Neighbors™of

Darien
Neighbors™of
November/December 2007
Father James
Enin, "A kind
and giving man."
Holiday
Shopping
Adventure
What you need
to know about
the city and the
snow.
Holiday
programs light
up Darien
Three generations shop Darien!
Neighbors of Darien
Inside Information
A Holiday Shopping Adventure. . . Pg 7-12
Three generations of gift ideas. No Internet shopping for this story
– three shoppers in three age groups hit the streets of Darien to give you
holiday gift ideas.
Meet your Good Neighbor
......................................... Pg 6
Father James Enin inspires school
and church to start a book drive for
school children in his native Ghana
City news............... Pg 13-16
Important winter information from
your city.
Chamber news....... Pg 18-19
Thank you all for an outstanding
DarienFest!
A holiday treat............... Pg 20
A tasty twist to an old favorite.
Around the Block........ Pg 22-27
Great news and important
information from around Darien
Departments
Mayor’s letter.....................................4
Chamber president letter................4
Important contacts..........................28
Darien resources.............................17
New chamber members.................19
November calendar....................... 29
December calendar........................ 30
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NEIGHBORS™ is published bi-monthly.
Editorial contributions are welcome. Deadline
is the 5th of the month preceding publication.
Please verify accuracy of information before
submitting, especially dates and times
of events. We accept calendar entries,
subdivision news, Good Neighbor nominations
and local items. For feature length story
suggestions, please contact Kish Pisani at
[email protected]. Send your
information to neighbors@emeraldmarketing.
com. Advertising deadline is the 10th of the
month preceding publication. Both display
advertising and inserts are available.
©2007 Neighbors is published by Emerald
Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion
Neighbors Publications
(630) 271-8404
www.neighborsofdarien.com
Neighbors Staff and Contributors:
Tim Sullivan, Publisher;
Kate Sullivan, Vice President;
Kish Pisani, Editor & Features Editor;
Sal D’Onofrio, Creative Director;
Sharon Kassl, Production Director;
Jeanine Lee, Ann Ciaccio,
Account Executives/Ad Sales;
Lane Cameron
(Photography contributions.)
Community Liaisons
Clare Bongiovanni,
Business Outreach Coordinator,
Darien Chamber of Commerce,
(630) 968-0004;
Scott Coren, Assistant to City Administrators
City of Darien, (630) 353-8104;
Rosanna Furman,
Executive Secretary, (630) 353-8107;
Christine Cigler,
Public Information Coordinator,
Indian Prairie Public Library
(630) 968-0004;
For story suggestions and calendar listings:
[email protected]
For advertising opportunities:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cover photo:
Lana Baima, Andrea Metcalf and
Maddie Metcalf
Photograph by Lane Cameron
of this publication may be reproduced without
the written permission of the publisher.
Neighbors of Darien is delivered free to Darien
residents. Additional copies are available at the
Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, and selected
other locations. For subscription information
please call
(630) 271-8404.
A big THANK YOU to our growing list of advertisers…
please continue to support them!
Bella Cosa Jewelers
The BLUE DIAMOND Group
Boundless Energy
Brookhaven Plaza
Buona Beef
Carmelite Carefree Village
Chestnut Court
City of Darien
Cotter and Associates
Edible Arrangements
Exit Real Estate Parners
Holiday Inn, Willowbrook
Jimmy John’s
Lane Cameron Photography
Marie’s Catering
Michael Overmann Ltd.
Modell Funeral Home
Paolucci Jewelers
Republic Bank
Rooftech Systems, Inc.
St. John Lutheran Church
WineStyles
Be wise, advertise!
Call (630) 271-8401
Welcome to Darien Neighbors!
A message from our mayor
“The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the
interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its
sovereign control over the government.”­— Franklin Delano Roosevelt
$200. The FREE DARIEN TROLLEY
residents an
busy for the city of Darien, but it
TOUR goes past each of these
incentive to complete a yearly
is also extremely rewarding. It is
houses after refreshments of hot
cleanup. Additionally, residents
important to celebrate the holiday
chocolate, apple cider and cookies
who participated in Electronics
season as a community. The city
are served at Darien City Hall. The
Recycling Day kept 17,548 pounds
celebrates with the annual holiday
trolleys run at 6:30 and 8:00, and
of usable material from going to the
decorating contest and trolley rides.
space fills up quickly so call in your
landfills!
Each year, residents call (630) 852-
reservations early!
The winter season is extremely
Thank you to all who made our
5000 to nominate neighbors who
If the city of Darien can ever be of
service to you, please do not hesitate
to contact us at (630) 852-5000.
have done an exceptional job setting
Amnesty Day and Electronics
up lights for the holidays. Our
Recycling Day a success. The
holiday decorating committee goes
three Amnesty Days we have
Respectfully,
out to judge the nominated homes
had since contracting with ARC
Kathleen Weaver
and awards the five best homes
have helped to improve the look
City of Darien, Mayor
with prizes that range from $25 to
of the community by providing
Welcome to Darien Neighbors!
A message from our chamber president
You’ve heard it said that time
flies when you’re having fun; well,
First and foremost the launch of
The staff
of the Darien
the last two years have been fun
Neighbors of Darien magazine;
Chamber of
and the time certainly has flown
with the assistance of former
Commerce, MaryAnn Crooks
by. This will be my last president’s
board member Marie Marks, the
and Clare Bongovanni are to be
message in Neighbors of Darien
cooperation of the City of Darien,
commended for the outstanding job
magazine, my two year term as
our City Counsel and Mayor
that they do.
president of the Darien Chamber of
Weaver we can truly be proud
Commerce ends December 31 and
that we have our own high quality
thank the chamber members for all
I’ll be stepping aside to make room
publication. Tim Sullivan and the
of their support. The next two years
for the next chamber president, Bill
staff of Neighbors have produced an
will be even better than the last.
Carpenter.
absolutely first class magazine that
Looking back at the past two years
the chamber has made great strides
bears the name of our city.
In addition to all of the events
In closing, I would just like to
Tom Sailer, President
Darien Chamber of Commerce
on behalf of our members, the
that the chamber hosts, sponsors
Exit Real Estate Partners
citizens of our community and the
and supports, the board of directors
630-960-0400
city of Darien. This brief message
created several new programs:
Listen to us every Wednesday
doesn’t allow for a complete list
4
few.
• Appreciation Party • Breakfast
of all the things that the Board of
workshops • D.A.R.E./Illinois
Directors has accomplished in that
Fire Safety Alliance Dodgeball
time, but I’ll try to mention just a
Tournament.
from 3 to 4 PM on
WJJG AM 1530
Darien's Good Neighbor
̃
By Kish Pisani
Meet your new neighbor – Father James Enin
native church and school.
Books are hard to come by for this
community, so it was decided that
a book drive was in order. With a
goal of gathering 1,000 books and
$1,400 in shipping costs, Father
James is willing to do what he can to
make sure the school achieves this
goal.
“It will help the children there
Darien is far from home for
Father James Enin. As one of the
new priests at Our Lady of Peace
Catholic Church, Father James
is from the Republic of Ghana,
a country in the western part of
Africa. He’s been with the church
since the beginning of 2007 and
already he has inspired the parish
community and the school children
to undertake an impressive book
drive campaign.
As a boy, Father James attended
St. Luke Catholic School in the very
rural community of Akrofuom in
Ghana. Parishioners Anthony and
Geri Dominic and their daughter
Peggy Golis, who attended OLOP
and is now an active volunteer,
began asking about the needs of his
great. “He’s a tremendous asset and
he’s become more involved with the
children. He’s a kind and giving
man,” she adds.
Father James couldn’t be more
impressed with everything about
the school at OLOP. He says it’s
wonderful how the kids and
parents all take interest and the kids
are very respectful. In addition
St. Luke’s
library (right)
St. Luke’s
school and
students
(below)
learn to read, to be more interested
in books,” he said. The school in
Ghana is undertaking a project to
build a library to begin housing
books since there is no large
library for kids to utilize. “The
townspeople will be so grateful,”
he adds.
Geri Dominic says that having
Father James at OLOP has been
to working with the kids and
make sure they are learning the
fundamentals like serving at the
altar, Father James is always willing
to visit someone in the hospital.
