Neighbors of Darien - January/February 2011

Darien
Neighbors™of
neighborsofdarien.com
January/February 2011
Your community magazine
What you can learn
from A Dog's Life
Mary Bridget Brown...
an incredible story
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PERMIT NO. 93
WESTMONT, IL 60559
City of Darien
1702 Plainfield Rd.
Darien, Illinois 60561
PAID
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
Neighbors
Publications
Neighbors of Darien Magazine
Inside Information
Neighbors of Darien Magazine
A message from our mayor
630-995-3482
neighborsofdarien.com
Neighbors Staff and Contributors
Valerie Karpeck, Publisher
Sharon Kassl, Production Director
Mary Coyle Sullivan, Editor
Linnea Carlson, Creative Director
Colleen Zawarus, Graphic Artist
7
Community Liaisons
Mary Ann Crooks
Chamber Administrator
Darien Chamber of Commerce,
630-968-0004
Scott Coren
Assistant to City Administrators
City of Darien,
630-353-8104
30
FEATURE STORY
A Dog's Life by Beth Lopez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What we can learn from our dogs on how to live a life
of love and laughter
Mary Wintermute
Administrative Secretary
City of Darien,
630-353-8115
Christine Cigler
Public Information Coordinator
Indian Prairie Public Library,
630-887-8760
For calendar listings:
Please submit your activity dates to
[email protected]
For advertising opportunities:
[email protected]
630-992-2121
DEPARTMENTS
Mayor’s Letter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
City News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chamber of Commerce news. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Nuggets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Around the Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Important Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
January Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
NEIGHBORS™ is published bimonthly.
Editorial contributions are welcome. Send your
information to [email protected].
Advertising deadline is the 10th of the month
preceding publication.
...A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings.
You, the people must get it this soul.”
­— Pope John Paul II
I
am pleased the City of Darien is beginning the process of “Municipal
Electrical Aggregation” which is intended to save our residents money
on their monthly electric bills. Right now the City Council is holding
public hearings and will consider passing a resolution in January to put
a referendum on the ballot in April to give the City of Darien the ability
to group all the electrical usage of Darien residents and offer it to several
different companies. If a company is willing to offer the electricity at
a lower price than you see on your ComEd bill, participating residents
would save money each month.
This concept is simple and similar to our Resident Joint Bid for Services
Program. The City obtains resident bid prices for tree trimming, tree
planting, porch light installation and repair, and concrete work on private
property as part of the public project bid specifications. The City is also
about to begin the budget process, in which we evaluate all costs and
services to ensure residents a good value for their support of their local
government. This process begins in mid-February. I would like to invite
all residents to participate in the meetings or tune in to Darien Channel
Six on Comcast to watch your local government at work.
If you have any questions or suggestions for us, please always feel free to
contact City Hall at (630) 852-5000.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Weaver
City Of Darien, Mayor
©2010 Neighbors is published by Emerald
Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion
of this publication may be reproduced without
the written permission of the publisher.
February Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Good Neighbor Bridget Mary Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
GOOD NEIGHBOR
TM
Follow us on Twitter!
“NeighborsMags”
Follow us on
Facebook
“Neighbors
Magazines”
4
5
What I have learned from my dog about life.
By Beth Lopez
A
s I start to consider a
resolution for 2011, I
glance over at my dog.
She’s sleeping peacefully on
the couch. A carefree dog’s life
with loving humans to take care
of your needs, communication
that consists of a tail wag and
mandatory naps sounds pretty
inviting right now. No worries!
If there is any creature on earth
that knows how to live a life of
love and laughter in its simplest
form, it’s a dog. Granted, dogs
don’t laugh out loud, but we
know they experience joy.
Beth Lopez and Mimi enjoy a game of catch
in their yard.
Here’s a couple of good “dog lessons” for us all:
Playtime is anytime.
Any dog, at any age is ready for
some good old fashioned fun.
My dog in particular could fetch
a rope toy for hours on end. She
doesn’t even need a
nc e .
of a b u n d a
Life is full
a little.
et to play
Don't forg
6
designated toy to play with….
she’s happy with a dirty sock.
Her dogged enthusiasm for play
reminds me how dropping out
the routine of life to enjoy and
have fun adds to the spice
of life. You know you are
alive when you are playing.
Human playtime doesn’t
even need to be organized
and arranged, it can be as
spontaneous as grabbing
any old plaything, like a
sock. Take your child
or grandchild and play
their favorite game or toss a
ball around with them. See for
a minute what incredible joy
it brings. Stop for a moment
in your day and do something
you haven’t done in a while
or only do when someone
special is in town, like walking
the Magnificent Mile or going
to a museum. Life is full and
abundant when you are enjoying
yourself and enjoying your
time should be an everyday
occurrence.
...Continued, page 8
7
Life is always exciting when you
have keys in your hand.
that might make me want to leap off the ground
with dog-like enthusiasm? It should be! If not,
maybe it’s time to reevaluate some of those things I
If I want my dog to leap three feet off the ground don’t like and ask myself how really necessary they
all I have to do is jingle my car keys. She knows are to me. I may not enjoy a rough day at work, but
she’s going somewhere! How exciting! When life’s
the bottom line is I love my job, it’s rewarding and
keys are in my hand, what direction am I going? Is
fulfilling and I can be excited about what might lie
tomorrow something I anticipate with excitement
ahead. My family is a constant
source of joy and I know that
tomorrow’s destination will
Our dogs remind us to enjoy the simple things in life.
be something to look forward
to because they are a part of
my life. Even though some
of my children are growing
up and moving on with their
lives I can be excited to see
what they do with their own
set of keys and share their joy
with them.
