Monday, August 25 means the start of a new school year for students in District 65 and Evanston Township High School.  If you are a member of the school community, please be mindful of the school administrations' policies and procedures for school travel at arrival and dismissal times.  Increased enrollment at our schools doesn't have to result in increased parental auto traffic and congestion when our students are able to bus, walk, or ride their bikes to school.  

Our District 65 schools have bike storage and designated safe walk routes.  The Kingsley Elementary and Haven Middle School communities will find new improvements to Prairie Avenue with the completion of the City's water main rehabilitation and street resurfacing project, which includes a "bump-out" crossing at Prairie Avenue and Lincoln Street. 

If you can't avoid driving to schools, please: 

• Keep the safety of every student in mind.

• Obey crossing guards and posted traffic signs.

• Remind your student to cross only at designated crosswalks, not mid-block. 

• Be patient.  School congestion is avoidable and short-lived. 

• Let your student walk the last block to school.   

• Don't operate your car and your cell phone. 

• Don't make 3-point turns in the school zone.

The Evanston Police Department's Traffic Unit will be at many of our schools during the first attendance week to help new and returning families with pedestrian safety.  Also, let's celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 8.  

Northwestern University's football season begins next week when the University of California comes to Evanston on August 30.  This fall, Northwestern will host seven home football games at Ryan Field.  At this time, there is only one night game scheduled and kickoff times for many games have yet to be determined. 

See below for scheduled home games:

August 30:  University of California, 2:30 pm

September 6:   Northern Illinois University, 2:30 pm

September 20:  Western Illinois University, TBD

October 4:  University of Wisconsin,  TBD
First game after classes begin September 23

October 18 (Homecoming Game):  University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 6:30 pm 

November 8:  University of Michigan (!), TBD 

November 29:  University of Illinois, TBD

For the first three home games, Ryan Field will be accommodating to fans with peanut or tree-nut allergies.  The stadium will be scrubbed and peanut or tree-nut products will not be sold at those games.  For more information, click here.

Looking forward to this year's upcoming special events and promotions at Ryan Field, like Scout Day, Band Day, and Father/Daughter Day?  Find out everything you need to know, click here. 

To learn more about the Northwestern University football season and purchase tickets online, visit www.nusports.com.  

Attend the 2nd Annual Cook-off between the EPD and EFD on Saturday, August 30, from 4 pm to 6 pm.  The event is hosted and sponsored by Whole Foods, 1640 Chicago Ave, and will benefit the Evanston Police and Fire Foundation.  Admission is $6 and includes a burger from each team to judge.

The Evanston Art Center will enliven and enrich the Central Street Business District when it renovates and occupies the building at 1717 Central Street, moving from its long-time home at the Harley Clarke building.  The Evanston Art Center thanks the community in advance as it undertakes its capital campaign for the purchase and renovation of 1717 Central Street.  To help the Evanston Art Center create its vision, click here.

Currently, the City of Evanston is in negotiations with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for its proposed renovation and use of the Harley Clarke building.  

Bob Danon, owner of Danon Gallery, 1810 Central Street, has been training to circumnavigate the Greek island of Crete to help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Illinois.  Bob leaves this Sunday for his philanthropic adventure with our best wishes and support.  To learn more about the cause, view ABC 7 Chicago's news feature.  To follow him on his journey, click here.  

Evanston is one of the first cities in the country to enable residents to send requests to 311 using a 10-digit phone number.  To submit a 311 request for service or information, simply text your request to the 311 Service Center's phone number, 847-448-4311.  Texters should receive a response from one of the City's 311 operators within a minute to confirm the details of their message and obtain more information, if needed.

Community members can reach 311 with calls and text messages Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturday 8 am to 6 pm.  One can also get in touch with 311 by visiting the City's website, emailing 311center@cityofevanston.org or downloading the mobile app for iPhone and Android phones.

Want to confirm a construction permit?  Need a licensed contractor?  Wondering when the inspector came?  The City of Evanston has made information available to residents relating to building permit applications and status, project inspections, and licensed contractors through its new Citizen Portal.  To view the portal, click here.

In addition to local and regional press coverage about Evanston, like Chicago Magazine's recent video feature, the City of Evanston is also a great source for its news.  In addition to the City's weekly electronic newsletter, residents can also sign up for other newsletters covering specific topics such as recreation, volunteerism, sustainability, individual wards, economic development, the library and more. Sign up online today >>>