Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: June 15, 2023

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

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Weekly eNews - June 15, 2023

Mayor's Message

“‘Daddy,’ I whispered, feeling my own breath hitch in my throat. ‘I love you.’ Just

when I was sure he was asleep, the one corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. ‘I

knew that,’ he murmured. ‘Always knew that.’” - Morgan Matson

This coming Sunday, June 18, is Father’s Day, and I will be repeating what I usually do to honor my dad. I will post a lovely picture of my father taken years ago before he was felled by strokes, and will post that on Facebook with a statement of my love and appreciation for all he did for me during his life. My actions will be replicated by many, maybe even by you, as we strive to show our love for our fathers, whether they are still with us or have gone on to their eternal reward

As I look back and reflect on my relationship with my father, I can honestly say that while we definitely loved each other, expressing that to one another was not something you would hear either of us say to one another as I was growing up. My dad showed his affection by the sacrifices he made for me and for our family, and in turn, I returned that affection through my working to live up to the high standards he set for me.

My relationship with my father changed greatly as he aged, and as I took on the role of father to my three sons. When we would say our goodbyes after a family gathering, I found myself going up to my dad, giving him a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and telling him “I love you dad.” In turn, he would always return the sentiment with, “I love you Joe.” Those occasions are what I remember most about my dad, it was as if we grew emotionally and didn’t let outside issues cloud the feelings we had for one another. It was also during those years that I developed a deeper appreciation for all he did for me during my childhood, and I saw how his high set of standards helped shape the person I am today.

It is in some ways sad, that now after they are gone, we have a deeper appreciation for the role our fathers played in our lives. While my father and I found a way to verbalize our feelings for one another, it was only at the end of his life that we developed that strong emotional bond. This Sunday, when I post that picture, and write my message, I will work to find words that somehow capture the love and appreciation I have for a man who had such a significant impact on my life. I believe in my heart, that this Sunday and all future Father’s Days, he will somehow answer, “I knew, always knew that.”

City Council Meeting - June 19

City Council will meet on Monday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall at 1702 Plainfield Road.

The agenda will be posted here.

Honoring Juneteenth

At Monday's City Council, we are presenting a proclamation honoring Juneteenth. The proclamation recognizes Juneteenth "as part of the City's commitment to anti-racism, racial and social justice, encouraging a day of reflection, recognition, and acknowledgment of healing. We recognize the continued need to battle racism and to continue our efforts to build a more peaceful and cohesive community."

Branch Pickup

The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries.

The next pickup is the week of JUNE 26. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb by Sunday, June 25.

The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS. More info.

Darien Accepted the Warhol Community Art Challenge

The College of DuPage Art Project is coming to the windows of the Indian Prairie Public Library (IPPL) with large Andy Warhol-inspired images of notable Darien figures. This is sponsored by the College of DuPage and The JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation. Learn more about the hometown heroes featured in the IPPL exhibit.

Ribbon Cutting

In addition to displaying the art, the library is hosting a ribbon cutting with a brief ceremony led by Darien Mayor Marchese, which will take place at the library on Friday, June 23, at 4 p.m. in the library's cafe on the first floor.

Andy Warhol: A Life in Pop

The Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage are hosting an exhibition of Andy Warhol now through Sept. 10.

Business Spotlight: La Panza

La Panza is a Darien family owned business that is located on Brookhaven Plaza on the corner of Cass and Plainfield Ave. The Latin American restaurant specializes in made-to-order dishes from different countries including Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, among others, allowing their clients to fuse flavors and textures unique to their preferences. Many of the clients from La Panza are excited to find this kind of restaurant in the suburbs as the majority of restaurants with this kind of dishes are found downtown Chicago. The food is prepared daily and in small batches in order to have freshly made to order food for their clients. Some of the most popular dishes are the empanadas, patacon (Fried plantain sandwich), arepas (Grilled corn dough discs and filled with meats), loaded fries, salchipapas, tacos, and bowls. Their ice cream is all naturally made and free of dyes and preservatives that accompanied by cinnamon-sugar churros make the best dessert in the area. The food is truly healthy, yet delicious and made with fresh, high quality ingredients. You can order online, by calling 630-541-3152, or coming to the sit down restaurant at 7516 S Cass Ave #25B.

La Panza Latin American Grill, Darien, Illinois

Darien Rocks the Greens

Summer Concerts at

Carriage Greens

Darien’s Summer Concerts are returning to Carriage Greens Country Club! Mark your calendar for the following shows!

Thursday, June 29th – Beyond the Blonde
Thursday, July 27th – The Mix
Thursday, August 31st – Reckless
Saturday, September 23rd – Oktoberfest

View Flyer

DuPage County Food Pantry Funding

The DuPage County Board voted this past Tuesday to allocate $500,000 to County food pantries that are struggling due to the demand for food as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the funding here.

Everyone deserves food security. If you or someone you know needs help accessing food, you can find resources by calling 211 or visiting 211dupage.gov.

Road Rehab Program

Road rehab work for the City of Darien is underway. Check out the schedule here.

National Safety Month - Slips, Trips, and Falls

The National Safety Council reports that, "As our population ages, the prevalence of falls among older adults is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four older adults report a fall each year."

Use this safety check list to help prevent falls and injuries for everyone in the family!