Traffic Survey Closes March 31, Green Electric Aggregation Program, Community Health & Wellness Fair and More!

Friday, March 24, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

Recently, a letter was sent out to residents about the Village’s Green Electric Aggregation Program. This program supports clean, renewable energy development through the acquisition of certified Renewable Energy Certificates from wind farms located in the Midwest, and is available to our residents at no charge. More information on this program can be found in an article below. If you have any questions, please feel free to email RiverForest@mc2energyservices.com or call MC Squared Energy Services, LLC (MC2), the Village’s current contractor, at 888-423-1390.

I would like to remind residents that the first installment of property taxes for the 2022 year will be due on Monday, April 3. In addition, the Cook County Assessor has begun mailing out 2022 exemption renewal forms. Many exemptions were automatically renewed in the last several years as a result of the pandemic. This year, residents will need to reapply for most exemptions and can do so here. These exemptions will be applied to your second installment property tax bills.

Lastly, please save the date for the third annual River Forest Community Bike Exchange on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Roosevelt Middle School playground. This event is brought to residents in partnership with D90 Green4Good and the River Forest Sustainability Commission.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Traffic Survey Closes March 31:

Feedback Requested

The Village-Wide Traffic Survey closes Friday, March 31, and we want to hear from you! Please fill out this survey to provide your feedback on any traffic-related issues you have observed throughout the Village for either motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians. The goal of this survey is to gather public input to improve traffic flow and reduce or eliminate any safety concerns.

Kia/Hyundai Locks

Residents who purchased a Hyundai or Kia 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 Hyundais and Kias. Individuals 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 Ben Ransom.

Green Electric Aggregation Program

Recently, a letter regarding the Village’s Electric Aggregation Program was sent out. This program provides eligible residents and small businesses with electricity that supports renewable energy projects and offsets CO2 emissions at no added cost. Customers who received the letter will be enrolled automatically to receive their electricity supply from MC Squared Energy Services, LLC., the Village’s current contractor, unless they choose to opt out by following the instructions in the letter. For more information, click here.

Illinois 5Essentials Survey

Please help Oak Park River Forest High School meet their quota by taking the Illinois 5Essentials Survey! The survey must be completed by Friday, March 31 and a minimum 20% response rate is needed for the high school to receive their school report. Parents, guardians and students can take the anonymous survey here.

Dominican University Professor on ABC

Dominican University Assistant Professor of Marketing, Dr. Elvira Kizilov, appeared as a featured guest late last month on ABC 57 News out of South Bend, Indiana, for a segment entitled, “Reflecting on One Year since the Start of the Ukraine War.” Dr. Kizilova lived and worked in Ukraine for decades, including during Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Read more and watch the entire news segment here.

Wondering if You Have a Water Leak?

Join more than 500 of your neighbors who have already joined WaterSmart! WaterSmart offers the ability to residents to view their water consumption and receive notifications when a leak appears. The Village's online portal makes it easy to access a number of services without ever leaving your home! You can also pay your water bill online thanks to the new WaterSmart Portal. To see the full range of online services offered through WaterSmart, click here.

Community Health & Wellness Fair

Save the date for the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce's 7th Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair. This event is presented by RUSH Oak Park Hospital and will take place on Sunday, April 23 at Fitness Formula Club in Oak Park. There will be 50+ exhibitors showcasing health and wellness services with hundreds of people attending who can receive complimentary screenings, enjoy family activities and pick up some exciting giveaways! Learn more here.

Native Plantings

As you plan your garden this spring, think about planting native plants versus species not usually found in this area. Native plants provide beauty, as well as food and shelter for wildlife. They also require little or no watering, and are resistant to drought, insect damage and most diseases. To learn more, click here.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Good Earth Greenhouse is a local greenhouse that offers a wide variety of plants and garden decor, a garden coach - as well as a floral designer to help plan weddings, proms or other event designs. If you're looking for spring plantings, show your support and explore their selections! For more information, click here.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website. If you’d like your business to be featured in the weekly Business Spotlight, please send us an email.