WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
Mayor's Message
"Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it's a rebirth of the spirit."
- Toni Sorenson
"Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be."
– Unknown
The longer days, the sprouting of plants awakening from their winter hibernation, the greening of our lawns and the budding of our trees, the patter of raindrops and the sound of neighborhood children playing outdoors are all serving as signs that spring is upon us. As a young boy, I yearned for spring; for the return of baseball, a chance to get on my bike and ride through the neighborhood or simply sitting on the back porch and enjoying the last vestiges of a beautiful spring day. How remarkable an impact the change from winter to spring has on all of us; it is almost as if spring presents us with a chance to look at the world and our lives with a new hope, and a belief that life will be better. Spring provides us with a chance to look at this change of season as an opportunity to overcome any of the grief or sadness that we experienced during the winter months.
As Mother Nature continues to provides signs that spring is almost here, I wish that all of you can see this change of the seasons as a “rebirth of the spirit;” a chance to put aside the adversities experienced during the winter months and a refocusing not only on the beauties of nature, but as a chance to seek personal renewal. I look forward to tending my garden, going for walks through the neighborhood, a chance to visit with neighbors and with new friends, taking a bike ride, opening our windows for fresh air and simply looking at my life and thanking God for the gifts that he has given me. Best wishes to all of you, may spring bring you greater joy and happiness in your lives.
Wishing the Muslim community a peaceful and happy Ramadan
Thank You for Your Patience in the Transition to LRS
On behalf of Mayor Marchese, the City Council and staff, we want to thank the residents for their assistance and patience during the transition to LRS. LRS now provides Darien with the weekly collection of waste, recycling, yard waste, food scraps, bulk items, white good appliances and a free curbside electronics recycling service two times per year for Darien homes covered by the contract between Darien and LRS.
This significant change in service was a challenge for LRS, residents, and staff. Since November of 2021, LRS and the city planned and carried out a significant public information campaign about the changeover, developed a quick and simple registration process for residents to sign up, and coordinated the distribution of approximately 20,000 carts throughout Darien. LRS informed us that over 70% of residents registered for service by the deadline date. This was the highest registration turnout LRS ever experienced!
Keep an eye out for the electronic recycling brochure that LRS will send out soon. In 2022, LRS will provide two curbside Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Home Collections, the week of May 2nd and September 19th. There will be no charge for this service. Registration will be required and will open online mid-April of 2022 on the LRS webpage.
To learn more about the City of Darien’s new waste services including the electronic recycling event, visit: LRSRECYCLES.COM/DARIEN or call LRS at 844-633-3577.
Citizen Commendation: Brian and Kristina Payne
Brian and Kristina Payne received a commendation from Darien Police Chief Greg Thomas for responding to an accident with injuries on Cass Avenue on February 5. Brian and Kristina noticed vehicles involved in the accident were on fire so Brian responded quickly with a fire extinguisher while Kristina found a coat to keep those involved in the accident warm and rendered aid to them.
Anne Christenson Presented with Heart of Darien Award
When the pandemic threatened the Darien Woman's Club’s Art Fair’s 46-year tradition, Anne Christenson was determined to provide a healing experience for artists, essential workers and the community.
The “We heART Our Heroes” Project connected Darien Woman's Club members with Darien residents and provided an opportunity to thank and recognize our community heroes. Eight 3 feet by 6 feet composites with over 500 “artful messages of gratitude” were used to construct large and meaningful pieces of art. Through her efforts, Anne has shared part of her heart with our Darien Community, and it is with great pride that the City honors Anne Christenson with the Heart of Darien Award.
Economic Development Committee Meeting - April 7
The Economic Development Committee will meet this evening, April 7. The Committee will welcome Chestnut Court’s Asset Management team (PineTree) for a discussion on redevelopment strategies for the shopping center.
DATE: Thursday, April 7, 2022
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers (1702 Plainfield Road)
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The fight to end distracted driving starts with you. Make the commitment to drive phone-free today.
- Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
- Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
- Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.
Branch Collection
The City’s Public Works Branch Pickup Program is free for all single-family homes and provides for the collection and disposal of branches from residential properties. 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. Learn more.
FREE BRANCH PICK UP DATES (2022)
- April 25th through 29th
- June 20th through 24th
- August 22nd through 26th
- October 24th through 28th
Hiring a Contractor? Do Your Homework
Hiring a contractor? Find out as much as you can before hiring them.
- Check with the Illinois Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, etc.
- The State of Illinois has a website for checking roofing contractors' state license (required to get a roof permit in Darien).
- Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, or coworkers who have had home improvement work done.
- Get written estimates from several firms - but don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. There are other factors besides cost to consider.
#9PM ROUTINE
- REMOVE key fobs and spare keys from vehicle
- REMOVE ALL valuables from vehicle
- LOCK your vehicle
- LOCK your residential doors
- TURN ON your exterior lights
Community News & Events
Queen of Hearts
This week, the 7 of Clubs was revealed at position 23. The new pot will grow to approximately $8,200 for next week's drawing.
Get your tickets for only $1 at Q Bar in Darien and join us for next week's drawing!!
Darien Garden Club Sprouts
Darien Garden Club Sprouts is our new garden club for children and their families. Join us for our kick-off event; a Beginning Gardener Workshop on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m.
The workshop will include the basics of planning and starting a home garden, Plants101 and seed starting lessons. The event will be held in the north pavilion at Darien Community Park, 7100 Clarendon Hills Road. Registration required; reserve one ticket/child here. Find more Sprouts Membership information here.
Rotary Club - Casino Night - April 26
The Darien Rotary Club is hosting a Casino Night on Tuesday, April 26 at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75th Street, Downers Grove.
The evening will include Las Vegas-style casino games, food, drinks, silent auction. Cost: $100 / person, includes $100 of casino chips and one drink. The event helps the Darien Rotary Club feed approximately 150 school-age children in Darien and nearby communities. Register or donate here.
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.
Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
Darien Events and Happenings
Connect with us!
(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
Police Department (630) 971-3999
Community Development (630) 353-8115
City of Darien | 1702 Plainfield, Darien, IL 60561
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