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CITY NEWS

Official Facebook, Twitter & Nixle Links

There are several Facebook pages that come up when doing a search for our City page. Please use this link to "Like" us for city contact information and current city news on the City of Darien Official Facebook Page

The City of Darien Now "Tweets"! Please follow us on twitter at Cityofdarien.

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.

DuPage County 75th Street Improvements

We are pleased to let our residents and businesses know that DuPage County has substantially completed the 75th Street Improvement project.

The pavement and resurfacing work is complete and some remaining concrete sidewalk installation may be completed next week. We previously advised that the DuPage County recently approved an accelerated construction schedule to complete the 75th Street Reconstruction Project by Thanksgiving. Due to rain over the Thanksgiving weekend the contractor was not able to complete the roadwork. However, with this week's weather condition the paving was completed.

The remaining sod restoration within the right of ways will be completed next week pending weather conditions. The County is also currently working on an enhanced landscape plan that will include various plantings and is scheduled for spring of 2015.

Team Darien Crime Blockers REWARD

Darien is offering a reward of $5,000.00 for Information leading to the arrest of an offender in the recent rash of residential burglaries in Darien.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Sergeant Greg Cheaure at 630-353-8358 or gcheaure@darienil.gov

Crime Analyst Stacy Sherman at 630-353-8145 or ssherman@darienil.gov

Police Chief Ernest Brown at 630-353-8351 or

ebrown@darienil.gov

Click here to view Reward Flyer

Holiday Lights Decorating Contest!

The City of Darien will again be sponsoring the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest. Each year, residents that put extra effort into decorating their homes for the season are nominated by their friends and neighbors for recognition and prizes. The first place home receives $200, second place $100, third place $50, and fourth and fifth place receive $25. To nominate your own home or another in your neighborhood, call Diane at (630) 353-8102 or email dnoverini@darienil.gov

Nominations must be received by Monday, December 8th.

Winners will be announced at the December 15th City Council Meeting

Holiday Lights Tour

The popular Holiday Lights Tour will be on Monday, December 22 this year. The tour will be on school buses, and will run through the City, passing by each of the holiday lights winners. This event is free and open to Darien Residents. Because of the high demand each year, reservations are given on a first come first serve basis. To make a reservation, please call City Hall at 630-852-5000.

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, December 15

7:30 p.m.

Monday January 5
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.

City of Darien Tweets!

The City of Darien is now on Twitter. Please follow us at Cityofdarien.

Holiday Lights Recycling

Don't know what to do with the old strands of Christmas lights that are tangled and broken? Don't throw them in the garbage - recycle them! The City of Darien has again partnered with Elgin Recycling to offer our residents free recycling of holiday lights! Last year Darien residents recycled 1432 pounds of Holiday Lights. Not only did this keep them from ending up in the landfill, the city made a profit of $214.80.

All light colors and strand lengths will be accepted. Items include mini-lights (Italian lights), C7 lights, C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights, and extension cords. (Please - no CFLs). Now through February 8 you may bring your lights to the Darien Police Department lobby at 1710 Plainfield Road Monday thru Friday from 7am to 7pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 7am to 3pm. For more information please call 630-353-8115 or visit www.elginrecycling.com

Citizen of the Year Search

It's that time of year again when we begin our search for a very special man or woman who has given of themselves to make Darien a "Nice Place to Live"! The Citizen of the Year Committee is accepting nominations for the 2014 Citizen of the Year. If you know of a person who goes "above and beyond the call of duty" ... is always there when someone needs a hand ... and who has contributed to make Darien a special place, please write a letter to the committee or fill out one of our official nomination forms that can be found at any time during the year at City Hall or at the Indian Prairie Library. Nominations may be also be submitted on our website.

A nominee must be a resident of Darien and cannot currently be an elected official. The deadline for nominations is January 7th.

Local City of Darien Election Packets

Individuals seeking to run for the office of Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, Alderman Ward 2, Alderman Ward 4, or Alderman Ward 6 can pick up a packet at Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The packet contains documents necessary for individuals to be placed on the ballot for the April 7, 2015 Consolidated General Election. Candidates are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel before filing nomination papers, which must be in apparent conformity. The first day to file is December 15th at 8:30 A.M.; the last day to file is December 22 at 5:00 P.M. Regular business hours at City Hall are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS AND EVENTS

School District #61 Board of Education Meeting Schedule

School District #61 Board of Education Meeting Schedule:

December 9, 7:00 pm at Lace School

Committee of the Whole Finance Committee Meeting. Topics: Affordable Care Act Compliance

Funding on O&M Projects. Closed Session following Finance Committee Meeting to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.

