Traffic Study, Mail-In Ballots, Black History Month and More!

Friday, February 17, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

During Monday night’s Village Board meeting, the Village Board of Trustees unanimously voted to declare February as Black History Month in the Village. This month recognizes the important contributions that individuals and events have had on our community - both locally and nationally. You can read the proclamation here.

We would like your feedback regarding traffic throughout the Village. The River Forest Village-Wide Traffic Study is now underway, and residents can click this link to fill out a survey, which will take no more than ten minutes to complete.

February 14 - 20 is known around the nation as Random Acts of Kindness Week - an observance that brings awareness to the fact that one small act of kindness can engage others and create a more connected community! If you are looking for a way to commemorate this tradition, consider donating your time to a local charity of your choice, or at the Oak Park River Forest Fo od Pantry or Senior Services Center.

Lastly, please keep in mind that Village offices will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents’ Day and will reopen on Tuesday, February 21 at 8 a.m. Refuse collection will not be impacted.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Mail-In Ballots

For residents who plan on skipping the lines for the April 4 consolidated election, mail-in ballots must be requested by Thursday, March 30. This year’s election will include candidates for the River Forest Village Board, District 90 School Board and the Oak Park and River Forest District 200 School Board. Ballots may be submitted before Election Day and can be found here.

Steering Wheel Locks

Residents who have purchased a Hyundai vehicle built between 2010 and 2021 are eligible to receive a complimentary, anti-theft, steering wheel lock device – while supplies last. This device is utilized to combat recent thefts that have targeted Hyundai vehicles. Applicants interested in receiving a free steering wheel lock must have a valid River Forest vehicle license sticker affixed to their windshield. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. by emailing Crime Prevention Officer Ransom.

Film Lover Fridays

Join the River Forest Public Library, River Forest Township and other movie lovers on the third Friday of every month at noon to watch classic films, and this season they’re keeping it local with films set in Chicago. Tomorrow, February 17, the Library will be showing Cooley High (1975), which takes place at a Chicago high school. As a film with an African-American director and cast, it fits perfectly to help commemorate Black History Month. Stick around after the movie for a discussion led by local film expert Jim Jacob. To learn more, click here.

An Unfinished Journey: African American Music

Celebrate Black History Month with a musical presentation hosted by River Forest Township and the River Forest Public Library. Clarence Goodman will host a presentation entitled “An Unfinished Journey: African-American Music in its Pivotal Decades” on Sunday, February 26 at the River Forest Public Library. Goodman will perform and discuss songs from pivotal moments in African-American history, such as slavery, Jim Crow, the civil rights movement, and beyond. Attend to hear the songs and hear more about them. To learn more or register, click here.

Black History Month at Dominican University

For residents who would like to participate in events and experiences commemorating Black History Month, Dominican University is offering a number of community events throughout the entire month of February. Click here for more information.

Dominican University in Ticket to Paradise

Congratulations to Dominican University for its appearance in the movie Ticket to Paradise starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts! It is so exciting to see a local campus on the silver screen! (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)

One Earth Film Festival

Submissions are now being accepted for the One Earth Film Festival's Young Filmmakers Contest. Students from third grade through age 25 are invited to enter the contest and submissions will be accepted through Sunday, June 25. There is no fee to participate and additional information can be found here.