- Morgan Matson

This coming Sunday, June 17 is Father’s Day, and I will be repeating what I usually do to honor my dad. I will post a lovely picture of my father taken years ago before he was felled by strokes, and will post that on Facebook with a statement of my love and appreciation for all he did for me during his life. My actions will be replicated by many, maybe even by you, as we strive to show our love for our fathers, whether they are still with us or have gone on to their eternal reward.

As I look back and reflect on my relationship with my father, I can honestly say that while we definitely loved each other, expressing that to one another was not something you would hear either of us say to one another as I was growing up. My dad showed his affection by the sacrifices he made for me and for our family, and in turn, I returned that affection through my working to live up to the high standards he set for me.  

My relationship with my father changed greatly as he aged, and as I took on the role of father to my three sons. When we would say our goodbyes after a family gathering, I found myself going up to my dad, giving him a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and telling him “I love you dad.” In turn, he would always return the sentiment with, “I love you Joe.” Those occasions are what I remember most about my dad, it was as if we grew emotionally and didn’t let outside issues cloud the feelings we had for one another. It was also during those years that I developed a deeper appreciation for all he did for me during my childhood, and I saw how his high set of standards helped shape the person I am today. 

It is in some ways sad, that now after they are gone, we have a deeper appreciation for the role our fathers played in our lives. While my father and I found a way to verbalize our feelings for one another, it was only at the end of his life that we developed that strong emotional bond. This Sunday, when I post that picture, and write my message, I will work to find words that somehow capture the love and appreciation I have for a man who had such a significant impact on my life. I believe in my heart, that this Sunday and all future Father’s Days, he will somehow answer, “I knew, always knew that.”

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.

The City of Darien will again be participating in an electric aggregation program with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC (MC2 ) beginning September 2024. MC2 was selected to serve the eligible residents and small business customers with an electric supply price equal to the ComEd rate for a 12-month term. The one-year agreement includes a price that matches the ComEd rate so there are no savings to the resident. However, the contract provides that MC2 will provide a civic payment to Darien in the amount of $10,000, which will go towards neighborhood capital projects. ONLY residents that are part of the program, along with a few additions, will receive a program notice in the US mail in early to mid-July. The program notice will be mailed to your home. You will have the ability to opt-out. Again, the billing rate WILL remain the same and your bill will continue to be sent by ComEd. Just a reminder – any solicitor that comes to your door or calls asking you to switch to a supplier is NOT associated with the City of Darien, MC2, or ComEd. If you have questions please contact City Administrator Bryon Vana at bvana@darienil.gov or 630-353-8114.

The city has been contacted by residents with concerns regarding the dilapidated property at 1225 Plainfield Road. The city has directed the property owner to bring this structure into compliance with local regulations. However, the owner has refused to fix up the structure. In a situation like this, the city needs to take court action against the property owner, seeking code compliance or demolition. The city is preparing to file a lawsuit against the property owner and the city will also have the property boarded up. The property is currently for sale but we need to move forward on the lawsuit until appropriate action is taken.

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.

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.

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.

Road rehab work for the City of Darien has begun and will continue through the beginning of June. Check out the schedule here.

Residents are required to get a permit anytime you plan to make structural, plumbing, or electrical changes. Stamped architect plans or a letter from a Structural Engineer are also required when structural changes are being done. Find more information on the Darien website here or call 630-353-8115 with questions.

Find great gifts and delicious dining options for your fun Father's Day plans right here in Darien. Find all the best options on the Darien Chamber of Commerce website and get ready to impress all the father-figures in your life next weekend!

If you're going on vacation and want someone to check on your property, submit a vacation watch request to the Darien Police Department.

By adding your property to our database, it will be added to the list for officers to check on (time permitting). Officers will physically get out of their squad to walk around and check the house.

Your opinion matters! Please complete a brief online Community Needs survey to help guide how DuPage County Community Services prioritizes federal funds from the Community Services Block Grant to help residents needing assistance. The surveys will be open through Saturday, June 15. Thank you for your feedback.

In March, the County Board approved a new strategic plan. As part of the budgeting process for FY 2025, residents may now share their thoughts on where the Board should make investments related to those strategic objectives. The information helps shape the next year’s budget, determining spending levels for the County’s various programs. Residents may take the brief survey here.

DuPage County’s next fiscal year begins on Dec. 1, 2024. County Board Chair Deborah Conroy will present her proposed FY2025 budget plan to the County Board on Sept. 24. Learn more here.

One of the most important parts of a road trip is a well-prepared vehicle! Get your car ready by checking your oil, tires, brakes, wipers, and fluids. If you have any doubts, it's best to get a tune up before you head out. You can also stock your car in case of emergency. Consider including these items in your emergency kit:

Once you get out on the road, be sure to put away any distractions (like your phone), follow the speed limits, and have fun!

When an emergency arises, knowing CPR and how to use an AED can save lives. CPR and First Aid trainings are open to anyone who wants to be better prepared in an emergency. Find out how to get trained here.

June is National Safety Month and we'll be highlighting various safety precautions you can implement this summer to make the world a bit safer for everyone! Find more helpful information and free resources from the National Safety Council.

City Council will hold a special meeting on Saturday, June 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the Darien Police Facility

at 1710 Plainfield regarding Strategic Planning for the city. View the agenda here.

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.

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.

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.

Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

Nunsense: A Musical Comedy at - June 7 & 8: link

Indian Prairie Public Library Summer Reading Kick-off - June 8: link

Ice Cream Social - June 20: link

Youth Basketball Workouts - July 7, 14, & 21; August 3: link

Knights 3 on 3 Tournament - Register Today - July 28: link

Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390

Bryon Vana, City Administrator,

City Hall (630) 852-5000

Police Department (630) 971-3999

Public Works Streets & Water (630) 353-8105

Community Development (630) 353-8115

Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.

Follow us on Facebook at @CityofDarien.

Follow us on X at @CityofDarien.

Follow the Darien Police Department on X at @DarienPolice.

Join your Darien neighbors on Nextdoor.