Thursday, November 20, 2025 | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for last Saturday’s “Casual Conversation” event. Topics of discussion included traffic and safety along the southern corridor, the Washington Boulevard project, and the most recent Lake & Lathrop update. Our next Casual Conversation will be in March of 2026. More details will be shared in future communications.
Regarding Lake and Lathrop, a settlement conference for the foreclosure case is scheduled for Monday, December 15 at 10:30am at the Daley Center. Interested residents are welcome to attend. The Village remains optimistic that this conference will help to drive substantive progress and move the litigation toward a timely resolution so a new development becomes possible at this site.
A reminder that second installment property tax bills for Tax Year 2024 were recently mailed out and are also available online, with payment due to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office by Monday, December 15.
On Tuesday, I was invited to attend the Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners meeting where our Village, along with Franklin Park, Rosemont, Schiller Park, River Grove, and Park Ridge, were recognized for continued work toward completing the Des Plaines River Trail Project. I want to thank Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen for his leadership and advocacy to assist with funding for the project. The portion of the trail that will go through River Forest is currently in the Phase I design stage. The trail will allow pedestrians and cyclists to ride from the Illinois Prairie Path all the way north to Touhy Avenue in Park Ridge. Learn more about this transformational project here.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
| | Cyber Security Presentation | | |
Join the Police Department for an important community seminar to help children stay safe online. This session will take place Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. Discussion topics will include the benefits and risks of AI, how to recognize child exploitation tactics, strategies for addressing cyberbullying, privacy settings and parental controls, local case studies from the community, and much more.
This free event is open to all parents, guardians, and community members seeking practical tools to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. RSVP Sergeant Ben Ransom to attend.
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Overnight Parking
Ban Lifted
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The Village will suspend the Overnight Parking Ban for the Thanksgiving holiday beginning at 12:01 a.m. this coming Saturday, November 22, and continuing through 9 a.m. on Monday, December 1. Overnight parking waivers will not be needed during this time period.
As a reminder, street parking is not allowed once two inches of snow have fallen, and remains restricted for up to eight hours after the snow stops. These rules help ensure crews can clear the roads safely and efficiently and emergency vehicles can safely reach their destination if responding to a 911 call.
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Winter Compost &
Yard Waste Update
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The final pickup for bagged yard waste this year will take place on Tuesday, December 2.
Beginning in December, compost cart collection will move to an every-other-Tuesday schedule through March of 2026. Residents can continue to use their compost carts throughout the winter for both yard waste and food scraps. Scheduled collection dates for 2025 are December 2, 16, and 30. In 2026, collections will take place on January 13 and 27. Dates for February and March of next year will be shared in future communications.
Weekly compost collection will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
| | | Holiday Housewalk & Market | | |
Kick off the holiday season at the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s (IWS) Holiday Housewalk and Holiday Market Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6! Tickets are on sale now to tour four beautifully decorated homes in Oak Park and River Forest with festive décor, creative tablescapes, and floral designs created by local professionals. All proceeds benefit the IWS Children’s Clinic, which provides medical, dental, and behavioral health care to children in need across Chicagoland. Learn more here.
Then you can wrap up your holiday shopping at the Holiday Market. This free, public event will feature 22 unique vendors offering hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, seasonal décor, holiday treats, and more to help with your gift list. The market will be held at the IWS Children’s Clinic event space, on the second level. Click here for details.
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New Snow Plow
Names Announced!
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The results are in - and the Village is thrilled to share the winning names for our two new snow plows: “The Big Leplowski” and “Buzz Iceclear!”
Thank you to everyone who participated in the naming contest. An impressive number of clever and creative submissions were received! Look for the new trucks proudly displaying their names on our streets this winter.
| | | Holiday Hustle November 22 | Lace up those running/walking shoes and join the 9th annual Holiday Hustle 5K, sponsored by the Good Earth Greenhouse, benefiting the Future Philanthropists Program! The event will be held rain or shine on Saturday, November 22 starting at 2 p.m. with check-in at Good Earth, beginning at 1 p.m. The race route will wind through the Concordia Cemetery directly across the street from the greenhouse. Participants can enjoy beverages and treats at Good Earth's Holiday Open House both before and after the event! Register here. | | | |
With so many solar programs available, choosing the right option can feel confusing. To make the process easier, the River Forest Sustainability Commission developed the Guide to Solar Energy - a comprehensive resource that breaks down distinctions between rooftop solar, community solar, and the Village’s Green Electric Aggregation Program. The guide also highlights relevant County and State programs and resources from the Illinois Citizens Utility Board. Learn more here.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
Discover why Gunzo’s Hockey Headquarters is a go-to destination for players and fans alike. Gunzo’s offers a full range of hockey equipment for all levels, professional skate sharpening and repairs, and friendly staff who know the game. Browse their impressive selection of Chicago Blackhawks apparel, along with gear from other top NHL teams. Click here to learn more.
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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