River Forest Village Board of Trustees | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and I am proud of the strong partnership our Police Department has built with the Proviso Children’s Advocacy Center to protect children in our community. You can learn more in an article below.
Planning is well underway to commemorate Memorial Day in River Forest this year and is the result of strong partnerships between the Village, Park District, Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of River Forest-Oak Park. Please see an article below for details on all of the events and activities planned and consider taking part in this important day that honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
At this past Monday’s Board meeting, Village Administrator Matt Walsh and Finance Director Rosemary McAdams presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and opened the floor for public comment. You can view the proposed budget here. The Village Board is expected to vote on the budget at its April 27 meeting.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
| | Child Abuse Prevention Month | | |
April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and reaffirm the commitment to protecting children in our community. The Village extends its gratitude to the Proviso Children’s Advocacy Center for their ongoing partnership and support of the Police Department. As part of this recognition, the Proviso Children’s Advocacy Team recently visited the Department and provided treats as a thoughtful gesture of appreciation.
The Children’s Advocacy Center plays a vital role in supporting children who are experiencing serious challenges, by conducting forensic interviews for those who could be victims or witnesses of abuse or neglect. This organization works to ensure each child receives the care, protection, and resources they need. The Village is proud to partner with organizations like the Proviso Children’s Advocacy Center to create a safer future for our children.
| | Officer of the Year: Eddie Coleman | At the March 23 Village Board meeting, Police Officer Eddie Coleman was recognized as the 2025 Police Officer of the Year in honor of his exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to the River Forest community. Throughout the year, Officer Coleman has demonstrated a strong dedication to public safety and compassionate service to residents. This commitment was especially evident in February, when he responded to a medical emergency involving an unconscious, non-breathing individual. Acting quickly, Officer Coleman initiated CPR and worked alongside the Fire Department to help this individual regain a pulse and set the path for recovery. | |  | Civilian of the Year: Nicole Collum | Police Records Supervisor Nicole Collum has been named the 2026 Women in Criminal Justice Civilian of the Year by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute. Although she serves in a civilian role, Nicole is essential to the day-to-day operations of the Police Department through overseeing and coordinating records management with professionalism and precision. This honor recognizes her leadership, and the meaningful contribution she makes - both to the Department and the River Forest community. | | | Memorial Day Commemoration | | |
The 101st annual River Forest Memorial Day Commemoration is made possible due to partnerships between the Village of River Forest, the Kiwanis Club of River Forest–Oak Park, the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce, and the River Forest Park District. The day is filled with events and activities that include the annual Parade, Honor Roll Ceremony, Community Picnic and Business Bash – all on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
The parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Iowa Street and Ashland Avenue, travel south to Lake Street and continue west to Keystone Park. Residents are invited to attend the Memorial Day Honor Roll Ceremony following the parade. As part of this annual observance, the community is invited to submit the names of active-duty service members and veterans for inclusion in the Honor Roll during the ceremony Submissions are due by Monday, May 18, and can be completed here. Those who attend can also enjoy a free hot dog lunch, and the second annual Business Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., located near the end of the parade route at Keystone Park where local and veteran-owned businesses will showcase their wares. Interested business vendors are encouraged to participate in the Business Bash and can register here. There will also be live music and a variety of food trucks. All residents are invited to join together to honor the men and women who died while serving our country in the U.S. military.
| | All dogs and cats must be registered with the Village. Pet licenses are $10 and are valid from May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. To obtain a license, pet owners must provide documentation of a current rabies vaccination from a veterinarian. If your pet is under four months of age or not yet eligible for a rabies vaccination, you can wait until the vaccine has been administered before applying for a pet license. Registering your pet helps keep them safe; if a lost dog is found wearing a Village tag, the Police Department will work to return it home. Learn more here. | | | Celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, with simple, meaningful actions that support a healthier environment in River Forest. Some ways to celebrate include spending time outdoors or creating a pollinator garden that supports bees, butterflies, and other essential wildlife. For more information on these efforts, and additional ways to get involved, explore the River Forest Guide to Sustainable Living. | | | Leaf Blower Ordinance Takes Effect May 15 | | |
Beginning May 15, the Village’s leaf blower ordinance will take effect, after unanimous approval by the Village Board in 2025. The ordinance introduces a phased approach to reducing emissions by prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers from May 15 through September 15 each year. In addition, fossil-fuel powered generators cannot be used to operate or charge leaf blowers during this time.
To support a transition to more sustainable practices, the ordinance also includes an incentive program for landscape contractors. Licensed contractors who voluntarily commit to using only electric leaf blowers year-round are eligible for a rebate equal to their contractor licensing fee, and will be recognized on the Village website as environmentally responsible service providers. For more information, including a list of participating landscapers, click here.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
Dr. Darshana Novick of Novick Orthodontics is a board-certified orthodontist providing expert care for children, teens, and adults. Her practice offers a comprehensive range of treatment options designed to fit every lifestyle, including traditional metal braces, clear and Damon braces, Incognito (behind-the-teeth) braces, and Invisalign. With a focus on personalized care and modern techniques, Dr. Novick and her team are committed to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. To learn more or schedule a consultation, 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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