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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Dear River Forest residents,

 

Next week (February 11 - 17) is Random Acts of Kindness Week - an observance that brings awareness to the fact that one small act of kindness can engage others and create a more connected community. So be sure to show kindness to others and see all the good that can come from it! 


The Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, March 19 and local offices, in addition to judges and Cook County elected positions, are all up for election. Please click here to learn about voter registration, different ways to vote, voting locations, important deadlines and more. Make your vote count by participating in this upcoming election!



Lastly, I’d like to remind residents that if you have received mailers or door-to-door solicitations from retail energy providers requesting you enroll in their programs, be aware that the only programs endorsed by the Village are through our energy consultant, MC Squared. More information on this can be found in an article below.


Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest

Public Hearing Notice

Notice of Commercial Zoning Districts Public Hearing: The Zoning Board of Appeals hearing that was continued from January 11 will take place Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall to continue discussions on potential zoning ordinance amendments. Proposed changes would apply to commercial districts in town, and are intended to clarify the code while promoting economic development. To read more about the meeting and proposed amendments, click here. Please Note: Tonight's meeting (February 8) will continue as planned.

DMV Mobile Event

Salvation Army

Coat Drive

Help your neighbors in need! The Salvation Army has teamed up with the Chicago Bears, Jewel-Osco and Shur-Way Movers for their 35th annual Coat Drive going on now through this Monday, February 12. Coats can be dropped off at participating Jewel-Osco locations, found here.

Beware of Retail Energy Providers

Residents may have received mailers or door-to-door solicitations from retail energy providers, including Clean Choice Energy, requesting you enroll in their programs. Outside energy retailers such as these often charge higher rates than standard ComEd rates. The only Village-endorsed retail energy provider programs are the Electric Aggregation Program and Community Solar Program, both of which are administered by MC Squared Energy. Please note that representatives from the Village, MC Squared Energy, or ComEd will not ever solicit door-to-door and that rates through the Village program are either the same or less than the ComEd rate. For any questions, please click here.

Boy Scout

Joining Night

River Forest Boy Scout Troop 66 will be hosting their annual Joining Night on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church and School. All boys 11 years old, or who are 10 years old and have completed 5th grade, are welcome to attend with their parents/caregiver. Boys do not have to have participated in Cub Scouts to be a Boy Scout. For more information, send an email.

ComEd Rebates

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger and Installation Rebate Program enables ComEd customers to receive rebates of up to $3,750 towards the purchase and installation of an EV charger in their home. The program offers the largest rebates to low income customers, and those who live in equity-eligible communities in an effort to make EVs more accessible. To learn more about the program and to apply for a rebate, click here.  

IWS Service Day

The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society (IWS) provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services to underserved and vulnerable families in the Chicagoland area. The organization is hosting their “OPRF Infant Welfare Society Service Day” on Monday, February 19 (President’s Day). You can make a difference in a child’s life by volunteering at the IWS Children’s Clinic from 10 a.m. – noon. Tours of the Clinic will be available from 12-1 p.m. Families are invited to join this event together during this day off from school - and have fun while giving back to the community. Click here to learn more. RSVPs are required by Valentine’s Day (Wednesday, February 14).

Chamber Health and

Wellness Fair

Registration for vendors and sponsors are now open for the 2024 Community Health & Wellness Fair. Join the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce at their NEW location at the Park District of Oak Park's new Community Recreation Center. Sponsors are able to choose their preferred table location on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up here.

National Burn Awareness Week

Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in our nation. This week (February 4 - February 10) is National Burn Awareness Week and the Fire Department is highlighting this campaign to reduce devastating injuries and casualties that result from fires and other burns. This year’s theme is “Handle Flammable Liquids with Care.” For safety reminders on the prevention of fires and burn-related injuries, click here.

LGBTQIA+ Scholarship

The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Plus is offering eight, $5,000 scholarships this year to local high school seniors who are residents of Oak Park, Forest Park or River Forest. This scholarship is offered to LGBTQIA+ students, students with LGBTQIA+ parents, or local students who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community. Scholarship applications are open now through Thursday, February 15 and can be found here.

Green Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love…among family, friends, partners and the planet! This holiday can be materialistic, and our planet bears the burden of waste that results from plastic hearts half-filled with chocolates, disposable decorations and wine bottles, among other themed items. Turn Valentine’s Day into a day of activities instead, and be kinder to our planet with these fun and sustainable ideas: bake heart-shaped cookies, go for a walk at the Morton Arboretum, visit a museum, or make a progressive dinner!

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Breit & Clean Cleaners is a family-owned and operated dry cleaning business whose goal is to ensure that every customer receives the highest quality dry cleaning and prompt service - at a fair price. Their hours are Mondays - Fridays from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, click here.



Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.

What's Happening in River Forest?

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

Village of River Forest


400 Park Avenue

River Forest, Illinois 60305

708-366-8500


vrf.us

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