Thursday, June 16, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

This week we saw some brutal storms and hot temperatures. Please remember to continue to check in on any older adults on your block that may need help. A list of cooling centers in Cook County can be found by clicking here. Additionally, the River Forest Library is always a welcome place for our older adults and younger children.

On Thursday, June 9, the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride drove through the Village. The Wounded Warrior Project helps provide support in obtaining benefits, financial support, peer support, and mental and physical support for veterans. The Soldier Ride is an event designed to help warriors build confidence and strength in a supportive community environment. River Forest’s own Police Officer Ben Ransom assisted with ride security and traffic control. Both the Police and Fire Departments were also on hand to assist with traffic and provide moral support to all the riders.
 
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that the Village of River Forest's Juneteenth parade will be this Saturday, June 18 in partnership with Forest Park, Maywood and a coalition of local organizations. More details can be found in the article below.

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Upcoming Events to Commemorate Juneteenth
Dominican University Juneteenth Celebration
Dominican University will be hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 17 at the Dominican University Quad. The event will take place from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a barbecue, family-friendly games and a DJ. A lecture by Dr. Irvin Hunt, a scholar of 20th and 21st century African-American literature and culture, will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Center for Cultural Liberation, and attendees can join either in-person or virtually. For more information or to register click here.
Parade Reminder
(please click on graphic to enlarge)
The Villages of River Forest, Forest Park, Maywood and a coalition of local organizations have partnered together for the West Villages’ Inaugural Juneteenth Parade, to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. The parade will take place on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m, starting at the corner of Brown Avenue and Randolph Street in Forest Park, heading west. Stick around after the parade for food vendors and live entertainment that will be available during the post-parade event. To learn more, click here.
BBQ Grilling Safety
Father’s Day is the fourth largest grilling day of the year. The River Forest Fire Department, along with the National Fire Protection Association would like to remind residents to grill safely and to follow all safety tips on safe barbecue grilling. 
 
SAFETY TIPS:
 
  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Grills should be placed well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
  • Keep grills clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below.
  • Never leave grills unattended.

To view additional safety tips and facts for both charcoal and propane grills, click here.
Village & Chamber of Commerce Partnership
The Village is providing complimentary six-month memberships for River Forest businesses wishing to join the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce this year! The Chamber supports local small businesses with training, promotions and advocacy. Call the Chamber at (708) 613-0550 or click here for more information.
Early Voting
Early voting for the Gubernatorial Primary election began last Monday and runs through Monday, June 27 at Oak Park Village Hall, Maywood Courthouse and Elmwood Park Village Hall. Voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and hours vary by location on Sundays. To learn more about voter registration deadlines, hours and locations, click here.
Storm Damage
Village crews have been out collecting fallen tree limbs from this week’s storm. For the next two weeks, residents can place limbs and branches that are four inches or greater in diameter, regardless of length, in the parkway to be collected. All smaller materials (less than four inches in diameter) should be disposed of in the regular yard waste program utilizing yard waste bags or brush tags. Please do not place these materials in the street. If it is not practical to prepare materials for collection under the regular yard waste program, residents may contact a tree care company or waste disposal company to arrange for a special collection of the material. All contractors must be licensed and bonded with the Village. Learn more here.
Hosting a block party this summer?
Go Green with a Sort-It-Out station!
Commit to waste division during your block party by sorting all block party trash into recycling, composting and ‘true’ trash using a Sort-It-Out Station that you can borrow from the Village.

Simply order your Sort-It-Out Station online as part of the Block Party permit application process. Sort-It-Out Stations must be requested at least five business days prior to the event and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These stations consist of three metal frames, bags, and three plastic covers with instructions.
Business Spotlight
Yolk is the number one breakfast/brunch spot in the Chicagoland area. It features new and creative breakfasts, specialty juices, and its own private label premium coffee. Plus, check out the new outdoor patio seating for your dining pleasure. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Yolk boasts fantastic food made from high-quality ingredients offered at reasonable prices. Yolk also offers catering for breakfast and lunch. Catering services include pick up, delivery, catering, and set-up. First time catering customers will receive 10% off their first order. To place an online order, visit eatyolk.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.
What's Happening in River Forest?

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