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Read below for information about National Preparedness Month, a fall donation drive, upcoming community events, and more!
 Vote for your favorite name!
Thanks to everyone who submitted ideas for the new café coming to the Prieto Community Center this fall! Councilmember Geracaris and Parks & Recreation staff have narrowed the submissions down to a top ten, and now it's time for you to help pick a winner.
The café will serve coffee, tea, local pastries, snacks, and soft-serve, and we want a name that reflects Prieto's warm atmosphere and its values of acceptance, awareness, and belonging.
Cast your vote: Vote here by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Questions? Email lruiz@cityofevanston.org or call 847-859-7697.
 September is National Preparedness Month
Every September, National Preparedness Month reminds us that a little planning now can make all the difference when the unexpected happens. Whether it's severe weather, a power outage, or another emergency, being prepared helps keep you, your family, and our community safer.
Here are a few simple ways to get ready:
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Build a kit. Keep basics on hand: water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit for at least three days.
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Make a plan. Talk with your family about how you'll stay in touch and where you'll meet if you're separated during an emergency.
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Stay informed. Sign up for local alerts and know how the City communicates during emergencies.
 Help Stock the C.A.R.E. Closet for Fall
As colder weather approaches, the City's C.A.R.E. team invites you to support neighbors in need through their Closet Fall Drive, which provides clothing, hygiene items, meal support, transportation resources, and other essentials to Evanston residents facing hardship.
Attend the Fall Drive Kickoff event: Drop off donations, help sort supplies, or assemble hygiene kits on-site on Sat., Sept. 19, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center.
Items Needed: Fall and winter clothing, toiletries, hygiene-kit supplies, restaurant gift cards, Ventra/transit cards, luggage and laundry bags.
Can't make it Sept. 19? Additional donations will be accepted Sept. 20-Oct. 2 at the Levy Senior Center, Robert Crown Community Center, and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.
 Don’t miss these upcoming community events!
Embrace the fall spirit: Join the Evanston Ecology Center for its annual Harvest Fest on Sat., Sept. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. at Eggleston Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, a pumpkin patch, crafts, fall games, farm tours, a scarecrow-making contest, and food and drinks.
Ready to roll? Bike the Ridge returns on Sunday, Sept. 27. Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Ridge Avenue will transform into a car-free zone, allowing cyclists to pedal their way from Howard to Church Streets.
Dive into the world of firefighting: The Evanston Fire Department will host its annual Open House on Sat., Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 909 Lake St. It will feature live fire and extrication demonstrations, fire hose and pole stations, K9 demos, a kids' obstacle course, free food, and more!
Increased Asian Tiger Mosquito Activity in Evanston
Evanston Health and Human Services and the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) continue to see increased biting mosquito reports, largely driven by the invasive Asian tiger mosquito. Unlike other local mosquitoes, this species breeds in small containers around homes (flowerpots, buckets, toys, birdbaths, clogged gutters), making it hard to control at scale. NSMAD is conducting hundreds of property inspections, but residents' help is essential.
What you can do:
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Dump, drain, and discard standing water from containers around your property regularly.
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Report standing water present four+ days, or request an inspection, via 311 or the NSMAD Service Request Form.
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Use an EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for personal protection.
Note: Yard sprays offer only temporary relief and don't eliminate breeding sources. Removing standing water is the most effective long-term solution.
More News and Events
Get your free flu & COVID-19 vaccines
The Evanston Health Department has partnered with CIMPAR to offer free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to eligible community members on October 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center. Advance registration is encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome.
The North Shore Sewer Rehabilitation Project has resumed
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's sewer rehabilitation work on Sheridan Road resumed on September 16, continuing through October 28. Crews will install the last of three new manholes at 7799 N. Sheridan Rd., with lane closures and traffic delays expected.
Attend the Northlight Theatre Open House on September 28
Northlight Theatre is hosting a free community open house on Mon., Sept. 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can take a backstage tour, including the set of The Front Page, and meet Northlight staff to learn about artistic plans, community programs, and business partnerships. RSVP today.
Civic Fest invites ETHS students to get engaged
Her Rising Initiative and Evanston Cradle 2 Career invite ETHS students to Civic Fest on Fri., Sept. 25, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Gibbs-Morrison Center. Students can enjoy free food, games, prizes, and swag while connecting with ETHS alumni in politics and leadership, registering to vote, and learning how to get civically engaged.
Delay in 95-gallon cart deliveries due to supply chain issues
Heads-up! A temporary supply chain delay is affecting our receipt of new 95-gallon carts. An order is on the way, but delivery isn't expected until mid-October. In the meantime, staff will be holding most new cart requests and prioritizing our limited existing stock for those with the greatest need. We appreciate your patience.
A Sign Unveiling will honor Eleanor Revelle, September 19
Join us for a Sign Unveiling Ceremony honoring former Councilmember Eleanor Revelle, taking place on Sat., Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. at Lakeside Court off Sheridan Road. RSVP and learn more about Eleanor Revelle's contributions to the city.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
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FAN In-Person Event at ETHS - Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King, Jr., Sept. 17
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Jamming Jean Concert with Soul 2 The Bone, Sept. 18
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Sept. 19
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Jeanie B! Trio Free Children's Contest, Sept. 19
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NU Football vs. Colorado Buffaloes, Sept. 19
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St. Matthew’s Celebrates 150 Year Celebration, Sept. 20
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FAN Zoom Event - The Tolerance Generation: Growing Up Online in the Anti-Bullying Era, Sept. 22
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FAN In-Person Event at ETHS - Arshay Cooper - Hope in Motion, Sept. 24
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RoundTable Reads, Sept. 24
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Northwestern vs. Indiana Watch Party, Sept. 25
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3rd annual Evanston OktoberFiesta, Sept. 26
Legacy Business Bounce Back promotion
 Click to play video
The City's Economic Development Division is hosting a promotion throughout September to support Evanston's Legacy businesses. Those who spend a combined $250 or more at participating Legacy businesses during the month will be eligible to receive a $50 Evanston Gift Card.
Here's how to participate: Complete our form and upload copies of your receipts totaling $250+ from any of the Legacy businesses listed at evanstonlegacybusiness.com.
Check out our video featuring some of Evanston Legacy Businesses.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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