Neither rain, nor
hail, or sleet or
8
snow
will keep down the enthusiasm of going
for a walk.
Here’s something I really struggle with, making time
to exercise, which will prolong my health and essentially
increase my time here on earth! My dog doesn’t seem to
have that problem. It wouldn’t matter if it’s pouring rain or
30 below, she’s ready for that walk. I love to take walks, so
why not enjoy them to the point that I would do it regardless
Mary Sullivan and her good friend's dog
Cody are enjoying a gorgeous winter day!
of the weather, my
current to-do list, my
attitude or the time
of day? I have yet to exercise and say to myself “Man, I regret
doing that.” Dogs know instinctively that exercise is important
and a healthy 2011 might have me tapping into my “inner
dog” and getting off the couch.
Take a break when you need one.
Antoinette Basso and Rusty
cuddle to stay warm.
A dog has no problem flopping down onto a sunny spot on
the floor and taking a little nap. It doesn’t have to be 8pm, a
...Continued, page 10
9
A dog knows when it is time to take a break.
Continued from page 9
dog just knows it’s time to rest. Knowing my
limits and letting myself relax makes me and
everyone around me happy. Recharging my
batteries doesn’t always happen in the form
of sleep. Sometimes, just meeting a friend for
coffee or sitting and reading a book for 30
10
minutes will do the trick.
The point is, take a break!
We all make time for others,
our family, our boss, our
community; we would all be
a much more useful part of
society if we took the time
to stay revitalized by taking
little moments and savoring
them with a little rest and
reflection.
Love those that
love us….and even
those that don’t.
Of course, the most obvious quality of our fourlegged friends is unconditional love. It doesn’t
matter what kind of day I have, who I’ve been
nice to or not-so-nice to my dog greets me with
love and affection. Additionally, my dog doesn’t
even need to know someone to instantly like
them. She just assumes you are a person
she wants to get to know. Isn’t that
something we could all be more aware
of? How we react to others always
determines how they treat us in return.
What if I gave everyone the same
benefit of unconditional love that my
Certain
ly a dog
dog gives me? I bet I would feel lots of
s life for
as the f r
Mimi, C
olic in th
love and laughter in my life! Granted,
ody and
e Lo p e z
Rust y
fa
m
ily yard
this isn’t as easy as it might seem.
.
If someone is having a really bad day and
amusement
unleashing it in our direction, my first inclination
down the untraveled
would be to bark back. I try to imagine for a
moment that I am the one barking. How would
road of a New Year……thanks to my
I want that person to react? With love or with
four-legged friend.
fear and anger? Loving others with puppy-like
honesty tends to defuse even the most volatile
Beth Lopez and her dog Mimi are 10 year residents of
situations.
Darien they lives a dog’s life with their family of eight.
To read more of Beth’s writing, check out her blog on
I’m looking forward to a year full of www.theroadtofaith.com.
long walks, happy greetings, and
11
City of Darien
630-852-5000 • www.darien.il.us
City of Darien winter parking regulations
New City of Darien
text alerts!
There is no parking allowed on city streets
during a snow event when snow or ice
exceeds one inch.
Snowplows and other emergency vehicles
must have access and ability to pass down
streets; parked vehicles in the roadways
inhibit these vehicles and block visibility. In
snow emergencies snowplows are able to
more efficiently clear your street without
parked vehicles obstructing the process.
We thank you for your cooperation and
support!
2011 Darien Citizen of the Year news
Tune in to see the announcement of our 2011 Citizen of the Year at the City Council meeting
on January 17 at 7:30pm.
On February 22 everyone is invited to
the Citizen of the Year cake and coffee
reception at City Hall. Come and
meet the 2011 Citizen of the Year and
celebrate with us to honor all they have
done to make Darien the nice place it is
to live and raise a family.
Then, please join us on March 5 at
Alpine Banquets for a dinner/dance
honoring our Citizen of the Year.
Ticket cost will be $30 per person.
Reservations for the dinner/dance will
be available after February 1 at City
Hall.
12
T
City of Darien coach
light program has
begun!
C
he City of Darien is now
participating in the nixle text alert
system. Residents can now sign
up to receive text and/or email alerts
regarding urgent city matters. You can
learn more about the system and register
to receive text alerts at nixle.com.
Note: In order to activate the alerts when
registering, you must go to the “settings”
tab at the top right, and check “City of
Darien” and any others you would like to
receive alerts from.
oach lights are a way to help
illuminate private property for both
safety and appearance. The City
of Darien has solicited various vendors to
assist residents with repairing, replacing or
installing coach lights.
Residents will be responsible for contacting
the vendor directly for assistance with
their Coach Light needs. Each vendor has
submitted model information with a picture
as well as pricing and available finish. The
vendors have also provided information on
labor. You may view the coach light catalog
at city hall or at our website; darien.il.us/
Departments/MunicipalServices.
