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
Important Reminder about Changes in License Plate Renewal!
The Illinois Secretary of State's office is no longer sending out Annual License Plate Renewal Notifications. This means drivers are on their own to remember when their license plates renew. Most people do not typically think about renewing their license plates / driver's licenses until they get their notification, so the result is that people are now getting ticketed for missing their renewal deadlines.

As a solution, you can sign up to receive an "electronic notification," which will also allow you the option to renew your license plates online. To learn more about how to have a renewal notification sent to you by e-mail visit http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/
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 2500 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!  
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
Notice of Public Hearing 
Notice is hereby given that there will be a public hearing to be held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Darien, on February 3, 2016, commencing at 7:00 PM, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien, IL 60561.
 
The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony requesting to amend the special use previously granted for the Society of Mount Carmel/National Shrine to St. Therese Campus, Ordinance O-33-77, approved September 26, 1977 and to approve a special use for a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The PUD plan includes the following changes to the campus development plan: plat of resubdivision incorporating the entire campus on one lot of record, new Shrine Chapel, an addition to the Museum, new parking lot and pedestrian connections, new plaza with tower and water feature and new driveway entrance onto N. Frontage Road. The property is located at 8433 Bailey Road, Darien, Illinois 60561.

For more information please call 630-353-8113. 
 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, January 18
7:30 p.m.

Monday, February 1
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
2016 Vehicle Stickers Now Available 
Vehicle stickers are not required in the City of Darien, but are available for your convenience.  The donation is $3.00 per sticker, and this year all proceeds benefit the Darien Lions Club.  Stickers are currently available at City Hall, the Police Department, Darien Park District, and First Merchants Bank.  For more information please call 630-852-5000.
ComEd Scam 
ComEd is warning customers to be on the alert for scam artists claiming to be a ComEd representative seeking payment.
 
Scammers are contacting customers by phone and in-person claiming to be ComEd representatives and telling them their service will be disconnected unless payment is made. They instruct the individual to wire funds or buy a prepaid credit card and call them back with the personal identification number (PIN). Variations of the scam include stories that the customer's billing cycle has changed and payment is needed immediately, or that the account is past due and immediate payment is required to avoid disconnection of service, or that the customer's previous payments were not accepted or processed
 
ComEd does not ask customers to purchase a prepaid credit card or to make a payment on a bill. If customers are ever unsure about the status of their accounts, they should always contact ComEd for verification.
 
The ICC is advising customers that in most cases utilities are required to provide advance notice prior to disconnection of service and when in doubt customers should call the utility or visit its website to verify their account status and the utility's authorized payment methods.
Holiday Light Recycling 
The City of Darien has again partnered with Elgin Recycling to offer our residents free recycling of holiday lights!  Last year Darien residents recycled 1922 pounds of Holiday Lights. Not only did this keep them from ending up in the landfill, the city made a profit of $153.76.
 
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 - no CFLs.  (We ask that only the lights go into the bin, please do not throw boxes and bags into the bin.) 

Through February 8 you may bring your lights to the Darien Police Department at 1710 Plainfield Road. The box is outside the lobby doors.

For more information please call 630-353-8115 or visit www.elginrecycling.com   
2016 Tree Trimming    
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 January 7:
  • 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.
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.
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
DuPage County encourages residents to sign up for Smart911
As the new year draws near, DuPage County officials are asking residents to "resolve to be safe" and sign up for Smart911. Smart911 is a free, confidential service that allows users to create a profile that is activated in participating dispatch centers when a person dials 911. The electronic safety profile provides essential household information about family members, your home, pets and vehicles. This information will display automatically on the 911 call taker's screen when users make an emergency call. It's private and secure, and users control what information is in their profile.

DuPage County Emergency Telephone Service Board (ETSB) Chairman Gary Grasso said, "More than 70% of 911 calls come from mobile phones. That cell phone's exact location can't always be determined by GPS from a cell tower. Smart911's enhanced service displays the listed address of the mobile phone in the profile and can track the call via GPS, even if the call is disconnected. This is just one of many reasons it makes sense for consumers to take a moment this holiday season to set up a Smart 911 profile and ensure their family's safety."

Smart 911 is a valuable tool when searching for missing children, assisting unresponsive callers who are unable to speak due to a medical condition, or in a house fire when first responders need to locate and account for family members, pets and essential documents.

Learn more on the DuPage ETSB webpage at www.dupageco.org/smart911 and register at www.smart911.com.
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
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! 
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles Plastic Kit & Model Railroad Show  
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles Plastic Kit & Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet
 
Conveniently located approximately 6 blocks north of I-55 and the Cass Avenue exit, St. John Lutheran Church at 7214 South Cass Avenue in Darien will host an extensive show and swap meet on Saturday, January 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will offer model enthusiasts exhibits and merchandise galore whatever mode of transportation they prefer.
 
