Township Supervisor Retirement, Senior Outreach Event, Health & Wellness Fair and More!

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Dear River Forest residents,

Since 1998, the Village has been recognized as a Tree City USA community in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This recognition is achieved by meeting the program’s four requirements that encourage healthy trees throughout our community. To celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 26 the Village will plant a tree for a school or park in River Forest. To view the Village’s tree inventory map with different species throughout the Village, click here.

As Memorial Day approaches, the Village, Park District, and River Forest Kiwanis Club are gathering information about residents who have served our country for inclusion in 2024's Memorial Day Honor Roll. Honorees can include residents who are either active duty members or veterans who would be recognized during the Memorial Day Ceremony following the parade on Monday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m. The deadline to submit someone’s name to be included in the Honor Roll is Monday, May 20, and can be done here.

After 14 years of dedicated service to River Forest Township, Supervisor Carla Sloan will retire in May. She began her Township career as the Clerk for three years before taking over as Township Supervisor. Carla has been a treasured colleague and I'd like to congratulate her on her years of service to our community, and her retirement!

Lastly, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Welch is hosting a Community Shred Day in Bellwood on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The limit is two boxes of documents/invoices, per car, and those who take advantage of this convenient free service are asked to remove paper clips, staples, and other bindings. To learn more, click here.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Public Hearing Notice

A public hearing is scheduled by the Historic Preservation Commission regarding an application for a garage demolition. The hearing will take place Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Village Hall. Residents are welcome to attend and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding this proposed project. More information can be found here.

Quarterly Community Safety Meeting

The next Quarterly Community Safety Meeting will be held in-person Wednesday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Village Hall, and will also be held on Zoom. These meetings were established several years ago so that the Police Department and community members can discuss issues related to the safety and security of our residents, businesses, and visitors to our Village. For more information, click here.

Fire Department Pancake Breakfast

The Fire Department is working with The Sheridan at River Forest for a senior outreach event on stroke awareness and fall prevention. A pancake breakfast will be included in the event on Monday, May 13 at 9 a.m. The chefs of The Sheridan will cook breakfast, and members of the Department will serve our senior residents. For questions or to reserve your spot, call 708-366-7629.

Township Supervisor Retires

Congratulations to Township Supervisor Carla Sloan on her forthcoming retirement. Sloan has served the Township for the last 14 years, and leaves behind a legacy of leadership through providing essential and supportive services to residents in-need - while promoting community engagement and enhancing the quality of life for so many. Current Township Clerk John Becvar will succeed Sloan and his appointment by the Township Board of Trustees will be announced at their May 21 Board meeting. More information on both Sloan and Becvar can be found here.

One Earth Film Festival

Time is running out to attend the One Earth Film Festival, which runs now through this coming Sunday (April 21), with films being shown virtually, and at several venues in and around Chicago. This film festival creates opportunities for understanding climate change, sustainability, and the power of human involvement through sustainability-themed films - along with facilitated discussion. Additionally, it showcases top-issue and thought-provoking environmental films that lead audiences in interactive post-film discussions focused on solutions. Through these films, concrete actions for those who want to make positive change are also offered. Information on the festival and this year’s films can be found here.

Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Collection

Foam products with the #6 symbols are not accepted as part of the Village's single stream recycling program with waste hauler, Lakeshore Recycling Systems. To help keep polystyrene (styrofoam) out of our landfills, District 90's Green4Good team has partnered with the Village to host a styrofoam collection event tomorrow (Friday, April 20) from 9 a.m. - noon in the West Thatcher Metra Commuter Lot. To learn more about upcoming “Green” events, click here.

National Prescription Take Back Day

Safely dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Oak Park Police Department. Addresses, maps and additional drop off locations can be found here. Please note: if you are unable to attend this event, the Village has a prescription drop box located in the basement of Village Hall that is available to residents Monday - Friday during normal business hours.

Health & Wellness Fair

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce's 8th Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair will take place this Sunday, April 21 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the new Community Recreation Center in Oak Park. There will be 50+ exhibitors showcasing health and wellness services with complimentary screenings, family activities and giveaways! Learn more here.

Registration Open at St. Vincent Ferrer

St. Vincent Ferrer School is currently accepting registration for students in Preschool through 8th grade for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you would like more information, or would like to schedule a personal tour, please call the school at 708-771-5905, or contact Judy Bolton.

Trinity High School Parent Preview

Trinity High School’s Parent Preview is Wednesday, April 24 from 8:30-11 a.m.! Parents are invited to observe in-session classes, learn about the admission process, and meet Trinity's administration. Pre-registration is not necessary. To learn more, click here.

Celebrate Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day on Monday April 22! Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! More than a billion people celebrate Earth Day each year by taking part in green activities, which make our world a healthier place to live. Please explore the River Forest Sustainability Commission’s Guide to Sustainable Living for tips on how you can fit elements of sustainable living into your life!

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Faust Fundraising is a full-service grant support firm working with medium-sized nonprofits in the greater Chicagoland area. If grants are part of your organization’s fundraising plan, this organization can help you find opportunities and write letters of inquiry and proposals. To learn more, click here.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.