The following email provides timely information on news and services from the City of Darien.
Message From The Mayor
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down, and got back up.”
- Nelson Mandela
“Nothing is more beautiful than the smile that has struggled through the tears”
- Demi Lovato
Today’s message is very personal for me as it deals with someone whom I care for deeply, and their battle with a serious health issue. Throughout their life, this person has had setbacks, which have included social, educational, and physical hardships. Each time one of these setbacks occurred, they never retreated or felt sorry for themselves, rather they persevered, encountered the difficulty, and found a way to grow and gain from the experience. This individual now faces a tougher battle, and while the task of dealing with this issue is difficult, they are remaining positive and radiating that positivity to all of us who share this journey with them. I have learned through this experience what bravery is all about, and I am a better person for sharing in this experience.
We are not defined only by how we live life when things go well; we show our true strength when we face and deal with the challenges life throws our way. Our heroes are those who face adversity head-on, and by overcoming that adversity, they show all of us that we should never let life’s challenges set us back, but rather how we can all grow from the difficult situations life poses for us. I know this to be true; as I watch this individual deal with this issue, I know that I will never let any setback deter me from achieving my goals, and I thank him for his strength and more so for his example.
Citizen of the Year, Lou Mallers, Recognized by City Council
Citizen of the Year, Lou Mallers, attended Monday’s City Council meeting and was recognized by Mayor Marchese and the City Council.
Pinewood Derby Winners
Cub Scouts from Pack 36 attended the City Council this week to be honored for their Pinewood Derby victories.
Winners include First Place – Henry Gorzkowski, Second Place – Davis Barry, Third Place – Andrew Guzman
What Happens When you Call 9-1-1?
The short answer is it depends on what type of line or device you are calling from. Here's the breakdown:
- Landline (copper) - When dialing 9-1-1 from a landline, not VOIP, the 9-1-1 operator gets the mailing address for that telephone number through the software.
- Landline (VOIP) - A VOIP is similar to a landline, but most VOIP phones can have an address programed into it. However, because the phone can be moved location to location remember to reprogram the new address.
- Mobile (Phase I) - When dialing 9-1-1 Phase I wireless phone (old cell phone technology) the only thing the 9-1-1 operator is provided is the location of the tower and the pseudo phone number for the tower.
- Mobile (Phase II) - When dialing 9-1-1 Phase II wireless phone (current technology) the 9-1-1 operator is provided with the cell phone tower location, a caller approximate location (latitude/longitude that plots on our map within 1000 meters or less), the caller’s cell phone number and the pseudo phone number for the tower.
- Mobile (Non-Initiated Phone) - When dialing 9-1-1 using a non-initiated wireless phone (phones without a paid plan) the only information provided to the 9-1-1 operator is the location of the tower and a phone number that has (911) for the area code.
DuCOMM, the agency we utilize for 9-1-1 services, uses Smart 911 which allows residents to upload information to the Smart 9-1-1 system that will help the 9-1-1 operator locate users of Smart 9-1-1 faster. Sign up for Smart 9-1-1 here.
DuCOMM also has a system called RapidSOS which uses the GPS of the cell phone and allows the 9-1-1 operator to plot the wireless location with better accuracy than landlines.
Do I Need a Building Permit?
Planning a home improvement project? The following information is provided to help guide the residential homeowner on various interior and exterior home remodeling projects. For more detailed information please visit our website or contact the building department at 630-353-8115, or email.
Always consult with the building department regarding local building setback requirements, and any items not addressed below. Please note that all contractors must be licensed with the City of Darien before beginning any work. Contact the building department to determine if your contractor is licensed.
PERMITS REQUIRED:
(Common Examples)
- New Dwelling Structures
- Room Additions
- Garages, attached and detached
- Alterations where structural elements are affected, i.e.; new openings in foundations, walls, ceilings, roofs, enlarged door and window openings.
- Re-roofing – tearing off old shingles
- All new electrical & plumbing installations (in wall work)
- Fireplaces and solid fuel burning stoves
- New air conditioning units
- Generators
- Sheds
- Swimming Pools – in ground and above ground
- Patios, including paver brick
- Decks and Porches
- Fences
- Driveways – including paver brick
- New water service
- Sewer work in public right-of-way
- Concrete work over 100 sq. ft.
- Landscaping ponds
- Landscaping that alters the grade of the property
- Retaining walls
- Underground sprinkler systems
- Wheelchair Lifts/Elevators
PERMITS NOT REQUIRED:
(Common Examples)
- Normal repair and maintenance
- Roof overlay – limited to a total of 2 layers of roofing material
- Replacement of deteriorated materials
- Siding, soffit & fascia
- Windows & doors – replacing with same size
- Superficial remodeling which does not affect structural elements, such as drywall and plaster work
- Replacing fixtures
- Exterior concrete flatwork under 100 sq feet, such as stoops and service walks
- Driveway overlay or sealcoating
- Simple landscaping that DOES NOT change the grading of the property
Residential Multi Family:
- Normal repair and maintenance
- Replacing fixtures
All other multifamily construction may require permits. Please check with the building department AND your homeowners association BEFORE beginning any construction
Police Vacation Watch
If you are planning on going on a vacation and want someone to check on your property, submit a vacation watch request to the Darien Police Department.
By adding your property to our database, it will be added to the list of vacation watches for officers to check on (time-permitting).
Contributed photo
| www.darien.il.us
Darien Woman’s Club 2022 Scholarship Opportunities
- Community Service Scholarships are available for School Seniors from Darien and surrounding areas. Scholarship Award: $1,000. Apply today - deadline March 12, 2022.
- Fine Art Scholarships Eligibility: 7th through 12th grade from Darien and surrounding areas. Scholarship Award: $350 Deadline: March 12, 2022. The purpose of this Darien Woman’s Club Fine Art Scholarship is to encourage young students’ participation in the fine arts and to give them the opportunity to attend a camp or classes in their area of interest. Click here for application.
Hinsdale South Booster Trivia Night Event
The Trivia Night event in person is sold out but check out the online auction that is now open and will close on Friday night. Any items purchased will be delivered locally.
Darien Garden Club General Meeting
March 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Good Bugs in the Garden
Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most insects aren’t pests at all. Learn about some commonly encountered beneficial insects and ways to attract them to your garden.
About Our March General Meeting presentation: Ken Johnson, an educator from the University of Illinois Extension, will help us explore some of the most common beneficial insects and ways to attract them to your garden. Ken Johnson is the Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties. His educational efforts focus on fruit and vegetable production, pest management, and beneficial insects.
Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word
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.
Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
Darien Events and Happenings
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(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
Police Department (630) 971-3999
Community Development (630) 353-8115
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