Thank You for signing up to receive the Darien Direct Connect.  You are receiving valuable and timely city news and events.  If you know of anyone who would benefit from receiving this email as well, please have them sign up at darien.il.us, or call Mary at city hall (630-353-8115) to have their email address added to our list.
  
CITY NEWS
DarienFest Survey
The Darien Chamber of Commerce would like residents input into the recent DarienFest.  Please use this link to participate in the DarienFest survey. 
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.
Darien Pointe Plaza Update 


The City has received a great deal of positive feedback from residents pleased with the construction of the Darien Pointe Plaza and the clock tower- water fountain park. The feedback is now starting to focus on new businesses to the development.

The Darien Pointe owners advised the City that the development is drawing a lot of interest from potential tenants and lease proposals are out for review. They have had interest from national, regional, and local businesses alike and anticipate a nice mix of tenants. The specific information is confidential between the owners and potential businesses.

While we are all anxious for the center to fill with tenants, one point to keep in mind is that the City required the developer to construct the building within an expedited period of time after the sale of the property from the City. Many developments will not start construction until a certain amount of space is leased. However, when the City sold the property the priority was to ensure reconstruction of the site as soon as possible. The City was pleased that the developer agreed to the City's construction schedule,  even prior to leasing space.

For a brochure on Darien Pointe Plaza leasing, please click here. 
Neighbors Magazine delayed 
The September / October issue of the Neighbors Magazine has been delayed.  The publisher anticipates that it will be mailed out within the next week.
Free Fall Leaf Pickup 
The City of Darien will again be providing fall leaf pick-up FREE OF CHARGE to residents. The program will run from Oct. 5- Nov. 28 of this year, and will take place weekly on your normal garbage day.

 Leaves should be placed in brown kraft yard waste bags or in plastic garbage cans. If garbage cans are used they must have a permanent "YARD WASTE ONLY" label attached to the front of the can so the driver can identify it as leaf pickup. These labels are available free of charge at city hall.

Residents are not permitted to rake leaves into the street. Raking leaves into the street can cause serious local flooding for you and your neighbors. For more information please call 630-852-5000.
 City Administrator
(630) 353-8114
(630) 852-5000
(630) 971-3999
(630) 852-5000
Mayor
City Clerk
Treasurer
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Thomas Chlystek
Ward 5
Joseph Marchese
Ward 6
Ward 7
City Council Meetings
 
Monday, October 5
7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 19
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

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 Incident Report
You may view the Darien Police Department weekly incident report by  clicking here

View Chief Brown's Monthly Police Report 

You may view the Police Chief's monthly press release by  
 clicking here 

Submit an article for Direct Connect 

You may submit an article for Direct Connect by emailing  mwintermute@darienil.gov
City of Darien FREE Smart Phone App Now Available!  
The City of Darien smart phone app is now available!  The app will allow easy, mobile access to city information, services and request.  This FREE app is called Darien Connect, and is available in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
 
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, Sept. 26, is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and the DuPage County Health Department encourages residents to drop off their unwanted medications at any DuPage County RxBOX collection site this Saturday or any other day.

RxBOX is a free service offered to DuPage County residents by the Health Department, in partnership with municipal and county law enforcement agencies, to safely remove unwanted medications from homes, as well as contribute to a better environment.
 
The national "Take-Back" initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and local law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of teen-agers that abuse prescription drugs. Studies show that every day approximately 2,500 teens get high for the first time on prescription drugs. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Launched by the Health Department in 2009, the RxBOX program collects medications that otherwise might have been flushed down the drain or placed in the garbage. The materials are removed periodically from the RxBOX locations and safely incinerated by a contractor provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency using state-of-the-art technology.

