Overnight Parking Ban Lifted, Senior Home Repair, Battery Recycling Program and More!

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

At last Monday’s Village Board Meeting, the Board awarded a contract to Schroeder Asphalt Services for the 2024 Rebuild Illinois Street Improvement Project (SIP) for the sum of $832,475. The funding for the project is provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, as part of the REBUILD Illinois Capital Plan. This grant funding allows the Village to supplement its existing street improvement program and address additional stretches of roadway that otherwise would be pushed out to later years. The resurfacing work will begin in the Spring. You can view project updates and information about planned work through the Village’s interactive map.

We will continue to pursue all grant opportunities to maintain and improve our essential infrastructure, and we thank our legislative leaders (Speaker Chris Welch, President Don Harmon, Majority Leader Senator Lightford, and House Representative Camille Lilly) for prioritizing capital funding and partnering with our Village.

Recently I was interviewed by WBEZ Chicago regarding my trip to the United Nations Climate Summit COP28. If you are interested in learning more about this event, you can access the interview here.

Lastly, I’d also like to wish all of our residents a healthy and happy holiday season - and for those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas! Please note: Village Hall will be closed tomorrow, Friday, December 22, and Monday, December 25 in observance of the holiday, and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26 for normal business hours.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Overnight Parking Ban Lifted

Due to the upcoming holidays, the Village’s Overnight Parking Ban will be lifted, beginning this Thursday, December 21 at 12:01 a.m. through Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 9 a.m. Please note that no overnight waivers will be required during this period.

*Please also remember that parking is not permitted on any Village street after two (2) inches of snow or more has accumulated on the street, and for up to eight (8) hours after the snowfall ends. This exception allows snow plows to safely clear the street, and space for emergency vehicles to get through if they are responding to a 911 call.

Park District

Winter Fun Guide

Are you looking for recreation opportunities during the winter months? The River Forest Park District's Winter/Spring Fun Guide has a catalog full of family-friendly activities that take place during winter. To learn more or to browse available programs, click here.

Holiday Movie at

the Library

Join the River Forest Public Library for "Holiday Movie at the Library" on Friday, December 22 from 3-4:30 p.m. This event is for children in grades K-8 and will feature winter-themed movies. Light snacks will also be provided. Learn more here.

Senior Home Repair

Seniors can get their home winterized! River Forest residents aged 60 and up can take advantage of the North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) Oak Park River Forest Senior Home Repair Program. This program provides a handyperson to help with minor repairs in the home to make aging in place more manageable. Please note that this program is not intended for emergency repairs. Call NWHP at 847-969-0561 for any questions on how to qualify, or to schedule this service.

Triton College

Super Saturday

Join Triton College on Saturday, January 13 and January 20 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for their “Super Registration Saturday.” This is your one-stop-shop for all things related to spring registration. Those who attend can talk to financial aid representatives, meet advisors, tour the campus, and more. The College will also have giveaways and snacks available, while supplies last. To learn more, click here.

2nd Annual Willard 5K

Join Willard Elementary School for their second annual Willard 5k on Sunday, May 19, 2024 starting at 8:30 a.m. Lace up for a magical day of running, walking and boogying across the finish line! The early bird rate of $15 is available now! Please note that prices will increase on December 31. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at a special rate if you register before the end of the year. Become a sponsor or register 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, while the strands are separated, baled and sent to be chopped or shredded. They are then sold as a commodity to foundries and mills across the United States.

History Book Club

Join the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest for History Book Club on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 7-8 p.m. at the Oak Park River Forest Museum. History lovers and readers will unite for this Book Club, led by writer, teacher and librarian Doug Deuchler. Space is limited. To reserve your spot, please send an email or call 708-848-6755.

Battery Recycling Program

Did you know you can recycle alkaline batteries at Village Hall in the buckets located in the basement stairwell next to the elevators? AA and AAA batteries used in small electronics should not be placed in residential recycling carts. Please note: Large batteries, such as car batteries, as well as lead acid, lithium-ion and NiCad batteries cannot be recycled, but can be collected as part of the Village’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program. The next collection date will be in the spring of 2024.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Ambassador Hair Care is a full-service beauty salon and barber shop. The knowledgeable staff prioritizes the health of your hair and offers cuts, colors, relaxers and more. To get a quote or schedule an appointment, 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.