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City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - September 12, 2024

Mayor's Message

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

- Audrey Hepburn


Today’s message contains two themes for your personal reflection. One theme deals with never giving up on your dreams, no matter how unattainable they might be, while the other emphasizes how important it is to know that when life presents us with grief and heartache, we have individuals in our lives who come to the forefront in our time of need, and walk side by side with us as we struggle with issues that appear insurmountable.


In my first teaching assignment out of college, I worked in an alternative high school program with students who were classified as “early school leavers” or by the more common term, “school dropouts.” These students exhibited issues that stood as obstacles to their successfully completing high school in a traditional setting. The challenges they faced in attaining a successful role in life, let alone a high school diploma were challenging. Despite these challenges, many of them worked to achieve success in life, and to this day many of them still contact me with their thanks for my intervention. Each of them faced obstacles in attaining their dreams, but they each believed that as Walt Disney stated, “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”


Secondly, we appear to be living in a time period where many individuals and families are dealing with life challenging issues. There are those who are struggling to provide for their families, finding proper health care or dealing with a mental health issue. Despite these challenges, I have often found that despite the difficulties life presents, there will always be those who come into our lives to offer their love and their emotional and spiritual support, when we need them the most. These are individuals who, when they recognize a friend in need or distress, will always offer they assistance.


Today’s messages hopefully will guide and assist others as they deal with similar issues in their lives. Like my former students, I hope that others pursue their dreams no matter how lofty they may seem, and secondly, when life places insurmountable obstacles in their lives that they find individuals who are there to walk by their side, and will never be alone.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Ask the Mayor


Do you have a question about City services? Want to better understand a City Council decision? Heard a rumor around town? Send your questions right to Mayor Joseph Marchese!


The City and Mayor Marchese are excited to reinstate "Ask the Mayor" series, which will increase transparency and provide residents with facts to raise understanding and awareness about important issues in our City. We will compile resident questions and share insights every few weeks through E-News, social media, and our webpage.


Please send your questions to communications@darienil.gov and stay tuned for answers in the coming weeks! We appreciate and welcome your feedback.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 - Oct. 15


Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to appreciate the community’s history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America. Please join us in recognizing the integral roles of these communities in American history. Learn more.

Electronic Waste Home Collection 


LRS is offering a free Electronic Waste Home Collection on your regular service day the week of October 7 - 11.

  • Submit a request online by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3 by clicking here or contacting LRS directly:
  • LRSrecycles.com/Darien
  • Email: Service@LRSrecycles.com
  • Phone: 844.Need.LRS 
  • Electronics must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your regular service day
  • Limit of seven items per request
  • Maximum of two TVs or monitors (TVs not exceeding 60 inches or 100 pounds) 
  • See below for a list of accepted items.

Cross Connection Control Survey


The City of Darien supplies millions of gallons of safe, clean water every day to our customers. Our water quality exceeds the standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Regulations. Per the IEPA, we are required to perform a "survey" of all water customers triennially to help protect the public water systems.


If you have received a postcard from Aqua Backflow/City of Darien, please visit TrackMyBackflow.com within 30 days. Click on Water Use Survey. Enter your Site ID# indicated on your postcard and complete the survey.


THANK YOU for your cooperation and assistance in keeping our water safe!

DuPage County Health Department Crisis Recover Center


Take a sneak peek at the Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) opening summer of 2025, bringing crucial support to those in crisis in DuPage County. Help us raise awareness by watching this video and sharing—because every step toward recovery counts! The CRC will be a resource for those facing a mental health or substance use crisis, offering care, support, and connections to resources.


If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available NOW. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

National Preparedness Month

 

There are steps we can each take before disaster strikes to be better prepared. Hopefully, we'll never need to put our disaster preparedness plan into action, but we can rest easier knowing we are ready to take care of ourselves and our loved ones in the event of an emergency.

