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Hello North Shore! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Police station relocation, an art exhibit with Chris Froeter and Gabi Bozeman, and s’mores on the square + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

What residents need to know: Wilmette Police Station is temporarily relocating to 3220 Big Tree Lane during construction, keeping 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours and phone numbers unchanged, with work expected to continue through 2027 — see hours and location info.

Striking contrasts, fresh perspectives: Bridge at 909 fills Evanston City Hall’s lobby with Chris Froeter’s portraits and Gabi Bozeman’s colorful canvases. Part of the Voices series, the exhibit is on view through March — get all the details.

City grants boost expansion: Amy Morton’s The Barn Steakhouse has opened its second North Shore spot in downtown Highland Park, seating about 80 with a cozy neighborhood feel, and a 25-seat speakeasy expected soon — see funding and menu details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Discover skincare trends with personalized samples
• Experience free jazz with Standard Mix Quartet
• Splash into St. Patrick’s Day fun
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Small plates, big mood: Craving a midweek lift? Tapas Barcelona hits the share-and-graze sweet spot with garlicky gambas, crisp patatas bravas, and baked goat cheese you promise to split… then don’t. Lively without the din, it’s ideal for easy catch-ups and weeknight wins that feel effortless.

Fresh-air fix, unlocked: Winter grime got your bike sulking? At The Pony Shop, decades of know-how, fast turnarounds, and a friendly crew get it rolling right. Expect straight advice, the right parts, and smart tunes… just in time for those lakefront miles to start calling.

Small-town screens, big heart: Ditch the megaplex and cozy up at The Wilmette Theatre, a century-old nonprofit with a snug Living Room screen, indie gems, and weeknight music or comedy. It’s neighborhood culture on tap… the perfect midweek escape that still feels like home.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

⛸ Spring Skating Exhibition @ Centennial Ice Arena | Friday (3/6) at 5:00 PM – Centennial’s Spring Skating Exhibition is gliding in with Learn to Skate champs showing what they’ve been drilling all season. It’s free to watch, so bring coffee, polite claps, and warm socks. Skaters pay $35 to participate, questions to Deb at [email protected].

🎨 Love of Animals Art Show & Sale @ Evanston Animal Shelter | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – An art show at the Evanston Animal Shelter, benefiting the critters and your bare walls. Expect local artists celebrating the beauty and unconditional love of our four-legged BFFs, with arfwork and puppy eyes that pair well with a purchase. Bring your heart, and a tote.

🔥 S’mores on the Square @ Fountain Square | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Patio weather can wait, we’re doing campfire vibes at Fountain Square instead, with open fire pits and free s’mores kits, one per person. Toast, chat, act like a marshmallow sommelier, and bring extra fixings if you’re ambitious. Register ahead, and snag Wayfair tent giveaways.

🎷 The Standard Mix Quartet @ AKAR Auditorium | Tuesday (3/10) at 7:00 PM – Skip the couch and catch The Standard Mix Quartet at the AKAR Auditorium, where Donovan’s Garage keeps gifting Evanston Chicago jazz for free. Expect sharp takes on standards, fresh originals, and players you can brag about later. Bring the family, toss a donation, leave smugly cultured.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 North Shore report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 47°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 16%

A slight chance of rain showers after 3pm. Partly sunny. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. East wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of rain showers before midnight, then rain showers likely and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 39. East northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 73%

Rain showers likely and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 48. North northeast wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Iconic Thomas Eddy Tallmadge architecture, reimagined by Paul Konstant, shines in a park-like Hubbard Woods setting steps to shops, dining, and the train. Four levels highlight a chef’s kitchen with dual SubZeros, double dishwashers, double and steam ovens, plus terraces off elegant living spaces. A media level with bar and sauna, three-car garage, and fireplace suite stand out.

Take a peek inside →