Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: March 19, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - March 19, 2026

Mayor's Message

I wrote this “Mayor’s Message” in April last year to acknowledge the beginning of Spring and to speak to my love of baseball. This message also presented me with a chance to reflect upon my late son Jon and our shared love of baseball and the Chicago White Sox. I find it as meaningful today as I did last year, and thus, it is worthy of repeating.

“The game begins in the spring when everything else begins again.”

- Unknown

While I appreciate the beauty of each of the seasons, springtime is definitely my favorite time of the year. Why, you may ask? Well, springtime is a season of rebirth; have you noticed how the grass is turning greener, the buds on the trees just waiting to burst open, and shoots sprouting out of the ground as they prepare to bloom? Each of these, along with Mother Nature teasing us with the occasional warm spring day. Springtime is a season of rebirth, and is almost God’s way of saying, “One more time.”

For me, there is another reason that I love spring; it not only signifies a sense of rebirth, it brings with it the hopes and dreams of every true baseball fan that this season will bring with it the success of their favorite team. While I love sports in general, for me, as Babe Ruth said, “Baseball was, is and always will be, the best game in the world,” and for me, spring brings with it my hope that my White Sox will overcome a disastrous 2024 season and find their winning ways in 2025. I know that is wishful thinking, but with the spring comes the hope that, like the promise of rebirth, the Sox will experience a rebirth while rewarding their fans with an exciting baseball season.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

LRS Rate Increase

LRS has been the city’s recycling, garbage, e-waste and yard waste hauler since April 1, 2022, when they were awarded the multi-year contract after the bidding process. LRS has been a great partner in this important service. As part of our multi-year contract, effective April 1st the monthly rates will increase for unlimited weekly refuse (65 or 95 gallon cart) by 2.5% to $23.14 and the optional monthly rate for limited refuse for seniors 65 and older a 35 gallon cart will increase to $11.04. Residents receive all of these services for the competitive weekly cost of $5.79 and $2.76, respectively.

Reminder, when you turn 65 you are eligible for the senior option program. To register you need to complete the senior form and provide proof of age (copy of identification). If you have any questions, please contact LRS at 844-633-3577.

Darien Business and Restaurant of the Week

In an effort to further promote and assist our local businesses, Mayor Marchese, the Darien City Council, and the Darien Business Alliance are proud to present: The Darien Business and Restaurant of the Week!

CD One Price Cleaners

2425 75th St.

cdonepricecleaners.com

Wayback Burgers

2425 75th St.

waybackburgers.com

Darien VFW Offers Scholarship

Applications Due March 25

Veterans of Foreign Wars Darien Memorial Post 2838 offers a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating Hinsdale South High School senior planning further education. The scholarship honors the memory of Hinsdale South alumni Lance Corporal Lester W. Weber, a Medal of Honor recipient, and Captain Scott T. Corwin, an outstanding Hinsdale South athlete and graduate of West Point. The scholarship award is based on a winning essay written on the topic of “My Responsibility to America.” For further information and an application, please contact Veronica Alvarez, Hinsdale South Counseling & Social Work Offices, 630-468-4252. Entries are due by March 25, Medal of Honor Day.

Spring Sign Recycling Event

DuPage County Environmental Committee is pleased to offer the opportunity to recycle political and other corrugated plastic and cardboard signs for recycling at no cost. Only corrugated plastic and cardboard signs will be accepted. Metal stands must be separated from signs prior to drop off. Learn more.

Location:

DuPage County Campus

421 N County Farm Rd; Wheaton, IL

Dates:

Friday, March 20 - 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

DGC Sprouts Drive Through Recycling Event

Join the Sprouts Youth Garden Club for their drive-through recycling event! Come by St John Lutheran Church at 7214 S Cass Ave, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, to drop off your recycling. From Batteries and cell phones to bikes and books, there is so much you can recycle at this event, see the flyer & full list of accepted items here.

Casino Night 2026 with HSPAC

Get ready for a night of fun, prizes, and purpose!

The Hinsdale South Parent Athletic Club is thrilled to host Casino Night 2026 on Friday, April 10, at the beautiful Carriage Greens Country Club in Darien, and an online auction beginning one month prior, wrapping up at the end of Casino Night for a full evening of winning opportunities. Auction items will include event tickets, sports memorabilia, and more, offering something for everyone. You do not need to be present to receive your auction items.

Parents, Hinsdale South Faculty, Alumni, Friends and Community Supporters are invited to come out, have a great time, and support all Hinsdale South athletic programs.

Tickets available HERE.

D63 Multicultural Celebration - April 17

A community Multicultural Celebration will be held at Cass Junior High School on April 17. Our purpose is simply to celebrate and learn about the diverse backgrounds of the families in our school district, and to foster an appreciation for the different cultures that make up our local community. Our families representing approximately 20 countries will showcase their heritage through clothing, dance, art, music and foods.

This wonderful event is free of charge and the entire community is invited to attend anytime from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17. We hope to see you there!

Darien Dash Sponsorship Opportunities

This year, we're celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.A. during the 25th Annual Darien Dash! It's going to be a great event and you can help make it happen by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are available at five levels, all of which will promote your company at the event and throughout the community! Learn more here.

The 25th Annual Darien Dash

All types of runners come out every year for the Darien Dash. And, it doesn't matter if you are aiming to win first place or if you are just coming out to enjoy some fresh air and fun, one thing remains true - It's Time to Register!

This year's race will be on May 17 and will start at the Darien Swim and Recreation Club at 8:00 a.m. (1001 Hinsbrook Ave; Darien, IL). Sign up here.

Order Your Plants Today!

The Darien Historical Society and Darien Woman's Club's annual plant sale is back!

No Price Increase from 2025!
Plants must be pre-ordered and paid for when the order is placed.
Plants must be picked up on May 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Check out this year's order form here. The deadline to submit your order is Wednesday, April 8! All proceeds will go towards the efforts of both organizations to benefit the community. View the flyer.

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