The 6th Annual Holiday Book

“I OFTEN THINK OF THE WISE WORDS OF MY DEAR FRIEND, LABOR LEADER, AND LA MERA MERA, DOLORES HUERTA. SHE SAID, ‘WE AS WOMEN SHOULD SHINE A LIGHT ON OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND NOT FEEL EGOTISTICAL WHEN WE DO. IT'S A WAY TO LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT WE AS WOMEN CAN ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS!’ I AGREE THAT WE MUST LET IT BE KNOWN WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF. AND ONE MORE THING FROM DOLORES: WE AS LATINAS MUST NEVER FORGET, ‘SÍ SE PUEDE!’

SUSANA A. MENDOZA

Merry Christmas

This is my favorite time of the year. The time when friends and family gather together to celebrate the holidays. As loved ones are remembered, and memories are created, the winter chimes in the season of lights, sweets, and gifts This is the time to relax, rejuvenate, and embrace the sweetness of the holidays.

Start your holiday shopping with exciting ideas by visiting the local stores highlighted in our 6th Annual Holiday Book See an array of gift ideas for the special people in your life Ladies, circle away and share your holiday wish list with your special person this year!

Thank you to all the small businesses

who made it possible to put together this holiday guide JUST FOR YOU!

As we come to a year of closing, Evanston Woman celebrates six years This past Fall, Evanston Women grew, which took our organization in a new direction. In 2023, Evanston Woman will share the path we are moving towards to achieve the mission we set out six years ago, supporting small businesses Thank you to everyone dedicated and committed to diversity in working with a minority women-owned business. Welcome, High Touch Shop to Evanston! We are so excited to have you.

Happy Holidays!

Del Bosque, Editor in Chief

We hope your holidays are filled with laughter & love.

Linda

Events

This year, our community came together to celebrate health and wellness. Many organizations that provide a service for healthy living contributed their services to community members From Evanston to Northbrook, locals learned about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The expo services both in English and Spanish and provided ADA access for all ages

In the January/February coming out January 15th, the expo opens up to all our readers as the issues will carry a theme that surrounds everything about health: lifestyle, services, education center, mental and wellness. This is the second year this expo has been hosted. Next year ' s expo will be announced soon.

DeSalvo's Pizza 1945 Central St, Evanston, IL IG: desalvospizza

PIZZA HEAVEN

DeSalvo’s, on Central Street in Evanston, offers something different for pizza lovers and fans in the area. The style of Pizza served at DeSalvo’s is similar to east coast pizza, each slice is sizable and has a charred crispy thin crust.

The ingredients, including the cheeses, and vegetables are extremely high quality. Fresh pizza is served by the slice at the storefront, and whole pizzas made to order are available as well. The standard pepperoni and cheese slices on the menu are delicious, but if you prefer to go outside of your comfort zone you need to order The Racoon pizza Stacked with sausage, pepperoni, goat cheese, caramelized onions, and pickled peppers, and drizzled with hot honey The concept of a family owned and operated pizza shop, tied together so nicely placing passion and customer service in each slice "We are passionate about building community and we want to serve you great food in a warm and inviting space " If you ordering for the family during the holiday, think about DeSalvo's pizza, or even if you are on the run, stop in and grab a slice to go! DeSalvo's serves pizza by the slice and offers a daily selection of items only available in house. Offering everyone a variety of gluten free and vegan options.

By 2031, the rebuild of Ryan Field on Northwestern’s campus will generate nearly $1 2 billion for the Evanston community, according to a newly released independent economic impact study. This includes $659 9 million in economic impact to the City of Evanston during the construction process alone

The new Ryan Field will be funded entirely with private dollars, requiring no taxpayer dollars.

The study identified other key long term benefits of the rebuild, including:

The total economic impact of football and gameday visitors at Ryan Field on the City of Evanston will grow from $43 7 million annually to $52.2 million per year by 2031.

In addition to income from six or seven football games per year, the analysis is based on the assumption of 10 to 12 concerts per year and a small number of other ticketed, amateur events. These will contribute $36 1 million in new annual economic benefits to Evanston by 2031

Direct tax revenue to the City will grow to $5 million annually by 2031 compared to current tax revenue of $1 4 million per year These figures are in addition to indirect taxes generated through local spending (restaurants, retail, hotels, shopping) drawn from stadium based events.

The rebuild will create nearly 3,000 jobs in the region, including a target of 35% dedicated to minority owned and women owned businesses, with priority given to businesses and individuals located in Evanston

By Northwestern University

The results of the study were shared on Nov 17 at the 7th Ward Community Meeting led by Evanston Councilmember Eleanor Revelle. Northwestern leaders have been meeting regularly with the community since the stadium rebuild project was announced

Community input has driven a number of the design elements for the stadium, including a smaller capacity (12,000 fewer seats), a state of the art canopy to address noise and light, an underground loading and service dock, outdoor community plazas offering new gathering places and extensive landscaping buffers around the perimeter.

