Thursday, April 21, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

The Village Board recently approved the annual budget, which is balanced and also prepared so that it will receive the prestigious GFOA Distinguished Budget Award. The budget includes projects that will benefit our community now and into the future, through continued investment in vital infrastructure, such as streets, sidewalks, alleys and the Village’s water and sewer system. A copy of the budget is available online here. 

Oak Park and River Forest townships are seeking friendly volunteers to assist our senior citizen population. For more information on the opportunities available, click here. 

Earth Day is tomorrow, and is a great time to remember to take steps to protect our environment. The Village’s Sustainability Commission continues to provide valuable guidance through a number of initiatives and educational campaigns, including efforts to reduce waste in our landfills and reminding residents to make everyday Earth Day - both of which are mentioned below. Please also find information about an electronics, textiles and book recycling event this Saturday at Brookfield Zoo.

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Pet License Renewal
The Village requires a pet license for all dogs and cats - and current licenses should be renewed by Saturday, April 30. The cost is $10 each and licenses are good from May 1 through April 30 each year. More information and a way to renew online can be found here.
Brookfield Zoo Celebrates Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, the Brookfield Zoo is hosting an Electronics, Textiles and Book Recycling event on Saturday, April 23. The event will take place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the North Parking Lot of the Zoo. There is no charge to drop off recycling; however, tickets or membership is required if you plan to visit the zoo. For a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items for the event visit this link.
"Tales our Houses Tell" Returns to River Forest
For the first time since 2019, The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest presents "Tales our Houses Tell," our annual spring house walk, on Sunday, May 1 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. The walk will encompass seven houses and paint a vivid picture of the early days of the Village while emphasizing its growth and development into the thriving community we know today. Participants will have a one-time opportunity for a rare peek inside these seven remarkable residences. Four of the seven homes actually predate River Forest's 1880 incorporation, which ranks them among the oldest homes in the Village. To learn more or to register, visit http://oprfmuseum.org/.
Sustainability Commission Proposes Ordinance Change
The Sustainability Commission will hold a public meeting in-person at Village Hall and on Zoom, on Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m., regarding a proposed ordinance for single-use foodware - including plastic cutlery, condiments, napkins and more. If approved, the proposed ordinance would require establishments that sell food and beverages to provide these items for take-out and delivery orders at the customer’s request only - meaning customers would have to “opt-in” to receive them. Notably, this proposed ordinance would not tax nor prohibit the distribution of single-use foodware. Rather, the purpose of this ordinance is to limit the unnecessary distribution of single-use plastics, which generates a significant amount of waste.
 
Businesses that would be subject to this change and more information can be found here. Businesses are being contacted directly to notify them of this proposed change. All are welcome to attend this public meeting to learn more and/or provide comments on this proposed change.
Make Everyday Earth Day
What is the Earth Day Motto?
Save Earth, Save Mankind. May the Forest be With You. Protect our earth today for our children's tomorrow. Love the earth: it's the only one we've got. Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day.

Here are some ideas for celebrating from home:
  • Take a walk - take some time to admire the beauty around you.
  • Educate yourself. Check out our Sustainability Commission website for ideas: vrf.us/Sustainability. 
  • Start a compost.
  • Use less pesticides on your lawn.
Business Spotlight
Shop River Forest! The Little Bits Workshop is a studio where children can learn the fine craft of upcycling through traditional skills, such as altered art and clothing, embroidery and more. Check out their after school workshops, camps and classes! Little Bits Workshop just added a new afternoon class to their roster, entitled Junior Camp Runway. The class will run the week of July 11 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. For more information or to register for a class, click here.

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!