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CITY NEWS

Darien 2014 Citizen of the Year is......

Congratulations to John F. Poteraske, Jr., Darien's Citizen of the Year for 2014!

The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held on March 8 at Alpine Banquets. Tickets are $30.00 each, and can be purchased at Darien City Hall.

For more information and reservations, please call Diane at 630-353-8102.

Budget Meetings Schedule

To review the proposed budget visit our website

The remaining schedule for the 2014 Budget Meetings are as follows:

Tuesday, March 4

Tuesday March 11 (if needed)

Tuesday, March 18 (if needed)

Budget meetings are broadcast live on cable television channel 6, and all meetings begin at 6:30 p.m..

City of Darien Hiring Seasonal Workers

Looking for a summer job? The City of Darien is currently hiring seasonal workers for the Municipal Services Department. The positions assist with jobs such as grass cutting, branch pickup and chipping, and light construction work. If you are interested please fill out an application here and fax it to (630) 852-4709 or drop it off at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien

Need Help with your Electric Bills?

ComEd has several programs available to those in need of assistance with their electric bills. Options include a flexible budget billing option, flexible deferred payment agreement option, residential special hardship program, a program for activated/veteran military personnel and more. View the flyer for more details.

IRS SCAM Alert!

The Internal Revenue Service today warned consumers about a sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, throughout the country.

Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver's license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.

"This scam has hit taxpayers in nearly every state in the country. We want to educate taxpayers so they can help protect themselves. Rest assured, we do not and will not ask for credit card numbers over the phone, nor request a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer," says IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel. "If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from the IRS and threatens police arrest, deportation or license revocation if you don't pay immediately, that is a sign that it really isn't the IRS calling." Werfel noted that the first IRS contact with taxpayers on a tax issue is likely to occur via mail

The IRS encourages taxpayers to be vigilant against phone and email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS also does not ask for PINs, passwords or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts. Recipients should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the message. Instead, forward the e-mail to phishing@irs.gov.

More information on how to report phishing scams involving the IRS is available on the genuine IRS website, IRS.gov.

Bryon Vana, City Administrator	(630) 353-8114
City Hall	(630) 852-5000
Police Department	(630) 971-3999
Public Works	(630) 852-5000

Mayor	Kathy Weaver
City Clerk	JoAnne Ragona
Treasurer	Michael J. Coren
Ward 1	Ted Schauer
Ward 2	Tina Beilke
Ward 3	Joseph A Kenny
Ward 4	Joerg Seifert
Ward 5	Joseph A. Marchese
Ward 6	Sylvia McIvor
Ward 7	Thomas J. Belczak

City Council Meetings

Monday, March 3

7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 24

7:30 p.m.

Agendas for City and Committee Meetings

The following links will direct you to the City Meeting and Committee agendas and packet information on our website. Stay informed on City issues and upcoming projects!

All Agendas

City Council Meeting Agenda

View Darien Meetings on YouTube!

You may now view city meetings on YouTube by clickng here.

Our user name is DarienCableChannel. You may still access meetings from the links on our website.

Meet & Greet Mayor Weaver!

The third Monday of every month at Darien City Hall from 6 - 7pm

Find out the latest city updates - Share your thoughts and suggestions - Get involved - Meet other residents!

View Darien Police Department Weekly Press Release

You may view the Darien Police Department weekly press release by clicking here

Submit an article for Direct Connect

You may submit an article for inclusion in Direct Connect by emailing mwintermute@darienil.gov

Nixle Text Alert Program

The Nixle text alert system provides for the City to send out urgent and emergency alerts via text messages. This a FREE service. To sign up for Nixle, visit our website and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website here.

Microsoft SCAM Alert!

SCAM ALERT! A Darien resident recently received a call from a man who claimed to be with Windows Microsoft. He told the resident that they had downloaded a bad virus and he needed information to walk them thru a fix. He asked for the computer license number, ID, etc. When the resident asked him what computer he was talking about, he could not answer.The Resident also asked for a call back number, as the caller ID showed "private Caller" When the provided number was called, there was no answer.

The City cautions residents to NEVER give out any personal information on the phone, especially when you do not initiate the call. Please pass this information to any Senior Citizens you may know, as these scammers tend to target the more vulnerable.

