The Village of River Forest Newsletter | January, 2024
Go Green in 2024
R
esidents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices in the new year and there are a number of ways to make this happen.
is voluntary and subscription-based. Residents who participate will receive a cart and an under-sink collection bucket. To learn more or to subscribe, click here.
The Village continues to partner with Elgin Recycling to provide an easy way to responsibly dispose of old and unusable holiday lights. Residents can drop off holiday lights for recycling in a receptacle clearly marked for this purpose behind Village Hall under the train overpass. This bin will be available through Monday, January 15. For a list of accepted and unaccepted items, click here.
The Village Board unanimously passed a new ordinance in September to ban polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) at businesses that serve food. Polystyrene is difficult to recycle, slow to degrade and contains the chemical styrene, which is believed to be a “possible carcinogen” by the World Health Organization. The new ordinance went into effect on January 1, although smaller food establishments ($500k or less in revenue) will have until January 1, 2025 to comply. For more information, click here.
Holiday greens such as live Christmas trees, wreaths and garland will be collected on the following Tuesdays; January 9, 16, 23, 30. These items must be placed on the parkway before 7 a.m. on pickup days, and all lights, tinsel, ornaments, metal hangers, plastic material, and stands must be removed. Please note - this pickup does not include yard waste and/or leaves, and collection is available only to residents that utilize the Village’s waste hauler, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). Businesses and multi-family residential buildings that do not utilize LRS need to arrange tree disposal directly with their contracted waste hauler. Decrease the amount of organic waste sent to landfills by signing up for the Village’s composting program. This program
We see plastic everywhere, from food packaging and beauty supplies, to cleaning detergents and beverage bottles. According to the United Nations, plastic production worldwide has grown from about 2 million tons in 1950 to more than 400 million tons today. To make the situation even more serious, those numbers are expected to more than double by 2050. Click here for tips on how to reduce your plastic consumption. For additional ways to be more sustainable in the new year, please visit the River Forest Sustainability Commission’s Guide to Sustainable Living.
In This Issue Village President. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Village Board of Trustees. . . . . 2 News Around Town. . . . . . . . . 3 Department Updates. . . . . . 4-5 Sustainability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Business Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . 5 Local Organizations. . . . . . . 6-7 Dominican University Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Village Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
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Village Board Trustees
From Village President Cathy Adduci
Erika Bachner
Kathleen Brennan
Lisa Gillis
Ken Johnson
Robert O’Connell
Respicio F. Vazquez
Dear River Forest residents,
like to first wish all of our residents a happy and prosperous I would 2024! For residents interested in college scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors, the Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation application process is now open - and offering scholarships with a majority that do not require financial need. Scholarships are based on a wide-range of criteria including: economic need, academic merit, volunteerism, talent and public service. Please note that the application closes on Friday, January 26 at 3:30 p.m. To learn more or apply, click here. And lastly, staff and volunteers for the Oak Park River Forest Youth and Family Services Department are collecting personal care products to be distributed to in-need youth in Oak Park and River Forest. I encourage residents to help the young adults in our community by purchasing new, packaged items from their Amazon Wish List to donate, and have them delivered directly to the Oak Park Township Youth Services Department. Please call Youth Services at 708-445-2727 with any questions. Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President Village of River Forest
Village Clerk
Jonathan Keller
To contact the Village Board to submit a comment or question, click the button below Contact the Village Board
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
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News Around Town
Click For More Information
Library Events Visit the Library’s Calendar to see everything happening at the Library! Winter Reading Challenge, 1/2-2/29, All Ages Ring in the new year with reading and prizes! Kids and teens can pick up a book bingo card in the Library, and every time you get a BINGO, you earn a prize! Adults can pick up their own book bingo card, with each BINGO earning a raffle ticket for a prize drawing. Not sure what to read? See what the Library’s favorite reads of 2023 were! Winter Photo Contest The Library is having a winter photo contest! Freshly fallen snow, icicles, a steaming mug of hot cocoa, kids or pets in wintry gear, you get the idea! Get creative for a chance to win a great prize! Submissions will be accepted through Monday January 22. Visit the Library’s website for details.
Brookfield Zoo Story Time Saturday, 1/6, 10:30-11:30 AM Family Event
Prepare to journey to the arctic with Mr. Jose and staff from Brookfield Zoo! This very special story time all about animals in arctic habitats will also include arctic themed play stations! The ZAP! Storytime at the Zoo! will take place at the library in the meeting room!
