River Forest February 2023 Newsletter

Police Department and Hyundai Partner to Distribute Anti-Theft Devices

Residents who have purchased a Hyundai vehicle built between 2010 and 2021 are eligible to receive a complimentary, anti-theft, steering wheel lock device – while supplies last. This device is utilized to combat recent thefts that have specifically targeted Hyundai vehicles. Residents who witness these thefts, or any crime being committed, should call 9-1-1 immediately to report them to the Police Department.

Applicants who are interested in receiving a free steering wheel lock must have a valid River Forest vehicle license sticker affixed to their windshield. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. by emailing Crime Prevention Officer Ransom here. For additional questions, please call 708-366-7215.

Village Board

Trustees

From Village President Cathy Adduci

Dear River Forest residents,

Next Tuesday, February 7, is the 20th anniversary of Safer Internet Day, an observance that encourages residents to utilize the internet safely, whether it be through computers or mobile devices; resources and information can be found here. With many of our children also online, cybersafety and security is also crucial to keep them safe due to online predators. In general, internet crimes can be minimized through education, open communication and minimizing the amount of personal information that we share online.

In the next few weeks, the Village will be publishing a public survey to gather information about traffic patterns and concerns throughout town. This survey is the first step of a Village-wide traffic study that the Board authorized last fall. Please pay attention to Village newsletters and social media for updates and make sure to participate in the survey. We want to hear from you!

As the severe winter weather continues, please do your part to be a good neighbor and do wellness checks on the elderly and disabled in your neighborhood. You can also be proactive and keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls.

Finally, February is Black History Month and a time to remember those individuals whose sacrifices and contributions have been instrumental throughout our nation’s history. I will be signing a proclamation at the Village Board meeting on Monday, February 13 to publicly recognize Black History Month throughout the Village.

Sincerely,

To contact the Village Board to submit a comment or question, click the button below

Contact the Village Board

News Around Town

Upcoming Events at River Forest Public Library

Visit the website to see everything that’s happening here. There’s something for everyone at the Library!

February Highlights:

There will be two special musical performances this month:

Sunday, February 12 from 2-3:30 p.m., Romance Gone Wrong (and Sometimes Right!)

Break-ups and wayward hearts may not be fun in real life, but heartache makes for great love songs! Chicago singer-songwriter Sue Fink will entertain us on Valentine’s Day weekend with original songs of modern romance, as well as timeless classics that will make your heart sing. Brought to you in partnership with River Forest Township.

Sunday, February 12 from 2-3:30 p.m., An Unfinished Journey: AfricanAmerican Music in Its Pivotal Decades

Celebrate Black History Month with this musical presentation. Clarence Goodman will join the Library to perform and discuss songs from pivotal moments in African-American history, including slavery, Jim Crow, the civil rights movement, and beyond. Hear the songs and hear about the songs. Brought to you in partnership with River Forest Township.

During National Engineers Week (February 20-24) the Library will have engineering challenges daily in the Children’s Room from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for kids in Grades 1-8.

Village Department News

Police Department

10 Things You Need to Know When Buying and Selling

Online and In-Person

• Always Meet in a Public Place with surveillance cameras

• Tell Someone About Meeting

• Never Meet at Home

• Always Meet During the Day

• If it is a High Priced Item, Do it at the Bank

• Never Pay in Cash

• Disable Your Caller ID

• Don’t Use Personal Email – Have a Generic Address Ready

• Keep Your Cell Phone Close

• Never Reveal Personal Information

Fire Department

Snow Shoveling Safety

Snowmageddon!!! Snowpocalypse!! The Polar Vortex - or whatever you want to call it, the cold weather can be very dangerous if you’re not prepared!

There is no end to the terms we use for “really big snowstorms” which generally occur every winter in the Midwest at some point. The Chicagoland area receives approximately 36 inches of snow every year. With storms that are both big and small comes the risk of injury or even death when shoveling, and can happen to the young and the old. Nationwide, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year. According to the Harvard University Health Executive Editor Patrick J. Skerrett, picking up a shovel and moving hundreds of pounds of snow can put a significant strain on the heart and cause a medical emergency.

