The Lighthouse Keeper sees …

… that there’s no working fountain at Fountain Square. In its place, downtown Evanston has temporarily repurposed Fountain Square as “Fun Times Square,” an outdoor dining and play area. Look for a game trunk with big games, including Jenga, Connect 4 and Checkers, coming soon!

… that Labor Day means the end of beach season, but Starlight Movie nights in City parks continue, weather permitting, every Saturday night at 7 p.m. through mid-October. See family favorites like “Coco,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” or “Queen of Katwe.” In addition, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24th, the Levy Senior Center will transform the parking lot and James Park Soccer Field into a drive-in movie theater featuring “Finding Nemo.”

… that, speaking of parks, RoundTable reader ScottAllen Barber asks, “Just curious if you guys know what project has recently started (or at least been mapped out) at Lovelace Park in northwest Evanston? … Might such represent the beginnings of a dog park or drainage project?” 

ScottAllen, you are correct: the City has contracted J.A. Johnson Paving Co. for path repairs and site drainage improvements at Lovelace Park. The work involves the reconstruction of the northern pathway to eliminate flooding issues, associated site regrading, minor sewer improvements and restoration.

… that the Evanston Fire and Police Departments will hold a memorial ceremony to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives 20 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001. The socially-distanced memorial service will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Firemen’s Park, Simpson Street and Maple Avenue. The program will include presentations from Mayor Daniel Biss, Fire Chief Paul Polep, Fire and Police Chaplains and others.

… that, later on Sept. 11, the Robert Crown Community Block Party will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with games, music by DIME Dance, a community art project with Evanston Artist Piloto, Arts & crafts with Antiracist AF, STEM activities, story time with local Evanston author Kira Bigwood, books from Young, Black & Lit and more.

… that free 4-hour parking is available in Lot #24 on Main Street across from Vogue Fabrics in an effort to support local businesses while water main replacement work continues between Maple and Hinman Avenues. The businesses are open and appreciate continued patronage and support! 

The Lighthouse Keeper hears …

… that there have been more than 100 catalytic converter thefts in Evanston since the beginning of the year, and the thieves no longer focus primarily on Toyota Priuses. In the past few weeks, at least six catalytic converters were stolen from a variety of vehicles all across the City: from two Hondas (1400 block of Monroe and 2400 block of Prairie), two Toyotas (2300 block of Hastings and 800 block of Ridge Terrace), a Nissan (1600 block of Payne) and a Ford (2200 block of Dempster).

… that, speaking of theft, the Evanston Police Department works with a third-party service to provide a list of items found within the last 21 days. 

… that the City’s Health & Human Services Department is preparing to offer COVID vaccine booster shots to those who are immunocompromised, and requests that residents who would like to receive a vaccine from the Evanston Health & Human Services Department fill out this short survey. Local pharmacies also have appointments available.

… that the City has partnered with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Chicago-based MC-Squared Energy Services in a residential community solar program that allows participants to support solar power projects without installing their own rooftop panels. Subscribers to community solar arrays in Illinois receive generation credits on their electric bills for guaranteed savings and their subscriptions help finance and construct small solar facilities through the energy provider, Soltage, in both Cortland and Lena, Illinois.

… that the City is discussing a Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot, hoping to leverage Illinois EPA funds of up to $4 million for lead service line replacements as “principal forgiveness” under their State Revolving Fund loan program. The State of Illinois passed the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act – which obligates the City of Evanston to submit a plan to replace 11,500 lead services by April 15, 2024 and start implementing the plan by April 15, 2027 – to replace 3% of the lead services each year so that all lead services are replaced in 34 years. Evanston is currently estimating the cost at $168 million in 2020 dollars. 

Finally, ICYMI the Lighthouse Keeper reminds readers …

… that the Evanston RoundTable’s Lighthouse Keeper has no formal relationship with, or responsibility for, the Grosse Point Lighthouse. Just as the name RoundTable pays symbolic homage to the legend of King Arthur, welcoming many voices and diverse perspectives, the RoundTable’s Lighthouse Keeper pays homage to Evanston’s iconic symbol, shining a light on items that might not otherwise make the news.

The Lighthouse Keeper welcomes readers’ questions, comments and news tips. Please send your feedback to news@evanstonroundtable.com.