The University retained Tripp Umbach, an independent national consulting firm, to quantify the economic impacts of the upgraded stadium and benefits to Evanstonians during construction and when in operation The firm examined the capital expenditures needed to complete the project, expected revenue generated from stadium operations for collegiate athletics, and commensurate visitor spending, and also explored the opportunities associated with hosting special events at the rebuilt stadium, including a limited number of concerts

The report states that the approach taken in the financial analysis was “purposely conservative” and utilized Impact Analysis for Planning data and software in combination with regional specific Social Accounting Matrices and Multiplier Models.

As part of the review, Tripp Umbach also conducted a number of listening sessions to understand the community’s ideas, expectations and concerns with the project.

City Officials with Northwestern Leadership

“Northwestern greatly values our relationship with all of our neighbors and sees this amazing, privately funded project as a big win for everyone, ” said Dave Davis, executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations for Northwestern “We will finally have a state of the art venue more befitting of Northwestern’s Big Ten status for athletes and fans alike, and the City of Evanston will receive a beautiful community asset along with an enormous economic boost through increased direct and indirect tax revenues, job creation and local partnership opportunities ”

“Our numbers show that rebuilding the stadium provides powerful possibilities that greatly enhance an already vibrant, thriving community,” said Paul Umbach, founder, and president of Tripp Umbach, who led the study. “Our study shows that the stadium will bring significant tax revenue to Evanston from visitors to the community, thereby allowing the City to invest in civic improvements, public safety, and quality of life.”

The multi year stadium rebuild stems from a transformative gift from the Patrick G ’59, ’09 H and Shirley W. Ryan ’61, ’19 H (’97, ’00 P) Family to accelerate breakthroughs in biomedical, economic and business research and help redevelop and modernize Northwestern’s iconic football stadium, improving deficiencies in the old stadium and bringing it into the 21st century.

TRAILBLAZER

SusanaA.Mendoza

It could be said that the Comptroller of Illinois, Susana A Mendoza, has the third hardest job of any comptroller in the whole country The State of Illinois owes the third largest amount of debt and has the highest debt ratio when compared to its 49 counterparts Susana Mendoza was elected State Comptroller in 2016, to many it likely seemed that the fiscal problems she had to soon solve, as well as the debt she was tasked with balancing, were just two of many insurmountable obstacles she would face Those who knew Susana personally and politically knew she more than anyone possessed the knowledge, intelligence, and discernment required to yield success as Comptroller The Comptroller is charged with maintaining the State's fiscal accounts On the surface, that description reads the position as a dry, boring, paperwork filled job But Susana and her team know it is anything but The Comptroller, being the one in charge of the state's payments to fund social services and essential subsidized programs, which our state's most vulnerable depend on, has a crucial duty That is just one aspect of the multi layered, often difficult job Susana Mendoza has excelled at After all, she is the first independently elected Latina official to state office.

The Mount Everest of Illinois' unpaid bills has been reduced 75 percent from 16.7 billion to 4 billion under Mendoza's leadership, never drawing from federal stimulus funds to accomplish this. Mendoza, an elected Democrat, does not plan the budget; however, she does execute those plans which are made and approved by the Illinois House of Representatives and Governor. Inevitably requiring her to work closely with politicians “ on both sides of the aisle” as American political jargon would have us politely say, something Mendoza is very good at.

notoriously made Mendoza’s job more difficult than it already was. From bolstered public attacks on Mendoza’s decisions to never meeting with her face to face, ease and bi partisanship were not something facilitated for Mendoza during her first years as Comptroller Despite this, Mendoza pushed for transparency and honesty Susanna was integral to the passing of an extraordinary Debt Transparency act Today under the Pritzker Administration, Mendoza continues to make history daily, as State Comptroller If we listed every single one of her accomplishments during her political career so far, a few other articles would actually need to be omitted from this edition

Mendoza's story of successes and great strides forward does not begin and end in the State Comptroller's office In 2001 at just 28, she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives where she served until 2011 Mendoza is not only one of the youngest State Representatives ever elected, but she is also the first woman to be elected City Clerk in the City of Chicago

“As Latinas, we are just getting started making a bigger name for ourselves in the public eye. This representation is so important. We are a huge part of what makes our state and country great – we know how to work hard, and our success means success for all people, especially those who are too often unheard.”

