Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: February 12, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - February 12, 2026

Mayor's Message

“Don’t give up. Don’t Ever Give Up” - Jimmy Valvano

What an extraordinary night for Darien! On Friday evening, February 6th, our community came together at Ashton Place for a spectacular celebration of talent, generosity, and heart with our Dancing with the Darien Starz event. Ten Darien residents, each representing a different social, civic, service, or religious organization, stepped outside of their comfort zones, volunteered countless hours, and took to the dance floor alongside professional partners. Their dedication, courage and enthusiasm were all in support of an inspiring cause; raising funds for our local Cancer Smashers, a remarkable group of young people committed to advancing cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University.

More than 280 guests filled the banquet hall, enjoying a full-course dinner, a four-hour open bar, and the opportunity to give back through a gift raffle, a split the pot raffle and a chance to support their favorite dancer with a monetary contribution that addressed our cancer research mission. I was honored to emcee the event and I opened the evening by sharing the purpose behind the event, and the excitement grew from there. Guests were first treated to a lively performance by “alums” from past Dancing with the Darien Starz events, setting the tone for a night filled with entertainment and community spirit.

The dancing was truly the highlight of the evening, as we followed the familiar Dancing with the Stars TV format, as each contestant performed a choreographed routine with a professional partner, while our three-member panel of judges scored their performances. Their dancing saw the crowd cheering, applauding and celebrating each dancer’s effort and achievement.

At the end of our competition, Ms. Sandra Sobotka, representing the Darien Rotary Club captured first place honors for her outstanding performance. Ms. Sobotka tied Mr. Ben Guzman of the Darien Swim and Recreation Club in dance performance, but was awarded first place based on her fundraising efforts. A second trophy was proudly awarded to Ms. Nicole Carpenter, a staff member at Hinsdale South High School, whose supporters raised the highest amount of donations during the event. All three recognitions reflected not only talent, they demonstrated an incredible commitment to our main cause.

Thanks to the generosity of our dancers, guests and sponsors, this event resulted in a donation of nearly $11,000 for Cancer Smashers, an amazing accomplishment that speaks volumes about the compassion and unity of our community.

I want to give thanks to our corporate sponsors, James Burke of Edward Jones, and Chris Sweeney of Pace Systems, as well as to our local businesses who donated prizes for our gift raffle. Special thanks go to our Darien Business Alliance, whose leadership and development of the event was crucial to the success of the evening. In particular, I extend heartfelt thanks to April Padalik, Executive Director of the DBA and Jessica Plzak, whose tireless efforts and countless contributions made this event possible.

Darien Dancing with the Starz was more than an evening of entertainment; it was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when Darien comes together for a worthy cause. We look forward to bringing this event back in the future and continuing to support charitable initiatives that strengthen and uplift our community.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Thank You for Dancing with the Darien Starz

We had an amazing night with our very own Darien Starz last weekend! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the show and to everyone who danced the night away for a good cause!

Shop Local for Valentine's Day

Impress your Valentine this weekend by supporting local businesses. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or a delicious dining experience, start by looking close to home. Local businesses tend to be passionate about their products, keep money in the community through taxes and investments, hire employees from the community, and support local events and charities. Have a Happy Valentine's Day and remember to share the love with local businesses!

City Council Meeting - February 17

City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Meeting - February 18

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda is posted here.

Holiday Service Update

City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents' Day. Refuse/recycling collection services will NOT be affected.

2026 Citizen of the Year

We are excited to share that The City of Darien is honoring Deborah Uhlar as the 2026 Citizen of the Year!

The extent of Deborah’s activities goes beyond the city making our nominee not only a shining star in Darien but surrounding communities. Deborah is not only noted for the remarkable longevity of her volunteer service, but for her selfless, generous, and immediate response to any person or organization in need. Volunteering is not something Deb seeks recognition for; it is simply part of who she is.

Through her selflessness, consistency, and quiet leadership, Deb has made a lasting difference in countless lives and has strengthened the very fabric of the Darien community. The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Deborah Uhlar’s tireless commitment, efforts and positive influence makes her an exemplary choice for this prestigious recognition. Indeed, Deborah is and will continue to be one of the many shining stars in Darien making Darien “a Nice Place to Live”. Read Deb's full nomination here.

