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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.
Congratulations to Police Chief Ernest Brown 
The City of Darien extends it's congratulations to Police Chief Ernest Brown on his new position as Executive Director of the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  We wish Chief Brown much success and thank him for his strong leadership and model police practices he and the department implemented over the last 4 years.
Chief of Police Recruitment 
The City of Darien, Illinois, (residential population of 22,086), is seeking to fill the position of Chief of Police.

For a detailed recruitment package please visit the City of Darien website at  www.darien.il.us
Last Branch Pickup begins Monday 
Last branch pickup for the year begins Monday

October 26-30

The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries.  To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week.  The chipper can accept branches up to 6" in diameter.  Please do not tie the branches or put them in garbage cans.  All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with Advanced Disposal.
 
All branches need to be out no later than Sunday night. The chipping crew can make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.
 
Residents can also take their branches to the Municipal Services Facility, located at 1041 S. Frontage Road, and place at the designated location, labeled as "Branch". Branches will be accepted seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Landscape companies hired to help with your branches may also take them to Municipal Services.
 
If you have any questions regarding branch pick up, please contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105
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. 
Daylight Savings Time Begins November 1 
Daylight savings time begins Sunday, November 1 at 2am.  Remember to "Fall Behind" by turning your clocks back one hour.
  
Our Fire Districts also remind people to make another change that could save their lives - change your smoke alarm and CO Detector batteries. Changing these batteries twice a year is the simplest and most effective way to reduce tragic deaths and injuries. After you change the battery, make sure you test it to ensure the alarm is working properly.  
 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, November 2
7:30 p.m.

Monday, November 16
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
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. Other yardwaste will still require a refuse sticker.

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.
Wood Chip Delivery Available 
Wood chip delivery is available from the City of Darien. There is a delivery fee of $35.00 for a half load, which is approximately 3 cubic yards of chips, and $55.00 for a full load, which is approximately 8 cubic yards of chips. The wood chips are double ground and are delivered on Fridays.

Residents may pick up wood chips at the Public Works facility at no charge.

Please call Municipal Services at 630-353-8105 for more information or to schedule a delivery.
Tips to Control Mice 
Almost all homeowners know the feeling of unease that accompanies finding mice or rodents in your home.  Unfortunately, these common pests are resourceful creatures that can enter a building or home through the smallest opening or crack, and require very little space to travel inside. Mice can easily fit through spaces as small as a nickel!

Rodents seek shelter indoors, especially during the cooler fall and winter months. Rodents put homes at risk for electrical fires by gnawing through wires. Rodent's carry bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminate food sources and kitchen surfaces. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can proactively prevent and get rid of rodent infestations in their homes:
  1. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
  2. Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
  3. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both. 
  4. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
  5. Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
  6. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
  7. Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains that provide the perfect breeding site for pests.
  8. Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home.
  9. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
  10. If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem. 
If you spot evidence of a rodent infestation, do not hesitate to act to handle the problem. Rodents are known to reproduce quickly, and a small problem can turn into a big issue overnight if left untreated.
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
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 Woman's Club New Meeting Location  
Darien Woman's Club is pleased to announce that it has a new home for the monthly meetings.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the DWC Club members and guest will gather at Carriage Greens Country Club located at 8700 Carriage Green Drive in Darien.   Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 4 and Wednesday, December 2.  Doors open at 7pm and the meeting begins at 7:30pm.  Come out and join this fabulous group of woman at the next meeting.
 
For more information and membership form, please visit: http://www.darienwomansclub.org
Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation Fundraiser: Dancing in the Spooky Stacks
It's not too late to get your tickets for Dancing in the Spooky Stacks, the Indian Prairie Public Library Foundation's unique fundraising event featuring an after-hours library performance by The Neverly Brothers, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7-10 p.m.

A costume contest, cash bar, and light snacks will be available. Wine is being provided by Whole Foods Market Willowbrook, and beer is being provided by Darien's very own Miskatonic Brewing Company. (Must be 21 or older to attend.) Tickets are available for purchase at the library or by calling the Checkout Desk at (630) 887-8760. Tickets are $20 each and 25% off if you buy four or more (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 www.spookystacks.ippl.info for 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!
School District #61 Board of Education Meeting 
Darien School District #61 will hold a Board of Education meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 27 at Lace School, 7414 Cass Avenue.
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 
Lions Club Halloween Party 
The Darien Lions with the Darien Park District and The Darien Sportsplex will be Sponsoring a free Kids Halloween Party on Halloween evening, October 31, from 6:30- 9 pm. Admission is free courtesy of the Darien Sportsplex there will also be free ice-skating , free ice cream social and plenty of free games and prizes. Its a fun safe event.
St. John "Trunk or Treat" 
St. John Lutheran Early Learning Center will again host a safe and fun-packed Trunk-or-Treat community event in their parking lot at 7214 South Cass Avenue on Saturday, October 31 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. weather permitting. Everyone is invited. There is no admission fee.
Trunk-or-Treat is an event at which people gather and park their vehicle with the back ends opened and decorated in a variety of themes complete with games and treats. Children are then free to stroll from place to place in a traffic-free and supervised area that offers a more secure and convenient alternative to trick or treating.
 
If you would like more information about this event visit the website at www.sjlcdarien.org or  call 630-324-6582.
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 Post 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.
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. 
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.
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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