DEI Committee Update, Historical Society Walking Tour, Congratulations to Dominican University, Annual OPRF Chamber Meeting and More!

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Dear River Forest residents,

Congratulations to Dominican University on receiving the 2022 Lectureship Award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This distinguished award was presented to the University for diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability in nursing education. You can read more about this exciting accomplishment that furthers our community’s vision for bringing people together in an article below.

River Forest is made up of selfless residents who give back through their time and talents by volunteering. This is evidenced by the many individuals who are currently volunteers on one of our boards, commissions or ad hoc groups. On Monday night, the Village Board will consider my appointments and reappointments to our boards. Thanks to all of our volunteers for their dedication!

Finally, by Monday, students that attend District 90, Trinity, St. Luke, St. Vincent and Grace Lutheran schools will have started school and I wish everyone a successful 2022-2023 school year! As children and school buses begin to fill our roadways, sidewalks and crosswalks during the school week, please remember to use caution when you are out and about in River Forest to keep all of our community members safe.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Committee Update: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Group

For several months the Village’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group has worked toward drafting a request for proposals (RFP) for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative Consultant. Engaging a third party consultant is one of the primary initial goals identified upon the creation of the Advisory Group in April of 2021. Last month, the RFP was advertised and the Village is currently accepting proposals. The selection committee will soon begin evaluating the proposals, and the selection of a firm is anticipated to occur in September.

Congratulations to Dominican University

Dominican University was awarded the 2022 Lectureship Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability in Nursing Education for small/liberal arts colleges. The award is one of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s most prestigious honors and was given to the University because of their culturally competent patient care and their pursuit to address health equity. For more information on the award and its criteria, click here.

Photo credit: Dominican University

Historical Society

Walking Tour

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest will present their next walking tour on Saturday, August 27 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. The theme of the sidewalk tour will be "Street of Dreams" and will take place on the stretch of Keystone Avenue known by the same name. Participants will learn about the rich history and development of this area in River Forest. The walk will begin at River Forest Methodist Church. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Food Truck Rally Reminder

The countdown is on for the Food Truck Rally on Saturday, August 27 from 4 – 9 p.m. in Keystone Park West at The Depot Parking Lot. This event is the result of a partnership between the Village, the River Forest Park District and the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club. Residents can enjoy live music performances from Modern Day Saints and Sons of Chicago. Family activities will include inflatables, face painting and a bubble artist. Food trucks included in the Rally will be Billy Bricks on Wheels, the Pierogi Wagon, Soul & Smoke BBQ and more! To see the entire food truck lineup and to view the full entertainment schedule, click here.

Oak Park River Forest Annual Chamber Meeting

The annual Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce (OPRFCC) meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 8 a.m. at the Unity Temple. OPRFCC members and local business leaders will discuss accomplishments from last year, along with goals for 2023. A complimentary breakfast will also be provided for members. If you’re not yet a member, take advantage of the complimentary six month memberships offered in partnership with the Village for local, small businesses and organizations by calling 708-613-0550. Register here for the annual OPRFCC meeting.

Hold Onto Electronics, Cleaners, Batteries

and More for Fall Pickup

Keep your old electronics and household hazardous waste out of the landfill by taking advantage of the Village’s new program with LRS Recycling that provides home pickup of the aforementioned items twice a year - at no extra cost! Watch for more information about the fall collection request deadlines and pickup dates, what’s included, and how to arrange a pickup and properly package household hazardous waste. LRS will begin accepting requests for the next Household Hazardous Waste Home Collection no later than September 15. LRS will take up to seven electronic items, including no more than two TV or computer monitors, and a variety of household hazardous waste items including cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries and more. Visit lrsrecycles.com for more information.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio is more than a neighborhood cooking school - it’s a place where kids can build confidence and skills as they navigate interesting and challenging cooking projects! Registration for the fall session begins Tuesday, September 6 - so save the date! Learn more at https://www.iloveschoolhouse.com/.

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.