Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: October 15, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - October 15, 2026

Mayor's Message

One of the things that makes Darien such a special community is the tremendous number of residents who are willing to give their time, talents, and energy to make Darien a better place to live. Our civic organizations, social groups, schools, churches, and other community organizations all play an important role in bringing people together and supporting the programs, activities, and causes that make our community stronger.

Over the next several months, two important events offer a chance for your participation to make a real difference: our Annual Dancing with the Darien Starz and our 54th Annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. Beginning with today’s message on Dancing with the Darien Starz, I ask our community organizations and residents to consider getting involved in one or both of these special events.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

City Council Meeting - October 19

City Council will meet on Monday, October 19, 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 Cancelled

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, has been cancelled.

Halloween Decorating Contest

Calling all ghosts and goblins, witches and wizards of Darien - we want to see your haunted houses! Let's have fun this season by spooking up our houses for Darien's 2nd Annual Halloween Decorating Contest.

There are prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, AND 5th place and winners will be announced at the November 16 City Council meeting. Residents are welcome to nominate neighbors, friends, and even themselves.

Submit your nominations to Diane by October 31st at 630-353-8102 or dnoverini@darienil.gov.

Congratulations Sergeant Jeff Simek

The Darien Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Simek to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Simek began his career with the Darien Police Department in 2002, and he brings a tremendous amount of experience, investigative knowledge, and dedication to this department. Read more.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Jeff Simek on his promotion and wishing him continued success in this new chapter of his career!

Recycling Extravaganza - Oct. 17

The Rotary Club of Darien's Recycling Extravaganza event is this Saturday, October 17 at St. John Lutheran Church (7214 S. Cass Ave). Bring your documents for shredding, unused medication for disposal, and your items for recycling from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Check out the flyer for more information on what types of items you can donate. Thank you for keeping your recyclables out of the landfill!

Final Branch Collection of the Season is October 26

The City’s Public Works Branch Pickup Program is free for all single-family homes and provides for the collection and disposal of branches from residential properties. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on Sunday, October 25, to ensure pickup. The chipping crew will make only one pass during the week of October 26 and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning. Learn more.

Branches are also accepted from May 1 until October 31 at the Municipal Services Facility, located at 1041 S. Frontage Road. Branches are accepted at this location Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

November 3rd General Election

The general election is coming up on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and get a sample ballot using DuPage County's Voter Lookup Tool.

If you need to register to vote, you can do so online through October 18. Click here to register.

Early Voting has already begun! Find an early voting location here and give yourself peace of mind on election day by casting your ballot ahead of time.

Darien Businesses 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 of the Week!

Teddy's Red Hots

737 Plainfield Rd

teddysdarien.com

Patriot Gaming

801 Plainfield Rd, Ste 12

vfw2838.org

Holiday Magic with a Hometown Star!

Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story premiers this Saturday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. (CST). One of the stars, Barbara Alyn Woods, grew up in Darien and attended Hinsdale South High School. Grab some popcorn and enjoy some holiday magic with your loved ones!

Support Hinsdale South While Getting Your Garbage & Recycling Cans Cleaned!

Get your garbage and recycling cans professionally cleaned and sanitized before the cold weather hits! EcoCleanCan comes to your curb the day after your scheduled garbage pickup and leaves your cans clean, sanitized, and fresh. Book your cleaning before October 31, and EcoCleanCan will donate 20% back to the Hinsdale South Booster Club!

Visit ecocleancan.com/pricing to book your service, and be sure to use promo code HINSDALESOUTH26 at checkout. It's an easy way to freshen up your cans while supporting Hinsdale South students and activities. Thank you to EcoCleanCan for supporting our school community!

Seniors & 911

Smart 911 and Du-Comm want to remind seniors how to stay safe in an emergency. When experiencing an emergency, always call 9-1-1 before calling family and stay on the phone with 9-1-1 to answer all questions. Questions asked by 9-1-1 do NOT delay help, they allow personnel to better assist you. Find more safety tips here.

Registering for Smart911 through DuPage County is free and can provide vital information to First Responders during an emergency. Learn more about this free service here.

Concert Selections of Godspell

The Darien Arts Council invites you to experience a performance of Concert Selections of Godspell on October 16 and 17 at Lord of Life Church (725 75th St). Scan the QR code in the image to purchase tickets or email darienartscouncil@gmail.com with questions.

Celebrate October with the Darien Garden Club

There are some great Darien Garden Club events coming up this month and you are invited!

Wild Oaktober

Sunday, October 18

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Indian Prairie Public Library

The exhibits at this walk-up event include education, crafts, games and more! Don't leave the kids (squirrels) at home, there will be plenty for them to do. Learn to recognize Oak trees, find out why they are so important, and leave this event understanding what you can do to help restore the Oak ecosystem. You may even go home with your very own Oak sapling or learn how to plant an acorn to grow your own tree! Find more details and register here.

Creatures of the Night

Wednesday, October 28

6:00 pm - 7:00 p.m.

St John Lutheran Church

This is a DGC Sprouts Halloween Spooktacular Event featuring Incredible Bats Inc. Be ready to be AMAZED by unique and awesome nocturnal creatures! Families will get to examine live animals up close with the Incredible Bats team. Family-friendly Halloween costumes are encouraged! Non-members are welcome to attend and learn more about DGC Sprouts and their upcoming events and programs. Learn more and register here.

Kiddie Academy Trunk or Treat

Oct. 17

Get ready for a Halloween celebration the whole family will love! Join Kiddie Academy of Darien for our FREE Trunk-or-Treat event!

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 - 4 p.m.

1502 75th Street, Darien

Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy an afternoon packed with fun!

Trunk or Treating
Face Painting
Petting Zoo
Spooky Photo Booth
Beaver’s Donuts & Apple Cider for purchase.
Pumpkin Painting
Sensory Bins
And MORE family fun!

Best of all… IT’S FREE!

The Darien Lions Club Halloween Party

The Darien Lions Club invites the Darien area youths to attend their annual Halloween Party at the Darien Sportsplex on Halloween night, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Each year more than 1,000 children and 250 ice skaters come out and enjoy a safe and fun-filled Halloween evening, complete with their famous "graveyard," games, a magician, and entertainment galore. This event is free and you can find more details here.

Clothing Drive

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church will be holding a clothing drive this weekend. You can drop-off clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, books, and small household items at 8404 S Cass Ave. Drop-off times are Saturday, October 17, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66

Take a trip down memory lane! Join the Darien Woman’s Club on Wednesday, November 4, as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. Hear one woman’s fascinating adventure exploring the legendary Mother Road! Bring a friend, discover the adventure, and enjoy a fun evening. Guests are always welcome!

Event Details: 📍 Alpine Banquets, 8230 S. Cass Ave., Darien 🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM | Program begins at 6:30 PM

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.