Lake Street Church of Evanston Marks 150th
Anniversary

The Lake Street Church of Evanston will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a weekend celebration April 26-27 at the church. The Saturday evening program will include a dinner, the presentation of a history book, a history exhibit, old-fashioned games, a sing-a-long and special guests, including the great, great grandson of early minister Benjamin Green (1897-1909). The Sunday worship service on April 27 will feature specially commissioned music and a stained-glass window dedication.

Lake Street Church, with the oldest public building in Evanston, was founded as the Evanston Baptist Society in April 1858 by a group of Evanston's first settlers: Colonel E.H. and Rebecca Mulford, Frances Iglehart, Judith Burroughs, Rebecca Westerfield and Moses Danby. Sunday school classes were held for children of all faiths in Mrs. Iglehart's living room. Her sewing machine served as the pulpit and is still used for special occasions at the church today.

The First Baptist Church, as it came to be called, built its first building in 1865 on the corner of Hinman Avenue and Church Street. That building was moved in 1872 to the current site on Chicago Avenue and Lake Street. In 1875, a new building was erected. At that time, the church bell, housed at the base of the tall green spire, was used as the City of Evanston's emergency fire and general alarm bell through the late 1800s. It was also rung on July 4, 1876, to commemorate the country's 100th anniversary.

The church has evolved from an ecumenical, home-based Sunday school into today's theologically liberal, welcoming and affirming, socially active faith community. It was part of a group of churches that started the soup kitchen effort in the 1980s, and began and still houses the Shelter for the Homeless (Hilda's Place). In 1995, the name was changed from First Baptist Church to Lake Street Church to more accurately reflect the diverse membership.

Lake Street Church is an autonomous congregation affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of the USA. It is committed to the Baptist core values of soul liberty, non-dogmatic spirituality, separation of church and state, and congregational self-determination. These values direct members toward personal spiritual development within a loving and tolerant community. People of all racial, sexual and religious orientations are welcome at Lake Street Church, and members come from many religious traditions.

For further information about the anniversary celebration or the Lake Street Church, please call the church office at 847-864-3376 or visit www.lakestreet.org.

Timeline: 1858-2008
Evanston Baptist Society -
First Baptist Church -
Lake Street Church

1858: Creation of an ecumenical Sunday school in the home of Frances Iglehart, followed by the official formation of the Evanston Baptist Society by founding members Colonel E.H. and Rebecca Mulford, Frances Iglehart, Judith Burroughs, Rebecca Westerfield and Moses Danby. This was one of four emerging Protestant congregations given a land grant and use of buildings by the young Northwestern University.

1865: On Feb. 15, the First Baptist Church erected its first building on the corner of Hinman Avenue and Church Street.

1872: Church building was moved to its present site at Chicago Avenue and Lake Street.

1876: A new bell in the steeple rang to mark Evanston's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the United States.

1926: The new church house was dedicated, designed by noted architects Tallmadge & Watson.

1950: The Happy Club, Sunday School classes for children with disabilities, was formed for children along the North Shore.

1970-Present: The building used by a variety of community groups: the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Korean and Latino congregations, North Shore Alano, a yoga studio, Tai Chi classes, Buddhist groups, and many others.

1982: The church helped develop the Evanston Ecumenical Action Council's network of soup kitchens.

1984: On Oct. 31, an all-night prayer vigil for the homeless was held in the basement of the church. The Rev. Thompson declared: "As of tonight, homeless people in Evanston won't have to sleep in the streets." It grew into a transitional shelter with many supportive programs designed to assist homeless people. The overnight shelter is still housed at LSC and run by the Connections for the Homeless.

1987-1997: Members of the congregation founded social service agencies, including Family Matters, BeHiv, the Ted Fund and Literature for All of Us.

1990-Present: LSC presents annual special services and events open to the community: the Service of Remembrance (honoring loved ones who have died), World Wide Community Sunday (an interfaith celebration), and the Alternative Gift Fair (offering handmade gifts from third world countries and from not-for-
profits).

