“A lot of people like snow, I find it an unnecessary freezing of water.” - Carl Reiner

Some people enjoyed this week’s light dusting of snow, while others dreaded the icy surfaces, the mess it created and the problems it presented for those getting to work or school. As Chicagoans, we are a pretty tough group, and when we experience a snow shower or storm like this one, we face the challenge and we make the best of it. While we made it through the last couple of days, in our hearts and minds we know that this is just the beginning with heavier snowfall likely to follow. Our November and December have been fairly mild winter months, but we all knew in our hearts that sooner or later the snow, and cold and blustery winds would signal that our Chicago Winter is definitely here not to visit, but here to stay.

Age definitely presented a different perspective; when I was a child, I prayed for snow days, as I couldn’t wait to throw on my snowsuit and go out and frolic in the snow. We had twenty to thirty youngsters in the neighborhood, and we were all out there building snow forts, having major snow ball fights and just enjoying the beauty of a new fallen snow. Funny how age and responsibility changed how I view a snow storm or any amount of snow. When it became my job to shovel it away and to commute to school and work, I began to dread the kind of weather we had this week. The child who loved a good winter snow was nowhere to be found.

Regardless as to how you view a snow storm, I hope you had an easy go of it this week, most of this snow was of the wet, and driving not slipping on an icy surface were definitely issues with which we had to contend. Maybe Mother Nature will be kinder to us for the rest of winter with milder weather and less snow. Nonetheless, homeowners will still be out there shoveling their driveways, drivers will have to contend with slippery and snow packed streets, and children will still be out there in their snow suits frolicking in the snow, making “snow bunnies,” and just being kids enjoying the beauty of winter.

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Clock Tower Fountain's Winterscapes

The City of Darien hopes you enjoy the festive holiday decorations at the clock tower. The water fountain is designed to operate 365 days a year. Ice formations will cover the structure and are not harmful to the fountain, but rather will create artistic winterscapes during the freezing temperatures.

Christmas Tree Collection

LRS collects live Christmas trees during the first two FULL weeks of January at no charge. Trees placed out after that time will require prepayment and prescheduling.

• Remove all materials from the tree prior to disposal, including ornaments, tinsel, lights etc.
• Christmas trees cannot be in plastic bags or wrapped in plastic – they will not be collected.
• All wreaths and roping must be included with normal trash on residents’ normal collection day.
• Any trees that are over 7ft tall need to be cut in half to have it removed.

Door to Door Solicitation

The City of Darien currently has zero for-profit organizations with current Solicitor Permits. Darien requires that solicitations from for-profit organizations need to apply for a permit, which includes an application for each solicitor they employ. Once the permit application is completed and submitted including authorization from the company, a background check is conducted. Upon approval and receipt of the appropriate fee, a thirty-day permit will be issued.

Charitable organizations, however, only need to provide a letter indicating the dates of solicitation, the type of solicitation, and if appropriate, the intersections where volunteers will be posted.

Residents who would like to deter solicitors from their home may pick up a “No Solicitors Invited” decal for their front door at City Hall (1702 Plainfield Road) or the Darien Police Dept. (1710 Plainfield Road). You are not required to answer the door for a solicitor and you can call 911 to report it.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D). If you see an officer today (or any day), take a moment to thank them for their dedication to our community.

Thank you to all those who serve our community and make it such a nice place to live!

Go Easy on the Salt

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reminds us that while road salt can help with icy roads, it can also harm our waterways. Excess salt can also corrode vehicles, hurt animal paws, damage concrete and kill plants. While there are greener options, like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, no salt products are good for the environment, so they all should be used sparingly. Follow these tips when salting:

Shovel first. Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.

Use Less. More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt should be enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (250 square feet).

Spread. Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt!

Sweep. If salt is leftover on the ground after the ice melts, sweep it up to keep it out of local rivers and streams.

Switch. Untreated salt stops working if the temperature is below 15 degrees. When temperatures drop that low, switch to sand for traction or choose a different deicer formulated for colder temperatures.

January is Radon Action Month

We can't see, smell, or taste radon, but the EPA reports that it kills more than 21,000 people each year and is the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers. Stop radon exposure by testing your home this January. Learn how to get an easy to use test kit and more here!

Don't Leave Car Running Unattended

Brrrrrr...don't let these frigid temperatures tempt you into leaving your car running unattended this winter. Protect yourself from auto theft all season long with these tips:

• Never leave keys in the vehicle or ignition.
• Never leave your vehicle running, even in your driveway.
• Always keep windows up and doors locked even while driving.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle and place them in the trunk out of view.

Employment Opportunity - Part-Time Accounting Clerk

The City is seeking a part-time Accounting Clerk to report to the Director of Finance. The individual in this position will be responsible for processing the bi-weekly, monthly and special payrolls, maintaining employee personnel payroll files, preparing state and federal filings and year-end processing, and more. View the job description here.

Planning and Zoning Meeting - January 15

The Planning and Zoning Commission's will meet on January 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Model Railroad, Plastic Model Kit, & Diecast Swap Meet & Show - January 18: link

Brush Strokes and Beyond at Skeleton Key Brewery - January 29 & 30: link

Darien Police Weekly Press Release

The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.