Former Illinois Governor and staunch Republican, Bruce Rauner,

It would be a natural conclusion that obviously Susana Mendoza grew up wanting to be a politician In reality, when she was seven she exclaimed to her father that she wanted to be an NFL player when she grew up By age 16 Susana was an All State high school soccer star in Bolingbrook, but that did not come without trial and tribulation either, when she entered high school as a freshman there wasn't even a girl's soccer team Thanks to her advocacy for women in sports and athletic tenacity, by the end of Susana’s high school tenure she was the just 10th person to make her high school's athletic Hall of Fame wall That absolutely speaks to Mendoza's incredible attitude and talent

Originally, The Mendoza’s moved from Little Village to the suburb of Bolingbrook to escape gang violence and to give their children the best opportunities possible Through college Susana excelled both in soccer and her studies, eventually moving back to Little Village with her family upon graduation in ‘94 In the same neighborhood that had ousted the Mendoza’s years earlier, Susana's calling found her A grammatically incorrect polemic striking at then Democratic Representative Rafael “Ray” Frias written in Spanish, had been distributed, to which Susana was dismayed

How could a publicly elected official serve a largely Spanish speaking enclave well if they couldn't even send out a grammatically correct flier? That same day, taking her father's half joke of advice to heart, she contacted Frias and he agreed to let her write a rebuttal for the upcoming election, which he then won Susana would soon find long term political mentorship out of this chance meeting, Frias was the one who encouraged her to keep trying after she lost her first election Unfortunately soon after her very first meeting with Frias, Mr Mendoza passed, and her role changed drastically as a daughter and sister Later Susana Mendoza would take a role as Friar's Press Secretary juggling media affairs throughout his tussle with Federal corruption charges that he was acquitted of promptly It’s important to recognize that for two decades as State Representative, Chicago City Clerk, and now State Comptroller, Susana Mendoza has navigated a muddy, unfair, sometimes corrupt state political system that is also overwhelmingly white and male The percentage of elected positions held by Latinas are fractions of a fraction, the numbers are so small that even finding research or literature about the subject takes hours of milling through google pages to acquire any kind of real assemblance But just like the yearly budget, Mendoza knows how to balance it all

“Eversincemyfirststepintothepublic officeIhavebeenblazingtrails From beingtheyoungestlegislatorinthe92nd IllinoisGeneralAssemblytothefirst womantoserveasCityClerkofChicago tothefirstLatinaindependentlyelected tostatewideoffice therehavebeen glassceilingstobreakateverystep.I’m proudofoftenbeingthefirstinthe positionsI’min,butIwanttomakesure I’mnowherenearthelast.”

DAVE'S ROCK SHOP & HIGH-TOUCH SHOP

u can find an array of gems, stones, and ecious stones for that special person on your . Dave's Rock Shop has something for eryone on your list. While you are there, tour eir museum of quality fossils, rocks, and nerals from all over the world, Native merican art, and purchase a unique gift this ason.

David's Rock Shop 711 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202

IG: davesdowntoearthrockshop davidsrockshop.com

Where functional meets beauty, High Touch Shop is a new small women owned business that has opened its doors to the community to experience fine handmade ceramic decor. Each piece is handmade detailing years of tradition. These ones of a kind tableware can be used for both serving and decorating. It's the perfect gift for the person who has everything.

High Touch Shop 1511 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60202

IG: hightouch_shop davidsrockshop.com

ALCOVE EVANSTON & FOUR FINCHES

combing excellance with sophistication

alcove evanston is known for its outstanding service, quality of menu options, and wine list Locally sourced, grown, and serviced, Chef Elio Romero curates each item meeting the pallet for foodies from all corners of the world.alcove evanston is the perfect holiday venue for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Make your reservation today on OpenTable. alcove evanston 1624 Maple Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 IG: alcoveevanston alcoveevanston.com

Four Finches carries luxury flowers that are simply gorgeous. Covering floral, events, and gifts, you are able to have each occasion taken care of within minutes. Walk through the store today, and order your holiday arrangement or flowers for an upcoming holiday or special occasion.

Four Finches Flowers and Gifts 2016 Central St. Evanston, Il. 60201 IG: fourfinches fourfinches.com

RETRO-FIT EVANSTON & BOTANICACBD

from retro to rejuvenate, we have you covered.

One of the hottest trends in fashion is wearing sustainable clothing. What happens when you pull in a fun, hip, fashionista to recycle clothing? You get Retro Fit Evanston. You can shop not only her work but many local artists saving our enviroment with fashion.

Retro Fit 1620 Greenleaf, Evanston, IL 60202

IG: retrofit evanston retrofitlife.com/shop

It's the small things that count Give the gift to relax in soaking salts that are a great way to end a hectic day They smell absolutely heavenly with Bergamot and Lavender and are the most gorgeous pale shimmering pink crystals And toss in some Gummies!

