The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - June 13, 2024 |
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“You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave.”
- George M. Cohen’s “You’re a Grand Old Flag”
Have you ever found yourself truly moved when singing or listening to a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner? By “truly moved,” I am speaking about a tear in your eye, a lump in your throat and a great sense of pride in just being an American. When you hear the phrase, “land of the free and the home of the brave,” does it not cause you to consider how fortunate we are that we live under a flag that symbolizes all the great sacrifices made by so many who came before us, so that we could enjoy the freedoms that so many in this world will never enjoy? When we hear the words to the Star Spangled Banner, and we place our hand across our hearts and stare up at Old Glory as she is being raised up, should we not feel it is our duty and responsibility as Americans to honor that flag as the symbol of the liberty we enjoy, or are some of us just going through the motions without really comprehending the meaning or the moment?
We will have an opportunity on Friday, June 14 to demonstrate our appreciation of our flag. On that day we will celebrate Flag Day to commemorate that day in June 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first flag. Prior to the adoption of the “stars and stripes,” each state had their own flag, but when we became the United States, our country’s founders saw the need for one flag that would represent our status from a collection of states, to one nation. While we still find our national symbol with thirteen stripes signifying the thirteen original colonies, we have seen stars added for each state as we grew as a country. Our current flag was the design of a Lancaster Ohio student by the name of Bob G. Heft, who submitted a design that included the original thirteen stripes, and the addition of Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. Bob’s design was unique, since he completed his design in 1958 when we only had 48 states. He stated that he anticipated the addition of Alaska and Hawaii, which occurred in 1959, a year after he submitted his design.
I am a firm believer in the power of words and the power of symbols, and our flag is a unique symbol of who we are as a nation. Watching the flag being raised reminds me of words spoken by President John F. Kennedy from his 1960 Inaugural Address. In the address he stated, “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.” These words are as meaningful today as they were 64 years ago when they were first spoken, and our flag will always represent “the energy, the faith, the devotion” which will always “light our world.” Happy Flag Day!
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A Special Announcement from Mayor Marchese
On Father’s Day evening, on June 20, 2021, an EF-3 tornado hit our neighboring community Woodridge hard and caused disastrous impacts.
Mayors Helping Mayors (MHM) was started to help make a difference to our neighbors in Woodridge. Mayor Frank Trilla (Willowbrook) and I reached out to Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham to help make a difference to our neighbors in need. We have created a tornado disaster Friendraiser to be held on June 26 to benefit our neighbors. See below for details or click here to learn more. |
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Help the Darien Lions Club Support Homeless Veterans
Join in this friendly Battle of the Breweries from June 16 thru June 23 to help support our homeless veterans. Donate any of the items listed below at Skeleton Key Brewery (8102 Lemont Rd) or Miskatonic Brewery (1000 N Frontage Rd). View drop-off hours and other info here.
All donated items will be picked up by the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Cash donations will also be accepted. Checks should be made out to MSHV. Let’s have some fun and help our veterans!
Items needed:
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- Toiletries (mouthwash, soap, and deodorant)
- NEW underwear
- Toilet paper
- Kleenex
- Paper towel
- Kitchen garbage bags
- Kitchen and bathroom towels
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- Sheets
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Food storage containers
- Dish soap
- All purpose spray cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Laundry pods
- Disinfectant wipes
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Honoring Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. This day came to be known as Juneteenth, now officially a federal holiday. Darien recognizes the continued need to battle racism and to continue our efforts to build a more peaceful and cohesive community. You are invited to join the city in this day of reflection, recognition, and acknowledgment of healing. Learn more about Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. |
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Branch Pickup - June 24 - 28
The next Branch Pickup will occur during the week of June 24 through June 28. 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.
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Summer Concert Series
We have a great lineup for our summer concert series this year at Westwood Park! Mark your calendar for these dates for a great summer activity that the whole family can enjoy.
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Sign Up For the 4th of July Parade!
You are invited to participate in the 53rd annual Independence Day Parade. Come out and join in this celebration of our nation's independence.
The parade route will be the same as last year and participants will line up in the Jewel parking lot at 75th and Cass Ave beginning at 8:15 a.m. The Parade will begin PROMPTLY at 9:30 a.m.
All entrants must complete and submit a Parade Application form and return a signed
copy acknowledging the Parade Rules to the parade chairman by June 23. Find more information about the parade and the application here. Questions can be sent to darienfourthofjulyparade@gmail.com. |
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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. |
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Road Rehab Program
Road rehab work for the City of Darien has begun and will continue through the beginning of June. Check out the schedule here. |
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DuPage County Receives Awards
DuPage County received seven Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
"DuPage County strives to be a leader at the state and national levels. We're proud to share information about our initiatives with other government leaders nationwide. And we are gratified to receive this recognition from NACo," said County Board Chair Deborah Conroy. Learn more.
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National Safety Month
Can you spot the hazards in unsafe situations at home and at work? Risk reduction is the best way to prevent accidents, so be vigilant and speak up when you see something that is unsafe! Start with this "Spot the Hazard" activity and then talk with your family or your coworkers about how to make your spaces safer. |
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Summer Fun and Safety
Summer temperatures are here and we hope you are ready to enjoy some warm weather fun! While you are out working in the garden or enjoying the beach, remember to prevent yourself from overheating with these tips:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
- Learn more about heat safety at ready.gov.
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City Council Meeting - June 17
The City Council will meet on Monday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Darien City Hall. View the agenda here.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - June 19
The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Darien City Hall. View the agenda here.
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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. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Yanke, City Planner, at (630) 353-8113. |
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Get Emergency Alerts from the Darien Police Department |
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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. |
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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. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events! |
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Ice Cream Social - June 20: link
Darien Garden Club Pollinator Party - June 30: link
Youth Basketball Workouts - July 7, 14, & 21; August 3: link
Knights 3 on 3 Tournament - Register Today - July 28: link
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Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
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Darien Events and Happenings |
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Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
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Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!
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(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
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Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
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