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Thursday, October 28, 2021
Dear River Forest residents,

At our October 25 meeting, the Village Board of Trustees approved a final amendment to the Village’s redevelopment agreement with Sedgwick Properties to start construction of a mixed-use development at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue. This development includes approximately 14,000 square feet of commercial space, which we anticipate will include a restaurant for the community. Sedgwick Properties has until January 23, 2022, to begin construction, and 18 months to complete the project. 

To meet the January 23, 2022 deadline, the Board and I required the developer to immediately obtain its building permit - which is ready to be issued, remove topsoil and excavate to install foundations on the site, close on construction financing, enter into contracts with the general contractor and subcontractors, and start work on the project’s concrete footings.

Until bonafide construction commences, the Village retains the right to take the property back if needed. At all times, the Village will retain legal rights to ensure the property is safe and maintained in compliance with the Village’s standards.

For more information about the project, including project updates, please visit vrf.us/lakeandlathrop. The developer will work to provide the Village and neighboring property owners with more information as construction gets underway.
  
And finally, please celebrate a safe and happy Halloween this Sunday! Remember to save your pumpkins for the Sustainability Commission’s annual Pumpkin Smash - more details are below. We ask that you DO NOT throw your pumpkins onto the street with the leaf pick-up, as it will contaminate the recycling of the leaves.

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
COVID-19 Update
Last week, the CDC expanded its booster eligibility recommendation for those who have received either the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For more information about eligibility requirements, click here. Residents interested in receiving the first COVID-19 vaccine can pre-schedule appointments or walk in at several locations; homebound suburban Cook County residents can learn more about how to receive the vaccine here. For the latest River Forest COVID-19 vaccine data, click here and select 'Data by Town'. To view percentages of fully vaccinated individuals across the state, click here.
 
Additionally, as flu season approaches, the CDC also recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for everyone ages six months and up, to protect against infection and illness-related complications. To learn more, click here.
Halloween Guidance & Safety Tips
The Village’s trick-or-treat hours are this Sunday, October 31 from 3 - 7 p.m. and the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance to encourage safe Halloween celebrations. Face covers are recommended indoors, trick-or-treaters should travel in small groups and children should wash hands regularly - especially after receiving treats. Trick-or-treaters are asked to please be considerate of residents who have made the decision not to participate in the holiday this year. For more information, including additional safety tips and signage for your front door, click here.
Community Health Focus Group
Rush Oak Park Hospital is in the process of completing its triennial Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Health Implementation Plan. As a part of this process, it is hosting a focus group specifically for residents of River Forest. The goal is to have the voice of our community within that report to address identified needs. Accordingly, the hospital has asked for community members to volunteer to participate in a session that will take approximately 90 minutes and is interactive, engaging and in person. A meal will be provided and attendees will receive a $20 Target gift card for participating. To be considered for selection, email Amanda Gosnell for information and scheduling.

Holiday Bazaar

Christ Episcopal Church is resuming its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 6 from 9 a.m. - noon. Participants can expect home-cooked food, arts and crafts vendors, and a split pot raffle. Face masks are required. To learn more about this holiday shopping event, click here.
Utility Bill Assistance

Stay current on your ComEd bill with help from state-funded assistance programs and apply through March 31, 2022. Programs are open to eligible customers on a first-come-first-served basis, and while funds are still available. To learn more and to apply, call (800) 571-2332 or click here.
Don't Trash It - Smash It!
Help keep pumpkins out of landfills by participating in the annual River Forest Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, November 6 from 9 a.m. - noon at Roosevelt Middle School. Help us smash last year’s record of 805 pumpkins composted! Encourage friends, family and neighbors to compost instead of trashing, which helps reduce greenhouse gases. Residents should consider wearing masks and observe social distancing. This event is hosted by the D90 Green4Good Team with support from Lakeshore Recycling Services. Click the flyer to enlarge.
Complete Tree Trails & Win!
The deadline is just a few days away! River Forest residents who complete River Forest Tree Trails': ‘On Your Block’ by this coming Sunday, October 31 can earn the chance to win three months of free curbside composting services!

This activity is a unique, fun and socially distant way to get to know the trees in your neighborhood! For more information, click here.

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce member Yolk offers new and creative breakfasts, specialty juices and its own private label premium coffee. Enjoy a fresh and creative approach to breakfast and lunch in this urban, upscale setting.

Click here or call (708) 771-2047 today, to learn more and to place your breakfast or lunch order.
Shop River Forest! Please support our 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!