Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Mabel Catherine the Gypsy Cabbage Patch Doll Moves on
Recently I had to part with an object I had been lugging around for far too many years, a Cabbage Patch Doll named Mabel Catherine that I had been given as a gift in 6th grade in 1984. I'm 41.
Mabel has moved with me from California to New York, to Colorado to Texas and to Illinois and in each new house or apartment she's lived in a box with her clothes and blankies in the dark, never to be unpacked or played with. That's no way for an adorable Cabbage Patch Doll to live. My husband told me (a year ago) that I should really give Mabel to someone who would play with her, that I should get "rid of that doll."
As a mother of two boys I couldn't pass Mabel on to my sons, so I searched around for friend's with daughters. Mabel went to a close home for a bit, but the little girl soon tired of her and I found Mabel back in my possession. Were we meant to be together forever? No, I would just have to expand my search.
Then several months ago another friend with a young daughter was on the lookout for baby clothes. I offered up the clothes WITH Mabel as part of the package. Both or nothing. She bit.
On a cold December rainy night I drove Mabel Catherine and her box of clothes and shoes and blankies to my friend's house. I took a quick photo in the car outside, one last look at my old pal. And then handed her off.
It's very possible this little girl who gets Mabel Catherine for Christmas will soon tire of the doll and I will find Mabel back in my arms, a little more used and bruised and that's fine.
It's occurred to me that one of the best parts of having possessions is giving them away when you are done with them, to grateful new owners. I took an inventory of what I possessed at 41 to bequeath friends and family - a Cabbage Patch Doll, and antique rocking chair for a child, some jewels. I'm going to work on giving away more and getting lighter like that guy on Craigs List who gave away all his possessions - that sounds fun and gypsy-like.
For now I hope Mabel Catherine is excited for her new adventures out of the box and into someone's life, she's been waiting so long for it!
Mabel has moved with me from California to New York, to Colorado to Texas and to Illinois and in each new house or apartment she's lived in a box with her clothes and blankies in the dark, never to be unpacked or played with. That's no way for an adorable Cabbage Patch Doll to live. My husband told me (a year ago) that I should really give Mabel to someone who would play with her, that I should get "rid of that doll."
As a mother of two boys I couldn't pass Mabel on to my sons, so I searched around for friend's with daughters. Mabel went to a close home for a bit, but the little girl soon tired of her and I found Mabel back in my possession. Were we meant to be together forever? No, I would just have to expand my search.
Then several months ago another friend with a young daughter was on the lookout for baby clothes. I offered up the clothes WITH Mabel as part of the package. Both or nothing. She bit.
On a cold December rainy night I drove Mabel Catherine and her box of clothes and shoes and blankies to my friend's house. I took a quick photo in the car outside, one last look at my old pal. And then handed her off.
It's very possible this little girl who gets Mabel Catherine for Christmas will soon tire of the doll and I will find Mabel back in my arms, a little more used and bruised and that's fine.
It's occurred to me that one of the best parts of having possessions is giving them away when you are done with them, to grateful new owners. I took an inventory of what I possessed at 41 to bequeath friends and family - a Cabbage Patch Doll, and antique rocking chair for a child, some jewels. I'm going to work on giving away more and getting lighter like that guy on Craigs List who gave away all his possessions - that sounds fun and gypsy-like.
For now I hope Mabel Catherine is excited for her new adventures out of the box and into someone's life, she's been waiting so long for it!
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Monday, December 2, 2013
CTA Holiday Train in Evanston
About the train
The Chicago Transit Authority is getting into the holiday spirit with our popular Holiday Train! Santa and his elves will ride the train passing out candy canes and season's greetings.
The spectacular train is an amazing sight - during the daytime and at night. The outside of the six-car train is adorned with holiday seasonal images. Thousands of twinkling lights outline the shape of the train and windows, with even more lights running across the tops of the cars.
Interiors of the cars are decked out with thousands of multi-colored lights, red bows, garland, and red and green overhead lighting. The hand poles are wrapped to look like candy canes.
As the train pulls into each station, Santa waves to the boarding passengers from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar carrying his reindeer and decorated holiday trees.
Schedule
The Holiday Train will travel all CTA rail lines in November and December as part of regular rail service. Normal CTA fares apply.