The Fire Department and The National Safety Council recommend the following safety tips for shoveling:

• Employ the services of a snow shoveling company instead of doing it yourself.

• Do not shovel after a heavy meal or while smoking.

• Take it slow, and like any exercise, stretch and warm up for 5-10 minutes before you begin.

• Push the snow rather than lifting it.

• If you have to lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel and bend at the knees.

• Keep the shovel close to your body to make it easier to push or lift.

• Keep your feet apart and have a strong stance. Lift with your legs, not your back.

• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. Take frequent breaks and don’t overdo it. Also, stay hydrated!!

• During more significant snowfall, start shoveling early and keep up with the snow. It’s easier and less of a strain to shovel 1-2 inches rather than 7-8 inches or more after the snow stops falling.

If you develop chest pains or shortness of breath while shoveling, don’t wait… STOP shoveling and call 911!

Snow Blower Safety

Follow the below tips from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

• Read the owner’s manual and review snow blower safety precautions before starting.

• If the blower jams, turn it off.

• Keep your hands away from the moving parts. NEVER use your hand to unclog snow in a snow blower!!

• Do not drink alcohol before using a snow blower.

• Be aware of the carbon monoxide risk of running a snow blower while in an enclosed space.

• Refuel your snow blower when it is off, not when it’s running.

• Don’t store a gasoline snow blower inside your home. Keep it in the garage or a shed.

For more information call the River Forest Fire Prevention Bureau at 708-714-3562

Take Care to Prevent Sledding Injuries

Most people can agree that kids (and adults) on slippery saucers careening down an icy hill at 25 miles per hour can be thrilling - but it can also be dangerous.

According to the Center on Injury Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, more than 20,000 kids younger than 19 are treated for sledding injuries on average each year. Injuries often occur when the sled hits a stationary object, another sledder, or the child falls off. That’s why parents should consider purchasing sleds that can be controlled with a steering mechanism and brakes.

If you are planning on taking the kids to the Keystone Park Sledding Hill, please don’t just drop them off, especially if they’re under age 10. Stick around while they sled, and make sure all sledders wear a helmet, because sledding injuries often include skull fractures. You can also share the below guidelines with your children so they can enjoy tobogganing and sledding safely.

• Make sure all equipment is in good condition, free of sharp edges and cracks.

• Sled on spacious, gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end, so the sled can safely stop.

• Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, such as fences, rocks, poles or trees.

• Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds.

• Riders should sit or lay on their back on top of the sled with feet pointing downhill; never sled head first.

• Dress warmly and in multiple layers. Wear thick, water resistant gloves or mittens and heavy boots to protect against frostbite and injury.

Even when a community bans sledding, kids often still find a place to sled. Awareness of one’s surroundings and adherence to the above safety guidelines does not take away from the thrill of sledding, but can help you avoid a trip to the hospital.

Village Department News

Continued from page 4

Public Works

Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

Colder weather is here, and it’s important to make sure your home is prepared to withstand the extreme temperatures that typically occur during the winter months and can cause substantial damage to a home. See the below tips to prevent damage from occurring:

Window Drafts: Winter drafts can drive energy bills sky high if not addressed in a timely manner. By reducing air drafts, you can lower your home’s energy costs by up to 20% per year. There are many products available for this purpose such as shrink film, temporary caulking and various weather stripping products.

Ice Dams: Clogged rain gutters or downspouts can lead to ice dams that damage roofing and could lead to leaking in interior spaces. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and able to flow water away from the home to prevent these issues.

