The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - November 16, 2023 |
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Mayor's Message
“Unfortunately civility is hard to codify or legislate, but you know it when you see it. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable.”
- Sandra Day O'Connor
We appear to live in a world where not getting your way many times leads to bullying on social media, and those of us at the local governmental level seem to be subject to the wrath of certain individuals when we rule on an issue not in agreement with their personal mindset.
There was a time when people with differing viewpoints, while not agreeing, would at least acknowledge the other person or person’s viewpoint. Now, we live in a society where there is diminished nuance or sensibility to or ability to express subtle shadings of meaning or value. Today, many issues are seen as black or white, with no room in the middle for compromise. As a result, people take to social media to harshly critique those who they disagree with on issues. Many of these criticisms of local elected officials are misrepresented in social media posts, and unfortunately this information becomes “reality” for those individuals who rely on social media to formulate their vision of their local government.
In Darien, we have a system or procedure for reviewing proposed ordinances that require a petitioner to go through an intricate process prior to gaining approval from our council. We follow that procedure and we adhere to high ethical standards in executing our positions as elected officials. Our staff and our elected officials spend hours researching major issues prior to voting “yea” or “nay,” and when they cast their vote be it 7 – 0 , 4 -3, or 0 -7 they walk away knowing that they fulfilled their responsibility as elected representatives of Darien’s residents. While we may disagree on a particular issue we walk away acknowledging the value of each individual’s point of view. We have a respect for one another that is never tempered by our differing viewpoints.
Unfortunately, we now find ourselves attacked and maligned by those who disagree with our decisions. Rather than work to understand the data that led to our decision, they take to social media and make statements such as “he/she is on the take,” or “they are making backroom deals,” statements that only serve to misinform the public, and malign an elected official or staff member. One wonders if we have lost our sense of civility; our ability to have respect for opinions or decisions that differ from ours.
Your Darien elected representatives and staff are good and honest individuals who give tremendous amounts of time in the service of our residents. Each of us works diligently to meet the needs of our residents, even when some of those decisions are not favored by individuals within and outside our city.
Those who seek to disparage us do a disservice to our city in their efforts to separate us rather than unite us in our efforts to bring about positive change to our city. I can promise each and every Darien resident that both elected officials and staff have and always will have your needs as our main priority.
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Fall's Beauty in Darien
As Mother Nature manifests the beauty of Fall, we are asking residents to send Mayor Marchese (jmarchese@darienil.gov) a picture or a street name of a location in Darien that truly demonstrates the beauty of Fall. Pictures submitted by Monday, November 20 will be exhibited in our City Hall Lobby Thanksgiving Week.
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Residents Have Spoken - the Results Are In!
The City conducted its annual citizen survey this fall to ask residents how we are doing. A total of 507 residents responded to the survey. The results have been complied and some highlights are below. A full report is available on the website. On behalf of Mayor Marchese and the City Council, thank you to all those who shared their thoughts with us – we appreciate your time! |
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Holiday Service Update
City Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Refuse/Recycling Collection services on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will NOT be postponed. Thursday and Friday collection service will be postponed by one day.
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Overnight Parking Ban Suspended for Holiday
The City's overnight parking ban will be suspended from Wednesday, November 22 at 2:00 a.m. to Monday, November 27 at 6:00 a.m. All other parking restrictions will remain in effect.
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Community Food Resources
Many of us are looking forward to the holiday season, but financial difficulties can often make this time of year extra stressful. Community organizations, such as West Suburban Community Pantry, offer help and hope throughout the year. Whether you are looking to make a donation this season or you could use some help around the holidays, click here to find food pantries and other resources near you. |
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Thanksgiving Cooking Safety
Planning to prepare a feast next week? Thanksgiving Day can be full of activity and distractions in the kitchen, but it's extra important to be vigilant to prevent fires and kitchen accidents. It is three times more likely to have a cooking fire on Thanksgiving than on other days of the year, so be sure to follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to keep your celebration safe and fun!
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
The NFPA also discourages the use of turkey fryers that use oil as they can cause devastating burns. If you want a fried turkey for your Thanksgiving meal, NFPA recommends using a fryer that does not use oil or purchasing a fried turkey from a store.
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Nominations Now Open for Darien Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year Committee is searching for a very special man or woman who has given of themselves to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live"! If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please nominate them for this honor!
This year, we will not only be honoring our Citizen of the Year, we will be paying tribute to individuals, selected by their organizations as their “member of the year.”
Nominees must be residents of Darien and not currently serving as an elected official. The deadline for nominations to be considered for the current year is Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. Learn More.
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Recycle Holiday Lights
Pulling out the Christmas decorations? Don't throw out those old lights! Christmas light recycling through Elgin Recycling will be available outside the Darien Police Department, starting Friday, November 10th through mid-February.
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November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, so it is important to know your risk. Risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include family history of the disease, age, chronic or hereditary pancreatitis, smoking, obesity and long-standing diabetes. Learn more about the disease here.
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Holiday Lights Decorating Contest
The City of Darien and the Holiday Home Decorating Committee are proud to sponsor the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest. Make this a festive holiday season by brightening our homes and blocks with lots of lights and qualify to win cash prizes!
Residents can nominate neighbors, friends, and even themselves for putting extra effort into decorating their homes for the holiday season.
To nominate a home or block call Diane at 630-353-8102 or email dnoverini@darienil.gov. Nominations must be received by Monday, December 4. View Flyer. |
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City Council Meeting - November 20
City Council will be meeting on Monday November 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted 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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Hinsdale South High School Class of 2028 Registration
It is time to register your student at Hinsdale South High School.
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November 18 - Winter Craft Show: link
November 24 - December 20 - Darien Woman's Club Holiday Soap Collection: link
November 29 - Darien Garden Club Sprouts Meeting: 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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