Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: June 5, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - June 5, 2025

Mayor's Message

As an observer of human nature, there is something that I want to present to you that does not always make headlines, but quietly shapes the very heart of our society – Kindness. We live in a world that is fast, loud and often divided. In the rush to get ahead, to be right, or to be heard, kindness can seem like a soft skill --- something optional. But let me ask you this: when was the last time someone’s kindness made your day better? Did you encounter a stranger who, maybe held a door open for you, or a friend checking in on you when you needed it most or a colleague offering their help without being asked? These small gestures don’t make the big headlines, but they work to make life livable.

I recently had a personal encounter, that has stayed with me for over a year, and for which I often recount when I speak to our need to express kindness to others. I was in church one Sunday, acting as a lector for our 10:00 Mass. Following our service, a gentleman who I consider a good friend came up to me, looked me in the eye and asked, “what is wrong Joe, I can sense that something is bothering you?” My initial response was how could he know that I was hurting emotionally? I responded to him with what was going on with my son Jon, and our conversation provided an emotional moment for each of us. What a beautiful moment, his simple act of compassion helped me through a troubling moment, and gave me a chance to verbalize my feelings. While his act of kindness elicited an emotional response, I must add that kindness isn’t weak; it is powerful, cuts through fear, bridges differences and it heals. As Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

So, what does kindness look like today? It looks like listening without judgement, speaking gently when things get tense, offering help without keeping score, and choosing to care even when it is inconvenient. We all have a role to play; we don’t need a title, money, or permission to be kind, we just need to decide right now to lead with empathy. I challenge each of you to do one intentional act of kindness today; not because we expect something in return, but because we believe it will make for a better world. Let me leave you with this quote from Princess Diana: “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Thank you for listening, for caring, and for being the kind of person who makes the world a little softer, a little brighter, and a lot stronger.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Shop Local for Father's Day

Celebrate the amazing dads in Darien by shopping locally! By supporting local businesses, you are strengthening our community while finding great gifts to surprise all the father figures in your life. Have a Happy Father's Day, Darien!

American Sokol Slet Honored

Sokol was founded in Prague in 1862, and today, American Sokol provides fitness and community through physical, educational, cultural, and social programs. Mayor Marchese and the City Council honored the organization with a proclamation at this week's City Council meeting, commemorating their quadrennial Slet (gathering), which will be held June 25-29. View Flyer.

Cops N' Bobbers - June 7

Get ready for a fun youth fishing event put on by the Darien Police Department on June 7, 2025! The event will take place at South Grove Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Reserve your spot here.

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. You can email your forms to: Darienfourthofjulyparade@gmail.com. Please complete the form with your comments for the Master of Ceremonies to read when passing the Reviewing Stand in the Parade.

Building Permits

Don't get started on a home improvement project without checking to see if you need a building permit! Permits are required anytime you are changing anything that is structural, plumbing, or electrical. Stamped architect plans or a letter from a Structural Engineer are required when structural changes are being done. Starting a project without a permit can lead to work stoppage, money loss, and a lot of frustration. So, head over to the City of Darien's website for more information and applications.

Movies in the Park

Nothing says "Summer" quite like the Darien Park District's Movies in the Park! The next movie is Mufasa showing at South Grove Park on June 19. Bring the whole family and a blanket to this fun, free event! Movies start at dusk and there will be concessions available for purchase. Learn more here.

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.

Darien's Summer Concert Series

Mark your calendars for Darien's Summer Concert Series starting in just a few weeks! Plan to bring the family out to Westwood Park on June 26 for Hoodwink'd, on July 31 for Ocean's Rat Pack, and on August 28 for The Stingrays. These free summer shows start at 6:00 p.m. and you won't want to miss a single one!

Help Concord School Raise Funds for a Safe, Accessible Playground

There is a fundraising effort underway to build an accessible and safe new playground at Concord Elementary School. All donations through our 501(c)(3) CARE organization are tax-deductible. There are five tiers of giving to recognize our bigger individual, family, and corporate donors. If you are interested in contributing, here are more fundraising campaign details!

Senior Resource Fair on June 13

DuPage County will host a Senior Resource Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on June 13 in the Auditorium of the JTK Administration Building at 421 N County Farm Rd.

The free event will focus on efforts to prevent elder abuse and neglect, featuring representatives from 40 area agencies providing services and programs available for seniors and their loved ones. Services include health care, social services, nutrition and meal programs, legal and mental health services, as well as community supports like respite care, adult day programs, and in-home care.

The Resource Fair corresponds with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, recognized each year on June 15 to educate everyone on how to recognize and report self-neglect or abuse of older adults and adults with disabilities.

For more information on Adult Protective Services and other Senior Services programs, visit dupagecounty.gov/programs.

Downers Grove Township Senior Services

Monthly Newsletter

Click here to view the June issue of the Downers Grove Township Senior Services Monthly Newsletter. Catch up on upcoming events, programs, and trips, and learn more about services available to seniors.

World Environment Day - June 5

World Environment Day 2025 is tackling plastic pollution and we can all help! Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet – even in our bodies in the form of microplastics. Taking small actions at home and at work makes a difference in the world. Start by using reusable water bottles when staying hydrated this summer and remember to grab your reusable totes before heading to the store to do some shopping. Every little bit makes a difference and we can all be a part of the solution!

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