Older Audit BBQ, Bingo & Ice Cream Social is TOMORROW | Bonnie Brae "LemonAid", Sign Up for Electronic Waste Recycling, and More!

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Dear River Forest residents,

Today is National Senior Citizens Day, which recognizes the positive impact older adults have on our communities. Tomorrow, (Friday, August 22) in honor of this day, the Village is hosting a free BBQ, bingo, and ice cream social to recognize these residents, and their caregivers are also invited. Details on this event, as well as the annual Food Truck Rally starting at 5 p.m. tomorrow, can be found in articles below.

I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting for a new business in town, Garden Health Group, earlier this month. This team of therapists are dedicated to supporting both mental health and physical well-being, and I’m pleased to welcome the organization to our community!

In other exciting news, First Presbyterian Church of River Forest will celebrate its 100th anniversary at its Quick and Lathrop location this October. To mark this impressive milestone, the church is hosting a concert and gala on Saturday, October 18, at 4 p.m. You can learn more and register to attend here.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Events for Tomorrow - Friday, August 22!

Older Adult BBQ, Bingo & Ice Cream Social

Join the Village in celebrating National Senior Citizens Day with a special event tomorrow (Friday, August 22) afternoon dedicated to our older adults from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fire Department. Seniors and their caregivers are invited to enjoy a BBQ lunch, bingo games, and an ice cream social. Come for the food, stay for the conversation, and connect with fellow community members in a friendly, welcoming setting!

Food Truck Rally at Keystone Park West

Tomorrow evening (Friday, August 22) is the annual Food Truck Rally! Join the Village, River Forest Park District, and the Rotary Club of Oak Park–River Forest from 5 to 9 p.m. at Keystone Park West in The Depot parking lot. The event will include food truck favorites, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger tribute bands, a beer tent, inflatables and more. Check out the full lineup of food vendors and activities here.

Does your Home Have Lead Pipes?

At the recent “Casual Conversation” event, some residents expressed uncertainty about whether their homes have lead pipes. With the State’s lead pipe replacement program underway, the Village is here to help. If you’re unsure about the materials that make up your home’s pipes, schedule an appointment with the Public Works Department at 708-714-3551. You can also quickly determine what your water line materials are made of by completing a short survey here.

Support the Bonnie Brae "LemonAid" Event

isThe Bonnie Brae 9/11 Charity “LemonAid” Stand returns for its 24th year on Thursday, September 11, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the 700 block of Bonnie Brae. First launched in 2002 to honor the lives lost on September 11, the event has grown into a community tradition that raises awareness, and funds for children’s charities. This year’s proceeds will benefit Opportunity Knocks and Thrive Counseling Center. Stop by to enjoy lemonade, popcorn, music, games, a photo booth, and more - in support of a meaningful cause. Learn more here.

Cernan Earth & Space Center on WGN

The WGN Morning News “Around Town” segment recently highlighted Triton College’s Cernan Earth and Space Center! In case you missed the live broadcast, you can catch the full feature in the accompanying video. The Space Center offers immersive planetarium shows, educational programs, and hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity about our universe. Learn more or view the calendar of events here.

6th Annual Tour de Proviso

The sixth annual Tour de Proviso will take place on Saturday, October 4, and is hosted by the villages of Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. at Oak Park Village Hall, with the main ride starting at 8 a.m. and the family ride following at approximately 8:30 a.m. Participants can choose between a 20-mile full ride or a 7-mile family ride, and the event is free and open to all ages and experience levels. Originally started in 2020 by Mayor Katrina Thompson of Broadview to promote wellness during the pandemic, the Tour de Proviso has grown into a multi-community event with rotating communities hosting the event. Learn more or register here.

Residents enrolled in the Village’s waste collection program are now eligible to request electronic waste (e-waste) collection from their homes at no additional cost.

To schedule a pick-up, requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, for collection taking place during the week of September 15–17. Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) will collect up to seven (7) approved items per household, with a limit of two (2) televisions or computer monitors per collection. To request this service and to view a list of accepted items, visit the LRS website and click on the "Electronic Waste Pick-Up" link located on the right corner of the homepage.

River Forest Business Spotlight

River Forest Chocolates is a community favorite, providing handcrafted chocolates, gourmet popcorn, custom party favors, and beautifully designed sweet tables for special occasions. Visitors can also enjoy fresh coffee, lattes, and hot chocolate served in eco-friendly cups. Stop in to explore their offerings or place an order online.

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.