< PreviousEvanston is home to schools and ed- ucational institutions that meet the needs of learners of all ages and types. Education isn’t one-size-fits- all, and that is on full display in Evan- ston. In fact, students can find ev- erything from experiential learning opportunities to renowned academ- ics at world-class institutions – all in their own backyard. With so many schooling options it’s no wonder many families move here specifically for the educational opportunities. And, many proud alumni even choose to plant roots in the city and call Evanston home for long after graduation. COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 8 EDUCATION Chiaravalle Students Demonstrating Humanity S ervice learning is integral to Montessori education, em- powering students to create meaningful change in the world. At Chiaravalle, the student-initiated approach is exemplified by CKCKC (Chiaravalle Kids Conquer Kids Cancer), which began when a 6th grader organized a St. Baldrick’s event after a young student was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. For nearly a decade, three generations of CKCKC stu- dent-leaders have raised nearly $650,000 for childhood cancer research. Students, faculty, and parents contin- ue to shave heads and donate ponytails for this cause. Whether through major initiatives like CKCKC or simpler projects, each effort begins with students asking, “What can I do to help?” Tiffany Jorgensen Director of Enrollment tjorgensen@chiaravalle.org Chiaravalle Montessori 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 847.864.2190 www.chiaravalle.org9 EVCHAMBER.COM 16 months through Middle School www.chiaravalle.org EXPERIENCE MODERN MONTESSORI Connect toOpportunity 100+ company partnerships for internships, job placement and corporate training oakton.edu -RLQRXU&RPIRUW&OXE3/866HUYLFH 3URJUDPIRUDVOLWWOHDV 0RQWK xËéÙ©ËÄDŽÝĩŬ¾ÝûÝäÄÝÙÅ»Ýä©ä©¬ÙÄËÝäݬ¤Å¬£¬Åä ¬ÅôÝäÄÅäûËéÄ»ƣû¸Ë¬Å¬Å¤ä©ËÄ£ËÙä¾éS;fZÖÙˤÙÄûËéõ¬¾¾ Ù¬ôäõ¬ÅÅé¾)qZûÝäÄÅËÅÅÅé¾S¾éĬŤZûÝäÄ Ä¬ÅäÅÅƣ¾ËŤõ¬ä©Ä¬ÅäÅÅƤûËéÙ¾¬¤¬¾£ËÙÖÙ¬ËÙ¬äû ݩ龬ŤƤ¬ÝËéÅäÝƤÅÄËÙäË»ÖûËéÙ©ËÄDŽÝĩŬ¾ÝûÝäĬŠ¤ÙäÝ©Öƣ ¾¾ưaúäËÙô¬Ý¬äËéÙõݬä£ËÙÄËÙ䬾Ýƣ $$6HUYLFH&RFRP 7UXVWHG&RPIRUW6LQFH %RRN 2QOLQH 7H[WWR6FKHGXOH RUFDOOCOMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 10 S ituated in the heart of Evanston, Beacon Academy takes advantage of all that this small, progressive, and education-focused town has to offer. Our Experiential Program (XP) students participate in classes designed by Kellogg School of Management professors, our juniors and seniors intern with local businesses, our athletes train at facilities across the city, and our artists create in studios down the block. At Beacon, we embrace the real world around us just as we do the tight-knit community within the walls of our school. Families like to say we’re “low drama, high achievement”. Students call us “home”. Both of these sentiments can be attributed to our in- Real World Learning at Beacon Academy credible faculty and staff who foster an environ- ment of mutual commitment. Much like in col- lege, students and teachers at Beacon are “in it” together. They similarly view their exchanges - both in and out of the classroom - as learning that could one day change the world. As a result, our students emerge with a mature vision and voice. They are more than ready for college because Beacon paved the way, giving them growth opportunities in all aspects of their high school life. Beacon Academy is an independent high school that prepares students for higher-ed and beyond by helping them gain meaningful learning, real-world understanding, independence, and confidence. From the moment students arrive on campus they know they’re a part of something unique— a close-knit community, a personalized academic journey, and exceptional life and learning experiences. 