Memorial Day Parade, Property Tax Appeals, Hazardous Waste Collection and More!

Friday, May 19, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

Over the past few weeks, you likely received a reassessment notice from the Cook County Assessor’s Office. While it is encouraging that the values of our properties are increasing, it is always difficult to cut that property tax check to the County Treasurer. I encourage every resident to attend a community outreach event with the Township Assessor on Tuesday, May 23 to learn about property tax appeals. More information about the event is below. To learn more about your property taxes, please click here.

I am pleased to announce that I signed a proclamation designating May as National Bike Month at the last Village Board meeting. The Village adopted its first Bicycle Plan in July of 2019 and implemented the Plan in April of 2021. Bicycle-friendly communities have been shown to improve health and overall quality of life in their residents, and I strongly encourage our community members to celebrate this proclamation with a bicycle ride!

Please remember to attend our 98th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29. The purpose of the parade is "to recognize and honor the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice". The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Augusta Street and Ashland Avenue, traveling south on Ashland to Lake Street, then west to Keystone Park. The parade will end at Keystone Park with a ceremony and free hotdog lunch.

Lastly, I’d like to remind residents that time is running out to nominate an individual who served, or is currently serving in the military or a veteran for the Memorial Day Honor Roll. The Honor Roll will be read after the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29 and the deadline to include a resident in the Honor Roll is this coming Monday, May 22.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

All are welcome to attend the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony in River Forest on Monday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to noon at the River Forest Public Library. After the event, refreshments will be served and residents are invited to visit the Juneteenth Traveling Museum. This event is hosted by the Village and the River Forest Public Library, and more information can be found here.

Township Assessor Outreach

The River Forest Township Assessor's Office will be hosting a Community Outreach Presentation on Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the River Forest Community Center. This event is presented in partnership with the Cook County Assessor’s Office to help residents understand property assessments and the appeal process. Click here to learn more.

OPRF High School

Golf Fundraiser

Join the Oak Park River Forest Huskie Booster Club for their second annual golf fundraiser on June 9 at Indian Boundary Golf Course. Tee-off begins at 11 a.m. with on-course events and prizes! Silent auction, raffle, drinks and a dinner will take place after the round. Tickets are available here. If you’d like to be a sponsor for the event or donate an auction item, please send the Booster Club an email. All event proceeds go directly towards education, athletics and extracurricular activities at OPRF High School.

OPRF Chamber Spotlight Soiree

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce has opened registration to be a sponsor for their 2023 Business Spotlight Celebration and Soiree this fall. This event celebrates individuals and businesses who add to the character of our communities. To become a sponsor, please send an email to their Special Events Manager, Tasha Carlisle or click here.

Click It or Ticket It

The River Forest Police Department will step up traffic enforcement efforts for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs from Friday, May 19 - Tuesday, May 30 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. Seat belts save lives every day, but they’re only effective if they’re used!

Pet Licenses

Pet licenses are available for purchase at Village Hall, and are valid from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024. Please note that both dogs and cats are required to be registered with the Village. For more information, to download the pet license application, or to purchase a license online, click here.

Hazardous Waste Collection

Residents who participate in the Village's waste collection program can sign up to have household hazardous waste collected from their home. There is no additional charge for this service, but requests must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31. Residents will be contacted with the scheduled date of collection. Lakeshore Recycling Systems partners with Clean Harbors to collect up to 70 pounds of hazardous materials from the front of your home for each collection. Please check the confirmation email from Clean Harbors after you sign up. For more information and to sign up, click here.

GreenTown Comes to Triton College

GreenTown: "The Future of Community" is coming to Triton College Thursday, June 22! Attendees will see presentations from inspiring speakers, including Dr. Tony G. Reames, the Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the U.S. Department of Energy. The focus for this year's event will be on communities in the Chicago metro area that are working together to achieve climate, equity and sustainability outcomes - with a focus on energy, waste technology innovation, solutions to the climate crisis and more. For additional information, click here.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Novick Orthodontics was founded by Dr. Darshana Novick, an orthodontic specialist who treats children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Novick offers a wide variety of treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, Damon braces, Incognito (lingual braces), and Invisalign. Novick Orthodontics is a sponsor of the River Forest Memorial Day Parade and more information about this business can be found 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.