Holiday Light Recycling, Small Business Saturday, Upcoming Holiday Events and More!

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the vibrancy of our community. This includes our Village staff for their tireless commitment to their work, along with our Village Board of Trustees who spend countless hours guiding our community through their selfless public service. I’d also like to acknowledge our commission and committee members - who volunteer a great deal of their time and expertise for the betterment of River Forest.

I’m also grateful to the many organizations that serve our residents, including our schools, park district, the Township and the Library, along with our businesses that enhance commerce and enrich our community.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank all of our residents for choosing to make River Forest their home. Every individual and group listed here contributes in many ways to our Village being a great place to live, work, and to raise a family!

If you are able to donate blood, you can help to save a life this holiday season. Trinity High School will be sponsoring a blood drive, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Oak Park River Forest on Wednesday, November 29 from noon until 6 p.m. The event will be held at Trinity High School and individuals can register here.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Lake & Lathrop Update

The court-appointed receiver, Ascend Real Estate Group (Ascend), has listed the Lake & Lathrop property for sale through real estate broker JLL. The sale of this property will be subject to Wintrust Bank’s agreement and court approval. Any liens burdened on the property will be the responsibility of Sedgwick Properties, and then Wintrust Bank after the property is transferred by its foreclosure. The Village maintains the authority to grant or deny zoning entitlement for any proposed projects at this location.

The Village has been reimbursed for the Ashland sidewalk repairs made in September and Ascend has paid the outstanding property taxes owed on the site. The joint cost Wintrust Bank paid for property repairs and taxes through October 31, 2023 is $66,408.34. The total budget to date submitted by the receiver and approved by Wintrust Bank, which includes Village-paid expenses and taxes, professional fees and receiver fees, is $108,303.58.

To read past project updates, please visit the Village’s dedicated webpage.

Overnight Parking

Ban Lifted

The Overnight Parking Ban is now lifted through Monday, November 27 at 9 a.m. for the Thanksgiving holiday period. Therefore, overnight parking waivers will not be required during this period. To learn more, click here.

Reminder: Parking will not be permitted on any Village street after two inches of snow or more has accumulated, and for up to eight hours after the snowfall ends. This allows snow plows to safely clear the street and for emergency vehicles to maneuver through our streets if they are responding to a 911 call.

Park District

Tree Trimming

Join the Park District at their annual Tree Trimming event on Thursday, November 30. Local businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods are invited to sponsor a tree, which will be on display along Lake Street in Memorial Parkway. A tree with lights will be provided and sponsors will bring and hang their own decorations. Register your group for one of the two time slots available; either 4-5 p.m. or 5-6 p.m. The tree lighting will begin at 5 p.m. Individually wrapped cookies will be provided along with a mailbox for letters to Santa and festive music. To learn more or register your group, click here.

Holiday Housewalk

Get your tickets now for the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society Holiday Housewalk and Market. It’s the 25th annual housewalk and a very special event! On Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2, you can tour six stunning homes in Oak Park and River Forest. There will also be an artisan market where you can get a head start on holiday shopping. Ticket prices go up at the door, so get them ahead of time here.

By participating in this event, you help the Infant Welfare Society fulfill their mission, so they can continue to offer high quality, comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health and social service support to underserved, low-income children from infancy to age 21.

Historical Society Holiday Open House

The Historical Society of Oak Park River Forest is hosting their annual, free Holiday Open House at the organization’s Museum on Saturday, November 25 from 1 - 5 p.m. The festivities will include refreshments, crafts for children, holiday memorabilia and more. For additional information on this family-friendly event, click here.

Holiday Light Recycling

The Village continues to partner with Elgin Recycling, Inc. to provide an easy way to responsibly dispose of old and unusable holiday lights. Residents can drop off holiday lights for recycling in a receptacle clearly marked for this purpose behind Village Hall under the train overpass. This bin will be available through January 15, 2024. For a list of accepted and unaccepted items, click here.

Elgin Recycling takes the lights and cords. The strands are separated, baled and sent to be chopped or shredded and sold as a commodity to foundries and mills across the United States.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Saturday, November 25, is Small Business Saturday and a day that celebrates small businesses and the positive impact they have on our community! As the holiday shopping season begins, consider showing your support by supporting the Village’s ample selection of small businesses! For a list, please click here.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website. If you’d like your business to be featured in the weekly Business Spotlight, please send us an email.