1574 Sherman Ave | Evanston, IL beaconacademyil.org COLLEGE PREP REIMAGINED11 EVCHAMBER.COM -&&&KLFDJRLVDQRQSURƓWRUJDQL]DWLRQLQVSLUHGE\-HZLVKYDOXHVEULGJLQJWUDGLWLRQVDQGJHQHUDWLRQVWRFUHDWHDPRUHYLEUDQWFRQQHFWHGFRPPXQLW\ -&&&KLFDJRLVDSDUWQHUZLWKWKH-HZLVK8QLWHG)XQGLQVHUYLQJRXUFRPPXQLW\k-&&&KLFDJR(& = Growing Good Kids discovery-based learning outdoor curriculum connection & community Ages 6 weeks to 5 years jccchicagoearlychildhood.org JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Beth Emet | 1224 Dempster St., Evanston | 847.763.3571 C lassrooms are the first community and the unique out- door classroom space at JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Beth Emet Synagogue, located at 1224 Dempster St., is truly special and critical to their development. Educators find that when children are active in a new environment outside of their typical classrooms, they tend to be more en- gaged and motivated to learn. With a curriculum based on Reggio Emilia, a nature-based, child-centered approach to learning that relies heavily on the concept of outdoor classrooms, experiencing nature is critical to stimulating children’s imagination and curiosity, so the JCC has prioritized year-round outdoor learning for years now. “Research shows outdoor learning improves self-regula- tion, advances gross motor skill development, increases con- centration, and promotes self-confidence,” said JCC Chicago Chief Program Officer Anita Denes-Meador. “Therefore, a love of science and math is developed when students prac- tice counting real objects that they find, such as rocks, acorns, or leaves. Their learning and literacy are strengthened when the same skills and concepts are applied in new contexts.” JCC Chicago educators integrate this curriculum content into a combination of meaningful learning activities that ad- dress the unique needs of each child. In addition, our edu- cators use every learning experience as an opportunity for expressing and imparting Jewish values and traditions. The preschool day is filled with what we call “teachable mo- ments,” opportunities to tease out a fact, practice a skill, en- courage appreciation, or introduce a new word. Small classroom sizes and small teacher to student ratio ensures individualized attention and allows teachers to be- come a part of all student activities, working along with the children, often in small groups. Additionally, educators work with a full-time social worker to set individual social-emotional goals and achieve age-appropriate milestones, whether children are 6 weeks or 5 years old. Schedule a tour today at jccchicagoearlychildhood.org Outdoor Learning is Central to JCC Chicago CurriculumCOMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 12 PHOTO: LYNN RENEE PHOTOGRAPHY K ids live for summer and for decades, so has JCC Chicago’s Apachi Evanston Day Camp and Camp Chi overnight camp in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. Apachi Day Camp supports campers’ social emotional growth as they navigate relationships and form friendships, gain independence and build confidence. The hallmarks of an Apachi summer include discovering new interests, de- veloping new skills and making memories with friends. Add in rock climbing, sports, STEM, per- forming arts, special Shabbat Celebrations, Mac- cabi Games (camp-wide, team-based events), theme days and spirited song sessions and you’ve got the makings for one incredible summer. There is an Apachi Day Camp experience available for campers ages 3 years – 7 th grade + Counselors in Training (8 th -10 th grade). If an overnight camp experience is what you’re after, Camp Chi’s beautiful 600-acre campus is the perfect summer home. For over 100 years, Camp Chi has been unplugging 2 nd -11 th grade campers from their daily lives and connecting Unforgettable summer experiences filled with special memories, lasting friendships, discovery of new interests along with amazing camp traditions and activities. JCC CHICAGO’S them to life-changing moments while supporting their personal growth. With over 50 activities to choose from, campers can sail a boat, fly down a zip line, record an original song, jump in a pool, hit an