City of Darien | 630-852-5000 | www.darien.il.us | Facebook | Twitter | Nextdoor

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

Weekly eNews - August 29, 2024

Mayor's Message

I shared this poem with you last year after reading it on the back of a Memorial card I received at the services for a friend. Recent events have caused me to again give thought to how we live our lives, and how we will be remembered. So, once again, I am asking you to answer the question,” How do you spend your dash?”


“I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.


He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.


For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.


For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash.


So, think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.


To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.


If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.


So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?”

The Summer Concert Series


We can't wait to see you tonight at the final summer concert featuring Reckless! Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun starting 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.

DuPage Narcan Program



In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and the DuPage Narcan Program (DNP) are highlighting our commitment to saving lives through increased access to naloxone, also known as Narcan. This life-saving medication is free at our public access locations, is easy to use, and plays a critical role in reversing opioid overdoses. 


Overdose can affect anyone – parents, students, friends, and neighbors. Recognizing the signs of an overdose is crucial. Symptoms may include slow or irregular breathing, unresponsiveness, and a bluish tint to the lips or face. It’s important to know that anyone can use Narcan to reverse opioid overdose. 


To enhance Narcan accessibility, DCHD and DuPage Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) have strategically placed Narcan Boxes at 14 public access points throughout DuPage County, ensuring community members have easy and immediate access. 


DCHD encourages community members to be aware of the Narcan public access locations and seek training to learn how they can contribute to overdose prevention efforts. For more information on available trainings or to arrange a community training session, please contact the DNP.

Holiday Service Update

 

City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Refuse/recycling collection services will be postponed by one day for the entire week. See LRS's Holiday Schedule here.

Overnight Parking Suspended for Labor Day Weekend


The City's overnight parking ban will be suspended from Friday, August 30 at 2:00 a.m. through Tuesday, September 3 at 6:00 a.m. All other parking restrictions will remain in effect.

Labor Day Road Trip Tips


Planning a road trip over Labor Day weekend? Make it the best one yet by planning ahead!


  • Check your car to make sure everything (including your A/C) is in working order.
  • Plan to head out before or after rush hour to avoid heavy traffic.
  • Limit driving time at night.
  • Pack an emergency kit to keep in your car.
  • Observe speed limits.
  • Be well rested and take frequent breaks.
  • Bring water and snacks.
  • And have fun!

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).

St. John Lutheran Cemetery Walk

September 14, 1:00 p.m.

67th Street & Clarendon Hills Road


Select gravesites of area residents from past generations will be toured. Docents in period dress will portray these early settlers and give first person narratives about their lives and

contributions, including insight into local history. Families are welcome! View Flyer

Beat the Late Summer Heat


September signals the beginning of fall, but remember that high temperatures often stick around through this month. Follow these tips to stay safe on the warm days as we look forward to the cooler months ahead!


  • Stay hydrated.
  • Wear light, loose clothing.
  • Be sure to take breaks if you are working outdoors.
  • If you are hot, your pet is hot too. Bring them indoors with you and make sure they have plenty of water.
  • Look Before you Lock - Never leave people or pets in unattended vehicles, even as the temperatures cool down!
  • Call 2-1-1 or visit 211dupage.gov to find cooling centers near you.

Back-to-School Bedtime Routine


Going back to school is fun, but it can also be exhausting for everyone in the family. Your children are learning and growing - that's a lot of work! The National Sleep Foundation recommending 9 to 11 hours per night for children ages 6-13. The hardest part, as many parents already know, is getting children to go to bed at their set bedtime. Lurie Children's offers these tips for successful bedtime routines:


  • Keep bedtimes consistent.
  • Avoid stimulating activities right before bedtime. Stop screen time activities 30-60 minutes before bed.
  • Develop a bedtime routine that works for everyone, such as putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading a book.
  • Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.
  • Every child is different - don't be discouraged if it takes time to develop the best routine for your family.

Get Help with Your Medicare Plan


Have questions about Medicare? Need help comparing plans? DuPage County's Senior Health Insurance Program counselors can help. Call DuPage County Community Services between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays to schedule an appointment at (630) 407-6500.

211 DuPage - Health and Wellness


211 can help with all things related to your health! You can connect with doctor offices and dentists, find medical equipment, get help understanding your health insurance options, and more.


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

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


Darien Summer Concert Series - August 29: link


Treasures in a Trunk Sale - September 7: link


Eisenhower Junior High Music Boosters Car Wash Fundraiser - September 7: link


Darien Garden Club Meeting - Bulbs: Basics, Myths, and Truths - September 9: link


Darien Historical Society Cemetery Walk - September 14: link


Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
August 28, 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.