Wilmette coffee shop helps neighbors, candidates connect

Local politics has received an afternoon jolt in Wilmette over the past couple of weeks.

The Coffee With the Candidates series from Central Station Coffee & Tea has gathered local candidates with their neighbors over the course of six events.

Shop owner Katie Degen regularly hosts community programs, and with local elections on the horizon (early voting begins Monday, March 17), this idea aligned with the shop’s community focus.

“Cafes worldwide have long served as hubs for community interaction, idea sharing and political conversations,” Degen said when announcing the events. “Central Station Coffee & Tea, deeply rooted in Wilmette, embraces community involvement.”

Park Board candidates — all six vying for three open seats — were on hand Thursday, March 13, for the second of their three afternoons at the venue. The final Park Board edition is from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 15.

The four Wilmette Village Board candidates were welcomed the previous week.

Wilmette resident Carolyn Lvoff was on hand Thursday and said as a relatively new Wilmette resident, she appreciated the casual event.

“I just wanted to learn more about different candidates and what they’re thinking for the next four years,” she said, adding, “It’s really helpful. … It’s important to just be informed.”

For more information on candidates for local elections (in Wilmette and other North Shore communities), visit The Record’s Local Election Guide.

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