Thursday, April 8, 2021
Dear River Forest Residents,

I want to thank everyone who volunteered to be a part of the Village’s new Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Group. The strong response is indicative of the community's support for this initiative. We look forward to discussing this with the Village Board. 
 
On the April 12 Board agenda is the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget at the Committee of the Whole Meeting, which will be followed by a Public Hearing. Among the priorities included in the Budget are investments in smart city technology, key infrastructure and stormwater management projects, and continuing our ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the community. To learn more about the Village Board’s goals within the proposed Budget, you can review pages 26-27.
 
Also included in this edition of our E-news is the latest update on the vaccine and COVID-19 cases, plans to recognize veterans, assistance available through ComEd and other resources and community information.

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

As of March 31, suburban Cook County expanded to Phase 1c of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, which includes anyone age 65+, adults with high-risk medical conditions or disabilities, long-term care residents, teachers and essential workers. Starting Monday, April 12, all residents aged 16+ will be eligible, though supplies may be limited. Register here to receive text or email alerts when appointments become available, or text ‘AlertCook’ to 888-777 for text alerts about appointments at mass vaccination sites and more.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Visit myshotcookcounty.com for information about COVID-19 vaccines, to track the latest vaccination data in suburban Cook County and for additional resources. Residents can call (833) 308-1988 weekdays between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. for updates and assistance with making appointments.

Appointment locations can be searched by zip code at vaccinefinder.org and can be scheduled on ZocDoc. The Village’s website will continue to provide updates as they become available.
River Forest COVID-19 Cases
From Sunday, March 28 – Saturday, April 3, River Forest had 13 new COVID-19 positive cases with 352 tests completed, resulting in a 3.7% positivity rate. During the previous week, there were 23 new positive cases and 444 tests completed, representing a 5.2% positivity rate. Daily updates throughout the state by zip code can be found here.
2021 Unofficial Election Results
The Cook County Consolidated Election took place on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Election results for all races can be found on the Cook County Clerk’s website.
Election Sign Recycling

Please keep your election signs out of landfills, and corrugated plastic/metal stakes out of curbside recycling bins! A special recycling drop-off is now available in the red recycling box on Central Avenue under the railroad viaduct next to Village Hall - 24 hours a day, through April 30, 2021.
Armed Services Registry

The River Forest Service Club continues to collect information about residents or their loved ones' military service for the purpose of recognizing individuals before and during the 2021 Memorial Day weekend. The submission deadline is May 1, 2021. Click here for more information.
ComEd Financial Assistance
ComEd is now offering eligible customers increased assistance opportunities, including bill credits, enhanced payment arrangement options and special reconnection programs. For more information, click here or call
(800) 334-7661, Monday-Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Business After Hours
Networking Event

Do you own a business in River Forest? Or, are you a resident who recently launched an at-home or online business? If so, you’re invited to the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours networking event Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 5 p.m. at Good Earth Greenhouse & Cafe. Members and non-members are welcome! For event information, click here.
First Annual Vintage
Home Show

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation and the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the First Annual Vintage Home Show on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9 a.m - 5:30 p.m. This virtual event will feature vendors and informational workshops, and presenters will be available for online Q & A sessions. Tickets are $35, with advance pricing of $25 until April 9. Click here for additional details or call (708) 260-6661.
Did You Know?
The Village’s website has a wide range of resources and information for our community members. Read below to learn more about the Community Portal, and if you are looking for other information, visit vrf.us and enter your topic into the search bar (top right of the page) or email info@vrf.us with any questions!

The Village utilizes its Geographic Information System (GIS) to provide residents with a Community Portal - where property and zoning information, government representatives and property tax breakdowns can all be easily searched. A map gallery also provides interesting resources such as historic maps as well as tree maps.
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce member Yolk is now open at 7301 North Avenue - formerly Grandma Sally’s! Yolk features new and creative breakfasts, specialty juices and their own private label premium coffee. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Yolk boasts fantastic food made from high quality ingredients offered at reasonable prices. Find them online or call (708) 771-2047.
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.