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City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - December 23, 2024

Mayor's Message

“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance – each beautiful, unique and gone too soon.” - Deborah Whipp


The holiday season is a time when I find myself reflecting on past years’ celebrations, and those individuals who were key to the beautiful memories I have of holidays past. While to many this will seem nostalgic, it is in reminiscing that I gain a great appreciation for those who touched my life, and provided me with beautiful memories of Christmases past.


During my younger years, we had our traditions that we followed year after year; Christmas Eve at my Grandma and Grandpa Marchese’s home, where we would all sit for hours enjoying different Italian dishes and desserts prior to opening our gifts. Following that, we played games with the entire family until we left for Midnight Mass at their local church. When we returned from church, Grandma would take the warm chestnuts out of the oven that we would crack open and feast on. Mom and Dad would bundle us up and carry us to the car for our ride home, and then dad would carry us into the house where mom would prepare us for bed. Christmas morning my sisters and I would wake up early in order to gather around the tree waiting for our parents to join us before opening our gifts. While I eagerly tore open the wrapping paper to see what Santa brought me, I always felt bad, that Santa brought so little if anything for my mom and dad. Only when I became a father did I realize that the true gift that a parent receives, is in watching the happiness on the faces of their children as they opened their presents.


While my Grandparents and my Mom and Dad have been gone for a number of years, the memories of those Christmases remain vivid in my memory, as well as those Christmases enjoyed watching my three sons anxiously opening their gifts from Santa. As Helen Lowerie Marshal states, “For Christmas is tradition time – Traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all.” For all the young families that are building new holiday traditions and to those of us who have beautiful memories of Christmases past, may this holiday season provide you joy and happiness as well as a brief reprieve from the problems of our world. Happy Holidays from all of us at the City of Darien.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Holiday Service Update

 

City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. It will also be closed on Wednesday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day.

 

Refuse/recycling collection services will not be postponed on Monday or Tuesday during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. The holidays will be observed by LRS on Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday collection services will be postponed by one day for the following two weeks. Check the LRS Holiday Schedule for more information here.

Overnight Parking Suspended for Holiday


The City's overnight parking ban will be suspended from Saturday, December 21st at 2:00 a.m. through Thursday, January 2nd at 6:00 a.m. All other parking restrictions will remain in effect.


*NOTE - There is no parking on City streets during a winter weather event - where snow or ice are in excess of 1 inch.

Holiday Lights Contest Winners


Looking for the best-decorated homes in town? Check the website for a list of Holiday Lights Contest Winners, honorable mentions and more. Thank you to everyone who decorated their homes and to those who submitted nominations!

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.

Christmas Tree Collection


LRS collects live Christmas trees during the first two FULL weeks of January at no charge. Trees placed out after that time will require prepayment and prescheduling.

  • Remove all materials from the tree prior to disposal, including ornaments, tinsel, lights etc.
  • Christmas trees cannot be in plastic bags or wrapped in plastic – will not be collected
  • All wreaths and roping must be included with normal trash on residents’ normal collection day
  • Any trees that are over 7ft tall would need to be cut in half to have it removed

Happy Holiday Travels


If you are traveling for the holidays, you aren't alone. Millions of people are headed across the country to spend time with loved ones! Plan ahead to make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible:


Traveling by Car:

  • Get a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel.
  • Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic.
  • Buckle up!
  • Avoid distractions and put your cell phone away.


Traveling by Plane:

  • Plan to get to the airport early to give yourself plenty of time to get through security.
  • Don't forget your ID, medications, medical equipment, and other essential items.
  • Follow current TSA guidelines when packing.


Prepare your Home:

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Use automatic timers on lights in your home.
  • Pause your mail and package deliveries while you're away.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home.
  • Don't post your travel plans on Social Media.


Find more holiday safety advice from the National Safety Council and have a safe and happy holiday trip!

Dine Local



Next time you need a break from cooking, consider dining locally to support your community! By choosing restaurants in the local area you will be boosting the local economy and you won't have to travel as far, which will reduce your environmental impact. We wish you happy holidays and delicious meals!

Employment Opportunity - Part-Time Accounting Clerk


The City is seeking a part-time Accounting Clerk to report to the Director of Finance. The individual in this position will be responsible for processing the bi-weekly, monthly and special payrolls, maintaining employee personnel payroll files, preparing state and federal filings and year-end processing, and more. View the job description here.

Advertise on the City's Digital Marquee Sign


The City of Darien is offering advertising space on its digital marquee sign (southwest corner of Plainfield and Cass). The cost for businesses is $550 per 30-day period; non-profits can have a 30-day advertising period at no charge. Learn More.

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.

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


Darien Garden Club Meeting - January 6: 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!

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
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