In addition to Citizen of the Year, we are also honoring six 2026 Service and Organization Honorees. Thank you to each of you for giving of your time, your skills, and your hearts:

Darien Youth Club (DYC) – Mike Beringer

Darien Woman’s Club (DWC) – Marian Krupicka

Darien Lion’s Club (DLC) – Mike Falco

Darien Garden Club (DGC) – David DeCuir

Darien Rotary Club (DRC) – Pastor Eli Voigt

Darien Business Alliance (DBA) – Jame Burke

On Tuesday, February 17th at 7:30 pm during the city council meeting, a resolution will be presented to Deborah Uhlar and the Mayor and City Council will recognize the service and organization honorees for their service. All participants and club members are encouraged to attend.

Please Join us for the 2026 Citizen of the Year

and Service and Organization Honorees Dinner Dance

Friday, March 6

Alpine Banquets – 8230 S Cass Ave

6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The cost of $52.00/person includes a family-style meal of Chicken, Roast Sirloin of Beef, and Pasta, as well as soup, salad, vegetable, and dessert. Open bar and music and dancing. Reservations can be made by calling Diane at 630-353-8102. Learn more here.

March Primary Election and Early Voting

Temporary early voting locations in DuPage County (5 locations listed below) will be available starting Tuesday, February 10 for the March 17 General Primary Election. These locations are open Monday through Saturday (no Sunday hours):

Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Addison Township Office: 401 N Addison Rd, Addison, IL 60101
Bartlett Community Center: 700 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103
Downers Grove Village Hall: 850 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL 60515
DuPage County Fairgrounds: 2015 Manchester Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187
Naperville Municipal Center: 400 S Eagle St, Naperville, IL 60540

Permanent Early Voting Locations in DuPage County are available 15 days prior to an election. In our community, the Darien Community Center, located at 7301 Fairview Ave, is available starting (tentatively) Monday, March 2, 2026, for the March 17 General Primary Election and will be open Monday through Sunday.

Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Weekends: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For additional locations throughout DuPage County, click here.

At the DuPage County Clerk's website, you can find additional early voting locations, request a mail ballot, learn more about voter registration, and find your election day polling place.

You’re Invited! Spring Gardening Inspiration

Darien Garden Club would love to welcome you to our Spring Gardening Inspiration Event. The theme is Wild and Wonderful Gardening! The event features three speakers to motivate and expand your gardening knowledge as we all strive to transform our backyards into beautiful oases that also support nature.

Enjoy a delicious lunch, browse the creative gift baskets in the raﬄe, and meet local non-profit organizations working on important environmental initiatives in our greater community.

Please share this flyer and check out this link for more information and tickets. We would love to welcome you that morning as we kick oﬀ our 2026 gardening season with a new outlook!

Spring Gardening Inspiration Details

Date: March 7, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Venue: Chuck’s - Chateau Orleans Banquets - Darien

Event Features: Speakers - Lunch - Raffles - Exhibits

Creative Youth Art Fair

Submit Your Art by February 21

The Darien Woman's Club is hosting its 50th Creative Youth Art Fair on Sunday, March 1 at Cass Junior High School from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the gym. Local community students are invited to submit up to (2) two pieces of art to be judged at the Art Fair. Prizes will be awarded.

Registration to participate is required and the deadline is Friday, February 21 at 10:00 p.m. Register by clicking here or using the QR code.
Click here for rules and regulations as well as event-related dates and deadlines.

Darien Park District Events & Facilities

Indoor Movie Night

Calling all Frozen fans for the Park District's Indoor Movie Night on February 27. You can even come early to meet Olaf! Register here to save your spot!

Spring Craft Show

The Darien Park District has their Spring Craft Show coming up on March 7! If you're crafty, you're invited to sell your handmade work at the show! Learn how to reserve a space at the show 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!

Multi-Chamber Progressive Networking Breakfast - February 13: link

Darien Arts Council Meeting - February 21: link

DGC Sprouts Meeting - February 25: link

Darien Park District Indoor Movie Night - February 27: link

Scouting America Troop 101's Annual Pancake Breakfast - March 15: link

Registrations for Darien Youth Club's Spring Baseball, Spring Softball, Spring Soccer, Baseball Winter Workouts, and Softball Winter Workouts are all currently open! Register here