One thing is certain. While Father
James is far from his home, he’s
found a home in Darien and will do
whatever he can to help serve the
Our Lady of Peace community and
help his townspeople in Ghana at
the same time.
For more information about the
Republic of Ghana visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana
New and gently used books and
financial contributions to offset
shipping costs may be dropped off at
the school:
709 Plainfield Road
Darien, IL 60561
(630) 325-9220
We believe that
every client deserves
World Class Service!
6
Tom Sailer, ABR, CRS
Realtor, 630.967-0400
www.DarienHomeTeam.com
Real Estate
Partners
Holiday Sho �ing
Adventure
One family.
Three generations of
holiday shoppers look for
the perfect gifts right here
in Darien.
Professional
Family Portrait
In-home photo session
includes cd with all photos.
$299
Lane Cameron Photography
Chicago, IL
(708) 748-2788
by Kish Pisani
7
More shoppers than ever
will take advantage of using the
Internet to double click their
way through gift buying for the
holidays this year. Yes, the internet
is convenient. Yes, the gifts come
right to the door and someone else
can even do the wrapping. Yet
Lana Baima
When calling Lana’s home, if the
answering machine picks up, her
husband George lets callers know
right away that if Lana is not home,
she’s shopping. A self-described
shop-a-holic with five closets, she’s
able to keep up with her habit by
working at Steinmart where she
always takes advantage of the
employee discount. This active
grandmother is busy keeping up
with her four daughters, three step
children and 16 grandchildren
ranging in ages from 3-22. She’s
lived in Darien since 1973 and all
of her children attended Darien
schools. The assignment to shop
for Christmas ideas for people in
her generation was easy for Lana.
8
online shopping doesn’t come with
the sound of the Salvation Army
volunteers ringing the bell at the
front of the store, or the feel of the
frigid air as you whisk through the
parking lot and go store to store.
And when you enter the credit
card number into the computer, no
one is there to say “Have a Merry
Christmas,” “Happy Hanukah” or
“Happy Holidays.” Most would
Holiday Sho �ing Adventure
agree, while convenient, it doesn’t
feel like the holidays.
So we asked one family to help
us out by selecting one member of
each generation to come up with
a list of items they would like to
receive or give to someone close
to their age. The Baima-Metcalf
family was more than happy to
take on the task. Lana Baima, the
grandmother, Andrea Metcalf,
I-Pass Box
Lana says
everyone needs
one of these
eventually,
and why not give
a practical gift. This gift
idea includes the pass itself and
some prepaid “toll” money.
$50
Jewel
7329 South Cass Avenue
(630) 960-3177
Carriage Greens Country Club
Gift Certificate
Lana would
like to give this
gift to a special
friend for
dinner or golf.
$50
8700 Carriage
Green Drive
(630) 985-3420
the daughter and Madeja “Maddie”
Metcalf, the granddaughter took off
browsing in the Darien area. Here’s a
sampling from each of their lists, and
yes, we checked them twice…
Lana Baima
Crown Pork Roast
Most everyone in Darien knows
about Jim’s meat market. Lana says
she likes to phone in orders for
special cuts of meat and that a crown
pork roast would be perfect to give
someone for their holiday dinner.
Price varies
Jim’s Quality Meats
7515 South Cass Avenue
(630) 969-3635
Walgreen’s Gift Card
Many people in Lana’s age group are traveling
and need to update their passport photos which
are available at Walgreens. Also, many seniors
need to pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy
and a gift card helps to offset some of the price.
Suggested value $30
7516 South Cass Avenue
(630) 964-4242
10
Cake
Pan
One particular person on Lana’s
gift list loves to bake. Lana goes to
the Wilton store to get specific cake
pans for a specific baker.
$19.99
Wilton Homewares,
Chestnut Court
7511 Lemont Road
(630) 985-4708
Andrea Metcalf
Andrea is an extremely busy mom of three teenagers in high school,
owner of MBC (mind, body, connection) Fitness in Westmont, fitness writer
and a contributor to NBC5 Fitness reports where she can be seen every
Wednesday morning on NBC5 News Today. She loves to shop, but finds
it difficult to find the time these days so she often does internet shopping.
She admits though that browsing and window shopping is therapeutic
and tries to find the time, especially with her daughter Maddie. Andrea
recommends…
Sex and the City box set
A favorite girlfriend series – fun for a girl’s
weekend or anytime someone can sneak in 30
minutes to watch an episode.
$79.99
Blockbuster
7531 Lemont Road
 (630) 910-1110
Tiana Dress
Andrea says she can always use a new dress
and a matching pair of shoes.
$69.99
Steinmart, Chestnut Court
7511 Lemont Road, #160
(630) 427-1604
Xercise Ball
As a fitness instructor and owner of
her own studio, Andrea is passionate
about health and wants to spread the
word so exercise equipment makes a
great gift for anyone on her list. This
exercise ball is an inexpensive gift and
something anyone can use at home.
$29.99 
Chicago Home Fitness
2445 75th Street
(630) 985-0669
Barbara K 4.6 Woman’s Power Screwdriver
Although her husband Bruce can fix anything,
Andrea says she can too! She
received a power
screwdriver a while ago
and said it’s been one the
best gifts and one she’ll
be purchasing for others
on her list.
$19.99
Home Depot
2101 West 75th Street 
(630) 271-9600
Madeja “Maddie” Metcalf
Maddie is a busy junior at Hinsdale
Central and is an active member of
the track and cross country teams,
newspaper photographer, peer
leadership program and even more
activities. She likes to spend time with
her friends and family and would love to
shop everyday if she had time. Maddie
is thinking about culinary school
someday and loves to bake for everyone.
She recently broke her mom’s “mix
master” and a new one tops her list this
year.
Kitchen Aid Artisian Series surf green
$299
Home Depot
10-speeds, three attachments
Home Depot
2101 West 75th Street
(630) 271-9600
Motorolla KRZR Phone
$309.95 no contract or
$159.95
U.S. Cellular
7511 Lemont Road
(630) 985-1145
GVP Hair Straightener,
comes in pink or black
$69.99
Get the winter frizz under control,
with this straightener.
Sally’s Beauty Supply
2161 75th Street
(630) 964-1566
Cyber Shoot Digital Camera DSC-W55
$199
A reasonably priced camera, with great mega pixels;
great for capturing all those holiday memories.
Office Depot, Chesnut Court
7511 Lemont Road
(630) 910-0834
No Boundaries Pleated Flats
$12.74
They match with everything and will keep you in
style all winter long.
Wal-Mart
2189 75th Street
(630)434-0490
While you may not be able to resist amazon.com again this year, think about
putting on the coat and scarf and doing some of your shopping right here in
Darien. Besides, those bell ringers work hard and the Salvation Army can
always use some spare change.
©2007 Created by Emerald Marketing, Inc
630-852-5000 • www.darien.il.us
It’ll be here before you know it…SNOW
Keep your sidewalks clean
Residents are encouraged to clear
their sidewalk after any measurable
snowfall this winter. Leaving snow
and ice on sidewalks presents a
safety hazard to the children and
residents who have to walk to
school, to the bus stop, or to work.
When sidewalks are not shoveled,
pedestrians tend to walk on streets,
which further increaes their risk of
being struck by a vehicle.
When are the streets plowed?
The Public Works Department
and the Police Department check
streets and monitor a weather
channel so snow-removal crews
can be dispatched out on the streets
prior to snow or icy conditions
occurring. Trucks stay out until all
streets and cul-de-sacs are cleared.
When is salt used on the streets?
Salt is spread on streets when rain
changes to sleet and ice or when
snow accumulation is less than
one inch. If there is more than one
inch; snow is cleared and salt is put
down. The city plows and salts all
intersections, streets and cul-desacs.
What are the parking restrictions
during a snowstorm?
A “snow emergency” is declared
when snowfall exceeds one inch
during a 24-hour period. No
parking is allowed on any city street
when this occurs until the snowfall
has ceased and plowing operations
are completed.
The city cautions residents not to
park their cars in the street while
shoveling their driveways, since this
would impede snowplows trying
to clear your streets. Please shovel
driveways from side to side in order
to avoid placing snow in the streets
and to make sure that garbage cans
are not put in the street during a
snowstorm.
Will the city be able to plow
my street if there is a medical
emergency?