River Forest Sustainability

Greener Cities, Greener Suburbs

Green infrastructure is a form of city planning and architecture that applies sustainable solutions to developments, by building along with nature rather than against it. As Chicago and most major American cities are becoming more environmentally conscious, green infrastructure is being subtly implemented into public spaces - giving smaller communities such as River Forest both inspiration and resources to become greener. Rain gardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting gutters, vertical farming, dense produce greenhouses, and rain barrels are becoming common in use. There are small ways with big outcomes that residents can begin to implement through green infrastructure in individual homes. The Village makes it accessible for residents to purchase a rain barrel for independent use which makes it possible to harvest rainwater to water both indoor and outdoor plants, rather than using city water. According to the EPA, a rainwater harvesting barrel can save 1,300 gallons of water per year, per household. An additional way to incorporate green infrastructure in a suburban home is by swapping out a concrete driveway for a permeable paving driveway. This type of infrastructure has pores within the concrete, or is a collection of semi-spaced out bricks, that allow rainwater to seep underground rather than sitting on top of the concrete. Permeable paving lasts longer than traditional concrete because it is resistant to any sort of water damage. Rain barrels and permeable paving are just a couple of ways to incorporate green infrastructure into your own home.

Frozen Pipes (Exterior): Many homeowners don’t realize that hose bibs are susceptible to freezing as they can hold water at a location that is exposed to sub-freezing temperatures. Freezing water in a hose bib can rupture piping and lead to excessive water leaks inside or outside the home. The best way to prevent this is to disconnect and store hoses for the winter, close off and drain hose bib lines if possible. There are also products available to insulate a hose bib if the line cannot be drained.

Frozen Pipes (Interior): If your interior pipes and/or faucets are located on an exterior wall that is not properly insulated, they could be at risk of freezing during extended periods of extreme cold. Oftentimes, opening cabinets (e.g. under a sink) can allow more heat into the area and prevent freezing. Allowing faucets to “slow drip” can also prevent freezing, though this should only be exercised during extreme events to minimize excessive water usage.

Green infrastructure is one of the many creative ways that people are battling the climate crisis, and the Village has made it possible for River Forest residents to participate in these solutions.

Organizations Serving River Forest

Township

Many Township services and programs are returning to meeting inperson. To learn more, visit RiverForestTownship.org, the River Forest community calendar at rfhappenings.com, or email Supervisor Carla Sloan at supervisor@riverforesttownship.org

Did you Know?...

Temporary Disability Parking Placards

Temporary disability parking placards, good for three months, are available at River Forest Township (located at the River Forest Community Center, 8020 Madison Street, River Forest) and at Village Hall (400 Park Avenue, River Forest). Download the form here and bring it signed by your physician, along with an official ID to the Township or to Village Hall.

Prescription Drug Disposal

Safely dispose of unused/expired prescription, or over-the-counter medications (pills/tablets only) at special boxes located at Village Hall in the basement, the Oak Park Police Department (123 Madison St, Oak Park) and now at Oak Park Township (parking lot, 105 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park).

Borrow Medical Equipment

Gently used medical equipment, such as walkers, shower chairs and wheelchairs, can be donated or borrowed from the Township Medical Lending Library, located at Oak Park Township, 105. S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. *Available to River Forest and Oak Park residents.

Community Conversation about Youth Marijuana Use Prevention

Residents are invited to join a community conversation about youth marijuana use prevention. Together with local experts, discuss the facts of youth marijuana use in the community, marijuana vaping, and marijuana’s effect on youth mental health.

Thursday, February 9, 6:30-8 pm Brooks Middle School (325 S. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park) - all River Forest and Oak Park residents are welcome. Hosted by Positive Youth Development, River Forest Township, Oak Park Community Mental Health Board, Oak Park River Forest High School, and Fenwick High School.

Questions about the Township or the services it provides for the community? Contact Supervisor Carla Sloan via email at cbsloan.rftownship@gmail.com or call 708-366-2029 x11.

From the Township Assessor…

Exemption Applications Delayed Until Late Spring

January through March is when a homeowner normally fills out their exemption forms. This year, the Cook County Assessor has stated that all exemption forms, including the Senior Freeze application, will not be available until later this spring. The Township Assessor’s office will send out a notification via Constant Contact when the Exemption Application forms become available, so sign up today for notifications!

