“A great accomplishment should not be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next big leap forward.” - Harvey Mackay

Three years ago, on February 3, 2022, I sat here at my desk and composed what would be the first of over 156 Mayor’s Messages printed in our Darien Direct Connect. Over the course of that three-year period, I worked to convey information that, for the most part is unrelated to the City’s governmental operations, but rather provide messages that are of a more personal nature. My goal was to compose messages that while they were my recounting of events from my own life, others could relate to their lives.

Now, three years and 150 plus messages later, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of pride that I have been able to compose weekly messages that so many people have enjoyed. Your response has been overwhelmingly positive, and many of you have expressed how these messages gave you pause to consider occurrences as well as people from you own lives. Truth be told there have been several who have told me they skip my messages, and only read the information they consider “important.” Personally, that is their choice, so I will continue to compose material that has a message; that we who work for the benefit of our residents, face and deal with many of the life issues that each of our residents face on a day-to-day basis.

Last February, my plan was to publish the first two years of these messages; I thought of self-publishing, but learned that self-publishing carries with it a significant cost. Now my proposed book titled “Messaging Darien” sits behind me on my credenza, growing with a new message for each Thursday of 2024 and early 2025. When and if I ever get around to publishing “my book,” there are many of you out there who will get a signed copy. So, just as the quote states, the three-year anniversary of my Mayor’s Messages, is “just the starting point for the next big leap forward.”

Thank you for your responses over the last three years, negative or positive, its rewarding to know that people are aware of these messages, and in some cases, they feel as if my messages have touched their lives. While I have taken a short break from creating new writings, I am ready to begin again in creating messages that hopefully all of you will read and enjoy.

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Mayor's Visit to Mark DeLay Classroom

Mayor Marchese visited Mark DeLay School this week to share his experience as Mayor of Darien with Ms. Morgan’s 2nd grade class. Ms. Morgan brings in individuals from various career areas to speak to the children about their jobs. The students were quite inquisitive and had numerous questions for the Mayor about his job. "I am proud of the work Ms. Morgan is doing, and how interested our Darien children are in learning about different professions," said Mayor Marchese.

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

Super Bowl LIX is this weekend, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds us to plan ahead for safe transportation if we plan to drink alcohol or use other substances. In 2022, over 13,500 people died in drunk driving accidents, so it's crucial to have a designated driver or another safe transportation option in place ahead of time. Be safe and enjoy the game!

• Always drive 100% sober: Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.  
• Plan ahead: Before you have even one drink, designate a sober driver to get you home safely. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you might not make the best one. 
• You have options to get home safely: Designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Getting home safely is always worth it. 
• Are you the designated driver? Take your job seriously and don’t drink. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

Shop and Dine Locally for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it! When it comes to planning for this special occasion, 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!

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.

FY 2025-26 Budget

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

Thank you to Darien's Community Groups

Thank you to local volunteer groups that contribute so much to the community including:

• Cancer Smashers
• Darien Arts Council
• Darien Garden Club
• Darien Historical Society 
• Darien Lions Club

• Darien Memorial VFW Post 2838
• Darien Woman's Club
• Darien Youth Club
• Rotary Club of Darien

We are grateful to you and appreciate all you do!

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.

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.

Final Call for Recycling Holiday Lights

Don't throw out those old lights, recycle them! Christmas light recycling through Elgin Recycling is still available outside the Darien Police Department through February 9th. Thank you for keeping recyclable goods out of the landfill!

Vehicle Stickers

2025 vehicle stickers are available at both City Hall and the Police Department for a $3 donation. Vehicle stickers are not required by the City, they are offered each year by community service organizations as a fundraiser for the organization.

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.

Darien Arts Council Meeting (view flyer) - February 9: link

Community Blood Drive - February 20: link

Darien Garden Club Sprouts Meeting - February 26: link

Citizen of the Year Celebration - February 28: link

DYC Announcing DYC's Baseball Winter Workouts, Softball Winter Workouts, Spring Soccer, Spring Baseball, and Spring Softball Registrations: link 

Darien Police Weekly Press Release

The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.