The coach lights are also on display at
Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. For
more information please call Mary at
630-353-8102.
13
City of Darien
630-852-5000 • www.darien.il.us
Real estate tax programs for
residents age 65 and older
Guardian program for senior
citizens
enior residents age 65 or older may be eligible for the
following tax reduction programs:
Senior Homestead Exemption: for Residents who own
and occupy their residence and are liable for the payment of real
estate taxes.
heriff Zaruba encourages every senior citizen in DuPage
County to register with the Guardian System, a free service
designed to ensure the well being of seniors as well as the
physically and mentally disabled in the county.
S
Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption: for residents who
own and occupy their residence, are liable for the payment
of real estate taxes and whose household income is under
$55,000.00.
Real Estate Tax Deferral: for residents who own and occupy their
residence, have lived in Illinois for 3 years and whose household
income is under $40,000.00.
For more information on any of these programs please contact
the Downers Grove Township at 630-968-2100.
PILOT II subsidized taxi program
T
he City of Darien sponsors a subsidized taxi service program
that assists eligible residents age 65 or older and residents
with disabilities with their transportation needs by providing
coupons that reduce the cost of taxi fare.
The program enables these residents to purchase up to seven
coupons per month which are worth $5.00 in taxi fare, valid for
use with participating taxi companies. The resident’s cost is $2.50;
the city subsidizes the other $2.50. Coupons may not be used for
transportation to airports.
This program is administered by DuPage County, and you must
register ahead of time for an identification card in order to use the
coupons. This process takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
For more information on this program, you may call
630-852-5000, or to register come in to Darien City Hall, 1702
Plainfield Road.
14
S
How does it work?
Guardian is a computerized phone system that calls registered
members on prearranged days and times to verify that they are
okay. If the member does not respond to the telephone call by
entering a four digit code on their telephone an alarm sounds
and a police dispatcher will attempt to reach the member via
telephone.
If still unsuccessful, a previously designated neighbor or family
member will be contacted. If the emergency contact cannot be
reached, a deputy will be sent to the member's home to make
sure everything is okay.
Who is eligible to participate?
Guardian is available to DuPage County residents who are over
the age of 62 or physically or mentally disabled and live alone.
How do I sign up?
To register for the
Guardian program you
may call the Sheriff's
Office at 630-407-2400
to have an application
mailed to you. Applications
may also be picked up
at the Sheriff's Office,
501 North County Farm
Rd., Wheaton, or at any
Township Office.
Your elected city officials
and city administrator
Kathleen Moesle Weaver
Mayor
630-271-1619
Joanne Coleman
City Clerk
630-654-3623
Michael J. Coren
City Treasurer
630-985-0974
Ted V. Schauer
Alderman
630-969-3081
John Galan
Alderman 2
630-969-8378
John Poteraske
Alderman 3
630-968-0199
Carolyn Gattuso
Alderman 4
630-850-8724
Joseph Marchese
Alderman 5
630-254-2421
Sylvia McIvor
Alderman 6
312-961-9230
Halil Avci
Alderman 7
630-963-4260
Bryon Vana
City Administrator
630-353-8114
15
Darien Chamber of Commerce
darienchamber.com
1702 Plainfield Rd. • Darien, IL 60561 • 630-968-0004
Welcome New Chamber Members
Bayern Builders, Inc.
18 W 141 Willow Lane • Darien
Joe Wasler • (630) 353-0172
www.bayernbuilders.com
Specializing in Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements,
and Additions. We are a full service remodeling
company in business for over 15 years. Member
of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating
and 2009 complaint free award. Call for a free in
home consultation and estimate.
Darien Patch
Lauren Williamson • (847) 239-2989
darien-il.patch.com
Darien Patch is an online source for all of your
community news. In addition to daily updates
about local government, schools and community
happenings, Patch offers a comprehensive directory
of Darien businesses. E-mail Editor Lauren
Williamson at [email protected] if you
have news tips. Visit Darien Patch at
darien-il.patch.com
Louis’ For Men
748 Ogden Avenue • Downers Grove
Lou Imbrogno • (630) 968-6333
Since 1973, Louis’ For Men has offered the finest
in men's clothing, custom made men's suits, sports
16
coats, slacks and shirts. Professional tailoring and
alterations and the latest in tuxedo rental sales.
With our newly expanded showroom come see
why we were nominated One of The Best Retail
Buisinesses in Downers Grove.
Paula Pinkerton Salon
5010 Fairview Avenue, Suite 1
Downers Grove • (630) 960-4140
A hidden gem in Downers Grove boasts a petite
and trendy atmosphere. Quiet and sophisticated,
my salon offers your every hair desire, fashion
coaching, facial and body waxing. With 22 years of
salon and life experience, I feel very blessed to be
able to make a difference in so many lives.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
7500 Kingery Highway • Willowbrook
Bart McClean • (630) 794-0576
Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of
fans that spread the word about the fun, energetic
atmosphere and great food. The unique Potbelly
experience is defined by its combination of toasty
warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, tasty madeto-order salads, as well as friendly and lively people. Please visit your neighborhood Potbelly located at
7500 Kingery Highway, by phone at
(630) 794-0576, or for more information, visit the
company's Website at www.potbelly.com.
