Thursday, January 25, 2024 | |
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Dear River Forest residents,
At the last Village Board meeting, Anja Herrman, a 17-year-old River Forest resident, was honored. Anja is a disability rights activist and advocate for equity and inclusion. She was included by First Lady Jill Biden as a young woman leader in celebration of International Day of the Girl. Congratulations to Anja for this honor, and we look forward to seeing great things in the future from her!
The Salvation Army has teamed up with the Chicago Bears, Jewel-Osco and Shur-Way Movers for their 35th annual Coat Drive that is going on now through Monday, February 12. Coats can be dropped off at participating Jewel-Osco locations, found here. Please consider going through your closets and donating coats that you no longer use to help our neighbors in need.
Lastly, on December 29, I issued Executive Order 2023-01 to ensure that the Village manages the humanitarian crisis of asylum seekers with care and compassion. This Executive Order is aligned and coordinated with other municipalities and the City of Chicago Ordinance. Read more about how to provide assistance below.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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On January 24, 2024, the Motion to Reconsider entered by Lake Lathrop Partners LLC, and Sedgwick Properties, an authorized agent acting on behalf of Lake Lathrop Partners LLC, was presented before the Cook County Circuit Court. The Judge did not issue a ruling, and set the next hearing date for March 18. In the meantime, the court-appointed receiver, Ascend Real Estate Group, can proceed with their plans to market the property to prospective developers. Past project updates remain available on the Village website.
Residents are reminded that the Village is NOT paying any legal expenses for these court proceedings, or for any property maintenance expenses. Due to the Village’s subordination to Wintrust Bank in the Redevelopment Agreement, Wintrust Bank is responsible for these costs - including property tax payments.
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Remembering
Selma Belajec
| Local resident Selma Belajec, who operated Selma’s Travel Arrangements Ltd., and was a 36-year member of the Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest, recently passed away. Selma spent much of her childhood in Holland in hiding during the Nazi invasion, and came to the U.S. after World War II. She died at the age of 87 and her Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. this Monday, January 29 at Temple Har Zion. The Village offers its condolences to Selma's family and friends. | |  |
Quarterly Community Safety Meeting | Safety is a top priority for the Village of River Forest. The next Quarterly Community Safety Meeting will be held in-person this coming Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Village Hall, and will also be held on Zoom. These meetings were established several years ago so that the Police Department and our community can discuss issues related to the safety and security of our residents, businesses, and visitors to our Village. For more information, click here. | | |
Dominican University Partnership | |
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Dominican University recently announced a partnership with Hope Chicago, a nonprofit organization offering debt-free college and workforce opportunities to 4,000 Chicago Public School (CPS) graduates and their parents residing in some of Chicago’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The partnership allows Hope Scholars to choose Dominican as their college of choice, and utilize their scholarships at the University. Scholarships cover tuition, housing, books, fees and an annual stipend—with a goal to reduce economic and social inequity for CPS students and their families. Learn more here.
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Migrant Assistance Resources | For residents who would like to help the migrants seeking asylum in our area, there are local organizations that are offering them assistance. The Community of Congregations is one that is offering resources and supplies for migrants. If you are interested in donating to help this cause, visit this link. Should you want to donate items, please drop them off with the Community of Congregations. Please do not drop items off at Village Hall. | | |
Online Services Available | Did you know the Village offers a number of resources online for your convenience so you don't have to visit Village Hall or call us? These include submitting a service request, paying your utility bill, requesting overnight parking, vacation watches and much more! Learn more here. | | |
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The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Plus is offering eight, $5,000 scholarships this year to local high school seniors who are residents of Oak Park, Forest Park or River Forest. This scholarship is offered to LGBTQIA+ students, students with LGBTQIA+ parents, or local students who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community. Scholarship applications are open now through Thursday, February 15 and can be found here.
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Are you interested in learning more about the offerings for early childhood, elementary and middle school students at St. Luke School in River Forest? Residents can attend their Open House on Sunday, January 28 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff members, visit the classrooms, and chat with current St. Luke families. Children are welcome to attend. Learn more here. | | |
Save the date(s) for the 2024 One Earth Film Festival to be held from Wednesday, April 17 through Sunday, April 21. Participants will be inspired by incredible films that shed light on crucial environmental topics. To learn more or sponsor the event, click here. | | |
Last Day for Holiday Green Recycling | |
The last day for holiday greens recycling, including live Christmas trees, wreaths and garland, is Tuesday, January 30. These items must be placed on the parkway before 7 a.m., and all lights, tinsel, ornaments, metal hangers, plastic material, and stands must be removed. Please note: this pickup does not include yard waste and/or leaves, and collection is available only to residents that utilize the Village’s waste hauler, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). Those who do not utilize LRS services should contact their waste hauler to have these items collected.
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River Forest Business Spotlight! | |
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My Gym River Forest creates an environment where children feel loved and supported so their self-esteem and confidence can flourish. The gym offers fun classes, camps, and parties for children from 4 months - 14 years, and is currently offering $24 off of the first month's tuition for a limited time. To learn more, click here.
Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.
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What's Happening in River Forest?
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