archery bullseye and sing around a camp- fire all in one day. Whether you’re looking for a day or over- night camp experience for your child, JCC Chi- cago’s Apachi Evanston Day Camp and Camp Chi overnight camp, provide a place for them to experience epic fun, develop meaningful friend- ships, gain independence, discover new interests and thrive. To learn more or register for Apachi Day Camp or Camp Chi, visit apachi.org or campchi.org . Apachi Day Camp and Camp Chi Overnight Camp13 EVCHAMBER.COM JCC Chicago is a non-profit organization inspired by Jewish values, bridging traditions and generations to create a more vibrant, connected community. JCC Chicago is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. ©2024 JCC Chicago DC075Z 8/24 3 Years-7th Grade + CIT (Counselor in Training): 8th-10th Grade 8 Locations Across Chicago & North Suburbs REGISTER AT APACHI.ORG I ’ O U TDYCM 2N 10T GAD + ST S AF I TAI IN LCA ED N AK DLTN, W RGITE A CMPHI.OG MAKE IT A LIFE-CHANGING SUMMER "A visual and sonic gem." ~ The Chicago Tribune Take your event to the next level. NICHOLS CONCERT HALL Inquire now and book today! 1490 CHICAGO AVENUE • EVANSTON For many people, nothing is more important than their health and well- being. Thankfully, Evanston offers healthcare and wellness services tai- lored to meet wide-ranging needs. With options including everything from boutique centers with personal- ized treatments, to world-renowned experts at large hospitals, Evansto- nians can access the care they want without having to go far from home. COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 14 HEALTH & WELLNESS S helly Nigel (www.totalradianceskincare.com) is certified in facial reflexology, gua sha, facial lymphatic mas- sage, light therapy, reiki, and oncology esthetics. Shelly’s treatments benefit the skin as well as many other body systems supporting wellness. The products and meth- ods used are rooted in both science and ancient wisdom, are free of toxins and known carcinogens, and above all else deliver results. Shelly Nigel Delivers Total Radiance Myopulse Facial Rejuvenation and Non-Surgical Lift is a sophisticated system that gets feedback from your skin and underlying tissues and then induces micro-currents to repair skin tissue at the cellular level… energy medicine! ⚫ Treats wrinkles, puffy eyes, acne, scarring, broken capil- laries, aging sun-damaged skin. Lifts, tones and bright- ens the skin for a more youthful complexion. ⚫ Creates facial symmetry by evening out the facial irregu- larities one is born with or develops with age. ⚫ Increases blood circulation to the area, carrying more oxygen to surrounding tissues to speed the elimination of toxins, reduce/eliminate inflammation and promote healing. ⚫ Used clinically in the treatment of pain, depression, sleep disorders, and hypertension. ⚫ Not only will you look gorgeous after your treatment, ex- pect the bonus release of stress, complete relaxation, and an overall sense of well-being. Shelly Nigel LE, COE Chief Beautifier at Total Radiance by Shelly 312-933-2440 www.totalradianceskin- care.com totalradiance@icloud. com 711 Chicago Ave., Evan- ston, IL 60202 EVCHAMBER.COM 15 T he McGaw YMCA is more than just a gym; it’s a community dedicated to making Evan- ston stronger. When you get involved with the Y, you help nurture the potential of young peo- ple, encourage individuals of all ages to culti- vate healthier lives, and strengthen the roots of our community. From ensuring that kids receive high-quality education and nutritious meals through our early childhood and afterschool programs, to providing affordable housing and teaching people how to swim and more, the Y helps make it possible for our neighbors to ac- cess the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you join as a member, participate in a program, volunteer, donate, or a combination of these activities, the Y connects people to their potential, purpose, and each other, nurturing brighter futures for all. FIND YOUR