1995: The name was changed to Lake Street Church of Evanston to more accurately reflect and affirm the welcoming, inclusive nature of the church.

2008: A year-long celebration to commemorate
the church's 150 years of faithful service to the community.

Recycle. A Second Life for Everyday Household Items

By Allison Hagey

When April weather finally arrives, it is refreshing to step outside and flex long-unused muscles for spring cleaning. Instead of heaping trash bins full of unwanted junk along the curb for someone else to deal with, readers are invited to take a look at the places where lesser-known recyclables can be sent.

Tennis Shoes
One person's trashed-up tennis shoes are another's track token. Shoes still in usable condition can be donated to needy athletes and children in third-world countries or recycled into sustainable athletic and playground surfaces.

Chute Middle School, 1400 Oakton St., is running its annual athletic shoe drive in cooperation with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Nike's recycling program, Reuse-A-Shoe, through April 25.

With Reuse-A-Shoe, shoes are ground up and purified to become "Nike Grind," the material used for sports surfacing product ranges, such as basketball and tennis courts, running tracks, soccer fields, fitness flooring and playground safety surfacing.Shoes can be brought to Chute's school office.

SWANCC will also host their own athletic shoe recycling event in cooperation with the Reuse-A-Shoe program on May 7 and 8 at the Glenview Transfer Station, 3 Providence Dr.

Shoes can also be dropped off at various retail stores, such as Sportmart, 7233 W. Dempster in Niles, and at Nike's store locations, such as Chicago's Niketown, 669 N. Michigan Ave. All brands are accepted, but shoes must have no cleats, metal or lights. More information about Reuse-A-Shoe can be found at www.nike.com.

One World Running, a non-profit organization located in Boulder, Colo. donates shoes that are still in usable condition to needy children in third world countries.Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 2223, Boulder, Colo. 80306. Call 303-473-1314 for more information. One World Running sends shoes that are too beat up for shipment overseas to Reuse-A-Shoe.

Hazardous Waste
Since the City does not collect household chemical waste (HCW), it can be taken to Goose Island, 1150 N. Branch St. in Chicago. Phone ahead to determine availability and hours, 312-744-7672. There is also a one-day collection on April 19 in Chicago at DeVry Technical Institute, 3300 N. Campbell. HCW includes aerosol paints and pesticides, lawn chemicals, antifreeze, mercury, cleaning products, old gasoline, drain cleaners and oil-based paints. Visit www.swancc.org for more information on accepted HCW and collections.

Latex Paint Disposal
Latex paint will not be accepted at HCW collections. However, it can be disposed of at home because it does not contain toxic material.

If it is not possible to use up paint completely, shredded newspapers, kitty litter, or Waste Paint Hardener (available at most hardware stores) can be added to latex paint. After the paint has dried, put the container in the garbage with the lid off so the garbage hauler knows the can is empty.

Also, many local theatre groups, churches and housing authorities will accept leftover paint and put it to good use. If the paint is not usable and drying it out is not an option, Millen Ace Hardware, 1219 Wilmette Ave. in Wilmette, will take the paint in its original container. The charge is $1.50/qt., $2.50/gal., and $8/5 gal.

Chicago's Goose Island Facility also hosts a free latex paint swap. Residents can either safely dispose of unwanted-but-usable paint, take home free paint or do both. Call 312-744-7606 for more information.

Bicycles
Give an old bike a new home. RRB Cycles, 614 Davis St., is a drop-off point for donating used cycles to Working Bikes, a Chicago non-profit that "diverts bicycles from the waste stream in Chicago by repairing them for sale and charity." Lee Ravenscroft of Working Bikes says they donate the bikes to needy countries such as Angora, Tanzania, Guatemala and Cuba. "Cubans are desperate for bikes," he says. "They ride them forever." Working Bikes will accept any bike in any condition. Contact Working Bikes, 312-421-5048, or www.workingbikes.org for more information.

Similar organizations in Chicagoland include Evanston's The Recyclery, 735 Reba Place; and Blackstone Bicycle Works, 6100 S. Blackstone; and West Town Bikes, 2418 W. North Ave., both in Chicago.