Anyone who has a medical
emergency should phone 9-1-1. The
dispatcher will contact public works
to ensure that your street is cleared
to enable a quick response for any
emergency.
Why doesn’t the city plow certain
streets?
Plainfield Road, Cass Avenue,
Lemont Road and 75th Street are
county roads and are plowed by
the DuPage County Highway
Department. Frontage Roads are
under the jurisdiction of the Illinois
Department of Transportation
(IDOT). Other roads are considered
“private”, and their management
company contracts plowing
services.
Freezing water pipes
The city of Darien recommends
that if you are going on vacation
or are away from home for a long
period of time, DO NOT turn off
or turn down the temperature
on your furnace. This could cause
your pipes to
freeze and burst.
Are any sidewalks plowed?
In order for residents, children
and patrons to utilize city sidewalks
to schools, shopping and exercise
parkes, the city of Darien maintains
a policy of plowing primary route
sidewalks through out the city.
The city utilizes two pieces of
equipment to plow approximate 21
miles of sidewalks. The sidewalk
operations commence after one inch
of snow has fallen, and continue
until all the snow is removed from
these routes:
Clarendon Hills Rd from 67th to
75th Street (both sides)
67th Street-East of Cass to Wilmette
(both sides)
Cass Ave-67th to Frontage
(both sides)
Plainfield Road-Route 83 to
Manning Road (both sides)
75th Street Route 83 to Lemont Road
(both sides)
Manning Road-Plainfield to 75th
Street (both sides)
Fairview Manning to 75th Street
(both sides)
Bailey Rd-Plainfield to Frontage
(both sides)
Frontage Road-Bailey to
Oldfield Road (north)
Oldfield Road-Frontage RoadMeyers Woods Park
If you have any questions, please
contact Ashley at (630) 353-8105.
Get the latest news sent to your email!
Want to receive e-mails from the city with up-to-date news on special
events, municipal programs, and other important issues?
To subscribe, please visit the city of Darien’s website at darien.il.us and
click on “Mailing List” on the home page. You may also send an email with
“Subscribe - Direct Connect” in the subject line to [email protected] or
call Rosanna Furman at city hall (630) 353-8107.
It’s a great way to keep up to date with important news!
13
Important brochures available in lobby of city offices
The city of Darien maintains a
brochures and information counter
in the lobby. Some of these items
may be of interest to residents and
a list has been provided below.
Feel free to stop in and pick up a
brochure or contact Lynn at (630)
353-8101 to ask that a brochure be
mailed to you.
Available brochures and
information:
• ComEd – Power Line Safety
• Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25
• Homeland Security
• Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax
Exemption Application
• Universal Telephone Assistance
• Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program
• DuPage County Doorway to
Human Services
• Darien Historical Society
• Pilot II Subsidized Taxi Service
• Tips to Prevent Consumer Fraud
• Guide to Saving Money on
Electricity
• Downers Grove Township Senior
Citizen Spring 2007 Banner News
• Lifeline Line-up – Information
on reduced rate phone line
installation and monthly phone
service
• Pace Bus Schedules
• DuPage County Trail Guides
• DCFS Save Abandoned Babies
– English and Spanish
• Direct Connect Sign Up Sheets
• 2007-2008 Neighbors of Darien
Community Guide
• Neighbors of Darien
• NICOR Assistance Program
• Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Programh
• How DuPage County Auditor
Works For You
• Safety Village of Darien
• Indian Prairie Library
Keep raking those leaves – fall leaf pick up continues
The city of Darien will continue
providing fall leaf pick-up FREE
OF CHARGE to residents. The
program will run through
November 30, and will take place
weekly on your normal garbage
day. The leaves should be placed
in brown craft paper yard waste
bags or in plastic garbage cans. If
you use garbage cans, please leave
“YARD WASTE ONLY” stickers on
the cans so the driver can identify
them for leaf pickup. If you have
any questions, please contact Scott
Coren at (630) 353-8104
darien.il.us. On the homepage,
click on Cable TV and this will take
you directly to the latest schedule
of cable TV programming. There
you can also click on “City Council
Meeting Videos.” This feature will
allow you to watch the meetings on
your computer. We hope residents
enjoy this new feature and would
appreciate any comments you have
about it.
This is just another way the city is
striving to keep residents informed
about their community.
TV on the Internet?
The city has provided residents
with an alternative to watching
city councilmeetings on cable
television. Residents can now
watch city council meetings via the
city’s website. This feature started
with the first city council meeting
in October. The city’s website is
Your elected city officials and city administrator
Kathleen Moesle Weaver, Mayor: (630) 271-1619
Carolyn Gattuso, Alderman 4: (630) 850-8724
Joanne Coleman, City Clerk: (630) 654-3623
Joseph Marchese, Alderman 5: (630) 254-2421
Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer: (630) 985-0974
Sylvia McIvor, Alderman 6: (312) 961-9230
William Durkin, Alderman 1: (630) 969-2400
Halil Avci, Alderman 7: (630) 963-4260
John Galan, Alderman 2: (630) 969-8378
Bryon Vana, City Administrator: (630) 353-8114
John Poteraske, Alderman 3: (630) 968-0199
14
630-852-5000 •www.darien.il.us
Start decorating! It’s time for the holiday lights
decorating contest and trolley tour
The city of Darien will be
sponsoring the Holiday Lights
Decorating Contest. Each year,
residents that put extra effort
into decorating their homes for
the season are nominated by
their friends and neighbors for
recognition and prizes. The first
place home receives $200, second
place $100, third place $50, and
fourth and fifth place receive $25.
To nominate your own home or
another in your
neighborhood,
call (630) 353-8104.
The popular Holiday Trolley Tour
will be running on December 18,
19, and 20 at 6:30 and 8:00 pm. The
Darien trolley runs through the city,
passing by each of the holiday lights
winners. This event is free and
refreshments are provided. Because
of the high demand each year,
reservations are given on a first
come first served basis and limited
to the first thirty residents for each
tour. Please call Lynn to make a
reservation (630) 353-8101. We look
forward to seeing you on the trolley!
Free Christmas tree pick up after the holidays
The City of Darien has partnered with
ARC Disposal to provid free Christmas
tree pick-up this year. On the second and
third week of January, ARC Disposal will
collect Christmas trees left in the parkway
on your normal garbage day. For the trees
to be picked up, they must be free of all
ornamentation, including garland, lights,
and tinsel. If the tree is bagged, it will
need a sticker to be picked up. If you have
any questions regarding this program,
call Scott Coren at (630) 353-8104.
Senior corner
Good reasons for hiring senior citizens
Most senior citizens understand
the meaning of work. They
understand the philosophy that
says, “Those who are able to work,
but will not work, will not be paid
to loaf no matter how hungry they
get.”
Here are just a few of the many
possible reasons for hiring senior
citizens to work in your business.
1. They are trained and talented.
They have skills most companies
need.
2. They are not afraid of work.
They will tackle any job that comes
along. They are willing to work
and want to work.
3. Seniors are dependable. They
understand the importance of the
team concept. They will be on the
job every day, on time, doing their
job to the best of their ability.
4. They are serious about their
work. They will not goof-off. They
will work all the hours they are
paid to work.
5. Seniors, because of their years
of experience, are resourceful.
They can handle many of the
problems that may arise on any job.
6. Sometimes they can work
for less. They may need a job to
supplement the shrinking buying
power of their present income.
They do not necessarily need a
forty-hour per week job.
7. They are often available for
temporary or seasonable jobs.
Part time jobs will satisfactorily
reinforce what they currently
receive in form of a pension. It will
help them maintain their normal
standard of living.
8. A job often saves them
from a boring life. It gives them
something productive to do. They
feel needed and wanted. They can
make a difference for others and a
few hours of work each week can
make a big difference for them.
9. They know how to meet, serve
and be nice to others whether they
be customers, fellow workers,
clients, patients or guests.
10. Seniors are good all-round
workers. It gives them a feeling of
self-worth to have a paying job that
enables them to help others.
A lot of valuable people do not
want to retire to a life of doing
nothing. They have a lot of good
years left. Give them a chance
to work for you. Let them train
someone to take their place some
day. Your most valuable hire
this year just could be hiring an
experienced senior citizen.
