Citizen of the Year: Cathlyn Marchese Gives Endless Service to Darien

Marchese was named Citizen of the Year in Darien for her endless and diverse service, including the Darien Historical Society, Women's Club, DarienFest, a recycling committee and lots more.

Through years of service in a diverse array of community groups, Cathlyn Marchese has made Darien live up to its motto, "A Nice Place to Live."  On Thursday it was announced that Marchese was named Darien's 2013 Citizen of the Year. Nominations for Citizen of the Year were judged by a committee after the deadline of Jan. 7. The winner must be a resident of Darien and cannot currently be an elected official. The committee asked people to consider diversity of activities, length of service, degree of involvement and impact to the City of Darien.  "Our choice for the 2013 nomination has truly made this city a much nicer place to live since moving here 26 years ago," said Kathy Lyons, chairwoman of the Citizen of the Year committee. "We feel …

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Kathie Donner

8:22 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

Why would you say something so stupid like that! I have know Cathy for a very long time and she is her own person. She is the one that has chaired these committees and given of her own time because thats the sweet and caring kind of person she is.. She doesnt have to follow in her husbands footsteps. Joes the kind of guy who stands next to her and offers his support because he is her husband. She…   more ›

Where You Can Buy Darien's Historical Book

The book was written and compiled by Darien Historical Society directors Dean Rodkin, Deborah Coulman and Debra Kieras, and member Mary Krekelberg.

“Darien,” which features more than 200 vintage images from Darien Historical Society’s collection and contributions of longtime residents, is now available to purchase around town. The book was written and compiled by Darien Historical Society directors Dean Rodkin, Deborah Coulman and Debra Kieras, and member Mary Krekelberg. "Our goal is doing this is to develop a sense of community pride and to make people aware of what they are a part of," said Rodkin. "We want to hopefully create a situation where people feel more invested in their community."  “Darien” was a labor of love on the part of the authors, who strongly believe that an awareness of the past fosters a sense of community pride and belonging—and generates civic pride in both …

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Blue Diamond Wealth Management Named Business of the Year

The Darien Chamber of Commerce honored Darien-area businesses Thursday during its annual Excellence Awards event.

Darien’s business community celebrated its successes Thursday during the annual Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence. Blue Diamond Wealth Management was named Business of the Year from among six nominees at the luncheon, held at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge. Established in 2004, Blue Diamond Wealth Management provides independent financial planning services, investment advice and asset management services to individual investors and their families.  The company designs, implements and monitors investment strategies that encompass a coordinated approach to all areas of personal financial management. Founder and President Angelo Imbrogno helps clients explore all aspects of their financial lives relating to family, assets, …

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Pictorial History of Darien Will be Available Aug. 27

Historical society's pictorial history of the area being published by Arcadia Publishing as part of its “Images of America” series.

“Darien,” which features more than 200 vintage images from Darien Historical Society’s collection and contributions of longtime residents, was written and compiled by DHS directors Dean Rodkin, Deborah Coulman and  Debra Kieras, and member Mary Krekelberg.  The 128-page soft-cover book will be available for purchase Aug. 27. “Darien” was a labor of love on the part of the authors, who strongly believe that an awareness of the past fosters a sense of community pride and belonging – and generates civic pride in both long-time residents and those recently arrived. In awakening the community to its past, the authors hope to foster a desire to support efforts to preserve Darien’s history and pass it on to future generations.   A glimpse into …

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Darien Welcomes Summer with Ice Cream, Music (PHOTOS)

The Darien Historical Society hosted its annual Ice Cream Social Wednesday, while the Chi-Town Showstoppers provided the tunes at Darien Community Park.

The Darien Historical Society hosted its annual Ice Cream Social Wednesday, while the Chi-Town Showstoppers provided the tunes at Darien Community Park.

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Ice Cream Social, Chi-Town Showstoppers at Darien Community Park

Support the Darien Historical Society during its annual ice cream social, followed by a free performance from the Chi-Town Showstoppers Wednesday at Darien Community Park.

House Hunt: Area Open Houses for Jan. 28-29

Check out which homes are for sale in Darien and Woodridge and for how much.

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Historical Society Dinner to Feature Eleanor Roosevelt Performance

Guests will also get a preview of an upcoming book, "Images of America: Darien."

There are two big treats in store Jan. 29 for guests at the Darien Historical Society’s annual Sunday Dinner. Actress Megan Wells is scheduled to perform her one-woman show, “Presenting Eleanor Roosevelt,” during which she embodies the former first lady. Guests will also get a sneak preview of a soon-to-be-published book about Darien’s history. The historical society decided to ask Wells to be the afternoon’s entertainment after head archivist Dean Rodkin saw her perform at the Chicago History Musuem. Rodkin said Wells’ impression of Roosevelt was uncanny. “Eleanor Roosevelt had a very unique voice, and she can do it,” Rodkin said. “I think she has her presence and can do a good job coming across as her. That’s a hard thing to do.” Sunday …

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Historical Society Seeks Photos of Old Darien

The group is publishing a book chronicling the history of what is now Darien up until its incorporation in 1969.

If you’re anything like me, you made a New Year’s resolution to clear out old boxes and closets to begin 2012 with a fresh start. As you’re going through your old mementoes, keep an eye out for old photos of places and people in what is now Darien.  The Darien Historical Society is writing a book, to be published by Arcadia, chronicling the area’s history up until Darien’s incorporation in 1969. To help complete the book, the group needs your help finding photos of old buildings, businesses and landmarks.  “Really anything that would show the growth of the area,” said Debbie Kieras, of the historical society. Kieras will need to borrow the photos and scan them before returning them to their owners. Even if you think your photos are only so…

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PHOTOS: Darien Tree Lighting

The community came out for caroling and hot chocolate Sunday as the city kicked off the holiday season.

The city welcomed Santa Claus to town during the annual tree lighting ceremony Sunday at Old Lace School. The Eisenhower Junior High choir provided the entertainment, singing carols such as "Deck the Halls" and the local original "Christmas in Darien."

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