The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - October 19, 2023 |
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Mayor's Message
“What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash.” - Linda Ellis
From time to time I come across a writing that forces me to give thought to how I live my life. I found this poem by Linda Ellis on the back of a memorial card for a recently deceased friend, and I found myself reading it over and over. It then occurred to me that this poem was something I wanted to share with others, so here it is for you to read, contemplate and enjoy. How do you spend your dash?
“I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?”
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FINAL Branch Pickup of the Season: October 23 - 27
The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. This is the final pickup of the season. Learn More.
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Municipal Services Committee Meeting - October 23
The Municipal Services Committee will meet on October 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Darien City Hall for its regularly scheduled meeting. The committee is also planning for a special meeting on October 30, and the agenda will include the development proposal for the vacant CVS site at Lemont and Plainfield Roads.
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Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you'll see the fountain at Plainfield & Cass has been decorated with pink ribbons and lights. We honor and support those who have fought this disease and remember those who we have lost.
Learn more about testing, risk factors, and more here. |
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Share Your Thoughts on the DuPage County Trails Plan
The DuPage County Division of Transportation is seeking public feedback on its draft DuPage County Trails Plan. The comprehensive trails program was crafted after receiving input from more than 3,000 survey responses during the planning process. View the plan and share your feedback here. The county will be accepting feedback through November 17, 2023. |
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National Arts and Humanities Month
It’s National Arts & Humanities Month! We’re celebrating the power and impact of culture in Darien and in communities across the country and the world to connect us, promote health and well-being, address inequities, and create a stronger community for everyone.
Do you want to grow and share your creative side? There are many ways to get involved in the Arts in our community. The Darien Arts Council's mission is to support, create, develop, and implement projects in music, theater and the fine arts in the Darien community. Learn more about their upcoming events and how you can get involved here. Also, check out opportunities across Illinois with the Illinois Arts Council Agency. |
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Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
Free candy? Count us in! But first, let's talk about how to trick-or-treat safely on Halloween. Whether you are dressing up and knocking on doors or you'll be out driving on Halloween, you can take the following steps from the National Safety Council to ensure everyone's safety:
If you're trick-or-treating...
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
- Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
If you're out driving...
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
Find more tips here and stay safe and spooky! |
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Halloween Fun with the Park District
Join the Darien Park District for their spooky celebration, Halloween for Ghouls & Goblins, on Thursday, October 26, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This party is for little ones, 2 - 5 year olds. There will be activities, pizza, trick-or-treating, and more! Registration is required. Learn more here. |
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Darien Lions Club/Darien Park District
Halloween Event
The Darien Lions Club and Darien Park District will host a Halloween Party on Halloween Night, Tuesday, October 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Darien Sportsplex, 451 Plainfield Road. There will be games with prizes, ice skating and an ice cream social. Admission is free, courtesy of the Lions Club. View Flyer
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DIY Eco-Friendly Costumes
Want to spend less money and create less waste this Halloween? Try creating a costume from materials you already have at home! Use leftover fabric to become a ghost or a mummy. Turn those boxes into a robot. Cut cardboard into the shape of a sword and cover it in aluminum foil to become a knight. The options are endless!
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October is Pedestrian Safety Month
What better time to think about pedestrian safety than in October when children across the country will be enjoying the pedestrian tradition of Trick-or-Treating! But, as we all know, pedestrian safety is a year-round issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities went up by 13% and over 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide in 2021. Follow the NHTSA recommendations to stay safe on the roads:
Tips for Motorists
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
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Fall Home Maintenance - Driveway Cracks
Fix driveway cracks with crack sealer: When water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually, the concrete can crumble.
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Discover DuPage this Fall
If you are searching for local fun this Fall, look no further. Discover DuPage has fun events across the county all in one convenient location. Find scenic parks, fall festivals, apple farms, and more at discoverdupage.com! |
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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. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events! |
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October 21 - Rotary Club Recycling Event: link
Oct. 23 - 29 - Dine to Donate - Darien Arts Council @ Country House (Clarendon Hills location): link
October 25 - DGC Sprouts Gardening with Three Sisters Gardening: link
October 26 - Halloween for Ghouls and Goblins: link
October 31 - Darien Lions Club and Park District Halloween Party: link
November 6 - Darien Garden Club Meeting: link
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Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
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Darien Events and Happenings |
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Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
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Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!
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(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
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Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
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