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CITY NEWS
Go Cubs, Go! 
Good Luck Chicago Cubs in the Playoffs!
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.
Annual Street Crack Sealing Program 
The City is currently completing the annual crack seal program on various city streets.
 
Crack filling is an important road maintenance practice that extends the life of our roads. Filling or sealing pavement cracks to prevent water from entering the base and sub base will extend the pavement life by three to five years. The materials we use are intended to fill the crack and keep most of the water out of the pavement. Water is the most destructive element to our pavements. When water is kept out, pavement deterioration is slowed.  Signs will be placed on your street prior to work, and as this process does create significant dust, residents should consider putting cars in garages if possible.
 
Should you have any questions regarding this program please contact the Municipal Services Department at 630-353-8105.
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 Thru 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.
Trick or Treat Hours
The City of Darien does not regulate Trick-or-Treat hours.  We recommend you Trick-or-Treat during daylight hours, and enjoy the Lions Club Halloween party at night. 
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.
 
 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 19
7:30 p.m.

Monday, November 2
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
Smell Gas?  Act Fast!  
Every day, underground pipelines safely transport natural gas to homes and businesses throughout the country. Although natural gas incidents are uncommon, you should know what to look for and what to do in case of a potential problem.

Smell Gas?
  • Look for blowing dirt, bubbling in standing water, or dead or discolored vegetation.
  • Listen near a natural gas appliance or line for any hissing or roaring sounds.
  • Smell for the distinctive, rotten-egg odor.
Act Fast!
  • Leave the area immediately if you detect a natural gas leak. Don't try to identify the sources or to stop the leak yourself.
  • Avoid contact with anything that might cause a spark.
  • Call Nicor at (888) 642-6748 or 911 once you are out of the area in a safe place.
For more natural gas safety information visit  nicorgas.com. 
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
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! 
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.   
DYC Administrator Opening 
DYC is still accepting applications for the Club Administrator position. This is a paid, part-time, work from home opportunity. To learn more, please visit the website   
 
Application deadline is Friday 10/16.
New Kiwanis Club of Darien Formed 
There always has been a need for good fellowship and service. Since the beginning of time, there was a need for camaraderie and the desire to support communities. The history of Kiwanis and how it began is, in large part, the story of how fellowship and service developed within an organization. It is the special kind of service Kiwanis offers and which today crosses many national, cultural, and personal lines.

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of men and women who share the challenge of community and world improvement. Today, Kiwanis has adopted a new slogan: "Serving the Children of the World, One Child and One Community at a time."

The Kiwanis family includes organizations for young people, which are sponsored by clubs, and the Kiwanis International Foundation. K-Kids, at the elementary level, Builders Club, at the middle school level, Aktion Clubs, for people who are living with a disability, Key Clubs, at the high school level, and Circle K Clubs, at the college level, provide youth the opportunity to help others, become personally involved in their community, and build a positive future for themselves.

Being a Kiwanis member can be rewarding in many ways. The greatest gift you could ever give yourself as a person is the gratification in knowing you are contributing your help, time, and efforts to people in and out of your community who are in need.

Ready to help children and families in the Darien Community! Ready to change the world? Kiwanis is ready for you!   Join us - and become a part of changing children's lives!
Contact Clare Bongiovanni at 630-968-0004 and/or Mary Carlson at randmcarlson@comcast.net or 630-308-0805 for more information.
Sunny Patch Project - Sunny Saturday Open House  
Join us for our Sunny Saturday Open House at The Sunny Patch Community Garden starting Saturday, October 3rd and every Saturday through October! The event takes place at the garden patch located on the grounds of Safety Village of Darien, 7400 Cass Avenue

No fancy hayrides here, though we can run you around in our Radio Flyer wagon if that's what you like!  Visit our worm patch and marvel at our red wigglers! Take a casual walk through our garden patch to see what we're growing for our at risk families in Darien.  Cherry Tomatoes are free if you can snag one from the vine and we'll have tomato tasting stations and spontaneous salsa samplings!  If you're real good we may let you harvest a baby carrot of your very own. Our herb patches are free for the picking and stopping to smell the Lemon Verbena and Patchouli are strongly encouraged. You may be asked to plant a winter crop or two but we promise you won't get too dirty - garden gloves optional!
 
We've spent the summer working to grow hundreds of vegetables to share with some of our neighbors.  We're working to raise awareness about the food gaps here in Darien and surrounding communities and the fact that over 43% of families here in Darien struggle with food insecurity.
 
This event is FREE though donations are always welcome.  See you Saturday - Rain or Shine!
Lions Club Candy Day
The Darien Lions will be collecting on corners and many local businesses for the deaf and blind on Friday,October 9 and Saturday, October 10.  While a portion of the monies collected support worthwhile Statewide programs of the Darien Lions Foundation, half of the funds raised stay here in the Darien area. Nearly half a century ago Helen Keller charged the Lions Club members to be "Knights of the Blind", and the Darien Lions club has followed through by raising tens of thousands of dollars every year for eye/hearing care, research and other community activities including our annual Halloween party,Holiday Needy Food Basket distribution, Blood drive and 4th of July Parade. People can show their support by giving Generously this Friday and Saturday 
Tri-State Fire District Open House 
Tri-State Fire District will host an open house on Saturday, October 10 from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at 8259 Willow Springs Rd., Willow Springs.  This event is for children and adults to learn about fire safety techniques.  There will be demonstrations by the S.W.A.T. Team, K-9 dogs, extrication teams and other emergency responders, as well as other local business attractions.
Fall Childrens Clothing Sale
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.
 
Purchase fall/winter boys & girls clothes, infant-size 16; uniforms, costumes, outerwear, maternity, baby/child equipment, shoes, skates, and boots.
 
At the sale, credit card or cash accepted.  Some items half-price after 12PM.  NO CHILDREN ALLOWED ON SELLING FLOOR BEFORE 12PM.  Shoppers may not have strollers/backpacks on selling floor.

Contact Debbie Uhlar 630-215-4942 or Joanna Petersen 630-689-6754 or visit resale@darienwomansclub.org 
Darien Youth Club Sports Registration
Darien Youth Club Basketball & Vollebyall Registration Now Open!
 
Are you looking for exciting activities for your kids to enjoy during the fall and winter months? Darien Youth Club has open registration for the following sports...
 
Instructional basketball k-2nd grade - NEW to DYC this year!!
Co-ed basketball 3-12th grade
Co-ed volleyball 3rd-8th grade
 
All play, no tryouts and no outside residence fees. Registration closes October 19. For more information or to register visit www.DarienYouthClub.org
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. 
Electronic Recycling Event & Coat Drive 
Christ the Servant will be hosting an electronic recycling event and coat drive  on Saturday, October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, located at 8700 Havens Drive in Woodridge.

They will be taking computers, printers, fax machines, medical equipment, copy machines, hard drives, extension cords, and more. Please note: there will be a charge of .20 cents per pound for TVs and CRT's.

Questions? Please contact Nancy Roche via e-mail 
Senior Technology Workshop 
State Representative Ron Sandack is holding a technology workshop for senior citizens on Wednesday, November 4 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 and registration is required.  Please call 630-737-0504 to register. 
Hinsdale South Posy Prom Committee Craft Sale  
Hinsdale South High School Post Prom Committee will be holding a Fall Craft and Vendor Sale in the high school cafeteria at 7401 Clarendon Hills Road on Saturday November 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Admission is $1.00 per adult, under 18 is free.  Come and find unique gifts and treats.
Indian Prairie Library News & Events
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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