Residents who are clearing out their medicine cabinets can dispose of their old medications at any of the following RxBOX locations:

* Addison Police Department, 3 Friendship Plaza
* Bloomingdale Police Department, 201 S. Bloomingdale Road
* Burr Ridge Village Hall, 7660 S. County Line Rd # 1
* Carol Stream Police Department, 500 N. Gary Ave.
* Clarendon Hills Police Department, 448 Park Ave.
* DuPage County Sheriff, 501 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton
* Glendale Heights Police Department, 300 Civic Plaza
* Glen Ellyn Police Department, 535 Duane St.
* Hanover Park Police Department, 2011 W. Lake St.
* Lisle Police Department, 5040 Lincoln Ave.
* Schaumburg Police Department, 1000 W. Schaumburg Road
* Wood Dale Police Department, 404 N. Wood Dale Road
 
For more information, follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or visit www.dupagehealth.org
Downers Grove Sanitary District Open House
You're invited to the Downers Grove Sanitary District 26th annual open house on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Wastewater Treatment Center, 5003 Walnut Avenue, Downers Grove (3 blocks north of Maple Avenue)
 
This year's theme is "Preserving Today's River for Tomorrow" Learn about how the District protects the environment through green practices and programs including the vital process of wastewater collection and treatment! Residents/homeowners, students, scout groups and the general public are all welcome!

For more information, call 630-969-0664 or visit www.dgsd.org.
Pay Your Water Bill by Phone or Online! 
 You can now pay your DuPage County water bill online!  Visit DuPage Public Works website at  https://www.dupageco.org/publicworks/ for the link.

You can also check your balance and make a phone payment at 855-748-8523. 
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 & EVENTS
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! 

First Student Hiring Bus Drivers

First Student bus company in Westmont is now hiring bus drivers.  They offer free CDL training, competitive hourly wage, paid holidays and more.  For more information please call 630-964-2500 or stop in at 250 W. 63rd Street in Westmont.
Hinsdale South Musical Comedy
Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" a musical comedy on September 25 & 26 at 7:00 p.m., Hinsdale South Auditorium.  All tickets $10.00
Darien Park District Hoe Down
Darien Park District will host a Hoe Down on Sunday, September 27 from 12:00-5:00 at Darien Community Park, 7100 Clarendon Hills Road.
 
There will be Pony rides, hay Rides, a petting zoo, inflatable fun, carnival games, an obstacle challenge, and crafts & food. DJ Services will be provided courtesy of Jim Tikalsky.  Punch cards cost $10.00 for 30 punches.
 
1:00-- Momo the Clown Magic Show
3:00 - Farmhand Scott: Miss Jamie's Tune Singing Balloon Slinging Farmhand

For more information please call 630-968-6400.
Fall Childrens Clothing Sale Registration

Darien Woman's Club (DWC) Fall Childrens Clothing Resale is set for Saturday, October 17 from 9am - 2pm.  Please note the new location at Lace School on the corner of 75th and Cass.

 

Registration for sellers will be on Tuesday, September 29 at Safety Village from 5:30 - 8:30pm.

Contact Debbie Uhlar 630-215-4942 or Joanna Petersen 630-689-6754 or visit resale@darienwomansclub.org 
Hinsdale South 50 Year Celebration
Hinsdale South is having a week long celebration to honor the 50 years they have been serving the community. Below is a schedule of events for the week beginning September 24. 
 
Date/Event
9/26: School Tours (Please RSVP number of attendees to Stephanie Palmer 630-468-4210)
9/28: Stingerbowl - Hinsdale South Stadium
9/29: Pack the Place, Soccer Game and bonfire - Hinsdale South Stadium 
10/1: Stingerfest - Hinsdale South Fieldhouse.  Freshman Football Game - Stadium 
10/2: Homecoming Assembly and Sophomore and Varsity Football Games 
10/2: Hunsdale South Foundation All Alumni gathering (21& over) - Chucks Southern Comforts at 8025 Cass - Doors open at 7pm. 
10/3: School Tours (Please RSVP number of attendees to Stephanie Palmer 630-468-4210)
Darien Chamber of Commerce "Paint the Town Pink" 
Darien Chamber of Commerce Women in Business will be hosting "Paint the Town Pink" during the month of October in the City of Darien.

