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

December, 17, 2020

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

December 17, 2020

Dear River Forest Residents,

COVID-19 Update

Residents are encouraged to check the Illinois Department of Public Health’s FAQ or contact their primary care physicians for questions about the vaccine. The Village will continue to inform residents about vaccine distribution as we get information from the Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Cook County Department of Public Health.

Village of River Forest first responders in our Police and Fire Departments are expected to be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the Fire Department’s resource hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, in the coming weeks.

Please continue to follow public health protocols: Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands. Between Sunday, December 6, and Saturday, December 12, we had 29 new positive cases; 325 tests were completed, resulting in a positivity rate of 8.9%. The week before, from Sunday, November 29, to Saturday, December 5, we had 33 new positive cases of COVID-19; 397 tests were completed, resulting in a positivity rate of 8.3%. For more on COVID-19 data, please read a previous COVID-19 Update by clicking here.

The Village will continue to update you on COVID-19 case data. Residents can also view this by visiting the following sources:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH, click “Case Data by Town”)
Enigma Forensics (utilizing data from the IDPH and tracking it day-by-day)

Please remember that Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Tier 3 resurgence mitigations are still in effect. Click here for the complete list of Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation requirements.

Please remember that our River Forest COVID-19 Senior Response Team is still available! Please call 708-613-1642 for any assistance you need, such as grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-up, dog walking, library returns or pickups, snow removal and other non-direct contact needs.

National Day of Racial Healing - January 19, 2021

The Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) team of Dominican University invites the entire River Forest Community to participate in the National Day of Racial Healing on January 19, 2021, with a program highlighting the newly signed River Forest TRHT Resolution and honoring Dominican students engaged with social justice. The program, which will be offered at 6PM, will be followed by a Racial Healing Circle. Click here to RSVP.

The National Day of Racial Healing, which was inaugurated in 2017, offers opportunities for people and communities across the country to take collective action to create a more just and humane world. Dominican's program is co-sponsored by The St. Luke Peace and Justice Committee and the Maywood Public Library.

Toy Drive - One Day Left!

In collaboration with Athletic Konnection and the Village of Maywood, the Village River Forest will be collecting toys for children and families in need in the Proviso Township and River Forest area. The River Forest Community Center (8020 Madison) will host a gift drop-off site Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm through December 18. Only new toys/items are accepted. Toys can also be purchased through this link, which will be delivered directly to the organizers for distribution. Cash donations can be made through CashApp to: $donateAK and will be used as financial assistance to help 23 families with bills, rent, groceries, and gift cards. Let’s come together in this time of need and spread joy throughout our communities.

If your family is in need of toys for the holidays, please stop by the Toy Drive-Thru on December 20, from 11am-3pm at Proviso East High School (807 S 1St Ave in Maywood). Masks are required and children must be present in the vehicle in order to receive gifts.

One Off Hospitality Holiday Menu

One Off Hospitality is offering a special holiday menu from their executive chef Paul Kahan on December 23, right here in River Forest. Click here for more details.

Shop River Forest

Throughout the holiday season, please consider supporting local businesses if you are able. Shop local and help support our restaurants and businesses during these difficult times, especially through Takeout 25 Oak Park, a local campaign geared toward getting commitment from residents to spend $25 each week on takeout from local restaurants through the winter months.

Business Spotlight:

Grandma Sally’s Family Restaurant - Located on North Avenue, Grandma Sally’s offers a large breakfast menu and lunch options from classic American sandwiches and salads to your favorite comfort foods. Call 708-771-2047 to order a meal for your family!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zak Knebel Group - Understanding and achieving your real estate goals is the Zak Knebel Group’s highest priority. Neighborhood knowledge and market insight, along with outstanding personal service are the cornerstones of this business. Whether you are looking to downsize or find more space for your growing family here in River Forest, they will provide guidance at each step of the way.
Kirk Eye Center - Kirk Eye Center is located at 7427 Lake Street and has been serving the Chicago area for over 50 years. They have experienced specialists able to provide many advanced services to help patients attain optimal eye health and clearer vision, from general eye exams to specialized care such as LASIK and laser cataract surgery. Kirk Eye Center also has a full optical shop for all your spectacle needs.

For more River Forest businesses, visit the Shop River Forest page of our website at vrf.us/ShopRF. Don't see a River Forest business listed on the Shop River Forest page? Want your business to be featured? Email info@vrf.us.

Snow Reminders

Please remember that parking is not permitted on any Village street after two inches of snow or more has accumulated on the street, and for up to eight hours after the snowfall ends, to allow snow plows to safely clear the street. This helps our dedicated Public Works department do their jobs to keep our streets clean and safe from road hazards. The Village will not grant overnight parking passes during the above conditions.

As winter approaches, please take a moment to review the Village’s guide to snow removal for regulations and safety tips.

Village Hall Closures & Garbage Pick Up

Village Hall will be closed Thursday, 12/24, Friday, 12/25, and Friday, 1/1/21. Please note garbage pick up will not be affected by the holidays.

Please have a safe and happy holiday season. My next E-News will be the week of December 28, 2020.

Sincerely,