago Tavern-style pizza to the former Ten Mile space on Central Street.
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Breakfast Bakery Champions: DB3 Donuts and Beth’s Little Bake Shop are teaming up to serve breakfast inside La Comida. (And don’t worry, La Comida's potent rooftop margaritas aren't going anywhere!)
Fresh Faces in Retail, Wellness & Sustainability
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Windfree Solar Cafe: Get energized at the nation's first-ever "solar cafe" at 517 Dempster Street! Grab an espresso or local pastry while getting a custom solar quote for your home.
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MetroSquash: Bringing incredible youth programming and athletic facilities to 1100 Dodge (at Greenleaf).
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The Albion Building: Image Studio Salon Suites brand-new salon and The Reform Method pilates studio has snagged the two ground-floor storefronts.
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Penny Park Blooms: A beautiful new floral design studio plans to open in the former bike shop nearby.
Have a upcoming event?
Help us add to our calendar! We encourage you to submit all your upcoming events through our website.
Please review the following submission guidelines:
- Only public events may be listed
- Cannot be solely retail in nature
- Cannot be solely religious or political in nature
- Cannot be solely fundraisers or networking events
- Should be leisure time or recreational activities
Event eligibility is also evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At this time, we are only able to accept event listings in English.
 What do YOU enjoy about Evanston?
With ten unique business districts, there is something for everyone to enjoy! We want to hear about your faves. Tell us about your favorite places for health and fitness, your favorite store or art gallery to explore, or your favorite place to eat! Send us an email about your favorite spots at hello@enjoyevanston.com.
See below for local upcoming events! In addition, you can find the full calendar of summer events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Enjoy other Events around town
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