The train generally operates from about 1pm to 8pm on weekends and 3pm to 7pm on select weekdays (schedules for each rail line will vary), and will make stops at all stations along the respective routes.
12/18 - Wed
12/20 - Fri
12/21 - Sat
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Creative Coworking Draws Downtown Evanston Lunch Map
I now work in Downtown Evanston (it's like I'm a newbie all over again)! I now can eat lunch at more than 35 restaurants, in walking distance from my desk. You gotta be kidding me!
Thanks to the team over at Creative Coworking anyone who rents their space gets this nifty map. Click here for the original source and visit http://creativecoworking.com to learn more about Creative Coworking.
I'm going to talk to my friend Paul in the Economic Development Offices at the City of Evanston about creating a Dining Passport Rewards program where people get points every time they dine at one of these places or something fun like that! And if Paul doesn't like that idea I'm going to talk to my other friend Carolyn at the Downtown Evanston offices! She'll probably point me to an App that already exists! I LOVE this town.
Happy Dining!
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
House for Sale: Move to Evanston and Live in the Sixteen Candles Movie Set
My kids are getting older and a little bit closer to being able to watch some of the classics like Jaws, Halloween, Sixteen Candles, etc.
We tried to watch Sixteen Candles the other night as a family but had to shut her down during the naked shower scene, not because of the naked lady but because of the dialogue about the sex the naked lady would later be having. I'm not explaining any of that to the kids yet.
I ended up watching Sixteen Candles later that night which is a shame because #1 I've seen it more than 10 times, more than 10 years ago and #2 I've seen like three movies in my life (Harold and Maude, Karate Kid and Das Boat!) and cannot waste valuable movie-watching time on repeat viewings. But really besides all that, the movie is fantastic, a total classic and Jake Ryan is still the HOTTEST man ever born on planet Earth.
The best part of the movie? Location, location, location! It's filmed around here on the Northshore of Chicago! And when I was walking to a friend's house this weekend, I couldn't help but be reminded every 15 feet how brilliant John Hughes was to film in such a lovely area.
The house pictured here is so Sixteen Candles to me and is for sale down on Forest Ave., just blocks from the lake. I'm sure it's a bajillion dollars but if you bought it and moved in you could be my neighbor and feel like you lived on the Sixteen Candles movie set every time you were home!
We tried to watch Sixteen Candles the other night as a family but had to shut her down during the naked shower scene, not because of the naked lady but because of the dialogue about the sex the naked lady would later be having. I'm not explaining any of that to the kids yet.
I ended up watching Sixteen Candles later that night which is a shame because #1 I've seen it more than 10 times, more than 10 years ago and #2 I've seen like three movies in my life (Harold and Maude, Karate Kid and Das Boat!) and cannot waste valuable movie-watching time on repeat viewings. But really besides all that, the movie is fantastic, a total classic and Jake Ryan is still the HOTTEST man ever born on planet Earth.
The best part of the movie? Location, location, location! It's filmed around here on the Northshore of Chicago! And when I was walking to a friend's house this weekend, I couldn't help but be reminded every 15 feet how brilliant John Hughes was to film in such a lovely area.
The house pictured here is so Sixteen Candles to me and is for sale down on Forest Ave., just blocks from the lake. I'm sure it's a bajillion dollars but if you bought it and moved in you could be my neighbor and feel like you lived on the Sixteen Candles movie set every time you were home!
Today at Naf Naf Grill in Evanston: Humans Stand in Line in 30 Degree Weather, get Free Tee Shirt and Food
This is my third winter in Evanston and I am still consistently impressed (often blown away) with the absolute and total disregard the locals seem to have for weather. Today's high was 34 degrees and people were strolling about town without hats or bedspreads!
Pictured here are a bunch of people standing in line in today's frigid weather waiting for a free tee shirt and falafel which Naf Naf Grill was giving away until they ran out in celebration of their grand opening. And people waited in line, in really cold weather and no one was mad about it, of course except for me! I couldn't wait in line and instead snapped a photo and ran to the nearest furnace.
So Naf Naf Grill opened today in Downtown Evanston and everyone is really excited because the food is supposed to be amazing - hence the locations all over Chicagoland. I'll try it soon and get back to you, but there was no way I was going to stand in that line! Mad props to all you crazies who did!
www.nafnafgrill.com
Naf Naf Grill is an award winning Chicago Mediterranean Restaurant.