15
630-852-5000 • www.darien.il.us
Wild animals, critters and the like…
Homeowners often end up with
unwanted guests and are unsure
as to how to escort these critters on
their merry way. Here are a few tips
that may be helpful…
BATS may have been a perfect
attraction for your Halloween décor,
but they are seldom wanted permanently. Though it may be difficult,
try not to panic by keeping in mind
that less than 1% of bats are found to
have rabies. Bats love the dark and
can fit into crevices only a quarter of
an inch in size. Secure your home
from such openings and TURN ON
ALL THE LIGHTS. Also, open a
window at night. Bats are naturally
drawn to dark areas and will want
to flee your light flooded home into
the evening outdoors. If you need
to touch the animal, be sure to wear
heavy leather gloves.
A BIRD or SQUIRREL lodged in
the chimney is another common
situation of wild animals. Sometimes birds nest in these areas or the
animal has become trapped. In this
situation, homeowners should turn
off all their indoor lights to allow
the animal to sense the natural light
and fly towards the sky. If a squirrel is stuck in the chimney, climb on
the rooftop and thread a long rope
down through the shaft. A squirrel
will climb its way up and out.
A CRITTER in a window-well is
common. The easiest way to get an
animal out of this pit it to provide
it with a way to climb out. A board
at least six-inches wide and stapled
with towels for it to get a good grip,
will allow it access out of the well.
If the animal was injured as a result
of the fall, pick it up with a shovel
and place it in a box. Call the Willowbrook Wildlife Center at (630)
942-6200 for further assistance.
Pests in your attic are never any
fun to remove. Keep in mind that
prevention is the best key. These
animals seek warm, dark and quiet
areas to house themselves. To rid
these pests from your attic, you
need to make the atmosphere less
16
than hospitable. Shine a bright light
and play music. You can also place
an ammonia-soaked rag or toilet
paper rolls in the area to drive them
away. However, this latter practice
is not recommended if you have a
baby in your home.
FERAL (WILD) CATS, just like
raccoons and possums, have become part of our urban landscape.
These cats and their offspring are
the victims of abandonment, accidental loss and failure by owners to sterilize their pets. Human
dwellings provide wild animals/unowned cats with three things they
need to survive: shelter, food and
water. A stray cat is not necessarily
a feral cat. Stray cats can usually
be re-socialized and adopted out by
animal welfare agencies.
Because feral cats are not suitable
as pets, they will be killed at most
shelters. The process of continually trapping and removing these
animals is very costly. Other cats
simply move in to take advantage of
readily available resources and they
breed prolifically, quickly forming
new colonies. This is known as the
“vacuum effect.”
If an animal is damaging your
property, seeking shelter or scavenging in your trash, you can take
care of the problem yourself with
the goal of preventing the problem from re-occurring rather than
killing the animal. Here are some
suggestions:
• Cats are using my garden/yard as a
litter box or digging in my flowerbed.
A cat’s natural instinct is to
eliminate in soft, loose soil-like
mulch, sand or peat moss. To
help keep a cat out of this area,
place irregular shaped rocks
or pinecones set firmly in the
dirt; chicken wire can be firmly
set into the dirt; heavy plastic
carpet runner; spray cat repellent
(available at any pet supply
stores) on digging areas; reppers
(repellent grains similar to moth
balls but are designed to deter
cats and dogs) is
also available at
most pet supply
stores.
• Cats are sleeping under my house,
shed, and deck or in the car motor.
The cat is seeking a warm, dry
shelter from the elements. They
will use abandoned buildings
and cars, brush piles, culverts
and other places that provide
cover and protection. To deter
cats from these areas, physically
block or seal the location where
the cat is entering like the deck,
shed or under a mobile home with
chicken wire or lattice.
• The cats are getting into my trash.
These cats are hungry and looking
for food. They are opportunistic
scavengers and will feed on
rodents, insects, or trash if no
regular food source is available.
To deter cats from your property,
trash should be properly covered
and secured or you will attract
raccoons and possums in addition
to cats.
• Cats are fighting, spraying, yowling
and breeding. These are mating
behaviors displayed by cats that
have not been spayed or neutered.
The best measure to offset this
problem is to report the people
that have abandoned their cat.
The most humane option is to
Trap-Neuter-Return.
For more information please
contact the Darien Humane Society,
A Caring Place, at (630) 375-7976 or
visit them online at
acaringplacehs.org.
For free or low-cost neutering you
may contact the following agencies:
1. Anti-Cruelty Society –
(312) 644-8338
2. PAWS – Lurie Spay & Neuter
Clinic (773) 521-7729
Residents who encounter unwanted animals on their private property
and need help to remove them,
need to contact a private company
that deals with removing pests and
wildlife.
Neighbors of Darien
Darien Resources
Senior services
Dial a Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 968-6408
Home Maintenance. . . . (630) 620-9794
Meals on Wheels. . . . . . . (630) 682-7990
Para Transit. . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 682-7000
Subsidized Taxi. . . . . . . . (630) 852-5000
Community
clubs & organizations
Active Seniors Club. . . . (630) 969-3294
Darien VFW. . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 963-3858
Darien Chamber of
Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 968-0004
Darien Historical
Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 964-7033
Darien Lions Club. . . . . . (630) 910-3153
Darien Rotary Club. . . . . (630) 985-6132
Darien Seniors Club. . . . (630) 910-0854
Darien Soccer Club. . . . . (630) 964-2547
Darien Swim &
Racquet Club. . . . . . . . (630) 964-8656
Darien Woman’s Club. . . . (630) 910-5081
Darien Youth Club. . . . . (630) 963-6330
Darien Blood
Drive Program. . . . . . . . (630) 968-4160
Dynamo Soccer
Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 910-7402
Hinsdale South
Boosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 887-1730
Our Lady of Peace Seniors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 852-1989
P.A.C.E.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 835-4111
Safety Village . . . . . . . . (630) 968-0777
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or (630) 969-4633
WHBCD Kiwanis
Breakfast Club. . . . . . . . (630) 968-0199
School districts
#86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 468-4000
#99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 795-7100
#210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 257-5838
#61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 968-7505
#66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 783-5000
#113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 257-2286
#60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 968-6164
#63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 985-2000
Our Lady of Peace . . . . (630) 325-9220
Piggyback with
Neighbors!
Now you can place a flyer
about your event, business or
organization in the distribution
bag with Neighbors… at a
fraction of the cost of postage.
Ask about our special not-forprofit rates. Distribute to just your
neighborhood or to all of Darien
(9,100 residences). Reserve your
space today–
limited inserts allowed.
Neighbors ™
A publication for
and about your
neighborhood
(630) 271-8401
[email protected]
www.welcometoneighbors.com
Darien Chamber of Commerce
Thank You!
The DarienFest Committee wishes
to thank all of our participants who
made the 20th Annual DarienFest
a huge success – our sponsors, food
vendors, community organizations
and Darien Chamber of Commerce
members who pitched in to help
organize this community event.
Platinum Sponsors: Buona
Restaurant and Catering, Cattaneo
Electric Co., City of Darien,
Euclid Beverage Ltd., Home Run
Inn Pizza, Neighbors of Darien
Magazine, North American Midway
Entertainment, and
West Suburban Bank.
Gold: The Doings Newspaper,
Jewel-Osco, Harris, NA – Darien,
MidAmerica Bank, Rooftech
Systems Inc., and State Bank of
Countryside.
Silver: The BLUE DIAMOND
Group, Darien Office Depot, Home
Depot, LaSalle Home MortgageEva Zanayed, McDowell-Kuhlman
Home Improvers Inc.; St. John
Lutheran Church & Early Learning
Center, and Wal-Mart.
Bronze: Alpine Banquets, Apex
Imaging Equipment Co., Barbara
J. Vondra CPA, Cardinal Fitness,
Citizens Financial Bank, Edible
18
Arrangements of Darien, EXiT
Real Estate Partners—Tom Sailer
and Chris Hochstedt, Mi Hacienda
Restaurant, MMJR-LLC Plainfield
Rd. Office Park, Modell Funeral
Home, Out of Office Inc., Patio
Restaurant, Wilton Homewares, and
Lars & Bente Rasmussen - World
Financial Group.
In-kind: Carriage Greens
Country Club, Elia Environmental
Maintenance-Power Sweeping,
ETS Equipment Co., and Unique
Products.
