The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
| | Weekly eNews - January 8, 2026 | | |
Mayor's Message
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
- C.S. Lewis
“Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.”
- Michael Josephson
As we step into a new year, I was recently asked a simple, yet powerful question: What will you do differently in 2026? It is a question that invites reflection – not just on what we hope to achieve, but on who we want to become.
For many, the New Year is more than a change on the calendar, it is a fresh beginning, an opportunity to pause, reflect, and consider new paths forward. It offers us a moment to ask ourselves whether we are content with the road we are on, or whether this new year might be the right time to make a change, big or small.
I encourage you, as a Darien resident to view 2026 as a gift; a chance to renew goals, strengthen connections, and approach life with intention and optimism. As Albert Einstein stated, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Even small changes in how we think, act, or support one another can have a lasting impact; not only on our lives, but on our entire community.
As we move forward together in 2026, may this New Year inspire hope, purpose, and a shared commitment to making Darien an even better place to live, work and call home.
Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and inspiring New Year!
| | Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events | | |
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
On Friday, January 9, we will be recognizing Law Enforcement Day and we commend the men and women of the Darien Police Department who put themselves in harm's way each day in order to keep our community safe, as well as to provide residents with a sense of comfort. knowing that wherever they go, the officers of the Darien Police Department will ensure their safety and security.
On behalf of Darien's elected officials and the residents of the City of Darien, we
extend our sincere gratitude to the men and women of the Darien Police Department for
their unwavering service and commitment to keeping Darien "a nice place to live." As 1
have said several times in the past, in Darien. "Superheroes do not wear capes-they
wear blue." Today and every day, we honor your service and say thank you for all that
you do. You are, in our opinion, simply the best!
Read Law Enforcement Appreciation Day letter from Mayor Marchese
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City Announces Additional
Leaf Cleanup Efforts
Due to unprecedented early snowfall, the City is taking additional steps to address residual leaves remaining in streets, parkways, and yards during this temporary warm spell.
A final street sweeping pass is scheduled to collect remaining leaves, with particular focus on areas that experienced heavier accumulation, as many trees shed their leaves later than usual.
In addition, beginning Friday, Jan 9, residents who wish to clean up remaining leaves from their yards or parkways may bring them to Public Works, 1041 South Frontage Rd, where a designated dumpster labeled “Leaves Only” will be available for disposal. This opportunity is open to residents citywide. The dumpster(s) will be available through January 23.
Residents are asked to place loose leaves or leaves in paper bags in the dumpster. Please do not dispose of branches or other debris, as this ensures proper handling and disposal.
The City appreciates residents’ cooperation and patience throughout the leaf season. Updates and reminders will be shared through the City’s media and communication channels.
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Special Meeting - Darien Park District Board/
Darien City Council Committee of the Whole
Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Darien Park District Community Center,
7301 Fairview Avenue
The Darien City Council and Darien Park District Board are holding a special meeting on January 12 to discuss intergovernmental cooperation, goals and objectives, and 2026 special events.
View agenda
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Christmas Tree Collection
LRS collects live Christmas trees during the first two FULL weeks of January at no charge. Trees placed out after that time will require prepayment and prescheduling.
- Remove all materials from the tree prior to disposal, including ornaments, tinsel, lights etc.
- Christmas trees cannot be in plastic bags or wrapped in plastic – they will not be collected
- All wreaths and roping must be included with normal trash on residents’ normal collection day
- Any trees that are over 7ft tall would need to be cut in half to have it removed
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Holiday Light Recycling
As you start taking down your holiday decorations, be sure not to toss any broken holiday lights in the garbage! The Holiday Light Recycling Program is 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.
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Illinois Battery Law
Batteries power our lives and are found in every electronic device imaginable. Although batteries are incredibly useful and convenient sources of power, they can pose dangerous challenges. Impoper disposal of batteries can pose risks to human health and to the environment. Beginning January 1, 2026, Illinois law requires battery manufacturers to fund battery collection, with no cost to the consumer. Learn more here.
NEVER put batteries OF ANY KIND in your curbside recycling bin or trash! Find a local, FREE, drop-off location HERE!
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Darien Connections Newsletter in Mailboxes!
Check your mailbox for the latest edition of the Darien Connections print newsletter. Learn the latest about:
- Police Social Worker Program
- Communications Survey Results
- Snow Plow Procedures
- And More!
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2026 Vehicle Stickers Now Available
The 2026 vehicle sticker is available at both Darien City Hall and the Darien Police Department for a $3 donation. Vehicle stickers are not required by the city, but are offered each year by community service organizations as a fundraiser for the organization. Pick up a vehicle sticker today to support Indian Prairie Public Library! Read more.
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Downers Grove Township Senior Programs
Be sure to check out this month's calendar to see all the events at the Downers Grove Township Center. You can make art, share in community dining, or even join the Newcomer Meet and Greet if it's your first time at the center! See the January newsletter here.
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Everybody Has A Story: A Night of Storytelling
Join the Darien Art Council for a night of storytelling on January 17 at 6pm at the Lord of Life Church at 725 75th St. Learn more at darienartscouncil.org.
| | Darien Park District Events & Facilities | | |
Winter Program Guide
Check out all the events and programming at the Darien Park District in their Winter Program Guide here!
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Fitness Center
Keeping your New Year’s Resolution will now be easier than ever! Sign up in the month of January and receive a great discount of our annual membership rates! Learn more here.
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Dancing with the Darien Starz
Just like the TV Show, Darien is bringing you Dancing with the Darien Starz featuring Darien area dancers from local NFP groups supporting Cancer Research. Ticket includes: (4) hour open bar, family style dinner, raffles, split the pot, and a professional dance competition! Get your tickets NOW at: darien.il.us/business then click on the flyer...
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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.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!
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Darien Park District Grandma & Me Snowflake Tea - January 10: link
2026 Rotary Club of Darien Trivia Night - January 15: link
DAC's Everybody Has a Story: A Night of Storytelling - January 17: link
DGC Sprouts New Year Kick-Off Celebration - January 28: link
Darien Park District Ultimate Princess Party - January 30: link
Dancing with the Darien Starz - February 6: link
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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
| | Darien Events and Happenings | | |
Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
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Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!
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Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
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