The following email provides timely information on news and services
from the City of Darien.
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Weekly eNews - October 5, 2023 |
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Mayor's Message
"The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky." - William Butler Yeats
The other evening prior to attending an event at the Indian Prairie Library, I parked my car and as I stepped out, I noticed all of these tiny orange leaves that were falling from the trees that decorated the parking lot. As I approached the building, it occurred to me that autumn was upon us, and warmer days would soon give way to cooler evenings, lite sweaters and coats and crisper, autumn air. Several days later, we received an invite to go to dinner with several couples, followed by an evening sitting outside by their fire pit, enjoying a drink, some lite desserts and friendly conversation. When we went home that evening I knew it was time to say goodbye to September and say hello to October and all the changes that autumn would bring to our lives.
When I was young, to me, the advent of October meant that winter was approaching; and rather than appreciating the beauty of autumn, my mind focused in more on the cold and snowy weather that awaited me. At that young age, I lacked an appreciation for the beauty of the autumn months; now that I am in what some consider the autumn of my life, I enjoy the beauty of our different seasons, with a special appreciation for autumn. As Albert Camus stated “autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower,” and Jacqueline Woodson stated with a pensive heart, "he loved October. Had always loved it. There was something sad and beautiful about it—the ending and beginning of things."
Maybe it takes growing older, slowing life down to appreciate all the beauty that nature offers throughout the year. If I could go back and talk to the young man who regretted October and the coming of autumn, I would advise him to slow life down and acknowledge the beauty that comes with the fall season. Knowing how I was back then, I probably wouldn’t have listened to that advice; I needed the experience of living to my current age to appreciate the world around me. I now sit back and enjoy the things that autumn brings to my life, for "the trees are in their autumn beauty, the woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky." I hope all of you have an opportunity to enjoy a Friday football game under a clear October sky, the smile of a jack-o-lantern, the joy of trick or treaters, the beautiful color of the leaves so prevalent in the Midwest, and to simply enjoy an evening sitting around a fire and just enjoying the company of friends. Happy October Darien!
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Electronic Waste Collection Event - October 16
The City of Darien will be providing Darien residents home collection of E-Waste items. This service provides a more convenient and simple way to responsibly manage electronics that are banned from landfills. There is no charge for this service.
Registration is required and is now open online. Late registrations will not be included in the collection and will require a special pickup fee paid in advance. Registration is required by October 11 at 6 p.m. Postcards were mailed to residents in mid-September.
- Seven item limit including only two total TVs or Monitors or one of each
- Tube TVs may not exceed 40” (inches) or 100 pounds
- Flat Screen TVs may not exceed 48”(inches) or 100 pounds LRS may provide an estimate for a special handling fee of E-Waste exceeding limitations. If you would like to inquire about an estimate, please e-mail Service@LRSrecycles.com or call 844-NEED-LRS.
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Fall Yard Waste Reminders
Reminder, yard waste (leaf and brush) pickup is included free with LRS residential garbage service. Yard Waste season is April 1st through the second full week of December. All items must be placed out for collection by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Follow these guidelines from LRS to properly dispose of your yard waste:
- Yard waste is collected on the same day of the week as garbage and recycling and there is no limit to the amount of yard waste that may be placed out for collection.
- Yard waste brush bundles of limbs or branches, which do not exceed four (4) feet in diameter and fifty (50) pounds in weight may be placed out for pickup. 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.
- Organic Food Scrap may be mixed with yard waste and includes bread, cereal, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, eggs, fruits, grain, 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.
- 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 stickers 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.
- Stumps or root balls should be bagged and thrown into regular garbage. For extra-large stumps or root balls, contact LRS for a special collection or a local landscape company.
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National Fire Prevention Week
October 8 - 14
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. The fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 structures.
During this week, the National Fire Prevention Association reminds us that the leading cause of home fires is cooking fires. Follow these tips to prevent cooking fires in your home:
- Watch what you heat. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Have a kid-free zone at least 3 feet around the stove.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Find more tips here.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.
Are you worried about the cost? CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. Learn more. |
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Branch Pickup: October 23 - 27
The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. This month is the final pickup scheduled in 2023 and it will occur during the week of October 23 - 27. Learn More.
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District 86 Board of Education Vacancy
The District 86 Board of Education currently has a vacancy that resulted from the resignation of Debbie Levinthal on Sept. 18. Per the Illinois School Code, this vacancy must be filled no more than 60 days after it occurred. Based on this requirement, the board’s goal/plan is to identify member Levinthal’s replacement by its meeting on Oct. 26. That individual will then serve from the date of their appointment until the date the new board is sworn in and seated following the consolidated election on April 1, 2025.
If you would like to be considered for the open position on the board, you must submit your application by Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. You can access the application form here, which includes information about the search process and candidate qualifications.
If you have questions about applying, please direct them to Deb Kedrowski, who is the board recording secretary. She can be reached at dkedrows@hinsdale86.org or (630) 655-6108.
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Unused Prescription Drop Box
Do you have old, unused prescriptions in your home? The Darien Police Department has a box for residents to drop off unused prescriptions in the lobby of the Darien Police Department located at 1710 Plainfield Road, Darien.
Please follow the instructions near the box to ensure safe disposal of medications. The hours to drop off unused prescriptions are as follows:
- Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Any questions, please call Darien Police Department Non-Emergency number at 630-971-3999.
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Protect Your Home from Mice
When temperatures drop, mice often enter homes for warmth and food. No matter how clean you keep your home, mice will try to get in. Any crack or crevice along doorways and foundations will allow the pests indoors. Additionally, these unwanted guests don't arrive empty-handed; mice bring along a host of parasites and disease organisms when they enter homes. Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website to help protect your home from mice this fall and winter. |
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Economic Development Committee Meeting - October 5
The Economic Development Committee will meet on Thursday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall at 1702 Plainfield Road.
The agenda will be posted here.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing - October 18
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien will hold a public hearing on October 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road.
The hearing involves a petition from Woodland Glen Development, LLC to request approval of a rezone. Read the full notice here. |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Click on the links below for more information on these upcoming community events! |
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October 6, 7, 13 & 14 - Darien Lions Club Candy Day: link
October 7 - Faith and Blue Weekend - OLP Fall Festival: link
October 12 - Free Dental Day for Veterans and Military
Personnel - Kingery Dental: link
October 12 - Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser for Seniors: link
October 14 & 15 - Angela's Crafts & Pumpkin Patch!: link
October 15 - Oaktober Celebration: link
October 25 - DGC Sprouts Gardening with Three Sisters Gardening: link
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Darien Police Weekly Press Release
The Darien Police Department issues a press release each week.
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Darien Events and Happenings |
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Check out the City Calendar for information on upcoming meetings and events
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Check out the Community Calendar for the news on events from Darien community organizations!
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(630) 353-8114
City Hall (630) 852-5000
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Visit the City of Darien's website for information on City services.
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