Public Safety Executive Leadership Award, Kiwanis "Light Up the Night", Virtual Nutcracker Ballet and More!

Friday, December 15, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

I had the pleasure to attend the UN Climate Summit COP28 last week with six Chicagoland high school students, two who attend OPRFHS, Kate Williams and Katie Stabb, along with Mayor Katrina Thompson from the Village of Broadview. The Summit was sponsored by Seven Generations Ahead, an Oak Park-based non profit environmental organization whose youth wing, “It’s our Future” sent this delegation to COP28. Please click here to see the climate summit reports. The summit had more than 200 countries, thousands of local cities and villages, and nearly 100,000 people from around the world in attendance. Diplomats from the US included Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and former Vice President Al Gore. I have asked our Sustainability Commission to continue pursuing ideas that can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Stay tuned for more to come on new sustainability initiatives.

Congratulations to Police Chief James O’Shea and Deputy Chief James Greenwood for being awarded the 2023 Public Safety Executive Leadership Award from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety. I’d like to thank Chief O’Shea and Deputy Greenwood for their unwavering commitment to the residents of River Forest and our greater community. You can learn more about this prestigious award in an article below.

This holiday season, I encourage all of our residents to shop local and support the small businesses in River Forest that make our Village unique. Both stores and restaurants in our community are offering holiday sales and specials, and offer one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. To view a list of businesses in our community, click here.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Public Safety Executive Leadership Award

On December 1, Police Chief James O’Shea and Deputy Police Chief James Greenwood were awarded the prestigious Public Safety Executive Leadership Award from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety. By successfully completing the Center’s entire sequence of management programs, including Supervision of Police Personnel, School of Police Staff and Command, and their Executive Management Program, Chief O’Shea and Deputy Chief Greenwood demonstrated their commitment to delivering the most knowledgeable and professional service to River Forest.

The Northwestern University Center for Public Safety has taught nearly a quarter of a million professionals in law enforcement and related fields, from all 50 states and 38 foreign countries.

Santa's Mailbox

Residents with little ones who want to share their gift wish list with Santa have until this Monday, December 18, to drop off letters in Old St. Nick's mailbox at The Depot. Santa's mailbox is open to River Forest residents daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Don't forget to include a return address on all of your letters to Santa!

Dominican University on WBEZ

Dominican University was recently highlighted in a feature article by WBEZ showcasing entertainment venues in the west suburbs. Check out the article and view a list of upcoming events at Dominican University’s Performing Arts Center here.

Kiwanis Light Up the Night Event

The Kiwanis Club of River Forest & Oak Park is sponsoring their annual "Light Up the Night" event this Saturday, December 16, and have assembled luminary kits for purchase. Each kit is $10, and includes 10 white paper bags, 10 plain wax candles, sand, instructions and helpful hints. Proceeds will benefit local youth, and kits are available for porch pickup at 1043 Keystone Avenue from now through the start of the event. Cash or checks addressed to the Kiwanis of River Forest and Oak Park can be dropped into the mail slot to the right of the door with the supplied envelope. For additional information, send an email.

Virtual Nutcracker Ballet

Join the River Forest Public Library on Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 17, to experience The Nutcracker ballet at home! Get in the spirit of the season with a recorded virtual performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker performed by the United Kingdom’s internationally renowned Royal Ballet. This ballet is a holiday staple for all ages, and registrants will receive an email with a special link to the performance. Register here.

Volunteers Needed for Mental Health Committee

The Township is seeking River Forest resident volunteers to serve on the River Forest Mental Health Committee which is a wonderful way to serve the community! The Committee meets in-person on the first Tuesday of each month (except July, August and December) to review grant applications, conduct site visits, and make funding recommendations to the Township Board of Trustees. Experience in these areas is helpful, but not required. For more information or to apply, email Supervisor Carla Sloan.

Reduce, Recycle & Reuse during the Holidays

The holidays are a time of gatherings with family and friends, and also gift giving - which makes it challenging to celebrate while staying waste-conscious. View the following tips on how to reduce, reuse or recycle this holiday season!

1. Reduce electricity usage from lights, and if possible, choose LED or decorate with a garland or wreath, instead of lights. Get creative!

2. Reuse old holiday decorations, wrapping paper, and ribbons to decrease waste.

3. Recycle wrapping paper that cannot be salvaged or participate in the Village’s light recycling program.

As always, please explore the River Forest Sustainability Commission’s Guide to Sustainable Living for more tips on how you can fit elements of sustainable living into your life!

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Pete's Automotive Services is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, to assist with all of your car maintenance needs. Pete's offers oil changes, battery services, new brakes, engine repairs and more. If you need to make sure your car is in good shape to withstand the coming winter weather, call Pete's Automotive Services at 708-366-1115.

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.