While for many who attended the White Sox's last home game on Thursday, September 26, it might have been the last game of an abysmal season; for others, it might have been the last Sox game they would ever see. There were many in the stands that day who came to see the White Sox set the record for losses in a season, but for many more of us, the opposite was true, we came to cheer the team we have always loved to a victory, and on that day, Sox players found a way to bring home a victory, that for some, may be the last time they get a chance to see a Sox game, let alone a Sox victory.

Life does not promise us anything, and for many of us, we don’t know for sure what tomorrow will bring. Many who left the ballpark that day figured that they would be back next spring to watch a Sox team that is more competitive. I would offer that because none of us knows what the future might bring, we need to savor the present and to appreciate those we love each and every day that we have with them. As I walked out of the ballpark with my son, we celebrated the beautiful day that we had together, where despite whatever the future might hold, we had a chance to be together and enjoy a beautiful day as father and son. I will always treasure that day, and I will hold the memory of that day in my heart for the rest of my life.

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Electronic Waste Home Collection

Deadline to Register is 6pm TODAY, October 3

LRS is offering a free Electronic Waste Home Collection on your regular service day the week of October 7 - 11.

• Submit a request online by 6:00 p.m. TODAY, Thursday, October 3 by clicking here or contacting LRS directly:
• LRSrecycles.com/Darien
• Email: Service@LRSrecycles.com
• Phone: 844.Need.LRS 
• Electronics must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your regular service day
• Limit of seven items per request
• Maximum of two TVs or monitors (TVs not exceeding 60 inches or 100 pounds) 
• See below for a list of accepted items.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to supporting the survivors and raising awareness about the impact of domestic violence in our communities. Each year, millions of individuals experience intimate partner violence, and it is up to each of us to stand together and break the silence and stigma surrounding it. Awareness can lead to prevention, education, and resources for those in need.

DuPage County has resources if you or someone you know needs help. Visit 211DuPage.gov to find resources for survivors of domestic violence under Legal and Public Safety. Support groups and educational programs also can be found in the 211 DuPage Events calendar, including Family Shelter Service's (FSS) new Domestic Violence Education groups. Groups are for survivors looking to learn more about domestic violence, ask questions and receive emotional support. Clients can join groups at any point! See their flyer for more information. Please call the FSS 24/7 hotline at 630-469-5650 for more information. You can also use their intake line at 630-784-4802 to complete an intake for services.

You can also find assistance at The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1-800-787-3224 or the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1−844-762-8483 (call or text). Find more resources here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Are you worried about the cost? CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. Learn more.

Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. It occurs in October to overlap with the federal holiday of Columbus Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of each October. Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. Learn more.

Fall Yard Waste Reminders

Reminder, yard waste (leaf and brush) pickup is included free with LRS residential garbage service. Yard Waste season is April 1st through the second full week of December. All items must be placed out for collection by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Follow these guidelines from LRS to properly dispose of your yard waste:

• Yard waste is collected on the same day of the week as garbage and recycling and there is no limit to the amount of yard waste that may be placed out for collection.
• Yard waste brush bundles of limbs or branches, which do not exceed four (4) feet in diameter and fifty (50) pounds in weight may be placed out for pickup. Branches must be no more than four (4) inches in diameter, with the total diameter of the bundle not to exceed twenty-four (24) inches. 
• Organic Food Scrap may be mixed with yard waste and includes bread, cereal, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, eggs, fruits, grain, pasta shells, and vegetables.
• Yard waste bags are to be a minimum of 2-ply, biodegradable paper, not to exceed 30 gallons or 50 pounds when full. 
• Non-LRS containers may be used so long as they do not exceed 33 gallons in size or 50 pounds in weight when full. Containers must clearly indicate YARD WASTE. Yard waste container stickers are available at City Hall. Non-LRS containers must have two handles for lifting. LRS does not recommend using your own container as drivers may use the automated lifting mechanism, which may damage your container. LRS will not repair or replace non-LRS containers used for yard waste.
• Stumps or root balls should be bagged and thrown into regular garbage. For extra-large stumps or root balls, contact LRS for a special collection or a local landscape company.

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. 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. This month is the final pickup scheduled in 2024 and it will occur during the week of October 21 – 25

Protect Your Home from Mice 

When temperatures drop, mice often enter homes for warmth and food. No matter how clean you keep your home, mice will try to get in. Any crack or crevice along doorways and foundations will allow the pests indoors. Additionally, these unwanted guests don't arrive empty-handed; mice bring along a host of parasites and disease organisms when they enter homes. Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website to help protect your home from mice this fall and winter.

Fire Prevention Week Open House - October 5

The Darien-Woodridge and Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection Districts are hosting a 2024 Fire Prevention Week Open House on Saturday, October 5. Stop by Station 89 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to see a firefighter fashion show, try out the children's slide pole, see a K9 demonstration and more! View Flyer

And, after heading home from the Fire Prevention Week Open House, follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Association to ensure your home is protected:

1. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
2. Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
3. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

Important Election Dates

Here are some important dates to keep in mind when planning for the upcoming General Election on November 5, 2024.

Important Dates for the November 2024 Election

• October 8 - Deadline to Mail in Voter Registration Forms
• October 20 - Deadline to Register to Vote online
• October 31 - Deadline to request your Vote-By-Mail Ballot
• November 4 - Last Day to Vote Early (Find a location to vote TODAY here!)
• November 5 - Election Day!

Remember to check the DuPage County website if you aren't sure about your registration status or your polling location!

Darien Park District - Open Pickleball Play

The Park District has tons of fun programming for kids, but did you know they have a variety of programs for adults as well? Consider trying out Pickleball at the Darien Park District! Players of all levels are invited to join in the fun and make new friends during Open Pickleball Play for Adults 18+ from October through December! Register and learn more here.

211 DuPage - Mental Health

DuPage County offers resources to assist with the Mental Health needs for residents of all ages. Find counseling, support groups, treatment options, and more through 211.

Get connected to services by calling 211 or visiting 211dupage.gov.

City Council Meeting - Oct 7

City Council will meet on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road.

The agenda will be posted here.

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

Fire Prevention Week Open House - October 5: link

Darien Garden Club - Putting the Garden to Bed - October 7: link

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

Casino Night - October 18: link