Thursday, August 10, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

The second installment of property taxes for Tax Year 2022 will be going out later than anticipated and is expected to be available to residents early this November, and due in December of 2023. The Cook County Treasurer recently released a guide titled, “How the Property Tax System Works,” to help residents understand how to file appeals, how property taxes are determined, how the property tax system has evolved and more. For more information on the Guide, click here. 

Residents of Cook County who own small businesses, with 20 employees or less that have been in business prior to 2020, are eligible to apply for the Cook County Small Business Source’s 2023 Source Grant. The grant application is open until next Friday, August 18 and offers $40 million in grants to small businesses in addition to no-cost advising and coaching services. For more information, or to submit an application, click here.

I’d like to let residents know that there has been a nation-wide ban on lightbulbs emitting less than 45 lumens per watt due to them not meeting energy efficiency standards. This includes incandescent and halogen lights, which will no longer be sold in stores or manufactured. For more information on what you need to know concerning these lights, and how LED lights can take their place to be more sustainable in your home or at your business, click here.

Lastly, if you are taking advantage of the beautiful weather and riding your bicycle or scooter, please make sure to wear a properly fitted helmet. A River Forest ordinance states that any child under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet - because it reduces the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident by up to 85%! You can view the ordinance in its entirety here.

Sincerely,

Vehicle Sticker Late Fees

Pets (dogs/cats) and vehicles are required to be registered with the Village. Pet tags can be purchased for $10 at Village Hall and are valid from May 1 - April 30 each year. To learn more, click here. Also, the deadline was July 14 to purchase and display vehicle stickers without penalty. Late fees on vehicle stickers will increase from $10 to $15 this coming Tuesday, August 15. To avoid the increase in fine, you can purchase stickers at Village Hall or online.

Volunteers Needed for One Earth Film Festival

One Earth Film Festival is currently seeking volunteers! Your gift of time and talent to One Earth helps spur climate action, grow hope, and build community resilience across the Chicago region. Let them know your strengths, interests, and availability so they are able to match you with volunteer opportunities, on the planning or special event teams most suited to you. Be a part of it all by clicking here! 

Bike or Walk to School!

With the school year fast approaching, biking or walking to school provides an excellent option to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise - while simultaneously saving gas and reducing carbon emissions. By walking and biking more, we can help the community become closer and greener. Designated Safe Walking Routes and the full Safe Routes to School report can be found on the Village webpage. The Village’s first Bicycle Plan is also available and includes a map of marked shared lanes and designated bike paths.

River Forest Chocolates & Confectionery is the perfect place to satisfy your chocolate cravings! Founded in 2010 with the belief that, "chocolate makes life a little sweeter," The business is also ideal for gifts related to anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and holiday gatherings. Customers can place orders online 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.

Village of River Forest

400 Park Avenue

River Forest, Illinois 60305

708-366-8500

vrf.us