Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: March 6, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - March 6, 2025

Mayor's Message

“A Time to Talk”

By Robert Frost

When a friend calls to me from the road

And slows his horse to a meaningful walk.

I don’t stand still and look around

On all the hills I haven’t hoed.

And shout from where I am

“What is it?”

No, not as there is time to talk.

I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground

Blade end up and five feet tall, and plod:

I go up to the stone wall

For a friendly visit.

I was giving thought to my many friendships just recently, and went looking for a poem that addressed the importance of friendship in our lives. Naturally, I selected my favorite author Robert Frost, and came across his poem, “A Time to Talk.” After reading through it several times, I began to reflect on whether or not the busyness of my life kept me from connecting with others, especially my good friends. I believe Frost is telling us that there are moments when we need to make time to connect with others. He is saying that the work we are doing is less important than the human connections we have with our friends.

One begins to understand that when one of our friends makes an effort to connect, it should be a moment we cherish; Frost contrasts the work of life with the importance of friendship suggesting that true fulfillment comes from the interpersonal moments we share with others, rather than the time we seemed to be consumed by tasks and responsibilities.

After reading this poem, don’t you get the feeling that Frost is telling all of us that friendships are precious, and deserving of our attention and time, no matter how busy we seem to be. Taking time to be with friends is not just an act of courtesy, but a meaningful and vital part of life. While I always felt relationships were crucial, I have adopted the view that relationships and human connections are essential, and we should all make time to assure ourselves that our friendships should be a priority in our lives.

As with all the Frost poems that I have recommended, please take some time to read through it several times to see what it means to you, and how it may reflect on the importance of friendships in your life. If you have time, share your thoughts with me and

your reflection regarding this beautiful, but simple poem.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Spring Forward for Daylight Savings Time!

Daylight Savings begins this Sunday, March 9. When you are moving your clocks forward an hour, also take a minute to check your smoke detectors. Follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

Citizen of the Year Celebration

Thank you to everyone who came out for the annual Citizen of the Year Celebration last weekend! Every year, we are grateful for the generosity and support shown by Darien residents. You all make Darien a Nice Place to Live!

Pictured L to R: John Galan, Citizen of the Year; Randy May, Rotary Club; Bryan Arquilla, Darien Youth Commission; Yvonne Milynarczyk, Garden Club;

Mayor Joe Marchese; Bill Christenson, Lions Club; John Bruner – Darien Business Alliance

Darien Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Join the Darien Lions Club on March 9, for their annual Pancake Breakfast and enjoy all you can eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, coffee, juice and milk! Pancakes will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the free blood pressure, vision, and hearing screenings will start at 9:00 a.m. Learn how to get tickets and more here!

Severe Weather Preparedness Week - Tornado Sirens

In the event of a severe weather emergency, the sirens will sound for 3 to 5 minutes, which indicates:

A confirmed sighting of a tornado, tracking towards the community, has been reported by a trained weather spotter within Darien or the surrounding communities, or
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Community indicating that it is the path of an oncoming tornado, or
A confirmed sighting by a trained weather spotter of severe winds causing structural damage within the city or surrounding communities.

There will not be an all clear sounded. If you hear a subsequent siren, that means that more severe weather has been spotted in the area.

Residents should understand that outdoor warning sirens are not designed to provide effective warning inside homes or buildings. It is recommended that each residence have a N.O.A.A. weather radio to monitor severe weather conditions, and that all family members are informed of what to do in a severe weather emergency. There are many free phone apps that will issue severe weather alerts.

Find more tips: Tornado Preparedness

Neighborly Reminders

As more of us get out and about to enjoy the warmer weather, please keep these neighborly tips in mind:

No parking on the sidewalk - Be considerate of your neighbors who are out walking by not parking over the sidewalk.
Proper dog walking etiquette - Pick up after your dogs and make sure they stay off private property.
Storing garbage containers in the front of the garage is only allowed subject to certain requirements. View code.
Garbage containers should not stay out over 24 hours after pickup. Please put your containers away by the next day.

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.

Metronet Communication Update

City of Darien has been meeting with Metronet, a fiber-optic internet provider, about installing fiber optic cable infrastructure throughout the city. Metronet prematurely sent out mailers to the quadrant of residents adjacent to Lemont & 83rd Street before securing an agreement with the City of Darien.

Click here to view the apology letter that Metronet sent to the City of Darien. We will keep residents updated on Direct Connect as information becomes available.

DCHD Promotes Measles Prevention and Vaccination for a Healthy Community

In response to the recent measles outbreaks across multiple states, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is reminding residents of the importance of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination, particularly if families are traveling for spring break. Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates. The best defense is vaccination, which has been proven safe and highly effective.

At this time, there are no known cases of measles in DuPage County. However, measles is highly contagious, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% immunity (one dose is about 93% effective), reducing the risk of infection, illness, and helping to prevent outbreaks.

Your doctor’s office or your child’s doctor’s office is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines. Vaccines may also be available at pharmacies and community health clinics. Use Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

In addition, DCHD provides the MMR vaccine to eligible children through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This program serves children who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid-eligible. To find additional providers offering vaccines through the VFC program, please visit: Find VFC Providers in Illinois.

Read the full press release here.

Darien Woman's Club Scholarships

The Darien Woman's Club (DWC) has offered Community Service and Fine Arts scholarships annually since the 1970's. Awarding over $127,000 since the scholarships were initiated.

There are two (2) Community Service Scholarships, available to high school seniors that have contributed considerable time in the area of community service and plan to attend college in the Fall of 2025. High school social or athletic involvement is not considered volunteer work for the purpose of this scholarship. The focus of the volunteer work should show integrity, leadership, responsibility and commitment to community service.

There are also two (2) Fine Art Scholarships, that help subsidize further studies in the Fine Arts. These are available to students in either Junior High School or High School. The scholarships' purpose is to encourage young students’ participation in the fine arts and to assist their enrollment in a camp or class to expand their knowledge and enhance their talent in their area of interest. The scholarships are awarded and must be used during the Summer of 2025. The scholarship award will be made payable to the camp or school.

The applications are available to download on the DWC's website and are due in hand by March 12th, 2025.

Small Agency Grant Program

In 2023, the DuPage County Board created the Small Agency Grant Program. The Board has announced Round 2 of the Program which will provide grants to small 501(c)(3) agencies located in DuPage County. Among other eligibility requirements, these grants are available to agencies that provide a specific program and/or service in an area of human services or economic development including:

Economic development including job readiness and literacy
Education and mentoring
Housing and shelter
Behavioral health services
Substance use disorder treatment
Food assistance

Learn more about the Program and how to apply here.

Senior Programs

Be sure to check out all the Senior Programs available in March in the Downers Grove Township Senior Programs Newsletter. You can sign up for yoga, games & crafts, community dining, and much more!

Vehicle Stickers

2025 vehicle stickers are available at both City Hall and the Police Department for a $3 donation. Vehicle stickers are not required by the City, they are offered each year by community service organizations as a fundraiser for the organization.

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

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.