December 16, 7:00 pm at Lace School. Regular Board of Education Meeting

DuPage County Water Quality Survey

DuPage County Stormwater Management is encouraging residents and business owners to complete a brief survey regarding water quality in the County's waterways. Stormwater Management is conducting the survey to measure public awareness of stormwater runoff and its effect on local streams and rivers. In an effort to attain healthier waterways nationwide, public education about water quality is among activities mandated by the Clean Water Act. Responses will be used to create and modify water quality outreach materials, which are aimed at educating residents on ways to reduce pollution in the County's waterways. The end goal is to make local rivers and streams supportive of both aquatic life and recreational uses. The survey is available through the end of November at www.surveymonkey.com/s/dpcwaterquality.

Electronic Recycling Information

The State of Illinois has banned computers, monitors, printers, televisions, and other electronics from landfills. If any of these items are left curbside, they will not be picked up. There are many options to responsibly recycle your electronics throughout DuPage County. Residents are encouraged to visit the DuPage County website or SCARCE for information on how to recycle electronics.

COMMUNITY NEWS AND 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!

Darien Lions Club Food Basket Program

The Darien Lions Club is planning its 40th annual Food Basket Program this holiday season. The cost to support one family is $75.00 which provides about a weeks' worth of food and gifts for the family. Checks can be made payable to the Darien Lions Club Foundation and mailed to 1702 Plainfield Rd, Darien IL 60561.

This project has grown to one of our strongest humanitarian projects and any and all donations are greatly appreciated. For additional information please contact Food Basket Chairman Don at 630-280-4722 or visit our websites at www.darienlions.org or

www.darienlionsclubfoundation.org.

Toy Express Toy Collection at Darien Police Department

Toy Express is a charitable organization that helps to provide toys to 2000+ DuPage County Children. You can help by dropping off NEW, unwrapped to the collection box at the Darien Police Department at 1710 Plainfield Road, Monday thru Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday, 7am to 3pm.

Eisenhower Jr. High Craft & Vendor Fair

Eisenhower Jr. High Choir Boosters and Sports Boosters will host a Craft and Vendor Fair On Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be 50+ Sellers. Special Music will be performed by the Choir and Band, as well as Santa photo opportunities for kids, crafts, face-painting, concessions and Raffles (including a $100 Disney Gift Card).

Historical Society Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This Sunday!

Darien Historical Society welcomes the holiday season with "Tree Lighting" on Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. at Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum, corner of 75th & Cass Avenue. With the generous sponsorship of the Darien Chamber of Commerce and State Bank of Countryside, the event will be high-lighted with the carols offered by Eisenhower Junior High School students and the arrival of Santa Claus. Indoor refreshments will follow. Spread the invitation!

Brookhaven Plaza Holiday Happenings

Brookhaven Plaza will host Holiday Events in December. On December 6 and December 20, Santa will visit at Dunkin Donuts, from 10am to Noon. He will also be walking the center to greet patrons. On December 13 beginning at noon, Eisenhower Jr. High will be walking the shopping center and delighting patrons with music of the season.

Third Annual DAAWN Benifit Luncheon

The DuPage Academic Achievement Workgroup Network (DAAWN) is hosting its Third Annual Benefit Luncheon on Saturday, December 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ashton Place, 341 75th St. in Willowbrook. All community members are invited to come celebrate area youth, feast on a delicious meal, learn more about DAAWN programs, and meet our volunteers. There will be entertainment, guest speakers, student performances, and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $35 or $300 for a table of 10 with payment by cash or check made payable to AALR. Tickets may be purchased online through December 6 at www.aalr4success.org and clicking "Tickets"; at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 South Cass in Darien during business hours; and by contacting Kathy Spencer in Darien School District 61 at kspencer@darien61.org or 630-964-5200. Donations and sponsorship can also be made. Proceeds from the luncheon will support academic growth and provide family-friendly outings for students in Darien School District 61 who attend weekly tutoring sessions at St. John Lutheran Church in Darien.

Launched in 2011, DAAWN is the education program of Asserting Achievement, Literacy & Resiliency (AALR) which provides support to students and their parents through a coalition of civic, social, and non-profit organizations; churches; community volunteers.

Join the Darien Seniors Club!

Doing - Sharing - Caring! The Darien Seniors Club was founded in 1975, to serve Darien and surrounding communities Senior Citizens. If you are age 55 or older please join! Darien residency is not required. The club meets ay noon on the second Tuesday of each month at the Darien Sportsplex, 451 Plainfield Road. For more information please call 630-852-6482