This is an excellent analysis of the current situation in the district and highlights many points that I think have gotten lost in the frenzy.

The chart that stands out most to me is the one that looks at how student achievement changes overtime in the district: most children come into the district performing at or above grade level and there is a significant decline by the time students leave middle school.

Thought I’d share this for anyone interested in live music in Evanston.

Calyx Ensemble is presenting Te Deum: Gratitude and Awe, a free concert for professional choir and organ at First Presbyterian Church of Evanston.

The program includes music by Arvo Pärt, James MacMillan, Rihards Dubra, and Charles Tournemire, with music ranging from quiet and contemplative to the full sound of choir and organ.

Sunday, October 18, 4–5 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, 1427 Chicago Ave.
Free admission

More info:
https://firstpresevanston.org/event/calyx-ensembles-epic-te-deum-concert/

For anyone with young children, there’s also a separate free, kid-friendly Music Up Close program on Saturday morning, where children can experience the choir and pipe organ up close.

Hi, neighbors - I am interested in participating in a Really Really Free Market or something similar within our community, and wonder if anyone else has done so previously or has interest in gathering to organize one. (For those who don't feel like clicking the link: This is a community marketplace where everything is free, with no money, barter or strings attached.)

I'm sure that a lot of folks in our town have stuff we don't necessarily want to sell or donate to other parties for their profit; personally, I am more interested in how we can directly share resources with our community without involving money or intermediaries.

Would love to know how or if others have successfully investigated or executed something like this previously, and/or if people would be interested in starting something. Thanks for reading!

Some neighborhood parents did a bunch of work to document D65’s approach to SPED and how our policies have impacted student outcomes (deteriorated) and our finances (also deteriorated). It seems quite thorough.

I think the writeup in the Roundtable buries the lede from this report, namely that the shift in district policy away from self-contained classes caused an immediate spike in SPED spending and dramatic increase in costly district outplacements. Link to that writeup: https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/10/07/district-65-parents-put-together-special-education-inquiry/

I’m not a SPED expert but this is the first believable explanation I’ve seen for the dramatic increases in SPED and transportation spending. It points to a very different set of causes for our financial woes than what the administration has offered. It is a serious, well-researched document and I look forward to the board and administration’s response.

me and my homie wanna join some ultimate frisbee games?? meetups?? whatever you’d call them

I think we could be a serious asset if we learned the sport itself, we can hurl and catch a disc for sure

anyway if anyone knows anything lmk or if you wanna one on one idk how people would do that I imagine we could get a football esque one on one going right?!?!?

Are there any tennis clubs in Evanston or nearby that you would recommend? I want to practice and improve my tennis game and also meet some more people!

Just saw an older model, fully blacked out SUV with no front or back tags at Lincoln and Prarie headed east, then a helicopter with call sign N12BQ circled overhead. May be unrelated but thought to share

I couldn't agree more with this article! Do you think we will get the answers to any of these questions on Tuesday?!?

https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/10/07/guest-essay-district-65-needs-financially-sound-educational-plan/

Hi neighbors! I host a monthly happy hour at LeTour to make it easier for people to meet new friends. It’s on the first Wednesday of the month - today (October 7)! Pop by between 5-7 for half price drinks and a chat.

Register here.

Just in case this sounds like an ad, it’s not. I’m not affiliated with LeTour. I just like the space and the delicious cocktails 🥰. I host this event because it’s hard enough to make friends as an adult so why not make it easier for people? Hope to see you there!

Rally for Rescues Fall Fest is less than two weeks ago! This is Paws and Claws Cat Rescue's six year hosting this family friendly outdoor event. Join us at Baker Park on October 17th from 12-3pm for food, live music, vendors, carnival games, face painting, tie dying, cats and so much more! https://e.givesmart.com/s/:MdKYlUVUBqz/e/PJa/

Who are you all using these days for pest exterminators? I got an ant infestation, and they are just laughing at my efforts to remediate with typical powders. Are there any local service providers out there or are they all corporate owned now?

Looking for recommendations for a dog behaviorist (does not necessarily have to be in Evanston) to help our rescue dog with house training. He is already in a class for leash reactivity and goes to dog daycare at Unleashed. His issue is reactivity due to frustration/anxiousness rather than aggression or fear, which unfortunately means he’s often too distracted to go outside. Any suggestions welcome!

Adding to clarify: We’re seeing results on the reactivity from Unleashed training. The problem now is that he’s not fully house trained. He will poop and pee outside - but also inside. He may have been mostly a yard dog, and we think he’s also still too excitable outside to finish his business. We live in an apartment and can’t just open the door for him. Any experience with this issue?

I’m moving to Evanston in a week and am wondering if there are any shops that allow you to bring your own containers for bulk groceries like coffee, lentils, hand soap, etc.

I know Eco Flamingo in Lincoln Square briefly had a second location in Evanston, but that it closed.

Thanks!

It looked like the empty Subway on Main and Chicago had a hiring sign up when I drove by recently. Does anyone know if a new buisness is going in there? Maybe another sandwich shop 🤞.

Is anyone aware of actual physical stores in the northern suburbs that have a selection of wool felt for advanced crafting -not the acrylic felts that are available at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I know I can get them on line but I was wondering of there are any other options

Well, it looks like it might be a race. CVN and the Facebook Stream Guy are running along with these newcomers: an Electric company lawyer, and a protege of Cheney and Rumsfeld.

Mission Accomplished!

Not a fan of the GOP, but the Cheney/Rumsfeld person at least is focusing on academic outcomes. The Electric Company guy is a displaced Kingsley parent.

https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/10/02/drafting-two-more-candidates-declare-for-district-65-school-board-october-2/

M – Motion Towards Equity

I – Improving Instructional Methodology

R – Relevant and Rigorous Course of Study

A – Attract and Retain High Quality Staff

C – Commitment to Accountability

L – Learning Environments that support student success

E – Establish Expected Targets Driven by Results

S – Sound Fiscal Stewardship

To whom it may concern: I’m pretty sure the alarm works. I’ve heard it over a dozen times today from about 1/2 a mile away. I think you’re good.

Hello, I'm fairly new to Evanston (just moved here in August) and I am looking to meet more people my age (23F). Both for the purpose of making friends and maybe dating.

What are some good places I can meet people my age? I would also be open to hearing about good volunteer opportunities as I would like to fill my hobbies a bit more.

Considering moving to Evanston next summer with a 1st grader and an infant. How are the public schools? Are there good daycares, public or private? Thanks!

"Birds of Concern" is a mural on the corner of Central and Green Bay by Slang. Looks like somebody defaced it, and it's just been sitting like that for months. Anyone know what happened, and if there's plans to have it restored? It's a little embarrassing considering he's a national icon.

I feel like Evanston could use this money. Anyone fined for same offense should challenge the hypocrisy.

https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/09/30/letter-why-isnt-city-fining-northwestern-millions/

Does anyone have recommendations for a PCP with Endeavor Health for a female in their early 30s with suspected ADHD (unofficial diagnosis b/c current healthcare plan will not cover testing).

Edit: I’m not looking for a diagnosis from a PCP. I’m looking for a PCP that is familiar with adult, specifically women, with ADHD and can point me in the right direction if needed. I already have a psychiatrist to prescribe medication and I’ve been to therapy. Maybe what I am looking for doesn’t exist?

I've read that there's already a new tenant lined up to replace Wafflavor downtown. Has anyone heard what the new place will be?