Thursday, June 17, 2021
Dear River Forest Residents,

On Wednesday, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday, which will be observed this coming Saturday, June 19. Juneteenth is a symbolic commemoration to the end of slavery on June 19, 1865 - more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It serves as an important reminder about the struggles experienced by African-Americans, as well as the valuable contributions they have made to our society and our culture. This observance connects strongly to ongoing efforts right here in River Forest that encourage and support acceptance and inclusion, as we celebrate our diversity. 
 
Now that summer is here and summer school is in session, please be mindful that our young people are out and about in the community. Please be sure to obey posted signage, and be extra cautious around school zones and parks.

Congratulations to St. Luke’s Parish School second graders who recently collected 490 pairs of socks that were donated to others in need. Socks are one of the most requested clothing items, so the efforts of these young people are greatly appreciated and make a difference!

I also want to wish all those fathers out there a very happy Father’s Day!

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
River Forest Vaccination Rates

The number of River Forest residents who have been vaccinated continues to increase. For up-to-date River Forest vaccine data, click here and select 'Data by Town'. The percentages of fully vaccinated individuals across the state can be found here. Walk-in appointments continue to be available at several locations and can be scheduled here. Suburban Cook County residents who are homebound due to medical reasons can receive the vaccine in their homes; find more information here.
BBQ Safety
Over the last five years, U.S. fire departments have responded to an average of 7,700 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues. This staggering figure could be easily reduced by following simple barbeque safety tips. To learn more, click here.
Grading Permits
Don’t forget! Some of your summer home improvement projects may require grading permits before you get started. View the Village’s Grading Permit requirements here, and apply for permits on the Village’s new online portal.
VegOut! For Meatless Meals
The Sustainability Commission has partnered with local restaurants to offer meatless menus each Wednesday with the goal of encouraging patrons to VegOut! for environmental and physical health. For additional details and to view participating restaurants, click here.
 
Are you a local restaurant interested in joining VegOut!? For more information or to participate, please send an email to Sustainability@vrf.us.
Did You Know?
Did you know that businesses in River Forest and Oak Park are supported through the Oak Park River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce? The OPRF Chamber provides a robust business directory that can help residents find local services, shops and entertainment options to keep your spending dollars local. The Chamber is a member-based organization that supports the small business community by helping them stay informed and network. Please consider supporting one of their businesses!
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 member Inner Spring Wellness provides personalized holistic treatments to adults and children that promote overall health and wellbeing. Services include acupuncture, massage, advanced cupping therapy, intuitive healing, Reiki, Emergent healing, nutrition, flower essence therapy and detox. To make an appointment or learn more, visit InnerSpringWellness.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.