  1. Gather and Protect Important Documentation. This includes IDs, Financial and Legal documents, Medical Information, and any other important documents. Protect your paper and electronic documentation in a fireproof and waterproof case or location. Learn more.
  2. Build an Emergency Kit. Be sure to stock your kit with enough food, water, and medication to last several days. Find more items to include in your kit here.
  3. Talk to Your Kids. Children need to be prepared too - find resources to help talk about preparedness with your kids here.

2025 Consolidated Election Packets Now Available


Packets for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election are available at City Hall beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the elected positions of Alderman Ward 1, Alderman Ward 3, Alderman Ward 5, and Alderman Ward 7. Learn more here

The City is Hiring


The City of Darien Police Department is accepting applications for a Part-time Community Service Officer (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 $19.21 per hour. Top Pay Range for this position is $23.58 per hour. Uniforms and equipment are provided. The candidate has to be able to work Monday – Friday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excludes holidays). Schedule may vary during training and special City events.


Learn more and apply here.

St. John Lutheran Cemetery Walk

September 14, 1:00 p.m.

67th Street & Clarendon Hills Road


Select gravesites of area residents from past generations will be toured. Docents in period dress will portray these early settlers and give first person narratives about their lives and

contributions, including insight into local history. Families are welcome! View Flyer

Darien Park District - Hoe-Down


Enjoy an afternoon of Fall Fun at the Hoe-Down at Darien Community Park on September 15, from noon to 5:00 p.m. No registration required!

Oktoberfest - September 21


Celebrate the beginning of Fall on September 21 at Oktoberfest at Westwood Park. Bring the whole family and enjoy the food, beer, music, and games from noon until 10:00 p.m.!

Fire Prevention Week Open House - October 5


The Darien-Woodridge and Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection Districts are hosting a 2024 Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, October 5. Stop by Station 89 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to see a firefighter fashion show, try out the children's slide pole, see a K9 demonstration and more! View Flyer

Casino Night - October 18


Mark your calendar for the Darien Chamber of Commerce's Casino Night on October 18! Learn more here.

211 DuPage - Persons with Disabilities


211 has a wide variety of resources for persons with disabilities. They can help with transportation, abuse prevention, housing, recreation, and more!


Get connected to services by calling 211 or visiting 211dupage.gov.

City Council Meeting - September 16


The City Council will meet on Monday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Darien City Hall. View the Agenda here.

Planning and Zoning Meeting - Cancelled


The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for September 18 is cancelled. Find future meetings on the Community Calendar.

Get Emergency Alerts from the Darien Police Department
In our continuing effort to keep Darien residents informed, the Darien Police Department is introducing Emergency Notifications via text. Please visit our Direct Connect Signup page and provide your cell phone number to receive text notifications in case of an emergency. These texts will be sent at any time (day and night) when an incident within the City may impact the community (e.g. police activity, accidents where there are road closures, etc.). There is no cost to sign up for this service. The Police Department will continue to use X/Twitter for non-urgent notifications.
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.
Community News & Events
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

Darien Woman’s Club Fall Member Registration is now OPEN: link


Darien Historical Society Cemetery Walk - September 14: link


Darien Park District's Hoe-Down - September 15: link


Blood Drive at Indian Prairie Public Library - September 17: link


Oktoberfest - September 21: link


DGC Sprouts Marvelous Monarch Migration - September 25: link


Shred It! - September 28: link


Angela's Fall Fest - September 28 - 29: link


Fire Prevention Week Open House - October 5: link


Casino Night - October 18: link


Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
September 11, 2024 Police Press Release Here
Darien Events and Happenings
Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!

Connect with us!

Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390

Bryon Vana, City Administrator,
(630) 353-8114

City Hall (630) 852-5000

Police Department (630) 971-3999


Community Development (630) 353-8115
Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
Follow us on Facebook at @CityofDarien.
Follow us on X at @CityofDarien.
Follow the Darien Police Department on X at @DarienPolice.
Join your Darien neighbors on Nextdoor.