Thank you for taking the time to read the Village's E-News. These messages are sent approximately once per month and include timely information regarding Village news, events and other useful information from around the community.

Dear River Forest Residents,
 
As all of us do our best through these challenging times, I am proud to report that the Village’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget is balanced, and there will be no increase in the Village’s portion of your property tax bill. Achieving this was an imperative goal, considering the financial stress the last year has caused for so many of our residents and business owners. 

This accomplishment was made possible due to sound financial management practices, while working to reduce costs wherever we could. The FY22 Proposed Budget is available for the public to review here, and discussion by the Village Board will begin at the April 12, 2021 special Committee of the Whole meeting followed by a Public Hearing on the Budget. I invite you to get involved and be a part of this important discussion, which will guide what we accomplish as a Village over the next year. Thank you to our Village staff for working so diligently, and for the guidance provided by the Village Board to meet this critical objective.

In April’s edition of our monthly E-News, please see news from our Police and Fire departments, the Sustainability Commission, as well as spotlights on our business community, the school district, park district, public library and the township.

I wish all of you a warm and wonderful Passover and Easter!
 
Sincerely,
Catherine M. Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election
The Cook County Clerk has changed polling places for Election Day on April 6, 2021. Those planning to vote on Election Day must do so at their assigned locations. Please double-check your polling location here.
 
Early voting runs through Monday, April 5 at the Oak Park Village Hall, Maywood Courthouse and Elmwood Park Village Hall. On Election Day, polls are open from 6 a.m.–7 p.m. For additional election information, please click here.
COVID-19 & Vaccine Updates
Progress Toward Bridge Phase in
Restore Illinois Plan Impacted
Earlier this week, health officials announced that the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois Plan has been indefinitely postponed as a result of the rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and other metrics across Illinois. The Bridge Phase is the intermediate phase between Phase 4: Revitalization (the current phase we are in) and Phase 5: Illinois Restored - when the State can fully reopen. Now, in order to progress into the Bridge Phase, the following metrics must be reached:

  • COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths remain constant or decline over a 28-day period
  • 70% of seniors 65+ receive at least their first vaccine
  • There is a minimum of 20% hospital ICU bed availability

Please help slow the spread of the virus by continuing to wear face covers, social distance, avoid large crowds and wash your hands regularly. The State's announcement regarding this development can be found here. More information about the Bridge Phase can be found here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Suburban Cook County is currently in Phase 1b+ of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, which includes individuals 65+, essential workers and those with specific health conditions. Starting April 12, 2021, all residents aged 16+ will be eligible to receive the vaccine, though supplies may be limited and first doses may not be available until a later date. Health officials have stated that by the end of April or early May, everyone who is registered will be able to receive the vaccine.
Visit myshotcookcounty.com to learn what you need to know about the different vaccines, track the number of doses administered, and find reliable sources for your questions. Residents can also call (833) 308-1988 weekdays from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. for vaccine updates and assistance. Appointment locations can be searched by zip code at this link, and can be scheduled on ZocDoc. Updates will continue to be provided on the Village’s website, as they become available.
River Forest COVID-19 Cases
From Sunday, March 21 – Saturday, March 27, River Forest had 23 new COVID-19 positive cases with 444 tests completed, resulting in a 5.2% positivity rate. During the previous week, there were 11 new positive cases and 316 tests completed, representing a 3.5% positivity rate. Daily updates throughout the state by zip code can be found here.
Vaccination Progress
Statistics for Suburban Cook County residents who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are available at this link under “Vaccine Data”. The IDPH is also reporting ongoing progress on vaccinations throughout Illinois. The CDC reminds all individuals to continue to follow safety guidelines in public places. For a complete list of these guidelines, please click here.
1:1 Utility Bill Consultation
Want to learn how to reduce your energy bills while making your home more comfortable? The Citizens Utility Board and the Village of River Forest have partnered to offer a complimentary, virtual utility bill consultation. These individual, 30-minute sessions will help residents save money and avoid unnecessary charges. To register for one of these limited spots, please click here.
Distracted Driver Awareness Month
During the month of April, the River Forest Police Department (RFPD) is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to highlight the reminder: ‘Phone in One Hand. Ticket in the Other.’ This statewide campaign urges drivers to drop their cell phones and pay attention to the road. Throughout the month, the RFPD will be increasing enforcement efforts for distracted driving and other motor vehicle laws.
Call Before You Dig!
As we welcome the warmer weather and spring projects begin to take shape, residents are reminded to contact JULIE at (800) 892-0123 before digging in your yard! This helps to determine if there are underground utilities located in the project area, regardless of size or depth, as a safety measure. For more information, click here. 
Battery Safety
While batteries exist in all shapes and sizes, and are found throughout most homes, they can cause dangerous situations when not cared for or disposed of properly. Commonly found in smoke alarms and toys, 9-volt batteries and lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk if not stored safely or disposed of carefully. Button batteries, which are small and round, can easily be ingested by small children. Please be mindful of where your batteries are stored and how they are disposed of to ensure the safety of your family and your home. Click on the different battery types above for more information and for additional safety tips.

