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-Simon and Garfunkel, “Old Friends/Bookends”

The following is a tribute to my “old friends” who gather with me every Tuesday for lunch and camaraderie.

While I truly enjoy my role as Mayor, as well as the people I work with, I treasure the time I spend with my “old friends” every Tuesday afternoon for lunch. We have been gathering together for close to ten years, and our group has grown from three of us to our sometimes gathering of fourteen or fifteen individuals. Most of the group is retired, but several of us like yours truly are still engaged in an activity that keeps us active. Our age range is between early sixties to the mid-eighties, so you can probably guess that individual health issues sometimes enter into our discussions. We are all members of the Darien Lions Club, but our friendship is so much more than our membership in any organization. We share stories, laughter and from time to time a tear for one of us who has passed on. When I am with them, we are all equals, friends who will always be there for one another.

Just this last Tuesday, I sat there and looked at the guys surrounding the table and told myself how lucky I am to have friends who kid with me about my role as mayor; are both supportive, and yet honest in their appraisal of my role with the city. In a world where so many take to social media to criticize elected officials, I have a group who are honest, and offer excellent advice. As I mentioned, from time to time we say goodbye and we shed a tear and make a toast to one of the group that has passed on. At this Tuesday’s gathering, we shared news of our “founder” and group organizer who is currently dealing with some health issues. While we enjoyed our gathering, we knew how much we truly missed his presence.

As I reflect on this last Tuesday’s gathering, I know how much I cherish being part of this group, and I sometimes wish that I could freeze time and hold a picture in my mind of this group that would never change. As Simon and Garfunkel sing in “Bookends,”Long ago it must be I have a photograph. Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.” I will always have great memories of these guys and how they brighten my day. To my Tuesday afternoon “old friends,” I can only say, I can never thank you enough for your friendship and for your love and support!

The Environmental Committee nominated Cathy Streett for the Green Heart of Darien. Cathy has been a founding member of our local award-winning Garden Club since its inception in 2001. For over 22 years, she has beautified our community, educated the public about gardening and environmental issues, and supported environmental initiatives through numerous other organizations. She embodies the heart of a green community – to improve our environment. Through each of these efforts, she has given of herself for the betterment of our community.

Join Mayor Marchese for the Darien Community Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Sunday, December 3 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Darien Historical Society, NW Corner of 76th St. and Cass Ave. There will be lots of family fun for all, topped off with caroling and the tree lighting at 4 p.m. Many thanks to Home Depot for donating the museum exterior wreath and garland!

Each year the Darien Lions provide over 300 area families in need with a holiday gift basket filled with perishable and non-perishable goods to make their holiday celebrations special.

Families with children under the age of 12 will also receive gifts for the holiday season!

YOUR DONATIONS MATTER!

Donations can be made by mail to Darien Lions Club Foundation 1702 Plainfield Rd.,

Darien, IL 60561 or via Paypal at @DLCFoundation. View Flyer.

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.

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.

Make use of the Yard Waste Service from LRS before it ends on December 10, on your regular garbage day, for the winter season! Yard waste pickup is included free with LRS residential garbage service from April 1st through the second full week of December. All items must be placed out for collection by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Click here for guidelines from LRS on how to dispose of your yard waste properly.

See if you qualify for help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

Call (630) 407-6500 now to schedule an appointment if you have a disconnection notice, or a household member who is 60+ years old, has a disabling condition, or is under the age of 6. Call 211 for application sites near you.

To protect yourself and your family against COVID-19 and influenza (flu) this holiday season, the DuPage County Health Department strongly recommends everyone six months and older, especially people with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant, get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this winter.

Updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines are available through retail pharmacies and most doctors' offices - visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Learn more.

Spread some joy and make a difference this holiday season at DPCC. We are seeking volunteers for our upcoming holiday events! For additional information, kindly contact the volunteer office by email or call 630-784-4260.

Head over to the website to see a full list of volunteer opportunities!

The City of Darien will be conducting their annual Parkway Tree Trimming Program beginning in February 2024. This year’s tree trimming program consists of trimming approximately 1,750 parkway trees. Below are the subdivisions to be trimmed:

This year’s program also includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program to all residents. The price for the private property program is $175.00 per tree in the front yard, and $300.00 per tree in the back yard. Residents may contact Aleksander Tucker, Yellowstone Landscape Group for private property work at 847-987-8806 or via email beginning Friday, December 1, 2023 through Friday, March 1, 2024. (Private property tree trimming will not commence until the City’s program is complete).

For additional information regarding the Tree Trimming Program, please call 630-353-8105.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will be meeting on Wednesday December 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

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.

Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

November 24 - December 20 - Darien Woman's Club Holiday Soap Collection: link

Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390

Bryon Vana, City Administrator,

City Hall (630) 852-5000

Police Department (630) 971-3999

Public Works Streets & Water (630) 353-8105

Community Development (630) 353-8115

Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.

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