Thursday, April 22, 2021
Dear River Forest Residents,

Today is Earth Day, and a great time to recognize all of the ‘green’ efforts that are occurring throughout our Village. Thank you to our Sustainability Commission members who are leading this charge by working every day to provide resources and opportunities for our residents to preserve our environment, and make River Forest a model community for sustainability! Please see a number of articles below relating to these efforts that include helpful tips and information from our Sustainability Commission. 

At the April 26 Village Board meeting, the members of our newly established Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Ad Hoc Advisory Group will be announced. These individuals represent yet another group of generous residents who are volunteering their time and talents to continually strengthen our community - and who will help to ensure it is a welcoming place for all. 

The latest information about COVID-19 and vaccines is also provided below, in addition to resources available on the Village website about our new Bicycle Plan, and our weekly business spotlight.

Thank you for reading our weekly E-News!

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
COVID-19 Vaccine
Eligibility Update

Illinois continues to make progress in vaccinating its residents against COVID-19. Everyone age 16 and up is eligible to receive the vaccine and updated vaccine data can be found here.

To learn more and to schedule an appointment, click here. Residents can also text ‘AlertCook’ to 888-777 for text alerts about appointments at mass vaccination sites, or register here to receive text or email alerts. Appointment locations can also be searched by zip code at vaccinefinder.org and scheduled on ZocDoc.
River Forest
COVID-19 Cases

From Sunday, April 11 – Saturday, April 17, River Forest had 14 new COVID-19 positive cases with 414 tests completed, resulting in a 3.4% positivity rate. During the previous week, there were eight new positive cases and 618 tests completed, representing a 1.3% positivity rate. Residents are reminded to continue following safety guidelines, such as avoiding large gatherings, wearing face covers while in public, washing hands often, and practicing social distancing. Daily COVID-19 case updates throughout the state by zip code can be found here.
It's Earth Day!
Today is Earth Day! Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day, which supports the protection of our planet. By taking part in green activities — like picking up litter and planting trees, we can make our world a happier and healthier place to live.

River Forest residents are encouraged to celebrate Mother Earth in some way on this special day, and every day. Read on below for 10 easy and fun Earth Day ideas!

Check Out the Earth Day Flipgrid
The Village of River Forest is showcasing waste reduction efforts by our residents! Visit our Flipgrid to view different ways to reduce waste. You can even upload your own video, too! Thanks to everyone for working to reduce our Village's carbon footprint.

Lend a Hand at the Des Plaines River Cleanup
Join the River Forest Park District rain or shine on Saturday, April 24 from 8 - 10 a.m. for the annual Des Plaines River Cleanup. Groups must be made up of 15 people or less, and registered by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 23. Pre-registration is required.

Join the Curbside Compost Program

Roy Strom makes composting easy! Sign up for curbside composting by filling out a service request form or calling the Village. Participants will receive an under-sink kitchen container and a 64-gallon cart. Take advantage of this composting service today! Learn more here. 
Buy a Rain Barrel

By using captured rainwater to water your lawn, garden or household plants, you can reduce stormwater runoff, thereby reducing the strain on our sewer system during major storms.

To learn more about this program and to purchase your rain barrel, click here.  
Ditch the
Lawn Chemicals

Participate in the Village’s Healthy Lawn, Healthy Family Initiative to keep herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals off your lawn.

Take the pledge and receive a special 'Keep ON the Grass' lawn sign to show your commitment.

Plant a Native Garden
When adding to your garden this year, think about planting native plants, which not only provide beauty, but also serve as food and shelter for bees, butterflies and other wildlife. To learn more about the benefits of planting a native garden, click here.

Visit the River Forest Tree Trails
The River Forest Tree Trails: On Your Block activity sheet is a unique, fun and socially distant way to get to know the trees on your block that you see every day, between your sidewalk and the curb. Learn more here.
Say 'No' To Plastics

Saying 'no' to single-use plastics is easy to do! Bring your own bags, bottles and mugs whenever and wherever possible. And don’t forget to ‘pass’ on the straws.

Pocket the Car Keys

Be good to yourself and the environment by walking or biking to nearby destinations, instead of driving. People and pedal power not only keep you in great shape, but both have zero emissions.
Turn Off the Lights

There are so many simple ways to reduce energy consumption in and around your home. For advice and guidance on how to help save energy, click here.

Inaugural Community Bike Exchange

The Police Department participated in the inaugural Community Bike Exchange on Saturday, April 17 at Roosevelt Middle School. The event was extremely successful with more than 150 bikes, ride-ons and accessories donated, and more than 40 bikes registered. More than 85 participants went home with a new bike, and even more with other accessories or smaller ride-ons. Sixty-four leftover bikes, plus accessories, were donated to Working Bikes, and an additional $900 will be donated to the Seven Generations Ahead's "It's Our Future" program. 
Did You Know?
Have you seen the new “sharrow” markings around the Village? They are part of the new Village-wide Bicycle Plan implementation. Last year, the Village Board approved the creation of the Bicycle Plan based on recommendations from the Sustainability Commission. Click here to learn more about the Plan, sharrows and the benefits of marked shared lane guidance.
Looking for More Information? Visit vrf.us and enter your topic into the search bar (top right of the page) or email info@vrf.us with any questions!
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce member Good Earth Greenhouse is a garden center, florist and cafe that offers plants and garden decor, consultations with a garden coach, and even wedding planning or event design. To learn more call (708) 366-9500 or visit goodearthgreenhouse.com.
Shop River Forest! Please support our local businesses whenever possible! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s website. If you’d like your business to be featured in the weekly Business Spotlight, please send us an email.