O'Hare Flyer Update | Senior BBQ October 5 | Fire Department Open House Recap

Friday, September 25, 2026

Dear River Forest residents,

Please save the date for our next "Casual Conversation with the Village President" on Saturday, October 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Civic Center. Join me, Village staff, and special guest, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. Come by to ask questions, hear the latest Village news, and connect with your local and state government representatives.

I want residents to know that the Village Board understands the questions and concerns surrounding the proposed O’Hare Flyer and is continuing to work to better understand its potential impacts on River Forest.

At its last meeting, the Village Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the current proposal and directed staff to gather more information and explore alternatives. Since then, staff have been reaching out to consultants, specialists, law firms, government entities, and elected officials. We have also sent dozens of letters sharing the Village’s opposition and seeking additional information and input.

At the upcoming Monday Village Board meeting, the Board will consider contracts for professional services related to the Village’s ongoing work regarding the O’Hare Flyer. We will continue to keep residents informed as this work moves forward.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Fire Department Open House Recap

Despite the rainy weather, residents turned out in impressive numbers for the Fire Department’s annual Open House last Saturday. Families had the opportunity to meet local firefighters, explore fire trucks, and learn more about fire safety through demonstrations and hands-on activities. The event also brought together community partners. In addition to our Police Department, the Concordia University Nursing Department, By Your Side (autism therapy service), and CAST (water safety foundation) also attended to help make the event a success. The Fire Department is grateful to everyone who attended and continues to support its mission of keeping River Forest safe!

Senior BBQ on

October 5

The Village’s Senior BBQ, Bingo & Ice Cream Social will take place on Monday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living Center. This event brings older adults and their caregivers together for a barbecue lunch, bingo, ice cream, and time to visit with friends and neighbors. Join us for an afternoon honoring the older adults who have helped to shape the River Forest community!

Stay Safe during

Rail Safety Week

National Rail Safety Week, September 21-27, raises awareness about making safe choices around trains and railroad tracks. Drivers should always stop when crossing gates are down and wait until they are fully raised before proceeding. Pedestrians should stay alert and refrain from walking on or along the tracks. Throughout the U.S., a person or vehicle is struck by a train approximately every three hours. More information on Rail Safety Week and safety tips can be found here.

Historic Preservation Award Nominations

River Forest's historic homes, distinctive architecture, and unmistakable character are what make the community special. The Village invites residents to celebrate those who help preserve this legacy by nominating a homeowner, architect, or contractor for one of six Historic Preservation Awards. These honor outstanding projects and individuals who have contributed to protecting the community’s architectural and cultural heritage. Nominations are limited to building exteriors and must be submitted by Friday, October 2, to be considered. Explore the award categories and submit a nomination here.

35th Annual

Cemetery Tour

Discover the stories behind local history at the 35th annual "Tale of the Tombstones" Cemetery Walk on Sunday, October 18, at Forest Home Cemetery, in Forest Park. Tours depart from the main gate every 10 minutes between noon and 1:30 p.m. and last about 90 minutes. This year's theme, "American Movements," honors the nation's 250th anniversary with stories of the people who moved to the area and the civic movements that shaped society. Guides will lead the way while actors bring local figures to life. Advance tickets are strongly recommended and can be purchased here.

Join the

Tour de Proviso

Get ready to ride! The seventh annual Tour de Proviso returns Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and brings area residents together for a community bike ride hosted by Proviso Township and surrounding communities. This year's event will take place in Melrose Park and feature a 10-mile route that begins and ends at Melrose Park Village Hall. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or new to biking, everyone is invited to participate and enjoy a day on two wheels. Save the date and learn more here.

Sustainability: Deadline for Household Hazardous

Waste Pickup

Residents enrolled in the Village’s waste collection program can take advantage of free household hazardous waste pickup from their homes. Requests must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30, and residents will be contacted by collection partner, Clean Harbors with the scheduled collection date. Lakeshore Recycling Systems, the Village’s waste hauler, will collect up to 70 pounds of eligible hazardous materials from the front of each home during the collection. To request a pickup, complete the Household Hazardous Waste Pickup form. For a list of accepted items and additional information, visit the Village’s household hazardous waste webpage.

Business Spotlight - First Watch

First Watch is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch destination serving fresh, made-to-order dishes. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and offers dine-in service, online order-ahead options, and the convenience of joining the waitlist online before arriving. Visit First Watch River Forest or call 224-216-1831 for more information.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business 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 an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.