Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: February 13, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - February 13, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcom X

As a former educator, I am always happy to accept invitations to visit our local schools to either make presentations or to participate in a class panel. In addition to personal invites to visit classes, I also enjoy meeting with teachers and administrative staff from Darien schools to discuss their programs and the various ways in which the city can work with each school to form a bond that best serves the students and residents of the city of Darien.

Last week, I had an opportunity to have the experience visiting one of our local schools as a classroom presenter. I received an email several weeks prior from Samantha Morgan, a second grade teacher at Mark Delay School. Ms. Morgan runs a program titled Career Club for her second grade students, and invites individuals of various professions to visit her class and address her students regarding their position. Her request centered on my role as Mayor of Darien, specifically what I do as Mayor, why I chose to run as Mayor, and what training was required in order to assume the role of Mayor. While I was very excited to have an opportunity to address her students, I did have concerns regarding how I would present myself to a second grade class. When I arrived at Mark DeLay, I was warmly greeted by the front office staff, and after checking in, was escorted to Ms. Morgan’s class, where I found twenty students eagerly awaiting my presence.

I began my presentation with a brief description of my background as a high school administrator, and the various teaching and administrative roles I had during my thirty-five years in public education. I found these young people to be very attentive, and would have to say that if anyone negatively questions the attention span of these second graders they would be terribly wrong. These young students were attentive to my presentation and peppered me with intelligent and thoughtful questions. I was impressed with their level of their questions, and found that by the end of my presentation that I had learned as much about them as they might have learned about my role as Mayor. I credit Ms. Morgan with preparing them for my presentation; she has obviously created a classroom environment that encourages intellectual curiosity. As a former administrator who had opportunities to visit teacher’s classrooms, I always had an appreciation for excellent teaching, and my visit to Ms. Morgan’s classroom was in my mind an example of a teacher who creates a learning experience that challenges her students, supports their growth and prepares them for academic success.

When I spoke to Ms. Morgan’s second grade classroom, I told her students that I was proud to be Mayor of Darien. They asked why, and I told them that we had so many wonderful aspects to our city and I noted their school as an example. I told them how fortunate they were to be attending a school, where so much personal attention was presented to students. I noted that there were many students who did not experience the quality of learning and instruction that was present in Darien schools, and that they should appreciate the fact that they live in a city that can provide students and their families with such wonderful learning experiences. While that might have been a lot to share with second graders, somehow I believe that they received the message and my belief is that they will be well prepared for the future; maybe one of them will become Mayor of Darien someday.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Shop and Dine Locally for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow! There is still time to grab a special gift or make dinner plans - consider spreading the love by supporting local shops and restaurants. Find local businesses through the City of Darien's Website. Happy Valentine's Day, Darien!

Holiday Service Update - Presidents' Day

City Hall will be closed in observation of Presidents Day on Monday, February 17. Refuse collection will not be affected and will continue as scheduled.

Celebrating Black History Month

The City of Darien celebrates Black History Month, an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.

Join the Indian Prairie Public Library for these special events commemorating Black History Month.

1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical

Join the Indian Prairie Public Library for 1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. The musical is a dynamic theatrical and lecture experience about the 20 enslaved Africans who arrived in Jamestown and their 400-year journey. Come see this one-man show, featuring Ted Williams III, by registering here.

Fruteland Jackson Presents the Blues

We invite you to attend Fruteland Jackson Presents the Blues on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2-3 p.m. Fruteland Jackson is an acoustic guitarist who specializes in pre-war and post-war blues. Don’t miss out on this concert by registering here. Sponsored by IPPL Foundation & Friends.

Black History Month Spotlight - Harriet Tubman

Born around 1822, Harriet Tubman is known for escaping slavery and then returning to lead approximately 70 more people to freedom and providing instructions that helped many more escape. The network of secret routes and safe houses that led North to freedom was known as the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman was a well-known conductor between 1850 and 1860. She was given the nickname "Moses" for her efforts in leading people to freedom. Her strength, resilience, and faith were legendary to those who met her. Learn more about Harriet Tubman's life and legacy here.

2025 Citizen of the Year - John Galan

Our city’s motto is “Darien is a Nice Place to Live” and it takes many people who believe in this adage to make it so. This year, we are honoring John Galan as our 2025 Citizen of the Year.

John and his wife Helen have been residents of Darien for 40 plus years, and have been active in Darien for that same amount of time. John is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and served as a city alderman from 2005 to 2009. John is most active with the Darien Lions Club. Having been a member for 30 years, he has served as President, in the roles as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice President, Tail Twister, Director/Committee Liaison and Past President - and astonishingly, he has had perfect attendance at all Lions meetings for 22 years! Read his full nomination here .

Join the celebration honoring our Citizen of the Year:

Friday, February 28, 2025

Alpine Banquets @ 8230 S Cass Avenue

Cocktails – 6 pm / Dinner – 7 pm

The $52.00 per person cost includes a full 7-course dinner, 3-hours of open bar, music and dancing. For reservations, please contact Diane directly at Darien City Hall at 630-353-8102. Please specify the full names of those attending and if there are specific individuals you wish to be seated with at the event. Learn more.

February is American Heart Month

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but you can take action to protect yourself against heart disease. Get your friends and loved ones involved, too! Doing something small each day for our hearts can be much easier when others join us on the journey. Find ways to incorporate these small steps into your life:

Take a walk with a friend.
Make a healthy meal.
Practice deep breathing when you start feeling stressed.
Go to bed on time (or early when you're feeling tired).
And stay up to date on doctor's appointments and medications!
Learn more here.

FY 2025-26 Budget

City budget meetings begin on February 19; the draft budget will be posted on the website tomorrow, February 14.

Employment Opportunity -

General Utility Worker

General Utility Worker Class II performs manual labor in the maintenance and repair of City streets, storm sewers and facilities, water mains and appurtenances, and building and grounds. This position is on call, 24-hours per day -seven days per week. View job description here.

Blood Drive

Save a life by donating blood at the Community Blood Drive on Thursday, February 20, at the Darien-Woodridge Fire Station 89 at 7550 Lyman Ave. You can schedule an appointment by calling 877-258-5825 or visiting Vitalant.org and using group code: ORD0DR98. Walk-ins are welcome. Eat well and hydrate before you donate and bring your ID. All donors will recieve $10 gift card (redeemable online). Donor rewards program opt-in required. View flyer here.

City Council Meeting - February 18

City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here. View meetings live on the City of Darien YouTube Channel.

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