“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” - Unknown

Earlier this year, Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham reached out to Willowbrook Mayor Frank Trilla and myself for our help in rectifying a disaster that still exists today and appears to have no solution. As many of you might remember, on the evening of Father’s Day, June 20, 2021, and EF-3 tornado hit, Naperville, Woodridge, Darien and parts of Burr Ridge. Woodridge was hit especially hard, resulting in devastating impacts across its community. While most of the damage that occurred has been rectified, a Woodridge Condo Community is still seeing the impact of that storm some 35 months later. Twenty-four families are homeless, having to pay their mortgage, their assessments for a home they cannot live in as well as rent for their current temporary home.

When Mayor Cunningham met with Mayor Trilla and myself, she discussed various efforts that have been made to assist these families, and asked for our assistance in alleviating this problem, and to “bring our neighbors home.” Mayor Trilla and I quickly volunteered our support and work in creating a fundraising effort that would raise funds to assist in bringing some relief for these families. We formed a group titled “Mayors Helping Mayors,” and pledged to work with Woodridge’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” a 501C-3 disaster relief group that had been set up to assist the community immediately following the 2021 tornado.

Due to the efforts of both groups, we planned and implemented a fundraiser that took place on Wednesday, June 26 at Seven Bridges Golf Club. Our turnout was excellent, and while the final figures are not in, we know we have put a dent in the $1M needed to bring these individuals back home. There is still more to do, and Mayors Helping Mayors and Neighbors Helping Neighbors is committed to continue our efforts to further alleviate the costs for these twenty-four families.

Please visit our website by going to www.woodridgenhn.org, and if possible, make a donation to our cause. While our efforts to date are commendable, much work remains, and we need your help, whether you live in Woodridge, Darien or Willowbrook. When you visit our site, please remember, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give…” Thank You!

The City of Darien's Economic Development Update

View Mayor Marchese's Ecomonic Development Update from April 24, 2024 here and learn about the status of Darien's Economy and the City's plans for the future!

July is Park and Recreation Month

Since 1985, the United States has celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.

Let's take time this summer to appreciate our very own Darien Park District and the wide array of programming, beautiful green spaces, and support they provide to our community. Learn more about the parks and events near you at darienparks.com.

The Summer Concert Series

The 2024 Summer Concert Series kicked off last month and we can't wait for the next show. Mark your calendars for Cadillac Groove on July 25th and bring your friends and family for an evening of fun!

Plastic Free July

Plastic pollution is a serious problem for our planet. According to the Rochester Institute of Technology, over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes annually. We can each make a difference by reducing the single-use plastics in our everyday lives. Some great ways to start include: taking reusable bags to the store, using refillable water bottles, and keeping produce loose at the grocery store. Find more ways to reduce the plastic in your life here.

We can also help keep plastics out of the Great Lakes by participating in beach clean-ups. You can find a beach clean-up to join, organize your own beach clean-up, or adopt a beach here. We can each make a difference in our community!

Summer Safety - Heat Related Illness

During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. The National Weather Service encourages everyone to learn the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. If you don't have air conditioning and need to find relief from the heat, head to Indian Prairie Public Library during their operating hours or find another cooling center near you at 211dupage.gov.

Heat Cramps - Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

• Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and heavy sweating.
• First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. 
• Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting.
• First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably air conditioning. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen, or last longer than 1 hour

Heat Stroke

• Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
• First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler location, preferably air conditioning. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.

City Council Meeting - July 15

The City Council will meet on Monday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Darien City Hall. View the agenda here.

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Cancelled

The Planning and Zoning Commission planned for July 17 is cancelled. Find future meetings on the Community Calendar.

Youth Basketball Workouts - July 7, 14, & 21; August 3: link

Darien Stars Program Tryouts - July 8 & 15, July 9 & 16: link

Darien Community Blood Drive - July 20: link

Every Garden Tells a Story - Garden Walk - July 20: link

Knights 3 on 3 Tournament - July 28: link

Lacrosse Clinic - July 28: link