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Thursday, November 18, 2021
Dear River Forest residents,

As the holiday season gets into full swing, let’s all take a moment to say thank you for things we are grateful for. I would like to thank our Staff for their tireless work and commitment to the Village, our Commission, Board and Committee members who volunteer a great deal of their time and expertise, and our fantastic grocery stores and small businesses that help make River Forest a great place to live and work. As you begin holiday shopping, please consider shopping locally. For a list of small businesses in the community, please visit the OPRF Chamber website. 

Also, Village and Concordia-Chicago officials are working to find a solution to making their track available once again to residents. The Village has asked that the track be reopened in the Spring. Concordia University Chicago previously closed its track and field facility to the public as a result of COVID-19 pandemic safety requirements. Pursuant to the university’s normal operations, the track is currently closed during the winter months.

Please see the COVID-19 updates below to help everyone celebrate the holidays safely.

There will be no newsletter next week. I wish everyone a warm and happy Thanksgiving. 


Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
COVID-19 Holiday Update and Expanded Booster Eligibility
Local vaccines are available! The River Forest Jewel-Osco Pharmacy is able to offer walk-in vaccines (best availability between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.) for children 5 and up and adults, as well as booster shots. The River Forest CVS or Walgreens are also offering vaccines and booster shots, by appointment only. Click here for vaccine information from the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines for safely celebrating this holiday season. Residents are encouraged not to host or attend gatherings if they are sick or experiencing symptoms. Consider wearing a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in a public indoor setting, even if you are fully vaccinated. Click here for complete guidance on staying healthy this holiday season. 
 
The best way to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated if you’re able. 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.


Tree Trails Winner!
Congratulations to Patrick Nix, a Roosevelt Middle School student in Mr. Cory Kadlec’s science class who is the winner of this fall’s River Forest Tree Trails prize – three months of free composting service for his family! Standing next to the hybrid Elm pictured in this photo, Patrick shared in his Tree Trails entry that on his block, the thinnest tree is an English Oak, the thickest is a Pin Oak, and the prettiest is a Bald Cypress! River Forest’s trees not only add beauty but also increase property values, capture stormwater, and reduce cooling and heating costs in our village.


Winter Weather Preparedness Week
November 15-19 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week. As winter approaches, consider these safety tips to ensure you are winter storm-ready. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked and winter storm-ready. Winterize your home by insulating walls, attics, doors, and windows. Keep emergency heating equipment so you can keep at least one room of your home warm enough to be livable, and avoid overexerting yourself or working outside for extended periods. Click here for more winter weather safety tips. 


Snow Parking Reminder
Please remember that parking is not permitted on any Village street after two inches of snow or more has accumulated on the street, and for up to eight hours after the snowfall ends, to allow snow plows to safely clear the street. This helps our dedicated Public Works department do their jobs to keep our streets clean and safe from road hazards. The Village will not grant overnight parking passes during the above conditions.

River Forest Chocolates is the perfect place to satisfy your chocolate cravings! Founded in 2010 with the belief that "chocolate makes life a little sweeter". River Forest Chocolates is ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and holiday gatherings. Let River Forest Chocolates make your next special occasion "a little bit sweeter." 

For a list of menu items, visit https://rfchocolates.square.site/

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!