Thinking about: Leadership curriculum for Evanston environmental equity

Winter beach scene on Lake Michigan. Snow and solitary figure walking.

February 15, 2026 ~ Jeff Merrell

At the upcoming April 2026 meeting of Environmental Justice Evanston I am due to propose a curriculum for leadership development. The desired outcome is to increase the number of people who can lead environmental equity efforts in Evanston. This need comes together for a couple of reasons. The Evanston environmental justice movement has matured in … Continue reading Thinking about: Leadership curriculum for Evanston environmental equity

Happiness

View of boats, water and sky in Boothbay, Maine.

September 21, 2025February 5, 2026 ~ Jeff Merrell ~ 1 Comment

I just returned from a 10 day trip, with my wife Jamie, along the coast of Maine. Our first visit to the state. In the final days of our stay I remarked that every Mainer we encountered just seemed so...nice. "I think they're just happy," Jamie said. And that was it. Folks just seemed happy. … Continue reading Happiness

Celebrating global connections this July 4th holiday

Saxophone, trombone, drums and guitar jazz musicians playing at a street fair

July 6, 2025February 5, 2026 ~ Jeff Merrell ~ 3 Comments

It's the 4th of July here in the U.S. We gather with family and friends to celebrate and attend events that show off our patriotism. Yes to the family and friends gatherings (my kids and grandkids are still in town with us, and it's been a joy). Not feeling the patriotism, as the current administration, … Continue reading Celebrating global connections this July 4th holiday

Update: Stories from 100 Evanston Stories

April 13, 2025February 5, 2026 ~ Jeff Merrell

Today I am sharing the first six stories I've received. I hope these first six lead others to share similar moments, which I know most all of us in the community experience. Finding others who remind us we are not alone in our thinking or actions. Recognizing the care we actually have for each other. … Continue reading Update: Stories from 100 Evanston Stories

My Hands Off! moment for 100 Evanston stories – navigating through Trumpism

April 6, 2025February 5, 2026 ~ Jeff Merrell

I did not plan to write this story/post. But the moment filled my heart, and head. I'm using the question prompts from the 100 Evanston Stories Project - Navigating Though Trumpism to tell the story and what it means to me: How deeply you feel community when it is visible. I wrote more than is … Continue reading My Hands Off! moment for 100 Evanston stories – navigating through Trumpism