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
City Meeting Info / Minutes on Website 
As a reminder to residents, the City's website includes City Council, and various other city committee, meeting agendas, background materials, staff memos/reports, city expenses, monthly financial and meeting minutes. This allows residents to closely follow all of the business conducted by the City.

If you wish to review the Council and committee meeting information simply use the following link: http://www.darien.il.us/Reference-Desk/Agendas-Minutes.aspx
Spread the Word About Direct Connect! 
Providing important city information to Darien residents has been a priority of the Elected Officials and city staff for many years. Our most important resource to distribute information is Darien's weekly E-newsletter, Direct Connect. This provides residents with important community information that is emailed on Fridays. Direct Connect is also sent out periodically when there is important information to provide to residents.

There are approximately 2400 subscribers to Direct Connect. The City's goal is to have 5000 subscribers by the end of 2016. We ask that you please spread the word about Direct Connect and encourage your friends, neighbors, and local groups to sign up. Signing up is simple, just provide any Elected Official or staff member with your email address and we will have you registered. If you prefer to register yourself, you may use the following link: http://www.darien.il.us/Reference-Desk/DirectConnect.aspx.

Please help the City reach our goal!  
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.
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. 
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.
Daylight Savings Time Begins this Sunday 
Daylight savings time begins this Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 a.m.  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 Police Chief   

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
Halloween Pedestrian Safety Tips 
Halloween can be a spooky time of the year for motorists and pedestrians as trick-or-treaters walk in and near roadways. In fact, the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that October 31 is one of the deadliest nights of the year for pedestrians.

AAA urges motorists to slow down and drive with caution, especially in low-lit neighborhoods between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight when pedestrians are most vulnerable. Also, if you plan to attend a Halloween party, arrange a sober driver to avoid the risks of impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2007-2011, 52 percent of all national vehicle related fatalities occurring on Halloween night involved a drunk driver.

Tips from AAA on ways motorists can help keep roadways safe this Halloween:

* Avoid driving through neighborhoods. If possible, avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are likely to be.

* Watch for children in the street. Trick-or-treaters may not pay attention to cars and cross mid-block or between parked cars.

* Slow down. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they are hit by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to 25 mph. What seems like a small difference-just 10 mph-can be the difference between life and death.

* Drive sober. Always designate a driver if you plan to drink.

Simple steps for parents to help keep trick-or-treaters safe:

* Check costumes. Choose disguises that do not obstruct vision, opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks, and add reflective material or tape to keep kids visible.

* Trick-or-Treat together. AAA recommends that parents accompany young trick-or-treaters.

* Make a plan. Review trick-or-treat safety precautions and plan your route ahead of time. Remind children never to cross the street mid-block or from between parked cars.

* Buckle up. If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, always use appropriate seat belts or car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle. 
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
Help Keep Leaves out of Storm Sewers 
The City of Darien ask for residents help in keeping street flooding down.  City crews go out and clean catch basins and storm drains in the streets, but they fill up quickly again at this time of year with the falling leaves, which can cause road flooding during storms.  Residents can help keep flooding down by clearing out leaves and debris blocking the storm sewers in front of their homes.
Free Fall Leaf Pickup 
The City of Darien is again providing fall leaf pick-up FREE OF CHARGE to residents. The program runs thru Nov. 28 of this year, and takes 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.
2015/2016 Tree Trimming Program  
This year's tree trimming program consists of trimming approximately 1,750 parkway trees, including Ash trees with dead limbs, approximately 68 tree removals and stump grinding. Below are the subdivisions to be trimmed beginning December 1:
  • Darien Club
  • Downers Fairview
  • Brookhaven Manor
  • Alison Court
This year's program also includes contract pricing for the Private Property Tree Trimming Program to all the residents.  The program would allow residents to have their private property trees trimmed or removed and stump grinding at the residents expense. The trimming will include removal of perished, diseased, interfering, and weak branches, as well as removal of under branches as requested. Private Property tree trimming is $70.00 per tree in the front yard and $135.00 per tree in the back yard. The contract also includes pricing for private property tree removal, and stump grinding.  Residents should contact Homer Tree Care directly at 815-838-0320  

For additional information regarding the Tree Trimming Program please call 630-353-8105.
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.
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
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  

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. 
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Village of Willowbrook Hiring Maintenance Worker
The Village of Willowbrook will be accepting applications to fill a full-time, forty-hour per week position in the Public Works Division of the Municipal Services Department.  This semi-skilled position performs manual work in general facilities and in public works construction and maintenance activities, including park facilities.  Work involves various tasks, requiring the use of hand tools and light to heavy equipment used in general maintenance and repair activities and oversight of contractors performing similar work. Work is often performed under difficult conditions, including extreme weather, cramped space or underground areas.   
 
Application Process:
Persons interested in this position as a Maintenance Worker shall submit a Village of Willowbrook employment application.  Applications may be downloaded under the "Job Details" box to the right or obtained at the Willowbrook Village Hall, 835 Midway Drive, Willowbrook, IL 60527 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  Applications may be submitted via hand delivery, postal mail or  email.
Village of Woodridge Hiring Maintenance Worker II
The Village of Woodridge is seeking applications for the position of Maintenance Worker II in the Public Works Department. This position performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of Village property and infrastructure, including water, sewer, street, and storm drainage facilities and systems. A job description and more information can be found here. 
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 
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! 
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. 
Recycle Your Pumpkin!  
Why keep pumpkins out of the landfill?
  • They are full of nutrients that are good for the soil
  • They are 90% water
  • Most of the pumpkins processed in the United States are grown in Illinois - keep the water and nutrients here!
  • Landfills are the 3rd largest producers of methane gas
  • Composting pumpkins returns nutrients and water back to our earth
On Saturday November 7 from 9am-12pm bring your pumpkins to one of the following locations:
  • Downers Grove North HS - Parking Lot on Main & Grant
  • Downers Grove South HS - main student parking lot on Norfolk (SW side of school across from baseball fields)
  • Lisle - Public Works Yard 4930 Lincoln Ave (Rt 53)
  • Naperville - 180 Fort Hill Drive, Environmental Collection Center
  • Westmont - The Farm 34 E 63rd St
Pumpkins only! No candles, yarn, googly eyes, or other decorations. Please remove these before you come.
Cass District 63 Foundation Fall Lotto Raffle 
Cass District 63's Foundation organization is holding a fall raffle for the month of November
with a winner selected every day.  Tickets are $10.00 a piece and each ticket is valid for the entire month. Each day's winning number will be determined by the Illinois Pick 3 Daily Lottery, 12:40 drawing. The daily prizes range from $50.00 to $200.00and winners will be notified directly by the Foundation.  All fundraising will directly benefit students at Concord and Cass Jr. High. That's 30 chances of winning for $10.00!
 
The Cass District 63 organization has awarded over $500,000 in grants for items like Smart Boards, 4th grade science labs, Literacy Support, and an enhanced audio visual system. These and many, many more projects and school resources have been made possible through the fundraising efforts of the foundation.
   
Tickets may be purchased in person at any Cass 63 school or district office They can also be purchased over the phone using a credit card. Call Deanna at 630 673 9029 or Michelle at 847 687 3115 or send an email to cmmwhite@gmail.com if you are interested
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
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.
2015 Veterans Expo & Blood Drive  
Sen. Christine Radogno, Rep. Jim Durkin, and Rep. Ron Sandack will host a Veterans Expo & Blood Drive on Saturday, November 7 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at American Legion post 80, 4000 Saratoga Avenue in Downers Grove.  For a list of participants and resource information please visit here.
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 

Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.