Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: February 8, 2024

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Weekly eNews - February 8, 2024

Mayor's Message

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.”

- Robert Fulghum

In my youth, I never considered the possibility of having a career as a professional educator. Throughout my high school and early college years, there were a number of career areas that I explored other than the field of education. It wasn’t until my junior year in college, (I was double majoring in History and English), that my father advised me to consider the field of teaching. My father, who had always been very observant of my academic capabilities, said that he saw something in me that he felt would lead to my success in the field of education. As we ended our conversation, he stated, “If you graduate with a degree in teaching, you can always fall back on it, no matter what other field you may select.” Well, my father was correct, and he understood his son better than I understood myself. I took my father’s advice and found that I loved the field of teaching which led to me “falling back” on it for over forty years.

I was fortunate to have a father who took a deep interest in my future and in my educational achievements. While my father was not one to celebrate my grades or my academic success, he was a parent who constantly pointed out the value of a good education and the impact that it would have on my future life. My father was a depression era individual, and while he studied in the field of engineering, his family’s economic situation resulted in his having to leave college in his junior year. His lack of a degree did not hold him back, he worked forty years as a mechanical engineer for several very large corporations, earning numerous accolades. Despite his success, he knew things would be different for his son, and my attainment of a college degree was critical, and he was committed to seeing that I attained that goal.

I had a wonderful career in teaching, with experiences as an instructor, counselor and high school administrator. I sit hear knowing that I touched numerous lives in a very positive way, and while I earned a good living in the process, it was the intrinsic reward of knowing that I was impacting a young person’s life in a positive way that has provided me with the greatest sense of career fulfillment. I often wonder what my life would have been if my dad had not taken such a deep interest in my future success. I do know that he was a wonderful role model for me, and without his support and encouragement, my life might have taken me on a different path. The lessons I learned by simply watching him will stay with me for the rest of my life. I guess Robert Fulghum states it so beautifully when he says, “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” In other words, just like my dad, you don’t have to be a cheerleader for them, just a good role model.

Super Bowl - Celebrate Safely

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl viewing party or attending one, everyone has an important job to do: Help keep drunk drivers off the road so we can all make it home safely on game night.

Get ahead of the game and create your game plan now. If you’re going to a Super Bowl party and you plan to drink alcohol, be sure to plan for a designated driver to get you home safely. If you’re hosting a party, prepare plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options for your guests. If you’re a designated driver, be the night’s MVP and keep that commitment front and center.

Shop and Dine Local for Valentine's Day

Show our city some love this Valentine's Day by shopping and dining locally! Supporting small businesses supports our entire community. Find great local spots here and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Winter Safety for Pets

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and precipitation can be just as hard on our pets as it is on us. The ASPCA reminds us that in addition to chapped paws and dry skin, winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. Follow their tips to held keep your beloved pets safe this winter:

Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws.
Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage.
Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories.
Be sure your pet has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.
Find more tips here.

Economic Development Committee Meeting - February 8

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for February 1 has been rescheduled for February 8. View the agenda and packet here.

DuPage Care Center - Alzheimer's Support Group

The DuPage Care Center is relaunching its Alzheimer's Association caregiving support group. Meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Care Center, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. The next meeting will be held on February 14.

The group will provide confidential emotional, educational, and social support for caregivers of those affected by Alzheimer's and associated illnesses. Please note that masking is currently required at the facility. Learn more here.

2024 Citizen of the Year - Valerie L. Kazich

Congratulations to Valerie Kazich, Darien's 2024 Citizen of the Year! Val Kazich's tireless commitment and positive influence make her an exemplary choice for this prestigious recognition. Indeed, Valerie is and will continue to be one of the many shining stars in Darien, making Darien “a Nice Place to Live.” Please join us in celebrating Val's accomplishments at our annual recognition event.

Our dinner/dance honoring Valerie Kazich will take place on:

Friday, March 8, 2024

Alpine Banquets

8230 S. Cass Avenue; Darien

Cocktails – 6 p.m. / Dinner – 7 p.m.

In addition to our Citizen of the Year Recognition, this year, the city will also be recognizing its 2024 Service and Volunteer Club and Organization honorees for their countless hours of service and dedication:

Chris Snow, Darien’s Woman’s Club
Doug Barnes, Darien Lions Club
Gina Pignato and Tracey Schroeder, Darien Garden Club

Stan Uba, Darien Youth Club (DYC)
Heather Conroy, Darien Rotary Club
Kelly Tischler Jean, Darien Chamber of Commerce

Learn more and register here.

Go Green for Your Valentine

Looking for ways to show your love to Mother Earth this Valentine's Day? Try some of these suggestions when picking out gifts and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Make Valentine's Day cards from supplies you have at home - it's the most thoughtful gift!
Opt for a plant instead of flowers. It's a gift that keeps giving all year long.
Consider purchasing Fair-Trade chocolates.
Find more suggestions from Keep America Beautiful.

Darien Park District - Winter Program Guide

If you haven't checked it out yet, you should take a look at all the great programs and events through the Darien Park District this winter. There are indoor movies, craft events, and more! Find it all in the Winter 2024 Program Guide.

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