Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: June 19, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - June 19, 2025

Mayor's Message

“I’ve always said music should make you laugh, make you cry, or make you think.”

- Kenny Rogers

I was on my way home from City Hall one day last week, giving thought to several city related items, when a song from the 1960’s came on the radio, and I found myself singing along. For several brief moments I let go of my concerns, and went back mentally to an earlier time when my life perspectives were much different from today. I don’t believe I am unique when I say that music is a comforting influence in our lives; it not only gives us a chance to mentally revisit our past, it can influence our emotions and thought processes. While I have always believed in the power of words, words set to music can have a stronger impact on how we feel or how we respond to changes in our lives.

While I am a child of the 50’s and 60’s, I enjoy a broad range of music from classical music to Broadway musicals and music from the 1970’s to the present day. If I want to relax, you might find me listening to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” or when I am in a more active move, you might find me singing along to “Sweet Caroline,” or some jazz piece by Louis Armstrong. I don’t believe that any of you will deny the impact of music on your thoughts; it reaches down and touches our souls, and a Rogers says, it “…should make you laugh, make you cry, or make you think.”

Find some special time in your special place, away from the problems of the world, and let your favorite music genre take you “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” where “trouble melts like lemon drops,” and you can “wake up where the clouds are far behind me.” Take some time out of your busy day to experience the impact that music has on each of us, and let it touch your soul.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Juneteenth

This year marks the fourth anniversary since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. It all began on June 19, 1865, when 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 is much more than a holiday; it stands as a testament to and celebration of the unyielding spirit of a people. Learn more about Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

2025 Branch Pick-Up - June 23

The next Branch Pickup is on Monday, June 23. The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents.

Stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup.
Weather conditions, equipment failures and the like may result in delays. The chipping crew will make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.
The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS. City crews will only pick up branches.

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT LOGS, STUMPS, ROOTS, GRASS CLIPPINGS, FLOWERS, WEEDS, PLANTS, LEAVES, LUMBER & ANYTHING IN BAGS OR OTHER CONTAINERS.

The next branch pickup will be on Monday, August 25. If you have questions regarding branch pick up, contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.

Lions Humanitarian of the Year

The Darien Lions Club and Mayor Marchese recently had the privilege of congratulating this year's recipient of the Lions Humanitarian Award, Andrew Brunsen! Thank you for your service to our community.

Darien's Summer Concert Series

The first concert is next Thursday! Bring your family and friends out to Westwood Park on June 26 to enjoy music from Hoodwink'd. The show starts at 6:00 p.m. and is free! There will be delicious food available from local restaurants. You can also bring cleaning supplies and canned goods to donate to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry. See you at the show!

Last Chance to Sign Up for the 4th of July Parade!

The Darien Lions Club invites you to participate in our 54th annual Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4th, 2025. Come out and join the community in this celebration of our nation's independence.

The parade route will be the same as in 2024. Parade entrants will assemble in the Jewel Parking lot beginning at 8:15 a.m. for the Parade lineup. The Parade will begin PROMPTLY at 9:30 a.m. and follow the parade route. It will be the responsibility of each participant to provide their own vehicle for the Parade. Learn more about the route, rules, and recommendations of the Parade here.

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.

Sokol Slet 2025

Sokol was founded in Prague in 1862, and today, American Sokol provides fitness and community through physical, educational, cultural, and social programs. Join the quadrennial Sokol Slet next week from June 25 to 29. This five-day event will include performances, social events, fitness activities, and competitions! View Flyer.

Alderman Gerry Leganski's Farmingdale Terrace Garage Sale

Search for treasures this weekend at Alderman Gerry Leganski's Farmingdale Terrace Garage Sale in the Farmingdale Terrace Subdivision (79th & Farmdale). Fifteen families will have items for purchase, so be sure to get there early.

Location: Farmingdale Terrace

Date: Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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..

The awarded vendor for the 2025 Road Resurfacing Project is Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc., and the work will consist of the following:

A) Grinding - this process utilizes equipment to remove approximately 2 to 4 inches of the existing roadway. Please use caution while entering or exiting your driveway, as there will be a bump. All driveways that will have the existing asphalt removed in excess of 2.5 inches shall be temporarily ramped.

B) Binder - an asphalt product used as a base within the roadway.

C) Bituminous Surface - final application - top coat of the roadway.

Please be advised that your vehicles do not need to be relocated from your driveway, during any portion of the construction. However, there is an oil-based emulsion used as a bonding agent which will track onto driveways if driven thru immediately after application. The bonding agent becomes tack free within 1 hour. The construction crews will assist guiding you from the driveway if they are simultaneously grinding or paving through the frontage of your residence. Please note, should you notice a lack of construction activity on your street, the crews are performing one of the abovementioned processes at another designated roadway.

2025 Concrete Replacement Program

The City of Darien will be providing residents interested in replacing their driveway, apron and City sidewalk the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Concrete Replacement Program. Suburban Concrete, Inc. is the vendor for the program this year with pricing as follows:

Driveways

Sidewalks

Apron w/fiber mesh

Curb & gutter

Sealer

$ 20.00 per square foot

$ 9.00 per square foot

$ 9.50 per square foot

$ 33.00 per lineal foot

$ 4.50 per square foot

Residents may be able to obtain a lower price quote from a local concrete company. Suburban Concrete, Inc. may be higher as they pay employees prevailing wages established for DuPage County. Private companies may not be required to pay those same employee rates. Additionally, Suburban Concrete, Inc. uses a state designed cement mix of 4.6 (4.6BAG+145SLAG+WR) as others may use a less expensive/desired cement mix.

Residents interested in participating in the program should contact Diane with the City of

Darien at 630-353-8102 to request a proposal.

The deadline to participate in the program is June 30.

Swimming Safety

Summer officially begins this week with the Summer Solstice! That makes it the perfect time to review swimming safety advice from the Red Cross.

Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water.

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water. Avoid distractions including cell phones.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Designate a “water watcher” whenever in a group setting.

Take smart precautions and use layers of protection.

Stay within an arm's reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Do not rely on the use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation to replace adult supervision.
If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water

Find more tips here. Make your summer extra fun by making safety a top priority!

Metronet Update

Metronet is bringing its 100% fiber-optic network to Darien. This will provide residents and businesses with internet speeds of up to five gigabits per second for homes and up to ten gigabits per second for businesses.

The first customers are expected to gain service before the end of summer. Residents and businesses interested in signing up for construction updates and pre-sale opportunities can visit metronet.com/il/darien.

Metronet has provided a tentative construction schedule for its fiber-optic cable installation throughout the city. Check out the map and schedule here. They may access rear easements on your property or be in front of your homes and businesses as they begin work. Crews are identifiable by ID tags and branded vehicles.

You will receive a notification from Metronet via letter and postcard approximately 30 days before construction begins in your neighborhood. You will also see large construction signs in your neighborhood’s entrance and smaller signs near your mailbox. You will likely notice pink flags and temporary paint marking existing utilities. Learn more.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact the following Metronet staff:

Shana Brocket – Community Relations Manager – (812) 305-1000
John McGraw – Construction Manager - (870) 395-1130

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