Driver Sober this Holiday Season, Scholarship Opportunities, Holiday Green Composting and More!

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

The Salvation Army has teamed up with the Chicago Bears, Jewel-Osco and Shur-Way Movers for their 35th annual Coat Drive now through Monday, February 12, 2024. Coats can be dropped off at participating Jewel-Osco locations. I encourage everyone who can to help their neighbors in need by participating in this event. If you are in need of a winter coat, please contact the Salvation Army directly at 708-848-1181.

I’d also like to wish all of our residents a safe and happy New Year! Please note that in observance of the upcoming holiday, Village Hall will be closed Monday, January 1, and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2 for normal business hours. Refuse collection will not take place on New Year's Day, and will be delayed by one day the rest of next week throughout the Village.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Drive Sober this New Year

Leading up to the New Year's holiday, residents should expect roadside safety checks and police patrols to ensure the roadways are safe and free of impaired drivers. If you are planning to enjoy holiday libations, be sure to arrange for a designated driver!

Village Composting Program

Residents are encouraged to make a New Year’s resolution to be more sustainable this year. One way to accomplish this is by decreasing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills by signing up for the Village’s composting program, which is voluntary and subscription-based. Residents who take advantage of this program will receive a cart and an under-sink collection bucket. To learn more or to subscribe, click here.

Kindergarten Information Night

Save the date for Lincoln and Willard elementary schools’ annual Kindergarten Information Night on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten registration for the 2024-25 school year will open that evening. This event is for parents and caregivers of children turning five by Sunday, September 1, 2024. For more information, click here.

Overnight Parking Ban Lifted

Due to the upcoming holidays, the Village’s Overnight Parking Ban will be lifted 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.

Cernan Earth &

Space Center

For those looking for something to do during winter break, the Cernan Earth & Space Center in River Grove at Triton College will be open. The center features a full lineup of shows in the planetarium, plus Taylor Swift and Trans-Siberian laser light shows. Click here to view the upcoming schedule of shows or for more information.

Township Officials of Illinois Scholarships

Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) have announced that 2024 scholarship applications are now open. TOI will be awarding $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors this year who plan to attend Illinois colleges or universities. Applications are due Friday, March 1, 2024 and must either be mailed or submitted online. For more information or to download an application, click here.

OPRF Scholarship Opportunities

Did you know there are a variety of college scholarship opportunities available for graduating seniors through the Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation? Scholarships are generally based on a wide-range of criteria including: economic need, academic merit, volunteerism, talent and public service. More than half of these scholarships do not require financial need. The application process is open now and closes on Friday, January 26 at 3:30 p.m. To learn more or apply, click here.

Compost Your Holiday Greens

Holiday greens such as live Christmas trees, wreaths and garland will be collected on the following dates: Wednesday, January 3, 2024, and the four following Tuesdays (January 9, 16, 23, 30). These items must be placed on the parkway before 7 a.m. on pick up days, and all lights, tinsel, ornaments, metal hangers, plastic material, and stands must be removed. Please note - this pickup does not include yard waste and/or leaves and collection is available only to residents that utilize the Village’s waste hauler – Lakeshore Recycling Systems. Businesses and multi-family residential buildings will need to arrange tree disposal directly with their contracted waste hauler.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

The Zak Knebel Group makes understanding and achieving your real estate goals their highest priority. Neighborhood knowledge and market insight, along with outstanding personal service, are the cornerstones of this business. Whether you are looking to downsize or find more space for your growing family here in River Forest, the Zak Knebel Group will provide you with guidance each step of the way. To learn more, 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.