CFLs
The government recommends using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Energy-star-qualified light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than regular light bulbs. As long as energy is being saved, eco-conscious folks can take the next step and recycle these bulbs, too.

The City is cooperating with SWANCC and is accepting drop-offs of spent CFLs for recycling.

Each CFL contains an average of five milligrams of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. Mercury poses potential health risks, so the CFLs should not be disposed of in the garbage if there is a recycling option. There is no immediate health risk should a bulb break if it is cleaned up properly.

CFLs may be dropped off at the City's Department of Health and Human Services, 2100 Ridge Ave., 8:30-5 p.m. or at the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Bulbs must be in zip-lock-type bags. The Health and Human Services department will accept fluorescent tube lights; the Ecology Center will not.

Needles and Medications
A search of any medicine cabinet will likely turn up old, expired medications that need to be disposed. SWANCC provides environmentally-safe mediation and sharps disposal with the Prescription Drug and Sharps Disposal Program, which also guards against potential theft associated with disposing of old medications.

Residents can drop off unused prescriptions, expired over-the-counter drugs and needles - known as "sharps" - at the Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. Pharmaceuticals should be in their original container with labels to identify contents.

All sharps need to be in a rigid container with a lid, and placed in a zip-lock-type bag prior to dropping off. Residents who administer at-home injections receive a 1-quart sharps container, which can be picked up at the Civic Center. A new container will be provided when the old one is dropped off.

Computers and Electronics
Enormous desktops from 1994 are an eyesore in many basements. The City is partnering with EcoPhones, an electronic recycling company, with a new drop-off box for electronics at the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. One hundred percent of these electronics will be recycled, and EcoPhones will reimburse the Ecology Center for donated products of higher value. Acceptable electronics include old or broken cell phones, digital cameras, iPods or MP3 players, laptops, ink jet cartridges and DVDs.

Old cell phones can also be donated to the Call to Protect program, which donates them to agencies that address domestic violence. After deactivating the phone's service, recyclers can drop off the phone, battery and charger at the YWCA, 1215 Church St.

Many computer brands list options on their website for donating or recycling their computers. Staples will also take all computer parts for a $10 fee, then send them off to be recycled for parts.

For any computer donation, it is best to destroy the hard drive before sending it in to protect any information stored on the drive.

Batteries
Household batteries can be disposed of in normal garbage pickup, but may also be brought to one of the HCW collections. Rechargeable batteries are not accepted at these collections. Rechargeable batteries, such as those found in cell phones, laptops, camcorders and cordless power tools, can be dropped off at various locations around Evanston. Call 1-800-8-BATTERY for more information.

Five Things to do During Earth Month

1. Stop unwanted junk mail. Tired of tossing out fliers, coupons or other wasteful materials that come in the mail? Go to www.greendimes.com to sign up for junk mail elimination. Ten trees will be planted on one's behalf.

2. Calculate one's carbon footprint. Go to www.nature.org to calculate individual estimated greenhouse gas emissions. Compare results with the national average and learn about more ways to reduce impact.

3. Consider selling the car. Visit www.igocars.org, a Chicago-based non-profit committed to economical and environmentally sound transportation choices. Customers have access to energy-efficient vehicles, reservable by phone or internet, that are usually within a five-minute walk of one's neighborhood. There are seven car locations around Evanston.

4. Take a waste-free lunch. Package lunches in servings that will be completely eaten. To avoid any packaging, bring lunch in reusable containers within a reusable lunch bag or box. Take any uneaten food home in the reusable containers.

5. Recycle old crayons. Collect old crayons from home or from restaurants that would otherwise be thrown away. Send them to Crazy Crayons, where they will be recycled and repackaged in a recycled cardboard box. Visit www.crazycrayons.com for information on donating.

Recycling the Recycling Center

Recent discussion at the City has led to several suggestions for a new use for the Recycling Center, located at 2222 Oakton St. Currently, the site is used for storage by several divisions of Public Works and the Traffic section of the Division of Transportation and as a recycling drop-off on the weekends.

