River Forest Vehemently Opposed to OHare Flyer | Community Connect | Team Member Spotlight

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Dear River Forest residents,

The Village is aware of the recently announced proposal for the O’Hare Flyer, an express train service that would connect downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport in approximately 15 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. While this proposal is in its initial phases, I want to assure you the Village has already reached out to our State legislators and those proposing it and expressed vehement opposition to it, since it would be on a train line that runs entirely through our Village. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Please save the date for the next “Casual Conversation with the Village President” on Saturday, October 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Civic Center. Residents are invited to join me, along with Village staff and special guest Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch for an informal opportunity to ask questions, hear the latest Village news and connect with their local government. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Register for Community Connect

Prepare for the unexpected by signing up for Community Connect, a free and secure program that helps the Fire Department respond more effectively during an emergency. Residents and business owners can share important information about their personal health situations or property, including emergency contacts, mobility or medical needs, if you have pets, and other details that can assist first responders.

Having this information available before an emergency occurs can help firefighters and paramedics make faster, more informed decisions when every second matters. All information is securely protected and accessible only to authorized Fire Department personnel during an emergency. Learn more and sign up here.

Free Wood Chips

for Residents

The Public Works Department is beginning its second and final round of tree removals along Village parkways. Crews are removing dead and hazardous trees as part of the Village’s ongoing efforts to maintain safe, attractive public spaces. Residents may see temporary road or sidewalk closures while trees are being removed. These closures are necessary to protect residents, pedestrians, and Public Works crews, and crews will work to minimize disruptions and reopen areas as quickly as possible.

Once trees are removed, the resulting wood chips will be available free of charge to Village residents. Residents can submit a service request to have a full truckload - approximately 3 cubic yards - delivered directly to their home. Those looking for a smaller quantity can visit the Public Works garage and take what they need.

Register for E-Waste Collection

Don’t miss the deadline to sign up for a free at-home e-waste collection! Residents enrolled in the Village’s waste collection program with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) can schedule a convenient curbside pickup for the week of September 14, on their regular collection day. Please note: Registration is required and it must be completed by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9. LRS will collect up to seven accepted electronic items per household, including a maximum of two TVs or computer monitors.

To schedule a pickup, visit the LRS webpage and select “Schedule E-Waste Pick-Up” in the upper-right corner. On collection day, place materials at the front curb near the parkway by 7 a.m. Small electronic items should be placed in a brown paper bag or small cardboard box, and should be clearly labeled “e-waste.” For a complete list of accepted materials, click here.

Team Member Spotlight: Permit Technician

Tineshia Patterson

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A journalist - particularly a news broadcaster.

What inspired you to work in public service?

I love working with the public because people are my passion. I enjoy helping others in a variety of ways, especially when I can play a role in bringing someone’s vision to life. Whether it’s processing paperwork to help a contractor obtain the proper license or assisting a property owner that is building or renovating their home or business - it’s rewarding to know that I can help make the process a little easier.

What position do you hold, and when might someone come to you for assistance?

I am a Permit Clerk with the Village. Residents, contractors, and business owners often come to me for assistance with the permit approval and issuance process, or to obtain the proper licensing needed to perform work within the Village.

If salary weren’t a factor, what job would you want to have?

I would love the freedom to do whatever feels meaningful and fulfilling at the time - whether that means volunteering, working a traditional 9-to-5 job, focusing on investments, or being a stay-at-home mom.

Join the Annual Cub Scout Kick Off

Families with children in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join Cub Scout Pack 67 for its annual kickoff on Monday, September 14, at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School. The event is open to new and returning scouts, as well as their siblings and friends, for an evening of scouting activities and camaraderie. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Cub Scouts, meet other families, and kick off a new year of adventure. Learn more here.

Sustainability: The Common Nighthawk in River Forest

This summer, nearly two dozen community members took part in a citizen science project led by the Sustainability Commission as part of River Forest’s efforts to earn Bird City designation. Participants surveyed Common Nighthawks throughout River Forest and Oak Park, helping the Commission to learn more about where these distinctive birds breed, forage, and raise their young in an urban environment. The findings will provide valuable insight as the Village explores ways to better support this declining bird species and protect the habitat it needs to thrive. (Pictured is a Common Nighthawk resting on the roof of Roosevelt Middle School).

Business Spotlight - Hub Kitchen

Hub Kitchen is celebrating its second anniversary in River Forest! This shared kitchen has become a vibrant community of food entrepreneurs united by a shared passion for food, and a commitment to building successful culinary businesses. Whether you’re a caterer, food truck operator, baker, or packaged goods provider, Hub Kitchen provides the resources and support needed to help culinary businesses grow. Members have access to fully-equipped, licensed facilities, flexible service plans, and free consultative services from seasoned business owners who are invested in their success. To learn more, click here.

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.