Date: 3/30/2023
Tags: Community, Life
Several weeks ago, I attended a gathering at the Myer’s Senior Housing facility, located on the corner of Plainfield and Lemont Roads. Myer’s is home to ninety Darien senior citizens, each of whom lives independently in their own separate living environment. The facility, which is operated by an independent management company, is governed by the DuPage Housing Authority, and it provides a nice living environment for its senior residents. While many of us drive past this facility every day, most Darien residents, with the exception of Myer’s family members, have never been in the facility and have no idea as to the needs of its residents or how they see themselves as Darien residents.
My visit was by invitation of the staff and the residents; the new management firm wanted us to review changes to the facility, while the residents had questions as to what the city could do to enhance their involvement in activities within and outside our community. I have always enjoyed visiting with these residents, finding them ready to discuss their lives and share with us the knowledge that only comes with having lived a full life. As Anouk Aimee states, “you can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older,” and when you spend time with our Myer’s residents and you listen to their stories, you truly see the beauty of a life well lived.
Over the course of my four years as Mayor, I have worked diligently to understand the needs of all of our residents, whether it was attending a scout pack meeting, a fundraiser for a local group, facilitating a Mayor for a Day program, or any of the opportunities I have participated in, the goal has always been to listen to the needs of these groups, and if possible find ways for the city and staff to enhance the work of each of these groups. Mr. Bryon Vana, our City Administrator, who was also invited to attend this gathering, will be working with me, our staff, and elected officials, to find ways of enhancing the experiences of our Myer’s Senior Housing residents. Their living experiences and quality of life issues are as critical to us as are the needs of any of our residents. If we truly mean what we say when we utter the motto, “Darien, A Nice Place to Live,” we must always remember that this phrase includes ALL of Darien’s residents. Next time you drive by Myer’s, just remember that there are ninety wonderful Darien residents in that facility, seeking to live their lives to the fullest. I look forward to my next opportunity to join them and hear their stories, and they have a lesson for all of us.