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Music Institute Celebrates New Downtown Evanston Campus with Free Lunchtime Concert Series
New Downtown Evanston Campus Welcomes Musicians and Music Lovers Wednesdays Once a Month
Music Institute of Chicago
Downtown Evanston | 1702 Sherman Avenue
Monthly on Wednesdays from 12:15-1 pm
Downtown Evanston | 1702 Sherman Avenue
Monthly on Wednesdays from 12:15-1 pm
To introduce its stellar faculty to downtown Evanston workers and residents and welcome them to its new campus, the Music Institute of Chicago is offering free lunchtime concerts and conversation one Wednesday per month from 12:15 to 1 p.m. at its new home, 1702 Sherman Avenue, Evanston. Bring a bite from home of grab something from one of the many restuarants nearby.
“We have received such a warm welcome from the community since relocating our headquarters to downtown Evanston this summer,” said Music Institute President and CEO Mark George. “Our Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA) and Musical Theater program are already serving segments of the Evanston community. We are now pleased to present a free lunchtime concert series for the entire community, particularly our new neighbors in downtown Evanston. These informal performances will feature our spectacular artist faculty.”
George continued, “Evanston is an arts-friendly city. I am truly appreciative of the assistance we received from the City of Evanston’s Economic Development Division. The Music Institute of Chicago plans to be in Evanston for a very long time.”
The complete schedule of free lunchtime concerts includes
September 25: Ron Surace, piano
Jazz Piano—Favorite Standards and Original Compositions
October 23: Rae-Myra Hilliard, soprano and Louise Chan, piano
Excerpts from “Seasons Change: Music written by Black American Composers”
November 13: Michael Buckwalter, French horn, Chelsea French, trombone and Dr. Mark George, piano
Brass Chamber Music
December 11: Aimee Biasiello, viola, Kathy Lee, piano, and Ellen McSweeney,violin
Chamber Music
January 22: Dr. Mark George, piano and Almita Vamos, violin
Sergei Prokofiev's Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op 80
February 12: Mary Drews, piano and Shigetoshi Yamada, violin
Fritz Kreisler compositions and arrangements
March 19: Fred Simon, jazz piano with Music Institute guests
Program TBD
April 23: Winds Chamber Music
May 21: Eric Sutz, jazz piano
June 11: Alexander Djordjevic, pianoSchubert’s Impromptus
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Evanston Stylewatch: Ebony rocks leg warmers!
This young lady is probably one of the best dressed Evanstonians I've seen since moving to this fine city. It's not just the matching above the boot leg warmers and handbag or the crazy fun vintage frames that caught my eye. Ebony was more than willing to strike a pose outside of the library for some lady with a smart phone who claimed she took fashion photos! Thanks Ebony, you made the world a more beautiful place that day and this blog too!
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
This Sunday: On Site: Putting Dance on Map
Evanston Dance Ensemble’s Dance on the Map performances take place at various downtown locations Oct. 6 & Nov. 3. Photo by Matt Glavin.
Sunday, Oct. 6 & Nov. 3 – On Site: Putting Dance on Map
2:00 p.m., various locations around Raymond Park, Chicago Avenue and Lake Street
Eight dance companies have announced plans to honor the city’s anniversary with a “moveable feast” of dance on two afternoons this fall. On Site: Putting Dance on the Map, which is being curated by the Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE), features professional groups of dancers performing free public dance events in locations all over downtown Evanston on two Sundays this fall – October 6 and November 3. Each program features five of the companies performing an original dance piece created for a specific location in Evanston, and each performance site will be within walking distance of each other. Dance companies include Elements Contemporary Ballet, enidsmith dance, Cartier Collective, Be the Groove, The Leopold Group, Striding Lion Performance Group and Lake Dance. For more information visit the Evanston Dance Ensemble.
2:00 p.m., various locations around Raymond Park, Chicago Avenue and Lake Street
Eight dance companies have announced plans to honor the city’s anniversary with a “moveable feast” of dance on two afternoons this fall. On Site: Putting Dance on the Map, which is being curated by the Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE), features professional groups of dancers performing free public dance events in locations all over downtown Evanston on two Sundays this fall – October 6 and November 3. Each program features five of the companies performing an original dance piece created for a specific location in Evanston, and each performance site will be within walking distance of each other. Dance companies include Elements Contemporary Ballet, enidsmith dance, Cartier Collective, Be the Groove, The Leopold Group, Striding Lion Performance Group and Lake Dance. For more information visit the Evanston Dance Ensemble.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Commuting News: No more CTA, two hours a day!