This is not a plastic model contest. There will be at least two operating model railroad layouts and over 60 vendor tables selling plastic model kits and model railroad-related items on two levels of a building that is fully handicapped accessible with an elevator and is adjacent to a large parking lot. The family-friendly event will also offer food and raffle prizes.
 
Admission is $5.00 for adults (18 years and older) and $2.00 for youth (12 to 17 years old). Children under 12 and Scouts in uniform are FREE! Proceeds will help support the St. John Youth Group's trip to the LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July 2016.
 
For more information, email events@sjlcdarien.org, call 630-969-7987, or visit www.sjlcdarien.org.
Darien Youth Club Registration now Open  
Darien Youth Club - Celebrating 55 years - Baseball | Softball | Soccer | Basketball | Volleyball

2016 T-Ball, Baseball and Softball registration is now open. Everyone plays not tryouts. ages 5 to 18.  Visit www.DarienYouthClub.org for more information and to register
Darien Rotary Club Open House 
The Darien Rotary Club will be holding an open house between 6 and 8 PM on Wednesday, January 20 at the Q-Bar & Grill, 8109 S. Cass Ave.
Hinsdale South High School Foundation Pizza Palooza  
Hinsdale South High School foundation will host a Pizza Palooza on Friday, January 29 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Hinsdale South Cafeteria

Come and taste pizza from local pizza vendors and vote on your favorite! Pizza, Prizes, Silent Auction and Fun!  Drinks and desserts will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Purchase tickets online: http://www.hshsfoundation.org/pizza-palooza.html We will also be selling tickets during lunch periods January 27 - 29.
Indian Prairie Library News & Events   
Community Connections Expo
Is your New Year's resolution to volunteer? Speak with representatives from local organizations and social service agencies to discover membership opportunities and volunteer activities at the Indian Prairie Public Library's Community Connections Expo on Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to noon. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
 
Teen Open Mic Night
Do you know a teen who sings, dances, raps, writes, plays an instrument, or tells a good joke? The Indian Prairie Public Library will host a Teen Open Mic Night on Friday, Jan. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.

How-To Expo
The Indian Prairie Public Library will host its first-ever How-To Expo on Saturday, April 16, noon-3 p.m. The event will be a family-friendly celebration of the creative and do-it-yourself mindset. The library is looking for people willing to demonstrate their skills, share their knowledge, and provide instruction to others. Interested participants are encouraged to fill out the online application at www.howtoexpo.ippl.info by Feb. 1.
Darien Historical Society's Annual "Sunday Dinner"   
The 26th President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt (1858-1919) will resurface to meet you at the Darien Historical Society's "Sunday Dinner" on Sunday, January 31, 2016. He, actualized by talented Terry Lynch, will gregariously relate memories of his presidency with references to personal challenges he overcame.

Doors open at 1 P.M. at Alpine Banquets, 8230 Cass Avenue in Darien. For tickets, which include dinner, entertainment, and potential gift certificate winnings, call Alice at 630-964-6792. Singles to tables of ten will be arranged. ASAP!
Darien Woman's Creative Youth Art Fair Competition   
Darien Woman's Club presents the Creative Youth Art Fair Competition on February 21 at Cass Jr. High.  Please submit paintings, drawings, photography, computer generated works & sculptures. Youth ages 4 through high school submit artwork to be independently judged. 
 
Registration Deadline is February 5.  Late entries will not be accepted.  Artwork must be created by the entrant.  Division winners and selected entrants will be displayed at the Indian Prairie Library. 
 
Entry forms are available at the Indian Prairie Library or DWC website.  
Darien Woman's Club Clothing Resale Registration   
Darien Woman's Club Children's Clothing Resale is set for March 19, 2016 fro, 9:00am - 2:00pm at Lace School 7414 S. Cass Ave., Darien

Spring/summer boys and girls (infant - size 16) clothing, uniforms, swim wear/accessories, spring/summer outerwear, shoes/sandals/athletic shoes/apparel - no gym shoes, baby/child equipment and outdoor play items; no car seats, bathing or toileting equipment

Seller Registration dates:             
February 3 (6:30 - 8:00pm) before DWC meeting - Carriage Greens, 8700 Carriage Green Dr.
February 27 (9:00 - 12:00pm) Darien Park District - 7301 Fairview Ave.
March 2   (6:30 - 8:00pm)   before DWC meeting - Carriage Greens, 8700 Carriage Green Drive
March 8   (6:00 - 8:30pm) Safety Village - 7400 S Cass Ave.
Registration fee: $7.00; $10.00 after March 8th (150 tags included). Seller percentage 65%   DWC percentage 35% - proceeds to help fund community service and fine arts scholarships for area student. Cash or credit accepted

Visit www.darienwomansclub.org for information or to download registration forms/procedures
For questions: Call or text Joanna 630-689-6754 or Debbie   630-215-4942
New Kiwanis Club of Darien  
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."

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.

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