Also, did you know you can recycle alkaline batteries at Village Hall? Batteries are not suitable for landfills and cannot be placed in your residential recycling cart, but those used in small electronics (AA, AAA, etc.) can be brought to the front counter at Village Hall for recycling through Roy Strom. Please note that the Village does not accept large batteries, such as car batteries, for recycling. If you have questions about safe battery disposal, call the Fire Department at (708) 366-7629.
Business Spotlight
Koalaty is a gaming, hobby and toy collectible store where customers can buy, sell and trade-in trading card games, collectible toys and video games. Koalaty is open for COVID-19-safe tournaments and gaming! To learn more, please call (708) 689-0445 or send an email.
Please support our local businesses whenever possible! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s website here. Don't see a River Forest business listed on the Shop River Forest Page? Reach out and let us know! Or do you want your business to be featured? Email info@vrf.us.
Rain Barrels for
April Showers
Keep Election Signs
Out of Landfills
April often brings showers, and storing rainwater coming off roofs reduces strain on sewer systems during storm events. Consider purchasing a rain barrel to help achieve this task! Rain barrels are plastic storage containers that divert downspout water into the barrel while directing water safely away from your home. The captured water can be used to water your lawn, garden or household plants. Cook County residents can purchase a rain barrel from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for $45.78. Click here to learn more and to place your order!
Recycling is available for corrugated plastic signs and stakes in the red recycling box on Central Avenue under the railroad viaduct next to Village Hall - 24 hours a day, through April 30, 2021. This is a special drop-off - corrugated plastic or metal stakes should not be left in curbside recycling bins. However, before tossing these items, consider saving them for future use. You could attach a new message to signs and promote a special event, or a local school/nonprofit may be able to use them. Wire stakes can also be saved for future signs or other purposes.
Look Out for Students!


This coming Tuesday, April 6, District 90 students will return from Spring Break and resume full in-person instruction. Students will arrive at school between 8:15–8:30 a.m. and be dismissed between 3–3:15 p.m. Times will be staggered to accommodate social distancing and COVID-19 mitigation protocols. Please keep your eyes open on the roadways and abide by school zone speed limits as students travel to and from school.
Digital Wellbeing with Devora Heitner
District 90 and the Roosevelt PTO are hosting a Parent Information Session entitled Digital Wellbeing with author Devorah Heitner on Zoom on April 20, 2021, from 7–8:15 p.m. Ms. Heitner will discuss technology issues, including understanding students’ use of social media, texting and gaming. Other topics will cover boosting healthy tech habits and boundaries, and help for ‘screen addiction’. More information will be forthcoming. Zoom login information will be available on the District’s website as the date approaches.
Summer Camp is
Around the Corner!
Explore, grow and play this summer at River Forest Park District's Summer Camp. Registration is already underway - so don't delay! Choose a half-day experience and add an afternoon variety or sports camp to make it a full day. Join the fun!
Des Plaines River Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day by participating in the Des Plaines River Cleanup with the River Forest Park District, the Forest Preserves of Cook County and American Rivers on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 8–10 a.m. Learn more and pre-register here.
Visit the library website to stay up-to-date on hours of operation, and to
learn about programs and services offered.
Bookmark Design Competition
Help the River Forest Public Library celebrate National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021) by participating in a bookmark design competition for all ages. There will be prizes for the winners and runners-up – and 1st place winners will have their designs made into bookmarks to be shared with the community! Entries will be accepted through April 10. Click here to download the entry form.
Scam and Fraud Protection   
Protect against identity theft and ruse burglaries, in addition to financial, phone, mail and home repair scams. Emlee Hilliard-Smith, Senior Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and River Forest Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Ben Ransom will lead this informative session on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 10 a.m. Register to receive the Zoom link here.
Many in-person Township services and programs have been moved to a virtual platform.
To learn more click here, visit the River Forest Community Calendar or email Supervisor Carla Sloan at supervisor@riverforesttownship.org.  
Township Seeking Mental Health Administrator
River Forest Township is seeking a new Mental Health Administrator. The position oversees the Township’s funding of, and participation in, programs and services related to mental health and developmental/intellectual disabilities. Experience in the mental health and/or disabilities field is required. A background in social work is preferred, but individuals who do not have this background will be considered. Please contact Supervisor Carla Sloan, with questions or interest.
FRED Parent
Support Group
FRED is a free and independent peer support group, based in Oak Park and River Forest, for parents and caregivers of children, teens and young adults with mental illness. FRED empowers parents to navigate the mental health system and advocate for their children, while offering shared knowledge and support from parents who understand; all parents are welcome. Please visit the recently launched FRED website (supported by a grant from River Forest Township) that offers a wealth of helpful resources.

FRED meets on Zoom the first Tuesday of each month from 7–8:30 p.m., and the third Tuesdays from noon–1:30 p.m. The group is led by trained parent volunteers. To join or learn more, visit the website or email fredparents@gmail.com.
Around River Forest