Thursday, February 19, 2026 | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
I invite you to join me for the annual State of the Village Address at the Village Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, February 23, 7 p.m. at Village Hall. During the presentation, I will share highlights of the Village’s accomplishments in 2025 and outline key initiatives and priorities for 2026. I hope you will attend and learn more about the progress we’ve made together and what lies ahead.
Community members are also invited to attend a neighborhood meeting on Thursday, March 5, regarding the proposed Madison Street development project. Residents will have an opportunity to review preliminary plans and share input with staff and the development team. The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Dance Studio at the River Forest Civic Center.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Police Sergeant Michael Fries on his graduation from the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University, and Emilia Huggins for receiving the 2026 Guardian Award. We are proud of their outstanding accomplishments and invite you to read more about these remarkable individuals in articles below.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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Elementary school student Emilia Huggins has been named the recipient of the River Forest Fire Department's 2026 Guardian Award. This prestigious award recognizes residents who demonstrate decisive action during emergencies.
On January 7, Emilia’s quick thinking helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation. Firefighters responded to reports of smoke and alarms from a garage fire near Gale Avenue and Madison Street, which threatened nearby homes. Emilia immediately recognized the smell of smoke and alerted her parents, ensuring her family's safe evacuation and allowing responders to swiftly control the blaze.
Emilia's composed and responsible actions are a direct result of emergency safety tips and evacuation procedures she learned during a recent class trip to the fire station with Lincoln School. Her actions exemplify the spirit of a "River Forest Guardian."
| | Congratulations Sergeant Fries | The Village proudly congratulates Sergeant Michael B. Fries of the Police Department on his successful completion of the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University on January 16. This intensive 10-week program focuses on leadership, management, and organizational improvement within law enforcement agencies. Sergeant Fries’ achievement reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to professional growth, effective leadership, and enhanced service to the River Forest community. | |  | Casual Conversation with Village President | Mark your calendar and stop by for a conversation with Village President Cathy Adduci on Saturday, March 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the River Forest Public Library (Barbara Hall Meeting Room). This relaxed, open-format event offers residents the opportunity to connect directly with the Village President and staff, ask questions, share ideas, and discuss current projects and priorities shaping our community. Learn more here. | | | In 2024, the Village partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago to develop Climate Action Plans for the Village, recommending strategies to promote sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among the recommendations was a focus on expanding transportation options beyond reliance on personal vehicles, including walking, biking, and public transit. Transportation accounts for a significant share of the Village’s greenhouse gas emissions, and building a more sustainable transportation network supports a walkable, bikeable, and transit friendly community while enhancing public health and quality of life. The Plan also encourages transit-oriented development that places housing closer to commercial areas and transit corridors, making it easier for residents to access daily needs and utilize environmentally friendly transportation options. Transportation is the first segment being highlighted, and in the coming weeks, the Village will continue to highlight additional key initiatives and recommendations from the Climate Action Plan. To learn more, click here. | | Madison Street Neighbor Meeting | Residents are invited to attend the Madison Street Neighbor Meeting on Thursday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Dance Studio at the Civic Center. This meeting offers an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project at 7620 Madison Street and to speak directly with the developer and Village staff. The event will follow an open house format, allowing attendees to move through the space at their own pace, review project materials, and ask questions. The purpose of the Neighbor Meeting is to ensure the developer connects with potentially impacted residents early in the Planned Development process. Although this meeting is intended primarily for nearby neighbors, all residents are welcome to attend. Learn more here. | | |
Register for
Garden Plots
| The River Forest Park District and the Village are offering residents the opportunity to rent 4' x 10' garden plots at the Pump House site, located at Jackson Avenue and Berkshire Street. Registration for one garden plot per household opens Monday, February 23, and must be completed in person at The Depot (no online registration). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants must submit a completed registration form, signed waiver, full payment, a state-issued ID, and a copy of a water bill for proof of residency before a plot is assigned. Garden plots are non-transferable and will be assigned on Monday, March 23, with returning gardeners given priority for their previous plots. Learn more here. | | | Reduce Food Waste with Curbside Composting | | |
Diverting food waste from landfills is one of the simplest and most impactful ways residents can support local sustainability efforts. When food waste decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane - a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting, by contrast, allows organic materials to break down naturally and be repurposed as nutrient-rich soil. Residents can participate through the Village’s curbside composting program, which accepts both food scraps and yard waste and offers multiple cart sizes, including cost-sharing options with a neighbor.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
Breit & Clean Cleaners is a family-owned and operated dry-cleaning business dedicated to providing every customer with high-quality cleaning and prompt, reliable service at fair prices. The business is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 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.
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