Community Members Say Thanks This Holiday Season

Mayor Kathleen Weaver

"It's my favorite holiday. I'm grateful for being with family and loved ones."

Clare Bongiovanni, the Darien Chamber of Commerce president and chief operating officer

“First I am thankful for being a 4-and-a-half year breast cancer survivor! I am also thankful for my beautiful family and all my awesome friends. I’m really thankful for my job at the Darien Chamber of Commerce and thankful for all of my wonderful Chamber members.”

Jamie Bukovac, director of

“I am always very grateful for my family, friends and good health. I’m grateful that I live in the United States and the freedoms that we have. And I’m grateful for my job at the library and the opportunities it provides to serve others.”

Amy Pollitz, sixth/seventh grade social studies teacher

“This Thanksgiving I am thankful for my health. There are so many people with serious health issues, so I feel very fortunate to have had a healthy year.”

Marty Casey, principal of

“I am thankful to be principal at Lace School. I get to work with a caring staff and great students. I can't wait to arrive at school each day. I am thankful for the men and women in our armed forces who sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. I am thankful for a wonderful family and good friends.”

Pam Baker, the director and drama club advisor at

“I am thankful for my family and to work with so many talented wonderful young adults.”

Brad Drake, member of Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2838

“I am thankful this holiday for the good health of my family and the general well-being of our town.”

Pat Frost, Darien resident

“I would say I am thankful to have friends, family and a community that provides a support base for my . I am also thankful for a wonderful girlfriend and partner, Carrie Battista, who I can share goals with and collaborate in the studio.”

Mark Dunning, staff member

“This Thanksgiving I am thankful for a God who redeems and loves me, who has called me to His purposes, who gives me unlimited grace, and challenges me to do the same for those around me. My wife who blesses me, holds me up when I am weak and brings the best out of me. My students at Hinsdale South Young Life, for their honesty, respect, and willingness to face real conversations and pursue a ‘life to the fullest.’”

Bryon Vana, Darien city administrator

“I am thankful and blessed this Thanksgiving, for the same thing as I am thankful and blessed for every day, for my wife. She is an incredible wife, mother, friend, role model and Christian.”