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Weekly eNews - March 23, 2023
Mayor's Message
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” - Mark Twain

Well, if you have not noticed, today’s date (3/23/23) is one of those unique dates called a “palindrome.” A palindrome is a date that can be read the same way, backward or forward. In fact, March 2023 is a month where you will find five dates that fit this pattern, and you might have some fun asking others to list the four other dates besides the 3/23/23 format.

Now you may ask, what does this have to do with anything important, and for many of you, it really doesn’t matter, but for me, 3/23/23 happens to be my birthday, so “Happy Birthday” to me, and to all the folks celebrating 3/23/23 birthdays. The year 2023 also holds significance for Cathy and I in that we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this coming August, and to be quite honest, I am amazed at how quickly the years have passed. As I look at my life as a series of “chapters,” with each chapter signifying the important events in our lives, I am blessed that I have had the love of my life with me in each of those chapters.

I believe that as each chapter of our lives takes place, we need to be conscious of the fact that as Philip James Bailey states,” It matters not how long we live but how,” and to live our lives as if we really mattered. Aging has never really mattered to me as much as knowing that I have touched the lives of others in a positive way, and somehow made their world a bit better. Please forgive me for my sentimentality, I have reached an age in life where I constantly reflect on the past in an effort to prepare for the future. As Franz Kafka states, “anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old," and today, as I celebrate another year of life, I can honestly say that I have experienced the beauty of the world around me in each chapter of my life.

Again, I wish all those celebrating their birthdays today, a happy and beautiful day with their loved ones and their friends.
April 4th Consolidated Election

The consolidated election is Tuesday, April 4. Check out the DuPage County website for your voter registration information and early voting locations near you!

If you are interested in working the polls as an Election Judge, you can find more information here.
Election Signs

As a reminder, election and other temporary signs are not permitted on City property. The City does remove and dispose of signs on a daily basis. Many of these signs are placed on roadways and the road rights-of-way and violate city code section 4-3-8-S: EXEMPT SIGNS. Election signs on county roads, such as 75th Street, Plainfield Road, Cass Avenue and Lemont Road are regulated by DuPage County and not the City.
Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Learn more.
Yard Waste and Food Scrap Composting

Yard Waste Season is starting on April 1st!
Yard waste is collected on the same day of the week as your garbage and recycling. Follow these tips when putting out your yard waste:

  • There is no limit to the amount of yard waste that may be placed out for collection.
  • Organic Food Scrap may be mixed with yard waste and includes bread, cereal, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, eggs, fruits, grain, pasta shells, and vegetables.
  • All items must be placed out for collection by 6:00 A.M. on collection day. 
  • Yard waste bags are to be a minimum of 2-ply, biodegradable paper, not to exceed 30-gallons or 50 pounds when full. 
  • Non-LRS containers may be used so long as they do not exceed 33 gallons in size or 50 pounds in weight when full. Containers must clearly indicate YARD WASTE. Yard waste container labels stickers are available at City Hall. Non-LRS containers must have two handles for lifting. LRS does not recommend using your own container as drivers may use the automated lifting mechanism which may damage your container. LRS will not repair or replace non-LRS containers used for yard waste.

Learn more about Yard Waste Collection and other LRS Services here.
Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is here and it's time to declutter and deep clean before summer arrives! Be sure to add the following items to your spring cleaning check list to keep your home running efficiently and safely.

  • Replace your HVAC and/or furnace filters
  • Clean your refrigerator and freezer, defrosting if needed
  • Clean out your dryer vent
  • Inspect and fix gaps in door and window seals
  • Always check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Dog Barking? Call 911

With warmer weather coming and windows open you may be hearing more outside noise. If you have a barking dog in the neighborhood that is causing a nuisance, the City recommends calling 911 when it occurs and the police will investigate.
Make Your Garden Extra "Green" This Year

As you plan out your spring garden, remember that the most environmentally friendly planters might be items you already have around the house! Check out these up-cycled planter ideas and get those gardens ready to bloom. Don't be afraid to get creative - planters and pots can be made out of almost anything that will hold soil!

  • Boots and other shoes
  • Tires
  • Cookware
  • Wagons
  • Coffee cans
  • Old bathtubs
  • Plastic containers, bottles, and storage bins
Seasonal Employment Opportunity
Public Works Department

The City of Darien is accepting applications for summer employment for its Public Works Department. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Work involves manual labor and is primarily outdoors. The starting salary is $18.75. Applications can be obtained online under Employment-Opportunities. Applications can be sent to the City of Darien at 1702 Plainfield Rd., Darien, Il. 60561 or emailed to lklemm@darienil.gov.
Branch Pick-Ups Start in April

The first Branch Pick-Up week for the 2023 year will be April 24 - 28. The City of Darien is pleased 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. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS.

Community News & Events
Queen of Hearts

This past week, the 7 of Clubs was revealed at position 11. The new pot will grow to approximately $24,650 for next week's drawing. Get your tickets for only $1 at Q Bar in Darien and join us for next week's drawing, on 3/27 at 8:00 pm.
Darien Woman's Club/Historical Society Plant Sale
Order by April 10

The Darien Woman’s Club and the Darien Historical Society are holding a plant sale. All proceeds will go towards the efforts of both organizations to benefit the community. Plants must be pre-ordered by April 10 and paid for when the order is placed. Plants must be picked up on Saturday, May 6 between the hours of 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the grounds of Old Lace Schoolhouse and Museum (7422 Cass Ave, Darien). This is a drive-thru plant pick-up.

See the attached Plant Order Form to choose the plants you wish to purchase and complete the attached Plant Payment Form. Both forms should be mailed to the Darien Historical Society – 7422 Cass Ave., Darien, IL 60561.
Darien Woman’s Club Glamour Gala - April 16 

The Darien Woman’s Club is holding a Glamour Gala luncheon and fashion show fundraiser. The event will take place on April 16th from 11:00am – 3:00pm at Ruth Lake County Club. All proceeds will support the club’s philanthropic efforts in Darien and the surrounding communities. Please register here.
Darien Rotary Club’s Casino Night

Save the date for Darien Rotary Club’s Casino Night event on Tuesday, April 25th, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. There will be food, drink, raffles, and casino games. All attendees have a chance to win a trip for two to the Cosmopolitan Casino in Las Vegas with airfare included!

The event will be held at Ashyana Banquets at 1620 75th St in Downers Grove. Register here.
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!
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
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