Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: March 13, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - March 13, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” - Muhammad Ali

Several years ago, my nephew’s fiancé asked me what we mean when we say; Darien is “a nice place to live.” Her question gave me reason to pause and think, why do I believe Darien is a nice place to live? As I thought about my answer, there were a number of factors that came to mind, our quality schools, our well-kept neighborhoods, our access to major highways, our non-partisan city government, our varied houses of worship, our great public safety and public works programs, and our friendly residents, all of which I feel make Darien, a nice place to live. To me, while all these factors contribute to our wonderful community, there is one element that makes Darien stand out from other communities, and that is our volunteer spirit.

When was the last time you attended a Pancake Breakfast, a Halloween Party or a July 4th Parade by the Lions, or a clothing drive or arts program by the Darien Woman’s Club? Did you know that we have a Darien Arts Council that allows aspiring actors and actresses a chance to perform, or a Darien Garden Club and Sprouts Program for young children, and that our Darien Rotary has a Literacy Program that provides early learning materials for our pre-school children? How about our Darien Youth Club with its many sports programs for our children, or the Cancer Smashers, a group of young people whose goal is to rid the world of cancer. These groups and others are all run by individuals who give of their time in the service of others; their work enriches our lives as residents, and by their work, and their actions dictate the quality of life in our community. If you ever asked yourself why we call Darien a nice place to live, consider joining one or more of these groups, and your reward will not be monetary, but rather enriching. Your work will contribute to making Darien “a nicer place to live.”

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Don't Push Your Luck - Drive Sober

The Illinois Department of Transportation reminds us to stay safe while celebrating this St. Patrick's Day by following these tips:

Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served is involved in an impaired driving crash.
Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance or help arrange ride sharing with other sober drivers.
Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober family member or friend for a ride home or call a cab, take public transportation or use a ride-sharing service.
Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive impaired.
Always buckle up - it's your best defense against an impaired driver.

Women's History Month

In 1981, Congress approved the first Women's History Week to begin on March 7, 1982. Since then, the celebration and recognition has become a full month. You can learn the many contributions women have made to our country and the world at womenshistorymonth.gov. Be sure to also make time to celebrate the women in your life this month and don't forget to include yourself, if applicable!

Go Green For St. Patrick's Day!

Whether you're enjoying a can of beer, soda, or seltzer this St. Patrick's Day, be sure to recycle that aluminum can when you're finished! LRS reminds us that aluminum can be recycled infinitely into a wide range of products like car parts or more beverage cans. Recycling aluminum only uses 5% of the energy it would require to make new aluminum. Make a commitment to make sure your cans avoid the landfill and send them on a recycling adventure instead! Learn more about recycling aluminum from LRS here.

2025 Branch Pick-Up Schedule

Spring April 21st

Summer June 23rd

Summer August 25th

Autumn October 27th

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

If you have questions regarding branch pick up, contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.

Com Ed Storm Debris Disposal Policy

The customer is responsible for the disposal of branches, logs, or other debris associated with their trees damaged by storms, ice, winds, or other natural causes.
ComEd is responsible for cutting, trimming or removing trees or branches that are causing service interruptions.

ComEd Service Wire Policy

ComEd does not perform non-emergency tree trimming for the service wire.
If customers plan to trim near their service wire, they should contact ComEd to either drop or de-energize the service wire and contact ComEd again to re-connect service once trimming is complete. The customer will be without power until the service wire is re-connected. There is no charge for this service, if scheduled during normal working hours Monday through Friday.

Learn more here.

ComEd Tree Trimming Scheduled In Your Area

Darien residents may have received postcards to let you know that arborists performing vegetation management for ComEd will be working in your neighborhood within the next 3 months.

ComEd has contracted with Intren, LLC and their subsidiaries Kendell and Shade Tree to assist with this trimming project. View this map to see where the trimmings are taking place. Learn more about the importance of tree placement and trimming here.

K9 Veterans Day - March 13

The U.S. Military started recruiting and training canine forces on March 13, 1942. Over 80 years later, we honor and remember all the Military and Police Working Dogs who have served our communities and our country. Learn more about the history of K9 Veterans from the National Police Dog Foundation.

Order Your Plants Today!

The Darien Historical Society and Darien Woman's Club's annual plant sale is coming up and your plant order must be submitted by Monday, April 7! Download your order form here. All proceeds will go towards the efforts of both organizations to benefit the community. View the flyer.

Darien VFW Offers $1,000 Scholarship to Hinsdale South Senior in Honor of Two Veteran Alumni

Veterans of Foreign Wars Darien Memorial Post 2838 offers a yearly $1,000 cash scholarship to a graduating Hinsdale South High School senior intending further education.

The scholarship honors the memory of Hinsdale South alumni Lance Corporal Lester W. Weber, a Medal of Honor recipient and Captain Scott T. Corwin, an outstanding Hinsdale South athlete and graduate of West Point. The scholarship award is based on a winning essay written on the topic of Americanism. For further information and an application, please contact Veronica Alvarez, Hinsdale South Counseling & Social Work Offices, by email or by calling 630-468-4252. Entries are due by March 25, Medal of Honor Day.

SIX: The Musical at Hinsdale South High School - April 11-13

Experience history like never before as Hinsdale South's award-winning drama team presents SIX: The Musical (Teen Edition)! The cast brings Henry VIII’s six wives to life in a high-energy pop concert that reclaims their stories. With powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and a modern twist, this electrifying show will have you dancing in your seat!

Tickets are sold at the door one hour before each show (Adults: $20, Students K-12: $10). View the flyer.

City Council Meeting - Canceled

City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025 has been canceled. The next scheduled meeting is on April 7, 2025. See all future meetings and more on the Community Calendar.

Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Meeting - March 19

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission will meet on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

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