“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” - Chinese Proverb

Our local teachers, are the unsung heroes of our community, as they dedicate their lives to nurturing a love for learning to our children. As we begin a new school year here in Darien, let’s take a moment to honor their commitment, creativity and resilience. Good educators have a passion for not only instilling knowledge, they also instill values, build character and role model a love for learning. Here in Darien we are fortunate to have educators who work to inspire our children to reach their full potential. As a former educator and the father of two dedicated teachers, I urge all of us to find a way to show our appreciation for the tireless efforts of our local teachers who by their dedication to our children will have a profound impact on our community and our lives. Let’s have a great school year!

The Summer Concert Series

Are you as excited as we are for the final summer concert featuring Reckless next week? Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun on August 29 at 6:00 p.m.!

Grab your favorite picnic 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. See you there!

Crack Sealing Has Begun

The City’s crack sealing program is a cost-effective treatment when applied while the pavement is still in good repair. These treatments consist of applying a highly elastic material into pavement cracks to prevent or reduce the intrusion of water. The benefits of crack sealing include decreasing further crack deterioration, protecting the pavement structure from moisture damage, and ultimately extending the pavement life which reduces costs. View list of impacted streets.

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.

2025 Consolidated Election Packets Now Available

Packets for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election are available at City Hall beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the elected positions of Alderman Ward 1, Alderman Ward 3, Alderman Ward 5, and Alderman Ward 7. Learn more here. 

Police Chief Monthly Report

Check out the Police Chief's monthly report for July 2024 on the City of Darien here.

Biking Back-to-School

Biking is a fast, fun, and healthy way to get to school. It's great for the planet too! Follow these NHTSA tips to stay safe on the road:

• Always wear a correctly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic, and follow traffic signs and signals.
• Stay in the bike lane whenever possible.
• Never use electronics while riding – they are distracting.
• Learn more here.

Prevent Rabies: Be Safe, Never Touch a Bat

It's the time of year when bats are most active and the DuPage County Health Department wants residents to remember to never touch or capture bats, especially in your home.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect humans and other mammals if we are bitten by an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal gets directly into the eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

If you have been bitten or exposed to a bat, seek immediate medical attention. If you wake up and find a bat in the room, it is considered an exposure, even if no bite marks are visible. Learn more here. 

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).

Darien Park District Fall Program Guide

Don't forget to check out the Darien Park District's Fall Program Guide. The guide is full of fun activities and events for the whole family! Registration for residents is now open. Check out the guide here.

Mite Bites

Periodical cicada eggs are beginning to hatch in the trees. Pyemotes itch mites typically feed on insect larvae found in oak galls, but this year, they also have periodical cicada eggs to feast upon. This additional food source is leading to an increase in the itch mite population, resulting in many people receiving bites. 

Mite bites can look like red, blister-like bumps, and may become swollen or itchy. Fortunately, the mites cannot live on humans, do not survive indoors, and are not known to transmit disease. Secondary infection can occur from excessive scratching. Consult a physician or seek medical treatment when necessary.

Mental Health Summit and Expo - September 7

DuPage County and the DuPage County Health Department will host the first Mental Health Summit and Expo on September 7 in the Administration Building at 421 County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL. Former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about the event and register to attend here. Registration is required and FREE.

211 DuPage - Transportation

Did you know that 211 DuPage has resources on transportation? You can connect with organizations that help with car repairs, rides to doctor appointments, and more!

Get connected to services by calling 211 or visiting 211dupage.gov.

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

Darien Sprouts - Recycling Rain! - August 28: link

Darien Summer Concert Series - August 29: link

Treasures in a Trunk Sale - September 7: link