Several options were presented by an interdepartmental team to the Administration and Public Works Committee at the end of March, but no definitive plan has been set.

The City's options for the recycling center include continuing to use the space as it is. There is an option of relocating part of the municipal service center operations to the recycling center.

Representatives of the Public Works Department suggested using the site as a new location for the salt dome, given the poor condition of the current salt dome at the municipal service center.

Another option was provided by the fire department. Citing the inadequacies of Fire Station #4, the fire department identified the recycling center as a suitable location for rebuilding that fire station and adding a training facility on the site.

The Recreation division of Parks, Forestry and Recreation also raised the possibility of using the recycling center as a general-purpose field house, as the City lacks multi-purpose, flexible spaces. Recreation also suggested the City might develop a performing arts center, or use the site for a bowling alley.

The Evanston Soccer Association submitted a request to convert the recycling center into an indoor sports training facility operated by the City.

Two City-affiliated organizations, the Evanston Animal Shelter and the Evanston Community Media Center (ECMC), also present options for reuse. The Animal Shelter, right next door to the recycling center, undergoing redevelopment with assistance from the City, may need additional space for parking. ECMC currently receives funding from the City, and uses a portion for paying rent in a private facility. Locating ECMC at the recycling center would save approximately $91,950.00 annually, based on the funds spent by the organization for rent, according to the City.

One private-interest option for reuse included converting the recycling center into an indoor composting facility.

City staff say they consider the most feasible option to be the relocation of fire station #4, considering the possibility of adding a training tower. The fire department has not identified another site in the City that could accommodate a training facility.

However, the City has a need for storage space, which will have to be considered when deciding on the disposition of the property. In the interim, the site will continue to be used as a storage facility for City operations.

Recycling Reminders from the City

For single-family residences, bins are emptied by Groot Recycling. Following is a list of acceptable and unacceptable items for recycling.

Glass
· All colors of glass bottles and jars, rinsed and without lids.
Cans and Foil
· Steel (tin) cans and bi-metal cans
· Empty aerosol cans
· Aluminum cans
· Clean aluminum foil products
· Empty, dry paint cans
Egg cartons
Paper bags
Shredded paper
Chipboard (flattened cereal, tissue boxes, paper towels and toilet paper rolls, shoe and food boxes)
Cardboard (flattened to fit in recycling container)
Paper (bundled in paper bags)
· Newspapers and all inserts
· Direct mail advertising (opened)
· Office paper (all colors and types)
· Magazines, catalogs and phone books

Plastic Bottles
· Groot will accept bottles with #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in a triangle on the bottom, which includes liter soda bottles; milk, water, and juice bottles, and liquid detergent, fabric softener, bleach and shampoo bottles. Rinse and discard lids.

Unacceptable items for recycling include scrap metal, cookware, partially-filled aerosol cans, foil lined boxes and envelopes, gift wrap, tissue, school construction paper, wax or silicon-coated paper, hard-bound books, photos, padded envelopes, ceramics, mirrors, crystal glassware and plastic packaging, among other things.

See the City's website, www.cityofevanston.org, for more details.

Sign Up for SaveOurEnergy.net Contest

Last Fall, Evanston Girl Scout Troop 522 held a contest to save electricity and water within each household. Each of the five participating households saved 26-28 percent of their electricity, and up to 31 percent of their water usage in that one-week period. Becca Slotkin, pictured, won the 2007 energy saving contest by saving 28.4% of electricity and 31.4% of water.

A similar contest this year hopes to expand that experience to all Evanston students 4th grade and up and their households. Sign up by April 20 to enter the contest, which ends May 11.

The contestant will read the electric and water meters once a week for four Sundays. The first week establishes the normal usage in the household. The following weeks are separate chances to save the most electricity and water among all contestants.

Prizes include bowling at Wilmette Bowl, a pool party at YWCA, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and Dominick's pizza. More information about the contest can be found at www.saveourenergy.net.