We are encouraging all businesses and residents to decorate their home or business in pink for the entire month of October to support Breast Cancer!   A Silent Auction was held at DarienFest for 6 beautiful Adirondack Chairs designed by local artist. 100% of the proceeds will provide meals for Women in Darien and the surrounding area going through Breast Cancer Treatment. If you are currently going through breast cancer treatment or aware of anyone, please call the Chamber office at 630-968-0004. 

Cancer Survivors and the Community are invited to join Darien Chamber Women in Business and the Cancers Smashers for the 1st Annual Pink Tree Lighting Ceremony on October 1st at 7pm at the Clock Tower at Darien Pointe Center.
Darien Woodridge Fire Department Open House 
Darien Woodridge Fire District will host their annual Open House on Saturday, October 3, from 10 to 1pm at 7550 Lyman Avenue (across from Walmart). Emergency Vehicles will be on display, and kids can try on firefighter clothing. Planned demonstrations will include simulated building fire, auto extraction, and rope operations.

For the Kids there will be Fire Pole, Ask the Doc, Fun Giveaways, Make your own Button, Pumpkins and more.......  
 
For a schedule of events visit www.DWFD.org
Third Annual Remembrance Ceremony
Family Programs Army Reserve Survivor Outreach Services of the Darien-based 416th Theater Engineer Command is sponsoring their annual event to remember our fallen Soldiers, to honor our survivors, and to recognize the sacrifices made by them and their families. St. John Lutheran Church located at 7214 South Cass Avenue in Darien, IL will host the event on Sunday, October 4, at 1:30 p.m.
 
The ceremony will honor Soldiers in all branches of the Armed Forces who have fallen in battle or since their time of service was over. Each family of the fallen Soldier will have the opportunity to hear their Soldier's name read, to light a candle as part of the memorial service, and to have their Soldier's name and picture displayed. The ceremony will also feature a distinguished speaker and Color Guard. A reception will follow.
 
The community is invited to attend the ceremony as a show of appreciation for the military. If you plan to attend the ceremony and/or wish to have a Soldier remembered during the service, please RSVP directly to Dawn Sands, Support Coordinator at dawn.m.sands.ctr@mail.mil or 630-739-7287 no later than Thursday, October 1, 2015. If you choose to submit your Soldier's photo for screen display, please email it to Dawn Sands by Monday, September 28, 2015. A picture of your Soldier is not a requirement for participation.
Senior Citizen Technology Workshop 
State Representative Ron Sandack is holding a technology workshop for senior citizens on Tuesday, October 20 at 11am at the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street.  Learn about smartphones, smartphone apps and how to use Skpe and FaceTime. 

Space is limited.  Please call 630-737-0504 to register.
Darien Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Fair 
The Darien Chamber of Commerce will host a health and wellness fair on Wednesday, October 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chuck's Cafe, 8025 South Cass Avenue.  Admission is FREE.  Nothing feels as good as healthy - Come and get your health on!  For more information visit the Chamber website. 
Indian Prairie Library News & Events
How to Pay for College Without Going Broke
Learn to reduce the cost of college at the Indian Prairie Public Library next Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Experienced professionals from My College Planning Team will share their knowledge of the college search, selection, and funding process. For high school students and their parents. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
Keep Your Children Safe Online
The Internet Safety Specialist from the Attorney General's Office will be at the Indian Prairie Public Library next Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6-8:15 p.m. to present ways parents can protect their children online. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
 
Cool Compositions Contest for Teens
Teens can submit poems, short stories, and/or song lyrics for the Indian Prairie Public Library's Cool Compositions Contest. Entry forms will be available starting Oct. 1 at www.writeon.ippl.info and at the library's Kids & Teens Ask Us Desk. The entry deadline is Nov. 1. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners in each category, and winners will be announced on Nov. 10 during An Evening with A. S. King. King, the bestselling author of Ask the Passengers and Please Ignore Vera Dietz, will discuss writing, her books, and the life of an author at a 7 p.m. program. The library's 10th annual Write-on Teen Literary Festival is sponsored by The Gift of Carl Foundation.
 
