May 2021
Thank you for taking the time to read the Village's E-News. These messages are sent approximately once per month and include timely information regarding Village news, events and other useful information from around the community.

Dear River Forest residents,

I want to start by thanking outgoing elected officials Trustees Patty Henek and Tom Cargie, as well as Village Clerk Kathleen Brand-White, for their service and dedication to our community. We will formally thank them at our May 10 Village Board meeting when we also welcome newly elected Trustees Ken Johnson and Lisa Gillis, and Village Clerk Jonathan Keller. We will also welcome back Trustee Respicio Vazquez. River Forest is fortunate to have a robust network of volunteers - which include our elected officials - who give their time and talents to benefit our entire community. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and our residents in need of services or support are encouraged to contact THRIVE Counseling Center for assistance. The center offers a wide range of counseling services for both individuals and groups. 

If you would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, Cook County is offering walk-ins at all mass vaccination sites, the River Forest Jewel Pharmacy is offering vaccines by walk-in and appointment, and our homebound residents can schedule a vaccination to be given to them in their home. 

As temperatures continue to get warmer, more of our residents will be out on bicycles on, or near, our roadways. Please consider taking the Ride Illinois Bike Safe Quiz to ensure you understand the rules of the road to keep you safe, whether you are driving a car or on a bike! If you’d like to learn about bicycling in the Village or read the Bicycle Plan, click here. 

Happy Memorial Day! We look forward to recognizing our servicemen and women who serve or have served our country later this month, including a ceremony hosted by the Park District. More to come.

Finally, I’d like to wish all of our moms a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday!
 
Sincerely,
Catherine M. Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
COVID-19 & Vaccine Updates
Phase 4
Reopening Guidance

Last week, the Cook County Department of Public Health announced that suburban Cook County has moved into Phase 4 of reopening, which cautiously eases some mitigation measures, such as increased indoor and outdoor capacity limits at restaurants. This comes as the CDC recently updated its face cover guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated.
River Forest
COVID-19 Cases

From Sunday, April 25 – Saturday, May 1, River Forest had nine new positive cases with 386 tests completed, resulting in a 2.3% positivity rate. The previous week, there were 18 new positive cases and 354 tests completed, representing a 5.1% positivity rate. Residents are still encouraged to follow safety guidelines. Daily COVID-19 case updates by zip code are here.
IDOT Sidewalk Improvements Underway
This week, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) began performing sidewalk improvements at these locations along Harlem Avenue. This project will improve ADA compliance at the intersections, and is anticipated to take between four and six weeks to complete.
Memorial Day Ceremony
In lieu of the traditional Memorial Day Parade, the River Forest Park District will be hosting a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor our veterans who have served our country. The event will take place on Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Parkway War Memorial on Lake Street. For more information, click here.
Police Academy Graduates and Deparment Promotions
Congratulations to Probationary Officers Lane Niemann and Megan Drake for graduating from the Police Academy (pictured above with Chief O'Shea). The next phase of their new career begins with the 14-week Field Training Officer Program.
Police Sergeant Michael Fries, who is an 18-year veteran of the department, was recently promoted from detective to sergeant, in which he will serve as the afternoon patrol shift supervisor.
Please join the Village in welcoming Officers Niemann and Drake to River Forest, and congratulating Sergeant Fries on his promotion!
Memorial Day 'Click It or Ticket' Campaign
Now through Memorial Day weekend, River Forest Police are stepping up traffic enforcement and reminding motorists to ‘Click It or Ticket’. As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, it is normally a popular time for traveling. But whether driving down the block or across the country, police urge motorists and passengers to buckle up. The ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds. To read the press release, click here.
Spring and Summer Safety Reminders
With spring and summer upon us, the Fire Department urges residents to stay safe while enjoying outdoor recreation. May 22-28 is National Safe Boating Week, which focuses on reminding boaters to be responsible and follow safety guidelines while on the water. May is also Bike Safety Month. For important information from the department on bike safety, including how to properly fit bike helmets, click here.
Hydrant Testing
During the coming weeks, firefighters will be testing and flushing fire hydrants throughout the Village. This process is done on an annual basis to ensure hydrants are operating properly.
The Zak Knebel Group is dedicated to understanding and achieving your real estate goals. Whether you are buying or selling, turn to the Knebel Group to provide guidance throughout every step of the process! To learn more click here.

