Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: October 8, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - October 8, 2026

Mayor's Message

Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”

- Anthony J. D'Angelo

There are events that occur in my daily life that give me pause, as I am reminded why I love and care so much for this community. Sometimes it is an event, while other times it is the actions of an organization or that of several individuals. This coming weekend there will be an event that once again reminds me why Darien is such a wonderful place to call home.

This weekend we will again be experiencing the Darien Lions Club Candy drive. For those who are new to our city, “Candy Day” is a yearly event, where the club raises funds for humanitarian efforts locally and through the Lions of Illinois Foundation. The forty-percent that is kept for local needs funds eye exams, local food pantries, and numerous other charitable organizations. The most visible aspect of this event are those Lions who don their yellow safety vests and walk up and down the intersections of the city “shaking their can,” and asking for contributions. These “street warriors” as I call them carry out this activity come rain, snow or sunny weather. This weekend, there will be fifty to sixty members of the club out on the corners of 75th and Cass on Friday and Saturday battling cold weather, tired legs and feet, all in an effort to raise money for those less fortunate then themselves.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Best of luck to the Chicago White Sox as they prepare to host the

Cleveland Guardians for Game 4 tonight! We are rooting for you!

Electronic Waste Collection

If you signed up for the upcoming LRS Electronic Waste Collection, be sure to put your items out for pick-up next week, Oct 12 - 16, by 6:00 a.m. on your regular garbage day.

There is a limit of seven items per request and a maximum of two TVs or monitors (TVs not exceeding 60 inches or 100 pounds). Click here to view the flyer for more details on accepted items.

Fire Prevention Week Open House

We can't wait to see you THIS WEEKEND at the 2026 Fire Prevention Week Open House at Station 89 (7550 Lyman Ave). Come by on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a helicopter landing, a firefighter fashion show, free hot dogs, a K9 demonstration, and more!

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.

The State of the City

The most recent edition of Darien Connections shares the Mayor's reflection on the State of the City, "Each success has been the result of partnerships among residents, City Council members, city staff, local businesses, community organizations, and countless volunteers who have generously dedicated their time and talents to our city. Together, we have strengthened our sense of community, improved the services we provide, and enhanced the quality of life enjoyed by our residents."

We are grateful for each person who helps make Darien such a nice place to live! You can check out the full Fall 2026 Darien Connections here.

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!

Jewel Osco

7329 S. Cass Ave.

jewelosco.com

Mini Hut

7517 S. Cass Ave.

331-777-9085

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.

The Darien Lions Club Halloween Party

The Darien Lions Club invites the Darien area youths to attend their annual Halloween Party, to be held at the Darien Sportsplex on Halloween night, October 31st 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.

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.

Recycling Extravaganza

The Rotary Club of Darien's Recycling Extravaganza event is back on 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!

Recycling & Donation Event

Bring your electronics, winter clothing, & textiles to the Christ The Servant parking lot at 8700 Havens Dr on October 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This event is open to all residents and small businesses. Please refer to the flyer for details.

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.