The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - September 28, 2023
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Mayor's Message
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Almost two years ago, I organized a committee composed of representatives of our service, civic and social community organizations. We adopted the name, “Darien Action Committee,” and our goal has always been to bring our community groups together in service to the City of Darien. While our efforts have been successful in so many ways, we are most proud, when our planning leads to enhancing existing events (Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony), or in planning new activities or services, (our Community Calendar).
This past January, we discussed upcoming events for the year and came upon the idea of instituting an Oktoberfest Celebration as an adjunct to the City’s concert series. At the conclusion of our meeting, Mike Falco, then President of the Darien Lions Club approached me saying that he really felt that the City, working with the Lions Club and several of the other groups could really bring this to fruition. I shared this idea with city staff, and we made a commitment to assisting financially and with city services. Lion Falco organized a committee that included April Padalik, Chamber Executive Director representing the city, and they worked diligently to present a great day of food, music, games and entertainment for our residents.
If you came out this last Saturday. September 23 to the Carriage Greens North Parking lot, you saw anywhere between 1,000 to 1,200 participants joining the Darien Youth Club for an afternoon of BINGO, or competing in the Darien Swim and Recreation Clubs Corn hole Tournament, or watched their children enjoy the “bouncy house,” while still others waited in line for the face painting artist. If not participating in any of these events, patrons were enjoying the German style food and drink presented by the Darien Lions Club, and relaxed listing to the music presented by two great musical groups.
Events such as this don’t occur without the work and cooperation of city staff with each of the groups that participated in the event. Many thanks to Lion Mike Falco, the Darien Lions, and the Darien Woman’s Club, the Darien Youth Club, the Darien Swim and Recreation Club, the Darien Public Works team and the Darien Chamber of Commerce. The success of our Oktoberfest was due to the work of each of these groups to whom I say with deepest gratitude for your commitment to serve, I thank you on behalf of the City of Darien and the people we serve.
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Darien Resident Survey
As the City gears up for its annual goal-setting session, we would like to include your input! Mayor Marchese and the City Council are interested in hearing what you, our residents, have to say about Darien! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. The survey results are anonymous unless you leave your email requesting a response.
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Coffee with a Cop - October 4
Join your neighbors and police officers for a hot cup of coffee and great conversation on National Coffee with a Cop Day on October 4th! We will gather at the McDonalds at 809 Plainfield Rd in Darien from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Check out the full flyer here.
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Oktoberfest Thank You
On behalf of the City of Darien and Darien Lions Club, I want to thank those who attended the City’s first Oktoberfest this past Saturday. The attendance was plentiful and the activities were enjoyable! If you couldn’t attend this year, we hope to see you there next year. I would appreciate any feedback you can provide on this event so we can identify improvements to next year’s fest. I look forward to your feedback, thank you!
Mayor Joe Marchese at jmarchese@darienil.gov or 630-353-8108.
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Electronic Waste Collection Event - October 16
The City of Darien will be providing Darien residents home collection of E-Waste items. This service provides a more convenient and simple way to responsibly manage electronics that are banned from landfills. There is no charge for this service.
Registration is required and is now open online. Late registrations will not be included in the collection and will require a special pickup fee paid in advance. Registration is required by October 11 at 6 p.m. Postcards were mailed to residents in mid-September.
- Seven item limit including only two total TVs or Monitors or one of each
- Tube TVs may not exceed 40” (inches) or 100 pounds
- Flat Screen TVs may not exceed 48”(inches) or 100 pounds LRS may provide an estimate for a special handling fee of E-Waste exceeding limitations. If you would like to inquire about an estimate, please e-mail Service@LRSrecycles.com or call 844-NEED-LRS.
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Congratulations Darien Garden Club
The Darien Garden Club was recently awarded the 2023 Pollinator Protector Award by the DuPage Monarch Project. The Darien Garden Club is a model of environmental activism. Their educational outreach, community engagement and habitat projects are transforming Darien into a bee and butterfly-friendly community and driving regional awareness of what can be accomplished for pollinators by a group of passionate and informed volunteers.
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Fall Yard Waste Reminders
Fall has arrived and will soon bring beautifully colored leaves covering the trees and the ground! All those leaves, combined with other fall clean-up activities, can produce a lot of extra yard waste. Follow these guidelines from LRS to properly dispose of your yard waste.
The City of Darien's final branch pick-up will take place October 23 - 27. Find more details on how to participate here.
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September is National Preparedness Month
Now that you have assessed your needs, made your plan, and built your preparedness kit, the third and final step is to engage with your community. The goal is to create a support network that can help you during an emergency. Think of your family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, and others in your surrounding community and be sure to engage them in your preparedness planning. The following list includes some ways you may engage your community:
- Inform your support network of specific needs you have.
- Practice your emergency plan with your support network.
- Ensure a member of your support network has a key to your home and knows where important items, such as medication and emergency supplies, are kept.
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City Council Meeting - October 2
City Council will meet on Monday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall at 1702 Plainfield Road.
The agenda will be posted here.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing - October 4
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien will hold a public hearing on October 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road.
The hearing involves a petition from the City of Darien to amend the Zoning Ordinance
creating a section regulating Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. Read the full notice here.
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Economic Development Committee Meeting - October 5
The Economic Development Committee will meet on Thursday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall at 1702 Plainfield Road.
The agenda will be posted here.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!
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September 25 - October 1 - Darien Woman's Club Fundraiser: link
October 2 - Darien Garden Club Meeting: link
October 3 & 4 - Darien Arts Council - Up the Down Staircase Auditions: link
October 6, 7, 13 & 14 - Darien Lions Club Candy Day: link
October 7 - Faith and Blue Weekend - OLP Fall Festival: link
October 12 - Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser for Seniors: link
October 14 & 15 - Angela's Crafts & Pumpkin Patch!: 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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