When we moved to Evanston in 2011, I didn't work for six months and joked that I finally took my maternity leave(s). With baby #1 I went back to work in 7 days and with baby #2, I was back at work in 10 days. Staying home with a newborn was much less appealing than working and I had a wonderful husband who was willing to stay with the babies until preschool. So when we moved from El Paso to Chicago, I cashed in my maternity leave with the Universe and my family and didn't work for six months! That is a crazy long time for me to not work and I did nothing productive - AT ALL! Mostly I just made friends in our new city and learned where things like schools, grocery stores and post offices were. Okay, I was partially productive, but I didn't hike the Pacific Coast Trail or write a book during the six month break.
After six months being a lazy bum, I found a job on the southside of the Chicago in Bronzeville, either a 45 minute drive (with no traffic) or a one hour and ten minute CTA train ride. Several locals tried to tell me that the commute would kill me, but I took the job with the intention to stay five years to build my Chicago resume. I lasted 18 months and granted the commute wasn't the only reason I left, it was 80% of it.
In addition to not wanting a commute (at all) I wanted to be able to walk to work or ride a bike in under 30 minutes. Why couldn't my life be 100% walkable? Lots of people lived in Evanston and walked to Northwestern? Why couldn't that be my life too? I wanted a job in Evanston and was very determined to find one. After lots of lunches, meetings and networking, I found a job with a great company less than one mile from my house. I can walk in under 13 minutes, and I'm confident the bike ride will be about 7 minutes. Many of my new friends think I am magic for landing the job, but I know I am laser focused and annoying when it comes to getting what I want.
My last week on the CTA commuting to work, I savored every single minute. I took lots of shoes photos, which I had been doing all year (I'll post a slide show soon). I finished a fantastic book, Wild by Cheryl Strayed. And I said "goodbye" to every single booth worker and conductor. In fact, I managed to get the booth worker to take a photo with me on my last morning commute. We both hadn't done our makeup yet and had very little interest in taking a photo, but I convinced her it was commemorative and wouldn't go anywhere too public.
Goodbye commute on the CTA, hello walk to work! Stay tuned for lots of photos of my walk, who knows what I'll find.
After six months being a lazy bum, I found a job on the southside of the Chicago in Bronzeville, either a 45 minute drive (with no traffic) or a one hour and ten minute CTA train ride. Several locals tried to tell me that the commute would kill me, but I took the job with the intention to stay five years to build my Chicago resume. I lasted 18 months and granted the commute wasn't the only reason I left, it was 80% of it.
In addition to not wanting a commute (at all) I wanted to be able to walk to work or ride a bike in under 30 minutes. Why couldn't my life be 100% walkable? Lots of people lived in Evanston and walked to Northwestern? Why couldn't that be my life too? I wanted a job in Evanston and was very determined to find one. After lots of lunches, meetings and networking, I found a job with a great company less than one mile from my house. I can walk in under 13 minutes, and I'm confident the bike ride will be about 7 minutes. Many of my new friends think I am magic for landing the job, but I know I am laser focused and annoying when it comes to getting what I want.
My last week on the CTA commuting to work, I savored every single minute. I took lots of shoes photos, which I had been doing all year (I'll post a slide show soon). I finished a fantastic book, Wild by Cheryl Strayed. And I said "goodbye" to every single booth worker and conductor. In fact, I managed to get the booth worker to take a photo with me on my last morning commute. We both hadn't done our makeup yet and had very little interest in taking a photo, but I convinced her it was commemorative and wouldn't go anywhere too public.
Goodbye commute on the CTA, hello walk to work! Stay tuned for lots of photos of my walk, who knows what I'll find.
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Temperance Beer Company Launch Party at Prairie Moon
It doesn't get my more hyperlocal than this! Last night I was served a locally brewed beer at a locally owned bar, walking distance from my house - did I mention just how much I love Evanston?! This strapping young bartender served me my first pint of Temperance Beer, brewed by Brewster Claudia Jenron.
