The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - July 20, 2023 |
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“Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.”
- Ronald Reagan
Monday evening at our City Council meeting, we had an opportunity to put aside the business of the city and to experience something very beautiful. As you may recall, I wrote a Mayor’s Message describing the events of May 27, 2023, when a young woman, seeing an individual in distress, stepped out of her comfort zone and provided a life-saving effort. When Stephanie Koklys came across Wojciech Wilczynski in distress, she did what her heart told her to do, call 911 and perform CPR per the instructions of the dispatcher, who stayed on the line to assist her until the paramedics arrived on the scene. Wojciech will have the opportunity to be a husband and father, a neighbor, a friend, and a contributor to our community, all due to the efforts of a woman who saw a person in need and acted according to her instincts.
After we gave Stephanie her Heart of Darien Award, Wojciech came forward and with tears in his eyes, he embraced Stephanie as his way of saying “thank you” for her efforts on his behalf. Prior to the start of our meeting, we also had an opportunity to meet Stephanie and Wojciech’s families, two families that have now bonded through this experience. Experiencing these two families coming together was an emotional moment for everyone in attendance.
While I have given a Heart of Darien to several very deserving individuals over the past four years, this one touched my heart in a very special way, and it will be one that I remember, not just for what occurred, but for how it brought two individuals and their families together. I believe that we have other Stephanie’s and Wojciech’s here in Darien; people who would step out of their comfort zone to assist someone in need, and I am grateful that I had an opportunity to meet a young woman who, in my estimation, is a true hero, someone who I believe all of you would enjoy meeting.
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Heart of Darien Award
At this week's City Council Meeting, Stephanie Koklys received the Heart of Darien award.
On Saturday, May 27, a man was out running with a friend when, after traveling one mile, he stopped and collapsed on the path. His friend, noticing that he was in distress, called for help. Stephanie Koklys, a Darien resident was also out on the path that morning when she came across the man in distress, and immediately took action by calling 911 and then administering CPR. According to the paramedics who later arrived at the scene, without her intervention, the downed runner may not have survived. Stephanie would probably describe her action as something anyone might do under the same circumstances, while many of us look upon her actions as those of a hero.
Stephanie's actions and the actions of others like her are what make Darien a wonderful community and a nice place to live. Due to her unselfish behavior, Stephanie was honored with the Heart of Darien Award.
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The City of Darien is Hiring
The City is now hiring for the position of Business Liaison and Recruitment Coordinator. This position is responsible for implementation of economic development goals for the city including planning, coordinating and monitoring programs and projects that are designed to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and secure new economic investment. Learn more about this opening here. |
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It’s Darien and Winfield Week at WARHOL!
Darien and Winfield residents can use code BOGOWI for 50% off Timed Tickets between July 19 and July 30! For tickets, visit Warhol2023.org. Offer is limited, not retroactive, cannot be combined with other offers and expires on Sunday, July 30, 11:59p.
The WARHOL Exhibition at the McAninch Arts Center and Cleve Carney Museum of Art encompasses 11,000 square feet of exhibition space, provides the opportunity to experience Andy Warhol’s life through over 200 of his original works, and features interactive exhibits, recreations, and videos created exclusively for this exhibition.
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Clarendon Hills Road Closure
The City is continuing the capital investment project along Clarendon Hills Road. This project includes a new sidewalk along the east side of the road from Plainfield Road to 67th Street, the construction of a crosswalk into Community Park, and the installation of a stop light at 67th and Clarendon Hills Road.
During this construction, there will be limited traffic permitted on Clarendon Hills Road within the project limits. Please avoid the area if you can, and watch for road closures and detours that will be in place. The detours will be adjusted as needed during the project. We are planning for the traffic detours to be in place from July 10th through August 7th. For questions, please call Regina at 630-353-8105.
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Support the National Night Out Blood Drive
The Darien Police Department is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Tuesday, August 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The drive will be in the bus parked at Darien Westwood Park (NE corner of 75th and Fairview). Donate for a chance to win $1200 in e-gift cards for a new TV, computer, or any new home entertainment device.*
Appointments are encouraged; walk-ins are welcome! Sign up online or call/text Camille from Versiti at 847-305-9998.
*NO PURCH. NEC. MI, OH, IL, IN, and WI residents only; 18+. Ends 8/31/23. Four (4) sep. weekly drawings. Enter by blood donation or online. See Official Rules for details. Sponsor: Versiti, Inc., 638 N. 18th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233. |
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Darien Rocks the Greens Summer Concerts at Carriage Greens
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Plan to be at Carriage Greens next week on Thursday, July 27! You won't want to miss The Mix as they bring us everything from classics to current chart hits. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. and you'll be able to enjoy food and drinks from local restaurants as you sway to the music. |
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No Boulders/Rocks in the Right-of-Way
The City periodically receives calls regarding boulders and rocks that residents have placed on the shoulder of the road in order to keep vehicles off the grass. This is done primarily on residential streets that do not have curbs. The city reminds residents that boulders/rocks are NOT permitted within the street right-of-ways and pose a liability to the city. The city is obligated to maintain safe public roads, including the right-of-way (row) outside the paved portion. If the city identifies boulders/rocks in the row, the property owner will be given a 10-day notice to remove them. In the event they are not removed within 10 days, public works crews will remove them. Any questions, please contact Jordan at 630-353-8113.
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Make A Wish Illinois
Golfing for Wishes is now the largest Make a Wish Illinois fundraiser in the State of Illinois that is run by 100% non-paid volunteers. Over the past 27 years, they have written checks to Make a Wish Illinois that exceed $1,2 million dollars. This year they will be holding their event at Carriage Greens Country Club on Friday, August 25. Registration and Breakfast begin at 7:30 and the shotgun start begins at 9:00 am. This year they hope to break their record of generating donations for Make a Wish Illinois.
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Never Leave Your Pet in A Parked Car |
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DuPage County Capital Campaign Underway to Fund New Shelter
On May 24, 2022, the DuPage County Board approved the expansion and renovation of the DuPage County Animal Services Shelter Building. The current open admission animal shelter no longer meets the needs of the many species of animals for which they care. They also need more work space for staff and volunteers as they continue to be a welcoming place for people and pets from DuPage County and surrounding areas.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!
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July 22 - RecycleEvent hosted by State Senator John Curran and State Representative John Egofske: link
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July 26 - Sprouts, Darien Garden Club - Art in the Garden: link
July 27 - Darien Park District Summer Movies - Finding Nemo: link
August 10-13 - Darien Fest: 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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