Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: June 26, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - June 26, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Vitejte na Darienu” – “Welcome to Darien”

On Wednesday, June 25, I had the honor to attend and provide the opening address for the XXV American Sokol Slet Kick-Off Event, which took place at Hinsdale South High School. This International Sports Festival takes place, in recent years, every four years in the United States. The competitions are modeled after the modern Olympic Games, and this year, marks the first time since 2005 that the event will be held in the Chicago area, and the first time the event will be held in Darien.

The Sokol Movement was founded in 1862 in the Czech lands which later became Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic). Its original purpose was to foster democracy among the Czech people living in the oppressive Austro-Hungarian Empire. The American Sokol Organization was founded in 1865 based on founder Dr. Miroslav Tyrs’ credo of “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” Today, the American Sokol is a 501(c) (3) organization that offers physical training in gymnastics and other athletics, as well as providing cultural awareness and family- oriented activities to its members and communities across the country.

Sokol is the Czech word for Falcon, and the word Slet in Czech roughly means: “a flocking of birds,” in other words, a gathering of Sokols or Falcons from around the world. This June 25 – 29 event will highlight competitors and spectators from the United States, Canada, Czech Republic, Slovakia and beyond to converge in Darien to compete in sports competitions, and perform mass calisthenics. During the June 25 to June 29 time period, we estimate that this event will bring over 1,000 individuals to our City of Darien, and we will extend our hospitality to them as they compete in these games.

As our motto states, “Darien, A Nice Place to Live” we would might add the phrase, “Darien, A Nice Place to Visit,” as our community extends itself to those who have come from all over the world, and who will make our city their “home” for the five days of the event. On behalf of our residents and our city staff, I can truly say that we want to make their stay a very pleasant one, and we congratulate the American Sokol Organization for bringing this event back to Chicago and to Darien; we wish them and their competitors’ great success, and we look forward to not only hosting the event, but in attending and promoting it throughout our fine city.

Mayor Marchese (center) pictured with the Sokol International Leadership

Mayor Marchese (third from right) with the Sokol Local Host Leadership Group

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Your input is important to us - please take a few minutes to complete the survey today!

Communications Survey

Darien's Summer Concert Series

The first concert is TONIGHT! 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. If you can, please bring cleaning supplies and canned goods to donate to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry. See you at the show!

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.

2025 Concrete Replacement Program

Deadline to Participate is June 30th

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.

54th Annual Independence Day Parade

The Darien Lions Club invites residents to participate in our 54th Annual Independence Day Parade. Come out and celebrate our nation's independence, and show your appreciation for all the groups and individuals who work hard to make the United States and Darien terrific places to live! This year's theme is "Celebrating our Community, Showcasing Local Businesses, Organizations and Volunteers!" The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. N/B on Cass Ave. & 73rd St. and ends at Hinsdale South H.S. (See map of parade route below)

National Night Out

Save the date on August 5th to come meet your neighbors and help make our neighborhoods safer at Westwood Park during the National Night Out event! View the flyer here.

Would you like to represent your business or group at this year's National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5, at Westwood Park? Contact Sgt. Doug Rumick at 630-353-8304/drumick@darienil.gov or Ofc. Lauren Throm at 630-353-8303/lthrom@darienil.gov.

Door to Door Solicitation

Warmer weather means more commercial door-to-door solicitors. Residents that do not want commercial solicitors to ring their doorbells should post a sign indicating “No solicitors invited.” These decals are available at City Hall (1702 Plainfield Road) or the Darien Police Department (1710 Plainfield Road). The City of Darien advises residents NOT to give their utility bills to solicitors. Note: home solicitors are required to show you a city permit. If a home solicitor fails to show you a city permit or you think the solicitation is a scam, please call 911 immediately to report.

There are a few exceptions to the city’s solicitation ordinance. City code reads:

All persons engaged in noncommercial solicitation solely for the seeking of support for political, charitable, or other causes not involving the solicitation of gifts or other contributions are exempt from any license or registration requirement. Common examples include religious groups and candidates running for elected office.

Volunteering Made Simple

Are you looking for ways for you and your family to give back to the community this summer? Head over to the Giving DuPage Volunteer Portal to find all types of volunteer opportunities! They make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for by allowing you to sort the list by age, distance, organization, and more. Make a difference by giving some of your time to one of the many great organizations in our community.

Road Rehab Program

Road rehab work for the City of Darien is in progress. Check out the schedule here.

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 that will track onto driveways if driven through immediately after application. The bonding agent becomes tack-free within 1 hour. The construction crews will assist in 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.

Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Meeting - Canceled

The Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting scheduled for July 2 has been canceled. Find future meetings on the Community Calendar.

City Council Meeting - Canceled

The City Council meeting scheduled for July 7 has been canceled. Find future meetings on the Community Calendar.

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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.