August 2021
Dear River Forest residents,

Welcome to August and thank you for taking the time to read our E-News. Below, you will find information regarding updated mask recommendations, Village reminders and news from other River Forest taxing bodies.
 
A ceremonial groundbreaking and beam signing was held on Tuesday, August 3 at Trinity High School. This exciting project links Trinity’s academic building and gymnasium with an enclosed walkway, and adds a courtyard along the east side of the school. This project makes the building more accessible and sustainable by providing a green roof feature. We are pleased to have Trinity in the community and congratulate them on the start of this project! 
 
The Village’s Alley Improvement Project program continues with a four-alley project, which begins construction next week, weather depending. Residents impacted by this program have already received direct communications from the Village. The alleys included in this phase are between Park Avenue and Ashland Avenue, and from Hawthorne Avenue to Washington Boulevard. Click here for more information and updates throughout the project. This project will improve severely deteriorated pavements that lack adequate drainage and provide critical green infrastructure through permeable pavers. The Village is currently designing 14 other alleys to be able to continue this program throughout the Village in the near future, as part of an accelerated program to improve all Village alleys with permeable elements, and to address stormwater along with the Stormwater Master Plan.

Sincerely,
Catherine M. Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
COVID-19 Mask Update

Cook County has been designated as an area of substantial risk of COVID-19 transmission, and residents are encouraged to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in public indoor settings following last week’s updated CDC recommendations. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to learn more about becoming vaccinated. The Village continues to monitor data and trends, and will issue updates as they become available.
COVID-19 Data and
Vaccine Resources

For the most current River Forest vaccine data, click here and select 'Data by Town'. Percentages of fully vaccinated individuals across the state can be found here. Walk-in appointments are available at several locations and can be scheduled here. Homebound suburban Cook County residents can receive the vaccine in their homes; find more information here.

New Officers Graduate from
Police Academy
Please join us in welcoming two new officers to the River Forest Police Department! Officers Eric Sousanes and Paul Bradley have begun the Field Training program, following their August 3 graduation from the Chicago Police Department Metro Academy. Congratulations to them both!
Pet and Vehicle Registration

Pets (dogs/cats) and vehicles are required to be registered with the Village. Pet tags can be purchased for $10 at Village Hall and are valid from May 1 - April 30, each year. Click here to learn more. Also, the deadline for purchasing and displaying vehicle stickers without penalty was July 14. Late fees on vehicle stickers will increase from $10 to $15 on August 15. To avoid being ticketed, purchase stickers online or at Village Hall. For more details, click here or call (708) 366-8500.
Metra Parking
Lot Passes

Returning to work in person and need to take the train? Then purchase a monthly Metra parking permit. This permit allows for parking in the lots next to the train station (east or west sides of Thatcher Avenue), on Hawthorne Avenue (between Thatcher and Keystone), or on the northside of Central Avenue (between Edgewood and Thatcher). Permitted parking areas are designated in green in the commuter parking map. For more information or to purchase a permit, click here.
Brookfield Zoo Back-To-School Event
Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford will be hosting the 12th Annual Back to School Event at Brookfield Zoo, on Sunday, August 8, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. This family-friendly event includes free lunch, parking and backpacks filled with school supplies, for students from Pre-kindergarten to college. For more information call (708) 632-4500 or click here.

Please click on the accompanying flyer to enlarge.
Safe Driving In School Zones
Schools throughout the Village will begin opening for the 2021-22 school year starting Wednesday, August 18 through Thursday, August 26, during which time, the Police Department will be enforcing laws and assisting with traffic flow. Please drive carefully in school zones, and be respectful and courteous to pedestrians and fellow motorists. To report unsafe situations or driving behaviors, call 911 for emergencies or (708) 366-7125 for non-emergencies. For back-to-school reminders about State laws and local ordinances, and for additional safety tips, click here.
Traveling To and From School Safely
With schools back in session for most students in just a few weeks, the Fire Department would like to make sure your children arrive to and from school safely. Whether traveling by foot, car, bus or bike - visit the below links for helpful transportation safety tips.
Chicago Christian Counseling Center

