Chamber Recognizes Darien Super-Resident: Jennifer Giacalone

Jenny Giacalone participated in September’s as a volunteer in the Darien Chamber of Commerce booth rather than as a spectator - and loved every minute of it.

“We sold coffee and hot chocolate and helped clean up,” said Giacalone, smiling, “and I talked to a lot of people.” 

Giacalone says she’s been volunteering at the annual event for years and felt very proud when Darien Chamber of Commerce president and chief operating officer Clare Bongiovanni brought Jenny onstage to be recognized for her efforts. 

“The chamber always is so nice and tells me how much they appreciate me working [at DarienFest]”, said Giacalone. 

Bongiovanni said that days before the event, Giacalone, 36, often called to check on preparations and progress. 

“Jenny should be recognized for putting her heart and soul into DarienFest,” said Bongiovanni, who described Giacolone’s excitement as “contagious.” 

“She deserved to be on that stage more than anyone,” said Bongiovanni, adding, “Everyone associated with the fest knows who she is.”  

Giacalone’s work ethic spoke for itself during the fest as she balanced volunteer duties with her job at Dominick’s in Willowbrook, where she’s been employed for 15 years. 

Jenny’s father Joe described his daughter’s schedule during DarienFest: She volunteered from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday and then clocked in at Dominick’s until 10 p.m. 

At 9 a.m. the next morning, Jenny showed up at the fest ready to volunteer again. 

“She’s always involved in something,” said Joe Giacalone, “and everyone in the area knows her.” 

He chuckled that others call her “The Mayor of Darien.” Jenny responded by brushing off the moniker. 

“I just like talking to people and helping the community,” Jenny said.

An avid sports fan especially of Chicago teams, Jenny lives with her parents and finds time to cheer on athletic teams and help with basketball concessions at her alma mater, .  

As a special needs student during her tenure at South, she spent seven years managing girls' athletic teams, earning 17 varsity letters. Jenny continues to support those teams by attending both home and away games.

She has also lent her time to selling concessions during hockey championships at . 

“She’s like a ‘Super Fan’ or professional cheerleader,” said Joe, adding that she peruses local news sources so that she doesn’t miss out on anything.  

Her spare time interests include bowling with her family as well as friends from SEASPAR, spending time at the library and enjoying vanilla shakes and walks in the park. 

Jenny recently received an award from her employer recognizing 15 years of valuable service. 

Dominick’s manager Pete DeFrancesco commented on Jenny’s work performance saying, “We enjoy having her - she’s a really good girl. She keeps me on my toes.” 

He also acknowledged her willingness to work at the last minute when there’s a staff shortage. 

Continuing the accolades, Bongivanni summed up her description of Jenny: 

“She just brings sunshine wherever she goes, and everyone reciprocates that feeling.”