Temperance Beer Company was started by Josh Gilbert, Evanston native and retired architect, and will provide four types of beer, wholesale only, to bars and stores in the region. The tap room and brewery is located at 2000 Dempster Street and will host tastings on special nights - soon, but not yet.
Last night at the Moon, the joint was packed with well wishers (most of whom were boys wearing Trucker hats with the Temperance logo, like the bartender photographed here) and people happy to drink locally brewed beer.
Given that Evanston was dry until 1971, this is a huge milestone for the alcohol world which celebrated the first distillery a year ago with FEW Spirits. Both booze brands embraced Evanston's dry past in their names - FEW Distillery - Frances E. Willard's initials and Temperance Beer - a nod to the Temperance movement.
What did the beer taste like? Don't ask me, I'm no expert in the beer tasting department. All I know is that my pint has berry in it and it was yummy and refreshing! How's that for a beer tasting review?!
Congrats to Josh and the Claudia and all the other Temperance Beer people who made this launch happen!
Visit http://temperancebeer.com for more information.
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Evanston Stylewatch: Knee Socks and Ferrets at the Pet Store
WOW! How great do these striped socks look on this girl? And here you were, worried that Evanston wouldn't provide me enough eye candy to keep the fun images of shoes and fashion going!
This knee sock wearing girl is looking at a cage full of sleeping ferrets at Thee Fish Bowl pet shop on Dempster. Awwww....how cute! But ferrets are not cuter than these striped knee socks worn with sandals!
Love that I'll be shooting in Evanston every single day of the week starting Sept. 23!
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Save the Dates: Swing Set Drum Kit Plays 9 Shows in Chicago
As you know, I frequently use this blog to cover things beyond Evanston, namely my husband's art career and Chicago restaurant reviews. Below is exciting news about my husband Dave Ford's Swing Set Drum Kit which will be on display in neighborhoods all over Chicago, Sept. 20 - Oct. 26. Swing by on a date and time that works for you and you make some music! (Congrats to you, Dave!)
In collaboration with Packer Schopf Gallery, Fountain Art Fair Chicago and Chicago Artists Month, Dave Ford’s Swing Set Drum Kit will tour the city of Chicago this fall; four neighborhoods, four venues, nine shows, Sept. 20 – Oct. 26.
Swing Set Drum Kit is an interactive sonic sculpture encouraging people to build rhythmic sounds through their swinging. Three swings activate large colorful wheels that trigger multiple drumsticks, striking percussive instruments. From the snare drum to sleigh bells, the visual and auditory layers to the piece are endless.
Swing by and play the drums!
Venue, dates, times
Fountain Art Fair Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St., (fountainartfair.com), Pilsen, $10,Sept. 20 – 22
EdgeUp Festival, 6018 North Kenmore Ave., (6018north.net), Edgewater/Uptown,Sept. 27-29, Oct. 5-6, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Dr., (773-256-0149), South Shore,Oct. 13, 2 – 7 p.m.
Garfield Park Observatory Farmers Market, 300 N Central Park Ave, (312-746-5100), East Garfield Park, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Dave Ford is a visual artist living in Evanston. He shows with Packer Schopf Gallery, most recently wowing crowds with his Truck Drawings show Hauling Graphite: Five Road Recordings
Visit his blog at http://fordart.wordpress.com
Friday, September 13, 2013
Evanston Stylewatch: DIY Archie Comics Mini Skirt
Look what I found when sifting through the fun items at Secret Treasures, THIS treasure. This darling young lady ordered Archie fabric online and then sewed this mini skirt with her mother's help.
Good thing I start a new job in Evanston on Sept. 23, that way I'll be more available to capture all the fun things people wear in our city!
Good thing I start a new job in Evanston on Sept. 23, that way I'll be more available to capture all the fun things people wear in our city!
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Do Good: Youth Philanthropy Program at Center for Civic Engagement, Northwestern University
I am very excited to share this information with you from http://www.engage.northwestern.edu/
At the core of Allowance for Good is the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program. Youth who participate in this student seminar series are introduced to themes in global development, philanthropy, and civic action. The program culminates with a Certificate in Global Philanthropic Leadership and equips students with the skills to lead change-based projects in their communities.