Opening ceremony participants:
Darien Mayor Kathleen Weaver,
Darien VFW Post 2838, Darien
Boy Scout Troop #97, Eisenhower
Jr. High Marching Band, Darien
Chamber of Commerce President
Tom Sailer, DarienFest Chairman
Julio Check, and DarienFest Emcee
Clare Bongiovanni.
Food vendors: Absolutely
Delicious, Ashley Foods, Bojo’s,
Carriage Greens Country Club,
Darien Lions Club, FROOTS, Golden
Phoenix, Grecian Garden Foods,
Home Run Inn Pizza, Johnny’s Beef
& Hot Dogs, Mi Hacienda, Tri-State
Fire Fighters Union, and Uncle Bub’s
BBQ.
Committee chairpersons: Julio
Check (J Vincent’s Salon & Day
Spa) – Fest Chairman; Mary Ann
Crooks and Clare Bongiovanni
(Darien Chamber of Commerce) –
Administration; Bob Spang (Darien
Lions Club) – Beverage Tents;
Sgt. Steve Reed – Darien Police
Department; Ralph Caccavale (Copy
Cat Graphics) – Advertising; Paul
Wilkin (CPA Services) – Banking;
Michael Overmann (Attorney At
Law) – Contracts; Bill Carpenter
(The Perfect Swing/Cornerstone
Restaurant) and Steve Hynek
(Ashton Place/Marie’s Catering)
– Grounds; Corrine Ganiec (Citizens
Financial Bank) – Crafters & Non
Profit Booths; Chris Hochstedt
(EXiT Realty) – Sponsorship and
Signage; Evie & Garry Fagan (Safety
Village of Darien) – ID and Ticket
Booth; Debbie Serritella (Darien
Woman’s Club) – Ticket Booths;
Renie Curry (D.O.L.L.S.) – Parking
Lots; Rose Marie Little (WHBCD
Kiwanis Breakfast Club) – Parking
Lots; Ingrid Wilkin (Kingswood
Academy); Tony Eckert – Stage
Manager.
Fest set-up crew: Jack Mancione
(Werk Management); Bill Carpenter
(The Perfect Swing/Cornerstone
Restaurant); Steve Hynek (Ashton
Place/Marie’s Catering), Ralph
Caccavale (Copy Cat Graphics),
Michelle Michalski (J. Vincent’s
Salon and Day Spa); Chris
Hochstedt (EXiT Realty); Angelo
Imbrogno and Ledion Isufi (The
BLUE DIAMOND Group); Jim Kiser
and Don McDowell (Darien Lions
Club); Frank Venuto (Innovative
Tile Design); Dave Sima; David Elia
(Elia Environmental Maintenance
– Power Sweeping).
News
630-968-0004 • www.darienchamber.com
Welcome new members!
All Aboard
Diner
Experience
our family
fun themed
restaurant
where meals are delivered by train.
Kids will love our interactive train
village and arcade games. Parents
will enjoy our delicious homemade
soups, salads, sandwiches,
milkshakes, desserts and other adult
entrees. Celebrate your next party
with us in our party room. Get ALL
ABOARD for great family food and
entertainment. 630 322-8960
1510B West 75th Street
Downers Grove, IL
BIZY CUTS
Family Hair Salon
New hair salon in Downers Grove!
We are a full service modern salon
for the whole family. We will
make you feel relaxed, pleased
and important. We do all types
of haircuts, specialize in hair
color, perms, style or if you need a
consultation we will be glad to help
you. Make your appointments with
Renata Lukoseviciuce at
630-435-6080.
444 West 75th Street
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Boundless Energy
Boundless Energy is a unique fitness
facility that integrates
strength, cardio, flexibility and
balance into a 30-minute workout.
Boundless Energy is staffed by
encouraging personal trainers
committed to guiding and
motivating you to maximize your
workout.  Other services include:
Yoga, Yamuna™ Body Rolling,
Personal Training, and Life and
Nutrition Coaching. Call Dennis
Gilroy at 630-795-1008 and get
started today.
440 75th Street
Downers Grove, IL 60516
College of DuPage/Business &
Professional Institute
Center for Customized
Solutions
We provide customized non-credit
or credit classes offered on-site,
to meet your company’s specific
training needs. Classes offered
include; Computer training, Business
Writing, English as a Second
Language, Spanish for English
Speakers, Forklift Safety, First Aid/
CPR, Customer Service, Supervisory
Skill Building, Blueprint Reading
and many more. Call Donna Warner
at 630-942-2906 for complete details.
2525 Cabot Drive , Suite 201
Lisle, IL
Darien Tire & Auto
At Darien Tire
and Auto we’re
working hard
to become your
neighborhood
auto repair
center. Hours are Monday-Friday
7:30am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to
4pm. We are staffed with ASE
certified, trained technicians
who are well versed in the latest
diagnostic equipments. Our
friendly services includes tune
ups, A/C, batteries, belts & hoses,
brakes, charging & starting, cooling
system, transmissions, fuel systems,
suspension & alignments, exhaust,
tires and more. Domestic and import
vehicles. Call Mark Nawas at
630-734-0100.
6710 South Route 83, Darien, IL 60561
Staden & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
We are a CPA firm providing:
personal, business and fiduciary
tax returns; accounting services;
payroll services; business setup and
consulting. Contact
Phillip A. Staden, CPA at
630-654-1040.
805 Plainfield Road, Suite 114
Darien, IL 60561
Dirty Blinds
“If your blinds are not becoming to
you…they should be coming to us!”
At Dirty Blinds we offer the lowest
price pick-up and delivery! At Dirty
Blinds we clean every blind and offer
same day cleaning. Call 630.729.0236
to make your appointment. Ask Jim
Lovitt about the weekly specials.
630-729-0236
446 West 75th Street
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Edible
Arrangements
of Darien
Edible
Arrangements
specializes
in creating
delicious fresh fruit designs
filled with all your favorite fruits.
Arrangements are guaranteed fresh
and are available in a variety of
styles and sizes. They are perfect
for any occasion or just because.
All ingredients are natural, no
preservatives or sweeteners are
used. Call Ilene Toth at 630-985-8543
to order yours today
7511 Lemont Road, Suite 196
(Chestnut Court), Darien, IL 60561
Laneville
Family
Chiropractic,
PC
We are
excited to be
bringing NUCCA chiropractic to
the community. This technique
is a gentle approach that helps
improve posture and decrease
nerve pressure, without any
twisting, popping, or cracking of
a patient’s spine. You can make
your appointment with Drs. Bryan
and Ellie Laneville at 630-325-5522
(office) or 847-946-8900 (cell)
880 75th Street,
Willowbrook, IL 60527
19
November/December Recipe
Traditional pumpkin pie with a tasty twist
Pumpkin pie is always a favorite
dessert, but this fall, make the
time-honored choice even tastier!
Traditional pumpkin pie takes
on a festive shape when baked in
a pumpkin-shaped pie pan, and
every bite has taste buds tingling.
The secret to this seasonal
sensation is the crunchy, sweettart topping. Dried cranberries
and pecans baked in an orange
meringue mixture add a subtle
crunch to the silky pumpkin
filling. If time is limited, prepare
the topping a day or two ahead
and store in an airtight container,
then sprinkle over the pie just
before serving. Pastry leaves cut
from extra pie crust with mini
cookie cutters bake alongside the
pie, and provide an extra special
autumnal touch to the presentation.
Before your guests gobble up the last tasty morsel of dinner, remind them to save room for this better-than-ever
pumpkin pie – a sure sign of the season! For additional recipe ideas perfect for fall, visit www.wilton.com.
Pumpkin Pie with Glazed Pecans
and Cranberries
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients:
Glazed Pecans and Cranberries:
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 T orange juice
• 1 tsp meringue powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup pecan halves
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
Pie
• 1 package (15 oz) refridgerated pie crusts
• 2 eggs
• 1 can (16 oz) solid pack pumpkin
• 1 can (10 oz) undiluted evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cloves
Wilton Products:
• Jelly Roll/Cookie Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Meringue Powder
• Pumpkin Pie Pan
• Mini Harvest 6 Piece Cutter Set
To prepare glazed pecans and
cranberries: preheat oven to
300°F. Line jelly roll pan with
parchment paper. In medium bowl,
stir together sugar, orange juice,
meringue powder and vanilla. Add
pecans and cranberries; stir until
well coated. Spread single-layer
onto prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30
minutes, stirring occasionally, until
nuts are golden brown.
