Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: October 22, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - October 22, 2026

Mayor's Message

Last week, I introduced you to our Dancing With the Darien Starz Program, and this week, I am addressing our Citizen of the Year Program.

As stated last week, I will be covering two events in Darien that provide an opportunity for your involvement. Our second event is one of Darien’s most treasured traditions, our Annual Darien Citizen of the Year banquet, which will be held on Friday, March 5, 2027, at Ashton Place Banquet Hall.

Each year, this event gives our community an opportunity to recognize an individual who has made substantial contributions to the city over a period of time. It is a chance for us to pause and say thank you to someone whose dedication, volunteerism, and commitment have helped make our community a better place to live.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Mayor Marchese attended Our Lady of Peace's “Blue Mass” this past weekend along with several of Darien's finest.

Final Branch Collection of the Season is the Week of 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.

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. Residents are welcome to nominate neighbors, friends, and even themselves.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th AND 5th place will be awarded at the November 16th City Council meeting.

Submit your nominations to Diane by October 27th at 630-353-8102 or dnoverini@darienil.gov.

Judges plan on viewing homes on 10/28/26, so be sure to have all your decorations turned on!

Click here to check out the nominations!

Darien Police Department Congratulates Sergeant Glomb on Retirement

The Darien Police Department announces the retirement of Sergeant Glomb #332, who concludes a 25-year career in law enforcement with the department.

Sergeant Glomb was hired on September 27, 2001, and served in a variety of assignments throughout his career, including patrol, school resource officer, investigations, evidence technician, juvenile services, crisis intervention, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force.

Throughout his service, Sergeant Glomb contributed to numerous significant investigations involving violent crime, drug trafficking, and criminal organizations. His work earned him multiple commendations and professional recognitions, including awards from the Chicago Crime Commission, the Cook County Crime Stoppers, and other law enforcement organizations.

In September 2025, Sergeant Glomb was promoted to sergeant, marking another milestone in his career and recognizing his years of service and experience.

We thank Sergeant Glomb for his 25 years of dedication to the Darien Police Department and the community he served. His contributions to public safety and his commitment to law enforcement will remain an important part of his legacy.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Glomb on his retirement and wishing him and his family all the best in this next chapter. Congratulations, Sergeant Glomb, and thank you for 25 years of service to Darien.

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!

Balcanico

737 Plainfield Road

balcanicodarien.com

Onyx Dental Care

801 Plainfield Rd.

onyxdentalcare.com

Keep Your Vehicle Locked

The Darien Police Department has been seeing a rise in thefts from unlocked vehicles. Many of these crimes are easily preventable. Please make it a routine to lock your vehicle at night, remove all valuables, and never leave spare keys inside. And, as always, call 911 if you see something suspicious.

Trunk or Treat this Friday!

Put on your costumes and join the Darien Park District for some pre-Halloween Trick or Treating on Friday, October 23. They will be blocking off the Community Center's back parking lot to create a safe, fun place for the kids to come and enjoy some Halloween fun! No registration required to trick or treat.

Learn more about this and other great Park District events this fall here.

National Prescription Drug Take Back

The DEA's National Rx Drug Take Back Day reminds us to dispose of the old or expired perscriptions in our medicine cabinets to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Properly dispose of your unneeded Rx drugs this Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Find a collection site near you at DEATakeBack.com.

Can't drop them off this Saturday? No problem! The Darien Police Department has a box for residents to drop off unused prescriptions in their lobby at 1710 Plainfield Road. Please follow the instructions that are provided near the box to ensure safe disposal of medications. Please call Darien Police Department Non-Emergency number at 630-971-3999 with questions.

National First Responders Day - October 28

We are so thankful for the First Responders in our community and across the globe! Join us on October 28 as we honor and remember those who serve our communities. Thank you to all the paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers and 911 operators who are always ready to respond in a crisis.

Creatures of the Night

This DGC Sprouts Halloween Spooktacular Event will feature Incredible Bats Inc, so get ready to be AMAZED by unique and awesome nocturnal creatures! Families will get to examine live animals up close with the Incredible Bats team. Creatures of the Night will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., at St John Lutheran Church and 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.

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.

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 still need to register, check out Illinois' Grace Period Registration and Voting options.

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.

Political Signs Guidelines

Political campaign signs and other temporary signs are not permitted on City property. They must be placed on your private property or they will be removed and disposed of by the City.

Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, which includes:

Roadways
Parkways (the area between the street and sidewalk)
The area between a ditch and road
10-15 feet from the street on streets with no sidewalk

Please note that 75th Street, Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road are DuPage County-owned roads. The County does not prohibit election signs on their roads.

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!

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

Veterans Day Ceremony

The Darien VFW Post 2838 will be honoring ALL veterans on Wednesday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Darien Community Park. You are invited to join the ceremony to recognize and honor all who have served. View the flyer here.

Originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate the end of WWI in 1918, Veterans Day was renamed, in 1954 to honor all U.S. Military veterans. This special holiday honors, thanks, and celebrates all veterans for their brave willingness to serve and sacrifice for their country, their patriotism, and our freedom.

Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

Mark your calendars for our community's annual Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting on November 15 at the Darien Historical Society. We hope you'll join us from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for photos with Santa, story time with IPPL, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, caroling, and more! If you would like to donate new, unwrapped toys this holiday season, the Darien Lions Toy Drive will be collecting donations at the event.

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