Featured Member
Be Touched Therapeutic Massage
Sabrina Schottenhamel • (630) 709-7900
www.betouchedmassage.com
Sabrina is a Licensed Massage Therapist, practicing
for almost seven years. Sabrina travels to the home
or office and will give you an awesome massage!
She will provide the massage table, sheets, lotions/
oils, music, and a heating pad for the table. Sabrina
also does chair massage in-office, at holiday parties,
corporate events, and golf outings.
Excellence Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2010 Business
Excellence Award Winners
Business of The Year
and Business To
Consumer: Citizens
Financial Bank, Corrine
Ganiec
Not For Profit:
Carmelite Carefree
Village, Sandra Kariotis
Business To Business
and Member of The
Year: DuPage Star
Technology, Andrew
Blumenfeld
Professional Services:
County Line Properties
-Valerie Karpeck
Not pictured:
Rookie Of The Year:
Mike Field Automated
Forms & Graphics, Inc.
State Bank of Countryside
7380 S. Route 83 • Darien
Pamela Washington • 708-485-4141
As a locally owned family business, we
understand the financial needs and concerns
faced in our customer's personal and business
lives. Our employees are knowledgeable
professionals that bring neighborly warmth to
the banking business.
Upcoming Events
January 11, 11:30am
State of The Chamber
Ashton Place
January 12, 5pm
Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony
Edward Jones - Tim
Werner
January 15, 9am
Coffee With Mayor
Weaver
St. John Lutheran
Church
January 19, 12pm
Chamber 101
The Blue Diamond
Group
January 19, 5pm
Multi Chamber BAH
Citizens Financial
Bank (Willowbrook
Location)
January 26, 10am
Microsoft 7
Workshop
Indian Prairie Library
February 2, 5:30pm
3rd Annual
Connecting Women…
Creating
Opportunities
Downers Grove Wine
Shop
February 11, 7:15am
Corporate Strategies
Workshop
With Bill Bartlett
Ashton Place
February 19, 9am
Coffee With Mayor
Weaver
Darien Dunkin Donuts
February 22, 11:30am
Economic Outlook
Luncheon
Ashton Place
17
Nuggets
AnAn
eclectic
collection
ofof
what’s
happening
in in
Darien
eclectic
collection
what’s
happening
Darien
Around Town
An amazing new storefront opened up in
November with eye popping and unique purses,
bags, clutches, wallets, hats, hair accessories and
more on display for everyone to see! Ellie Gibbler
is located at 1224 Plainfield Road, just to the rear
of Celestine Spa. The small cottage that Ellie calls
home will take your breath away with the colorful
array of hand-made items. Be sure to stop in and
see for yourself this fairy tale world!
Darien School District #61 is pleased to
announce their Kindergarten Round Up at
Mark DeLay School. Starting on February 1, pick
up a registration folder at any District #61 school
office. Be sure to return on February 24 from
5-8pm for registration or call the office to make
an appointment to register your child.
Midwestern University received a 2010 Conservation and
Native Landscaping Award for restoring wetlands and
wooded areas on the Downers Grove Campus.
For the first time, Pillars, a local mental health
and social service agency, is offering a “Buy it
Now” opportunity on one of its most exclusive
Live Auction items from the 2011 Pillars Ball.
Available now at pillarscommunity.org, one lucky
purchaser and five friends or family members
will be able to spend a week at the luxurious
and exclusive
Esperanza Resort
in Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico, voted the ‘#1 Best Resort in Mexico’ by
Travel & Leisure magazine.
“This resort is truly the epitome of luxury and
opulence.” said Pillars Ball co-chair and board
member Zada Clarke.
The Pillars Ball is Pillars’ largest fundraising event,
helping to bridge the gap between a struggling
economy and significant state budget cuts. The Ball
will be held at The Westin in Lombard on January
22, from 6pm - Midnight. The evening will include
dinner, casino style gaming, both a live and silent
auction, raffle and wine table – all to raise funds
for the vital services Pillars provides. For more
information and tickets visit pillarscommunity.org.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
Chicago Wilderness have selected Midwestern
University for a 2010 Conservation and Native
Landscaping Award. The award recognizes the
University’s exceptional restoration of 8.97 acres of
wetlands and oak-hickory woods. The award cites
a natural area on the north side of the Downers
Grove Campus that is home to a variety of wildlife
and includes a walking trail that winds its way
through native trees, plants, and prairie grasses.
“We strongly believe in the importance of
being good environmental stewards of our
campus and providing our students with natural
areas for recreation and reflection,” said Kathleen
H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and CEO of
Midwestern University.”
The Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards specifically commended Midwestern University on
restoring the natural communities’ health and sustaining biodiversity while providing a place for students
to learn about the natural world.