Cool completely.
Increase oven
temperature to 425°F. Press
one pie crust onto bottom
and up sides of pan; trim
edges and prick bottom
with a fork. Bake 7 to 8
minutes.
In large bowl, beat eggs;
stir in pumpkin, evaporated
milk, sugar, cinnamon,
ginger, salt and cloves;
pour into pie shell. Roll
out remaining pie crust;
cut with leaf-shaped mini
cutters. Place on leaf cutouts
on jelly roll pan. Place
pie on jelly roll pan; bake
15 minutes. Remove leaf
cutouts to cooling grid; cool
completely.
Reduce oven temperature
to 350°F. Continue baking
pie 50 to 55 minutes or until
knife inserted in center
comes out clean. Cool
completely on cooling grid.
Before serving, arrange leaf
cutouts around edge of pie
and sprinkle with glazed
pecans and cranberries.
NOTE: Glazed pecans and
cranberries can be prepared
several days in advance.
Cool completely and store
in air-tight container until
ready to use.
Send us your news!
We want to hear about exciting
news and events from
your school or
organization.
Neighbors ™
Email Kish Pisani at
[email protected]
A publication for
and about your
neighborhood
Courtesy of Family Features
21
Neighbors of Darien
Around the Block
Important
information about
winter safety
from the DarienWoodridge Fire
Protection District
Darien Youth
Club participates
with Chicago Fire
soccer team
On September 23,
Darien Youth Club was
honored to be selected to
participate in “DYC Day at
the Chicago Fire”.  Over 70
DYC children participated
in special events at Toyota
Park before, during and
after the game.  Kids were
part of the human tunnel
and walked the Chicago
Fire and D.C. United players
onto the field.  They also
participated in the halftime
activities with a DYC
exhibition game. Older kids
were awarded the privilege
to be “ball kids.” Adult
DYC volunteers were on
the field as well, coaching
for the halftime game
and one member sang the
National Anthem. Over 210
people from Darien Youth
22
Club were part of the sell
out crowd of over 20,000
people.
Darien-Woodridge
Fire Protection
District offers
community
programs
An important Heartsaver
CPR class is available from
the Darien-Woodridge
Fire Protection District on
November 7 from 6-9pm.
The cost is $40 and preregistration is required.
Visit www.dwfd.org or call
Kelly at (630)910-2200 for
additional information.
The fire protection
district has scheduled
upcoming meetings of
the Board of Trustees.
Workshops begin at 6:15pm
with regular meetings
beginning at 6:30pm at the
Darien-Woodridge Station
1 at 7550 Lyman Avenue
in Darien. For a complete
schedule visit dwfd.org.
How often should I have
my chimney cleaned?
The National Fire
Protection Association
standard 211 says,
“Chimneys, fireplaces, and
vents shall be inspected
at least once a year for
soundness, freedom from
deposits and correct
clearances. Cleaning,
maintenance and repairs
shall be done if necessary.”
Three feet rule
Combustible material too
close to the fireplace, or to
a wood stove, could easily
catch fire. Keep furniture
and other materials at least
36” away from the hearth.
A quick reminder:
Install smoke and carbon
monoxide alarms. Place
alarms throughout the
house and check batteries
in the spring and fall. When
you change your clocks
for Daylight Savings Time,
remember to check your
batteries.
“Keep the wreath
red”
The Darien-Woodridge
Fire District will again
embark on a campaign
to “Keep the Wreath
Red.” This program is
designed to emphasize fire
safety during the holiday
season. From the day
after Thanksgiving Day
to New Years Day, a wreath
will be placed on each of
the Darien-Woodridge Fire
Stations. The wreaths will
be lit with all red bulbs.
Each time there is a fire
related to the holidays, a
red bulb will be replaced
with a white bulb. A wreath
that contains all red bulbs
indicates our goal, a safe
holiday season.
Write-On Literary
Festival returns
to the Library
November 4-13
The Write-On
Literary Festival will
inspire, empower, and
entertain you. Enter Cool
Compositions, come to
Open Mic Nite, meet author
Vivian Vande Velde and
more. Writing workshop
updates at ipplteens.org.
The Gift of Carl Foundation
will be sponsoring the
upcoming festival. Log on
to www.ipplteens.org for
workshop updates.
Cool Compositions
Are you a poet? A
storyteller? Submit your
original poem or short story
to our second annual Cool
Compositions by October
26. This program is open
to teens in grades 7-12. Get
entry forms at the YS Desk
or at ipplteens.org. Cash
prizes awarded for first,
second and third place
entries in both categories.
Drawing Anime
November 6, 6:30-8:30pm
Shannon Townsend will
conduct a graphic novel
workshop.  Want to draw
anime?
by Kish Pisani
Shannon writes a
webcomic and works with
her husband on graphic
novels. Registration began
October 27.
Open Mic Nite
November 10, 6:30-8:30pm
A café, an experience, an
event. Read aloud, listen
or simply enjoy our café
setting with refreshments.
Registration began October
27.
Author Vivian Vande
Velde Visits
November 13, 7pm
Award-winning author
and Abe nominee for Heir
Apparent, Vivian Vande Velde
shares her experiences as an
author. Registration began
October 27.
Chan Concert at
the Library
Saturday, December 8, 2pm
Cliona McKenna is a
young soprano hailing
from the Chicagoland area.
After graduating with a
degree in economics, she
decided to pursue further
studies in voice. She moved
to New York to train with
Ruth Golden and Antonia
Lavanne and is currently
studying at the Juilliard
Evening Division. Cliona
has performed as a soloist
in Chicago, Boston, New
Hampshire, New York,
and Mantova, Italy, and
sang the title role in
Lowell House Opera's
production of Carmen at
Pay your library
fines with food
donations!
Cliona McKenna
Harvard University. Cliona
McKenna, cellist will be
performing holiday music
on Saturday, December 8 at
2pm. Make reservations at
Readers Services Desk or
call (630)887-8760, ext. 239.
From Saturday, December
8 through Thursday,
December 13, Indian Prairie
Public Library will accept
donations of non-perishable
food items or personal care
products in lieu of overdue
library fines.
The library will accept
one item for each dollar
of fines owed. Suggested
donations include boxed or
canned foods, toilet tissue,
paper towels, facial tissue
or shampoo. Canned meats
and tuna are especially
welcome. Expired foods
will not be accepted. 
Donations will be collected
continued on page 24
23
Neighbors of Darien
Around the Block
in the lobby of the library.
For more information, call
(630) 887-8760, ext. 227.
Items are being collected
in conjunction with
Hinsdale South High
School’s annual food drive
and will be distributed
to Our Lady of Peace and
Mt. Carmel parishes and
the Hinsdale Community
Service.
Park District offers
great daytrips
Leave the driving to
us! Join the Darien Park
District for exciting
daytrips. Residents can
download a registration
form by visiting the website
at www.darienparks.
com or stop by the park
district offices at 7301
Fairview Avenue. For more
information call (630)9686400.
Four Winds Casino
(New Buffalo, Michigan)
November 8, 8am-4:15pm
This brand new casino
has over 3,000 slot
machines and 100 table
games. Fee is $36 for
residents and $41 for nonresidents.
Fireside Christmas (Fort
Atkinson, Wisconsin)
November 23, 8am-7pm
A must see performance
to enjoy the holiday
festivities. Everyone will
be treated to a wonderful
holiday dinner while
enjoying the spectacular
Christmas show. The
show has a long history
of beautiful singing,
breathtaking dancing and
gorgeous costumes. Fee is
$85 for residents and $99 for
non-residents.
Radio City Rockettes
November 28,
10:30am-4:30pm
It’s a land of enchantment
where they do Christmas
like no one else on earth.
Start out with lunch at
the Donald E. Stevens
Convention Center.
Afterwards go the
Rosemont Theatre to see
the fabulous Rockettes
– always an entertaining
event.
Holiday Lights
December 13, 3-9pm
Kick off the holiday
season with some shopping
and dinner and a great
way to get to downtown
Chicago and enjoy the
city. At 6:30 everyone will
board a decorated trolley
to enjoy the festive lights
and enchanting sights of
various places. The trolley
will also make a short stop
at Christkindlmarket at
Daley Plaza.
