Thursday, March 17, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

On Wednesday, March 9, I joined other River Forest residents and elected officials, who gathered at the Village Hall in a show of solidarity with members of the community of Ukrainian descent fighting for the sovereignty and democracy of their country. Fox 32 Chicago was present and reported on the gathering in a news segment. To view the news segment, click here. 

The Ukrainian flag is currently on display on the flagpole outside Village Hall to demonstrate the Village's support for Ukrainian independence. Furthermore, The Village Board of Trustees passed a Resolution at the March 14 Village Board of Trustees meeting recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty and the fight for their freedom. The Resolution, which can be viewed here, will be forwarded to the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, DC. 

Please welcome Erik Harris and Mary Shoemaker, who were appointed by me and unanimously approved by the Board to volunteer on the Plan Commission and Zoning and Development Review Board. Thank you for your service to our community!


Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Isabel Bassett Wasson
This week's feature is on Isabel Bassett Wasson in honor of Women's History Month. Isabel Bassett Wasson was one of the first female petroleum geologists globally. She was also the first female ranger at Yellowstone National Park and one of the first interpretive rangers in the National Park Service. Ms. Wasson moved to River Forest in 1926, where she taught science in River Forest public schools. Throughout her lifetime, she wrote numerous scholarly articles on the Chicagoland region's geology, ecology, and archaeology.

To read more on the life and legacy of Isabel Bassett Wasson, click here.
Oak Park River Forest Museum Gala
The Oak Park-River Forest Museum will be hosting the Heart of Our Villages Award Ceremony on Thursday, March 24, at The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Heart of Our Villages Award recognizes exceptional Oak Park and River Forest residents whose services have positively impacted the community. This year's honorees are Harriette and McLouis Robinet of Oak Park and Carlotta Lucchesi of River Forest. Village President Cathy Adduci will be recognizing Carlotta for her numerous contributions to the River Forest community. Click here to purchase your tickets. 
ComEd College Scholarships
ComEd launched its Future of Energy program which will provide up to $250,000 in scholarships for women and minorities pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math degrees in college. Today through March 28, 2022, students can apply for the scholarship program, which will provide financial assistance awards of up to $10,000 and a chance to intern with ComEd. To be considered for a scholarship, students must be accepted into an eligible four-year college degree program and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. Priority consideration will be given to people of color, women, and residents enrolled in an Illinois University, college, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country and those demonstrating financial need.

To apply for a ComEd college scholarship, click here. 
AARP Livable Communities E-Newsletter
The AARP publishes an award-winning weekly e-newsletter named Livable Communities. The e-newsletter is free and is published every Wednesday. The publication features information on age livability news, best practices, how-to’s, interviews, and more about age-friendly efforts from around the country. To subscribe, click here.
Community Wildlife Habitat
Rapid and large-scale changes to our lands and waters mean wildlife are losing the habitats they once knew. Creating and preserving habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators strengthens our ecosystem and creates a healthier community for all. 

As gardening season approaches, the Sustainability Commission hopes you will consider devoting a part of your yard to supporting habitat for butterflies, bees, and a host of pollinator insects and local wildlife.
 
A few simple steps allow you to create and certify your yard as a certified wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. The NWF program provides a collective goal: when enough homes, schools, and other common areas certify their gardens, the entire Village will attain designation as a Community Wildlife Habitat.
 
To certify your wildlife habitat, click here . 
Business Spotlight

Bern Realty LLC is a family-run real estate development company located in River Forest. They have over 60 years of experience in property management, tenant representation, and assisting individuals in buying, selling, and leasing property. Whatever your real estate needs, Bern Realty has what you need! 

For a free consultation, click here or call 708-771-7600. 

If you’d like for your business to be featured, email info@vrf.us. Visit the Shop River Forest web page on the Village’s website here: vrf.us/ShopRF 
What's Happening in River Forest?

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