A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci

October, 22, 2020

A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci

October 22, 2020

Dear River Forest Residents,

COVID-19 Update

As of today, Thursday, October 22, the percent change in confirmed cases in River Forest over the past 14 days is +52.6%. Unfortunately, this trend of confirmed cases is up from the 14 day trend I reported one week ago which was -11.8%. 13 new positive cases were reported in River Forest last week, from Sunday, October 11 through Saturday, October 17. Click here and select “Case Data by Town” to see an update on the cases in River Forest.

Although they do not yet impact River Forest, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) took actions earlier this week to enforce stricter restrictions in certain regions of Illinois. If cases continue to surge in our area, Suburban Cook County will become subject to new mitigation measures as well. Please do your part to help our region avoid these restrictions!

Particularly as we enter colder months, we must be responsible as a community for adhering to the CDC guidelines by wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and washing hands so River Forest can play, work, learn, live, and shop safely. These practices remain the most effective ways of slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Twin Village Meet and Greet

On Saturday, the Village Board of Trustees and I met with members of River Forest and Maywood communities, including Maywood Mayor Perkins, to introduce ourselves and discuss the Twin Village partnership. Thank you to Trustee Erika Bachner and Maywood Trustee Miguel Jones for organizing such a thoughtful event, and thank you to the Maywood Fine Arts Association for hosting. I look forward to the shared opportunities and collaboration with our neighbors in the Village of Maywood.

Project Status Update – Street Patching

Work on the Village’s 2020 Asphalt Street Patching Project that was scheduled for today, Thursday, October 22, was canceled due to weather. Work is now rescheduled for Monday, October 26, weather permitting. New locations will be milled and filled during this time. All patches that were previously open have now been filled. In the event of inclement weather such as rain, the work may be delayed and rescheduled for a future date accordingly. Please drive carefully and proceed with caution in and around construction zones. For more, click here.

Sustainability Commission Received MWRD Award

The Village’s Sustainability Commission was recently honored with the 2020 Sustainable Landscaping Award from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District at its Sustainability Summit 2020. This award is in recognition of their efforts and achievements in implementing sustainable infrastructure and community education. Congratulations to Chairperson Lisa Gillis and all the commissioners for their tireless work on these initiatives.

Passing of Sister Michelle

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Sister Michelle Germanson, former President of Trinity High School, earlier this week. She was a bright and awesome light for her students at Trinity High School, and she leaves behind a heartfelt impact on our community.

Thrive Talks

Thrive Counseling Center is hosting a free Zoom webinar on Thursday, October 29 at 7PM titled When I Am So Right and You Are So Wrong: The Art of Disagreeing. Click here for the flyer with more information and Zoom details.

November 2020 General Election

The Cook County Clerk’s office has made changes to polling locations in River Forest. If you intend to vote on Election Day, you must do so in your precinct. Please check your polling location by clicking here as the location may have changed from previous elections. Visit vrf.us/voting for more information about registering to vote, early voting, and voting by mail.

With reports of long lines, please consider allowing those who may be having trouble standing for long periods of time to go ahead of you if you are able.

Halloween During COVID-19 & 2020 Trick-or-Treating

The Village asks residents to be cognizant of the risks of COVID-19 exposure during trick-or-treating this year. Therefore, we discourage residents from door-to-door trick-or-treating but ask that you consider alternative ways of celebrating at home with your family instead.

Trick-or-treating hours are from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

If you choose to allow your children to trick-or-treat this year, parents are responsible for ensuring their families are following the below Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines:

As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.
All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
If you come upon a group of children not adhering to the face covering or social distancing requirements, try to avoid calling the Village’s non emergency number but instead talk to the parents...most of us know each other anyway.
Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.
Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.

Downloadable signs are available to put on your front door or other visible location so those who are trick-or-treating know whether your home is participating. Click here for a RED "no trick-or-treaters" sign if you are choosing not to participate this year. Click here for a GREEN "trick-or-treaters are welcome" sign if you decide to pass out candy this year. Signs are also available for pick up at Village Hall.

Sincerely,