Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 | View in browser
Holiday shopping, decorating, baking and festivities can make December one of the most hectic times of the year. And that’s before schools let out for winter break.
But in between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the end of the year provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months, and begin planning for the year ahead. This year, with a new decade on the horizon, we have an opportunity to think even bigger.
Evanston's Complete Count Committee has been thinking big throughout the past year as they work to ensure every individual is counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. A complete count this spring is vital to ensuring that Evanston receives its fair share of billions of dollars in federal funding over the next 10 years, supporting everything from schools, to hospitals, to public safety services. (Watch this video to learn why the Census is so critical.)
Oakton Community College is also thinking big. Just last week, the Evanston Review reported Oakton is working with the City to expand its presence in Evanston, allowing more of our students to continue their education close to home, and preparing them for successful careers.
As Oakton looks to expand educational opportunities, our social service and faith-based organizations are working to expand the safety net supporting our most vulnerable residents. In spring 2020, Connections for the Homeless and First United Methodist Church will open the doors to Daisy’s Place, the only year-round shelter on the North Shore dedicated to housing homeless women. (Support the shelter by contributing here.)
Just last month, the Evanston City Council approved funding on an 8-1 vote for reparations as part of our 2020 Budget process. Alderman Robin Rue Simmons, the Equity and Empowerment Commission, and the many community members who advocated for and participated in this historic process have been recognized nationwide for their leadership. Starting in 2020, the City and community will begin the hard work of determining how such a reparations fund will operate here in Evanston. (Learn about the City’s next steps and please participate in the process as the City moves forward).
As I look back on 2019, I continue to be inspired by the many dedicated, caring and passionate people who are taking action to shape our community’s future. While the end of the year might be hectic, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the community we're all blessed to be a part of, and start thinking big about the year–and the decade–to come.
My best wishes to you all for a wonderful holiday season and a safe, healthy, happy and peaceful New Year.
Sincerely,
 Stephen H. Hagerty
Mayor, City of Evanston
shagerty@cityofevanston.org
 That's a wrap! Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive helps hundreds of Evanston families
Thank you to all of the community members, volunteers, businesses and staff who donated time, toys, money and meals to make the 2019 Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive a success. Your generosity brightened the holiday season for hundreds of Evanston families in need.
 Welsh-Ryan Arena (photo from NU Sports)
Pilot program to bring special events to Evanston
In November, the Evanston City Council approved a zoning change that will allow Northwestern to host up to seven professional sporting and entertainment events at Welsh-Ryan Arena as part of a two-year pilot program. This was a contentious issue due to the concerns many have, including myself, about the impact these events will have to the surrounding neighborhood. As the pilot program moves forward, we will be establishing a Northwestern neighbors committee to monitor and ensure the impact to the neighborhood is well managed. It is my expectation that Northwestern will manage these events responsibly and with the neighbors in mind. Like the Out of Space concert series, I hope these added events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will be a positive experience for both neighbors and visitors alike. I look forward to the energy these special events will bring to our city, as well as the additional revenue they'll generate to support City services and our local businesses.
 Clockwise, from left: Olivia Ohlson, Lucas Linder, Lenora Schnitger, and Omkaara Kamath.
Thanks to all of our talented, young artists
One of my favorite new holiday traditions is our annual Holiday Card Contest, which encourages young Evanston artists to submit their own unique designs for the City's holiday greeting card. This year, we received dozens of creative entries from schools throughout Evanston.
Congratulations to Olivia Ohlson, of Haven Middle School, who won this year's contest with her peace holiday card! Finalists Omkaara Kamath of Willard Elementary School, Lenora Schnitger of Roycemore School, and Lucas Linder of Nichols Middle School also deserve kudos for their beautiful artwork. Thank you to all of the talented students who submitted their designs.
If you'd like to purchase greeting cards to send to your friends and loved ones, it's not too late. Proceeds will support next year's Holiday Food, Book and Toy Drive. Purchase your cards today.
 Congratulations, Fran Joy and Evanston Made
Earlier this month, I was very proud to honor Evanston artist Fran Joy and arts organization Evanston Made with the 2019 Mayor's Award for the Arts. Fran and Evanston Made, founded by arts advocate Lisa Degliantoni, have made an invaluable contribution not only to our arts community, but to our entire community. Congratulations to Fran, Lisa and Evanston Made!
 There's still time to shop local
If holiday shopping and entertaining are still on your to-do list, be sure to do them in Evanston! Shopping local keeps your hard-earned dollars right here in our city, supporting the unique brick-and-mortar businesses and vibrant commercial districts that make Evanston unique.
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