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Dear River Forest residents,
I am proud to say that River Forest has a very strong team, and I’d like to highlight our Police, Fire, and Public Works departments for their work and dedication to the River Forest community.
Last week, members of the Fire and Police departments attended the annual Senior Breakfast, where our first responders shared health and safety information with our older adults. The Police Department also participated in the annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Those who would like to support this cause can still make a donation online.
This week marks both National Public Works Week and National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week - an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who help keep our community safe, operational, and resilient every day. Our Public Works Department plays a vital role in maintaining the Village’s infrastructure and ensuring essential services run smoothly year-round. We also proudly recognize our Fire Department personnel, who serve not only in fire protection roles, but also as licensed paramedics providing critical emergency medical care. Whether responding to a fire, medical emergency, or traffic accident, our firefighter/paramedics are there when residents need them most.
Finally, please note that Village offices will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Refuse collection will be delayed by one day next week due to the holiday. In observance of the holiday, contractors should not be performing construction or related work on Memorial Day. Residents should also be aware that overnight parking restrictions will be in effect Sunday evening, and temporary street closures will be in place Monday morning for the Memorial Day Parade and related events. Additional details about all that is planned for the holiday can be found in the article below.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
| | Memorial Day Commemoration this Monday | | |
River Forest will honor the nation’s fallen service members during the 101st annual Memorial Day Commemoration on Monday, May 25. Organized through a partnership between the Village, the Kiwanis Club of River Forest–Oak Park, the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce, and the River Forest Park District, the day’s events include the annual parade, Honor Roll Ceremony, Community Picnic, and Business Bash.
The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Iowa Street and Ashland Avenue and proceeds to Keystone Park, where the community is invited to gather for the Memorial Day Honor Roll Ceremony honoring active-duty service members and veterans. Attendees can also enjoy a free hot dog lunch, live music, food trucks, and the second annual Business Bash featuring local and veteran-owned businesses from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more here.
| | Streetscape Open House Recap | More than 40 residents attended the recent open house for the North Avenue Streetscape Project, a joint effort between the villages of River Forest and Elmwood Park. The event provided community members with an opportunity to review preliminary plans, learn more about proposed improvements, and share feedback with project representatives. Resident input will help guide the next phases of the project as both communities continue working to enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall appearance of the North Avenue corridor. Residents who were unable to attend can still view the project plans online and submit feedback via email. | |  | Applications Open for Finance Director | The Village is currently seeking an experienced and collaborative finance professional to serve as its next Finance Director. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing municipal organization known for its strong financial management, transparency, and commitment to exceptional public service. As Rosie McAdams prepares for retirement in late 2026, the selected candidate will benefit from a transition period working alongside a seasoned leader before assuming full leadership of the Department. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates can learn more and apply here. | | | New Leaf Blower Ordinance | | |
The Village extends its appreciation to the residents and landscaping crews who are complying with the Village’s new leaf blower regulations, which officially took effect on Friday, May 15. Village staff has already observed many landscaping companies transitioning to quieter and more environmentally friendly equipment, helping to reduce noise and improve quality of life throughout the community.
The Village reminds residents and contractors that seasonal restrictions are now in effect, and violations can result in fines. Community members are encouraged to review the updated regulations and continue supporting efforts to keep River Forest a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable place to live. Learn more here.
| | Memorial Day Street Closures | | Residents are reminded that overnight parking passes will not be valid in several neighborhoods beginning Sunday evening, May 24, through Memorial Day, May 25, due to the 101st annual Memorial Day Commemoration. In addition, temporary street closures will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Memorial Day and will remain in effect until the parade concludes. Please plan ahead for travel and parking, and click here for a complete list of overnight parking restrictions and street closures. | | Juneteenth Flag Raising Celebration | The Village, in partnership with the River Forest Public Library, will host a Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The event will begin with a flag raising in the Library garden, followed by a program inside the Library. Several women- and minority-owned vendors will be on-site offering items for purchase, and refreshments will be served. The Jackson Wolff Band will perform following the program, rounding out an evening of reflection and community. Learn more here. | | | Click It or Ticket Campaign | The Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois for the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign through Tuesday, May 26 during the Memorial Day travel period. Through increased day and nighttime patrols, officers will focus on enforcing seat belt laws and encouraging safe driving habits throughout the community. Police Chief James Greenwood reminds motorists that seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and save lives. Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers wear seat belts. | | | |
The Sustainability Commission is inviting residents to take part in a citizen science project this summer focused on monitoring the Common Nighthawk, a migratory bird that spends its summers in River Forest and surrounding communities. Citizen science allows everyday residents to contribute valuable observations and data that support scientific research and wildlife conservation efforts. To introduce the project and explore the importance of citizen science, the River Forest Public Library will host a discussion of Citizen Science: How Ordinary People Are Changing the Face of Discovery by Caren Cooper on Thursday, May 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Residents interested in participating in the Nighthawk monitoring effort are encouraged to volunteer to listen for Nighthawk calls around sunset once per week beginning Monday,
June 1. If you are interested in participating as a citizen scientist, please call 708-366-8500.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
Fresh style and top-tier self-care await at Elan Hair Body & Sole. From bold new looks to subtle refreshes, their expert team delivers personalized salon and spa services with a modern touch. Book your appointment or learn more 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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