Thursday, March 25, 2021
Dear River Forest Residents,

I’m thrilled to announce that another mass vaccination site has opened nearby in Forest Park for our residents, as we all work to ensure each individual who wishes to receive a vaccine will be able to do so. Information is also provided below about the next phase of the Restore Illinois Plan, along with updates on the number of COVID-19 cases in River Forest and information and metrics related to vaccinations.  

As we approach spring break, please remember to continue to practice safe social distancing and wear your face cover to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.  

The Cook County Clerk’s office has made changes to polling locations in River Forest – please see below and check your polling location as the location may have changed from previous elections. You will also find information about early voting and more.

Learn more about resources available on the Village’s website in this week’s ‘Did You Know?’ section, as well as a new sustainability plastic bag recycling program and our weekly Business Spotlight to show our ongoing support for local businesses.

Have a safe and happy spring break! 
 
Sincerely,
Catherine M. Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
New Vaccination Site Opening in Forest Park
Cook County is opening a new community vaccination site tomorrow (Friday, March 26) at the Forest Park Plaza shopping mall. This site is for people in Phase 1a and Phase 1b, in addition to the recently approved Phase 1b+ group, which includes individuals 16 - 64 with underlying health conditions. This new location gives River Forest residents another nearby mass vaccination site option, in addition to those at Triton College and Tinley Park Convention Center.

Register here or call (833) 308-1988 weekdays from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. for vaccine updates and appointments in Cook County. The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) website also provides a variety of resources. Vaccine supplies continue to be limited, so residents are encouraged to register and remain patient.

Locations with vaccination appointments can also be searched by zip code at this link, and can be scheduled on ZocDoc. A Vaccine Appointment Call Center is additionally available for individuals without internet access, or for those who need assistance registering online. Residents can call (833) 621-1284 daily from 6 a.m. - midnight to reach an attendant. The Village will continue to update its resources on the Village’s website here.
Tax Filing Date Extension
Tax filing and payment deadlines for both the State and federal government have recently been extended. The IRS has extended its tax filing and payment deadlines from April 15 to May 17, 2021 to give taxpayers additional time to navigate new tax changes. This extension also applies to Illinois State income taxes. 
Stay Safe This Spring Break
Spring break takes place for our local school districts next week and it’s important to continue following CDC safety guidelines while traveling, or enjoying time at home with family or friends. It is crucial to protect yourself and others by continuing to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing face covers while in public, maintaining a six foot distance between you and others, and washing your hands often. For a complete list of safety guidelines, please click here.
Governor Announces 'Bridge Phase' in Restore Illinois Plan
Governor J.B. Pritzker announced last week that a new ‘Bridge Phase’ could be reached as part of the Restore Illinois Plan, and that vaccination eligibility will be further expanded in mid-April. 

Officials are tracking vaccination metrics across the State to determine if Illinois will move into the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois Plan. This is when 70% of Illinois residents ages 65 and up will have received at least one vaccine dose. Once that metric is reached, a 28-day monitoring period would begin, and if a positive track continues, the State would move into Phase 5: Restored. Please note: COVID-19 metrics must continue to meet benchmarks in order for the State to fully reopen and reach Phase 5.

All individuals aged 16 and older will be eligible to receive a vaccine starting April 12, 2021, but limited supplies will make it likely these individuals get their first dose by late April or early May.
COVID-19 Cases in River Forest
From Sunday, March 14 – Saturday, March 20, River Forest had 11 new COVID-19 positive cases with 316 tests completed, resulting in a 3.5% positivity rate. During the previous week, there were 15 new positive cases and 291 tests completed, representing a 5.2% positivity rate. Daily updates throughout the state by zip code can be found here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Progress
Updates on the number of Suburban Cook County residents who have received either one, or both of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, as well as the single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are listed at this link (click on “Vaccine Data”). The IDPH is also reporting ongoing progress on vaccinations throughout Illinois.
Vaccine Efficacy, Updates & Guidelines
The CDC states all COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S. are highly effective at preventing the disease, and that more vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible. The CDC has updated its guidelines for individuals who are, or will be, fully vaccinated. Two full weeks must have passed since receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine in order to be classified as fully vaccinated. These individuals, in addition to those who are not vaccinated, should continue to follow COVID-19 preventative steps in public places.
Polling Locations & Early Voting for April 6 Election
The Cook County Clerk’s office has made changes to polling locations in River Forest. If you intend to vote on Election Day, you must do so in your precinct. Please check your polling location as the location may have changed from previous elections by clicking here for the map or here for the County’s voter information tool. 

Early voting for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election has begun, and runs through Monday, April 5 at the Maywood Courthouse and Elmwood Park Village Hall. Mail in ballots can also be requested until April 1. For additional election information, including additional early voting locations, the candidates you will see on your ballot and more – please click here.
Plastic Bag Recycling & Reusable Shopping Bags
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The nonprofit Clean Up-Give Back has set a goal to collect 40,000 plastic bags (500 lbs.) for recycling within the next six months! The goal will help the organization to donate a plastic bench to Austin People's Action Center. Please take your plastic bags to one of the pick-up sites at Oak Park Temple or the Oak Park Conservatory. Please note: only clean bags should be dropped off in the bins. Click here to learn how you can help! 

Residents can now bring their reusable bags to Jewel and Whole Foods, but customers are being asked to bag items themselves. Fresh Thyme has not yet lifted their restriction on using reusable bags.
Hawks Nest Near Iowa & Clinton
Residents have reported hawks nesting in trees near the corner of Iowa Street and Clinton Place. In order to avoid disturbing these birds whose natural behavior is to defend their nests, residents are asked to avoid walking on this corner.
Did You Know?
The Village’s website has a wide range of resources and information for our community members. Click here to learn more about flooding and flood prevention on your property, and if you are looking for other information, visit the Village website and enter your topic into the search bar (top right of the page). Residents can also email with any questions!

  • Did you know that not all flooding is the same? Flooding on your property could be from sewer backup, groundwater seepage, or yard flooding. Click on any of these options to learn more about each type of flooding, how they occur, and preventative measures that can be taken to minimize your risks.
River Forest Business Spotlight
Gunzo's Sports Center and Hockey Headquarters is the first hockey pro shop in the Chicagoland area, and celebrated their 50 year anniversary in 2013 serving the hockey community. Gunzo’s carries a full selection of hockey equipment for all ability levels and budgets. The business is also a full-service shop and can perform most skate repairs. Gunzo's carries a wide variety of Chicago Blackhawks apparel, as well as other select NHL teams. To learn more, please click here.

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.