The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - April 27, 2023 |
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“By leaving your comfort zone behind and taking a leap of faith into something new, you find out who you are truly capable of becoming.”
-Anonymous
During the course of my career as an instructor, high school administrator, and elected official, I have been asked to write letters of recommendation for individuals seeking scholarships, job placements and career advancements. While I have written these letters for individuals of all ages, many of these recommendations were written for those seeking scholarships, entrance into a college or graduate school of for individuals seeking their first career position. While I don’t keep a record of how or if my letter assisted them, I have always received thank you letters indicating how my letter impacted the outcome.
I received a request last weekend from a young woman, early twenties, seeking a scholarship within the Miss Illinois Pageant. She has been a participant in this program for a number of years, and her participation has allowed her to complete her undergraduate education as a scholarship participant. I first met her at last year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony for the Darien Historical Society, and in the intervening period, I have assisted her in her continued participation in service activities within the Darien Community. I was honored by her request to write a letter on her behalf; she is a young woman who is committed to scholarship and she desires to improve the world around her thus setting herself apart from young leaders of her generation. In a world where so many young, and not so young individuals consciously or unconsciously isolate themselves from the world around them, she looks for opportunities to “break her shell,” and to look for ways to grow as a person, to develop a “social conscience,” which in many respects is rare for a young person of her generation. She is a young woman seeking to leave a legacy for the next generation of leaders as she works to secure the success of future generations.
As I composed her letter of recommendation, I realized how easy it is to discuss the attributes of those who are willing to step outside their “comfort zones,” as they seek to explore a new challenge. As Arigo notes, “The hardest thing to do is leaving your comfort zone. But you have to let go of the life you’re familiar with and take the risk to live the life you dream about.” This young woman, rather than taking an easier path, chose to follow her dreams, not always knowing what impact that would have on her life. I believe she has found out that choosing a path that is a little more uncertain, in search of a dream has been the right path for her. My letter of recommendation clearly notes her courage and commitment to a life-long dream; it was one of the easiest recommendations I have ever written for anyone.
Take a moment, and go look in a mirror; is there a dream out there that you have always wished to pursue? Maybe the life you have is comfortable just the way it is, but don’t negate your dreams, as you answer the question, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
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City Council Meeting - May 1
City Council will meet on Monday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda will be posted here. |
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Canceled
The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for May 3 has been canceled.
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Economic Development Committee Meeting - May 4
The Economic Development Committee will meet on Thursday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda will be posted here. |
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Darien's 24th Annual Arbor Day Celebration
Join our Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m. at Ridgewood Park. This annual event is always fun and memorable, so be sure to put it on your calendars! Learn more about the event here.
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Road Patching
Road patching will take place on various City streets beginning next week. The work will be performed by Orange Crush.
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Concrete Replacement Program
The City of Darien will be providing residents interested in replacing their driveway, apron and City sidewalk the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Concrete Replacement Program. Learn more. |
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Mulch Delivery in Darien
Wood chip delivery is available from the City of Darien, for City of Darien Residents. There is a delivery fee of $35.00 for a half load, which is approximately 3 cubic yards of chips, and $55.00 for a full load, which is approximately 8 cubic yards of chips. Learn more. |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) YouTube channel. |
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Business Spotlight - Pizzeria K
The Pizzeria K project began in March of 2020, when the whole world went into quarantine and we had no other choice but to dream and talk about the future. We talked, we laughed, and nobody at that time knew that everything we talked about would eventually become a reality. From a creperie, to a coffee shop, to the pizzeria, we didn’t know exactly where the roads of our imagination would take us, what we knew for certain was to have a place where everybody would feel welcomed and at home. Fast forward to today, three years later spring of 2023, I am proud to be a part of this beautiful project called Pizzeria K.
At Pizzeria K, apart from the taste of authentic wood-fired pizza, delicious crepes, and an amazing espresso, you will never leave without a smile on your face. It’s officially been 322 days since Pizzeria K welcomed its first customer, 322 days of welcoming and putting smiles on faces of our loyal customers who bring joy to us every single day. I would like to give a special thanks to a man who stands behind this project and who did the impossible, a man who fought hard to make our dream come true, and who is also a part of Pizzeria K, Dragan Nikolic.
Thank you for being part of our team, we are so grateful to have you at Pizzeria K. Our team grows every single day and we hope to continue growing, putting on smiles, and staying loyal to our great customers. Come and join our team, we are located at 737 Plainfield Rd Unit 4-a; Darien. View website. |
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Seasonal Employment Opportunity
Public Works Department
The City of Darien is accepting applications for summer employment for its Public Works Department. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Work involves manual labor and is primarily outdoors. The starting salary is $18.75. Applications can be obtained online under Employment-Opportunities. Applications can be sent to the City of Darien at 1702 Plainfield Rd., Darien, Il. 60561 or emailed to lklemm@darienil.gov. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!
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April 29 - Free Community Shredding Event link
May 1 - Darien Garden Club Plant Exchange link
May 6 - Eagle Project - Working Bikes link
May 7 - Spring Birding Experience link
May 11 - Parks Family Fun Night: 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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