Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 22, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - May 22, 2025

Mayor's Message

Last Sunday, the Darien Business Alliance held the 24th Annual Darien Dash starting at the Darien Swim and Recreation Club. This year the event saw 311 registrants, the largest number of participants in that 24-year period. The “Dash” allows participants an opportunity to participate according to their age group, and physical ability by offering a Free “KIddie Fun Run” a 1 Mile Run or Walk and a 5K and 10K run. Runners are recognized in each age group, and awards are presented to the top three male and female runners in each of these age groupings. This year, Mother Nature cooperated and provided weather that was “made for running.”

The beauty of the activity is in the variety of participants, who appear to come from every age group. Upon observation, one could identify those who we might consider “serious” runners as well as those who are simply looking for an opportunity to improve their health and well being through a mile walk or run. While I am not a participant in the event, I have an opportunity each year to meet, greet and get to know a number of these participants, and I always find that their reasons for participating make for interesting stories. Our 2025 event would be no exception due to the participation of a unique individual.

This year as we were getting ready to start the Free Kiddie Run, an older woman approached our registration area and sought information about registering for the event. She indicated that today was her birthday, and she decided to “go for a walk.” Staff assumed that she would be registering for the one-mile walk, when in fact, she wanted to register for the 10K. While most participants were dressed in sporting gear, this woman had on a long, ankle length dress, regular shoes and a purse with a strap over her shoulder. One might normally assume that she was ill prepared for taking on a mile walk let alone a 10K, 6.2mile walk.

She began the race with all the other runners, and during the course of the event, I gave thought to how she might be doing; we have members of the Lions Club riding golf carts through the race circuit paying attention to anyone who might need their assistance, so I knew that if she needed help, someone would be there to assist her. As the dash proceeded we stood at the finish line and welcomed our runners and walkers back, congratulating them as they finished the race. I had the honor of awarding first, second and third place medals to the top finishers in each age group, as our dash came to an end, with the exception of one person, our 10K walker who had yet to finish. As I stood there at the finish line with staff, we saw her come around the corner and headed toward the finish. I held a first-place ribbon and medal, and as she crossed the finish line, we all congratulated her, and I placed her first-place medal over her head and around her neck. She looked at us as we cheered her and said, “why am I getting this medal,” to which I answered, “because you were the first-place finisher in your age group.” My response put a smile on her face, and I believe she felt pride in her accomplishment.

I am sure that all of those who participated and finished the Darien Dash on Sunday, felt a sense of pride in their accomplishment, I want to congratulate all of our runners and walkers who came out and participated in this event. In the future, I will always remember the woman who came into our registration area, asked to register, and said, “today I am 82 years old, and I just thought I would go for a walk.” Not only did she go for a walk, she completed 6.2 miles, and she demonstrated to all of us that we should never discount our ability to take on a new challenge despite our age. I hope she joins us next year for her 83rd birthday, when I just might join her on that 6.2-mile walk.

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Memorial Day Weekend Events

Join us at the following Memorial Day Weekend Events to commemorate the Veterans who have served our country throughout the years.

Friday, May 23

5:00 p.m. - US Flags at Clarendon Hills Cemetery - VFW and volunteers will place US flags Veterans' graves. Volunteers are needed - please bring a large screw driver to punch a hole in the ground for flag stems.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Poppies by the VFW at the Darien Jewel (7329 Cass Ave) - The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms.

Monday, May 26

9:00 a.m. - Memorial Day Remembrance Event at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in the Veterans' Memorial area. View the US flags displayed at more than 2400 veterans' graves.
11:00 a.m. - Memorial Day Remembrance Event at the Veterans' Memorial Monument at Darien Community Park (71st St and Clarendon Hills Rd).
3:00 p.m. - Clarendon Hills Cemetery Flag Removal - Join the VFW and help remove flags from the gravesites for grounds maintenance.

Holiday Service Update

City Hall will be close at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 23 and will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Refuse/Recycling Collection services by LRS will be postponed by one day for the entire week.

The overnight parking ban will be temporarily suspended from May 23 at 2 a.m. through May 27 at 6 a.m. Please have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!

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.

Darien Dash Thank You

Thank you sponsors, volunteers, and runners who attended the 24th Annual Darien Dash, 1-mile, 5k & 10k race. If you missed out, join us next year at our 25th Anniversary!

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In 1978, Congress passed a resolution creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. It expanded the observance to a month (May) in 1992, timed to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States (May 7, 1843) and completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 (the majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants).

Learn more.

Stay Safe Near Water this Holiday Weekend

As Memorial Day kicks off outdoor swimming season, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) urges residents to stay safe near water. The Illinois Department of Child and Family Health Services (DCFS) reported that 19 children tragically lost their lives to accidental drowning in 2024. It can happen to anyone at any time.

While swimming offers family fun, safety should always come first. To ensure everyone's well-being in and around the water, parents and caregivers can follow Pool Safely’s easy-to-follow guidelines:

Supervise Diligently: Never leave a child alone near water. Designate a responsible adult Water Watcher to oversee swimming activities.
Teach Swimming Skills: Enroll children in swimming lessons suitable for their age and experience.
Check Drain Safety: Verify that all pools and spas/hot tubs you use have drain covers meeting federal safety standards. If unsure, consult the pool owner or facility manager.
Prevent Entrapment: Instruct children to stay away from pool drains and pipes. Keep long hair, bathing suit straps, and drawstrings away from drains.
Install Safety Measures: Set up proper barriers, covers, and alarms around your pool area.
Learn CPR: Acquire knowledge of CPR techniques for both children and adults.

Taking proactive steps today can save lives, and together, we can work toward zero preventable child drownings – not just this summer, but all year long. Read the full press release here.

Composting With LRS

According to the EPA, food is the single most common material sent to landfills in the U.S. Help reduce trash in the landfills by adding your organic food scraps into your yard waste for collection by LRS. Yard waste is collected the same day as garbage and recyclables. LRS accepts the following food scraps: bread, cereal, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, eggs, fruits, grains, pasta shells, and vegetables. Learn more about LRS services here.

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.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) reminds us that May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. CDC recommends all adults get tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime, and pregnant women get tested during each pregnancy.

Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are preventable with safe and effective vaccines, and hepatitis C is curable with prescribed treatment - preventing liver disease and further life-threatening complications. Learn more here.

Darien's Summer Concert Series

Mark your calendars for Darien's Summer Concert Series starting next month! 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!

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

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