COMMUNITY. At the McGaw YMCA, you’ll find more than just a gym. With opportunities to connect with neighbors and explore new interests, you’ll discover a community with countless opportunities to get moving and experience the joy of better health. Find Your Y. FIND YOUR Y TODAY AT mcgawymca.org 847-475-7400COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 16 BUSINESS F rom quirky boutiques to home-based companies, Evanston is home to thousands of diverse organizations. Each year, new enterprises open in the city, adding to the community’s array of businesses that truly make Evanston, Evanston. From solo-preneur ventures to large-scale cor- porations, all business types have been welcomed into the fold in Evanston. Evanston prides itself on being “more than a suburb,” and its businesses are indicative of exactly that. Residents and visitors alike can find the shops, restaurants, professional services, nonprofits and more to meet their every need and taste. In fact, Evanston has ten business districts, each offering its own flavor of fun activities, delicious bites, exciting en- tertainment and can’t-miss shopping. Evanston’s business districts include: ⚫Ashland Arts: repurposed warehouses are now home to can’t-miss restaurants, breweries, studios and more. ⚫Central Street: independent bakeries, ice cream parlors and coffee shops are neighbors to museums and athletic offerings – something for everyone! ⚫Church & Dodge: culturally rich, and home to many icon- ic, Black-owned businesses. ⚫Downtown Evanston: in the heart of Evanston, featuring shopping, arts and noteworthy landmarks. ⚫Howard Street: connecting Evanston and Chicago, and offering a dynamic array of international cuisine. ⚫Main-Dempster Mile: walkable and retail-packed with many eclectic galleries, boutiques and eateries. ⚫Maple Foster: easily accessible for students, residents and visitors alike, and the perfect place to explore sever- al small businesses. ⚫Noyes: close to Northwestern University with highlights including several long-standing eateries. ⚫West End: historically a manufacturing district, this area also offers opportunities to eat, drink, shop and enjoy. ⚫West Village: a hot spot for arts, wellness, studios and ar- tisanal shops.17 EVCHAMBER.COM Wills,Trusts,PowersofAttorney 1603OrringtonAvenue,EvanstonIL60201 847.884.8400|www.pestingerlaw.com $ÙËõûËéÙéݬÅÝÝƣ 鬾ûËéÙËÄÄéŬäûƣ rrrƣZfBZ),BBaVSV,ZZƣHA SÙËéÝéÖÖËÙä٠ţéäéÙäÅÅäË£ ĕĖƴr9SVH$VAZ,BqBZaHBZaVa ZSV,B$ƹÅË£#ÙéÙûƺǑ#;;ƹÅË£é¤éÝäƺ Ĭ¾ƥÙÙé¬äÄÅäǐÝéÅÝ©¬ÅÅäÙÖÙ¬ÝÝƣËÄ aŶŊŬΈ|ƹƝΈqŶƝƱŅƥŊĝĤ ŶŪŪƹŬŊƱǜΈ ƹƥŊŬĤƥƥΈĖùĝĤŪǜ 45"35 )&3& A s a local real estate broker, I strive to make a mean- ingful impact in our community, focusing not only on real estate but also on financial literacy for our youth. This April, in honor of Financial Literacy Month, I will be host- ing workshops for children aged 5-11 and teens aged 12-18. These workshops will help them grasp essential concepts such as understanding the difference between a want and a need, learning how to save, managing debt, and creat- ing a budget plan. By preparing our kids to navigate mon- ey management from an early age, we are providing them with priceless life skills that will guide them into adulthood. In addition to my work with financial literacy, I lead a homeless outreach team that meets every third Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Fulton Grace, 812 Davis St. Our “Friends on the Street” initiative offers food and support to Chicago’s homeless community, and we are always looking for volunteers to join us. How can you help? You can volunteer your time by reg- istering on Eventbrite, donate to our drop-off locations, or purchase much-needed items from our Amazon Wish List to support our homeless outreach efforts. Together, we can empower our youth with financial knowledge and extend a helping hand to those who need it most. Join me in making a difference! Financial Literacy Events for Kids 5-11 & Teens 12-18 Years Old Laetizia Andrade Real Estate AdvisorNext >