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
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Village Department News Police Department
Fire Department
Parking and Driving in Inclement Weather
Beware of Carbon Monoxide Threats
Driving in snow or icy conditions can be dangerous, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Below are some tips for driving in snow or icy conditions: • Slow down. Even if you have all-wheel drive, slippery conditions will reduce your ability to stop. The faster you are traveling, the longer it will take you to stop. • Beware of black ice. Black ice is dangerous because it can be difficult to see. Anticipate black ice on bridges, in the shadows of tall buildings, and near intersections. During bad weather, give yourself even more time and distance to stop for intersections. • Avoid tailgating. Leave as much room as you can between yourself and the car in front of you to stop in case the driver brakes suddenly. • Don’t brake during a turn. Slow down ahead of time and take your foot off the brake in order to coast through the turn. • Turn into a skid. If your car is skidding, remain calm, take your foot off the brake and the gas pedals and turn the car in the direction the car is skidding. For example, if sliding to the left, gently turn the steering wheel to the left. This cancels out the skid. The car will correct itself and travel straight. • Accident reporting. If you are involved in an accident, you can call 911 to report the accident. If there are no injuries and all cars involved are drivable, you may be instructed to drive to the nearest police station to complete the report. Remember that if weather conditions contributed to your accident, there is the same chance that those conditions may cause additional accidents nearby. If it is safe to do so, move your car out of a dangerous location. If you are unable to move your vehicle, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened. • Don’t drive. The best way to be safe during inclement weather is to simply avoid driving if possible. Be aware of weather advisories and alerts, and plan ahead to ensure you are not on the road when bad weather hits. Snow Parking: As a reminder, parking is not permitted on any Village street after two (2) inches of snow or more has accumulated—and for up to eight (8) hours after the snowfall ends to allow snow plows to safely clear the streets, as well as emergency vehicles responding to an incident or call for paramedics. Thank you for your assistance in helping the Village keep our community members and our roads safe! For additional information, please contact Officer Megan Drake at 708-366-7125 or email mdrake@vrf.us.
Carbon monoxide (CO) hazards are a year-round concern, but residents should also be aware of winter-specific hazards. If your home has a high-efficiency furnace installed, the unique venting and combustion system design utilizes a sidewall venting system not seen with standard furnaces. This venting system makes furnace vents susceptible to clogging. During the winter months, a snow or ice storm can clog the vent, thus pushing CO back into your home which could lead to it poisoning you or your family. How to stay safe: After a snowstorm or ice storm, or when the temperatures dip, residents should visually inspect the vents. If there is a substantial amount of snow, clear a path of two to three feet around each vent. If you see ice forming on the vents, gently knock it off without damaging the pipes. For more information call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 708-714-3562.
Fireplace and Chimney Safety Tips • If you burn up to one face cord or less of wood per year, yearly cleaning of your chimney should be mandatory! If you burn more than one face cord, cleanings should take place twice per year. The more you burn, the quicker dangerous build ups can occur. • Use only dry, seasoned hardwoods. Wood that has been drying for two years is even better, as long as it has been protected and kept out of the rain/snow. • Have your chimney cleaned by a certified chimney sweep company. • When you have your chimney and fireplace cleaned, have the ash pit cleaned at the same time. This is located at the rear of your firebox, covered by a grate that ashes can be swept into. In the right conditions, ashes can smolder for a week or more. • If you haven’t checked your ash pit in a while, go down to the spot that is under your fireplace and look for a small hatch or door. You may need to look behind the washer and dryer, or your furnace. The ash pit could be as tall as your basement and full of ash. • Purchase a small metal garbage can with a metal lid to store old ashes until you can get rid of them. Do not store the can on a combustible surface such as your wooden front or back porch or deck! For more safety tips and information, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 708-714-3562.
