Thursday, April 30, 2026 | View in browser
Good evening,
Read below for information about the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, the Central Street Water Main Improvement project, composting, and more!
 Farmers' market season is finally here! 🍅
The Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market is back starting this Sat., May 2! The Market runs every Saturday through November 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue behind the Hilton Garden Inn. Enjoy daily live music, vendor spotlights, and over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, and more.
 Support Central Street businesses during construction
The City has begun work on its water main improvement project on Central Street from Broadway to Bryant Avenues through July 17. Work will occur in phases and include temporary traffic shifts and parking restrictions. Access to businesses will be maintained, but on-street parking will be limited during active construction, with some periods requiring full parking removal.
To support small businesses during the project, the City has put several alternative parking options in place for employees and customers:
-
Poplar Avenue (north of Central Street): 19 free 2-hour spaces and 4 free 30-minute spaces are available along the Metra embankment.
-
Broadway Avenue (east side, from Central Street to the alley): On-street 30-minute parking.
-
Ashland Avenue (west side, Central to Isabella Streets): Parking is permitted Mon. - Fri. from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., and all day on weekends.
Please continue to support Central Street businesses during construction. Shops and restaurants remain open and appreciate your support!
 Next week is Composting Awareness Week
Reducing food waste is one of the simplest ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions! Through the City’s Residential Waste program, households can compost food scraps and yard waste using their designated carts.
Take advantage of composting drop-off locations: The City has convenient composting options for food scraps located at the Robert Crown Center (near tennis courts) and behind the Gibbs-Morrison Center.
Sign up with a City composting partner: The City partners with three local providers to give you more flexible, convenient composting options: 1) The Urban Canopy/Compost Club, 2) WasteNot Compost, 3) Block Bins.
Participate in a Compost Information Session: Climate Action Evanston and the City’s Public Works Agency will host an information session at the Ecology Center on Sat., May 9, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. to help you determine what kind of composting is right for you. Register to attend.
It's time to "ReThink Your Drink"
The City’s Health Department, in partnership with Endeavor Health and Dr. Lynn Chehab, has relaunched its “Rethink Your Drink” campaign to promote healthier choices by reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Experience the “Sugar Show”: At the heart of the campaign is an engaging presentation that highlights hidden sugars and associated health risks. Community organizations can sign up to host the Sugar Show.
Join the kickoff event: Head to the Robert Crown Center on Sat., May 9, at 11 a.m. to enjoy a live presentation, water tastings, free resources, and more. Register to attend this free event!
Do you know that the City has a Regional Ombudsman Program? Yes, the City is one of just two municipalities in Illinois with its own Regional Ombudsman Program, the other being Chicago.
Ombudsmen are certified by the State, and their mandate is to advocate for the rights and the quality of life of the residents in our long-term care facilities, educating consumers and facility staff, resolving resident complaints, and working with IDPH to ensure the program is operated within the confines of the Ombudsman regulations.
The Ombudsman program is housed in the Health and Human Services Department. The Regional Ombudsman, Candice Mitchell, MHA, is responsible for administering 12 licensed long-term care facilities in Evanston. She has amassed over 20 years of experience working with older adults and mentally ill adults in the community as well as those in the community. She has been Evanston's Regional Ombudsman since 2021, and her passion is connecting individuals to resources that contribute to the quality of life and quality of care for our vulnerable populations.
Questions about the program? Email cmitchell@cityofevanston.org or call 847-866-2921.
More News and Events
Help protect our feathered friends during spring migration
As millions of birds pass through Evanston on their journey north, residents are encouraged to help protect them from deadly building collisions by turning off non-essential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Light pollution can disorient birds, making them more vulnerable during migration. For more tips and to track migration in real time, visit birdcast.info.
Volunteer to support Love Your Block projects
Love Your Block Evanston Mini Grant projects have been selected, and now it’s time to bring these resident-led ideas to life! The City is seeking volunteers to support neighborhood projects, from cleanups and landscaping to outreach and event support. Sign up to volunteer today!
Natural Area Stewards honored with sign dedication
Evanston’s Natural Area Stewards recently gathered at the Ecology Center to unveil the new Natural Area Stewards Way sign at McCormick Blvd. and Bridge St., recognizing volunteers who care for the City’s parks and natural spaces. Their work removing invasive species and supporting native habitats helps protect and enhance Evanston’s ecosystems.
Save the date for a tree giveaway on May 29
The City’s Public Works team is once again offering free trees to Evanston residents this spring. No registration is required; simply show up with an Evanston address and select from a variety of species. Trees will be available on Fri., May 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the former Civic Center parking lot, 2100 Ridge Avenue, while supplies last.
Shop. Dine. Explore Central Street
Come celebrate spring on Central Street on May 2 during the annual Spring's Alive event. Enjoy spring-themed shopping and dining promotions, and special experiences at participating businesses during regular business hours.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
-
Wirtz Center’s "Love and Information", May 1-10
-
95th Annual Waa-Mu Show: Dillo Day Disaster, May 1-10
-
ENSEMBLE Spring Market, May 2
-
Downtown Evanston: Adult Social Ride, May 5
-
Aging Well Film Night, May 6
-
FAN Zoom Event - How to Start: Discovering Your Life's Work, May 7
-
Aging Well Expo, May 8
-
FAN In-Person Event at ETHS - Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw with Beth E. Richie, Ph.D. - Backtalker: An American Memoir, May 8
-
Paws & Claws presents The Catalyst Ball, May 30
 The City’s Water Production Bureau has received the Gold-level Water Ambassador Award from the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association. This honor recognizes excellence in public outreach, education, and communication that builds trust and understanding of the water industry and represents the program’s highest level of achievement.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
|
