Casual Conversation: Special Guest, IL House Speaker Chris Welch | Historic Preservation Awards

Friday, September 4, 2026

Dear River Forest residents,

Village staff and residents have been invited to join Mayor Nathaniel Booker and the Village of Maywood for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Food Is Medicine Café on Tuesday, September 22, at noon. This community initiative, part of the Twin Village Covenant, brings together healthy eating, education, and community connection to help improve lives and address chronic disease. Learn more h ere.

Village Hall will be closed this coming Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 for normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please also note that garbage collection will be delayed by one day next week.

I hope everyone has a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Join the Casual Conversation

Save the date for the next “Casual Conversation with the Village President” on Saturday, October 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Civic Center. Residents are invited to join Village President Cathy Adduci, Village staff, and special guest Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch for an informal discussion about the latest Village and State news, projects, and priorities. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share feedback and connect with local and State leadership. We hope to see you there!

National

Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and a perfect time to prepare for the unexpected. Whether it’s severe weather, a natural disaster, or another emergency - having a plan and essential supplies can make all the difference. Build an emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, and more. Create a home escape plan and make sure everyone knows what to do. Find more preparedness tips and resources here.

Register for Hazardous Waste Collection

Residents enrolled in the Village’s waste collection program can take advantage of free curbside household hazardous waste collection. To participate, submit your request by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30. After submitting your request, watch your inbox for a letter from Clean Harbors, which will work directly with residents to arrange a convenient pickup date. For a list of accepted materials, and to request a pickup, click here.

Nominate a Historic Preservation Project

Do you know a homeowner, architect, or contractor who has helped to preserve River Forest’s historic character? Applications are now being accepted for six Historic Preservation Awards, which recognize projects and individuals who have contributed to preserving the community’s architectural and cultural heritage. Nominations are limited to the exterior of structures and must be received by Friday, October 2 to be considered for this year’s awards. Learn more about the different categories and submit a nomination here.

LemonAid Celebrates 25 Years of Giving

The Bonnie Brae 9/11 Charity “LemonAid” Stand will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, September 11, from 3–7 p.m. in the 700 block of Bonnie Brae. The annual event transforms lemonade into “aid” by raising awareness and funds for local charities that serve children. This year’s celebration will support more than two dozen past LemonAid charity beneficiaries. For more information about the event, click here.

Join the Trinity

Art Workshop!

Calling all future Blazer artists! Seventh- and eighth-grade girls are invited to join Trinity’s Fine Arts teachers for a hands-on Studio Art Workshop on Saturday, September 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will create a unique expressionist portrait while exploring mixed-media painting techniques - and learn more about Trinity’s Fine Arts Program. It’s a great opportunity to get creative, and take home a one-of-a-kind work of art. Register online here.

Sustainability: Recycle your Electronics for Free!

Residents can take advantage of free curbside electronics recycling this month. Requests must be submitted by Wednesday, September 9, for collection on your regular waste pickup day during the week of September 14 - 18. Each household can recycle up to seven accepted items, including no more than two TVs or computer monitors. Before recycling any device that stores personal information, be sure to erase your data or remove the hard drive. Sign up for a pickup here.

Business Spotlight - River Forest Chocolates

A little taste of fall is coming to River Forest Chocolates! This beloved local destination offers handcrafted chocolates, popcorn, custom favors, and beautifully designed sweet tables for any occasion. The location also serves freshly made coffees, lattes, and hot chocolates in eco-friendly cups. As summer winds down, the shop is getting ready for the fall season with chocolate-covered Double Stuff OREOs® - hand-decorated with chocolate fall leaves. These festive treats are coming soon - just in time to add a little autumn sweetness to your day. Learn more or place an order here.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business 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 an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.