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The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - December 4, 2025

Mayor's Message


“Darien – A Nice Place to Live, especially in the Winter Months.”


I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding effort put forth by our Darien Public Works crews this past weekend and their response to the snowstorm that covered Darien with seven to eight inches of snow. Our team worked continuously throughout Saturday and Sunday to keep our city streets clear and accessible for safe travel, and their dedication to their job deserves our appreciation.


As a reminder, some of the major roads we travel on in Darien, such as Cass, Plainfield and 75 th Street are county roads. These main thoroughfares are maintained by DuPage County crews, while all the other streets within Darien are handled by our Public Works staff. The City of Darien is divided up into seven snow zones, each with a designated crew. In anticipation of a snow storm, you might see our crews laying down a layer of a liquid treatment that will keep the road from icing up during the storm. When the storm hits, our crews will at first tackle the main collector streets that handle significant amounts of travel, and need to be accessible to emergency vehicles if necessary. They will then address secondary roads, and then what I call our tertiary streets. You may notice that our crews will initially open the center lane on your street to ensure that vehicle can enter or exit the subdivision. They will then return several more times to clear the outer lanes on each street, moving closer to each of our driveways to assure residents access and safe travel.


I want to commend our Public Works crew for their exceptional work this past weekend. Due to an extended forecast calling for additional snow this week, we will once again see our crew out there doing their very best to keep our streets safe and accessible. While they will do there very best, please note that winter conditions require more patience on everyone’s part; remember to give yourself more time to reach your destination. Safe travels!

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Holiday Decorating Contest


If you thought the Halloween decorating contest was fun, get ready to bring all that enthusiasm and creativity to this year's Holiday Decorating Contest! Nominations are due by December 7, so be sure your decorations are sparkling ahead of that deadline. Nominate your neighbors (or your own decorated home) by emailing Diane at dnoverini@darienil.gov or calling her at (630) 353-8102.

Snow Season Begins: How Darien Prepares for Winter Weather


Darien welcomed its first snowfall of the season over the weekend and into Monday morning with a burst of 8 inches. Our Municipal Services Department is in full swing and geared up for winter weather!

  • During a storm, operators first focus on primary roads, then transition to secondary streets. Heavy snow events require crews to maintain at least two passable lanes until the storm subsides. Full curb-to-curb cleanup begins only after snowfall ends.
  • Environmentally Responsible Practices - Darien uses biodegradable additives mixed with calcium chloride salt to improve melting efficiency. This approach reduces overall salt use and helps protect the environment.
  • A Note on Driveways - A common misconception is that plow drivers intentionally push snow into cleared driveways. Unfortunately, no plow design exists that can avoid depositing snow as it clears the roadway. Crews work as carefully as possible while prioritizing safe, passable streets.
  • How Residents Can Help - Please move vehicles off the street during snow events; clear streets allow plows to work faster and more efficiently.


Snowplow Survey

The first heavy snowfall hit our area last weekend. The city is extremely proud of the public works department’s snowplow operations. Below is the link to a survey that you can provide feedback on our snowplow operations. Thanks in advance and we appreciate your feedback.

Citizen of the Year


Help us find the next Citizen of the Year! If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please consider nominating them for this honor.


Like last year, we will not only be honoring our Citizen of the Year, we will be paying tribute to individuals selected by their organizations as their “member of the year.” Add the following dates to your calendars and submit your nominations here.


Tuesday, January 6th: Deadline for Submitting Nominations for Citizen of the Year 

Friday, March 6th: Celebratory Dinner and Dance at Alpine Banquets in Darien

Tree Trimming in Darien


ComEd will be performing tree trimming work in our area to prevent future power outages. All work will be performed free of charge by qualified arborists and all debris will be removed. Check out the full letter about the upcoming tree trimming as well as a map of the locations in Darien where work is planned to take place below:


Map of Planned Work

ComEd's Letter of Intent


Click here for more information about vegetation maintenance along power lines and ComEd’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program.


CodeRED Emergency Notification System

 

In our continuing effort to keep Darien residents informed, the Darien Police Department is changing the company used to provide Emergency Notifications via texts. These texts will be sent by the company CodeRED when an incident within the City may impact the community. CodeRED will ensure rapid and reliable emergency notifications no matter the time of day (or night). There is no cost to sign up for this service.

Holiday Food and Toy Basket Program


Since 1976, the Darien Lions Club has brought holiday cheer to families in our community! You can be a part of this amazing tradition during their 2025 Holiday Food and Toy Basket Program by donating or sponsoring a family. Learn more about the program and how to get involved here.

Holiday Toy Drive


The Darien Lions Club Holiday Toy Drive has begun! Help spread joy this holiday season by donating new, unwrapped toys, specifically for infants up to 1 year and children ages 6 to 12.


Toys can be dropped off at City Hall (1702 Plainfield Rd) Monday - Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the full flyer here.

Holiday Soap and Paper Goods Drive


The Darien Woman's Club is sponsoring a Holiday Soap and Paper goods Drive from Friday, November 28, through Thursday, December 18. All donations will be shared with the local food pantries. 


Donations may be dropped off at the following locations: Indian Prairie Library, Mark DeLay School, Concord School, Cass Junior High School & The Darien Park District.

Darien Park District Events

Winter Holiday Celebration


Ring in the winter holidays with the Darien Park District on December 5 at their Winter Holiday Celebration! Learn more here.

Pizza with Santa


What do you get when you combine pizza and Santa? The best party ever, of course! Join the Darien Park District at this fun family event on December 19 by registering here.

Winter Program Guide


Check out all the events and programming at the Darien Park District in their Winter Program Guide here!

Holiday Light Recycling


As you get your home decorated for the winter holidays, be sure not to toss any broken holiday lights in the garbage! The Holiday Light Recycling Program is now open and you can drop off your lights at the Darien Police Department at 1710 Plainfield Rd. Please do not use plastic bags, just place your lights directly in the bins. Holiday Light recycling will go until February, 2026.

Downers Grove Township Senior Programs


The Downers Grove Township Center's December calendar is available and full of great programming. There are even some fun holiday and seasonal events you won't want to miss! See the December newsletter here.

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word


Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.

Community News & Events

COMMUNITY EVENTS


Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

Darien Lions Club Holiday Toy Drive - November 1 to December 12: link


Darien Woman's Club Holiday Soap & Paper Goods Collection - November 28 to December 18: link


Darien Park District Holiday Celebration - December 5: link


Santa and Mrs. Clause Networking Event - December 11: link


Meet & Greet Santa & Mrs. Claus - December 15: link


Darien Park District Pizza with Santa - December 19: link


DGC Sprouts Winter Solstice Celebration - December 20: link

Darien Events and Happenings
Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!


Darien Police Weekly Press Release


The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.

Connect with us!

Meet your elected officials!


Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390



Bryon Vana, City Administrator,

(630) 353-8114


City Hall (630) 852-5000


Police Department (630) 971-3999


Public Works Streets & Water (630) 353-8105


Community Development (630) 353-8115


Darien Business Alliance (630) 353-8111

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