The holiday spirit was in full swing at the Hill Arboretum Apartments, 2040 Brown St., when residents gathered Dec. 7 to celebrate the season. Hosted by two Evanston nonprofits, Black Women of Evanston and FirstRepair, the semiformal event included a buffet dinner, photo booth, holiday crafts, games, prizes and musical entertainment provided by DJ JT Nance.
The Hill Arboretum Apartments facility was once home to Community Hospital, where Evanston’s Black residents received medical care. It was converted in 1991 to a single level apartment building by Over the Rainbow Association, a nonprofit that offers affordable, accessible housing and support services for adults with physical disabilities across Illinois.
Preparations for the event were underway long before the 3 p.m. start time. Volunteers transformed the building’s recreation room into a festive display of holiday cheer. Elegant table settings with seasonal decor created an inviting space for party guests to socialize and enjoy delicious food. The snow-covered landscape outside, visible through the room’s large picture windows, added a winter wonderland feel.
Special occasion wear for residents was donated by Black Women of Evanston. The organization’s founder, Annette Jean-Jacques, said haircuts, styling and makeup were also available to guests before the festivities began.
“Barber Victor Walker donated his services by coming in and putting up a mobile barbershop on-site, and we also have a makeup artist who provided free makeup for whomever wanted to have it done,” Jean-Jacques said.
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Resident Julia Pantoga told the RoundTable she enjoyed the holiday party. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Ronald Gillespie, left, and Mike Pearce enjoy music before dinner. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Robin Rue Simmons, left, and Stekeena Rollins set out holiday gifts for residents. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Jeffrey Shapiro, left, and Sherlinda Terrell enjoy the festivities. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
From left, friends James Entelman, Anthony Graves, Ana Flores, Robin Rue Simmons and Lawrence Davis. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Stekeena Rollins prepares to serve the holiday buffet dinner. Credit: Heidi Randhava
The makeup artist, Cheri Reid from Beauty by MsCheriAshley, is a licensed hairstylist who offered hair decorations to residents as well.
Hill Arboretum Apartments resident Julia Pantoga said she liked everything about the party, especially the services offered to guests before the festivities began. “In advance, they helped the residents get clothes and do their makeup and their hair, so they could all be dressed up. It’s very nice,” Pantoga said.
Fun and friendly competition went hand in hand at the event with a gingerbread house decorating contest. Each table formed a team, and Table No. 2 came out the winner. After dinner, several lively rounds of “Name That Tune” closed out a memorable holiday celebration of friendship and community.
Lifelong Evanston resident and guest Darrick Weeks shared some of his own personal history with the RoundTable. “This building used to be Community Hospital,” said Weeks. “I was born right here. My pediatrician was also here. Her name was Dr. Winfield,” he said.
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Members of Black Women of Evanston gather for a photo. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Left to right, FirstRepair founder Robin Rue Simmons, Bella Jean-Jacques, and Black Women of Evanston founder Annette Jean-Jacques gather for the Holiday Party. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Makeup artist Cheri Reid, left, and daughter Raelynn Johnson. Credit: Heidi Randhava
