… that this column will appear on Giving Tuesday and reminds readers that just as shopping locally and supporting Small Business Saturday benefits the community, so too does giving locally. Whatever your passion, there is almost certainly a worthy nonprofit that would put your generous contribution to good use right here in Evanston.
… that, speaking of local businesses, it has been a good year for Nichole Wilson and Trish Thomas, who founded Every Body Eat in Evanston in 2019, “to give every body clean, gluten free, plant based, delicious snack thins and crispbreads (and more) that they can enjoy together – regardless of most dietary restrictions and preferences.”
In June 2021, the city’s Economic Development Committee approved the entrepreneurs’ plans for financing the purchase of 1611 Church Street. Then, on November 17, the company took the $1 million top prize in the 2021 Grow-NY competition, a two-day event, “showcasing food and ag innovations” by “the top startups from around the globe.”
… that a fairy door at child’s eye height welcomes small visitors to NiceLena and Friends’ shop at 1235 Chicago Avenue. Lena says, “I see [children] getting dragged here and there on errands, inside the adult world. …This is why I wanted to post these little doors for them and attach them to local businesses. I want them to feel seen and included in the community.”
But that’s not all: So far, NiceLena and Friends has created 33 fairy doors for businesses around Evanston and invites people to “Go out there and find all the magic. Create a scavenger hunt! Draw pictures or write stories about them. Go play!” #FairydoorsEvanston
… that the Menorah at Fountain Square was lit Monday night and the tree will be lit Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. Choristers from the Evanston Children’s Choir will kick off the festive event with carols at 5 p.m.
The Lighthouse Keeper reminds readers that if they have a comment, question, or news tip for the Lighthouse Keeper, they can post it in the comments below or send an email to lk@evanstonroundtable.com.
