Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: September 18, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - September 18, 2025

Mayor's Message

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.” - Audre Lorde

Every week, I try to pause and reflect on something that seems to be tugging at the edges of our collective awareness. Lately, I have found myself wondering: Why does it feel so much harder today to respectfully disagree with one another? Have you noticed that people today seem quicker to argue and slower to listen? If so, then you are not alone in your thinking. I remember a time—thirty or forty years ago, when we could hold different political or social views and still find common ground. Today, our public discourse feels more polarized, personal and impatient. So, what has happened over those thirty or forty years? Why does discourse that once sparked conversation, now result in conflict?

So, what has changed, is it the media, social media, or have we changed? While there may be no single cause, I would like to explore a few key shifts that might help explain this change, and some ideas that may help us find our way back.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

The City of Darien is Hiring

Join the City's team as a Part-time Accounting Clerk! Under direction of the Finance Director, this position is responsible for maintaining financial records, processing transactions, and assisting the accounting department with various tasks to ensure accurate financial reporting. Read the full job description and learn how to apply here.

Now Accepting Applications - Police Officer (Lateral Entry)

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Darien is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer (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

Hinsdale South Celebrates 60 Years

Come take a tour of Hinsdale South and celebrate 60 years of South Pride! All tours begin at the main entrance and all are welcome. The next tour is Saturday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. See all the future tour dates here.

Child Passenger Safety Week - September 21-27

When it comes to child passengers, there is a right seat for every age and developmental stage — from infants to teens. Children should stay in each seat and position until they outgrow the height or weight limits for the car seat, and it’s important for all children under 13 to ride in the back seat.

Safety inspections and proper installations for child car seats are available through the Darien Police Department. If you would like to make an appointment to ensure that your child's car seat is safely secured and appropriate for your child, please call the Darien Police Department at 630-971-3999 for an appointment. There is no charge for this service.

Calling all Darien Community and Hinsdale South Alumni!

Alumni will be recognized on Friday, September 19th during the Hinsdale South Homecoming Varsity Pregame at 7:00 pm. Also, the Hinsdale South Foundation is sponsoring an All-Alumni Gathering at Zazzo’s on Rt 83 and 75th St.

The Foundation provides scholarships for students, oversees the prestigious Hinsdale South Hall of Fame, sponsors the school’s Pathway to Excellence and hosts events to cultivate relationships with alumni. Connect with Alumni for prizes and fun celebrating South’s 60th Anniversary. Drop in anytime before after or during the game from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Please be aware - there will be a fireworks display immediately after the game.

Coffee with a Cop - October 1

The Darien Police Department will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, October 1 at the McDonald’s at 809 Plainfield Rd. in Darien from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Come by for great company and insightful conversations!

Darien Park District Hoe-Down

Kick off fall at the Darien Park District's Hoe-Down on September 28 (12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) at Darien Community Park. There will be punch cards available for purchase and lots of fun to be had, including: train rides, inflatables, food, and more!

Learn more in the Fall Program Guide.

Calling All Artists!

The Darien Arts Council is looking for Artists to display their work in our next Brushstrokes and Beyond Winter Showcase. This event is FREE to be a participant and FREE to attend. All ages welcome and all styles!!

Please join us for our Winter Showcase! Learn more on the Darien Arts Council website or send questions to darienartscouncil@gmail.com.

The 3rd Annual Oktoberfest

It's Oktoberfest Season! Join the City of Darien & the Darien Lions Club at Westwood Park for this year's celebration on Saturday, October 4, from noon to 10:00 p.m. There will be live music, authentic cuisine, beer, bingo, a cornhole tournament, a stein contest, face-painting, a bouncy house and more! Learn more at darienlions.org.

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