The Chicago Christian Counseling Center has been a trusted and reliable source for providing effective mental health services for more than 45 years, with offices located throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana - including in River Forest. Out-patient mental health counseling is available for individuals, couples and families. Call (708) 845-5500 or visit them online for more information.
Residential Composting
Roy Strom makes composting easy! Sign up for residential curbside composting by filling out a service request form. Residents will receive an under-sink kitchen container and a 64-gallon cart to get started. Take advantage of this low price and low maintenance composting service today! Click here to learn more.
School Starts August 25

Students will return to District 90 schools on Wednesday, August 25. All students will be returning to full-time, in-person instruction. Please drive safely in school zones and be sure to watch out for students and other pedestrians.
Still Time to Register!

Enrolling a new or existing student for the 2021-22 school year? If so, please complete registration as soon as possible. For more information, visit the District’s website or email School Registrar, Josephine Ribaudo.
Food Truck Rally

Join the River Forest Park District, the Village of River Forest and the Rotary Club of Oak Park River Forest for a Food Truck Rally on Saturday, August 28 from 3:30 - 9:30 p.m. Food trucks will be in The Depot parking lot and entertainment will be provided in Keystone Park West. For the event’s full lineup, click here.
Thursday Concerts
in the Park

Grab your chairs and blankets, and attend the Circle of Fifths on Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m. in Constitution Park, to hear a variety of dance party music and classic rock hits! All concerts are family-friendly and free, and include a hot dog, chips and frozen treat; beverages are not included and alcohol is prohibited. Learn more here.
Masks Now Required

Due to updated guidance from the CDC and the IDPH, all patrons must wear a mask in the library, regardless of vaccination status. If you are unable or unwilling to wear a mask, please call (708) 366-5205 x304. Staff will work to assist in checking out, printing or scanning materials, delivering materials to the entrance, or with research requests via phone, email or chat. The library thanks patrons for their understanding and cooperation.
Exciting Summer Programming Continues

Have you been bit by the travel bug? Then it’s not too late to sign up for Mindful Vagabond: Atypical Globetrotting, on Saturday, August 7 at 2 p.m. Or, visit the library website for a variety of more summer programs for all ages, including both in-person and virtual events! And don’t forget to log those books - summer reading ends Friday, August 20!

Many Township services and programs are returning to meeting in person. To learn more, click here, view the River Forest community calendar here, or email Supervisor Carla Sloan for additional information.
Senior Home
Repair Program

River Forest and Oak Park residents ages 60 and over can receive assistance with simple home repairs as part of the North West Housing Partnership Senior Home Repair Program. Fees are $20-$40 per hour, depending on income, and eligible work includes grab bar installation, hanging pictures and sink/faucet repair. Emergency repairs are not available. For questions or to make an appointment call (847) 969-0561 or send an email here.
Sounds Good Choir Is Back!

The Oak Park River Forest Sounds Good Choir resumes in-person this fall to singers ages 60 and over. No audition is required and online registration is now open. Proof of vaccination is required for all in-person singers. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m., beginning September 7. Click here for more information or send an email with questions. Need-based scholarships are available to residents through River Forest Township.
Dole Center Active Adult Programs

River Forest residents ages 50 and over are invited to check out the Active Adult Programs at the Dole Center, which is run by the Park District of Oak Park. Try lapidary arts, weaving, ceramics, fitness, book clubs, games and more! Active Adult Memberships are only $50 per year and include free classes and activities at the Dole Center, along with other benefits. Classes are filling up quickly, so register today! For more information, click here.
Update: Second Installment of Tax Bill Mailing
The second installment of 2020 property tax bills will be mailed in mid-August with an anticipated due date of Friday, October 1. To learn more, click here.
What's Happening in River Forest?
Visit the Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com to find out today!
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