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City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - October 10, 2024

Mayor's Message

The City of Darien conducts a search every year for an individual who has dedicated themselves to enriching our Darien Community through their participation in a social, service, educational or religious organization. The Citizen of the Year Committee asks that you nominate an individual whose service in one or more of these groups goes “above and beyond the call of duty,” and demonstrates through their work a true love for the City of Darien. While the committee will be looking for an individual with a lengthy history of service, this is not a “legacy” award; and individuals of all ages can be nominated for this honor. Nominations will be accepted up to Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Citizen of the Year nominees must be Darien residents and cannot be a currently elected official.


This year, the individual selected by the committee will be honored at our “Darien Honors Celebration,” which will take place on February 28, 2025, at the Alpine Banquet Hall. This year, we will not only be honoring our Citizen of the Year, but we will also be paying tribute to individuals selected by their organizations as their “Member of the Year.” Organizations such as the Darien Lions, Darien Woman’s Club, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce will each be presenting an individual selected by their organization for their outstanding service to their club and the City of Darien. Our city has as its motto, Darien, “A nice place to live,” due to the efforts of many of our wonderful volunteers, and this year we want to acknowledge their efforts at our “new” honors celebration. Our City website will detail the application process in the coming weeks, so please take some time to review this application and give thought to nominating someone who, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, makes a life by what they give.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Stay Well this Winter with Fall Vaccinations


The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) strongly recommends everyone six months and older, especially people with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant, get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this winter.


Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the winter months. Like COVID-19 and flu, RSV causes a respiratory infection that can lead to severe illness and death. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.


DCHD offers the updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines to eligible children through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. Call DCHD for questions about the availability of specific childhood vaccines or clinic schedules at (630) 682-7400. These vaccines are also available through retail pharmacies and most doctor’s offices —visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.


As we head into the colder months, remember to take these steps to prevent respiratory illnesses this winter:


  • Stay Up to Date with Immunizations.
  • Practice Good Hygiene. Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • Take Steps for Cleaner Air. Open windows for fresh outside air, purify indoor air, or gather outdoors when weather permits.
  • Take Precautions if You’re Sick. Stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause.
  • Seek Medical Care Promptly. Seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment if you believe you may have a respiratory virus and you have risk factors for severe illness.


Prioritize your health this fall and winter! Learn more from the DCHD here.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month


Teens and young adults are also at risk of domestic violence, but may not know how to spot the warning signs of abuse. Find resources and support for teens and young adults at loveisrespect.org.


Love Is Respect advocates offer confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US. They are available by text (“LOVEIS” to 22522), call (866.331.9474), or live chat online.


More Resources:

  • DuPage County's Family Shelter Service's 24/7 hotline at 630-469-5650
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1-800-787-3224
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1−844-762-8483 (call or text)
  • Learn more here.

Park District Pumpkin Carving Contest


Come join the Darien Park District for a fun and festive pumpkin carving experience for the whole family! Bring your creative ideas to the Community Center at 7301 Fairview Ave. on October 14, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The Park District will provide one pumpkin per family and all the necessary tools for you to carve your very own masterpiece.


All carved pumpkins will be showcased in the Park District lobby from October 15 to 21 and all visitors are welcome to cast a vote for the best pumpkin! Learn more and register here.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips


The best Halloween costume is one that keeps you safe while having spooky fun! Consider these tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while choosing your costume this year:


  • Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.
  • Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; make sure the costumes aren’t so long that you’re in danger of tripping.
  • Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.
  • Test the makeup you plan to use at least 24-48 hours in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that's a sign of a possible allergy.
  • Vibrantly colored makeup is popular at Halloween. Check the FDA’s list of color additives to see if the colors are FDA approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use them. This is especially important for colored makeup around the eyes.
  • Don’t wear decorative (colored) contact lenses that appear to change how your eyes look due to the risk of eye injury, unless you have seen an eye care professional for a proper fitting and been given instructions for how to use the lenses. See Eye Safety below for more information.

October is Crime Prevention Month


Leaving a door unlocked and valuables inside the car encourages criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. Please help the Police Department keep thieves out of Darien by locking your doors and bringing all valuable items such as GPS units, iPods, computers, change jars, wallets and purses with you. Additionally, installing motion detectors outside your home is an effective way to discourage potential burglary.


If you see anyone suspicious that may be involved in these activities, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn more about our city's Police Department here. Thank you for your attention and for helping to keep Darien a Nice and Safe Place to Live.

Branch Pickup: October 21 - 25


The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries. This month is the final pickup scheduled in 2024 and it will occur during the week of October 21 – 25.


To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter.


Yard waste pickup is also included free with LRS residential garbage service and will continue through the second full week of December. Learn more here.

Early Voting


You don't have to wait until November 5th to make your voice heard! Early voting has started - find locations near you using DuPage County's Interactive Map.


Head to the DuPage County website to check your registration status, see sample ballots, and find your polling location.

Fall Maintenance Checklist:

Change Your Filters


Prioritize changing your home's air filters this fall to keep your furnace operating efficiently throughout the colder months. Replacing filters regularly improves the air quality in your home, increases energy efficiency, and can extend the lifespan of your furnace.

Planning and Zoning Meeting - Oct 16


The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road.


The agenda will be posted 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 Youth Club Basketball is OPEN for 2024/25: link


Volleyball Registration is OPEN for 2024/25 (view flyer): link


Darien Woman’s Club Fall Member Registration is now OPEN: link


Hinsdale South Music Boosters Fundraiser at Portillo's - October 10: link


Casino Night - October 18: link


Rotary Recycling Drive - October 19: link


Darien Garden Club - Wild Oaktober - October 20: link


Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
October 9, 2024 Police Press Release Here
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!

Connect with us!

Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390

Bryon Vana, City Administrator,
(630) 353-8114

City Hall (630) 852-5000

Police Department (630) 971-3999


Community Development (630) 353-8115
Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
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