Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: July 3, 2024

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - July 3, 2024

Mayor's Message

“All we use or know –this our fathers bought for us long ago.” - Rudyard Kipling

On Thursday this week we celebrate the birth of our country with our remembrance of the 4th of July holiday. More than any other national holiday, we seem to get this one right; yes, it still has its materialistic elements, with our backyard barbecues, our fireworks, our parades and our red, white and blue shirts and outfits, but it also has a spirit to it that I don’t see in some of our other holidays.

On July 4th, I walk the parade as Mayor of Darien, and as I meet and wish our residents a Happy July 4th, I look in their eyes, and I can see that many have a true appreciation for being American and having the freedoms that we all enjoy. Over the years, I have seen more residents of different ethnic groups who celebrate their new homes and freedom in America. These new Americans, unlike some of us, know the difference between living under a flag of liberty versus a flag of oppression. On July 4th, we all seem to forget the differences that exist in our society as we acknowledge that we are all American despite the color of our skin, our cultural backgrounds, or our religious beliefs.

That is why July 4th is my favorite holiday; it exudes a spirit that I would love to see expressed each and every day of the year. As I remember so vividly from watching his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy stated “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” and my wish on this July 4th, is that his dream will come true so that we will all seek ways of truly appreciating the freedoms “this our fathers bought for us long ago.”

(This is a reprint from 7.6.23 – its meaning carries over from year to year)

Holiday Service Update

City Hall will close at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and will be closed all day on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

The Darien Police Department will suspend the Overnight Parking Ban for the 4th of July holiday. Effective Thursday, July 4th, at 2 a.m. to Monday, July 8th, at 6 a.m., overnight parking restrictions will be suspended, and parking will be allowed on streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. All other parking restrictions will be in effect during these dates.

During the week of July 1, refuse collection services on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will NOT be impacted; Thursday - Friday collection service will be postponed by one day. Learn more about LRS holidays here.

The 2024 road resurfacing program has been completed. This included 5.2 miles of road resurfacing and your Public Works Department met its goal of finishing prior to the 4th of July holiday. The road program was timed perfectly to allow the concrete company to finish the curb and gutter repair work prior to the road crews starting. Great job to the Public Works Department!

Independence Day Parade

The Darien Lions are pleased to invite you to the 53rd Annual Independence Day Parade. Come out and join the community in this celebration of our nation's independence.

The parade route is the same as last year. The parade participants will line up in the Jewel parking lot at 75th and Cass Ave. The parade will begin promptly at 9:30am and will proceed north on Cass Avenue to 71st St. At 71st St, the parade will head east until Clarendon Hills Rd where it will go south toward the end point at Hinsdale South High School. The pick-up of participants after the parade will be at Hinsdale South High School. Learn more here.

The Summer Concert Series

Thank you to everyone who came out last week for our first concert of the summer! It was great to see everyone and we can't wait for our next show on July 25 with Cadillac Groove.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Do you have July 4th festivities planned that might include drinking? Make sure your plans include how you will get a sober ride home. Designate a driver before the fireworks start to ensure your celebration doesn't end in tragedy. Learn more from the NHTSA.

Summer Safety - Pedestrian Safety

Independence Day week is sure to be busy while we all head out to parades, fireworks, and other celebrations! Whether you are a pedestrian or a driver, be vigilant and make safety (not speed) your top priority.

One of the biggest threats to safety is distracted walking and driving. Make it a rule to keep Heads Up, Phones Down when your walking to the parade or finding parking for fireworks. Texts, phone calls, and social media can wait. Find more tips here and have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America traveling education exhibit will present the event "50th Vietnam Commemoration" at Indian Prairie Library. The event starts at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 8 with the Darien VFW posting the colors and laying a wreath. The van exhibit will be on display Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a "Welcome Home Station" for Vietnam veterans.

Please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org for additional information.

North Frontage Road Westbound at Cass Avenue Road Closure

The Illinois Department of Transportation has contracted Martam Construction for the curve correction on the I-55 North Frontage Road at Cass Avenue within the City of Darien in DuPage County. The project is underway and is expected to continue through August 30, 2024. The existing informational signs will be revised. Learn more about the road closures and detours here.

Online Portal – Property Maintenance Concerns

Residents can now submit their property maintenance concerns on the City’s new online site, OpenGov. This streamlined site allows users a way to submit their property maintenance concerns, commonly referred to as property maintenance violations. In order to access the portal, please visit the City’s website.

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.