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The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - September 4, 2025

Mayor's Message


“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

- Robert Brault


In the midst of the world’s challenges, it is easy to become swept up in stress, headlines, and the daily rush. But when we take a step back—just for a moment—we begin to see all the good that surrounds us, especially in a community such as Darien.


When we really examine all that surrounds us, we are fortunate to call Darien our home. We are blessed with loving families, dedicated public servants, caring neighbors, giving volunteer groups, and a safe caring neighborhood. These are the things that ground us; these are the things that deserve our attention and celebration.


Sometimes the best way to reconnect with what truly matters is to put down our cell phones, take a break from social media, and simply be present. Go for a walk or a bike ride, spend an afternoon with your children or your family, or take some time to share a conversation and reconnect with your neighbor. Take in the sounds of our community and its vibrant rhythm; “its not happiness that brings us gratitude, it is gratitude that brings us happiness.”


Just think about all those things we have to appreciate in our community, and in the process, consider how you might find time to give back to a community that has given you so much. Remember, as Dr. Seuss states, “to the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”


I offer all of this as a gentle reminder that to all of us who live in this community, we have much to be thankful for, so let’s lead with gratitude, speak with kindness, and continue to build a community we are proud to call home.


“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Mayor for the Day


Michael H. joined Mayor Marchese as Mayor for the Day to learn more about how the city works! Thanks, Michael, for doing a great job!

A Summer Concert Thank You!


That's a wrap for Darien's 2025 Summer Concert Series! Thank you to each and every person who came and shared in the fun of these exciting community events! Thank you to the bands who shared their energy and talent with us all. And thank you to our generous sponsors ComEd, Sandstone Care, Holistic Health and Beauty, Cancer Smashers, and Darien Community Bank for bringing us all together this summer! View all photos here

Road Maintenance Program: Crack Sealing


The city's crack sealing program starts today. Crack sealing is a routine maintenance treatment that significantly delays roadway deterioration. The sealing material is applied into the cracks before they become too large and before the freeze-thaw cycles have an opportunity to shift the pavement and develop larger cracks (alligatoring). The life of the road is extended, and maintenance costs are greatly reduced over time.


Click here for a list of roads scheduled for this year's program.

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

Donate Blood to Save Lives


The Indian Prairie Public Library and Darien Woman's Club are sponsoring a blood drive on September 16, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the library. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the American Red Cross, and just one donation may save up to three lives! Appointments are recommended and walk-ins are welcome. Please remember to bring your ID and be sure to eat and hydrate before donating. Make an appointment here. View the flyer and QR Code here.

City of Darien Launching Online Permitting


The City of Darien is excited to announce the launch of our new online permitting system, OpenGov. Residents and contractors will be able to apply for permits, upload documents, pay fees, and schedule inspections all through one convenient online portal.


During our transition, we anticipate some growing pains as we move from paper-based applications to a fully digital system. We kindly ask for your patience as staff and the public adjust to this new process.


If you have any questions or technical issues, please contact Ryan Murphy, Senior Planner at rmurphy@darienil.gov or (630) 353-8113. Learn More.

Clarke Mosquito - August Report


Each year, the city helps control the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by reducing the mosquito population through operations that include surveillance, monitoring, larval control, and small selective backpack barrier treatments. Mosquito management within the community is performed by Clarke Mosquito Control Company using environmentally sensitive agents.


As August turns into September, the risk of West Nile Virus remains high. Clarke's program focuses on protecting public health by minimizing vector disease risk, particularly West Nile Virus (WNV), while managing nuisance populations. With sustained warm temperatures and continued precipitation, these trends will persist through mosquito season. Learn more.

Children's Safety Expo - September 6

Lace Elementary School, 7414 S. Cass Ave.


Bring the family to learn about safety in a fun and exciting environment at State Senator Curran and State Representative La Ha's Children's Safety Expo! Learn more here.

Free Vaccine and Microchip Clinic

Monday, September 8, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 

140 N County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187


DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is offering a FREE vaccine and microchip clinic for DuPage County residents. Microchips help reunite you and your pet when they get lost and vaccinations can prevent your pet from getting certain diseases. Protect your furry family members at this DCAS event! View the flyer here.

Planning for Life's Final Chapter


Learn about the peace of mind that can come from having a plan as you or your loved ones age at the Speaker Series "Planning for Life's Final Chapter" held at the Darien Park District at 7301 Fairview Ave from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the dates below.




  • September 9: Pre-Planning and Hospice
  • September 30: Estate Planning and Selling Your Loved One's Home
  • October 20: Transitioning to Senior Living and Letting Go of Cherished Belongings


View the flyer here. Contact the Modell Funeral Home at 630-852-3595 with questions.

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.

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.


This month, they have yoga, sing-a-longs, book clubs, pilates, and much more! See it all in the September Newsletter here!

National Preparedness Month


National Preparedness Month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Getting yourself, your family and your home ready for emergencies like home fires, power outages and local floods means you’re more prepared for disasters like wildfires, flash flooding, tornadoes and more.


Think about what you might need in an emergency and how the people in your social circles can help each other. Consider using the FEMA App (or other emergency weather and alert apps) to help make sure you are getting up-to-date information when you need it most. Then, make a plan and build an emergency supply kit to help keep yourself and those you love safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. When making your plans, make sure you consider any unique needs of those you care for, whether it be medical conditions, loved ones with disabilities, your pets, and any neighbors who might need help getting prepared. Ready.gov has everything you need to get started today!

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.
Community News & Events
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events!

Children's Safety Expo - September 6: link


Darien Garden Club's Annual Plant Exchange - September 8: link


Hinsdale South Music Car Wash - September 13: link


Darien Historical Society Cemetery Walk - September 13: link


IPPL and Darien Woman's Club Blood Drive - September 16: link


Darien Park District Hoe-Down - September 28: link


Oktoberfest - October 4: link


National Faith & Blue 2025 - view flyer - October 11: link


DYC's Fall Registration is Open for Basketball and Volleyball: link


Tours of HInsdale South: link

Darien Events and Happenings
Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!


Darien Police Weekly Press Release


The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.

Connect with us!

Meet your elected officials!


Mayor Joe Marchese, (630) 200-2390



Bryon Vana, City Administrator,

(630) 353-8114


City Hall (630) 852-5000


Police Department (630) 971-3999


Public Works Streets & Water (630) 353-8105


Community Development (630) 353-8115


Darien Business Alliance (630) 353-8111

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