Please Note: In the earlier version of this E-newsletter, the Whole Foods article below contained a website link that has since been put behind a news agency paywall. A new link to a no charge article regarding the Whole Foods expansion in River Forest has now been added in it's place. Thank you. | |
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Dear River Forest residents,
I was very pleased to be able to visit with Governor J.B. Pritzker along with other village presidents and mayors last week to advocate on behalf of River Forest and the West Central Municipal Conference - which represents 750,000 Illinois citizens. Topics of discussion centered around the state of our economy, and the challenges that all cities and villages in Illinois are facing due to Springfield policies that have removed or jeopardized funding for essential programs, such as public safety, healthcare and infrastructure maintenance. Although we haven’t yet come to a resolution, I look forward to more discussions with the Governor and our State leaders about reinstating or securing funds that help all municipalities in Illinois to provide strong and reliable services for their community members.
Below is an article about the many ways that the Village communicates information to our residents, businesses and all stakeholders in River Forest. A considerable amount of time and energy is spent on our communication efforts overall - to ensure our community members are kept abreast of news from the Village, as well as events and activities around town that make our community a great place to live. Over the last five years, not only subscribers to our social media pages and E-newsletter have grown, but our engagement has increased nearly 70%. I am proud of these efforts to stay connected with our community.
To add to the ways our community members can obtain information relating to the Village, I am starting a quarterly “Meet with the Village President” event so that our residents, businesses and all stakeholders can share their thoughts or feedback and get answers to any questions they may have about Village operations and initiatives. The first of these events will take place Saturday, May 18 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at Good Earth Greenhouse. I encourage any community member to join me.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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The Village offers a myriad of ways to communicate news from the Village Board of Trustees, other boards and commissions, our Village departments, and other news around town, with a goal of ongoing transparency for our community members. To this end, there are a number of digital communication channels utilized, including three social media platforms, this e-newsletter, and our Village website. News and information is also shared with residents in the quarterly water bills. The Village has made communications a top priority, and our residents have many ways to access this information. To view an archive of the Village’s weekly E-newsletters, click here. Links to our social media pages can also be found at the top right of every page on our website.
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Home improvement season has begun! Are you planning renovations or other upgrades to your home? To find out if you need a building permit before starting a project, click here. If you're looking for a licensed contractor and not sure where to start, click here. Please Note: If you're planning a spring project that requires digging on your property - including building a new deck or patio, planting trees or shrubs, or adding a new fence - call JULIE first at 811 or 800-892-0123. Utility location requests are quick, simple and FREE, and need to be made at least two business days prior to digging! | |  |
As the Memorial Day holiday is fast approaching, the Village, River Forest Park District, and the Kiwanis Club of River Forest & Oak Park are gathering information about residents who have served our country, for inclusion in the 2024 Memorial Day Honor Roll. Honorees will include residents who are either active duty members or veterans, who will be recognized during the Memorial Day Ceremony, following the parade on Monday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m. Honoree submissions are due by Monday, May 20 and the submission form can be found here. | | |
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The Village is pleased to announce the expansion of the Whole Foods in River Forest. Whole Foods has been a community staple since 1994 and is looking to add an additional 7,000 square feet to their market, located in River Forest Town Center. Renovations are expected to take place this fall and more information can be found here. The Village is thrilled that the Whole Foods Market not only decided to stay in our town, but decided to expand, as well.
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Congratulations to
Pat Santoro
| Congratulations to resident Pat Santoro on his induction to the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame this week! Santoro was recognized for his prowess on the football field, as well as his time moving up in the ranks in baseball. Pat played for Triton College before being drafted in the 33rd round by the Boston Red Sox as a second base player in 1997. To learn more about this prestigious award, click here. | | |
Historic Preservation Awards | |
The Historic Preservation Commission is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Historic Preservation Awards from homeowners, architects, or contractors who have helped to maintain the historic character of the Village. For more information or to apply, click here. Nominations must be received on, or before July 26 to be considered for one of this year’s awards.
The River Forest Historic Preservation Commission supports and encourages homeowners, builders and other professionals who help preserve the historic character of our Village. This awards program was established by the Commission in 2009 in order to support these efforts.
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The 4th Annual Triton College Car Show will take place this Sunday, April 28 at Triton College from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Check out hundreds of hot rods, classic cars, service vehicles and big rigs - and then take a tour of Triton’s incredible Automotive Technology facilities. Admission and parking are free. To learn more, click here.
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Prescription Drug
Take Back Day
| This Saturday, April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. If you have unused, expired or unwanted prescriptions, the Oak Park Police Department will properly dispose of them for you between the hours of 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. If you are unable to attend this event, the Village has a prescription drop box located in the basement of Village Hall available to residents Monday - Friday during normal business hours. | | |
It's always important to keep your home and valuables safe. The Police Department would like to remind residents about strategies to prevent burglaries and thefts in our neighborhoods. Tips including refraining from sharing vacation plans or announcing when you will be away on social media, among other tips that can be found here. By implementing practical measures and adopting a vigilant mindset, you can significantly enhance your safety, and the security of your property and possessions. | | |
OPRFHS Community Block Party | |
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Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRFHS) is hosting their Community Block Party on Saturday, May 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Mall on the west side of OPRFHS, where you’ll also have the chance to take a lap on their new track! Join OPRFHS for a fun day featuring the legendary alumni band - The Jade 50's, along with a variety of food trucks, face painting, bounce houses, and other family-friendly activities. Click here to learn more.
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Township Seeking
New Clerk
| River Forest Township is seeking a River Forest resident to fill their part-time Clerk position, beginning Wednesday, May 1. Interested candidates should have strong administrative and organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and experience with documents software. Click here for the full job description. If you have questions, please send an email here. | | |
Thatcher Woods Walking Tour | Learn more about the Des Plaines River and Thatcher Woods at Oak Park River Forest Museum’s walking tour from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, beginning and ending at the Trailside Museum. Tickets may be purchased in their online store or by calling 708-848-6755. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water (if desired). No refunds will be given for reservations canceled less than 24 hours prior to the event. Click here for more information. | | |
OPRFHS Environmental Thrift Store | |
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This Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, OPRFHS’s Environmental Club will be holding their second annual Thrift Store from 2-5 p.m. at the 1 East Gym in Oak Park. The group has already started a clothing collection and plan on continuing the collection through Friday, April 26. Profits from the event will go to the Alliance for the Great Lakes and all extra clothing will be donated to other thrift stores and church organizations directly benefiting local migrants. Local residents can make a donation at the bin located in the welcome center and enjoy the event. To learn more, click here.
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River Forest Business Spotlight! | |
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Yolk is a popular breakfast/brunch spot in the Chicagoland area - featuring creative breakfasts, specialty juices, and serving its own private label premium coffee. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Yolk boasts food made from high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. Learn more and order online 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.
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What's Happening in River Forest?
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