Seven Evanston homeowners welcomed nearly 700 strangers into their gardens on June 27 at the annual Evanston Garden Walk. The gardens on display featured blooming native plants, colorful flower displays, relaxing outdoor patios and lush foliage. Presented by the Evanston Environmental Association, the Garden Walk included a public rose garden and seven private gardens, located […]
Author Archives: Adina Keeling
Posted inArt & Life
Sixth and Ninth Ward Host Trans-Affirming Workshop
Nearly 23 residents attended a June 22 virtual workshop on trans-affirming practices, co-sponsored by Council Members Tom Suffredin, 6th Ward, and Cicely Fleming, 9th Ward. The workshop covered topics including pronoun usage, intersectionality, terminology, the history and context of transphobic systems, “outing,” and coming out. Many parents and grandparents who wanted to better support their […]
Posted inCity News
Ninth Ward Residents Battle Environmental Justice Issues: ‘This Area Has Really Been Abused and Neglected’
Seven years ago an explosion in Evanston’s southwest Ninth Ward rocked the homes of some nearby residents. Highly flammable and combustible materials were densely packed behind the Home Depot plaza, particularly along Pitner and Hartrey avenues. Residents in this area, already subject to heavy air pollution, truck traffic, litter, and toxic fumes, worry about the […]
Posted inPublic Square
I walked from Evanston to the Bean
On June 10, I walked from my home in Evanston to the Bean in downtown Chicago. As a California native, I miss going on long hikes, and I’ve had trouble accessing Cook County trails without a car. The 13-mile trek to the Bean felt like the perfect all-day excursion to keep my restlessness at bay, […]
Posted inArt & Life
Library’s Summer Calendar is Packed with Outdoor Events, Hosted in Parks Across Evanston
The Evanston Public Library takes its programming outside for the 2021 summer. The upcoming calendar boasts block parties, ward festivals, gatherings in parks, events for teens, programs in Spanish, and more. The library’s engagement team is eager to involve the community in more library events, and since Evanston is still emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, […]
Posted inArt & Life
Remembering Mr. B: ‘The Heart and Soul of Orrington Elementary School’
Orrington Elementary School sits in a cozy northeast Evanston neighborhood, where children play on the streets and neighbors mingle over a glass of wine. Despite rising temperatures and the growing spirit of summer, the community collectively mourns a loss from the previous summer. Michelet Boursiquot, known by most as Mr. B, passed away last July […]
Posted inArt & Life
Close to 70 Artists Sell Handmade Art at Maker’s Market
Evanston Made hosted another Maker’s Market on June 5 on the fifth floor of the Maple Avenue parking garage. Organizers said 67 artists showed up to sell handmade goods, including bags, knives, jewelry, candles, hot sauce, and more. Local artist Russel Scott sold an assortment of engraved wooden signs and plaques at the market. He […]
Posted inArt & Life
New Bakery Owner Harith Razaa Is in the ‘Happiness Business’
Harith Razaa only wanted to do two things with his life: own a bakery and become a florist. His parents disapproved, so he went to college at the University of Wisconsin and went on to work in radio, health care, government, information technology, and even opened up his own shrimp company. Those jobs earned him […]
Posted inArt & Life
Northwestern Rock Chipped and Damaged for Unconfirmed Reasons
Vandals damaged the Northwestern University Rock on May 27, chipping off thick layers of paint and leaving them scattered on the ground beside the Rock. The front of the Rock, which displayed the message “Free Palestine,” remained intact. Northwestern junior Margo Milanowski said when she first heard about the damage to the Rock via Twitter, […]
Posted inSchools
Author, Brother, and Principal Dr. Michael Allen Fights for Equity and Leads with Love
In his sophomore year at Valparaiso University, Michael Allen thrived. He played on the football team, performed well in his classes, and loved being a college student. One evening, Mr. Allen called his younger brother, Gilbert Allen, to brag about his success in school. During that call, he learned his brother was failing his classes […]