Remembering David Raino-Ogden, Fall Leaf Collection, Cemetery Walk, and More!

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Dear River Forest residents,

I want to encourage anyone who is concerned about federal immigration enforcement activity to take advantage of resources to know your rights, and to understand the Illinois TRUST Act. Please see an article below to learn more.

Thank you to the more than 900 registrants who participated in the 6th annual Tour de Proviso - it was great to see such strong participation in this annual event, hosted by our Village - along with Forest Park and Oak Park. It continues to be a wonderful display of community spirit and collaboration.

Congratulations to Tina Taylor-Ritzler, Ph.D., on her appointment as the fifth president of Trinity High School. Dr. Taylor-Ritzler has more than 15 years of experience as a professor at Dominican University, and we look forward to seeing her leadership guide Trinity to continued success.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of David Raino-Ogden, who passed away on September 29. David faithfully served on the Village’s Historic Preservation Commission since 2008, and his dedication to preserving our community’s character and history will be deeply missed.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Federal Immigration Enforcement Activity

The Village is aware of recent immigration enforcement activity around the State. In line with the Illinois TRUST Act, our Police Department does not participate in federal immigration enforcement. Police officers are focused on enforcing State laws and local ordinances, protecting the public safety, and responding to 911 calls independently - not alongside federal agencies. Officers will not ask individuals about immigration status, detain individuals based solely on status, or assist with immigration investigations.

While the Village does not work directly with, or endorse any specific nonprofit organizations, The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) offers a hotline (855-435-7693) that can connect individuals with an immigration attorney to understand their rights. There are also resources available on how to handle interactions with federal officers. For details on the Trust Act, you can visit the Illinois Attorney General’s guidance page here. Read the Village statement here.

Remembering David Raino-Ogden

David Raino-Ogden, a dedicated Historic Preservation Commissioner for the Village over the past 17 years, recently passed away at the age of 68. An accomplished architect, David had a passion for designing and restoring homes. Beyond his work as an architect, David was a passionate fly fisherman, a thoughtful poet, and joyous person to be around. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 13, at the Theater on the Lake in Chicago. The Village extends its deepest sympathies to David’s family and friends.

Car Seat Safety

Check Recap

The Police Department proudly participated in National Car Seat Check Saturday on September 27, and assisted families with the proper installation of 16 car seats. With more than 67% of child car seats nationwide installed or used incorrectly, this event gave parents and caregivers the opportunity to work one-on-one with certified child passenger safety technicians to ensure their seats were installed safely and securely - a critical step to reduce the risk of injury during a crash. The Department extends its thanks to all the families who participated and to the officers who helped make the event a success!

Fall Leaf Collection Starts Monday

The Village’s annual Fall Leaf Collection Program begins this Monday, October 13, and runs through the first week of December. Residents are asked to rake leaves into the street near the curb (but not directly against it) by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Keeping the curb clear helps to prevent drainage issues and ensures a smooth pickup.

Reminder: This program is for leaves only - grass clippings, brush, and other yard debris should be disposed of following the Village’s Yard Waste Guidelines. To view your collection schedule, visit the Fall Leaf Collection page.

Participate in

Fall Photo Contest

Capture the beauty of our Village and share what makes it special - from golden autumn leaves and the morning school rush to the cozy charm of our local shops. Enter the Community Photo Contest by Wednesday, October 15, with one original photo plus your name, address, age, phone number, and a short caption (25 words or less).

All photos will be featured on the Village’s social media pages, where followers can vote for their favorites from October 17–24. Winners by age group will be announced Saturday, October 25, and receive a local business gift certificate along with special recognition in Village publications. Submit your photo here!

Join the

Cemetery Walk

Step back in time at the 34th annual, “Tale of the Tombstones Cemetery Walk,” hosted by the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest on Sunday, October 19, at Forest Home Cemetery. Beginning at noon, costumed actors will bring history to life, portraying past residents whose stories reflect this year’s theme: “American Dreams and Nightmares.” Guided tours depart every 10 minutes between noon and 1:30 p.m. and last between 90 minutes to two hours. Tickets are $25 ($20 for members) and can be purchased here. Space is limited - so don’t wait to reserve your spot for this unforgettable walk through local history!

World Migratory Bird Day

This Saturday, October 11, is World Migratory Bird Day! Timed to coincide with the peak of fall bird migration from the northern to southern latitudes, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause after the sunrise and scan the treetops or shrubs around your home - because you might spot species you don’t normally see. Birds depend on our trees and yards for food and rest during their migration journeys, so you can help by dimming outdoor lights at night, reducing pesticide use, and planting native vegetation to support these incredible travelers.

River Forest Business Spotlight

CAVA serves up flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pitas, bowls, and salads, all crafted with care for both people and the planet. Committed to sustainability, CAVA supports local farmers and trusted purveyors. In addition to dine-in options, guests can enjoy catering, grocery products at Whole Foods, and a convenient rewards app. Discover 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.