Nixle Emergency Text Alerts

The Nixle text alert system provides for the City to send out urgent and emergency alerts via text messages. This a FREE service. To sign up for Nixle, visit www.darien.il.us and click on the nixle icon or visit the nixle website at www.nixle.com

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS

Voter Registration Grace Period

The DuPage County Election Commision grace period provides individuals who did not register to vote or transfer their registration before the traditional deadline additional time to appear in the Election Commission office to register to vote. Individuals can also vote at the same time. Registration is available from February 19 through March 15 at the DuPage Election Commission offices, 412 N County Farm Road in Wheaton. Visit the website or call (630) 407-5600.

New Illinois Cell Phone Law

A new Illinois law bans the use of any electronic device held in the driver's hand while driving. This includes, but is not limited to, hand-held wireless telephones, hand-held personal digital assistants, portable or mobile computers and hand held GPS systems. In addition, drivers may not read or scroll through an iPod, other mobile music device or use a Kindle or other e-reader while driving. Global positioning or other navigational systems or devices that are physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle may be utilized while driving. Cell phones must be in "hands free" mode to be legally used by a driver operating a motor vehicle on any highway in Illinois.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Darien Chamber "Shop Local Shop Darien"

The Darien Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce their Shop Local Shop Darien Campaign. We encourage residents to support Darien Chamber businesses that display the Shop Local Shop Darien decal posted in their window. Shop Darien Shop Local Preferred Cards are now on sale for $5 at the Darien Chamber of Commerce office in City Hall or at local Darien Chamber member businesses. Visit the Chamber at www.darienchamber.com for all the Shop Local Shop Darien Preferred Offers and Discounts!

Vehicle Sticker Purchase Locations

Vehicle stickers are not required in the City of Darien, but are available for your convenience. The donation is $3.00 per sticker, and this year all proceeds benefit the Darien Chamber of Commerce. Stickers are currently available at City Hall, Darien Police Department, BMO Harris Bank & Republic Bank For more information please call 630-852-5000.

First Student Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers

First Student Now Hiring and Training Part-time School Bus Drivers for the 2014 school year
Train now and enjoy your summer off!

We are proud to offer:

* Free training leading to a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

* Competitive hourly wage and paid training
* No nights, weekends or holidays
* Opportunities for advancement
To qualify, you must have be at least 21 years of age, have a valid IL driver's license, three years of driving experience and be able to pass a background investigation and drug test.

Apply in person Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at:

FIRST STUDENT
250 w 63RD ST
Westmont, Il 60559
630-964-2500 ask for Bryan Williams

Equal Opportunity Employer

New District #61 Open Computer Lab

Do you need to access your email? Are you trying to access the Internet?

District #61 is opening their computer labs to the community for computer use in the

evenings from 6 - 8 PM at the following locations:

Tuesdays: DeLay (Enter at the Gym Doors (north parking lot)
Wednesdays: Lace (Enter through front door)
Thursdays: Eisenhower Junior High (Enter through front door)

Sessions began the week of January 27. Adults looking to have computer and Internet access can attend at any of the District Schools. While children or students are welcome they must be accompanied and monitored by a parent or guardian.

Darien Park District Indoor Flea Market

The Darien Park District will host an indoor flea market this Saturday, March 1, from 9am to 1pm at the Community Center, 7301 Fairview Avenue. There will be over 60 sellers! For more information please call 630-968-6400

Darien Woman's Club Spring Clothing Resale

The Darien Woman's Club will be holding its spring clothing resale on Saturday, March 1 from 9am to 2pm at Prairieview School, 699 Plainfield Road. Children are allowed after Noon. Credit Cards accepted. For more information visit www.darienwomansclub.org/

Cub Scout Pack 97 - BBQ in the Snow

Cub Scout Pack 97 will conduct their annual BBQ in the Snow on Tuesday, March 4th, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Concord Elementary School. Buy a delicious BBQ dinner, which includes 1/2 lb pork chop, 1/4 chicken, baked potato, roll and apple sauce for $11.00. All meals are cooked on site and delivered to your car, at Concord school, by a Pack 97 Cub Scout. All proceeds benefit the Pack and support scout activities. To purchase tickets, please contact Steve at swyent@yahoo.com.

