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🌱 Patch AM: What’s behind the closing of Evanston’s iconic Guitar Works shop?

Coming up on the Evanston Patch calendar: Digital Marketing Strategy Information Session

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Hi Evanston! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What's behind the closing of Evanston's iconic Guitar Works shop?
  • Why Saint Francis nurses say unionizing is now critical for Evanston patients
  • How an Evanston family foundation is quietly reshaping local schools and nonprofits

Also on today's calendar: Digital Marketing Strategy Information Session and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 92 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Hot; breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 92, low: 75.
  • Thursday: Sunny intervals, a t-storm, with a high of 86 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Guitar Works, longtime fixture in Evanston, closing after nearly 50 years in business (abc7chicago.com) — A beloved Main Street institution in Evanston, Guitar Works, is closing after nearly 50 years of selling, repairing, and nurturing guitars for everyone from beginners to pros. Owner Terry Straker cites online shopping and rising tariffs on entry-level instruments as key pressures, while loyal customers and fellow merchants brace for the loss of a familiar neighborhood hub.
   

2. St. Francis nurses describe surveillance, cut hours (evanstonnow.com) — Nurses at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston have petitioned to unionize, alleging surveillance, cut hours and other retaliation since filing with federal labor officials. Hospital management denies wrongdoing and criticizes the union, while Mayor Daniel Biss publicly backs nurses' organizing rights, saying intimidation has no place in Evanston and that safe staffing and resources are central concerns.
   

3. Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation (insidephilanthropy.com) — An Evanston-based family foundation is quietly channeling millions into local education, youth programs, and civic and racial justice work, with especially large recent grants to ETHS-related foundations and McGaw YMCA. While it doesn't accept unsolicited proposals, its deep ties across Evanston and Chicago nonprofits mean local organizations connected through existing networks may benefit from its growing, relationship-driven giving.
   

4. End notes for The Miracle Workers: Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy in Evanston (evanstonroundtable.com) — These end notes trace Helen Keller's early 1900s lecture visits to Evanston, drawing on local newspapers like the Evanston Daily News and Evanston Index. They highlight how often she spoke here, who hosted her, and how strongly Evanston audiences responded, offering rich context for residents interested in the city's cultural history.
   

5. The 10 Best Colleges In Illinois, According To New 2027 Ranking (patch.com) — A new Niche ranking puts Northwestern University in Evanston among the top colleges in Illinois, just behind the University of Chicago on the statewide list. The report highlights Northwestern's national strength in communications and public health while comparing Illinois schools on academics, value, campus life, and new measures like student wellness and "future readiness."
   

📸 Around Evanston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Low Sparks Kit Golfers To Sizzling Start —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • "All at Once" The Seldoms with Tim Daisy —Caroline Adamson Read on Patch
  • Gant Rallies Wildkits With Late TD Strike —Dennis Mahoney Read on Patch
  • My dentist has a periodontist that comes to her office twice a month, and maybe three years ago, he examined my gums, and told me I needed $7,000 worth of dental work.
    I told him I did not have that much money, and I would go to the UIC dental school to have it done. He told me I did not want to do that because I… (Nextdoor Downtown Evanston)
  • Does anyone know someone who makes homemade tamales and sells them?
    I used to have a few go-to spots, but with everything going on this year, I can't find them around anymore, even after checking at different times… (Nextdoor Downtown Evanston)
  • Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Evanston. Apply here.
  • The Home Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Cashier in Evanston. 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: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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