Hello Township Friends!

To learn more about Township programs and services, visit RiverForestTownship.org, the RF community calendar at rfhappenings.com, or email Supervisor John Becvar at supervisor@riverforesttownship.org. To learn more about programming for older adults in conjunction with Oak Park Township, see the joint calendar of events.

Established in 1917, River Forest Township provides government assistance through social services that help improve the well-being of residents at all ages and stages of life. We offer supportive services for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, along with programs that address the unique challenges of mental health, substance abuse, unemployment and more. In addition, we serve as your property tax advocate in helping residents understand their property assessments and how they may realize tax savings through appeals or exemptions.

July 2026

AMERICA 250 - CELEBRATE 250 YEARS

On July 4, 2026, our nation marks a monumental milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, self-government, and civic responsibility, we invite you to connect our national ideals to our local River Forest Township roots.

This anniversary is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the diverse and vibrant community we are today and look forward to the future we are building together. Join us this July to celebrate what it means to belong, contribute, and lead together.

We encourage you to participate in local events and celebrate the spirit of our community. The Township is honored to participate in the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Scoville Park on July 8th at 5PM.

LEARN MORE

Map of Cook County, Illinois divided into three color‑coded regions showing the triennial property assessment cycle.

COOK COUNTY ASSESSOR HAS CERTIFIED RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP 2026 VALUES

River Forest Township has officially been certified and is now preparing for the upcoming Board of Review appeal period. The Board of Review appeal windows will be opening this summer. We are closely monitoring all information as it becomes available.

As soon as the Board of Review announces appeal filing dates and deadlines, we will promptly share it.

Our goal is to ensure that property owners have the information and resources they need to successfully navigate the appeal process.

APPEAL PACKET REQUEST

Image of women doing chair yoga with resistance bands

REGISTER FOR CHAIR YOGA - CLASSES NOW STARTING

River Forest Township is offering FREE Chair Yoga classes for older adults on Wednesdays at 1PM, from July 1-September 30, 2026, at the River Forest Civic Center Authority (RFCCA) building Dance Studio (Room 219) at 8020 Madison Street, River Forest, IL.

Join Chair Yoga instructor, DuShaun Branch, in this 12-week class for older adults. DeShaun will guide you through this gentle exercise class suitable for fitness levels, particularly those who cannot stand for long periods or get down on the floor.

To register, please send your registration form to programs@oakparktownship.org. Please wait for an email confirmation from the Township that you’ve been accepted into the class before attending.

LEARN MORE

SECOND INSTALLMENT 2025 PROPERTY TAX BILLS DELAYED

Cook County officials have announced that the second installment 2025 property tax bills (payable in 2026) will be delayed by approximately two months, with bills now expected to be released no earlier than October. These bills are typically issued in early July and due in August, but ongoing system-wide delays continue to affect the county’s property tax cycle.

Residents should be aware that due dates will shift accordingly once bills are issued. As always, please confirm details with the Cook County Treasurer’s Office when the bills are released and contact us will any questions.

COOK COUNTY TREASURER

NEW TIME FOR ZUMBA - NEW REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED

Join us for fun and uplifting Zumba sessions where you can move to great music, boost your energy, and enjoy a joyful new experience alongside others in the community. There is a new time beginning in July with classes at 9AM each Friday morning in the RFCCA Dance Studio (8020 Madison St). Come give it a try, you might discover a new way to stay active, smile more, and celebrate movement!

New registrations are being accepted. Email your registration form to programs@oakparktownship.org. Please wait for an email confirmation from the Township that you’ve been accepted into the class before attending.

REGISTRATION FORM

FREE SENIOR POTLUCK PICNIC - SATURDAY JULY 18

River Forest Township is hosting a Senior Potluck Picnic on Saturday, July 18 from 11A-1P at Priory Park (7354 Division, River Forest). This is a free event to bring our senior community together and all are welcome to attend.

We will provide catered sandwiches from Opportunity Knocks, utensils, and water and ask everyone to bring either an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share. When you arrive, you'll get a name tag and a label to place with your food to indicate any possible allergens. RSVP to programs@oakparktownship.org.

RSVP HERE

Introducing FREE art classes for older adults on Mondays at 1 PM beginning August 10th at the RFCCA building Dance Studio (Room 219). You’ll join Art instructor, Hasani Cannon, in this 12-week class for older adults.

In August participants will learn the basics of portrait painting, including facial proportions, color mixing, and self-expression through pencils and markers. In September, participants will first explore Aboriginal-inspired dot painting techniques while learning about pattern, symbolism, and storytelling in art. Then, in October, participants will create mixed-media collages using magazine images, texture, and composition techniques.

Register for each month-long class by contacting programs@oakparktownship.org. Please wait for an email confirmation from the Township that you’ve been accepted into the class before attending as space is limited.

CONTACT OAK PARK TOWNSHIP