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CITY NEWS

Daylight Savings Time Begins this Sunday

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 a.m. Don't forget to "SPRING AHEAD" by turning your clocks ahead one hour.

The City would like to remind you to change the batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms at the same time. Changing alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries related to home fires and asphyxiation. In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire. Additionally, experts recommend replacing your smoke alarms every ten years.

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

Budget Meetings Schedule

To review the proposed budget visit our website

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

Tuesday March 11

Tuesday, March 18 (if needed)

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

Be Wary of Telephone Solicitations

The City of Darien has received complaints from some residents regarding telephone solicitations of money where the caller implies some affiliation with the City, the Police Department or the Fire Department.

The City of Darien and Darien Police Department are not affiliated in any way with these organizations. The City does not endorse them, nor do we receive funds for assistance from them. There are many organizations that may claim some sort of affiliation with a City Department when soliciting citizens for contributions. These groups may be legitimate but they are all private organizations or associations. Citizens should be aware that most telephone solicitations are not made by the actual organization itself, but are contracted out to a telemarketing company. As their compensation, most of these companies retain over 50% of every dollar donated.

Never allow a solicitor to falsely convince you to donate to any cause by implying or stating that your contribution will somehow benefit the City of Darien or one of its Departments. If you decide to donate money to any organization make sure you understand which organization wants your money. Police and fire departments do not solicit money over the telephone, but some unions do.

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.

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 17

7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 7

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.

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.

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.

Early Voting Locations

You can vote early from March 3 thru March 15 at the following locations:

St John's Lutheran Church - 7214 Cass Avenue, Darien

Hours: Mon-Fri from 8:30am to 7:30pm

Saturday from 9am to 3pm

Downers Grove Village Hall - 801 Burlington Avenue

Hours: Mon-Fri from 8:30am to 7:30pm

Saturday from 9am to 3pm

For more early voting locations please visit the DuPage County Election Commissin

website or call 630-407-5600

DuPage County Treasurer Tax Bill Information

We often get questions from residents about the total cost of the property tax in the City of Darien. The DuPage County Treasurer has put out a helpful new tool that demonstrates the different tax requests from different taxing districts such as schools, fire districts, and libraries. The City of Darien accounts for less than 5% of your property tax bill, with the exact amount varying on the school districts and fire district that serve you.

Visit their website and enter your address, and you can view:

� Tax bill information plus the ability to pay current year tax bill and print a duplicate tax bill

� Tax distribution information - where do your tax dollars go? Includes links to the taxing bodies.

� Assessment information, including any reviews or corrections made to assessments.

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.

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 Park District Adult Softball Registration

Registration for this summer's adult recreational softball leagues will start on March 10at the Darien Park District Community Center (7301 Fairview Avenue). Leagues include a 16" Co-Rec, 16" Men's, and two different 12" Men's leagues. A $200 deposit is required at the time of registration in order to secure your team's spot. For more information please contact Tim O'Brien at 630-968-6400 x126 or at tobrien@darienparks.com

Indian Prairie Public Library "Tech Talk Discussion Group"

Technology users of all skill levels are invited to join the Indian Prairie Public Library's new monthly Tech Talk discussion group. Led by a library staff member, each month's discussion will highlight a new technology trend and useful tips will be shared.

The first Tech Talk discussion topic will be Mobile Apps on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Are you looking for great Apps to use with your smartphone or tablet? Do you have a favorite App you'd like to share? The discussion will take place at the library, 401 Plainfield Rd. in Darien.

Future discussion topics include Streaming on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m., and Tablet Maintenance and Tips on Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.

The discussions are free for IPPL cardholders. Register online, by phone at (630) 877-8760 x239, or in-person at the library's Adult Ask Us Desk.

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

Nominate Someone for the First Annual Humanitarian Awards

Announcing the First Annual Humanitarian of the Year Award to honor an outstanding local individual who gives of her/himself in service to others. Nominations open to all people in Darien and surrounding communities. Nominate a friend or neighbor today! Deadline for nominations: April 21, 2014

Sponsored by the Darien Lions Club. For award criteria and a nominating form visit their website