Thursday, April 28, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

At our April 25 board meeting, the Village Board and I approved a contract extension with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, formally known as Roy Strom, to continue providing garbage, recycling and compost services to River Forest. The new contract begins May 1 and will extend for an additional 5-year term.
 
The new contract offers residents many new benefits, including two at-home Electronic recycling collections each year (at no additional cost), two at-home Household Hazardous Waste collections each year (at no additional cost), and a nearly 30% decrease in the cost of compost pickup, to encourage our residents to 'opt-in' to composting. Receptacle options will now also include 35-gallon or 95-gallon carts, in addition to the existing 65-gallon cart. These decreased rates will go into effect immediately for residents who currently compost. Click here for more information about the composting program, to select a new cart size, and to sign up! Also, be sure to keep an eye out for a newly updated website page, coming soon!

Also at our April 25 board meeting, the Board of Trustees and I unanimously approved comprehensive amendments to the Village’s ethics ordinance. The amendments enhance the Village’s local ethics requirements and add requirements beyond those in State law. These amendments put the Village in a 'best-in-class' category for ethics reform, and continue the Village’s tradition of requiring elected officials, appointees, employees and contractors to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty when working with and for the Village. 

These amendments include expanding the scope of the ordinance to cover Village contractors, expanding the gift ban to cover gifts given by immediate family members of prohibited sources, and expanding the scope of conflicts of interest to include the interests of immediate family members. An anti-nepotism clause was also added, along with a duty to report violations requirement. The Village President and Board of Trustees will now also have the authority to bar a contractor who violates the ordinance. Click here to read the complete ordinance.

As the Memorial Day holiday is fast approaching, the Village, the Park District, and the River Forest Kiwanis Club, are working to gather information about residents who have served our country, for inclusion in 2022's Memorial Day Honor Roll. Honorees include residents who are either active duty members or veterans, who will be recognized during the upcoming Memorial Day Ceremony, following the parade on Monday, May 30. To learn more, or to enroll an honoree, click here.

Finally, it is the time of year again, when residents begin planning holiday and summer gatherings. If you are interested in hosting a block party, please visit this link to learn more about obtaining a permit.

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Pet License Renewal Reminder
Residents are reminded that current pet licenses for dogs and cats should be renewed by this Saturday, April 30 and are $10. There is no fine for late renewals, but the Village does require a pet license for all dogs and cats, and these licenses are good from May 1 through April 30 each year. To renew your pet license online, click here.
Historic Preservation Award Nominations
Now Open
The Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Historic Preservation Awards. Nominations must be received at Village Hall by Friday, July 29. Eligible homeowners, architects or contractors who have completed qualifying jobs in River Forest since January 1, 2017, can find more information or apply here.
Celebrate Arbor Day
Tomorrow, April 29, is Arbor Day! Did you know the Village has been a Tree City USA Community since 1998? The Village earned this distinction from the National Arbor Day Foundation based on the following standards: having a forestry division, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. And now you can get to know the species and distinct features of the trees on your block with the River Forest Tree Trails activity sheet, created by the River Forest Sustainability Commission. Answer the fun, fill-in-the-blank questions about the different species of trees that live on the parkway right outside your front door. Click here to get the activity sheet and to learn more about trees in the Village.
Support 4U
High school and middle school students can now obtain safe, anonymous help on any mental health issue that they may be struggling with. Support 4U is a mental health support resource for students, which allows them to text or call a licensed mental health clinician 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Topics covered include anxiety, family-related issues, bullying, substance abuse, or any other mental health related topic. Visit this website to learn more.
Change of Venue for Upcoming Housing Forum
Those planning on attending the housing forum on Saturday, May 14, entitled, 'Aging in Our Communities: Housing Affordability, Accessibility and Possibilities' should note that the venue has changed. The forum will now be held at Concordia University Chicago on the first floor of Kretzmann Hall, in room 225. This event is a great way to celebrate Seniors Week, which runs from May 12-19. To learn more, click here.
Bird Feeder Reminder
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that residents discontinue the use of bird feeders and baths through May 31. This action will help combat the spread of avian flu that is currently impacting birds across the state.
Restore the Canopy Initiative
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is empowering residents of Cook County to help restore the region’s depleted tree canopy with its Restore the Canopy initiative. The damage to the local tree population was caused by emerald ash borer infestations and extreme weather. Not only do trees provide a beautiful green canopy for communities, but they are also a powerful and effective form of green infrastructure. A medium-sized oak tree can help prevent flooding by absorbing 2,800 gallons of rainfall per year. Restore the Canopy provides four types of native trees (Black Oak, Pin Oak, Red Oak, and White Oak) for free to Cook County residents, community groups, and schools. Please note that the availability of each sapling may vary depending on the supply. Click here for more information.
Business Spotlight
River Forest Animal Hospital (RFAH) has been caring for pets in our community for more than 50 years. It strives to deliver personalized care to all patients, and its services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets. RFAH has started renovating the entire hospital and plans to add a new dental suite, updated equipment, and more exam rooms. Visit the website or call (708) 366-8370 to schedule an appointment.
 
Please support 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.
What's Happening in River Forest?

Visit the River Forest Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com
to find out, today!