Shop River Forest! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s website. If you’d like your business to be featured in the weekly Business Spotlight, please send us an email.
Reduce Waste
at Home!
Park District is
Pesticide-Free
You can continue to celebrate Earth Day every day by reducing your waste. The RF Reduces Waste at Home Resource Guide provides tips to help you prevent, reduce and divert waste in your home! Find the guide here.

To learn about all of the Village's sustainability programs, click here.
The Sustainability Commission is proud to announce that for the sixth year, the River Forest Park District will manage its fields and grounds free of environmental and health concerns for children, pets and wildlife by choosing not to supply lawn pesticides. Click here to learn more.
All District 90 offices and schools will be closed on Monday, May 31 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
District 90 Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 2021-22 school year is now open, and parents of current District 90 students can find all the necessary registration forms online here. Registration helps determine staffing needs for the coming year, so forms should be completed as soon as possible. Registration fees are paid through the RevTrack web store and an early-bird discount is available through June 15. The 2021-22 school year starts for students on Wednesday, August 25.
The Park District is offering vouchers to residents for discounts on the 2021 non-resident rate for individual or family pool passes at either the Park District of Forest Park or the Park District of Oak Park. There is a limit of one voucher per household, and vouchers must be picked up in person at The Depot. Click here for details.
Summer Registration is Underway
Summer is right around the corner and the Park District is gearing up to provide a fun and safe experience. View the Fun Guide for information about camps, programs, sports, Platform Tennis and more. Click on your favorite programs to be directed to the registration page. See you in the parks this summer!
Visit the library website to stay up-to-date on hours of operation, and to
learn about programs and services offered.
Lunch Closures Eliminated
The daily 12 - 1 p.m. Library closure has been discontinued, but rigorous cleaning of surfaces and restrooms will continue. Face covers are still required, social distancing is encouraged, capacity is limited, and residents are asked to limit visits to 30 minutes.
Local Art on Display   
Head upstairs at the Library to see local artist Judy Steed’s stained glass mosaic work. Art can be purchased, and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Anyone interested in doing a display can email Fran Arnold.
Many in-person Township services and programs have been moved to a virtual platform.
To learn more click here, visit the River Forest Community Calendar or email Supervisor Carla Sloan at supervisor@riverforesttownship.org.  
Township Seeking Mental Health Administrator
River Forest Township is seeking a new Mental Health Administrator. The position oversees the Township’s funding of, and participation in, programs and services related to mental health and developmental/intellectual disabilities. Experience in the mental health and/or disabilities field is required. A background in social work is preferred, but individuals who do not have this background will be considered. Please contact Supervisor Carla Sloan, with questions or interest.
FRED Parent
Support Group
FRED is a free and independent peer support group, based in Oak Park and River Forest, for parents and caregivers of children, teens and young adults with mental illness. FRED empowers parents to navigate the mental health system and advocate for their children, while offering shared knowledge and support from parents who understand; all parents are welcome. Please visit the recently launched FRED website (supported by a grant from River Forest Township) that offers a wealth of helpful resources.

FRED meets on Zoom the first Tuesday of each month from 7–8:30 p.m., and the third Tuesdays from noon–1:30 p.m. The group is led by trained parent volunteers. To join or learn more, visit the website or email fredparents@gmail.com.
Assessment Appeals
River Forest Township is now open for assessment appeals with the Cook County Assessor until Friday, May 21. Assessment appeals are filed online at the Cook County Assessor’s website. 

The Township can create an appeal packet, which contains comparable properties and directions on how to appeal online. To have a packet created, call (708) 366-2787  and clearly provide your name and phone number twice. Residents can also send an email, which includes your name, address, phone number and whether your property was purchased after 2018.
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