Information and photo submitted by Ivy Sundell

Evanston Designated 2007 Tree City USA

For the 24th time, the National Arbor Day Foundation has designated Evanston as a Tree City USA. In addition, the City once again received the foundation's Growth Award.

Tree City USA recognizes those cities with a proven commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program marked by renewal and improvement.

The prestigious Growth Award further recognizes those Tree City USA communities who have shown environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care.

No Mower Pollution

The second "No Mower Pollution" event will start on April 22 and run through Labor Day. This program offers community members a chance to appropriately scrap gas-guzzling, oil-eating, air-polluting lawn mowers and receive discounts toward purchasing environmentally-friendly mowers.

Residents can take their mowers to either Lemoi Hardware, 1008 Davis St., 847-328-4900; or Northshore Towing, 2527 Oakton St., 847-864-2828, to obtain the discount.

Lemoi Hardware will dispose of gasoline and oil inside mowers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. They will offer a number of deals on products to individuals who bring their old lawn mowers in to be scrapped, and discounts to individuals who can show proof they have appropriately scrapped their mowers elsewhere.

Community members must remove gas and oil prior to dropping off mowers at Northshore Towing and should call first before making their drop-offs Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Anyone who does not want to purchase a Lemoi product or who drops off mowers at Northshore Towing or any other site of their choice can bring the drop-off receipt to the Department of Health and Human Services, 2100 Ridge Ave., and obtain other discount offers.

'The Reserve'

A Book Review By Sue Brooke

"The Reserve," by Russell Banks is a poignant novel about a fading era of American history.

It is 1936, and Dr. and Mrs. Cole have not suffered much from the Depression. They have a second home in the Adirondacks, set back on the second lake of a very exclusive reserve. Every year they gather with friends to celebrate the Fourth of July.

They seem to be admired, happy and rich. Their only daughter, Vanessa, is with them. She is a beautiful socialite with the reputation of having been divorced more than once.

Jordan Grove is a renowned photographer and artist who has been invited to stop by. He has a reputation, too, as a socialist and a womanizer. He does not have much use for "Republican types" with lots of money but no skills. He is intrigued by Vanessa, despite knowing she is trouble. And Jordan avoids trouble. He loves his wife.

The Reserve is a beautiful and isolated place, well cared for by the locals, such as Hubert St. Germain. He once was able to track and hunt in the woods, but now can only enter the area as a hired guide. It is exclusive - quiet and serene. Yet within all this beauty lie some evil secrets.

Vanessa's childhood was not idyllic. She was adopted when she was four and the Coles refuse to tell her about her biological parents. And Vanessa has dark memories of those early years when "Daddy" would take photos of her naked.

These are the last few years of America's innocence and isolation. The Spanish Civil War is attracting many Americans to fight against the Fascists.

Like Hemingway, Jordan Groves wants to join the effort. The Coles have enjoyed their flight on the Hindenburg, a huge zeppelin made by the Germans with a swastika on its tail. One of Vanessa's ex-husbands is even a count of some sort - or "no account," as she says. They are all connected to Europe is some way, and, like the unrest brewing in Europe, a violent upheaval is coming to this serene life on The Reserve.

"Lust, Lies and Marriage"

A Play Review By Brian Murphy

Evanston's Piccolo Theatre, which prides itself on the production of farce and the expression of physical comedy, is well suited for commedia dell'arte. The 500-year-old Italian theatrical style features movement, improvisation and wonderfully crafted masks. While the common themes of the art form - lust, lies, marriage - are present in all commedia dell'arte plays, this production also includes a subgenre element known as il pozzo incantanto, or "the enchanted well." The well is a set piece located center-stage that exists to bring characters together.

Much like the play's universal themes, the story is relatively generic, involving a love-hexagram embodied by members of the upper class and their buffoonish servants. The actors take a simple premise and improvise dialogue and action during rehearsal. Despite stemming from a common premise, this collaboration is paramount to the creation of a unique production.