We work side-by-side with and empower youth leaders to develop and execute a self-contained or small group project that synthesizes personal interests with concepts of philanthropy and global development. Youth leaders mobilize projects in their communities to raise awareness for, give their time to, and invite contributions for their AfG Global Affiliate of choice. Youth efforts contribute to one or more of five key project areas: Access to Water, Health & Hygiene, Classroom Materials, Bricks & Mortar, and Funds for Fun. Join us this spring to expand your knowledge about global philanthropic leadership. Youth ages 13-18 welcome!
Every Thursday, 7-8:30pm, from September 19 – November 21, 2013
Location: Center for Civic Engagement, Northwestern University, 1813 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60208-4175
For our upcoming sessions, please sign up no later than September 15, 2013 by completing this form.
Fee is $125 per person for the full course. Need-based scholarships available via inquiry only.
We welcome inquiries from local foundations, community centers, schools, and religious centers regarding customizable programming. Please contact us for more information.
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The Center for Civic Engagement offers a range of programs that promote civic participation and engaged learning throughout the Northwestern community. Programs are often run in collaboration with other schools, departments and offices, serving a variety of different populations across campus. Click the icons below to learn more about each program.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Evanston Flower Porn
Look at this gorgeous flower I found in someone's front yard on Lake Street! Evanston has the most beautiful blooming flowers even in September! Please feel free to steal this and make stationary!
P.S. This post is the first post EVER on this blog to have three sentences followed by an exclamation point! That is exciting!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Grand Opening: Space 900 Artist's Collaborative
The members of Space 900:
Artists KEN AVICK, COLLEEN CONLEY, CLARK ELLITHORPE,
JUDITH ROSTEN FREILICH, DUSTIN HARRIS AND JOANNA PINSKY
Invite you for wine and refreshments to celebrate the inaugural opening of their new exhibition space in Evanston.
Dates: Saturday, September 7 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, September 8 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibit Dates: September 7 - October 6, 2013:
Open by appointment email space900gallery@gmail.com
Address: 1040 Wesley Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
Space 900 is an artist's collaborative where members meet to talk about their work and generate ideas for group and solo exhibitions. This exhibit features recent paintings, collages and sculpture by the artists.
Contact space900gallery@gmail.com to be on the mailing list for upcoming exhibits and musical events.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Watch Back to the Future at Dawes Park for FREE
Watch Back to the Future this Saturday night at Dawes Park, for FREE at 7:25 p.m.
From the City of Evanston website:
The City of Evanston's Cultural Arts Division will once again offer free movies in the park on select Wednesdays and Saturdays as part of its Starlight Movie series. Movies start at dusk. Movies will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. A great time for the whole family.
Dawes Park, Sheridan Rd. at Church St. (at the lagoon)
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Thank you for reading my blog Evanston Newbie, a blog dedicated to helping you too fall in love with the City of Evanston, just like I did. If you have any questions or need to get in touch with me about this blog, Evanston, or anything else you can email me at thelisadshow@gmail.com. Also feel free to send me announcements about upcoming Evanston events and I will promote them here!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Photo Contest: Get caught reading at Evanston Public Library
The Evanston Public Library will launch the 1st Annual Get Caught Reading community photo contest on Saturday, Sept. 14. Photographers of all ages and expertise levels are invited to capture images of people expressing the joy of reading in all its forms: books, tablets, e-readers, magazines, audiobooks, newspapers, as well as in various places, from private spaces to public venues.
Photos may be submitted from September 14 through September 28. The voting period will be October 2 through October 9, with winners based on popular vote through the Internet from the community-at-large. Four winners will be chosen. There will be a first and second place award for those 18 and under, and a first and second place for those older than 18 years of age, as well as one Honorable Mention for each age group.
The winning photographs will be featured on the Evanston Public Library website and prizes will be awarded. For more information, please contact Jill Schacter, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at jschacter@cityofevanston.org.
Photos submissions will be taken via a website link once the contest is live on Sept. 14
Photos submissions will be taken via a website link once the contest is live on Sept. 14
Contest rules:
1. All photos must be taken in Evanston by residents of Evanston.
2. All photos submitted to the Get Caught Reading contest may be used, without further notification, at any time, by the Evanston Public Library in marketing and informational materials including but not limited to, brochures, newsletters, social media and web-based communications.
3. The photographer agrees to obtain permission from any person included in the photo before submission to the Get Caught Reading contest.
4. The Evanston Public Library reserves the right to decline acceptance of submitted photographs based on content we deem to be inappropriate for public posting/viewing.