18
19
Around the Block
for more, visit neighborsofdarien.com
Record breaking year for Swarm
The 2010 football season culminated
The Darien Swarm, a member of
ball. The Tiny Mite and Mitey Mite
with the Pee Wee 1 team coached by
Chicagoland Pop Warner cheer and
teams, ages 5 through 9, both had sucJoe Olson and Pee Wee 2 coached by
football programs had the best season
cessful seasons and played outstanding
Alex Villarreal facing off on November
in its three-year history. A total of five
games all year long. “It’s great to see
7 for the State Championship. While
football teams and three cheer squads
how these guys develop, and what’s
the two teams went nose to nose all
all made the Swarm’s highest recognieven better is watching them develop a
four quarters, it was Pee Wee 2 that
tion possible this year.
real love for the game, ”said Kirin.
ended up with the victory and a trip
“Our cheerleaders have improved
The Swarm’s oldest team, the Junior
to the regional championship to face
each and every year, we are very proud
Midgets had a respectable 5-3 season,
a tenacious team from Kansas City
of these girls”, said Swarm President,
going all the way to the state semi-final
on November 21 in Michigan City,
Tony Lopez. Both of the Swarm’s
match, while the two Pee Wee teams
Indiana. The boys came up with a
older teams can qualify for competihad incredible 7-1 and 8-0 records.
13-7 win in Inditions. Swarm’s Jr. Pee
ana to become the
Wee girls made it all
first ever Regional
the way to state with
champions in
a 4th place finish. The
Swarm history.
Junior Midget team,
The Darien
comprised of 11-13
Swarm provides
year olds went all the
developmental
way to Regionals and
spor ts for boys
placed 3rd in their diviand girls ages 5-13
sion in the entire Mid
in Football and
West Region.
Cheer, as well as
The cheerleaders
soccer, baseball
were not the only ones
and softball, in
to shine this year. The
Darien and surSwarm’s five outstandrounding areas.
ing football teams
(pictured – Swarm Pee Wee Division 3 Regional championship team: Joey Tonoff,
range in ages from 5-13 Mark Wilson, Cormak Burke, Josh Heiro, Keiran Burke, Christian Shimkus, Robert For more informayears old. “Our youngest Southworth, Miles Walker, Grant Lester, Ryan Olsen, Danny Schimmel, Will Smith, tion and upcoming
Nick Meyers, Ross Wenkus, Tony Spacone, Sergio Villalobos, Charlie Maher, Danny
teams are just a whole lot Fors, Jake Chisholm, Ryan Martin, Sam Basalone, Nima Cheraghchi, Kyle Brennan, tryouts visit darienof fun,” said Steve Kirin, Joe Keys, Mitch Mendel, Zach Villarreal, Coaches; Alex Villarreal, Dave Downey, swarm.com.
Swarm Director of FootGary Lester, Ron Martin, Rob Olsen, Robert Southworth Sr., Perry Tonoff)
Spend your Sunday with the
Historical Society
Warm the cockles of your heart at a delicious gathering presented by the Darien
Historical Society on January 30. “The
Sunday Dinner” will satisfy both your dining and entertainment pleasure at Alpine
Banquets.
Tickets are available at 630-964-6792
or 630-985-7779, which include dinner,
show and free raffle prizes; cocktails begin
at 1pm.
“Remembering Marshall Fields” will
enlighten while coaxing your memory.
The iconic Chicago retail story is Leslie
Goddard’s deeply researched, visual presentation. A Northwestern graduate and
resident of Darien, Ms. Goddard is well
regarded in the western suburbs and metropolitan Chicago as a U.S. cultural lecturer and portrayer of historical figures.
With no football conflict, you are invited
to bring friends and family to an upbeat
afternoon. The Darien Historical Society
appreciates and thanks local businesses
that contribute raffle certificates and
especially Michael Coren, sponsor of the
delightful entertainment. Call now to
make arrangements; deadline is January
23. How better to live than to laugh!
Park District plans winter fun
Clean out those old toys and make
some money at the Kid’s Garage on January 21 from 6-9pm.
Baby Bargain Boutique & Maternity
Sale – Buy or sell your usable maternity
clothes, children’s clothing for children
ages 4 and under, baby toys, bay gear
and furniture on January 22, 9am-1pm.
There will be an Indoor Garage Sales on
February 5 and/or March 5, 9am-1pm.
Clean out your closets, attics and hardto-part-treasures.
20
A yearly tradition continues with
the Daddy-Daughter Date Night. The
12th Annual date night is set for Ashton
Place for February 10 from 7-8:30pm.
Preschool Registration for Fall 2011
begins January 17 for new student
residents and January 24 for new student non-residents. Open House will
be held on January 12 or February 16,
6-7:30pm. For more information call
630-968-6400x104.
There are many options for extending your child’s preschool day. AM
Fun & Frolic, Afternoon Playmakers
and Just for Fun. They start at 9am
and can stay as late as 6pm. There are
also Enrichment classes such as Run,
Jump & Shoot, Crazy Paint and Hippity Hop in case you need to extend
your preschooler’s time after the morning session.
One day parties include: To Infinity & Beyond, Firefighter Party, Hello
Kitty, Princess Tea, Dora, Transformers to name a few. Check out the new
Winter Brochure or our website for
others.
Ski Lessons and Snowboard Lessons are popular for the wintertime
fun will be held at Four Lakes Village
in Lisle. Register with the park district.
All of the new classes start in January
for sports, dance, fitness and music,
wellness seminars, Know Better Do
Better (3 part improve
your well being class) to
name a few.
Winter brochures were
mailed in November. If you
haven’t
received one,
please stop
by the office,
check our
website www.
darienparks.
com or call us at
630-968-6400.