The result is a well-crafted, yet gloriously chaotic, experience.

Directed by Antonio Fava, a renowned scholar, performer and director of commedia dell'arte, and also the director of the International School of the Comic Actor in Italy, the play maximizes physical performance. Nary is there a static moment - off-stage actors never rest while sitting on their laurels. They are relied upon to provide music and sound effects throughout the play.

The manic atmosphere is created when Dottore (Amy Gorelow) arranges a marriage between her daughter, the sensitive Isabella (Denita Linnertz), to the unknown Odoardo (Ryan Musil), even though Isabella is being pursued by the lovelorn Orazio (David W.M. Kelch, most recently seen as Ali Gator in the Piccolo's "Sinbad"). Odoardo has a silent suitor himself, the rich Celia (Karen Yates is a master of facial expressions), who disguises herself as a servant to try and gain Odoardo's trust. Meanwhile, servants Pulcinella (Piccolo Theatre artistic director John Szostek) and Rosetta (Deborah Craft of "Sinbad" impresses with her smarmy veneer and precise body movements) form a combative relationship, as well.

Throw the meddling Coviello (Sam Wootten), with a spot-on, but geographically wayward, Spanish accent, and chaos is inevitable.

While there are many moments of bawdy humor (funny enough to not only crack the audience up but often the off-stage actors, adding to the improvisational aura), the show is definitely kid-friendly, as most of the adult humor will whiz past them, like watching an episode of "The Simpsons."

As in most Piccolo plays, the invisible wall between actor and audience is often shattered, as actors occasionally involve audience members in the action. This is further amplified by the proximity of the stage, which extends less than a couple of feet from the first row of the audience. In this production, the wooden stage was constructed to take up half of the room's space, so it is nearly impossible not to feel involved in this exaggeratedly, intimate setting.

Elaborate costumes by Michelle Rossi, authentic leather-covered, carved wooden masks crafted by Mr. Fava, and a backdrop consisting of reproductions of the etchings of Jacques Callot are dazzling. Centuries-old Italian villages are reproduced with exquisite detail, adding to the spectacle.

A surreal moment almost occurred during a performance when an overzealous Ryan Musil tested the bounds of physical comedy. Flipping wildly over the mystical well, he almost literally brought the house (or at least the curtained backdrop) down. Fittingly, the show went on, and the moment became an apt homage to the impromptu and chaotic essence of the commedia dell'arte.

"Lust, Lies and Marriage" runs through May 10 at the Evanston Arts Depot, 600 Main St. in the Main Street METRA Station. For tickets call 847-424-0089.

Global Disasters, Local Writers

"Hurricanes: Witness to Disaster," 2007, National Geographic Children's Books
"Volcanoes: Witness to Disaster," 2007, National Geographic Children's Books
"Earthquakes: Witness to Disaster," 2008, National Geographic Children's Books

Reviews by Mary Mumbrue

Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes ...

Evanston residents Judy Fradin and Dennis Fradin have done it again. Authors of more than 150 books, and winners of many awards, the Fradins are able to respond to childrens' quest for knowledge by providing answers about different kinds of natural disaster. Their research is concise and filled with facts so riveting that each book is in itself a page-turner.

The National Geographic Data Center gave the Fradins access to dramatic photographs that support news reports and eyewitness accounts of individuals who survived the disasters.

Their research spans decades from the volcanic eruption in 1943 outside Paricutin, Mexico, to the 1964 earthquake which began in Anchorage and, in minutes, caused enormous damage across 50,000 square miles of the state. The Fradins cover Hurricane Katrina of August, 2005 as well, which first hit the Florida coast and then ripped through New Orleans, La. Katrina was more than 200 miles in diameter with winds up to 175 miles per hour.

These books enable the reader to enter the world of everyday people and scientists and learn through their experiences.

The pithy, well-researched histories of famous disasters and succinct explanatory accounts of how scientists continue to work diligently on more sophisticated methods of disaster prediction are fascinating to read.

The resources the Fradins have provided at the end of each book make these books invaluable tools for school-aged students.