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
Village Department News Public Works Village Snow and Ice Operations
With only nine members on the snow removal team, the Public Works crew divides tasks to adequately prepare for winter storms. In the days leading up to a snow event, anti-icing equipment is deployed, which sprays a solution to keep snow and ice from bonding to pavement. In the hours prior to snowfall, two to three crew members salt the roads to establish a wet base, reducing the formation of ice and making it easier to plow once snow arrives. Plowing operations begin after 2” of snow accumulation, and with a minimum of six members needed - plowing of all Village streets takes approximately five to six hours. Periodic salt applications keep snow from freezing to the pavement, and the three remaining employees clear Village-owned parking lots and alleys. The crew plans for routes to be completed prior to rush hour to ensure the safest driving conditions for motorists, as well as to keep plowing vehicles from idling in traffic. Residents can help the crew plow efficiently by abiding by the Village’s snow parking regulations: no parking on Village streets for eight (8) hours following a snowfall of 2” or more. When vehicles are parked opposite each other, plows have to back down the block and return when vehicles have been moved because the plows are too wide and risk damaging one of the vehicles. In order to minimize the amount of snow pushed back onto driveway aprons from plows, residents are asked to deposit shoveled snow onto the parkway to the right of the driveway (when facing the street). Snow deposited onto an already plowed street may freeze and create hazardous conditions, leading to unnecessary additional work and overtime for the crew. Residents on corner lots are reminded it is their responsibility to also clear the sidewalk squares leading to a crosswalk. This is particularly important as it helps individuals with limited mobility to safely cross the street.
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Sustainability Compost Collection in the Winter Months Compost collection has now switched to every other week through the end of March, and dates for the winter months are January 16, January 30, February 13, February 27, March 12 and March 26. To subscribe to the Composting Program, please complete a service request form found here. Weekly compost collection and yard waste collection will resume on April 2. Safely Dispose of Batteries Did you know you can recycle alkaline batteries at Village Hall (400 Park Avenue) in the buckets located in the basement stairwell next to the elevators? AA and AAA batteries used in small electronics should not be placed in residential recycling carts. Please note: Large batteries, such as car batteries, cannot be accepted for recycling. Other batteries, such as lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and NiCad batteries also cannot be recycled, but can be collected as part of the Village’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program. The next collection date will be in the spring of 2024; More information will be shared in future newsletters.
Reduce Reuse Recycle
Click here to learn about the Village’s salt conservation policy and for more information on the snow and ice removal program.
Business Spotlight
Sunstar Dental SunStar Dental is a family dental practice that serves both children and adults. A great New Year’s resolution idea is to prioritize oral health in 2024. To make an appointment, call 708-771-8101. If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. Send us an email to share your information. Visit the Shop River Forest web page on the Village’s website that lists businesses in the Village.
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
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Organizations Serving River Forest
Township
To learn more about Township programs and services, visit RiverForestTownship.org, the River Forest community calendar at rfhappenings.com, or email Supervisor Carla Sloan at supervisor@ riverforesttownship.org.
Park District Winter Fun Guide Now Available
The Park District’s Winter Fun Guide is now available. Please note that information on Valentines Day Gift Boxes is available on page 4 of the guide. The deadline to place orders is February 2.
Announcing 2024 Township Officials of Illinois Scholarships
Each year, the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) organization awards several $2,000 college scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend a full-time college/university in Illinois. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of Illinois. Demonstrated leadership, civic responsibility, social consciousness and/or community service are required. Click here for application requirements; the application deadline is March 1, 2024. Email Supervisor Carla Sloan at cbsloan. rftownship@gmail.com or call 708-366-2029 x11 if you are interested.
rfparks.com| 708-366-6660
Library Sign Up for the Township Newsletter on the New Website!
January Events Visit the Library’s Calendar to see everything that’s happening with events and activities for all ages. Below are some highlights:
River Forest Township has a new website! It’s located at the same address, RiverForestTownship.org but with a completely new look. Sign up to receive email Township E-newsletters to stay updated on the many programs and services, including the latest updates from the Township Assessor’s Office.
For Adults
Just click on the link at the bottom the new website home page or click this link: https://bit.ly/RFT-signup. You can also email John Becvar, Township Clerk, at clerk@riverforestownship.org or call 708-366-2029 x12 with any questions.
