Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: November 20, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - November 20, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.” - Charles Dickens

“Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.” - Nigel Hamilton

As Thanksgiving is next week, I am reminded that even in a year filled with challenges, disappointments, and loss, it is important to pause and recognize all the gifts I have been given, especially the gift of family and friends. Thanksgiving has always been a day when I can slow down, enjoy the company of family, and appreciate the simple gift of being together. There's no rush to buy any special gifts or to decorate the house; it’s a day when we get a chance to relax, reflect, and spend time with the people who matter most.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to wish all the residents of Darien a day where they, too, can gather with loved ones and put all the troubles of the world on the “back shelf,” if only for a day. My hope for all of us is that this Thanksgiving brings peace, warmth, and a well-deserved opportunity to look at the world through a different lens, simply enjoying the love of family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Thank You for Coming to the Holiday Celebration

Thank you for coming out to the City's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting this past weekend! The residents of Darien are truly what make this season bright. Watch the video below for highlights of the event!

Holiday Service Update

City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Refuse/Recycling Collection services on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will NOT be postponed. Thursday and Friday collection service will be postponed by one day.

Overnight Parking Ban Suspended for Holiday

The City's overnight parking ban will be suspended from Wednesday, November 26 at 2:00 a.m. through Monday, December 1 at 6:00 a.m. All other parking restrictions will remain in effect.

City Council Honors Local Scouts

At the City Council Meeting this past Monday, November 17, the council honored three new Eagle Scouts: Jayden Villa, Colin Sweeney, and Will Felyo. The City of Darien is proud of your hard work and dedication!

Halloween Decorating Contest WINNERS

Thank you to everyone who made Darien spectacularly spooky with your Halloween decorations! After considerable deliberation, our judges chose this year's winners, which you can view below. We can't wait to see what you come up with next year!

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.

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.

Citizen of the Year

The search for the next Citizen of the Year has begun! 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

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.

Shop Local and Save

Join us in supporting local businesses this holiday season and take advantage of these special offers! Darien Holiday Shopping - Shop Local

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.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection in DuPage

DuPage County is hosting Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection days at the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Naperville (156 Fort Hill Dr). Gather up your items and bring them out between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on November 22 & 23 or November 29 & 30.

Accepted waste includes: Aerosol cans, Asbestos material, Automotive Fluids, Batteries, Fire Extinguishers, Flammables, Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, Household Cleaners, Drain Openers and Pool Chemicals, Mercury, Oil-Based Paint & Stains, Peanut Oil, Poison, Pesticides & Fertilizers, Propane Tanks, Solvents and Strippers, Thermostats, Vape Pens & Carts.

Learn more about future HHW collection dates and other recycling events in DuPage.

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.