… that from Evanston Made to the Art Makers Outpost to the informal association of artists in West Evanston, a lot of talented people live in our town. Local artist Casey Christensen created this torn paper collage for the RoundTable to give this column a look that clearly distinguishes it from the tall structure and park district adjacent to the City’s northernmost beach. You can see more of her work at thepurplelineart.
… that the lighthouse as symbol of the City inspires many painters, photographers, graphic designers and others, including the teachers and students from the One River School, who painted 14 metal utility boxes around town, like this one in front of Bennison’s Bakery.
… that the Licky Lab and Alpaca Gallery on Dewey is a Little Free Art Gallery where visitors can take a piece of art or leave one of their own.
… that, speaking of variations on the Little Free Library theme, this Eagle Scout project in front of St. Nicks invites visitors to take or leave non-perishable food items.
… that a tall utility pole has arisen on the northeast corner of Davis Street and Maple Avenue, opposite Bennison’s. An astute reader inquired about its purpose, and City representatives identified it as a small cell antenna for 5G.
… that, speaking of food, the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club is bringing back the Taste of Evanston as a vaccinated-in-person event on the Dawes House lawn. Forty local restaurateurs, breweries and wine shops will offer tastes of their specialties during this fundraiser, supporting the work of Connections for the Homeless and Reba Place Development Corp. to address housing insecurity.
… that signs emerge that summer’s end is nigh: The beaches have reduced hours and the library has expanded them.
The Lighthouse Keeper hears …
… that the Referrals Committee meeting provides a window into the means by which issues come to the City Council. Members’ proposals are scored for time sensitivity, scope, connection to existing policy, community interest and alignment with the Council’s goals. The lower the score, the more quickly an item moves to committee. One item of interest on last week’s agenda is a proposal to increase Council Member compensation to a livable wage, which garnered a score of 12.
… that getting around is getting harder with concurrent construction projects on several of the City’s primary thoroughfares: the water main replacement on Main Street and bridge construction on Central Street continue, while Dempster Street resurfacing and utility work on Ridge Avenue begin this week. Meanwhile, barriers for the Greenleaf Shared Street Pilot came down last week, and the City posted a survey seeking community feedback.
… that, speaking of surveys, the City is looking for citizen input on leafblowers. Share your thoughts by filling out a survey by Sept. 3 or attending one of two public forums at the Robert Crown Community Center. The forum for residents and property managers is on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., and the forum for landscape/lawn care service providers is on Friday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
The Lighthouse Keeper welcomes readers’ questions, comments and news tips. Please use the links below to send your feedback to the RoundTable.
Is there any way to get cyclists to realize they are required to obey all the same laws as motor vehicles? I never see any stop at stop signs or traffic lights, they ride against the flow of traffic, and disobey speed limits. Well, the ones I see are usually wearing helmets, and some use the bike lanes, but those are the only rules they follow. Maybe a publicity campaign to remind them the flashing red lights behind them might mean THEM?
Gosh LHK, Casey’s perspective makes it look as though the lighthouse is almost underwater.
hi lighthouse keeper,
thank you for your acknowledgement of the rich and vibrant art scene that is evanston. and casey christensen’s lighthouse collage is a delight.
amy o. woodbury, visual artist