Around the Block
Darien Youth Club gets ready
for baseball
Baseball and softball registration is set for January 7 from 7-9pm at Eisenhower Junior High
School in the Commons Room. For more information or to register visit darienyouthclub.org.
8th Grade Information Night
at Hinsdale South
Mark your calendar for January 5 for the Eighth
grade family night starting at 7pm. This is an
informative evening where both parents and
students may come to HSHS to see presentations from the guidance staff on the registration/
course selection process, and attend an athletics/clubs/activities fair. This event focuses on
delivering relevant information for incoming students, and
welcoming students and their families to HSHS.
Loads of exciting programs are set for the new year at Hinsdale South. Hornet Jazz Band Festival will be on January 13
at 7pm. Semester Exams take place January 18-20. The Deaf
for more, visit neighborsofdarien.com
Drama Winter Play is set for
January 27 & 28. The Spirit
Week events are extensive
and will conclude with the
Turnabout Dance on February 12. The Winter Orchestra
Concert is on February 23
at 7:30 pm. All are invited
to the Hornet Hoedown at
Arabian Knights Farms on
February 11 sponsored by the
Booster Club. For more information on these events visit
south.hisdale86.org.
Library takes the chill
out of winter
The new refurbished library has an amazing array of programming to help take the chill out of winter. From story
times, book groups, movies and special programming there
is something for everyone! Parents of young children should
take advantage of the fabulous story time offerings. The sign-
Our Lady of Peace hosts open house
The library's new children's area
up social is set for February 8 from 9-11am. Come check out
the new space for the youngest of book lovers!
There’s a special group of readers that likes unraveling
clues, interpreting evidence and analyzing characters. The
IPPL is partnering with the Woodridge Public Library to bring
crime readers together on the third Thursday of the month
(October through February) at 7 pm at the Downers Grove
Wine Shop at 1240 75th Street to discuss books of crime and
mystery. You can pick up a copy of the book at the Checkout Desk one month prior to the discussion. Please reserve a
place by calling 630-887-8760 ext. 239 or
indianprairielibrary.org
Another interesting offering is the novel
idea/book discussion group. If you are
looking for some casual conversation about
a book be sure to drop in for one of our
librarian-led book discussions. Copies of
the books are available at the checkout desk
one month before the meeting. Groups
meet at 7:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Peace Catholic School located at 709 Plainfield Road in Darien is hosting an Open House Sunday, January 30 from 1:30- 3pm. On February 4 the community is
invited to a 9am school mass, where a distinguished alum
and distinguished teacher will be recognized.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to take a closer look
at the typical school day by taking a school tour, which will
be offered on February 4 from 10:15am-1pm. Our Lady
of Peace's strong faith based curriculum from preschool
thru 8th grade has been praised by area high schools.
They now offer before and after school care, a dedicated
computer lab, regional and state science fair participation,
no cut sports,
homework club,
sacrament preparation, half and full
day kindergarten
and much more.
For more information visit the
Our Lady of Peace
website at olopdarien.org or call
630-325-9220.
January 12
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
February 9
A Recipe for Bees by Gail
Anderson-Gargatz.
Kingswood Academy plans
open house
Three-time winner of the Best of Darien
Award in the schools' category.
Kingswood Academy will hold an Open
House January 5 & February 2 from 9-10:30am.
For more information visit
kingswoodacademy.org
22
23
Around the Block
for more, visit neighborsofdarien.com
YMCA offers winter programming
Creative Youth Art Fair
Freaky Friday Splash & Bash– January 28 & February 25,
6:30-8:30pm
Moms/Dads Morning Out –January 14 & February 11,
9:45am-1pm
Club Saturday Night– January 15 & February 19, 7-10 pm
Move to Loose Fitness Expo– January 16, 1-3pm
Girls Club– January 19 &
February 16, 4-5:30pm
Cardio Challenge–
February 1-28
Live Wires Recreation Night–
February 5, 6:30-8:30pm
Super Bowl Ride– February 6, 10-11am
Daddy/Daughter Dance–
February 12, 6-8pm
Heart Smart– February 14-20
For more information call 630929-2408 or visit
indianboundaryymca.org.
The Darien Woman’s Club Charity Fund, Inc. is hosting the
Creative Youth Art Fair on January 30 at Eisenhower Junior
High from 2-3pm. This
free community service event showcases
artwork created by children ages preschool
through high school in 6
different media categories, from Darien and
the surrounding school
districts. You can find
registrations forms at
darienwomansclub.org.
Forms must be completed and postmarked by January 13, or dropped off at the
Indian Prairie
Library drop box, located in the lobby, by January 20.
Heating Safety Tips
professional do the
installation. All fuelburning equipment
should be vented to
the outside to avoid
carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning.
• Install and maintain CO
alarms to avoid the risk
of CO poisoning. If
you smell gas in your
gas heater, do not light
the appliance. Leave
the home immediately
and call your local
fire department or gas
company.
Please visit dwfd.org or call Alicia at 630-910-2200 for
additional information.
History Speaks Lecture Series
at Naper Settlement
“Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle,”
is the featured presentation of the History Speaks
Lecture Series, to be held from 4-5pm, January 23, at
Naper Settlement’s Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S.
