Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: October 9, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - October 9, 2025

Mayor's Message

“When everyone is buying into a system, and puts their ego to the side, that’s

when greatness happens.” - Karl Anthony Towns

I would like to take a moment to recognize the excellent work and commitment of

our Darien City Council members. We are truly fortunate to have seven elected officials

who, while representing a specific ward in the city, consistently focus on what is best for

our entire community.

A recent example of this dedication took place during our City Council meeting

this past Monday evening. The Council voted on three ordinances necessary for

establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District at the Chestnut Court Shopping

Center. After years of working toward a solution to the growing vacancies in the center,

we are now approaching a possible solution that will see the center return to the

vibrancy once seen back in the 1990’s. The establishment of a TIF District is but one

step in the process. While a final development agreement with the property owner is

still to come, Monday’s vote represented a critical step forward in the process.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

A Warm Oktoberfest Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Westwood Park for our 3rd Annual Oktoberfest last weekend! We can't think of a better way to celebrate the beginning of fall in Darien!

Fall Carnival

Are you ready for more fall fun? We hope so, because the City of Darien is hosting a Fall Carnival at the Chestnut Court Shopping Center on October 17, 18, AND 19! Be sure to block off your calendar, because you won't want to miss the carnival rides, games, and more! Learn more.

Click here for Daily Ride Specials

Annual Police Recognition

At this week's council meeting, several members of the Darien Police Department were recognized. A grateful community thanks you for your service! Watch the meeting here (Police Dept. recognition starts at 49:05):

Hinsdale South Celebrates 60 Years

On October 3, 1965, residents celebrated the dedication of a new Hinsdale South High School. This year, we are celebrating 60 years of excellence and look forward to the next 60 years of watching creative and dedicated students succeed at Hinsdale South! Mayor Marchese presented a proclamation to Principal Kari Peronto at this week's council meeting Go Hornets!

Public Hearing Notice - October 15

Notice is hereby given that the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Commission of the City of Darien will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers at 1702 Plainfield Rd in Darien, IL.

The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony from interested persons and make recommendations on the following cases (click on each case number to learn more):

CASE NO. PZC2025-15

CASE NO. PZC2025-17

Ask the Mayor

Do you have a question about City services? Want to better understand a City Council decision? Heard a rumor around town? Send your questions right to Mayor Joseph Marchese!

The City and Mayor Marchese are excited to remind residents about "Ask the Mayor," which promotes transparency and provides residents with facts to encourage understanding and awareness about important issues in our City. We will compile resident questions and share insights every few weeks.

Please send your questions to communications@darienil.gov and stay tuned for answers in the coming weeks! We appreciate and welcome your feedback.

Darien Historical Society

Old Lace Schoolhouse and Museum Celebrates 100 Years

Congratulations to the Darien Historical Society on the Old Lace Schoolhouse and Museum Celebrating 100 Years!

Click here for more fun facts about Darien's history and learn about upcoming events.

Darien Woodridge Protection District Open House

This Saturday, October 11

Come on down to the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District House this Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at Station 89, 7550 Lyman Ave., Darien. There will be a children's slide pole, a helicopter landing, free hot dogs, and more!

Darien Park District Events

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Join the Darien Park District in a fun pumpkin carving contest for the whole family on October 13! The park will provide one pumpkin per family and you'll do the carving. The finished pumpkins will be showcased in their lobby for voting. Learn more and register for this event here.

Trunk or Treat

No need to wait until Halloween to dress up and eat some candy! The Darien Park District is hosting a TRUNK or TREAT event at the Community Center on Friday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Learn more about how to participate here.

Now Accepting Applications - Police Officers
Lateral Entry & Initial Police Officers

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Darien is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer (lateral entry) and new officers. For lateral entry, applicants must have been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer in good standing in another law enforcement agency.

View Application Packet

For initial police officer positions, please visit this link. Required documentation is due October 14, 2025 with testing in November.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This month, let's stand together as a community against domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline shares that the 2025 theme, With Survivors, Always, allows us to explore what it means to be in partnership with survivors toward safety, support, and solidarity. Be the friend, the family member, the neighbor that makes our community a safe place for everyone.

If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

Text "START" to 88788

Chat live at www.thehotline.org

Find more resources in DuPage County for people experiencing domestic violence by clicking here.

Downers Grove Township Senior Services Monthly Newsletter

The Downers Grove Township Center provides programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens 55 years of age and over.

Check out the line dancing, book clubs, Halloween events, and the other fun programming they have planned for this month in the October Newsletter here!

An Introduction to Fiber Optic Internet

Learn about fiber optic internet and how it can work for you at the upcoming Streaming 101 Workshop at Indian Prairie Public Library on October 13 at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited, so be sure to register here!

Recycling Extravaganza

Drive Thru & Drop Off

Saturday – October 18, 2025

10:00 am until 2:00 pm

St. John Lutheran Church - 7214 S Cass Ave

The Rotary Club of Darien is proud to announce their 4th Annual Drive-Thru Recycling Event in partnership with SCARCE!

The Rotary Club of Darien will be covering the cost of the shredding truck for document shredding (tax, bank, and medical records). This year, they are also adding a household battery collection (No car or boat batteries). Additional organizations will be there collecting a wide variety of items - see the full list here. Let's protect nature together by keeping recyclable and reusable materials out of the landfill!

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