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Thursday, October 13, 2022

Dear River Forest residents,


At Monday’s Village Board meeting, the Board approved several traffic control measures focused near Harlem and North avenues. For several months, the Traffic and Safety Commission has explored ways to control speeding and increasing traffic levels in this area. Village staff will monitor the impact of the measures to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on other sections of town. The Village Board will soon consider the approval of a Village-wide traffic study to explore other areas in the Village experiencing similar issues.

 

I am excited to announce that the Village has received the SolSmart Silver designation from the United States Department of Energy. This designation is a result of the Sustainability Commission’s focus on promoting solar energy in River Forest. Thanks to the Zoning Board of Appeals for their thoughtful consideration on incorporating solar energy systems into the Village Code.

 

Finally, Election Day is Tuesday, November 8 and will include open seats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Illinois Governor, the Illinois Senate and House, and the County Board. If you plan to vote, please make sure you are registered! You can register online until Sunday, October 23 by clicking here and early voting has begun for Cook County residents. More information is provided in an article below.


Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest

Fire Department

Open House

Fire Prevention Week runs now through Saturday, October 15. Celebrate this public service event with our Fire Department during their Open House THIS Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This event will feature activities for children and a variety of fire safety and prevention information and services for residents. For any questions, call the fire station at 708-366-7629.

Interactive Construction Map

Are you curious about the status of a Village construction project? Please visit the Village’s Interactive Construction Map to follow the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects throughout River Forest. Updates on street and alley improvements are regularly posted on this site by Public Works staff.

Lathrop Avenue Closure - Monday, October 17th

Lathrop Avenue (northbound only) between Central and Lake, will be temporarily closed next week for portions of Monday, October 17 through Wednesday, October 19. This closure for a sewer connection to be made for the adjacent Alley Reconstruction Project. Closures will begin after 9 a.m. and last throughout portions of the day, depending on work being completed. The closures will be minimized, but there is a significant amount of work to be completed. The northbound lane will be reopened at the end of the workday. Drivers are encouraged to utilize Central to Ashland or Central to Monroe as a detour.

Influenza Season

Has Arrived

The CDC has reported that the upcoming Influenza (flu) season has the potential to cause severe respiratory issues. Residents are encouraged to protect themselves and family members over the age of six months by getting a flu shot as soon as possible. In addition to reducing the severity of the virus, the flu shot can also protect against complications from the illness. Learn more here.

National Prescription Take Back Day

Safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medications by attending the National Rx Take-Back Day, hosted by River Forest and Oak Park townships. This event will take place on Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Oak Park Township. Please send an email to Kelly O’Connor with any questions. For more information on the event, click here.

Fall Leaf Collection Reminder

The Village's annual "Rake to the Street" leaf pick-up program will continue through mid-December. Residents are asked to be mindful when raking leaves onto the street to be picked up by Public Works crews. Please leave the curb exposed and do not mix grass clippings, brush or any other type of yard waste with your leaves. And, if you have a lawn care service, please advise them of this requirement. The leaf collection schedule can be found here.

Trick or Treating

Trick-or-treating will take place in the Village on Monday, October 31 from 3-7 p.m. Residents are asked to participate only within these hours, and if you plan to welcome trick-or-treaters, be sure to leave your porch or outside front lights on. For a list of Halloween safety tips, click here.

Early Voting

Early voting is now through Monday, November 7, the day before election day (Tuesday, November 8). Mail-in ballots can be requested now through Thursday, November 3. Residents who wish to vote early and in-person can click here for available times and locations. For additional information on voter information, registration, who will be on your ballot, voting locations and more, visit the Cook County Clerk’s website here

SolSmart Silver Designation

The Village of River Forest is excited to announce it has been awarded the SolSmart Silver designation. SolSmart is a program that trains communities to make it simpler for its residents and businesses to participate in renewable energy, such as installing a rooftop solar system. Part of this designation process included amending the zoning ordinance to allow for solar in all major zones, providing an online process for solar permit submission and approval, and supporting a community solar program. For information on Solar in River Forest visit www.vrf.us/solar

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce member Mindful Family Management is a childcare-centered business specializing in event, travel and vacation care, as well as providing support around developmental milestones. They are happy to assist with whatever unique needs your family may have and can come up with creative solutions for parental challenges you are facing. To learn more or view a full list of their services, visit https://www.mindfulfamilymanagement.com/.

 

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!

Village of River Forest


400 Park Avenue

River Forest, Illinois 60305

(708) 366-8500


vrf.us

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