Webster St., Naperville. Imagine an evening at London’s
Royal Geological Society with the affable, young Charles
Darwin among friends, telling the stories of his amazing
adventure sailing around the world on the HMS Beagle.
Storyteller and science teacher Brian “Fox” Ellis steps into
Darwin’s shoes to model the scientific process and engage
listeners in a discussion. For tickets, call 630-420-6010
or visit napersettlement.museum for more information.
Children in grades 1-5 will enjoy at day off school
from 9am-3pm January17. Have fun with super cool,
snow-related activities: learn about famous snowstorms and the chemistry of making snow; make a
snow globe; play ice cube relay races and snowflake
bingo. Children also will participate in a community
service activity to acknowledge the purpose of Martin
Luther King, Jr. Call 630-420-6010 for reservations.
Be Warm & Safe This Winter!
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet
away from heating equipment, like the furnace,
fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “Kid Free Zone” around open
fires and space heaters.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary
space heating equipment, water heaters, or
central heating equipment according to the local
codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned
and inspected every year by a qualified
professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when
leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by
the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to
stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes
should be cool before putting them in a metal
container. Keep the container a safe distance
away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Install wood burning stoves following
the manufacturer’s instructions or have a
24
25
Neighbors
Darien
Magazine
Aroundof
the
Block
Important Contacts
DARIEN
SUNDAY
Neighbors Magazine
630-995-3482
[email protected]
Utilities
City of Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-852-5000
Nicor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-642-6748
City Administrator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-353-8114
ATT
Director of Municipal Services. . . . . . . 630-353-8106
New Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-244-4444
Public Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-353-8105
Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-611-4466
Post Office – Westmont. . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-968-0855
Comcast
Humane Society – Darien. . . . . . . . . . . 630-375-7976
Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866 594-1234
Fire Departments —
911 for Emergency
Downers Grove
Darien-Woodridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-910-2200
ARC Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847 981-0091
(E of Cass, S of 67th, W of Rt. 83, N of I-55)
TUESDAY
Com Ed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-EDISON1
2
Open House at Old Lace
Schoolhouse & Museum
Historical Society
1-3 pm
3
City Council Meeting
City Hall
7:30pm
Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-971-3999
TDD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-971-3999
Sanitary District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-969-0664
9
Library
10
Lyric Opera Lecture
Library
7pm
Indian Prairie Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-887-8760
Park District
THURSDAY
Administrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-968-6400
Darien SportsPlex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-789-6666
Parks Department . . . . . . . . . . 630-968-6400, ext 122
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
11
State of the Chamber
Ashton Place
11:30am
Afternoon with author
Karen Abbott
Library
2pm
5
16
Move to Loose Expo
YMCA
1-3pm
30
DHS Sunday Dinner
Alpine Banquets, 1pm
Open House
Our Lady of Peace
School, 1:30-3pm
Creative Youth Art Fair
Eisenhwer Jr. High
2-3pm
17
Lego Creations
Library
10:30am-12:30pm
Exam Cram
Library
12:30-8:45pm
City Council Meeting
City Hall
7:30pm
24
31
18
Martin Luther King
Jr. Day
Shopping in your closet
Library
7pm
25
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
6
7
Open House
Kingswood Academy
9-10:30am
Digital Photos
using Picasa
Library, 7pm
Eighth Grade
Information Night
Hinsdale South HS
7pm
12
Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony
Edward Jone/ Tim
Warner
5pm
Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-968-6400
23
26
4
Darien Woman’s Club
General Meeting
Swim & Racquet Club
7pm
Internet Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888 423-7888
Lemont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-257-2376
Police Department —
911 for Emergency
WEDNESDAY
Please send your event information to
[email protected]
(West of Cass)
Tri-State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-323-6445
JANUARY 2011
MONDAY
19
Chamber 101
The Blue Diamond
Group, 12noon
Book Awards Mania
Monarch Madness
Library, 3:30pm
Girls Club
YMCA, 4-5:30pm
Multi Chamber BAH
Citizens Bank
Willowbrook, 5pm
DW Fire Protection
Board Meeting
Station #1/Lyman Ave.