Boy Scout Troop 101 Pancake Breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 101 is hosting their 41st Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 9th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at Eisenhower Junior High Commons, 1410 75^th Street. They will be serving all you can eat Pancakes, sausage, and eggs and beverages. Tickets are $5.00 at the door. Children under 6 eat for free!

Darien Rotary Club Presents "Taste of Route 66"

The Darien Rotary Club will hold their annual fundraiser, A Taste of Route 66, on Tuesday March 11 from 6 to 9 PM at Carriage Green Country Club. Participating restaurants include:

- Coopers Hawk

- Champps

- Shanahans' Food and Spirits

- La Dolce Vita

- Ashton Place

- Carriage Greens

Cost is $30 a person or $50 per couple in advance, $40 a person or $60 per couple at the door. For more information visit www.darienrotaryclub.org. RSVP to Darien Rotary Club, P. O. Box 423, Westmont IL 60559 or call Chris at 630-434-5075

Hinsdale South Post Prom Comm. Looking for Vendors for Craft Show

Hinsdale South Post Prom Committee is looking for Vendors/Crafters that are interested in renting a table for the Hinsdale South Post Prom Committee Craft/Vendor Show, which will be held at Hinsdale South High School Cafeteria, 7401 Clarendon Hills Road in Darien, on Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The cost of a table rental is $25.00. For more information please contact Hspostprom@gmail.com

DYC Bowling Fundraiser

A Night of Bowling Fun with Friends to Benefit DYC Programs will be held on Saturday, March 22, from 8pm-midnight at Willowbrook Lanes, 735 Plainfield Road.

Cost is $30 Per Person ($15 Dinner Only). Price includes: bowling, shoe rental and buffet dinner. Don't forget to tell your friends, family and neighbors for an adult only night out. Please register online at www.DarienYouthClub.org no later than March 18th

Do you own a company or have a product? Do you know someone who does? We are looking for lane sponsorship and/or raffle donations. Lane Sponsorship: $100 Per Lane & Raffle Donations of Any Kind Welcome!

Contact Amber at DYCmembership1@gmail.com with any questions, if you would like to sponsor a lane or have any raffle donations.

Darien LIons Club Annual Pancake Breakfast

Who would think eating pancakes could help so many people in our Neighborhood?

Please join the Darien Lions Club for their annual Pancake breakfast at Eisenhower Junior High on Sunday, March 23, from 7:30 am TO 1:00 pm. Breakfast tickets on sale now for $5 per person, at the door $6 per person.

Free hearing screening & blood pressure test will be available in the lion's bus. There will be a split the pot raffle, and you do not have to be present to win. There will also be a collection for old Cell phones, Eye glasses or Ink Cartridges.

For tickets or more information call Pancake Breakfast Chairman Lion Dennis at 630-536-6060

Darien Swarm Football & Cheerleading Registration

The Darien Area's Pop Warner Organization invites boys & girls aged 5 - 14 to join the Darien Swarm. In person registration dates for football are March 26 and April 16 at the Darien Police Department, 1710 Plainfield Rd., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. On-line registration runs until April 30. Registration for cheerleading is open until May. For more information please visit the Swarm website.

Darien Woman's Club Fine Arts Scholarships

The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage young students' participation in the fine arts and to give them the opportunity to attend a camp or classes in their area of interest. Applications may be submitted by any student in the Darien area entering 7^th through 12^th grade. Two (2) $350 scholarships are awarded and must be used during the summer of 2014. The scholarship award will be made payable to the camp or school.

Application must be postmarked by March 28, 2014.

For more information and forms visit www.darienwomansclub.org

Darien Woman's Club Community Service Scholarship

The Darien Woman's Club Charity Fund, Inc. $1000 Community Service Scholarship is awarded annually to two (2) high school seniors from the Darien area (do not have to live in Darien) that have contributed considerable time in the area of community service and plan to attend college in the fall of 2014. High school social or athletic involvement is not considered volunteer work for the purpose of this scholarship. The focus of your volunteer work should show integrity, leadership, responsibility and commitment to community service.

Application must be postmarked by March 28, 2014.

For more information and forms visit www.darienwomansclub.org