Nominate a Citizen
of the Year
The Darien Citizen of the
Year committee is made up
of about six residents who,
yearly, look for a man or a
woman to name “Citizen of
the Year.” This program
has been in existence since
1972, three years after the
city of Darien.
The Citizen of the Year
is chosen from names that
have been submitted, both
that year and in past years.
Once a name has been
submitted, it is always a
viable nomination. Anyone
can nominate any resident
of Darien keeping in
mind the four criteria the
committee uses to select
their top choice: length
of involvement in the city
of Darien, the degree to
which a person is involved,
diversity of activities and
the positive impact to
the city this person has
had. Nominees cannot be
elected officials at the time
of nomination and must
live within the city limits of
Darien.
A nomination form can be
used (which is found yearround at the Indian Prairie
Library) or a letter to the
committee can be written to
nominate a person. It only
takes one letter to nominate
someone; more letters are
appreciated but this process
is not a contest to see who
receives the most letters!
A nomination form may
also be downloaded on
the Neighbors of Darien
website.
All letters/nomination
forms are due by January
7, 2008. A dinner/dance
to honor the Citizen of the
Year is held in March at
a local banquet hall. The
Citizen of the Year also
rides in the 4th of July
parade.
For more information,
please call Debby Heniff at
(630)910-0001
Former Citizens of the Year
Del Hayenga – 1972
Stanley Baker – 1973
by Kish Pisani
Ms. Lillian Brown – 1974
Edward Jenkins – 1975
Eugene Kolling – 1976
Harold Oban – 1977
James Paladino – 1978
Elmer Kalny – 1979
Robert Kampwirth – 1980
Anita Simester – 1981
Gerald Majewski – 1982
Patricia Anderson – 1983
Robert Counsell – 1984
LaMar Rodgers – 1985
Ronald Leversen – 1986
Joseph Carr – 1987
Samuel Kelley – 1988
Edward Colby – 1989
Miki Pankow – 1990
Ira Bresof – 1991
Jack Durkin – 1992
Alfred Stramaglia – 1993
Cindie Hagen – 1994
Miriam Hawken – 1995
Pat Kampwirth – 1996
Jeannette Campo – 1997
Ed Miller – 1998
Pat Gillespie – 1999
Ed Tomei – 2000
Dee Leversen – 2001
Krishan Sant – 2002
Father Gavin Quinn – 2003
John Callan – 2004
Joann DiNello – 2005
Rosemarie Courtney – 2006
Jim Sulkowski – 2007
Scouts beautify
park
Chris Pollick of the
Darien Park District and
several Eagle Scouts
recently planted over 300
plants, shrubs and more
at Westwood Park.  They
covered the island to the
entrance off Fairview
near 75th Street, which
has been somewhat of an
eyesore while using mulch
they acquired from other
municipalities to complete
the job.  The plantings are
still young, but they will go
a long way in making the
area look nice.
Hinsdale South
shopping
extravaganza
Looking for the perfect
gift for that hard-to-buyfor person? Stop in and
browse a wide selection
of items and accessories
that will be on display at a
shopping extravaganza on
November 10 from 10am2pm. Sponsored by the
Hinsdale South Booster
Club, the event will take
place at the Hinsdale
South cafeteria and include
jewelry and accessories
items from Charlotte’s Then
and Now. Bring family,
relatives and neighbors to
buy quality merchandise
at reasonable prices. Just
in time for the holidays,
birthdays,graduations, or
other special occasions.
Annual Fontanini
Christmas Nativity
on display starting
December 1
A tradition in Darien
for years, the Christmas
Nativity will go on display
at the National Shrine of St.
Therese in Darien starting
in December. The display
will go through January 6.
The Shrine, located at 8501
Bailey Road, is open seven
days a week and closed
on holidays. Admission is
always free.
The Fontanini Nativity will be on display at the
National Shrine of St. Therese
Darien Historical
Society Open
House
Join the Historical Society
for an open house on
November 4 from 1-3pm at
Old Lace Schoolhouse. The
open house is free and open
to the public —browse,
inquire and see the Illinois
video or local slide show.
Neighbors of Darien
continued from page 26
Around the Block
Carmelite Retreat
Center offers
holiday programs
The holiday season can
be hectic. Often, the reason
for the season gets lost in
the hustle and bustle of
shopping, wrapping and
parties. Join the Carmelite
Retreat Center for programs
to help get back into the
real reason for the season.
For more information, or to
register for these programs,
call Darlene at
(630)969-4141.
November 13, 6-9pm or
November 14, 10am-1pm
Cindy Nissen R.N. and
Sister Jane Schlosser will
explore tools needed to
enhance our well-being for
the days leading up to the
holidays.  ($40 includes a
meal and workshop)
December 3, 9:30am-1:30pm
Fr. Bob Colaresi O’Carm
will discuss the Advent
people who teach us to wait
and expect and see what
happens!  ($40 includes
lunch and workshop)
December 4, 4-5:30pm or
December 8, 10-11:30am
(Mass at 11:30)
Fr. Bob invites families to
attend this pre-Christmas
event! This will help our
young people to relish the
real meaning of Christmas. 
($15 per family includes
The new shopping must-have: Tech Gadgets 101
By Christine Cigler
Public Information Coordinator, Indian Prairie Public Library
Shopping for gifts today
involves a lot more than
looking at the pages with
folded corners in the Sears
Wish Book or guessing
at the right size or color
for a sweater. If someone
on your shopping list
wants a digital camera,
an MP3 player or a GPS
navigational system, your
questions will probably
have more to do with the
size of the memory or the
color of the display.
On Thursday, November
15 at 7pm, the Indian
Prairie Public Library is
offering “Tech Gadgets
101” a program designed
to help shoppers choose
a digital camera, an
MP3 player or a GPS
navigational system.
Vivienne Porter of C3
Solutions, a self-described
“techie,” will lead the
presentation focusing on
those three popular gifts.
She will provide handouts
and answer audience
questions. The program
is free and open to the
public, but reservations
are required and may
26
be made by stopping
at the Readers Services
Desk of the library at 401
Plainfield Road or calling
(630)887-8760, extension
239.
Ms. Porter began her
career in the banking
industry. When it became
obvious that she liked
teaching people how to
use their computers and
that she was good at it, she
started her own computer
consulting firm.
Her ability to stay
current and understand
the complicated
differences in today’s
technology, combined
with her personal love of
any kind of gadget, makes
her the ideal presenter
for this program. “There
are so many things that
confuse people,” she said.
“Optical zoom versus
digital zoom is probably
the number one thing that
confuses people about
digital cameras.”
Besides presenting
speakers and programs,
the Indian Prairie
Public Library offers
another kind of expert,
the reference librarian,
who can guide you
to information about
different kinds of
electronics.
“Our librarians find
that consumer-related
questions are a significant
part of the research they
do for patrons every day,”
said Debbie Wordinger,
Head of Adult Services.
This demand has led
them to the most trusted
sources of information
on the Web, the most
recent books and the
most credible magazines.
www.indianprairielibrary.
org is the place to start for
online information. Click
on “online resources” then
choose “Web sites” and
“consumer information”
for Web sites that our
reference librarians
have selected as reliable,
current information.
For those who prefer
thumbing through a
book for information, the
library purchased over
15,000 new books last year
alone, ensuring that the
most current information
is available. And, if
Indian Prairie doesn’t own
a specific title, they can get
it from another library.
There are also
magazines like Consumer
Reports that test and rate
all kinds of gadgets.
Whether it’s a custom
designed workshop, the
personal help of a trained
librarian, an extensive
collection of books and
magazines or an online
search, Indian Prairie
Public Library is the
place that brings together
the best information. A
quick phone call to our
Reference Desk (630) 88878760, ext. 240) or a quick
click on our Web site
(indianprairielibrary.org)
can put you on the path
to authoritative, reliable
information.
continued from page 25
by Kish Pisani
See Patchouli at the Library
program and cookies and
hot chocolate!)
Exciting programs
for adults at the
Library
All adult programs are
open to the public and
appropriate for grade 7
and up. Reservations are
required. Stop by the
Readers Services Desk or
call (630)887-8760 ext. 239
for more information or to
register for programs.
