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Weekly eNews - December 5, 2024

Mayor's Message

“Long ago it must be

I have a photograph

Preserve your memories

They're all that's left you”


-Simon and Garfunkel – “Old Friends/Bookends”


In Tribute to All of Our “Old” Friends - While I truly enjoy my role as Mayor, as well as the people I work with, I treasure the time I spend with my “old friends” every Tuesday afternoon for lunch. We have been gathering together for close to ten years, and our group has grown from three of us to our sometimes gathering of fourteen or fifteen individuals. Most of the group is retired, but several of us like yours truly are still engaged in an activity that keeps us active. Our age range is between early sixties to the mid-eighties, so you can probably guess that individual health issues sometimes enter into our discussions. We are all members of the Darien Lions Club, but our friendship is so much more than our membership in any organization. We share stories, laughter and from time to time a tear for one of us who has passed on. When I am with them, we are all equals, friends who will always be there for one another.


Just this last Tuesday, November 26, prior to our Thanksgiving celebrations, I sat there and looked at the guys surrounding the table and told myself how lucky I am to have friends who kid with me about my role as mayor; are both supportive, and yet honest in their appraisal of my role with the city. In a world where so many take to social media to criticize elected officials, I have a group who are honest, and offer excellent advice. As I mentioned, from time to time we say goodbye and we shed a tear and make a toast to one of the group that has passed on. At this Tuesday’s gathering, we shared news of our “founder” and group organizer who is currently dealing with some health issues. While we enjoyed our gathering, we knew how much we truly missed his presence.


As I reflect on this last Tuesday’s gathering, I know how much I cherish being part of this group, and I sometimes wish that I could freeze time and hold a picture in my mind of this group that would never change. As Simon and Garfunkel sing in “Bookends, “Long ago it must be I have a photograph. Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.” I will always have great memories of these guys and how they brighten my day. To my Tuesday afternoon “old friends,” I can only say, I can never thank you enough for your friendship and for your love and support!

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Darien Connections - The Winter Edition


Check your mailbox for the Winter edition of Darien Connections, the City’s print newsletter. It's full of news, helpful tips, fun events, important community updates, and more. View here.

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.

Final Week of Yard Waste Collection


The final Yard Waste Collection by LRS will take place NEXT WEEK, December 8 - 14, on your regular garbage day. Yard waste pickup is included free with LRS residential garbage service from April 1st through the second full week of December. All items must be placed out for collection by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Click here for guidelines from LRS on how to dispose of your yard waste properly.

Why You Might See More Coyotes

This Time of Year

Young start to leave their parents’ homes to find their own territories


DuPage County residents might see more coyotes between now and February as young leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own, according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.


People may also see coyotes more frequently in winter because there’s less vegetation, which means the animals have fewer places to hide. Snow on the ground makes them easier to spot, too. Coyotes are also more active because they have to spend more time foraging for food. A rise in sightings doesn’t necessarily mean a rise in the county’s coyote population, though. Still, because of this seasonal increase in activity, people with pets should be especially vigilant.


Hungry coyotes may be drawn to unsecured garbage cans, pet food, open compost piles, bird feeders, or fallen fruit under trees and shrubs. Keeping yards clean can limit these attractions. Homeowners should never intentionally feed coyotes as it leads the animals to expect food from rather than fear humans.


Coyotes play a vital role in the ecological community, keeping populations of small animals and rodents in check in DuPage County ecosystems. Visit dupageforest.org for more information on living with coyotes and ways to keep pets safe.

Holiday Celebration in the Park - Friday, December 6


Join us at the FREE winter community event at Community Park on Friday, December 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come and listen to carolers sing, look at the lights, take a ride on the polar express trackless train, get your picture in a snow globe, on a sled, or with our favorite visitor, Santa! Enjoy all this while you sip on some hot cocoa, and nibble on some of Santa’s cookies. Fun for ALL AGES!

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

Prevent Holiday Package Theft


Package theft has become a common problem as more people shop online, especially during the holidays. Protect your packages and your peace of mind with these tips:


Track your packages: Use tracking alerts to stay updated on delivery times and plan to be home when packages arrive.


Secure your porch: Install motion-sensor lights, a security camera, or a smart doorbell to deter thieves.


Use a package locker: Many delivery services offer secure locker options or choose in-store pickup when possible.


Require a signature: Opt for deliveries that require a signature, ensuring someone is present to accept the package.


Redirect deliveries: Set up your address to redirect packages to a trusted neighbor or a local shipping hub for pick-up.

National Influenza Vaccination Week


The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is promoting National Influenza Vaccination Week from December 2-6, 2024, which is a call to everyone 6 months and older to get their annual influenza (flu) vaccine. This week serves to remind everyone that there is still time to get a flu vaccine and to stay healthy this winter! The best way to prevent flu is by getting the flu vaccine each year.


Getting vaccinated against the flu can also help protect loved ones, like children younger than 5 years old, pregnant people, adults 65 years and older, and people living with chronic conditions. These groups of people are at a higher risk of having serious complications if they get the flu.


Opportunities to get flu vaccines are available in and around DuPage County through pharmacies and medical providers – visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.


Check out the DCHD's full press release here.

Decorate Sustainably


This holiday season, spread joy, not waste by decorating your home with eco-friendly decorations!


  • Get crafty with natural materials like pine cones, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks for perfect DIY decorations.
  • Give your old decorations a new life with a coat of paint or some creative upcycling.
  • Use energy-efficient LED lights to reduce your energy consumption.

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.

Recycle Holiday Lights


Pulling out the Christmas decorations? Don't throw out those old lights! Christmas light recycling through Elgin Recycling will be available outside the Darien Police Department through mid-February.

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 4, 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.
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