Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: New Backlot Coffee planned by Penny Park—see what’s coming there.

Be sure to catch Farm Picnic Concert with The Sullivan Sisters on the Evanston Patch calendar

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Thursday October 8th Patch AM
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Good morning Evanston! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

🎃 Hosting a Halloween event in Evanston? Let Patch get the word out for you. Post it to the Patch calendar.

In today's newsletter:

  • New Backlot Coffee planned by Penny Park—see what's coming there.
  • Evanston picked to test a new local social network—want in early?
  • Who's really vying to become Evanston's next mayor in 2027?

Also on today's calendar: Farm Picnic Concert with The Sullivan Sisters and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 69 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Clouds and sun, temps: high: 68, low: 59.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 76 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Backlot Coffee to open second Evanston shop (evanstonnow.com) — A new Backlot Coffee location is planned for 1424 Lake Street, across from Penny Park in Evanston's 4th Ward, filling the former Bucephalus Bikes space. Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma says details like opening timeline aren't set yet, but the shop would bring another walkable coffee option to this largely residential area.
   

2. Social network from CPM to launch here (evanstonnow.com) — Evanston has been chosen as one of the first communities to pilot Chicago Public Media's new social network, Chicago.com, designed to support local information and civic conversation. An Evanston resident will serve as community steward, and locals can already join a waitlist ahead of the October 12 launch to help shape how neighbors connect online.
   

3. Race to Replace: A rundown of special mayoral election candidates (dailynorthwestern.com) — Evanston residents are getting a crowded field for the 2027 special mayoral election triggered by Mayor Daniel Biss's resignation to run for Congress. A new Daily Northwestern podcast episode walks through why the election is happening, key dates for primaries and the general, and what each major candidate is emphasizing on issues like development, affordability and city governance.
   

4. Danny Orrock and Natika Washington announce D65 Board (dailynorthwestern.com) — Two more candidates, lawyer-parent Danny Orrock and entrepreneur-educator Natika Washington, have joined the race for three Evanston/Skokie District 65 school board seats, which oversee local elementary schools. With major budget cuts looming and past school closures still stinging, they're pitching their experience as parents and professionals while the field of incumbents and challengers continues to take shape for the April 2027 election.
   

5. Digital Diaries: Students get ready for the fall season (dailynorthwestern.com) — Northwestern students in Evanston are leaning into fall by walking the Lakefill, planning apple-picking trips, and sampling seasonal drinks at local coffee shops. Several say they're excited to try pumpkin spice and chai lattes around town and compare which Evanston spots serve the best cozy-weather beverages and vibes.
   

📸 Around Evanston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Evanston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Wildkit Girls Claim Third Straight Regional Title —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • Before "Shop Local," John Adamson Built His Life Around It —Caroline Adamson Read on Patch
  • Kit Girls Shake Off Rust In Regional Romp —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • Low Wins Sectional, But Won't Defend State Title —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • These pictures & video don't really do it justice..
    I encourage you to see it in person! Half moon, moonrise...stars everywhere. Greenwood street beach..10/2/26, 10:22pm-10:39pm (Nextdoor Robert Crown)
  • Here's a new one...
    I have a Murphy bed that is in a wood casing (looks like an armoire) that is attached (I'm not sure how) to a wall in my living room. I want to have… (Nextdoor South Evanston)
  • Crescent posted a job opening for FT Banquet Server in Evanston. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Skokie. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Evanston here.

Ok Evanston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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