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The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - August 15, 2024

Mayor's Message

“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.”

- Jefferson Bethke


Sunday evening as we concluded our 36th Darien Fest at Westwood Park, I spent some time reflecting on what has been a very emotional week in my life, and the kindness shown by those who I came into contact with throughout the weekend. To be quite honest, I didn’t know if I would make it through one night, let alone a full weekend. As I walked throughout the crowd on Friday, tasted the food and listened to the music, I was engaged by a number of individuals, some who knew me, and others who were meeting me for the first time. Regardless of the depth of our relationship, they each had kind words to share about the fest or about the city, and many made sure to thank me and our staff for our work in presenting them with this fest. The kindness demonstrated by many of these individuals made my 36th Darien Fest truly a memorable weekend.


I want to offer my thanks to the wonderful people and community groups I met over this last weekend; thank you for your kindness and your appreciation of all the work that went into planning and implementing the fest. A special thank you to April Padalik, the Darien Chamber of Commerce, the Darien Park District, our Darien Police, city staff and all our great food vendors, especially Melanie Tatum and her superstar key holder Mev who worked to put a smile on my face with one of their delicious Bundt cakes. To all of them, I say “It isn’t what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.” Thank you for making my Darien Fest weekend pleasurable, you truly touched my heart.

Darien Fest - Thank you!


Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our community this past weekend at Darien Fest! Check out these pictures of all the fun that was had at the event.

Back-to-School Driving Tips


The school year is starting up, which means changes to your daily commute. Follow these tips from the National Safety Council to safely share the road with school-bound pedestrians:

  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
  • Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
  • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
  • Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
  • Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
  • Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
  • Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

North Frontage Road is now OPEN


The Illinois Department of Transportation has completed the work on the I-55 North Frontage Road at Cass Avenue. The resurfacing project included the reconfiguration of the curve alignment and drainage improvements. Please remember to drive safely and observe the speed limit.

Heartsaver CPR/AED Training


Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District is hosting a Heartsaver CPR/AED training on Monday, August 19, from 6 - 9 p.m. at Station 89, 7550 Lyman Ave., Darien. Registration is $45; please call 630-910-2200 to register.

2024 Parkway Tree Planting Program


The City of Darien is now taking orders for the 2024 Parkway Tree Planting Program. The program is a 50/50 cost share program between the City and the resident.


2024 Private Property Tree Program


The City of Darien is offering residents to take advantage of pricing for planting trees on their private property.


The cost for both programs includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees. The deadline to order trees for both programs is August 31.


Click here to view more details (available trees and pricing).

Branch Pickup - August 26 - 30


The next public works Branch Pickup will occur during the week of August 26 through August 30. The City’s Public Works Branch Pickup Program is free for all single-family homes and provides for the collection and disposal of branches from residential properties. Please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Learn more here. 


As a reminder, LRS, the City’s refuse/recycling/yard waste collection company, will also pick up limbs, branches, or other loose items (bundled) that do not exceed four (4) feet in length and fifty (50) pounds in weight. This service is available from April 1st through the second full week in December on your regular pickup day. Branches must be no more than four (4) inches in diameter, with the total diameter of the bundle not to exceed twenty-four (24) inches. For more information click here.

The Summer Concert Series


We are looking forward to our last summer concert featuring Reckless on August 29. Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun starting at 6:00 p.m. You can bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax at the park while enjoying food from great local restaurants. Cleaning supplies and canned goods donations are being collected before the show and will go to the Mount Carmel Food Pantry.

Darien Park District Fall Program Guide


The Darien Park District's Fall Program Guide is out and it's full of fun activities and events for the whole family! Registration for residents is now open. Check out the guide here.

Back to School, Back to Work


Join workNet DuPage, Choose DuPage, and College of DuPage as they host “Back to School, Back to Work,” a free job search workshop series for parents seeking to return to the workforce.


Upcoming sessions include:

  • September 12, 9:30-11:00 a.m. – Career Exploration and Identifying Your Skills (presentation- workNet); panel discussion with participating employer representatives
  • September 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m. – Job Search Strategies (presentation including resume writing, ATS, informational interviews and interviewing- workNet); panel discussion with participating employer representatives
  • September 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Presenter: Nancy Sayer, Benedictine University, Director of LEADS program. (LEADS is a 4-year undergraduate leadership development program for women.) Presentation will focus on confidence building and related, will include an activity, followed by Q&A


Learn more.

211 DuPage - Housing


211 DuPage has resources for everyone! Do you need assistance finding movers, paying utility bills, or finding subsidized housing options? Reach out to 211 to learn about the resources available for all of the above and more! Get connected to services by calling 211 or visiting 211dupage.gov.

DuPage County Veterans Resource Fair - August 21


Veterans and their families are invited to join the DuPage County Recorder and the Veterans Assistance Commission of DuPage County for the sixth annual Veterans Resource Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 21 in the first floor Auditorium of the JTK Administration Building at 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton. Learn more here.

City Council Meeting - Cancelled


The City Council meeting scheduled for August 19 is cancelled. Find future meetings on the Community Calendar.

Planning and Zoning Meeting - August 21


The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Darien City Hall. View the agenda here.

Get Emergency Alerts from the Darien Police Department
In our continuing effort to keep Darien residents informed, the Darien Police Department is introducing Emergency Notifications via text. Please visit our Direct Connect Signup page and provide your cell phone number to receive text notifications in case of an emergency. These texts will be sent at any time (day and night) when an incident within the City may impact the community (e.g. police activity, accidents where there are road closures, etc.). There is no cost to sign up for this service. The Police Department will continue to use X/Twitter for non-urgent notifications.
Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

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.
Community News & Events
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

Darien Woman’s Club Fall Member Registration is now OPEN: link


On Par: Sports Bar & Griil - Soft Opening - August 14-15: link


Darien Sprouts - Pickle Party - August 18: link


Darien Sprouts - Recycling Rain! - August 28: link


Darien Summer Concert Series - August 29: link


Treasures in a Trunk Sale - September 7: link


Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
August 14, 2024 Police Press Release Here
Darien Events and Happenings
Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!

Connect with us!

Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390

Bryon Vana, City Administrator,
(630) 353-8114

City Hall (630) 852-5000

Police Department (630) 971-3999


Community Development (630) 353-8115
Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
Follow us on Facebook at @CityofDarien.
Follow us on X at @CityofDarien.
Follow the Darien Police Department on X at @DarienPolice.
Join your Darien neighbors on Nextdoor.