Sunday, 1/21, 2-3:30 p.m., Barbie: The History of America’s Most Famous Doll For more than 60 years, Barbie dolls have been played with, analyzed, collected, criticized, and loved. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard delves into the history of Barbie. Brought to you in partnership with the River Forest Township. Wednesday, 1/24, 7-8 p.m., Healthy Comfort Cuisine: A Cooking Demonstration & Tasting Chef Susan Maddox, culinary instructor at College of DuPage, will be here to demonstrate healthy recipes for winter comfort food. In this class, you’ll learn how to skip the calories but not the flavors. There will also be a tasting! Registration required. Brought to you in partnership with the River Forest Township. For Tweens Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Middle School Makers: Join the Library on most Tuesdays after school to create something new. (Check the calendar for details)
Township Assessor
The 2024 1st installment early payment option is now available on the Cook County Treasurer’s website. This installment tax bill for 2024 has a due date of March 1, 2024. Follow this link to pay your 1st installment tax bill.
riverforesttownship.org - 708-366-2029 x11
Thursday, 1/18, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Crime Lab with Museum of Science and Industry: Grades 5-8 Become a forensic scientist! Students collaborate to unravel the mystery of a high-stakes theft. Analyze fingerprints, chromatography, white powder, and more to uncover the evidence needed to crack the case. Advance registration required.
riverforestlibrary.org | 708-366-5205
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
VRF.us | page 7
Organizations Serving River Forest
District 200
District 90 Kindergarten Information Night All River Forest families with children who will start Kindergarten in August 2024 are invited to attend the D90 Kindergarten Information Night on Thursday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. There will be an event at both Lincoln Elementary at 511 Park Avenue, and Willard Elementary at 1250 Ashland Avenue. This event is for all parents and caregivers with children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024, and will include important information, a tour, as well as a chance to meet school leaders and ask questions.
Track and Field Project Completed on Time, Under Budget The much anticipated Track and Field project has officially reached substantial completion! Not only was it done on time, but based on the unused contingency budget alone, it was under budget by more than $600,000. Final accounting is under way, and more information will be available later this spring. The project was the result of a collaboration with the Park District of Oak Park to renovate most of the high school’s athletic fields, build a new track, and create an intergovernmental agreement on shared use of the two entities’ facilities. The project was approved at a cost of $15.7 million, which included $2.9 million of overlapping work that has now been eliminated from the 10Year Maintenance Plan. Funding came from the district’s cash reserves. For the broader community, perhaps the most anticipated aspect of the project has been the new 400-meter track, the first regulation-size track in the school’s history. Until now, the boys and girls track teams—which comprise the school’s largest, most diverse extracurricular activity—have had to practice and compete at the Concordia University Chicago track in River Forest. Once the new Project 2 facilities are completed in 2026, all varsity sports, with the exception of golf, will have a home on campus for the first time.
district90.org | 708-771-8282
With just a couple of punch-list items to finish, the track is expected to be open for residents’ use the week of January 8. Community members are welcome to use the track outside of school hours, and when it is not in use for practices or competitions. oprfhs.org | 708-383-0700
Village of River Forest
January, 2024
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Black Hair in a White World
Enjoy the Sled Hill at Keystone Park
J
oin Dominican University and the Office of Justice, Equity and Inclusion in celebrating the National Day of Racial Healing with a presentation entitled, “Black Hair in a White World” on Tuesday, January 16 at 2:30 p.m. in the Lund Auditorium. The guest speaker for the event will be Dr. Tameka Ellington, a speaker, internationally acclaimed and awarded fashion scholar, and confidence coach. Dr. Ellington is also the author of four books, including the award-winning book, TEXTURES: the history and art of Black hair, written for its namesake exhibition. To learn more about this event, click here. The National Day of Racial Healing originated in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This annual event, is observed on the Tuesday following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a time to bring people together and “inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world,” according to the initiative.
When weather permits, the sled hill at Keystone Park, located at 400 Keystone Avenue and 7920 Central Avenue, is open daily: • Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. - Dusk Please walk up the side of the sled hill to get to the top. The sled hill is unsupervised, so sledding is at your own risk.
Village Contact Information Village Administration 708-714-3563 Village Administrator Matt Walsh
Public Works and Development Services 708-714-3551
SIgn Up For Email and Alerts
Finance Department 708-714-3524 Director Rosemary McAdams
Police Department 708-714-3540 Chief James O’Shea
River Forest Events
Fire Department 708-714-3560 Chief Tom Gaertner
Emergency Services Dial 911
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400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 708-366-8500 708-366-3702 (fax) Monday 8 a.m.– 7 p.m. Tuesday- Friday 8a.m.– 4:30 p.m.