This Weekend: First Shared Streets comes to Dempster Street
The first Shared Streets will be held on historic Dempster Street at Chicago Avenue, in the heart of Evanston. From 12:00 to 5:00pm on Sunday, September 1st, all are invited to enjoy the street, free of charge, and free of motorized traffic. The route will feature two open blocks on Dempster Street, plus a car-free area on Sherman Place in front of the Dempster CTA stop.
The open space of the street is offered, but also flowers & greenery, snacks & water; music, art & dance, hula hooping, Zen chanting, tai chi & yoga; a children’s parade, cycling & walking tours, and plenty of community outreach. It is an argument for safe, healthy, sustainable transportation; and a reclamation of space and time for art and for community. We will demonstrate two hot topics: the street as a place, and the complete street. Bring your bike, skateboard, scooter, or just your own two feet, and let’s enjoy our public realm!
Participants and In-kind Donations:
- Evanston Bike Club: Bicycle safety education
- Active Transportation: Chicagoland bicycle information
- Bucephalus Bikes: Family bicycle tours
- Evanston History Center: Historical photos & walking tour (Mayre Press)
- The Recyclery: Bicycle collection drive (bring your old, unused bikes!)
- McGaw YMCA: Zumba class
- Citizen’s Greener Evanston: Complete Streets survey
- Escola de Samba: Brazilian drumming (also Cuban and African)
- Chinese Cultural Academy: Tai chi chuan
- Lighthouse Yoga: Yoga
- Cynthia Narcisi: Hula hooping (hoops provided)
- Come Out Dancing: Salsa dance lessons
- School of Rock: Rock concert
- Toastmasters Evanston: Speeches at “Speaker’s Corner”
- Evanston Lumber: “Speaker’s Corner” materials
- Frances Willard Historical Association: Outreach
- Southeast Evanston Association: Outreach
- Allan Breedlove & Ndidi Nwaneri, Loyola University: “Ask the Philosopher”
- Sharon Weeks, 2nd Baptist Church: “Ask the Minister”
- Rev. Bret Lortie, Unitarian Church of Evanston: “Ask the Minister”
- Mystery guests: “Ask the Alderman”
- Evanston150 teams: Project displays
- Walk ‘n’ Roll: Tactical urbanism
- LOOK Chicago: Street safety education
- Wheel & Sprocket: “Cycling as Transportation” (bike accessories show)
- Sharon Hyson, Teaching Artist and Art Therapist: Community art-making for all ages. Possible creations include decorating your transportation and parade creations such as hats, puppets and musical instruments.
- Turin Bicycle: Bicycle maintenance clinic
- Zen Buddhist Temple: Zen chanting
- Clare Tallon Ruen & company: LakeDance (interpretive dance)
- Evanston Ecology Center: Critter Crew
- City of Evanston: Tap water station & forestry outreach
- Celebrate!2013 / Evanston150: Outreach
- Chicago Transit Authority: History & outreach
- Ten Thousand Ripples: Interactive art-making
- Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp: Landscape architecture
- We Fix Bikes: Bicycle Maintenance
- Nature’s Perspective Landscaping: Landscaping
- Unitarian Church of Evanston: Tables and chairs
- Anton’s Greenhouse: Flowers
- Mudlark Theater: Outreach
- Jessica Jacobs: Official Photographer / Videographer
- Whole Foods: power bars
- Leadership Evanston 2013: “Culture of Community” Block Party Promotion
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About Us
Walk ‘n’ Roll is one of the ten project teams that emerged from the community-based Evanston150 visioning process in November of 2011. Our mission is to make Evanston safer and more enjoyable for walking and cycling. We have grown to a group of around 80 residents committed to making this wish a reality.
Our 2012 projects included a weekly staffed bike corral at the downtown farmers’ market, where we tagged and guarded dozens of bikes at any one time. We also pulled off Evanston’s first Park(ing) Day, which transformed two parking spaces at Main and Custer into a temporary people’s park. We argue before city council for pedestrian safety measures and better bike infrastructure. We promoted the EAC bike corral and the Davis Street protected bike lane, and won on both counts.
Check out and consider joining our online discussion group for all things related to better walking and biking in Evanston. Follow related postings from around the web on our Facebook page. We are always looking for new members and fresh ideas.
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