The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - January 18, 2024 |
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Mayor's Message
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday, January 15, I attended the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream" Breakfast at Drury Lane in Oakbrook. The event was attended by over 1,200 individuals from throughout DuPage County and together, we celebrated the life of Dr. King, who would have turned 95 on Monday. The event was sponsored by the DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Committee, and all proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Fund of DuPage Foundation, a new permanently-endowed fund seeded by The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies Inc. and supported by more than 200 partners. The fund will augment the Foundation’s Community Impact Grant Program in the areas of health, human services, and education.
My attendance was my first such exposure to this event which was established back in 1994 through the leadership of Dr. William Carroll, now President Emeritus of Benedictine University. Over the years, the event has drawn more than 1,000 attendees, and now serves as a beautiful tribute to Dr. King, not only for his dedication to the civil rights movement but to the humanitarian causes throughout our society he so fervently endorsed. Much of what Dr. King spoke to went beyond the notion of skin color but rather addressed the ways in which we work with and accept one another despite our racial makeup. Take a second and examine the quote “Life’s more persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Here he is not just talking about black/white relations, but addressing how well we are at meeting the needs of our fellow man. On a personal level, I have asked that question many times during my life, and my response has always been to look for ways to better serve others. It needs to be a question we each ask ourselves, and then truly examine our response.
Monday’s event was, for me, a great time for personal reflection, not only on the life of Dr. King, but on the lessons he shared in his writings and speeches. I look forward to attending this event next January, and my hope is that many of the lessons espoused by Dr. King during his lifetime will become a reality.
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2024 Citizen of the Year - Valerie L. Kazich
Valerie and her husband Mark have been residents of Darien for 37 years. Their son John is also a resident of our city. Val wasted no time in getting involved as a member of the Darien Woman’s Club in 2002. Since that time, she has held various leadership and committee chair positions with the club. Val started the Holiday Soap Collection in 2012. Collections are bagged and delivered along with the distribution of the Darien Lions Club Holiday Food Baskets. She also assists the Lions in wrapping toys for their Christmas giving. Additionally, she has initiated/participated in:
- Darien’s Rotary Club project “Food for Kids Backpack” program
- Recycling collection programs including “Soles for Souls,” “Free the Girls,” Pill Bottles, Corks and Styrofoam
- Children’s Art Fair
- “TLC Camp” 1-week camp is for children with cancer
- Scholarship program
- Darien Historical Society plant sale
She is also involved in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish.
Val’s passion for assisting and aiding comes from her 27 years as a special education teacher at Oak Forest High School.
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.”
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FY 2024-25 Budget
The city is preparing its draft budget for the upcoming fiscal budget year, May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. If you have suggestions for neighborhood projects or other spending requests for consideration please email City Administrator Bryon Vana or call 630-353-8114. The city’s property tax request for next year has already been finalized with no increase from last year’s property tax extension the city received. |
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Watch out for Black Ice
When recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form and you might not even see it. And while black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use extreme caution when driving...don’t let black ice sneak up on you.
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How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. If your pipes freeze due to the cold temperatures:
- Turn off your water to reduce pressure on the frozen pipes and minimize flooding.
- Thaw frozen pipes with a hair dryer, hot towel, space heater or a heat lamp.
- Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes.
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
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Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed. CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly.
- Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO.
- Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
- Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.
- Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
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Shoveling Snow Can be a Health Risk
While most people won't have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. Sudden exertion, like moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on the heart. Pushing a heavy snow blower also can cause injury.
Cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries, which decreases blood supply. This is true even in healthy people. Individuals over the age of 40 or who are relatively inactive should be particularly careful. Follow these tips to shovel safely:
- Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
- Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
- Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter
- Push the snow rather than lifting it
- If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Do not work to the point of exhaustion
- Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if you're experiencing any of them; every minute counts
Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. A clear driveway is not worth your life.
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DuPage County Warming Centers
Winter weather is here. If you lose your heat unexpectedly, several agencies throughout DuPage County serve as temporary Warming Centers. Availability may change at some locations, so call ahead to verify space. An extensive list can be found here. |
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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. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events! |
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January 24, 6:00 p.m.: Darien Garden Club Sprouts Meeting: "Who's Who of Owls" (sponsored by Rotary Club of Darien): link
Register by February 10: Darien Woman’s Club 2024 Creative Youth Art Fair: link
Lions Club Big Raffle 2024: link
DYC Baseball Early Registration: link
DYC Soccer Early Registration: link
DYC Lacrosse Winter Camp: link
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Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
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Darien Events and Happenings |
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Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
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Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!
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(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
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Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
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