A year or two ago, rather than write a “Mayor’s Message,” I provided our readers with a copy of Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” and I asked each of you to provide me with your interpretation of the poem, and its possible meaning for you. I received a large response from readers who found a connection with the poem and major choices in their lives. Over the last several years, I have given thought to trying to replicate this activity as I sought the perfect “vehicle” that I felt might present itself from different interpretive perspectives.

Bill Mauldin, an editorial cartoonist with the Chicago Sun-Times and two time Pulitzer Prize winner depicted what many call the “Weeping Lincoln,” following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. For many of us it symbolized the grief that many of us felt following the assassination. After its original publication, over 500,000 people, including Jackie Kennedy requested reprints of the paper showing the picture.

“The Weeping Lincoln”

- Bill Mauldin - 1963

I recently came across the cartoon, and was immediately transported back to November 22, 1963, when as a 13 year old, I sat in my eighth grade class and heard that our president had been assassinated in Dallas, Texas. JFK’s death was like a death in the family to many of us, and sixty years later, seeing the picture of the weeping Lincoln brought back many of those memories.

For those of you old enough to remember, what impact does this picture have on you? For those of you who were not alive when Kennedy was assassinated, what meaning, if any, does this picture have for you? For any of us, is there anything that the weeping Lincoln represents in today’s world? If Mauldin was still alive, would he still have a reason to depict Lincoln weeping in his chair?

Let me know your thoughts at jmarchese@darienil.gov.

Darien Fest: August 9-11

Join us this weekend for Darien Fest, August 9 - 11 at Westwood Park (northeast corner of 75th St. and Fairview Ave.). There will be carnival rides, food and drinks, and live entertainment daily! Unlimited ride specials are available.

Entertainment includes:

• Friday - Cadillac Groove
• Saturday - Lyn Skynyrd
• Sunday - Whiskey Road

NO pets, bikes, coolers or outside food and beverages are allowed inside the grounds.

The event is presented by the City of Darien and the Darien Chamber of Commerce. View Details.

National Night Out

Thank you to all who came out this past week to celebrate National Night Out, meet your neighbors and help make our neighborhoods safer! We are grateful for all the hard work that went into making it a fun night!

Back-to-School - Shop Local

Back-to-School Shopping Season is here! Shopping locally supports our community and our local economy. While you may not find every item on your list in local shops, always shop local first. You may be surprised by the great selection you can find right here!

The Summer Concert Series

We are looking forward to our last summer concert featuring Reckless on August 29. Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun starting at 6:00 p.m. You can bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax at the park while enjoying food from great local restaurants. Cleaning supplies and canned goods donations are being collected before the show and will go to the Mount Carmel Food Pantry.

Summer Safety Tips - Prevent Mosquito Bites and West Nile Virus

DuPage County has reported the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the county this year. WNV is spread through bites from infected mosquitoes. DuPage County has seen a rise in the numbers of mosquitoes testing positive for WNV this summer and residents are advised to take care to prevent mosquito bites by following the "Four Ds":

Drain: Drain those items that collect standing water around your home, yard, or business. Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly.

Defend: Use an insect repellant containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.

Dress: Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes when outside to cover the skin.

Dusk & Dawn: Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Wear repellant when outdoors, especially during these prime times for mosquito activity.

West Nile Virus and mosquito activity are expected to decrease as the temperatures cool down going into fall. Learn more here.

DuPage County Health Department Encourages Parents to Schedule Back-to-School Vaccinations

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your child is up to date with their routine vaccinations. The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) urges parents to prioritize vaccinations on their back-to-school checklist.

Illinois immunization requirements for children and adolescents enrolling in childcare or school align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. For more information, see the IDPH 2024-2025 School Immunization Requirements.

DCHD also reminds parents to schedule and discuss routine vaccinations with their children’s primary care provider. Additionally, childhood immunizations are available at DCHD through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for all children who are uninsured, have insurance that does not cover immunizations, or are Medicaid-eligible.

This is a summary of a DCHD New Release, see the full release here.

DuPage County Veterans Resource Fair - August 21

Veterans and their families are invited to join the DuPage County Recorder and the Veterans Assistance Commission of DuPage County for the sixth annual Veterans Resource Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 21 in the first floor Auditorium of the JTK Administration Building at 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton. Learn more here.

Darien Woman’s Club Fall Member Registration is now OPEN: link

Darien Fest - August 9 - 11: link

On Par: Sports Bar & Griil - Soft Opening - August 14-15: link

Darien Sprouts - Pickle Party - August 18: link

Darien Sprouts - Recycling Rain! - August 28: link

Darien Summer Concert Series - August 29: link

Treasures in a Trunk Sale - September 7: link