Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 7, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - May 7, 2026

Mayor's Message

“You don’t just lose someone once. You lose them over and over every single day in a thousand different ways.” - Unknown

On Sunday May 10, many of us will gather with family to celebrate and honor our mothers for the impact they have had on our lives. For those who are fortunate to still have their mothers, there will be family gatherings where moms are showered with cards, gifts, flowers or their favorite candy, all given to demonstrate our appreciation and love. For those whose mothers have passed on, our appreciation for our mothers can sometimes be found in a Facebook post, a quiet prayer, or in my case, with a visit to her final resting place, where I can silently reflect on the beautiful memories I have of my mom.

My mom has been gone now for nineteen years, and not a day goes by that I am not reminded of an event in which my mother demonstrated her unconditional love for me or for my sisters. This year, I will visit my mom’s final resting place, and have a silent moment reflecting on her love and importance in my life. While I realize that she is really not there, visiting a cemetery to honor my mother is far more than a ritual of remembrance, it is an intimate expression of my enduring love. These quiet moments offer a sacred place where grief and affection meet, where the ache of loss is tempered by the warmth of memory. In the stillness, we can feel close again to the woman who gave us life, guidance and unconditional love. Whispering a prayer, or simply sitting in silence near her resting place allows us to feel close to our mothers once more, even in their absence.

When I visit my mother’s final resting place, I am aware of the many others who, like me choose to spend their Mother’s Day visiting their mother’s grave site. I found a quote that I believe summarizes what I witness: “So much love is scattered here. When I look around this place I see immense loss, but I also see the abundance of love that still remains.” These words capture the heart of what brings so many of us to our mother’s final resting place. Though the physical presence is gone, the emotional bond remains unbroken.

In these moments, we are not just mourning a loss; we are continuing a relationship. We return to this place because our hearts are still full of the same love that once greeted a mother’s smile, her embrace, her wisdom. That love, undiminished by time, is what guides our steps back to her resting place. And in doing so, we carry her voice in our hearts, and in the stillness of that sacred place, we allow her memory to speak back to us.

Originally written for my May 15, 2025 Mayor’s Message

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Shop Local for Mother's Day

It's time to start thinking about how you plan to celebrate the mothers in your life this weekend. Before you hop online to buy a gift, think about shops, restaurants, and experiences closer to home that might meet your needs. Supporting small and local businesses is sure to make Mom proud!

Kingswood Academy Science Fair Winner

Samson Karam, an 8th grade student at Kingswood Academy won the top project in the junior high division at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair and will be representing Illinois at the National Association of Academies of Science and the American Junior Academy of Science Conference in February. Samson is seen here flanked by Mayor Joseph Marchese and his Science instructor, Mrs. Ragnini. Congrats, Samson!

The 25th Annual Darien Dash

Next weekend is the 25th Annual Darien Dash! We're excited to have everyone come and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the USA during our 1 mile, 5K, and 10K races on May 17th. We'll also have a Kiddie Fun Run for children 6 and under, so be sure to bring the whole family!

The race will start at the Darien Swim and Recreation Club at 8:00 a.m. (1001 Hinsbrook Ave; Darien, IL).

Hinsdale South Native Plant Sale

The ECO (Environmental Concerns Organization) at Hinsdale South is holding their annual native plant sale this Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the high school stadium parking lot! All native plants for sale can be viewed here.

All plants can be pre-ordered here and then picked up on the day of the sale. Plants will also be available for purchase at the sale on May 9, but selection may be limited. Get your pre-orders in by May 8 to guarantee your plant selection. Learn more about the benefits of native plants on the ECO Native Plant Sale Page.

Donate for Mothers Blood Drive - May 12

Be a hero by donating blood at the Donate for Mothers Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 12. Come by the Indian Prairie Public Library at 401 Plainfield Rd between 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to donate in the Keshav Sanghani Meeting Room. This drive is co-sponsored by the Darien Woman's Club and presenting donors will receive a t-shirt.

Schedule your appointment at vitalant.org/donateformothers or call 877-258-4825 and use code ORD0398G. Remember to eat well, hydrate, and bring your photo ID on donation day.

Memorial Weekend Carnival

The 2026 Memorial Weekend Carnival is back at Chestnut Court Shopping Center! We hope you'll come by and stay a while to enjoy the rides, games, food, and more. You can find daily ride specials at windycityamusements.com and if you have questions, you can reach out to April Padalik by email or at 630-353-8111.

Location

Chestnut Court Shopping Center at 7511 Lemont Rd.

Dates/Hours

Friday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 23, 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 24, 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cop on a Rooftop

Help the Darien Police Department support Special Olympic athletes during "Cop on a Rooftop"! Come out to the Dunkin at 7532 S Cass Ave on Friday, May 15, to grab a coffee and to raise awareness and funds for a great cause. If you want to learn more or prefer to donate online, head over to https://support.soill.org/team/820884.

Thank you for your support!

The City is Hiring: General Utility Worker II – Water

Join the Public Works Team! Under immediate supervision of the Water Foreman of Public Works Operations, the General Utility Worker Class II performs manual labor in the maintenance and repair of City streets, storm sewers and facilities, water mains and appurtenances, and building and grounds. This position is on call, 24-hours per day -seven days per week.

Learn more and apply here!

Now Hiring: Community Service Officers (CSOs)

The City of Darien Police Department is accepting applications for (two) Part-time Community Service Officers (CSO).

This is a 25-hour-per-week position with paid holidays and up to 40 hours of paid vacation per year. Starting pay is $19.84 per hour. The top pay range for this position is $26.78 per hour. Uniforms and equipment are provided.

The candidate has to be able to work on Monday - Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. OR Monday - Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (excludes holidays). Schedules may vary during training and special city events. View job description and apply.

Darien Businesses of the Week

In an effort to further promote and assist our local businesses, Mayor Marchese, the Darien City Council, and the Darien Business Alliance are proud to present: The Darien Business and Restaurant of the Week!

Dotty's

7516 S Cass Ave.

playspinwinbrands.com

Darien Chop Suey

7516 S Cass Ave., #18

darienchopsuey.com

District 61 Education Foundation Award

The Darien District 61 Educational Foundation proudly recognizes Dr. Suna Avci Gunther and Benan Avci as the 2026 Great Starts in District 61 Honorees. This award recognizes former students of District 61 who – having had a “great start” in District 61 – are on exciting paths of learning, service, employment, and adventure in their lives. This program is designed to provide inspiration to current District 61 students. Learn more

DSRC Community Yard Sale

Looking for amazing bargains? Cleaning out your home? Head over to the Darien Swim and Recreation Club on May 16 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) for the DSRC Community Sale! Come shop for treasures or reserve a space to sell your items. Learn more here.

Cops N' Bobbers

Join the Darien Police Department on June 6 for Cops N' Bobbers, a fun, community youth fishing event! Children ages 5 - 14 are invited to bring your rod and reel to South Grove Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Spots are limited; email jparris@darienil.gov to register.

Darien Arts Council Meeting

Everyone is welcome at the upcoming Darien Arts Council monthly meeting. Join us at the Indian Prairie Library Board Room on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. See you there!

Recycling Event for Electronics, Books, & Textiles

Recycle your electronics, books, and textiles on May 16 in the parking lot of Christ the Servant at 8700 Havens Dr. Drop-off will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Check out the flyer for a full list of accepted items.

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