Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: November 5, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - November 5, 2026

Mayor's Message

October 29th marks the second anniversary of the passing of our son Jon, after his courageous battle with cancer. While two years have passed, the loss of a child is something that never truly leaves your heart. We have learned that while time does not address the sadness, it does give us opportunities to remember, reflect, and celebrate the life and love that remains with us.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Veterans Day Ceremony

The Darien VFW Post 2838 will be honoring ALL veterans on Wednesday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Darien Community Park. You are invited to join the ceremony to recognize and honor all who have served. View the flyer here.

Originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate the end of WWI in 1918, Veterans Day was renamed, in 1954 to honor all U.S. Military veterans. This special holiday honors, thanks, and celebrates all veterans for their brave willingness to serve and sacrifice for their country, their patriotism, and our freedom.

Citizen of the Year Nominations are Open

THE TIME HAS COME…. Begin to discuss with your friends, neighbors and club members to start the nominating process for that perfect person for the honor of being the 2027 Citizen of the Year. They can’t be considered if you don’t nominate them.

The Committee is looking for that one person who emulates diversity of activities, length of service to the city, degree of involvement in the community, and impact on the city. To help you with your nomination, this year we are providing an example of a winning nomination form along with helpful hints to help author. The attached link will lead the way. We hope you will find the time to participate.

Start your nomination here!

Important dates:

Sunday, November 1 – Nomination Application Opened

Tuesday, January 5, 2027 – Deadline for submitting Nominations

Friday, March 5, 2027 – Celebratory Dinner and recognitions at Ashton Place

The city will also be recognizing club members of the year from the following organizations: Darien Business Alliance, Darien Lions Club, Darien Woman’s Club, Darien Garden Club, Darien Rotary Club, Darien Historical Society, VFW Post #2838, and Darien Youth Club.

Darien Police Department Announces Promotion of Mike Lorek to Deputy Chief

The Darien Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Sergeant Mike Lorek to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police, effective November 14, 2026.

Deputy Chief Lorek joined the Darien Police Department on September 27, 2001. He began his career as a patrol officer and was promoted to Sergeant in August 2016. Since then, he has served as both a patrol sergeant and detective sergeant. Click here to read more about the new Deputy Chief.

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Chief Lorek on his promotion and wishing him continued success in his new role.

Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

Mark your calendars for our community's annual Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting on November 15 at the Darien Historical Society. We hope you'll join us from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for photos with Santa, story time with IPPL, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, caroling, and more! If you would like to donate new, unwrapped toys this holiday season, the Darien Lions Toy Drive will be collecting donations at the event.

Pumpkin Smash at Hinsdale South

Don't toss last week's jack-o-lanterns in the garbage! Stop by Hinsdale South’s annual Pumpkin Smash event this Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the stadium parking lot. Thank you to the school's Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) for providing community members this opportunity to compost their Halloween pumpkins and prevent more landfill waste!

Fall Yard Waste Reminders

Yard waste (leaf and brush) pick-up is included with our LRS residential garbage service. Yard waste collection begins April 1 and continues through the second full week of December. It’s collected the same day as garbage and recyclables. Organic food scraps may be mixed into yard waste.

Follow these Yard Waste Guidelines from LRS:

Accepted food scraps include: bread, cereal, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, eggs, fruits, grains, 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.
Any 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 labels 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.
Yard waste brush bundles limbs, branches or other loose items which do not exceed four (4) feet in diameter and fifty (50) pounds in weight.
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.
Stumps or root balls should be bagged and thrown into regular garbage.
Contact LRS for a special collection, or a local landscape company for extra-large stumps/root balls

Head over to the LRS website for more information on Yard Waste, Garbage Collection, Recycling, and more!

Recycle Your Election Signs

Thank you for participating in the General Election on November 3! If you have corrugated plastic and cardboard yard signs and metal stands to dispose of, please consider dropping them off for recycling during one of the following DuPage County Sign Recycling events. These are free events for all DuPage residents held at 421 N. County Farm Rd in Wheaton. Please be sure to separate metal stands from your signs before drop-off.

Election Sign Recycling Events:

Friday, November 13 - 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Did you know that November 15 is America Recycles Day? Celebrate by finding even more opportunities to recycle locally on DuPage County's Recycling & GREEN Events page.

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!

J&C Modern Dry Cleaners & Tailor

737 Plainfield Rd

630-325-4460

Val's Kitchen and Plus

737 Plainfield Rd

valskitchenandplus.weebly.com

Downers Grove Township Senior Programs

Check out the November Senior Program Guide from Downers Grove Township Center here! It includes all the usual amazing programming as well as some special seasonal events like a Veterans Community Gathering on November 13 and a Friendsgiving Potluck Social on November 23. Don't miss out on these great events and meaningful opportunities for senior citizens 55 years of age and over. Learn more here.

Hinsdale South High School Presents -
Shrek the Musical

The Hinsdale South High School Fine Arts Department proudly presents Shrek the Musical! Join us for a hilarious, heartwarming production filled with unforgettable characters, music and plenty of laughs!

Event Details:

📅 November 19 - 22, 2026

🎭 Thursday - Saturday at 7 p.m. | Sunday at 2 p.m.

📍 Hinsdale South High School Auditorium

🎟️ Tickets: $20 for adults & $10 for students | Purchase tickets online here or by using the QR code on the flyer. Tickets will also be available at the door one hour before showtime.

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