City of Darien | 630-852-5000 | www.darien.il.us | Facebook | Twitter | Nextdoor

The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - December 12, 2024

Mayor's Message

I just got one last thing, I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going. - Jim Valvano


As many of you know, my son Jon was recently taken from us by cancer. One of Jon’s favorite heroes in his battle with cancer was Jimmy Valvano, the late coach and ESPN commentator. Following Jon’s passing, I went looking for a speech Coach Valvano gave that served as the foundation and inspiration for the “Jimmy V Cancer Foundation.” Jon’s favorite line from the speech was Coach Valvano’s charge to “Don’t give up, Don’t ever give up," which Jon practiced on a daily basis. The other evening I found the speech which was part of an ESPN broadcast featuring Coach Valvano addressing a live audience after receiving the Arthur Ashe Award, and came two months before his life was taken by cancer. As I listened to him, I thought how remarkably brave a man he was as he faced a life-threatening disease for which there was no cure. His tone was one of hope and appreciation for all that he experienced in life, and he consistently, throughout his talk spoke to his love of life and how we can all achieve our goals if we never give up hope that we will succeed. His quote, “In every single day, in every walk of life, ordinary people do extraordinary things,” speaks to the fact that each of us has the ability to touch the lives of others in a very positive way. His words resonated with me, and I gained a better understanding of my son and why he always had such a positive outlook during his three-year battle with cancer.


We often look around us and are often amazed by the achievements of others, failing to

realize that while we might lack their talents, we need to look inward and recognize our gifts and how we can use those gifts to mark achievement in our lives. Jimmy Valvano said that “a person really doesn't become whole until he becomes a part of something that's bigger than himself.” We are entering a time of year that is marked by great happiness by some and great sadness for others. At this time of year we have an opportunity to work toward alleviating much of that unhappiness through our joining with others to serve our community. What greater gift can you give than to work at bringing joy to an individual or individuals experiencing hardship?


I believe the best message that Jimmy Valvano left us as he battled cancer was to enjoy

life and appreciate that which we have in our lives and that which we can share with others. It was a message that Jon believed and lived during the last three years of his life,

a time when you always saw a smile on his face and hope in his words. I will never forget

the last words of Coach Valvano’s speech, when he stated, “I just got one last thing, I urge

all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going.” Jon not only believed in this motto, he lived that motto. Thanks, Jimmy, for your wonderful advice.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Donate Toys for Children in Need


Darien Police Department, 1710 Plainfield Road – main lobby - is a collection site for Toy Express Charities. Residents can drop off unwrapped toys from ages infant to 12 years old until January 5, 2025.

Shop Local and Shop Small


Celebrate the businesses that call The City of Darien and DuPage County home by shopping Local and Small this holiday season! Click here to find local businesses.

Christmas Tree Fire Prevention


Fresh Christmas trees are beautiful and bring a bit magic to our homes during this time of the year. But, if you are putting up a tree in your home, be sure to follow the National Fire Protection Association's tips below to reduce your risk of a house fire and increase your peace of mind:


  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
  • Before placing the tree in a stand, cut off 2" inches from the base of the trunk.
  • Ensure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
  • Make sure the tree is NOT blocking an exit.
  • Be sure to add water to the tree stand. Don't be surprised if the tree drinks a lot of water the first day. Continue to water the tree daily.
  • Use lights that have been tested by a recognized testing laboratory. Check to see if your lights are rated for indoor use, outdoor use or both.
  • Replace any strand of lights if they have a worn or broken cord or have loose bulb connections. Read manufacturers' recommendations on how many strands can be connected.
  • NEVER use candles to decorate a tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Dispose of the tree properly once it has dried out.

Darien Lions Holiday Food Basket Program


Spread the joy this season by supporting the Darien Lions' 2024 Holiday Food Basket Program. This program provides food to over 300 area families and will also provide gifts for families with children under the age of 12. Donations can be made using the PayPal information or QR code in the flyer below or by mail to:


Darien Lions Club Foundation

1702 Plainfield Rd

Darien, IL 60561

Parkway Tree Trimming Program


The City of Darien will be conducting their annual Parkway Tree Trimming Program beginning this month, December 2024. This year’s tree trimming program consists of trimming approximately 3,500 parkway trees. This year’s program also includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program available to all residents. Visit the website for more details.

Winter Weather and Road Maintenance


Over the last few years, the city has upgraded our snow removal system by pre-treating roads prior to a snowfall. The city has also installed seven infrared cameras throughout the community. These cameras provide information on pavement temperature, which varies on local roads. This helps the crews know where roads may freeze faster and assists in knowing where and when to use roadway salt. The city follows a priority-based written plan for plowing streets.


City crews work diligently to keep our roads safe and accessible during snowy weather. Snow removal is a significant effort that involves applying anti-icing materials, salting roads, and plowing during and after snow events. While we always strive to minimize disruptions, it’s important to note that some snow will inevitably end up in driveways as plows clear the roads. To help make the process smoother and reduce the amount of snow left in your driveway, here are a few helpful tips you can follow:


Snow Placement: When shoveling snow from your driveway, please pile it to the right side (facing the street) and away from the road's edge. This helps minimize the amount of snow the plow pushes back into your driveway.


Don't Shovel Snow into the Street: It can create icy patches that pose a danger to drivers.


Clear Fire Hydrants: Please help keep our community safe by keeping fire hydrants on your property clear of snow. Clear a three-foot radius around the hydrant and a path to the street.


By following these simple guidelines, you can help us maintain safe and efficient road conditions throughout the winter season. Check out Darien's Snow Plowing Procedure here for more information.

Citizen of the Year Nominations are Open


The Citizen of the Year Committee is searching for a very special person who has given of themselves to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live"! If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please nominate them for this honor!


Nominees must be residents of Darien and not currently serving as an elected official. The deadline for nominations to be considered for the current year is Monday, January 6, 2025. Learn more and make your nominations here.

City Council Meeting - December 16


City Council will be meeting on Monday December 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Planning and Zoning Meeting - Canceled


The Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting scheduled for December 18 has been canceled. See all future meetings on the Community Calendar.

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.
Community News & Events
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

DYC Volleyball Registration is OPEN for 2024/25 (view flyer): link


DYC Soccer Registration is OPEN for 2024/25: link


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

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!


Darien Police Weekly Press Release


The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.

December 11, 2024 Police Press Release
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
Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
Follow us on Facebook at @CityofDarien.
Follow us on X at @CityofDarien.
Follow the Darien Police Department on X at @DarienPolice.
Join your Darien neighbors on Nextdoor.