Thursday, February 17, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

The Village is pleased to announce our first electric vehicle charging station located at Village Hall. The Village is looking to add more throughout our community as more and more residents have or are considering electric cars. With the onset of COVID-19 we saw an uptick in pet ownership. Read about an event on how a chemical-free lawn can benefit you and your pet. Also, please remember to get your dog license if you haven’t already. Click here for more information and call 708-366-8500 for assistance. 

Anna Johnson Julian was a leader for African American women. Ms. Julian served as Trustee and later was elected Board President of Rosary College, now Dominican University. She was a co-founder of the Erikson Institute for Early Childhood Development. To learn more about Anna Johnson Julian’s amazing story, please see below an article from a local resource in the Oak Park River Forest Museum. 

The Village has also added a new information plaque to the bas-relief panel, previously on Washington School, now on display at the Public Works facility (45 Forest). 

Village Hall will be closed Monday, February 21 for Presidents' Day, but refuse collection will not be impacted by this holiday.

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
COVID-19 Update
A COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to reduce severe symptoms and hospitalization associated with COVID-19. Booster shots are encouraged for all people ages 12 and older 5 months after their second shot of Pfizer or Moderna. Individuals who received a single dose of Johnson & Johnson are encouraged to get a booster shot, preferably of Pfizer or Moderna, two months later. Individuals getting a second or booster shot must be within their window to receive their next dose. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, click here. To find a list of COVID-19 vaccination sites, click here. 
Anna Johnson Julian
In honor of Black History Month, the Village recognizes African Americans who have shaped and impacted the community locally and nationally. This week we are spotlighting Anna Johnson Julian. Anna Johnson Julian dedicated her life to civil rights and equity in education. She was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Sociology. Her lifelong commitment to civil rights led her to be a Board Member of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She served as Treasurer and Vice President of Links, a national organization of professional black women devoted to civic, cultural, and educational pursuits. Locally, she served as a Trustee and later was elected Board President of Rosary College, now Dominican University in River Forest.

Click here to visit the Oak Park River Forest Museum to learn more about the life and legacy of Anna Johnson Julian. 
Bas-Relief Sculpture - Washington School
Noted Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins created this bas-relief portrayal of George Washington. It is one of two sculptures that once adorned entryways to the 1929 addition of Washington School at the northeast corner of Washington Boulevard and Keystone Avenue in River Forest. The National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior determined that Washington School had local significance and entered it into the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Although Washington School was demolished in 1998, the bas-relief panel was preserved for those who treasure significant architectural works and the memories they inspire.
Looking to Charge your EV?
The Village recently installed its first electric vehicle charging station on Central Avenue behind Village Hall. The level two dual-port charging station is capable of charging two vehicles at a time. The station utilizes the ChargePoint network and is currently free to use. As it becomes increasingly important that residents and visitors of the Village have charging options in public parking areas, the Village will be looking to install stations throughout the community in the coming years and exploring electric vehicle options for the Village’s fleet. Thank you to the Sustainability Commission for obtaining a grant to subsidize this purchase and for the continued efforts to reduce the Village’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Hounds & Grounds Event
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have measured higher canine malignant lymphoma risk in dogs exposed to lawns treated with 2,4-D, the active ingredient in many lawn herbicides.  

Midwest Grows Green and Hawk City K9 invite Chicago area residents to strut their dogs to Hounds & Grounds on Sunday, February 20 for an agility course and a seminar on how to keep our furry pals healthy by implementing natural lawn care. Click here for more details and to read the full press release. 
Presidents' Day - Village Hall Closed
Village Hall will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 in observance of Presidents' Day. Village Hall will reopen on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 8 AM.

Refuse collection service will not be interrupted and will take place as regularly scheduled.
Business Spotlight

River Forest Animal Hospital has been caring for pets in our community for over 50 years. They strive to deliver personalized care to all patients. Their services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets and early detection and treatment of diseases in senior animals. Visit their website or call 708-366-8370 to schedule services.

If you’d like for your business to be featured, email [email protected]. Visit the Shop River Forest web page on the Village’s website here: vrf.us/ShopRF 
What's Happening in River Forest?

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