Botanica CBD has a wonderful daytime treat to calm anyone's stress away From all variables of oils, lotions, and more Treat yourself too, as you find the perfect gift for you or your loved one

Botanica CBD 11306 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

IG: botanica cbd botanica cbd.com

HUBBAHUBBA IN WILMETTE

ugh Hubba-Hubba you can garment to purchase because it time. Besides the quality of the talk about the savvy slay wear un and excitement. Every d love something from Hubbaear. You can't go wrong, as each ith many items one may have ction of garments. Hubbas everything a gal can ask for. to hip, Hubba -Hubba has your overed. The best thing is that up stocking stuffers: uxury trends, and sumptuous over 30 years, Hubba Hubba is he North Shore, serving of women and their daughters. friendly, loving, and caring . Women have fun and share a munity all in one store.

COTTAGE JEWELRY

Beyond extraordinary, Cottage Jewelry has been serving families for many many years. Providing generations with quality pieces to enjoy for years, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Cottage Jewelry is a primary store that creates the landscape of Evanston. Known for its fine craftmanship, detail to customer needs, and exceptional service. Stop by and see what treasure holds for your loved one this holiday season. You can sell your jewelry, customize it, and give the gift of beauty this year.

GRACIE'S

Quality

fashionable peices to wear from work to after five.

Explore a fashionable lifestyle collection of premium brands and apparel for women. Carrying brands such as the denim JAG jeans, bringing comfort to women every day.

It's "that" store you are able to rely on to house fashionable looks. From the home office, out with the family/gals, to after five looks. Accessories, shoes, handbags, and more. A wide array of cultural elements Gracie's displays season to season, allowing women to purchase timeless pieces.

If you have several women on your list, Gracie's is a great place to save time, making you hit family members for covering each of your loved ones all under one fashionable store.

GRACIE'S 1936 CENTRAL STREET, EVANSTON, IL 60202 IG: SHOPGRACIES SHOPGRACIES.COM

Haute Couture, Luxury Fashion, Ready to wear Fashion, Economy Fashion, and Fast Fashion.

Scene

MUST EXPERIENCE

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! All Aboard the 2022 Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus Customers can board the Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet, and celebrate the season throughout the city.

The wait is over! The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Santa are pleased to announce one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions is back! The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will soon be rolling through neighborhoods, spreading cheer to CTA customers of all ages

Allstate CTA Holiday Train details

The Allstate CTA Holiday Train begins dashing through the snow and all other weather next Friday, November 25, the day after Thanksgiving Serving all eight rail lines, when the Allstate CTA Holiday Train pulls into stations, riders can expect the spectacle of a six car train, decorated with holiday scenes, countless sparkling lights, and festive LED signs Santa and his reindeer will, once again, ride along outside the train, traveling from rail line to rail line to greet children and families Customers looking to catch a ride or picture can follow the Allstate CTA Holiday Train via CTA Train Tracker at: transitchicago com/traintracker Look for the candy cane icon to find the Holiday Train and when it might be getting close to your neighborhood station

Allstate CTA Holiday Bus details

Beginning Tuesday, November 29, the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will begin winding its way throughout Chicago neighborhoods traveling 16 routes this year On the exterior of the bus, customers will see “Ralphie the Reindeer” outlined in festive lights Inside the bus, visitors will find a miniature village, lights and holiday themed seating Best of all, the bus includes Mr Claus, in his sleigh, on a rooftop, ready to deliver toys!

Fans also can see where to hop aboard the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus by tracking its location at: transitchicago com/holidaybustracker

Scene

MUST SEE!

“Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and of course the perennial holiday favorite, “White Christmas ” Irving Berlin’s White Christmas follows World War II veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who have a successful song and dance act They follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to a Christmas stage show and end up at the Vermont inn owned by their former army commander, General Waverly When Bob and Phil discover the General’s inn has fallen on hard times, they decide to put on a big show to draw in business But will romance and misunderstandings stop the performance? You're invited to come to find out!

By popular demand, Disney’s The Lion King will return to Chicago for the fifth time since 2003, having played over 68 weeks over its previous four engagements. The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers. Having already played in more than 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Chicago. This 9 week engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre begins November 17, 2022, and plays through January 14, 2023.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin, nd Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Paris; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; on tour across North America, Japan, and the U K & Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally, for a total of ten productions running concurrently across the globe Having played over 100 cities in 21 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history

SHOW TIMES & TICKET INFORMATION

Based on the heartwarming classic film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a holiday favorite for the whole family With a sparkling new book by David Ives and Paul Blake, the musical delight features such classic Berlin songs broadwayinchicago.com