You can also follow the Cook County Assessor’s website for updates here

1st Installment Tax Bills - New Due Date: April 3, 2023

First installment property tax bills will be mailed around February 1, 2023 and will have an extended penalty-free due date of April 3, 2023. First installment tax bills are estimated tax bills and are 55% of the total amount you paid in property tax from the prior year. Exemptions are not listed on this tax bill. You can download and pay your bill here.

Library

First Step of Construction Project Is Complete

The first step of the Library’s construction project, which is an exterior enclosure for new HVAC equipment, is complete. Work continues to add a second multipurpose room and gender-neutral restroom to the Library building.

The HVAC equipment is scheduled for installation in late March or early April, at which time work will begin to renovate the current mechanical room. The space, which is just off of the Children’s Room, will be renovated in two phases. The first phase will convert the mechanical room into a “vanilla box” that is up to code for public use, and includes plumbing and electrical work, raising the floor to the height of the Children’s Room floor, and adding walls and a ceiling to the room. This phase is expected to take eight weeks and be completed this summer. The second phase, which is still in the planning stages, will finish the aesthetic elements of the multipurpose room, including furnishings and paint, and include construction of the gender-neutral restroom.

Organizations Serving River Forest

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Cause for Applause

Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRFHS) Senior Nadya Dhillon was named a semi-finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious STEM competition for high school seniors! This marks the first time in the competition’s 80-year history that an OPRFHS student has earned this recognition. Learn more about Nadya’s research project and her post-high school plans here.

District 90

D90 Kindergarten Program Recommendations to be Presented

District 90 will present its recommendation for any changes, if needed, to its Kindergarten program at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, February 7, starting at 7 p.m. in the Roosevelt Middle School Auditorium, 7560 Oak Avenue in River Forest . The Kindergarten Program Review process included a thorough review of recent research, a community survey, an analysis of geodemographic information, a facilities assessment, and a financial impact assessment. The review process was intended to determine if any changes are needed for the D90 Kindergarten. For more information about the Kindergarten Program Review process, please visit the District 90 website.

Non-Attendance Days in February 2023

There will be two days of non-attendance for District 90 in February. All District 90 Administrative Offices and schools will be closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 20. Students will also not attend school on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, so teachers can participate in professional development. Happy Presidents’ Day!

The OPRFHS Stage Crew earned first place honors at the 47th Annual Illinois High School Theater Festival Tech Olympics, held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Congrats to the crew and to faculty advisors Chris Scholtens and Kyle Hurst!

Twenty one student musicians headed to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State competition. This was the largest number of Huskies to be invited in the history of OPRFHS!

Hear it from a Huskie podcast with Dr. Laurie Fiorenza

Dr. Laurie Fiorenza, assistant superintendent for student learning, recently launched a new podcast to showcase OPRFHS faculty making an impact. Find past episodes - on topics such as young women in business, assistive technology, and spoken word - on the district’s YouTube channel (@OPRFUtube) or by visiting bit.ly/HearItOPRFHS.

New Instagram series, ‘Spotlight’

Keep an eye out for a new weekly Instagram series highlighting student workers and volunteers, and the local businesses they serve. The students are all enrolled in OPRFHS CITE, a post-high school special education program focused on teaching independence, and life and vocational skills. Follow the district on Instagram at @oprfhs_huskies

Are you a local business looking to provide volunteer or employment opportunities for students in the OPRFHS CITE program? Contact Brian Dubina, pre-vocational coordinator, at bdubina@oprfhs.org

District 90 Parent Teacher Conferences are Coming

District 90 will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences on the evening of Thursday, March 2, and the morning of Friday, March 3, 2023. Online registration for the Conferences will begin in early February. Please visit the District 90 website in February for more information about registering for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Winter Fun Guide

Wondering where to take your family during the winter months? The River Forest Park District’s Winter Fun Guide 2023 has a catalog of family-friendly activities for the winter months. The Guide is interactive and also offers classes, sports and special events that are available for online registration. To learn more, or to browse the available programs, click here