Thursday, July 28, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

Our Village is made up of beautiful historic homes that truly add to the character of the community. If you’d like to nominate a River Forest home for the 2022 Historic Preservation Awards, the deadline has been extended to August 31. The application for the award can be found here. Additionally, the Historic Preservation Commission has created a brochure that provides information on our historic homes. Click here or get a copy at Village Hall and enjoy a walk around town and learn more about their rich history.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention month and our Police Department would like to make residents aware that certain car models are seeing an increase in recent months. The Police Department encourages all residents to be aware of any manufacturer recalls or available safety improvements for your vehicle. As a reminder for everyone, you can find the Police Department’s general theft prevention tips here.
 
Finally, a big congratulations to the River Forest 14U Girls Softball team on their win as Illinois State champions and their great performance in the Indianapolis regionals. All of us should be very proud of their hard work and dedication in reaching this great accomplishment. Good luck to the 10U Softball team tonight in the State Championship against Brookfield!

I hope you are enjoying the last part of your summer!

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Northeast Neighborhood Traffic Study Update
Recently, the Village’s Traffic and Safety Commission met to discuss a Traffic Study completed in the northeast area of town, between Lathrop Avenue and Harlem Avenue and from North Avenue to Greenfield Street. The Transportation Engineering Consultant (KLOA) that performed the study was also on-hand to give a presentation of their findings as well as to answer questions and provide feedback to the Commission and attending members of the public.

Through the course of conversation, the Commission requested that KLOA provide additional improvement alternatives to those in the report for further consideration. The Commission elected to table the remaining conversation until their September meeting to allow additional time for review of the initial report and further consideration of improvement alternatives and public feedback.
Local Ethics Commission Chair Op-Ed
Local Ethics Commission Chair Peggy Daley recently wrote a letter to the Wednesday Journal about Chicago’s new revisions to the code of ethics and standard that River Forest has set with its Ethics Ordinance. Read the letter here.
Forest Preserve Nature Walk
Join a naturalist for a short discussion about herons and then take a nature walk to observe the herons in their natural habitat. The “Hooray for Herons” event will take place at the Trailside Museum of Natural History on Sunday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 708-366-6530. Learn more about this event here.
Back to School Event
Save the date for the 13th annual back to school event entitled, "Uplift Our Future" at Brookfield Zoo on Sunday, August 7 at noon. This event is hosted by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and will be a fun-filled, FREE day for the entire family at the Brookfield Zoo. That includes no admission fee, no parking fee, no cost for lunch and no cost for backpacks filled with school supplies for students from pre-K to college. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to noon and children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent. For questions, contact Senator Lightford's district office at 708-632-4500.
Shooter Preparedness Webinar
Following the recent tragedy in Highland Park, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will be hosting a webinar from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24. This webinar is free and designed to enhance education and awareness of, along with responses to an active shooter event. For additional information and resources, click here.
Food Truck Rally
Mark your calendars! The Village is partnering with the River Forest Park District and the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club for a Food Truck Rally on Saturday, August 27 from 4-9 p.m. in Keystone Park West at The Depot Parking Lot. Residents can expect live music performances from Modern Day Saints and Sons of Chicago. Family activities include inflatables, face painting and a bubble artist. Food trucks included in the Rally are Billy Bricks on Wheels, the Pierogi Wagon, Soul & Smoke BBQ and more! To see the entire food truck lineup, to sponsor the event, or to view the entertainment schedule, click here.
LRS Recycling Programs
Good news! Due to River Forest’s new contract with Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS), you can now dispose of your electronic and hazardous waste safely and sustainably twice a year, with no extra cost! The second collection for 2022 will take place in October. There was an overwhelming response at June's collection event, and the Village is working with LRS to ensure the next collection event goes smoothly. The household hazardous waste collection accepts materials such as fluorescent light bulbs, corrosive acids, and oil-based paint (non-latex). The electronic waste collection will accept technology including cell phones, computers and VCRs. Please visit our Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram pages for more information!
River Forest Business Spotlight!
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce member Blackout Baking Company is a bakery specializing in bite-size gourmet cookies. Their goal is to create cookies reminiscent of our childhoods, yet push boundaries with new flavors, textures and forms. The July cookie of the month is the Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookie, and the location has also recently added unsweetened iced tea to their shop menu - due to popular demand! To view their offerings or place an order, click here.
 
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!