June 2021
Dear River Forest residents,

As we enter into June and warmer weather beckons us all outside, please be mindful of children and pedestrians who are frequenting our parks and sidewalks so we all can enjoy the summer months safely. Please also note the important information below related to the ‘one way’ signage that will be posted in summer school zones in the coming weeks.

I am pleased to share that two of the Village’s initiatives will be up for discussion during upcoming meetings. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Group will hold its first meeting Monday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Click here to learn more about the DEI Advisory Group’s mission. Additionally, the Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Thursday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. to continue discussions regarding the Village’s Affordable Housing Plan, and its consideration of allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within River Forest. Both of these meetings are open to the public.

We are grateful to all of those who have volunteered their time and continue to put so much effort into helping set such proactive and promising goals for our community, and who help to ensure those goals are met. We are so appreciative of our advisory committees and commissions. I encourage all residents to get involved and apply to be on one of our boards or commissions. You can apply at www.vrf.us. 

Finally, congratulations to Roosevelt Middle School’s graduating Class of 2021. I wish you all success as you begin your journey into high school!

Sincerely,
Catherine M. Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Updates: COVID-19 Vaccine & Mask Mandate
Like the percentage of fully vaccinated people in Illinois, the COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to progress throughout the Village, as well. For up-to-date vaccine data specific to River Forest, click here and select 'Data by Town'. To make an appointment for a vaccination, click here. Suburban Cook County residents who are homebound due to medical reasons and would like to receive the vaccine in their homes can find information here.
 
Additionally, Village Hall continues to follow the CDC’s new guidance regarding face covers. Those who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue to wear face covers, while those who are fully vaccinated can opt-out. Village employees may continue to wear face covers, regardless of their vaccination status, and members of the public may ask an employee of the Village to wear a mask during interactions. Please be respectful and follow posted guidance. Learn more here.
Vehicle Stickers
Vehicle stickers for 2021-2022 are now available for purchase. Updated stickers must be affixed to windshields by Wednesday, July 14 to avoid late fees and citations. All vehicles registered in Illinois with a River Forest address must also be registered with the Village through the purchase of a vehicle sticker license. Click here to renew or for more information.
Be Aware of Summer School Zones
In-person summer school classes and summer camps will be taking place in the Village from Thursday, June 17 - Friday, July 16. The River Forest Police Department (RFPD) would like to remind residents that all posted signage reflecting ‘one way’ school zone traffic will be in effect during this time period, and the RFPD will be enforcing traffic laws and assisting with traffic flow.

Please drive carefully around school zones and parks, be courteous to pedestrians and motorists, and help ensure everyone’s safety as the summer school season begins. Click here for additional summer school reminders. If you observe unsafe situations or roadway behaviors, call 911 for emergencies or (708) 366-7125 for non-emergencies.
Swimming Safety

Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a dip in your backyard pool, swimming safety tips can help you have some fun in the sun, while being mindful of swimming hazards. Click here to learn more about safety and helpful survival tips.
Hotel/Motel Emergency Plans

Not only is it important to have an emergency preparedness plan in your own home - but it is equally as important to be prepared for an emergency while vacationing. Click here for hotel/motel safety tips.
Hot Weather Safety

Summer is here and with it can come some uncomfortably hot weather! It’s important to recognize extreme heat can be deadly. Be sure to check out these hot weather safety tips and review symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce member Rare Bird Preserves is an Oak Park business that is owned by River Forest resident Elizabeth Madden. This retail shop specializes in delicious preserves, house-made pastries and coffee. For more information or to order online, please click here.
Preserving Wildlife Habitats
The River Forest Sustainability Commission is working to certify the Village as a Community Wildlife Habitat, through the National Wildlife Federation. For more information or to register your home as a ‘wildlife habitat’, click here.
'Green' Block Parties
are Back!
‘Green’ block parties strive to reduce, reuse and recycle, while also educating participants about green eco-systems. It takes three simple steps to host one - register your block party, request a Sort-It-Out Station, and complete the River Forest Tree Trails activity with your guests!
Eighth Grade Graduation
Congratulations to Roosevelt Middle School’s 159 eighth grade graduates! The Class of 2021 will receive their diplomas in the Oak Park River Forest High School Stadium at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9 (rain date June 10). In addition to student speakers, the commencement will also include greetings from Board of Education President Barb Hickey, Superintendent Ed Condon and Roosevelt Principal Larry Garstki. The pomp and ceremony will be highlighted by a performance from the Roosevelt Band.
Last Day of School and Summer Hours
District 90’s last day of school will be Friday, June 11. From Monday, June 14 through Friday, August 6, the Administrative Office will begin observing summer hours, which will be Mondays – Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular weekly office hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will resume on Monday, August 9. In addition to walk-in service, please contact the District Office with questions or for assistance at (708) 771-8282, or visit the District 90 website.
Openings Available for Thrill Zone

Thrill Zone Summer Camp has openings for fifth through eighth grade students, beginning Tuesday, June 15. Some of the 'field trips' coming to Keystone Park include the Windy City Game Truck, Nerf Blaster Party, Bubble Soccer, Science Show and more! Click here for additional information!
Thursday Concerts
in the Park

Concerts in the Park are back! Hitched, a Chicago-based variety/dance band, will be kicking off the summer concert series in Keystone Park on Thursday, June 17 at 6 p.m. All concerts are family-friendly and free, so bring blankets and lawn chairs and come dance the night away! View the concert schedule here.
Gearing Up for Summer
This summer, take advantage of enriching programs that include outdoor in-person offerings such as Coffee Monday, Social Stitching, yoga, movie nights, story times and more (weather permitting). A number of virtual programs also continue to be available. See all of the details on the calendar.
 
Additionally, services continue to expand as COVID-19 restrictions are loosened. Some library furniture is back for your use, time limits have been discontinued, capacity has been increased, and study spaces are available by reservation. Please note: masks are still required for anyone over the age of two.
Pet Adoption Event
Magnificent Mutts and Meows will have a number of fabulous furry friends available for adoption on Saturday, June 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the River Forest Public Library.

Walk-ins are welcome, but please submit an application online if you would like to meet a specific new furry best friend! 
Virtual Services and Programs
The Township would like to remind residents that many in-person services and programs continue to be offered on a virtual platform. To learn more, click here, view the River Forest community calendar here, or send an email to Supervisor Carla Sloan at supervisor@riverforesttownship.org.
Seniors: Sign Up for Community Connect
River Forest seniors are invited to subscribe to the Community Connect Enews to stay informed about the latest events and programs happening in the greater River Forest-Oak Park area. The weekly email newsletter is sent out by the Township in partnership with Arbor West Neighbors. To sign up for the Enews or for questions, please email Senior Outreach Coordinator Betsy Kelly or call (708) 366-2029.
Virtual Outreach Event
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Tammy Wendt will be hosting a virtual outreach event entitled Registering Your Property Assessment Appeal with the Board of Review via Zoom on Thursday, June 17 at 6 p.m. Advanced registration is requested. For more information or to register, click here.
Around River Forest