The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - December 14, 2023 |
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Mayor's Message
“I am only one, but I still am one, I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”
- Helen Keller
This coming Saturday, December 16, the Darien Lions Club will conduct its annual Food Basket Program. The Lions have held this program every year for close to 50 years, and as a Darien Lion, it is the one program that most rewards each of us by knowing that we truly meet our motto, “We Serve.” Each year of the program has seen the number of recipients grow, and despite the increased costs, the Lions work diligently to meet the needs of each and every recipient. Each family that receives a food basket, receives groceries for close to a two week period, and if there are children in the family, the club provides age appropriate gifts for each child.
There is no greater sense of service for a Lion Club member than to show up at the home of one of these families and to see how grateful they are for food that will provide sustenance for close to two weeks and for gifts that many of these children would not find under the tree on Christmas Day.
This year the Lions will be serving over 240 families in Darien and several of our adjacent communities. While preparation for this event has been in the works for several months, final efforts will begin on Thursday, when Lions members and volunteers will be unloading food off of trucks, while food packing for each family will take place in the Our Lady of Peace school gym on Friday. On Saturday, teams of Lions and volunteers will arrive at Our Lady of Peace and proceed to each home, until all 240 families have received their groceries and gifts. As you probably can guess from what I have shared, the Lions are assisted by a number of volunteers from other organizations as well as those who just want to be part of this effort; without their assistance, this effort would be very difficult to accomplish.
Finally, as I mentioned in my accompanying quote, “I am only one, but I still am one, I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” The cost of this effort rises each year with food costs and with the increasing number of families served by the Lions. Many who are aware of this humanitarian effort have provided monetary support in varying amounts. Some have donated $85.00 or the cost of food for two weeks, while others have provided a more substantial monetary amount. Give some thought to the above mentioned quote, and note that while “I cannot do everything, but still can do something.”
If interested in assisting financially in any way, please address your check to the “Darien Lions Club Foundation,” and mail it to the Darien Lions at 1702 Plainfield Road. This might be the best gift you give this year and hopefully you will know the wonderful feeling of service to others that each Lion and volunteer will feel when they make their deliveries this weekend.
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Darien Community Blood Drive - Dec. 20
Donating blood is a generous thing to do. It helps people in need, and it helps people in your community. When you give, others live.
Join us for a Blood Drive on Wednesday, December 20 at Our Lady of Peace School in the gym, 709 Plainfield Rd., Darien.
To schedule an appointment call Vitalant at 877.258.4825 or visit Vitalant.org and use group code: ORD0DR98. To prepare: Eat well, hydrate, & bring ID. Appointments recommended. Walk-ins welcome. View flyer. |
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Shop Local All Season Long!
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Don’t forget to support your favorite small businesses and fuel your local economy. Up to 65% of small businesses’ annual revenue was generated during the holidays last year. Go out and find their one-of-a-kind products and personalized service. Your local dollar helps support public schools, parks, roads, sidewalks, and other community improvements. You can find information on local businesses in our community here on the City's website. |
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Holiday Shopping Safety
Tis the season for shopping for many and we hope you find all the best deals on the perfect gifts! While you're shopping, however, be sure to follow these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council to keep yourself and your belongings safe:
In the Store:
- Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
- Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
- Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one-time or multi-use disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
- Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
- Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
Walking to and From Your Car:
- Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
- Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
- Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
Shopping with Small Children:
- If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other. 1) Select a central meeting place. 2) Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
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Darien Lions Holiday Food Basket Program
Each year the Darien Lions provide over 300 area families in need with a holiday gift basket filled with perishable and non-perishable goods to make their holiday celebrations special. Families with children under the age of 12 will also receive gifts for the holiday season! YOUR DONATIONS MATTER!
Donations can be made by mail to Darien Lions Club Foundation 1702 Plainfield Rd.,
Darien, IL 60561 or via Paypal at @DLCFoundation. View Flyer. |
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Holiday Lights Tour
Winners of the City's Holiday Decorating Contest will be announced at the City Council Meeting on Monday, December 18. The Holiday Lights Tour will pass by the winning homes on Thursday, December 21, at 7:30 p.m. Residents need to check-in at the Police Department lobby and arrive at 7:15 p.m. This event is free and open to Darien residents, with reservations taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Diane at 630-353-8102 or Dorothy at 630-353-8101 to reserve your seat!
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Christmas Tree Fire Prevention
Decorate and display your tree proudly and safely in your home by following these tips:
- 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.
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City of Darien is Hiring
The City of Darien is hiring! Join our team of dedicated professionals working together for our wonderful community. The current open positions are:
For more information and to access the application, please visit here or call 630-353-8104. |
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A Thank You from Darien Arts Council
The Darien Arts Council has taken time to thank the City of Darien for its support in 2023! Darien is fortunate to be part of such a giving and supportive community. Check out this short video from the DAC of Darien Happenings in 2023.
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Nominations for Darien Citizen of the Year
Due Jan. 2
The Citizen of the Year Committee is searching for a very special man or woman 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 making Darien a special place, please nominate them for this honor!
This year, we will not only be honoring our Citizen of the Year, we will also be paying tribute to individuals selected by their organizations as their “member of the year.”
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 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. Learn More.
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Update on City of Darien 2023 / 2024 Parkway Tree Trimming Program
The City of Darien will be conducting their annual Parkway Tree Trimming Program beginning in December 2023. This year’s tree trimming program consists of trimming approximately 1,750 parkway trees. Below are the subdivisions to be trimmed:
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- Farmingdale Village
- Woodmere Townhomes
- Tara Hill Subdivision
- Carriage Way West
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- Carriage Hill
- Glen Eagles
- Darien Woods
- Waterfall Glen
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This year’s program also includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program to all residents. The price for the private property program is $175.00 per tree in the front yard, and $300.00 per tree in the back yard. Residents may contact Aleksander Tucker, Yellowstone Landscape Group for private property work at 847-987-8806 or via email beginning Friday, December 1, 2023 through Friday, March 1, 2024. (Private property tree trimming will not commence until the City’s program is complete).
For additional information regarding the Tree Trimming Program, please call 630-353-8105.
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City Council Meeting - December 18
City Council will be meeting on Monday December 18, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here. |
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EDC Meeting Rescheduled
The December EDC meeting has been rescheduled/moved from December 7, 2023, to December 19, 2023.
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Planning and Zoning Meeting Canceled
The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for December 20 has been canceled. Check the Community Calendar for future meeting dates and other community happenings! |
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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. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events! |
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Darien Woman's Club Holiday Soap Collection: link
December 20 - Darien Community Blood Drive: 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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