Dear River Forest residents,
The Village has been working side by side with our local residents affected by Union Pacific Railroad idling freight trains within our community. These trains are causing increased emissions and noise pollution, which sometimes happens just feet from our residential properties. This situation is unacceptable, as it undermines the quality of life for our residents, visitors, and businesses. ABC 7 recently reported on this issue, which you can view here. The Village is working with our local legislators as part of our continued efforts to address this situation.
The safety of our community remains a top priority for the Village. I encourage all community members to attend the upcoming Quarterly Community Safety Meeting on Wednesday, July 31. Questions and feedback are invited, and the Police Department will share information about ongoing crime prevention efforts.
Lastly, congratulations to this year’s Trinity High School 2024 Bal Dominique honorees: Sistie and Eugene McEnery as the Leadership Award recipients and Jodi (Nowicki '81) and Ed Pacer for receiving the Service Award.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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Fire Department Blood Drive | |
Giving blood saves lives! The Fire Department will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this coming Saturday, July 27 on the apparatus floor at Village Hall. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Learn more here.
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Quarterly Community Safety Meeting | The next Quarterly Community Safety Meeting will be held in-person and on Zoom Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Village Hall. These meetings were established several years ago so that the Police Department can provide updates on any safety issues and discuss crime prevention efforts with community members. To learn more, click here. | | |
Historic Preservation Awards | Time is running out to submit your application for the 2024 Historic Preservation Awards, hosted by The Historic Preservation Commission! Homeowners, architects, and contractors who have worked to preserve River Forest's historic character are encouraged to apply. For more information or to submit an application, click here. Nominations are due this Friday, July 26. | | |
Congratulations 11U Little Leaguers! | |
Congratulations to River Forest’s 11U Little League team for winning the District 10 Championship! Their incredible season culminated with an appearance in the State Semifinals. Congratulations to Coaches Charlie Boyd, Frank Giglio, Mike McNamara and players Valentino Giglio, Anderson Hoste, George Bailey, Grayson Elfvin, Jack Boyd, Jack O’Keefe, Jason Pullos, Joe Burns, Liam Goggin, Paddy Sheahan, Thomas McNamara and Tommy Mackie.
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History of
Edgewater Park
| Join the River Forest Public Library for a presentation by Frank FioRito from the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest on the forgotten history of Edgewater Park. This event will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Discover the story of this unique, former subdivision in what is now the Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve. For more information or to register, click here. | | |
Vote for the Oak Park Farmers' Market | Support the Oak Park Farmers' Market by voting in the 16th annual America's Farmers Market Celebration, presented by American Farmland Trust. Help the Farmers’ Market win a share of the $15,000 prize pool by encouraging your family and friends to vote by Wednesday, July 31. Click here to vote! | | |
Property Tax Bills Due August 1 | |
Second installment property tax bills have been mailed late the past several years, but this year they have been mailed on time, with a due date of August 1. The bills reflect changes from the 2023 reassessment and are available online to view, print, or pay. For more information, click here.
For those interested in filing a property tax appeal for future taxes, the River Forest Township Assessor is hosting a Board of Review property assessment appeal workshop on Monday, August 5 at 6 p.m. at the River Forest Community Center. If you are unable to attend, you can request an appeal packet created by the Assessor here. The Board of Review appeal period is open until August 20, 2024. Learn more here or call 708-366-2787.
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Flamingo Fridays are a great way for neighbors to connect and have fun this summer. Each week, a new host puts a flamingo on their lawn to signal they’re hosting. The host provides the space, a table, and an ice bucket or cooler for beverages. Everyone else brings their own beverages, cups, and snacks and all are welcome!
The next Flamingo Friday is July 26 at 1344 William Street, hosted by Frank Libbe and Peggy Daley. The event will run from 6 - 8 p.m. Learn more here.
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A Simple Way to Water your Lawn | |
To help conserve water, you can choose to water your lawn as infrequently as possible. Cool-season grasses can naturally slow down or even go dormant in hot weather. If you’re considering letting your grass go dormant in the warmer months, you can learn more here.
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River Forest Business Spotlight! | |
Hub Kitchen is a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share a passion for food and a vision for success! It offers a shared commercial kitchen with professional, affordable space for businesses that prepare all types of food. Caterers, bakers, and packaged goods providers can benefit from fully-equipped facilities, flexible rental plans, and free consultations from experienced business owners that are committed to helping them grow. To learn more or to apply for rental space, click here.
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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What's Happening in River Forest?
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