Play Reading Group
A Play Reading Group meets at the Indian Prairie Public Library on Wednesdays through Oct. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Each week, the group chooses a play, each person chooses a part, and they read through the play together. Upcoming plays include The Cocktail Party by T. S. Eliot, Rumors by Neil Simon, and Noises Off by Michael Frayn. Visit www.calendar.ippl.info for details.
 
Homebound Delivery
Home delivery of library materials can be arranged at no charge if an Indian Prairie Public Library cardholder is permanently homebound due to age or disability, or temporarily disabled for at least one month due to illness or surgery. Books, including large print and audio, movies, music, and/or magazines can be provided. Please contact Mary Schueren at (630) 887-8760 x265 or homebound@ippl.info for more information.
 

Dancing in the Spooky Stacks
Join the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation for Dancing in the Spooky Stacks, a unique fundraiser event featuring an after-hours library performance by The Neverly Brothers, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7-10 p.m. Dress to impress - in '50s, '60s, or Halloween style - for the costume contest. A cash bar and light snacks will be available. Must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets go on sale Mon., Sept. 14. They are $20 in advance, $30 starting Oct. 5, and $40 at the door (while supplies last). VIP tickets (limited quantity) are $50 and include a meet and greet with the band, reserved seating with a full view of the stage, an autographed event poster signed by the band, and two beverage tickets. Proceeds will be used to support children's literacy and learning. Visit spookystacks.ippl.info for information.
 
VFW Vacation Raffle
VFW post 2838 is holding a raffle for a 7 day vacation for 2 with Air to Barcelo Bavaro Palace Resort, an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  Drawing will be on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015.  Winner need not be present to win - some restrictions apply.  Tickets are $10.00 for 1 ticket, $20.00 for 3 tickets, $50.00 for 7 tickets, and $100.00 for 15 tickets.  For more info / ticket purchase contact david.dea@darienvfw.org, or call Nick at 630-910-8552. 
DYC Celebrates 55 Years!
The Darien Youth Club (DYC) is a recreational sports club that has served the youth of Darien and surrounding towns since 1960. DYC programs are 100% volunteer run, there are no tryouts, every child plays and every child has fun. DYC is a club for every child and it will remain that way as long as it is in existence. Without the vision of the founders of the DYC we would not have the historical club we have today. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers and supporters over the last 55 years for all the hard work and dedication you've put in on the fields, courts and behind the scenes.
 
Volunteer With Us!
The volunteer spirit of DYC was created by design. With all the effort that goes into running this club there are a myriad of benefits to be had along the way. Our sense of community grows and stays tighter; life-long adult and childhood friendships are made; children's skills and character improve and outstanding memories are created. If you are interested in learning about various volunteering opportunities available visit us at www.DarienYouthClub.org 
 
Celebrate with Us!
Submit your DYC photos or fun memories from the last 55 years with the year taken on DYC's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/darienyouthclub?fref=ts and tag #DYC55years. Or email them to dycmembership1@gmail.com
 
Fun Facts About the Darien Youth Club From 55 Years Ago!
- All started with a group of fathers who wanted to start a baseball team for their kids
- DYC was originally named Lace Marion Hills Youth Club until 1972
- DYC is older than Darien itself
- First game was on a donated field built by Marion Hills homeowners where the S.E. Hinsdale South parking lot is now
- First girls activity were baseball cheerleaders
- Started out with only volunteers and support from the community and continues that same tradition today 
Join the Darien Senior 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 at noon on the second Tuesday of each month at the Darien Sportsplex, 451 Plainfield Road.  For more information please call 630-852-6482 

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