Observed annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to do some or all of their holiday shopping at independent local retailers. Shopping at small businesses helps create jobs and support public services by keeping money in the local economy.

In Evanston, this year's Small Business Saturday (November 29th) will feature deals and events at local businesses all over town, followed by the Downtown holiday bash and tree lighting, which will include special appearances by Mayor Tisdahl, Santa Clause, and Elsa and Anna from Frozen!

This month's Peer Recognition winner is Susie Hall of the Law Department. Susie was nominated by Assistant City Attorney Mario Treto (pictured at left), who had this to say:

Susie has been and continues to be a crucial member of the Law Department. She goes above and beyond what is expected of her in all instances. Susie is a pleasure to work with and is a wonderful representative of the values held by the City of Evanston. Additionally, she plays an active role in the City's Health and Wellness initiatives, as she has organized the City's Zumba and yoga classes available to employees. The City is fortunate to have such an exemplary, friendly, outgoing, and motivated individual. Thank you for all of your help, Susie!

Has one of your coworkers made your day or gone above and beyond the call of duty? Nominate them for a peer recognition award here and they could win a Downtown Evanston giftcard.

The United Way has focused its work to provide solutions in the areas of education, income, health and basic needs – the building blocks for a better quality of life. Your donation will help change the story for someone in need. Whether you work and live in Evanston, or call a neighboring community home, your contribution to the United Way North-Northwest supports important programs throughout the area. In these difficult economic times, every contribution helps. Please give what you can.

To donate to the City of Evanston 2015 Live United campaign, please follow the link to login to the secure site. Your username and password are below:

Username: coe + first letter of your last name + last 4 of your SS# – Ex: coehXXXX

Password: coe + last 4 of your SS# – Ex: coeXXXX

If you have any problems accessing the site or logging in, please contact Janella Hardin in the Finance Office at ext. 2934 or by e-mail at jhardin@cityofevanston.org.

Evanston Livability Academy is a mandatory all-staff training intended to bring all City employees together to learn about and celebrate how each of us is working to make Evanston the Most Livable City. Dating back to 2006, the City’s strategic vision has been to “Create the Most Livable City in America.”  The Academy will serve as a springboard for embracing this vision and integrating it into our daily work.  Staff will also learn about Evanston’s recognition as a 4-STAR Community for national excellence in livable, sustainable communities and what efforts lead to this recognition.

To respect everyone’s time, the Livability Academy will be held on multiple dates during the first two weeks of December in order to best accommodate schedule conflicts.  An initial session will be held on November 21st with the goal of seeking feedback and input from staff to ensure the Academy is achieving our goals. Department Directors will work with their staff to coordinate the assignment of Academy sessions.