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City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - October 17, 2024

Mayor's Message

“In a world in which you could be anything, be kind.” - Clare Pooley


There are events in our lives that sometimes provide us with a new focus; an understanding as to how others impact our lives, and how we may be influencing others by our actions and our words. I overheard a deacon speaking to a group of parishioners regarding how we demonstrate our love for one another, when one of his parishioners noted that his talk appeared hypocritical, in that he talked about how we should practice kindness toward one another, but in reality, he exhibited very little in the way of kindness toward others. When he heard this, he was shocked, and asked the person to explain what was missing in his behavior, and the individual said, you speak of kindness as an expression of love for one another, but you demonstrate very little in the way of kindness toward others. The individual went on to say that simple acts of kindness had major impacts on others, and this deacon, this “man of the cloth,” did not seem to understand how this was missing in his own interactions. This caused him to reflect on his behavior, and to his surprise he was bothered by his lack of attentiveness to others, his ability to spread kindness to others, especially when they were in need. His reflection on his behavior changed his life, and he now finds himself more attentive to the needs of others.


After sharing this story of his personal reflection and the change it had on his life, I spent time reflecting on my own personal interactions. Did I really attend to the possible needs of others, were my actions just perfunctory, or was there real meaning in the way I responded to others. That personal reflection truly impacted me, and I now give more thought to my interactions with others, and my hope is that I will always be attuned to their needs. I have now chosen a new motto which was written by Clare Pooley, that has great meaning in my life. I hope it is something that you will consider when you reflect upon your interactions with others: “In a world in which you could be anything, be kind.”

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

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.

Have A Green Halloween!


Think "green" when you decorate for Halloween this year! Reusing decorations from year to year is a great way to start, but what if you need to refresh your theme? Check out local thrift stores to find new-to-you decorations. Also, consider repurposing items around the house or use natural items like branches and pumpkins to create a unique look. Click here for some DIY decoration ideas. Happy Decorating!

Darien Park District - Halloween for Ghouls & Goblins


Join the Darien Park District on October 24 at 5:30 p.m. for games, activities, and crafts for 2-5 year olds at the Community Center. Children should dress in their costumes and must bring an adult! The night will end with trick or treating around the Community Center! Learn more and register here.

Ballot Information


Are you ready to prepare to vote? Check out a sample of the ballot from your district by entering your address here. If you're looking for additional information on the candidates and issues, The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that provides helpful details about everything you will find on your ballot. Check it out here.


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

October is Pedestrian Safety Month


Everyone is a pedestrian sometimes, so please take some time this month and review the NHTSA recommendations below to help keep pedestrians safe. And remember to be extra vigilant when children head out to trick-or-treat in your neighborhoods later this month!


Tips for Motorists

  • Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
  • Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.


Tips for Pedestrians

  • Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
  • Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
  • Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.


Fall Maintenance Checklist:

Fix Driveway Cracks


Fix driveway cracks with crack sealer: When water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually, the concrete can crumble.

National Arts and Humanities Month


Art brings us together, tells our stories, and gives our world so much beauty. Reach out during National Arts and Humanities Month to find new ways to inspire and be inspired by creativity in our state - check out Illinois Humanities and the Illinois Arts Council. Looking for something even closer to home? The Darien Arts Council supports, creates, develops, and implements projects in music, theater and the fine arts in the Darien community.

City Council Meeting - Oct 21


City Council will meet on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 7:30 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


Casino Night - October 18: link


Rotary Recycling Drive - October 19: link


Darien Garden Club - Wild Oaktober - October 20: link


Darien Garden Club Sprouts - Potato Palooza - October 23: link


Darien Arts Council Presents: Vino Veritas - November 9 & 10: link


Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
October 16, 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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Follow the Darien Police Department on X at @DarienPolice.
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