Thursday, July 29, 2021
Dear River Forest residents,

If the last year-and-a-half has taught us anything, it is that when it comes to COVID-19, information can continually evolve and change. The latest updates relate to rising COVID-19 Delta variant rates around the country, and the Village will continue to monitor developments and share new guidelines as they are announced. See below for more information about this week's update. Since River Forest does not have a health department, we are required to follow guidelines set forth by the Cook County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health, and I encourage you to visit their websites for the latest information available. 

For residents who are looking to plan home improvement projects before the summer season ends, the Village has now provided a way to apply for building permits online. This is part of our ongoing “smart city” initiative to continue utilizing technology to streamline operations, and to improve the customer service experience for our residents and businesses. 

After a few hot days in a row of temperatures into the 80s and 90s, the forecast calls for a cool off this weekend with sunny skies, so if you are able, be sure to get out and enjoy it! 

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
CDC Issues New Mask Recommendations
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their guidance for people who are fully vaccinated and is recommending masks be worn in certain circumstances, such as indoors. The CDC states, “To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.” Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks per CDC guidelines and are encouraged to be vaccinated. Click here for more information.
River Forest Vaccination Rates
Click here and select 'Data by Town' for the most current River Forest vaccine data, and here for percentages of fully vaccinated individuals across the state. Both pre-scheduled and walk-in appointments are still available at several locations, and homebound suburban Cook County residents can learn more about how to receive the vaccine here.
Tags Required
for Bulk Item Disposal
The Village offers a year-round bulk item collection and disposal program. To utilize this service, residents must purchase and affix one to ten universal solid waste tags to bulk items prior to disposal; view this link for specific requirements by item. Items not eligible for this disposal program include tires, auto batteries, explosives, hazardous waste, motor oil, liquids/fluids and carpeting. To schedule a special pick-up, please contact Roy Strom directly at (708) 344-5000.
Reminder: Purchase
Metra Lot Parking Permits
As residents return to work in-person, commuter parking lots may fill up once again. Residents may purchase a monthly parking permit to park in the lot next to the train station (east or west sides of Thatcher Avenue), on Hawthorne Avenue (between Thatcher and Keystone), and on the north side of Central Avenue (between Edgewood and Thatcher). These areas are designated in green in this commuter parking map. For more information or to purchase a permit, click here.
OPRFCF Welcomes New Board Leadership
Bruce Wojack
Kelly Turner
Ana Garcia Doyle
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation (OPRFCF) recently welcomed three new members to its board of directors. Bruce Wojack and Kelly Turner will serve as the new chair and vice-chair (respectively), and Ana Garcia Doyle will serve as a new board member. Each will serve a three-year term. The 2021 board of directors is grateful for the dedicated service of its outgoing members: Cuyler Brown, John Hedges, Phillip Jiménez, Barbara Rohm Rossa and Eric Weinheimer. To learn more about the work of the OPRFCF or to donate, click here.
TopDog is a locally owned and operated dog walking and pet care service serving River Forest families for more than 10 years. TopDog is owned by River Forest resident Jayne Gould, and a portion of all proceeds benefit the Animal Care League. To learn more or to schedule a service, call (708) 212-7080 or send an email.
Shop River Forest! Please support our 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 Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com
to find out, today!