Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: April 17, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - April 17, 2025

Mayor's Message

On Friday, April 11, Cathy and I attended the Cass School District #63 Multicultural Celebration at Cass Junior High School. As one who believes strongly that our community is enriched by the contributions made by the different ethnic, religious and racial groupings that compose our Darien environment, I welcomed the invitation to attend and share in the evening’s festivities.

When Cathy and I arrived, we were warmly greeted and provided with a program as well as a “Passport” that we could have stamped at each of the eighteen countries that were represented at the event. Following our introduction to the program, we walked down a hallway lined with artwork, each piece following a theme demonstrating the beauty of our society’s and world’s diversity. Prior to entering the gymnasium where representatives from eighteen countries were located, we viewed a map of the world with stickpins noting the countries where either a parent or a student in the district had been born. I was quite surprised to learn that Cass District #63 is composed of families from sixty different countries around the world.

As we entered the main gym, we were immediately welcomed by parents and students. The crowd was estimated to be anywhere from 600 to 800 hundred people, many dressed in ethnic garb as they spent time visiting each of the eighteen countries that were represented at the event. Cathy and I visited a number of these countries, where we had an opportunity to learn about the culture of that country while also having an opportunity to try a sample of their ethnic food. Representatives at each table took time to answer questions, demonstrating the pride they felt for their ethnic heritage. As we went from table to table, we noted how engaged attendees were in visiting and learning about each country represented at the event.

In a time when the word “diversity” seems to carry a negative connotation, I am impressed with the administration, staff and parents who planned for and implemented this event. Their work was a demonstration of the appreciation we should all have for the contributions made by the “mosaic” that makes up our city and our country. I am proud to be the mayor of a city that acknowledges its diversity, and I want to thank Cass District #63 for allowing us to see how acknowledging multiculturalism does not divide us but rather brings us together, forming bonds that make our community truly a nice place to live.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Holiday Service Update

City Hall will be closed on Friday, April 18, in observance of the Good Friday holiday. Refuse and recycling collection will not be affected by this closure.

2025 Branch Pick-Up - April 21

The first Branch Pickup of the season is this coming Monday, April 21. City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents.

Stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup
Weather conditions, equipment failures and the like may result in delays. The chipping crew will make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.
The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS. City crews will only pick up branches.

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT LOGS, STUMPS, ROOTS, GRASS CLIPPINGS, FLOWERS, WEEDS, PLANTS, LEAVES, LUMBER & ANYTHING IN BAGS OR OTHER CONTAINERS.

The next branch pickup will be on Monday, June 23. If you have questions regarding branch pick up, contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.

Summer Employment Opportunities

The City of Darien is accepting applications for summer employment for its Public Works Department. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Work involves manual labor and is primarily outdoors. Learn more.

Download an application here. Applications can be sent to the City of Darien at 1702 Plainfield Rd; Darien, IL 60561 or emailed to lklemm@darienil.gov.

Earth Day - April 22

Make a difference this Earth Day by taking action in your community! Actions that seem small, like taking reusable bags to the store, planting native plants in your garden, or picking up trash along a local street, add up to make a big difference across the globe. If you're looking for more great Earth Month activites, check out DuPage County's GREEN Events webpage. You'll find recycling events, community clean-ups, fun Earth Day Trivia, and more!

Arbor Day Celebration - April 25

Join us for Darien’s 26th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 25, at 9:30 a.m. The celebration will take place at Ridgewood Park, located at the corners of Lyman Ave, Wakefield Dr, and Green Valley Rd just south of 75th St.

This event will educate and entertain the whole family and Bartlett Tree Experts will even have tree saplings for those who would like to take one. Indian Prairie Public Library and Darien Garden Club “Sprouts” group will have information available for the families in attendance. Join us and get inspired! Learn more here.

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month and the Autism Society reminds us that "The experience of Autism is not one thing. It is many things. It’s dreams, talents, relationships, victories, hurdles, and everything in between. The connection between those experiences is you."

Everyone experiences life with autism differently and you can share your story or learn about other people's stories at autismsociety.org. Call the Autism Society’s National Helpline at 1-800-328-8476 to connect to resources near you.

Don't Forget to Stretch!

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a new runner who just started training for the Darien Dash next month, the Mayo Clinic wants to remind you of the importance of stretching to help prevent injury. Check out basic stretches here and stay active this spring!

Multi-Connections After Hours Event

May 22, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Delta Hotels; 7800 Kingery Hwy; Willowbrook, IL

Connect, collaborate, and create new business opportunities at the upcoming Multichambered Networking Event co-sponsored by the Darien Business Alliance.

City Council Meeting - April 21

City Council will meet on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

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Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.