Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 18, 2023

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from the City of Darien.

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Weekly eNews - May 18, 2023

Mayor's Message

"Summertime is always the best of what might be."

- Charles Bowden

Mother Nature has been teasing us lately with a taste of summer weather. You may remember the week in April when we saw temps in the 80’s and even had a day when we reached 90 degrees. I refer to this period as “fake spring,” when we have moderate temps for a few days, and then we wake up with temps in the high 40’s and low 50’s. Now that we are in May, we are seeing temperatures more typical for May, and have days like today, when the temperature is in the high 70’s and approaching 80 degrees. I don’t mind this moderation, because I know this is typical Chicago weather; spring weather one day, and the next day your thinking of putting on the air conditioner or a warm jacket. It has been that way all my life, and if you have been a Midwesterner as long as I have, you are used to these sudden changes in the weather.

I have friends who will tell you that Winter in Chicago last six months; you get maybe two months of Fall, a month or so of Spring (including Fake Spring), and then possibly three month of summer. While those three months seem to come and go quickly, many of us treasure our summer months, when everything around us seems to be renewed. Our lawns turn a beautiful green, our plants bloom with lovely colors, our homes are filled with fresh air, and our neighborhoods come alive with the sound of children playing, outdoor barbecues, neighbors visiting one another and all of us exchanging our Winter wear for shorts, sandals and all around more comfortable clothing. We appear to be renewed as much as the environment around us as we appear to see the world around us in a better light.

You have probably guessed that summer is my favorite time of year; for me, summer holds all kinds of possibilities. It is as Charles Bowden states, "Summertime is always the best of what might be." As we enter the summer months, my hope for all of you is that you get to enjoy Nature’s beauty in all its glory, and that you have an opportunity to feel a sense of renewal and a chance to experience that which you have never attempted before in your life. Happy summertime to all of you!

Cop on a Rooftop

On Friday May 19, Darien Police will be participating in the Cop on a Rooftop program to raise support for the Special Olympics! Visit the Darien Police at the Dunkin' located at 7532 Cass Avenue. Learn more here.

National Public Works Week - May 21-27

It is National Public Works Week, and that means it is time to celebrate and thank the Darien Public Works Department. They keep your community safe and looking great through their dedicated efforts. Our public works professionals' efforts keep Darien a great community in so many ways, including maintaining updated infrastructure, safe drinking water, beautiful tree-lined streets, effective stormwater management projects, safe streets in excellent condition, and so many other ways. Thank you for everything you do!

Cass Avenue Railroad Crossing Closing

BNSF Crossing at Cass Ave will be closed during improvements starting on May 19. The work is expected to take 9 days and the crossing is scheduled to be reopen on May 27.

Find more information here.

Have a Safe Prom!

While your teen is preparing for the big night, it’s a good idea to have some open discussions about safety issues, including driving, drinking, and post-prom parties. Check here for some ideas on how to open the conversation between you and your promgoer. #SafeProm

May is Mental Health Month

Each year in May, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) recognizes Mental Health Month with other national organizations to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and substance use treatment, help individuals access resources for support, and reduce stigma.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to highly trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People worried about a loved one who may need crisis support can also call, text, or chat 988 for assistance. Learn more about DCHD Mental Health resources here.

Business Spotlight: Anytime Fitness

We here at Anytime Fitness are happy to be joining the Darien community. My name is Michael and my wife Sarah and I are family owned and operated. We are scheduled to open in the middle of June and will have all brand-new equipment with state-of-the-art connectivity. We are open 24 hours and offer group training classes along with 1 on 1 personal training. Our goal is to not just be a gym, but a community where we can all get to know each other and work together to achieve our fitness goals. We currently have founding member discounts, so come check out what we are building and become part of the AF team. We are not affiliated with the previous Workout Anytime, we are a separate operation.

Opening soon at 7516 S. Cass Ave., Darien

Website

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, remember it's important to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Most mosquitoes bite at dusk or at night, but some types will bite during the day. Almost all mosquitoes will try to bite you if you enter an area where they are resting. Learn more.

Save the Dates for Summer Concerts at Carriage Greens

Coming in Summer 2023, Darien’s Summer Concerts will return at Carriage Greens Country Club! Mark your calendar for the following shows!

Thursday, June 29th – Beyond the Blonde
Thursday, July 27th – The Mix
Thursday, August 31st – Reckless
Saturday, September 23rd – Oktoberfest

View Flyer

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 2023 Concrete Replacement Program. Learn more.

Road Rehab Program

The rehab work for the City of Darien is tentatively scheduled to begin on May 15 and continue through the beginning of June. Check out the schedule below.