The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
| |
Weekly eNews - September 19, 2024 | |
“Winter is an etching, spring a water color, summer an oil painting, and autumn a
mosaic of them all.” - Stanley Horowitz
Throughout most of my life, I have not always had an appreciation for the beauty of autumn. I did not find any comfort in the rich tapestry of autumn colors; the cooler, and the crisp air of autumn served more as a reminder that the harsh cold of winter would soon be upon us. While the beauty of the season was so evident to others, I mourned the loss of warm summer days with short sleeve shirts, shorts and walking in my backyard in my bare feet.
As I grew older, and life slowed down a bit, I came to appreciate autumn as a time when I could reflect on the past year, taking stock of personal growth, and thoughts of the near future. I found that autumn allowed me to embrace change not only in the seasons, but in my life, and to focus on the beauty of just letting go. I now find comfort in my wearing of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and gatherings such as Oktoberfest, when I get to share time with loved ones. In many respects, these rituals serve as a metaphor for finding warmth and connection amid the changing seasons of my life.
I now view autumn as a season that encourages me to appreciate the present moment, honor the past, and look forward with hope and anticipation; it has become a mirror of my inner being, and the cycles I navigate through my life’s journey. It is no longer a time I mourn the loss of summer; autumn is now, for me, a season where I can enjoy its visual splendor, and the sense of transition and preparation it embodies. May it become a profound and cherished time of year for all of you.
| |
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.
| |
Darien Park District Day - September 16, 2024
The City of Darien honored the Darien Park District for their 50 years of service to the Darien Community with a proclamation read at our September 16 City Council Meeting. Receiving the proclamation is Mr. Ray Jablonski, President of the Darien Park District, along with Mr. Frank Noverini, and Mrs. Cathy Marchese, who serve as Park District Board Commissioners. Thank you for your commitment to enriching the lives of Darien residents!
| |
Congratulations Deputy Chief Norton!
Please join us in congratulating Deputy Chief Jason Norton who has just graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. Read the press release here.
We are proud to have Deputy Chief Norton serving our community and happy to welcome him back from this prestigious training!
| |
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.
| |
Child Passenger Safety Week September 15 - 21
Illinois recognizes Child Passenger Safety Week and reminds parents and caregivers that state law requires that all children under the age of eight being transported in a motor vehicle must be properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint system, EVERY TRIP, EVERY TIME! Learn more here.
Safety inspections and proper installations for child car seats are available through the Police Department. If you would like to make an appointment to ensure that your child's car seat is safely secured and appropriate for your child, please call the Darien Police Department at 630-971-3999 for an appointment. There is no charge for this service.
| |
Rail Safety Week - September 23 - 29, 2024
Take some time this week to review the Rail Safety Tips we should be following all year round to protect ourselves and our community:
- Always expect a train at any intersection at any time.
-
The train always has the right of way. This is true 100% of the time over pedestrians and vehicles, including police and emergency vehicles.
-
Stay back from the tracks. Trains can extend 3 feet beyond the steel rail.
-
Stay alert around railroad tracks. Refrain from texting, using headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train; never mix rails and recreation.
-
Modern trains are quieter than ever. Don’t expect to hear it coming.
-
Trains cannot stop quickly. It takes the average freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile—the length of 18 football fields—to stop.
Find more life-saving tips here and in the video below.
| |
National Preparedness Month
Disasters, evacuations, and any other emergency situations can make us feel panicked - but remember that you are prepared! Follow your family's preparedness plan to help keep you safe and on track during what may be a high-stress and confusion time. If you need to evacuate:
- Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
- Remember to take your emergency supply kit.
- If time allows: Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
- Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
- Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
- Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
- Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked.
- Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.
- Use the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your local area.
| | |
Suicide Prevention Month - Veteran Resources
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, including Veterans. If you are or you know a Veteran who is contemplating suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line:
Crisis Line services are also available through the DuPage County Health Department Crisis Line at, 630-627-1700. If you encounter a Veteran who is at imminent risk of suicide call 911.
As always, help is available NOW for any person struggling or in crisis. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
| |
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.!
| |
Coffee with a Cop - October 2
The Darien Police Department will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Monday, Oct 2 at the McDonald’s at 809 Plainfield Rd. in Darien from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.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
| |
|
211 DuPage - Disaster Services
211 is ready for National Preparedness Month with a variety of Disaster Services. Find cooling and warming centers, connect to disaster resources, and more.
Get connected to services by calling 211 or visiting 211dupage.gov.
| |
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 EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!
| |
Darien Youth Club Basketball and Vollyball Registration is OPEN for 2024/25: link
Darien Woman’s Club Fall Member Registration is now OPEN: 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.
| |
|
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!
| |
(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
| |
Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
| | | | |