|
Dear River Forest residents,
Security remains our number one priority for the Village of River Forest. Our highly capable Police Department are aware of, and have been providing support and working in collaboration, with our River Forest Public Library amid their present security challenges. The Police are working with state and federal law enforcement agencies and the judicial system on an ongoing basis to advocate for community safety. I would like to thank our entire Department for their dedication and diligence in helping to ensure the Library remains a safe place for residents and other visitors, and for their service to our entire community.
One of the Village’s main goals is to stabilize property taxes through fiscal responsibility and cutting spending through efficiencies. I’m proud to report that the Village has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), which is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and reporting. Special recognition was also received for long-range operational planning and our Capital Improvement Program. I am proud of the work that our Village Board and staff members have accomplished, which prioritizes fiscal responsibility and transparency, and the strategic use of financial resources to benefit the community.
I want to remind our residents that River Forest is a town of volunteers and public officials, serving our community without pay or stipends of any kind. We encourage the involvement of our community and those that would like to volunteer their time to make River Forest a better place to live, work and play. We should be proud of our diverse Village Board of Trustees, who all work together on behalf of our community. Click here for more information on the roles and responsibilities of the Village President, Village Trustees, Village Clerk and our Boards and Commissions.
Lastly, college students pursuing degrees in the mental health and social work fields who are seeking internships can reach out to Thrive Counseling. This local counseling center is offering a variety of internships to help students gain real-world experience for their future professions. To learn more or apply, click here.
Sincerely,
| |
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
| |
|
In late June, the judge overseeing the foreclosure case between Wintrust Bank and Lake & Lathrop Partners announced the case would be assigned to a new judge in the Cook County Courts, which has not yet taken place. The court-appointed receiver recently filed this report detailing the actions of the receiver and the costs expended since September 2023. Wintrust Bank continues to be responsible for all the costs associated with the lawsuit, marketing the site for future development and maintenance of the site.
| |
Lance Bolonik, a Navy veteran and substitute teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, passed away on June 28 at the age of 82. Details on Lance's memorial service will be announced soon, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the VA Hospital in Hines. More information about Lance’s life can be found here. | |  |
Fire Department
Blood Drive
| The Fire Department will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, on the apparatus floor at Village Hall. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Please make sure to hydrate, eat well, and bring along your ID if you plan on making a donation. You can learn more here. | | |
Historic Preservation Awards | |
|
Homeowners, architects, and contractors who have preserved River Forest's historic character are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Historic Preservation Awards. For more information, or to submit an application, click here. Please note: Nominations are due by Friday, July 26.
| |
|
Flamingo Fridays were put together with the understanding that neighborhoods need to interact and have fun in the summertime. Each week, a new host puts the flamingo on their lawn to signal they’re hosting this event on a Friday. The host provides the space, a table, and an ice bucket or cooler so those who attend can bring their own beverages. Attendees should also bring their own cups and snacks. Everyone is welcome!
The next Flamingo Friday is Friday, July 12 at 735 Ashland Avenue, hosted by Kara Keller. The event runs from 6 - 8 p.m. Learn more here.
| | |
To highlight "Plastic Free July,” the League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest and Environment Illinois are hosting a Litter Clean Up Day on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Miller Meadow Forest Preserve (North) in Forest Park. Gloves, bags, and grabbers will be provided, and those interested in participating should bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and wear closed toe shoes. For additional information or to RSVP, email Marsha Borders. | | |
Historical Society Walking Tour | |
|
The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest will host a number of walking tours this summer. “West Side Stories: People and Architecture That Shaped River Forest,” will take place from 10 - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27. This walk will be along Edgewood Place and south on Thatcher Avenue, and will showcase River Forest's architectural and historical significance, feature stories about past residents and renowned architects, and how these homes have evolved over the years. The tour starts at the northeast corner of Edgewood Place and Lake Street.
Additional tours this summer will include:
- "West of the River" on July 21
- "Growing with the Gundersons" on August 10
- "Ladies of Lake Street" on August 24
Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
| |
School Supply
Donation Drive
| Show your support for River Forest and Oak Park townships during their annual School Supply Donation Drive. From Pre-K to high school seniors, the townships are collecting new book bags and school supplies to ensure every student in our community starts the year off right. Stop by the Oak Park Township office to drop off donations in person or ship your donation directly to Oak Park Township using the link found here. Let’s unite to support our local youth and give them the tools they need for a successful school year! | | |
National College of Distinction Award | Concordia University Chicago has been named a national College of Distinction in recognition of their dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community and exceptional student outcomes. In addition to the overall distinction, they've also been identified for excellence as a Christian University, and for their education and business degree programs. To learn more, click here. | | |
National Give Something Away Day | |
|
Reuse is the ultimate form of recycling! To celebrate “National Give Something Away Day” on Monday, July 15, consider having a yard sale, donate items to The Brown Elephant or other charitable resale shops, or help to restock the Little Library book boxes in your neighborhood. Please note: For those who would like to donate to The Economy Shop in Oak Park, they will begin taking donations again on Tuesday, August 20 after their summer break. Your unwanted items could be someone else's treasure!
| |
River Forest Business Spotlight! | |
|
Spoke Cafe is a mobile bike cafe that specializes in Nitro Cold Brew coffee and more! This family-based business is located in River Forest - with a mission to provide the community with unique offerings in convenient locations! Check them out on Wednesdays at Dominican University’s Summer Sounds events. For a list of their upcoming events, their menu and 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.
| |
|
|
What's Happening in River Forest?
to find out, today!
| | | |
Click the name below to visit the organization's website:
| | | | |