Movies and More
November 2—We Are
Marshall, 2006
Matthew McConaughey
and Matthew Fox portray
coaches attempting to
rebuild a college football
program following an
airplane crash which killed
almost the entire team and
staff. Based on a true story.
Veterans Day Program
November 11, 2pm
Members of the Darien
VFW Post will be on hand
to share their wartime
memories in a one-on-one
setting. They will also
accept American flags that
need to be retired. Enjoy
refreshments. Drop in!
plus sausage, milk and
coffee for $5 per person at
the door. The event takes
place at Gower West school.
For more information call
(630)920-1969
Sister is waiting for you
with a sleigh full of gifts
and a bundle of laughs this
holiday season. For more
information call
(630)910-0770.
Hungary and the
Dalmatian Coast
November 14, 1pm
Veteran traveler, Sonia
Lawrentz, takes you on
a slide tour of Hungary
and the Dalmatian coast
featuring Budapest, the
Danube and Croatia’s
Istrian Peninsula. Included
are visits to Opatija, Pula,
Rovinj and other charming
fishing villages on the
Adriatic Sea.
CSI: Bethlehem
Tree lighting
ceremony
Patchouli
November 29, 7pm
Enjoy a special evening
with this nationally known
acoustic guitarist duo who
use acoustic guitars, basses,
marimbas and percussion
interchangeably to create
new music influenced by
worldwide folk styles.
It's going to be one “Oh
ho ho holy nite” at Christ
the Servant Catholic
church in Woodridge on
December 9. Join Sisters
Christmas Catechism for
CSI: Bethlehem, What Ever
Happened to Maji's Gold?
The program is new and
from the creator of the hit
Late Nite Catechism. Doors
open at 1:30 for a silent
auction and raffle and the
performance begins at 3pm.
Come to the corner of
Cass Avenue and 75th street
on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 4pm
for the Darien Historical
Society’s tree lighting
ceremony. See Santa Claus
and hear the Eisenhower Jr.
High School singers. Hot
chocolate and cookies will
be served.
Pancake breakfast
with Santa!
The Willowbrook/
Burr Ridge Kiwanis is
co-sponsoring a winter
carnival featuring breakfast
with Santa on Saturday,
December 1 from 8am1pm. Breakfast will be
served from 8am-11am with
extra time for activities
including pictures with Mr.
and Mrs. Claus, kids craft
station, entertainment and
a karaoke stage. Elves are
cooking the best pancakes
in town with toppings,
27
Neighbors of Batavia
Important Contacts
Neighbors Magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-271-8404
[email protected]
City of Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-852-5000
City Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-852-5000 ext. 211
Community Development Director. . . 630-852-5000 ext. 222
Public Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-887-0008
Post Office– Westmont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-968-0855
Humane Society– Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-375-7976
Fire Departments -- 911 for Emergency
Darien-Woodridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-910-2200
(W of Cass)
Tri-State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-323-6445
(E of Cass, S of 67th, W of Rt. 83, N of I-55)
Utilities
Com Ed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-EDISON1
Nicor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-629-2500
ATT
New Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-244-4444
Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-611-4466
Comcast
Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866 594-1234
Internet Serivce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888 423-7888
Downers Grove
Sanitary District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-969-0664
ARC Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847 981-0091
Library
Indian Prairie Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-887-8760
Lemont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-257-2376
Police Department– 911 for Emergency
Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-971-3999
TDD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-971-3999
Park District
Marion Hills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-655-6400
Administrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-968-6400
Darien SportsPlex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-789-6666
Parks Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-655-6400
Send us your news!
We want to hear about exciting news and events from yourschool or organization.
Email Kish Pisani at [email protected]
28
Real Estate Partners
Tom Sailer, ABR, CRS
Realtor, 630.967.0400
www.DarienHomeTeam.com
DARIEN
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 2007
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1
Fall leaf pick-up
continues on
regular garbage
day
November 1-30
Please send your event information to
[email protected]
4
Write-On Literary
Festival, Nov. 4-13
Library
5
Adult Chess
Library, 7pm
6
Drawing Anime
Library
6:30-8:30pm
Historical Society
Open House
Old Lace School
House, 1-3pm
11
Veterans Day
Program
Library
2pm
The Sears Tower
of Magic
Library
2:30-3:30pm
25
8
CPR
Darien-Woodridge
Fire Prot.
6-9pm
FourWinds Casino
Daytrip
Library
8am-4:15pm
12
Children’s Book
Week
Library, Nov. 12-18
Adult Chess
Library, 7pm
19
13
9
10
Hinsdale South
Shopping
Extravaganza
Cafeteria
10am-2pm
Open Mic Nite
Library
6:30pm
14
15
Genealogy Group
Library
1-3pm
ESL
Library
10am-noon
Tech Gadgets 101
Library
7pm
Teen Advisory
Board
Library
2:30-4:30pm
21
22
23
Happy
Thanksgiving!
Fireside Christmas
Park District Trip
8am-7pm
20
Fall leaf pick-up
26
ESL
Library
10am-noon
Enhance the Holidays
Carmelite Retreat
Center, 10am-1pm
Hungary and the
Dalmation Coast
Library, 1pm
Enhance the Holidays
Novel Ideas
Carmelite Retreat
Library, 7pm
Center, 6-9pm
Millenium Writers
Author Visit
Group
Library, 7pm
Library, 7pm
Chamber
Membership
Luncheon
Alpine Banquets
11:30am
Adult Chess
Library
7pm
Current Affairs
Library
7pm
3
2
We are Marshall
movie
Library
2pm
RU Game?
Library
6:30-8:30pm
Current Affairs
Library, 7pm
18
7
SATURDAY
27
28
Chamber MiniWorkshop
Holiday Inn, 7:30am
Radio City Rockettes
Park District Trip
10:30am-4:30pm
Nonfiction Book
Discussion Group
Library, 7pm
Millenium Writers
Group
Library, 7pm
29
Patchouli concert
Library
7pm
16
Anime Club
Library
6:30-8:30pm
30
Beat the Parents
Family Game Night
Library
6:30-8:30pm
17
24
www.neighborsofdarien.com
A site for the whole comunity.
DARIEN
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 2007
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
TheonNativity
display
Please send your
event information to
[email protected]
2
Ornament
Extravaganza
Library
1:30-4:30pm
Christmas Tree
Lighting
Old Lace
Schoolhouse
4pm
9
3
Advent
presentation
Carmelite Retreat
Center
9:30am-1:30pm
Adult Chess
Library
7pm
10
4
Pre-Christmas event
Carmelite Retreat
Center, 4-5:30pm
Darien Area Jaycees
Meeting
Downers Delight
Restaurant, 6pm
11
Adult Chess
Library
7pm
23
24
30
Darien Woman’s
Club Monthly
Meeting
Downers Swim
and Racquet
Clubhouse
7pm
6
7
13
14
Chamber of
Commerce
Holiday Party
Holiday Inn,
Willowbrook
6:30pm
12
Holiday Lights
3-9pm
8
Pre-Christmas event
Carmelite Retreat
Center, 10-11:30am,
followed by Mass
Drop in Storytime
Library, 10:30am
Chan Concert
Library, 2pm
Pay library fines
with food donations
through Nov. 13
15
ESL
Library,
10am-noon
RU Game
Library
6:30-8:30pm
Drop in Storeytime
Library, 10:30am
Teen Advisory
Board
Library
2:30-4:30pm
18
Holiday Trolley
Tour
6:30 & 8:00pm
25
Merry
Christmas!
31
5
Millenium Writers
Group
Library
7pm
Current Affairs
Library
7pm
17
Dec. 1, 2007
through Jan.6, 2008
National Shrine
Historical Society
Tree Lighting, 4pm
Adult Chess
Library
7pm
16
Kiwanis Pancake
Breakfast
Gower West School,
8am-1pm
Ornament
Extravaganza
Library
9:30am-4:30pm
ESL
Library, 10am-noon
19
Holiday Trolley
Tour
6:30 & 8:00pm
26
Millenium Writers
Group
Library
7pm
20
21
Holiday Trolley
Tour
6:30 & 8:30pm
27
Family Movie
Library
2pm
22
Drop in Storytime
Library
10:30am
28
Family Movie
Library
2pm
Anime Club
Library
6:30-8:30pm
29
Drop in Storytime
Library
10:30am