OPRF Health & Wellness Fair, National Prescription Take Back Day, Spring Cleaning and More!

Friday, April 14, 2023

Dear River Forest residents,

During the April 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting, the Village Board was presented with a balanced Fiscal Year 2024 annual budget. A copy of the annual budget can be found here. The entire presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel here.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the Board approved an agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to receive $90,000 in grant funding for green alley improvements. The Village continues to seek grant funding for all sustainability initiatives and infrastructure projects.

There are quite a few community events to look forward to this month. On April 22, the River Forest Park District and Cook County Forest Preserve is hosting a Des Plaines River Trail Cleanup from 8 - 10 a.m. to celebrate Earth Day. Later that day, residents can attend the Third Annual Bike Exchange at Roosevelt Middle School. On Sunday, April 23, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Health & Wellness Fair. More information about this event can be found in the article below. Finally, the Triton College Car Show will take place on Sunday, April 30 at 10 a.m.

I would like to remind residents that tax exemption applications for the 2022 year are now open. If you are eligible for an exemption that is not the Homeowner, Senior or Persons with Disabilities exemptions (which will all auto renew), you must reapply for exemptions here.

Lastly, House Speaker Emanuel Welch is hosting his annual Juneteenth and Father's Day Festival in Hillside on Monday, June 19 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to join Speaker Welch for family-friendly games and activities, goods for sale by local vendors, artist performances and more. Please save the date if you would like to attend this event.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

OPRF Health & Wellness Fair

The Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce's 7th Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Sunday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at the Fitness Formula Club in Oak Park. There will be 50+ exhibitors showcasing health and wellness services with complimentary screenings, family activities and giveaways! Learn more here.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Police Department is reminding residents about the importance of focusing on the road! If you can’t wait to send a text, please pull over to a safe location first. This single action could save your life - or the lives of those around you.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Oak Park and Maywood police departments. Addresses, maps and additional drop off locations can be found here. Please note: if you are unable to attend this event, the Village of River Forest has a prescription drop box located in the basement of Village Hall and is available to residents Monday - Friday during normal business hours.

Before You Dig, Call Julie

April is National Safe Digging Month! If you're planning a summer project that requires digging on your property - including building a new deck or patio, planting trees or shrubs, or adding a new fence - call JULIE first at 811 or 800-892-0123. Utility location requests are quick, simple and FREE, and need to be made at least two business days prior to digging!

Spring Cleaning &

Fire Safety

As many of us begin spring cleaning, the Fire Department recommends residents add home fire safety to your list. This can include removing dust on smoke detectors, checking carbon monoxide detectors/smoke alarms and having your dryer exhaust cleaned and vacuumed out. For additional safety tips visit page 4 here.

Social Justice Hero

Dominican University is proud to announce their alumnus Berto Aguayo, the executive director of Increase the Peace, was recently named the 2023 Social Justice Hero by the American Red Cross. This award is presented to the heroes that walk among us who dedicate their lives to making a difference in our communities. Congratulations, Berto! To learn more about this award, click here. (Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross)

Take Advantage of April Showers

The Village has a strong focus on sustainability, and there are many green initiatives that residents can participate in to be kinder to our environment. Utilizing rain barrels is one way, which helps to harvest rainwater for both indoor and outdoor plants - instead of using city water. Learn more here.

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Capri Italian Foods is a family-owned Italian food store and deli and has been in River Forest for more than 50 years! The store prides itself on its homemade Italian sausage, meatballs, roast beef, pasta sauce, and more! Check out specialty items offered, or visit the deli for fresh submarine sandwiches. View the full menu here.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website. If you’d like your business to be featured in the weekly Business Spotlight, please send us an email.