Filing an Appeal with the Cook County Assessor's Office

A message from Bonnie Wilson, Evanston Township Assessor:

I would like to remind the taxpayers in the 9th ward that if they would like to file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor's office to please call our office at 847-332-2465 to make an appointment.  

I strongly urge everyone to make an appointment rather than walk into the office.  We are taking appointments from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday.  We also will be open next Saturday August 7th from 9:00 to 12:00.  

Our address is 846 Dodge (corner of Dodge and Main).  The closing date to appeal is Monday August 16th.

Thank you.

Ridgeville Park District Summer Events Calendar

A Message from Programs Director, Michael Miro:

I am pleased to announce that we have finalized our 2010 Summer Events Calendar.  As you can see, it's going to be an exciting next few months here at Ridgeville, and I invite you all to check out the diverse group of actors, musicians, and entertainers that we will feature on our outdoor stage.

Further details and updated information regarding all summer events will be posted on our summer website: www.RPDsummer.org

EPD's Citizen Police Academy

Join the Evanston Police Department for 12 weeks of behind-the-scene exploration into the world of law enforcement. Fall session begins Thursday, September 2, 2010. So enroll your family member, friend or co-worker today! Contact Office Loyce Spells at (847) 866-5019 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your space while there is still availability.

Oakton School Announcements

Information for Parents of New Incoming Students: Welcome to Oakton School! As summer draws near, we are all looking forward to the end of another successful school year and to the excitement of the next.

As a way to help ease the transition to Kindergarten, the Oakton PTA has organized summer playdates for incoming families.  Starting on Saturday, June 12 from 10am-11:30am, and continuing every Saturday through the summer, simply drop by the Oakton playground and meet other current and new families.  This is a very casual open invitation. bring a coffee, some snacks.come when you can, stay for 5 minutes, or 2 hours.

Although the school year is almost out, I would also like to welcome you to visit the school between now and June 8th.  Simply call the main office at 847-859-8800 and schedule an appointment for a tour.  You are welcome to visit the classrooms and see the teachers and students in action.  Many of you were able to attend the Oakton Fun Fair in May and witness our vibrant Oakton community.

Other dates and activities to keep in mind include:

* Sunday, June 20-Ricky Byrdsong, Race Against Hate Run/Walk/Fun Run.  Oakton has a team participating in the race this year.  If you are interested, simply sign up for the race at email Julie Fleetwood at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and she can add you to the roster.

* July 4th Parade-come cheer on Oakton's DRUM group at the annual Evanston 4th of July parade.

* Sunday, August 15, 6:00pm-8:00pm Oakton Parent's Night Out-Back to School Meet and Greet at HopHaus on Clark and Howard St.

* August 23 and 24-Kindergarten Teacher Conferences--You will be contacted by your child's teacher in early August to set up a time to meet with them the week of August 23rd.

* Wednesday, August 25 from 6:00pm-7:00pm--The Kindergarten Pizza Night at the school.  The PTA provides pizza, salad, fruit and drinks.   You can meet the teachers and other parents and get important information about the beginning of the school year.

* Ongoing Saturdays at 9am-MOM's (Moms on the Move) Walking Club-meet at the corner of Ridge and Oakton (weather permitting).  Strollers and bikes allowed, no pets.  Walk to the lake and back.  This is part of our ongoing effort to increase Wellness at Oakton.  Contact Kim Counts at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.

Evanston Public Library Employment Resources for Job Seekers

There are a number of great resources for job seekers from the Library available to residents:

* Through Illinois WorkNet, the library hosts a full day Power Employment Workshop from 10 am until 4:30 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. This workshop is geared for teens and adults who are interested in learning about resumes, cover letters, job search techniques, interviewing and networking.

* Illinois WorkNet also offers a two-hour Workforce Investment Act Orientation.  This program is offered to assist unemployed workers, but is open to all adults.

* The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers a shorter Re-Employment Workshop at various times throughout the year.  This class covers topics such as resumes, cover letters and networking.

* The library also offers Drop In Computer Help every Wednesday from 6 to 7:15 pm.  Volunteers staff the computer lab to assist with resumes, basic computer concerns, attaching files and more!

* Additionally, the library hosts classes to learn various Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Power Point, and Excel.  These are usually offered as a series, and are on Saturday mornings.

* The library also offers one-on-one Career Counseling on the second Monday and last Thursday of every month. This is offered through collaboration with the Jewish Vocational Services of Skokie. To schedule an appointment, participants must call the Reference Desk, 847-448-8630 or can sign up using Instant Messaging.

* If participants cannot make it to the library, we have a terrific resource called Learning Express Library.  Learning Express is an online test preparation resource that allows users to practice job skills such as preparing a resume, learning how to network, and even practicing for an interview!  Some of the tests are available in Spanish. To use this resource, select Learning Express Library from the alphabetical list of Research Databases. All of this is free, but users need to have a working library card number to access this resource from home.

Please visit the Evanston Public Library for more information on these great programs.

Ridgeville Farmer's Market: Held Every Wednesday

The Ridgeville Farmers’ Market is open for this season. It will be held at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and South Blvd. from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday through September 1 (earlier hours Sept. 8-22). The full schedule can be found on the calendar on the right hand side.

Budget Survey Results

Months ago, I sent a survey out on the e-newsletter with questions regarding the City budget and potential cuts. Please find a summary of the survey results here.

Statement on Budget Cuts

I have received numerous calls and e-mails regarding the City’s budget. Many citizens are concerned about cuts in the budget, including the branch libraries and the Evanston Community Media Center (ECMC). I want to be clear that I am keeping an open mind on all pending budget-related decisions. Over the next several weeks, I plan to carefully analyze the data related to the budget before casting my vote.

As many of you may know, I ran for Ninth Ward Alderman on a platform to balance the budget and support decisions that enable the City of Evanston to live within its means. I believe it is extremely important to preserve the City's long term fiscal health, which may require making difficult and potentially unpopular financial decisions.

I appreciate the feedback I have received these past few weeks and encourage you to continue to contact me and other elected officials with fresh ideas and suggestions—it is this civic participation that makes our community strong.

-Coleen Burrus

Message Board

Feel free to post any news, concerns, events, or anything related to the 9th ward or Evanston on our new message board. The board can also be found by clicking "Message Board" on the homepage.

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