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Cathy and I received the call on March 1, 2007, around 1:10 in the afternoon. My son Jeff called with the message, “Well you have a grandson and you are grandparents now!” As much as his message was somewhat flippant, it was news we had been waiting for since we found out our daughter-in-law was expecting. The idea that we now had a grandson was both exciting and a little scary, at least it was for me.

Following that call, we prepared to meet our new grandson Jake by driving down to Prentice Women’s Hospital, on a cold and windy day. It seemed like it would take us forever, but we finally reached the hospital, found parking and made our way up to Christie’s room where Jake was being cuddled by his mom and dad. Of course, Grandma Cathy was the first to hold our new grandson, while I was aware that I would soon get a chance to hold the newest Marchese in my arms. When the time came to hold him, I felt a wave of emotion, and found that I had tears in my eyes as I sat there holding little Jake in my arms. Jeff looked at me and asked “why are you crying dad,” and after a second I looked at him and said that “when this little boy becomes a man and has a son that he puts in your arms, you will find yourself with tears in your eyes.’

Three years later, we shared the same experience when our Granddaughter Ella was born. Since I never had a daughter, I knew that this little girl would soon own my heart, and she would always find a way to Papa’s heart. Over the years, I have found that each of my grandchildren hold a special place in my life and in my heart. Of course, Grandma is much more forgiving than me, and if you know the quote, “If Mom says no, ask Grandma. If Grandma says no… Who are we kidding? Grandma never says no,” then you know that Cathy is always there for Jake and Ella.

While Cathy and I lead busy and active lives, we always find time for our two grandchildren, whether its picking them up after school, attending Jake’s football games or Ella’s softball and volleyball games, we are almost always there. When someone asked why we spend so much time in their lives, I tell them that life is about creating great memories, and I want my grandchildren to know and always remember how much we love them and how important they are in our lives.

This coming Sunday, September 10 is National Grandparents Day, and for some it will result in Hallmark cards, while for others it will involve family visits and expressions of love. Regardless of how that day goes, my grandchildren will always hold a special place in my heart. I truly believe, that as Richard Garnett states “Love is the greatest gift one generation can leave another.” Happy Grandparents Day!

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, Darien will install a monument sign commemorating this event. Funding for the sign is provided by a grant from the Illinois Office of Tourism. The sign will be placed within the frontage of 1000 N Frontage Road (with permission from the property owner).

Panhandling can be found in most busy communities, generating many questions and complaints from residents. A panhandler is defined as someone who asks people for money in a public place. A federal district court in Chicago found an Illinois law unconstitutional in January 2021, saying asking for money is a protected act under the First Amendment.

A lawsuit was filed on behalf of two homeless individuals, alleging the enforcement of the anti-solicitation provisions of Illinois law, 625 ILCS 5/11- 1006(c), against them violated their First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. The statute provides that solicitation of contributions on a highway is prohibited unless the solicitor is a representative of an agency registered with the Illinois Attorney General as a charitable organization, engaged in a statewide fundraising activity and imposes additional restrictions, which effectively prohibit panhandling by individuals. The court determined asking for money is protected by free speech and the First Amendment, therefore prohibiting ordinances that make panhandling illegal.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and the #988Lifeline is here to support you. No matter what you are going through, there is help. The Lifeline’s toll-free number, 988, will connect you with a trained crisis counselor who is ready to support you.

Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone. The goal of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Find resources to help you identify warning signs here.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

September is National Preparedness Month and we will be exploring how to "Take Control in 1, 2, 3" in any emergency situation. Older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are considered low income, have a disability, or live in rural areas. Check out these tips from Ready.gov on how to be prepared in case of an emergency.

September 12 is National Women in Law Enforcement Day. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the women officers and staff of the Darien Police Department for their service to our community!

Senior citizens are a vital part of the community and there are many agencies and organizations that provide services to Darien's seniors. We will be highlighting some of them this month, starting with the Darien Police Department Elderly Services Program.

The Darien Police Department’s Elderly Services program will respond to seniors in need and help them connect with DuPage County Senior Services. Please contact Sgt. Nick Skweres by email or at 630-353-8337. An Elderly Service Officer (ESO) will reach out to discuss needs and next steps. ESOs check in on registered seniors, provide local resource information, provide presentations for senior groups, investigate crimes, abuse and neglect and serve as a liaison with DuPage County Senior Services. Each registered senior will receive the direct phone and email contact information for their assigned ESO.

From April 1st through the second full week of December, residents can take advantage of weekly yard waste and food scrap collection services (composting) with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). These services are included in the monthly fee. Residents can participate by placing yard waste and/or food scraps (there is no need to separate them) in biodegradable paper bags, or in containers and placing them at the curb on your garbage day. Learn more.

Join us on Saturday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. for a tour of select gravesights of area residents at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Docents in period dress will portray these early settlers and give first person narratives about their lives and contributions, including insight into local history.

This event is family friendly and includes a Civil War re-enactment! View the full flyer here.

The Darien District 61 Educational Foundation proudly recognizes Mr. Manu Raju as the 2023 Great Starts in District 61 Honoree. This award recognizes former students of District 61 who, having had a “great start” in District 61, are on exciting paths of learning, service, employment, and adventure in their lives.

Manu is currently the Chief Congressional Correspondent for CNN. He has won multiple awards for his work. Manu attended District 61 Schools from kindergarten through 8th grade and has fond memories of his time in the district. Learn more.

The agenda will be posted here.

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

September 9 - Shred Day at Republic Bank: link

September 10 - Darien Arts Council Meeting: link

September 16 - Cemetery Walk: link

September 23 - Oktoberfest: 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.

Follow us on Facebook at @CityofDarien.

Follow us on Twitter at @CityofDarien.

Follow the Darien Police Department on Twitter at @DarienPolice.

Join your Darien neighbors on Nextdoor.