Each book includes just what report-writers need: a glossary, bibliography, websites and suggestions further reading, as well as a list of the interviews by authors cited in this series. The authors have even included an e-mail address for readers to write to them with questions.

This series, published by National Geographic, is appropriate for school and home collections as each book draws both children and adults into searching for answers about these fearsome catastrophes of nature.

"Lust, Lies and Marriage" is a well-crafted, yet gloriously chaotic, commedia dell'arteexperience with elaborate costumes by Michelle Rossi and authentic leather-covered, carved wooden masks crafted by Mr. Fava.

Young Evanston

Herding Cats at Lincolnwood.

Music Director John Tanis staged a full-scale production of the musical "Cats" last week at Lincolnwood School. With a cast of 211 (every child who auditioned and adhered to the parent-teacher-student contract got a part), the show was sold out for its two scheduled performances, so the cats took to the stage once more on April 11. Mr. Tanis was able to procure the costumes from a leotard company and a T-shirt company; parents then tie-dyed them for the feline effect.

"The parent support was overwhelming," he said. Linda Harvey, who coordinated the parent volunteers, said once parents understood the scale of the production, they all pitched in to help. Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella, McCavity, Bustopher Jones, Skimbleshanks, the Rum Tum Tugger, the Old Gumbie Cat and Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer made it to Lincolnwood's version of the Jellicle Ball. Link to PDF with photos.

Teen Nights are Hopping at the Loft

Teens ages 13 through 18 are invited to attend Teen Nights, held monthly at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. More than 50 youths were in attendance for the first event held on March 7.

Another gaming extravaganza is planned for the next Teen Night, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 25. Teens will get snacks and a free bus ride home.

Throughout the next few months, different events will be planned for each Teen Night. Youths may offer suggestions for the events and obtain information by contacting Sol Anderson, 847-448-8049 or youth@cityofevanston.org; or Christie Chandler-Stahl, 847-448-8623 for dates and times. Information will also be posted on www.evanstonteens.com and eplteen.wordpress.com.

Teen Nights are co-sponsored by the Evanston Public Library Teen Services, the Evanston Youth Engagement Initiative and the Evanston Parks/Forestry and Recreation Department.

Citywide Activities

Encourage Turning Off The Television - For at Least a Week

As part of "TV Tune-Out Week," April 21-27, the Evanston Public Libraries, the Parks/Forestry and Recreation Department and School District 65 will offer numerous activities in order to encourage children and families to turn off their "idiot boxes."

Beginning a day early, at 2 p.m. on April 20 the Evanston Library Friends will present a performance of "Charlotte's Web" by American Eagle Productions at the Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. Each child must bring an adult, and each adult must bring at least one child. Admission is free.

The Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., will host free after-school activities for children aged 5 and older, with parents welcome. Indoor and outdoor activities will be offered 3:30 to 5 p.m. on April 21-22 and 24. For more details, call 847-448-8256.

On April 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., children are invited to drop in to the Main Library Children's Room for an "unplugged" Game Night. Kids can play with Library board games or bring the family's favorite.

North Branch, 2026 Central St., will presents a Pajama Storytime at 7 p.m. on April 21. Kids can bring a teddy bear and wear pj's for "Dream Time Stories," a family storytime.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on April 22, South Branch will present "Thomas the Tank Engine Night." Families are invited to hear the stories of Thomas, Percy, James and the rest of their friends while kids play with wooden trains and track. A short, train-themed storytime will be presented at 7 p.m.

April 24 is Game Night at South Branch, 949 Chicago Ave. From 6 to 8 p.m. preschoolers and school-age children can bring a favorite board game to play or simply enjoy the ones at the Library.

In addition, a free public skate with free skate rental will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on April 24, at the Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St. Because of space limitations, the public skating session is limited to the first 50 participants.

For more information about the free public skate, call 847-448-8258. For more information about TV Tune-Out Week at the Library, call the Main Library Children's Room at 847-448-8610, North Branch at 847-866-0330 or South Branch at 847-866-0333.