O'Hare Flyer Update

Friday, October 23, 2026

Dear River Forest residents,

We encourage you to join your neighbors and share any concerns about the O’Hare Flyer proposal with our State legislators. More than 200 residents have already participated in the “Fight the Flyer” letter-writing campaign. If you haven’t taken part, click here to send a letter and make your voice heard. Learn more in an article below.

The Village continues to invest in River Forest’s future through infrastructure improvements focused on safety, stormwater management, and sustainability. From upgrades at Village Hall to improvements along our local streets, these projects provide long-term benefits for our community. Read more in the article below.

Finally, congratulations to Joy Tea on receiving the New & Notable Award at the 2026 OPRF Spotlight Awards! I was pleased to attend the ceremony and celebrate this recognition of one of our newest businesses in town. Learn more about Joy Tea and this well-deserved honor in our “Business Spotlight.”

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Thank you to the residents of River Forest, Forest Park, and other neighboring communities who organized the “walk and talk” event in Thatcher Woods this past Saturday. Those who attended learned more about the potential harm the O’Hare Flyer could cause to the forest, its wildlife, and its ecosystems.

Additionally, the O’Hare Flyer team reached out to the Village Board on September 14, offering to attend a Village Board meeting. On September 28, the Village Board responded, urging the team to coordinate a regional meeting in collaboration with River Forest and other communities along the route. As part of that response, the Village included a list of questions to be answered and documents to be provided in advance of that meeting. The Village has not yet received answers to any of those questions.

Because those questions remain unanswered, the Village continues to reach out to government leaders and policymakers to make sure our concerns are heard before any decisions are made about this project. Please stay tuned for more information about our opposition efforts in a dedicated newsletter next week!

Keeping Kids

Safe Online

The Police Department recently continued its annual commitment to help families navigate the ever-changing digital world. Last week, St. Luke School hosted Sergeant Ben Ransom for a parent cyber safety presentation, where more than 20 parents attended and learned about artificial intelligence, child exploitation, and high-risk phone apps. The presentation provided parents with information about emerging online risks and practical steps to help keep their children safe. The Department is proud to offer this program annually and thanks St. Luke School for hosting this year’s presentation. All local schools are welcome to host the program and provide this valuable resource to their families. For more information, call 708-366-7125.

Dispose of

Unwanted Medications

Safely dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, this Saturday, October 24. The collection will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Police Department. Proper disposal helps prevent medication misuse, protects those struggling with addiction, and keeps potentially harmful substances out of the environment. Unable to attend? Residents can drop off medications year-round using the prescription drop box in the basement of Village Hall. The drop box is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For additional collection locations and event information, click here.

Infrastructure Improvements throughout River Forest

Pardon our dust! Major infrastructure projects are underway across the Village to strengthen local infrastructure, improve safety, and support a more sustainable future.

At Village Hall, crews are reconstructing the parking lot with permeable pavers designed to capture stormwater and reduce pressure on the sewer system. Solar panels are also being installed on the roof of the Public Works building to generate clean electricity for the building.

Water main work on Franklin Avenue is nearing completion, while traffic calming measures along Lake Street are being implemented to help reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.

Although construction can cause temporary inconveniences, these projects represent important investments in River Forest’s long-term resilience and quality of life. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as these projects move forward.

Fall Leaf Collection

Has Begun

The Village’s annual Fall Leaf Collection Program has begun, and continues through the first week of December. Leaves must be raked into the street by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, leaving the curb exposed to prevent drainage issues. Please remember that the program is for leaves only. Grass clippings, brush, and other yard debris should be disposed of according to the Village’s yard waste guidelines. To find your neighborhood’s collection schedule, visit the Village’s Fall Leaf Collection webpage.

Deck the Depot

Tickets on Sale

Get into the holiday spirit at Deck the Depot on Saturday, December 5! This festive, resident-only event features a holiday trolley ride with a scavenger hunt, a reading of “The Polar Express,” and seasonal songs, followed by hot chocolate, holiday crafts, a balloon artist, and photos with Santa. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and tickets are limited. Tickets must be purchased in person at The Depot - please note that online registration is not available. Households can purchase up to six tickets for guests ages 1 and older. Get ticket details and additional information here.

Sustainability: Give Your Pumpkins a Second Life

After Halloween trick-or-treating in River Forest (Saturday, October 31 from 3 - 7 p.m.) is done, gather up your pumpkins and give them an environmentally-friendly sendoff at the Pumpkin Smash - a week later - on Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Roosevelt Middle School. Residents are invited to bring their pumpkins for composting, to help reduce waste and keep pumpkins out of landfills. Please remove all lights and candles before drop-off. To learn more about the event and find additional Pumpkin Smash locations, click here.

Business Spotlight - Joy Tea

Congratulations to Joy Tea on receiving the New & Notable Award at the 2026 OPRF Spotlight Awards, hosted by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce! The organization recognizes local businesses making a positive impact in the community each year! Joy Tea offers award-winning teas and handcrafted beverages that blend ancient tea traditions with a modern twist, along with a beautifully landscaped outdoor space to relax and enjoy a favorite drink. Village President Cathy Adduci, Village Clerk Rosa Castellano, and Village Trustee Lisa Gillis attended the ceremony to celebrate and show their support. The Village congratulates Joy Tea on this well-deserved recognition - stop by, explore the menu, and support this local business! Learn more 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.