6:30pm
26
Microsoft 7 workshop
Library, 10am
Book Awards Mania
Brainstorming the
Bluestems
Library, 3:30pm
The Art of Marc Chagall
Library, 7pm
8
Mock PSAT
Library
10am-12:30pm
13
After school chess
and cards
Library
3:30-4:45pm
14
Moms/Dads
Morning Out
YMCA
9:45am-1pm
Hornet Jazz Band
Festival
Hinsdale South HS
7pm
20
21
Movies & More
Julie & Julia
Library 7pm
Kids Garage Sale
Community Center
7-9pm
27
After school chess and
cards
Library
3:30-4:45pm
28
15
Coffee with Mayor
Weaver
St. John Lutheran
Church, 9 -10am
Gina Marie’s Family Yoga
Library, 2:30pm
Club Saturday Night
YMCA
7-10pm
22
Baby Bargain Boutique
Community Center
9am-1pm
Pillars Ball
Westin Lombard
6pm
29
Freak Friday Splash
& Bash
YMCA, 6:30-8:30pm
Design a Valentine
Library
1:30-3:30pm
RU Game
Library, 6:30-8:45pm
Kids Swap n’ Shop
Library
1:30-3:30pm
Deaf Drama Winter Play
Hinsdale South HS
Deaf Drama Winter Play
Hinsdale South HS
DARIEN
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 2011
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
THURSDAY
2
FRIDAY
3
Open House
Kingswood Academy
9-10:30am
6
7
City Council Meeting
City Hall
7:30pm
8
Story Times sign-up
Library
9-11am
Open House at Old Lace
Schoolhouse & Museum
Historical Society
1-3pm
9
Woman’s Club General
Meeting
Swim & Racquet Club
7pm
4
School Tour
Our Lady of Peace
School
10:15am-1:00pm
3rd Annual Connecting
Woman…Creating
Opportunities
Downers Grove Wine
Shop, 5pm
Super Bowl Ride
YMCA
10-11am
SATURDAY
Movies & More
The Thrill of it All
Library
7pm
10
Daddy-Daughter
Date Night
Park District
Ashton Place
7-8:30pm
11
Corporate Strategies
Workshop
with Bill Bartlett
Ashton Place
7:15am
Moms/Dads
Morning Out
YMCA
9:45am-1pm
5
Indoor Garage Sale
Community Center
9am-1pm
Live Wires Rec Night
YMCA
6:30-8:30pm
12
Daddy/Daughter Dance
YMCA
6-8pm
Coffee with Mayor
Weaver
Darien Dunkin Donuts
9 -10am
Fe b r u a r y 7-12 - S p i r i t We e k a t H i n s d a l e S o u t h H i g h S c h o o l
13
14
15
VALENTINES DAY
21
22
Economic Outlook
Luncheon
Ashton Place
11:30am
City Council Meeting
City Hall
7:30pm
27
17
18
19
Club Saturday Night
YMCA
7-10pm
DW Fire Protection
Board Meeting
Station #1/Lyman Ave.
6:30pm
PRESIDENT'S DAY
20
16
Girls Club
YMCA
4-5:30pm
23
Winter Orchestra
Concert
7:30pm
Heartsaver CPR Class
Station #1/Lyman Ave.
6-9pm
24
25
26
Freak Friday Splash
& Bash
YMCA
6:30-8:30pm
28
Please send your event information to
[email protected]
29
GOOD NEIGHBOR
Bridget Mary Brown...an incredible story
behind an amazing woman by Mary Coyle Sullivan
Neighbors of Darien Magazine
A
ray of sunshine is one of the many phrases
that best describe the delightful and
inspirational Bridget Mary Brown. For 24
years this amazing young woman has overcome
adversity and made every day an incredible story in
the book of her life.
Born March 22, 1986 in Elmhurst to Blaze
Patrick and Nancy Elizabeth Brown, it was evident
immediately that she was no ordinary newborn.
Bridget was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and
from day one the family unified to support and
include her with dignity and hope in our world.
As with many individuals with special needs, life
has its many challenges. For Bridget, one of the
early challenges was heart surgery when she was
only 9 months old and 9 pounds. This surgery
was an early indication of the vitality and fighting
spirit Bridget bestowed. She has been surrounded
by love from her parents, siblings and extended
family since day one. Older sister Blair and younger
brother Patrick have completed the circle of support
that mom and dad have built in their lovely home
adjacent to Darien Community Park. Mom Nancy
was determined to have Bridget be a part of the
same school system that her siblings were and she
worked in cooperation with District 61 to actively
facilitate the inclusion of Bridget in the educational
system. Nancy Brown praises the teachers and
staff at Mark DeLay, Lace and Eisenhower calling
them, “best supporting actors and actresses,” in her
daughters’ growth
and learning. The
trend continued
when Bridget
attended Hinsdale
South High
School where she
graduated in 2005.
Sadly as supportive
as our local schools
have been the State
of Illinois continues
to fall short in this
process placing last,
50th, nationwide
30
in educational funding and
inclusion programming.
Nancy’s passions has
not stopped in Darien,
she is a part of the
Illinois State Board
of Education Project
Choices and has
become an Inclusion
Expert traveling the
country sharing her
gift of knowledge with
parents and educators.
Mom and daughter make a
dynamic duo in spreading hope
for people with disabilities by encouraging them to
“Dwell in the Possibilities.” That is the title of one
of the many keynote speeches and workshops they
present throughout the country. Bridget learned
early on that her best tool would be her own voice
and was an active member of the speech team at
Hinsdale South. They have collaborated to create
Butterflies for Change (butterfly4change.org), a
consulting service for people with disabilities. In her
early years she became involved in SEASPAR and
Special Olympics and continues her quest today as
an award winning gymnast and Global Messenger
for Illinois, the birthplace of Special Olympics.
Bridget reached stardom when she recently
performed along Miley Cyrus in a movie that was
filmed last summer. It is due to be released in the
spring of 2011. She has been acting since the age of
three and is very involved in the Performing Arts
Center at Lyons Township High School, Special
Needs Theater Group. Her current days are also
filled working in her father’s dental office as an
assistant’s assistant and a Pediatric Dental Educator
at UIC Dental School.
The list of accomplishments and accolades goes
on and on when it comes to all that Bridget Mary
Brown has accomplished. The future is a brighter
place because of her infectious smile and radiant
personality. It is truly a delight to spend a few
minutes with this amazing young woman.
31
32