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Thursday, September 22, 2022

Dear River Forest residents,


I recently attended the Illinois Municipal League Conference - a yearly event where mayors and village presidents from across our State can network, share best practices, and learn more about the many opportunities and challenges facing local government. This is a place where local government leaders learn how they can join forces with neighboring cities to meet our common goals. This conference was also personally special for me, as I was elected as its new president for the next year. I am extremely honored to lead this organization, which provides education and professional development for the 1,295 local government organizations across Illinois.


Thank you to everyone who participated in the Susan G. Komen three day walk this past weekend. There were roughly 1,200 participants who raised $3.7 million for breast cancer research and resources for breast cancer patients. I would also like to thank those who participated, volunteered or sponsored the Makin’ Tracks 5K hosted by the River Forest Public Library and Concordia University Chicago. The participants in this race raised money for the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. I couldn’t be more proud of our community for helping individuals in-need through their participation in these events.


Finally, for our Jewish neighbors, High Holy Days are coming up. The Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, begins the evening of Sunday, September 25 and welcomes the year 5783. Happy New Year, or Shana Tova in Hebrew. When observing Yom Kippur, beginning Wednesday, October 5, I hope all of our Jewish residents have an easy fast.


Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest

Tree Trimming

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AT&T and ComEd will be tree trimming trees around the Village in the coming weeks. Please see the accompanying graphic for impacted areas in our community where AT&T will be doing this work. ComEd’s tree trimming will take place south of Lake Street. Residents who live in the areas where trimming is planned by either organization will be notified by postcard or door hanger, no less than 48 hours in advance of the work.


For questions regarding AT&T work, call Chris Wilson at 630-346-9821. For questions about ComEd work, call 800-334-7661.

Fall Leaf Collection

The Village's annual "Rake to the Street" leaf pick-up program is unlimited and free, and runs from mid-September through mid-December. Rake only leaves onto the street - leaving the curb exposed - where they will be picked up by Public Works crews. Please note: do not mix grass clippings, brush or any other type of yard waste with your leaves. And, if you have a lawn care service, please advise them of this requirement. Crews will collect leaves daily during this period, beginning around 7 a.m. You can view the leaf collection schedule here.

Traffic & Safety Commission Recommendations

At last night’s Traffic & Safety Commission meeting, the Commission continued discussion on the Northeast Neighborhood Traffic Study. The Commission voted to make four recommendations that the Village Board will consider in October, which are described below:


  • Install a one-way (eastbound) restriction on LeMoyne Parkway between the alley and Harlem Avenue along with a “right-out-only” curb diversion at LeMoyne Parkway and Harlem Avenue - that would only allow eastbound traffic to turn south onto Harlem Avenue (no other movements would be permitted at this intersection).
  • Install temporary barriers on Bonnie Brae south of the North Avenue alley. These barriers would block all traffic to, and from North Avenue.  
  • Install temporary barriers on Clinton Place south of the North Avenue alley to prevent southbound access to Clinton Place from North Avenue.
  • Install additional stop signs at the William Street/LeMoyne Parkway and Greenfield Street/Bonnie Brae intersections to create all-way stop intersections, and to relocate the stop signs at the Clinton Place/LeMoyne Parkway intersection to stop Clinton Place traffic instead of LeMoyne Parkway traffic.

 

Please stay tuned for future updates on the proposals, as the Village will be seeking feedback from residents on these changes.

NWHP Home Repair Program

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Residents of Oak Park and River Forest 60+ or over the age of 18 with a disability now have a new option for home maintenance repairs. North West Housing Partnership offers home repairs to seniors and disabled residents from reliable and insured professionals. Get more information or schedule an appointment by calling 847-969-0561 Monday- Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sidewalk Tour

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest presents, "The Street of Dreams: Founding Families and Early Architects of Keystone Avenue" this Saturday, September 24 from 10–11:30 a.m. The sidewalk tour begins at River Forest Methodist Church. Participants can learn of the history and development of this beautiful River Forest neighborhood. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Voter Registration Deadlines

If you’d like to vote in the General Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 and aren’t registered yet, now is the time. Residents have three different voter registration options, which include by mail, in-person or online. The last day for in-person registration is Tuesday, October 11. Those opting to mail in their voter registration must have it postmarked by Tuesday, October 11. Finally, residents choosing to register online must do so by Sunday, October 23. Click here to learn more about voter registration or to download a registration form.

OPRF Homecoming Dance

Tickets are on sale now for the Oak Park River Forest 2022 Homecoming dance. The event will take place at the High School on Saturday, October 1 from 7–10 p.m. The dance's theme is “The Met Gala” and tickets are $22 for students and $30 for non-student guests; they can be purchased in advance here. Doors open at 7 p.m., close at 7:45 p.m., and there will be no late entries. For more information, click here.

Girl Scout Troop #45994

River Forest Girl Scouts Troop #45994 voted to donate some of their hard-earned cookie sale money to the Animal Care League. The Girl Scouts recently met at Priory Park to present their donation to the Animal Care League, and also donated handmade blankets and toys for animals in the shelter. The troop includes 28 fourth grade girls who attend Willard Elementary.

First Responder Mass

Thank you to our first responders! All parishioners and first responders are invited to join St. Luke and St. Bernadine Parish this Saturday, September 24, for the 5 p.m. Blue Mass, so the parish can express their admiration, respect and thanks to firefighters, paramedics, police officers, support staff and all others who serve our communities through their important work. All are welcome to attend and more information can be found here.

Hazardous Waste Recycling 

Registration is now open for residents to sign up for the Village's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection. Requests for HHW collection must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 10 and once completed, Lakeshore Recycling Systems will contact you with the date of service. To sign up for HHW or to learn more, click here.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Appointments are available for microblading and powder brow tattoos at Chi Browtique. The location also offers eyebrow shading and tinting! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-400-7100 or visit chibrowtique.com.

 

Please support local businesses whenever possible! 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.

What's Happening in River Forest?

Visit the River Forest Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com
to find out, today!

Village of River Forest


400 Park Avenue

River Forest, Illinois 60305

(708) 366-8500


vrf.us

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