River Forest Village Board of Trustees | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
Congratulations to our new Honorary Police Officer, 5-year-old Vivian - a River Forest resident who is now in remission from leukemia. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, her wish was to spend time with River Forest emergency responders alongside her classmates - an experience that brought joy to all involved. Learn more in the article below.
I was very honored to be included in a delegation of suburban mayors visiting Vatican City as part of a diplomatic and cultural exchange coordinated by the Illinois Municipal League. We all got the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV and learn about the Vatican’s global cultural and diplomatic efforts. It was especially meaningful to represent our community, which has a rich Catholic heritage, and institutions like Dominican University, Trinity High School, St. Vincent Ferrer Church, and St. Luke Parish that all call River Forest home. The costs associated with this trip were paid through my personal funds, not taxpayer dollars.
Finally, to all who celebrate, I wish you a joyful Easter, and warm wishes for a meaningful Passover - Chag Sameach to members of our Jewish community.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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Stay up to date on the Madison Street Development Project! In addition to the information available on the Village’s dedicated webpage, the Village has launched a new, project-specific newsletter to address questions from residents and to provide regular updates. This newsletter will be distributed bi-weekly on Tuesdays, offering clear, timely insights into one of the community’s most significant economic development initiatives.
Make sure to review the Project’s updated FAQ page that answers questions from community members. The next newsletter will be released April 14, and the past two editions have been archived and are available online.
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Proposed Budget
Public Hearing
| The Village will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in the first-floor Community Room at Village Hall to review the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026, and ending April 30, 2027. As in previous years, the proposed budget is balanced and reflects the Village’s continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship. A copy of the proposed budget is available on the Village’s website here. | |  | Join the Police Department for the next Quarterly Community Safety Meeting on Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at Village Hall (Community Room, first floor). This informative meeting features updates on local safety initiatives, opportunities to connect with police officers and community partners, and discussion on how residents can play a key role in preventing crime. The meeting will conclude with an open forum for questions and feedback. | | |
ALERT: Street Resurfacing Project
(Click the image to enlarge)
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The Village’s 2026 Street Resurfacing Program will begin Monday, April 13, weather permitting, with work continuing through Friday, May 22 on the streets identified in the accompanying map.
During this time, residents may notice temporary traffic delays and are asked to drive cautiously through active construction zones. The Village appreciates your cooperation and patience as these roadway improvements are completed. For questions or more information, please send an email.
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5-Year-Old's
Wish Comes True
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Last Friday, the Police and Fire departments came together for a truly special moment as they swore in Honorary Police Officer Vivian. Diagnosed with leukemia at just two years old, Vivian is now five, in remission, and a kindergartener at Lincoln Elementary School. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, her wish for first responders to visit her classroom and celebrate with her and her classmates came true - bringing her admiration for police officers and firefighters to life in a truly memorable way.
The Village extends its gratitude to everyone who helped make this day possible, including Deputy Police Chief Michael Swierczynski for coordinating the effort and Police Officer Megan Drake for her continued engagement with youth in the community. Vivian’s wishes will continue to be fulfilled with a magical trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
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Attend the
Bike Exchange!
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The 6th annual River Forest Bike Exchange returns on Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Roosevelt Middle School playground. Hosted by District 90’s Green4Good in partnership with the River Forest Sustainability Commission, the event promotes sustainability while connecting neighbors. Residents can bring gently used bikes or cycling gear to donate or swap, browse available bikes for a suggested donation, and register their bicycles with the Police Department for a license sticker.
This community event offers a fun, eco-friendly way to recycle unused items, reduce waste, and help more residents enjoy biking. It’s a great opportunity to refresh your gear for the season while supporting a more sustainable community. Families of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in this popular spring tradition. Learn more here.
| | | Sustainable Events this Month | | |
Spring into sustainability with a variety of upcoming community events! The Trash Bash kicks off on Saturday, April 11 at 9 a.m. at Miller Meadow–South, where residents can drop off electronics, prescription drugs, household recyclables, bikes, clothing, plastic bags, and more. On Sunday, April 12 at 10 a.m., the Community Bike Exchange offers a chance to donate, swap, or pick up gently used bikes and gear. Then, from April 22–27, the One Earth Film Festival features inspiring films and discussions focused on environmental awareness and action.
Explore these and other eco-friendly events and recycling opportunities in the River Forest Guide to Sustainable Living.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
For more than five decades, Capri Italian Foods has been a cherished, family-owned destination in River Forest, bringing authentic Italian flavors to the community. Renowned for its homemade favorites - like Italian sausage, meatballs, roast beef, and signature pasta sauces - the shop also features a wide selection of specialty items and a deli serving fresh, made-to-order submarine sandwiches. View the full menu 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.
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What's Happening in River Forest?
to find out, today!
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