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
Coyote Information 
Coyotes are a permanent fixture in DuPage County's rural, suburban and urban areas. Seeing a coyote cross a field, backyard, road or golf course does not necessarily constitute a problem or dangerous situation, either for humans or domestic animals. Coyotes will be more active and more visible in late-winter/early spring during their breeding seasons. Most coyotes are harmless; their goal is to eat more natural foods such as mice and rabbits. However, coyotes are opportunistic. If coyotes see easy food - such as open garbage- and aren't afraid, they may take advantage. That puts them in direct line for a confrontation with pets. Coyotes are not interested in eating pets, these are territorial disputes. There have been reports of small family dogs that were killed by coyotes in Darien and neighboring towns. Studies have shown that attempts at eliminating all coyotes are not practical, economical or workable. When coyotes are removed others quickly move in.
 
For more information on Coyotes you can visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve District at www.dupageforest.com or the City of Darien at www.Darien.il.us
Announcing the 2016 Darien Citizen of the Year.....
Congratulations go out to Marian Krupicka, Darien's Citizen of the Year for 2016!

Please join us for a Coffee & Cake Reception in her honor on Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m., 1702 Plainfield Rd.

The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held on March 5 at Alpine Banquets. Tickets are $30.00 each, and can be purchased at Darien City Hall after February 1.

For more information please call Diane at 630-353-8102.
City Preparing Draft Budget 
The City is currently preparing a draft budget for the budget meetings that begin on February 17, 2016. The meetings are shown live on cable television and also rebroadcast on YouTube.

Resident feedback on the City's budget is critical as it affects taxes, neighborhood improvements, and City services. If residents have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the City's annual budget please contact City Administrator Bryon Vana at bvana@Darienil.gov or 630-353-8114.
Utility Solicitation Calls  
Residents are receiving automated solicitation calls from utility companies that are asking for account information. Residents should be aware they do not have to answer these calls or questions. These calls are not from Constellation, the City of Darien contracted electric supplier.

The City would like to remind residents you should never give out personal information to any call you did not initiate, such as account numbers, credit card numbers, etc. 
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 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, February 1
7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 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
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
2016 Vehicle Stickers 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.
Holiday Light Recycling Ends February 8 
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
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/
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 and more information.  There is a small  convenience fee for this service.

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! 
School District #61 Board of Education Vacancy
Darien Public Schools District #61 - DuPage County
7414 Cass Avenue Darien, IL 60561

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Board of Education of the Darien Public Schools, District #61, DuPage County, is seeking a candidate to be appointed to fill a position for an unexpired term because a member of the Board of Education has resigned. This appointment will expire in April, 2017 when a regular election will be held.

All interested candidates can obtain an application from the Superintendent's Office located in Lace School, 7414 Cass Avenue, Darien. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. This form must be completed and returned to the Superintendent's Office no later than 3:00 P.M., Friday, February 12, 2016.

Candidates will be interviewed by the Board of Education on the evening of February 18, 2016, at Lace School. After the interviews are completed, a new member will be appointed.
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
Our Lady of Peace Open House  
Our Lady of Peace School will be holding its Open House on Sunday, January 31 from 9:00AM - 2:00PM. 

We offer half-day and full-day preschool and kindergarten and serve students from 3-years-old up to 8th grade.  Religion, art, music, physical education, technology, and Spanish are included in our programs along with a strong core curriculum.  Come see our top of the line technology offered in our classrooms and computer lab and ask about our no-cut sports teams!

If you are unable to attend our open house but would still like to find out what Our Lady of Peace School has to offer, schedule your tour today by calling 630-325-9220.
Indian Prairie Library News & Events   
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.
Eisenhower Junior High Choir Event "The 70's" 
Eisenhower Junior High Choir presents "The 70's" on February 4 and 5 at 7:00 p.m., at Eisenhower Junior High, 1410 75th Street. 

The Choirs will be performing favorites from the decade including songs from Queen, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver, James Taylor, and Kiki Dee. Mark your calendars now! Tickets for the Choir Show are now available! Suggested donation is Adults: $5.00 & Students: $3.00.  Click here for the ticket order form.

Please call 630.964.5200 for more information
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
Darien Community Blood Drive Hosted by the Lions Club     
The Darien Community Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, February 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lace School - 7414 Cass Avenue. Walk-ins Welcome! Prepare for your donation: Eat Well - Stay Hydrated - Bring I.D. For more information please call 877-543-3768

Free Darien Lions Pancake Breakfast ticket to all who come in and donate. 
Rock the Barn for Rescue Dogs      
The Dog District of Darien will be hosting a fundraising barn dance at Arabian Knights Farm on Saturday, February 20 from 7pm to 11pm at Arabian Knights Farm, 6526 Clarendon Hills Road in Willowbrook.  The goal is to help bully breeds find their rightful place in the world. As part of this work, we are going to Rock The Barn for Rescue Dogs to help offset the cost of rescuing, feeding, training, socializing and marketing these dogs in need.

Entertainment provided by Hind Sight.Cost is $30 - $50 includes a Rock the Barn T-shirt (to be redeemed at event)  Register online at www.dogdistrictdarien.com

Thank you for taking the time to consider helping us do this important work. 
VFW Post 2838 "Rockin with the Vets" Live Benefit Concert     
VFW Post 2838 will host a "Rockin' with the Vets" Live Benefit Concert Friday, April 1, at Ashyana Banquets, 1652 75th Street.The Concert will feature American English and 7th Heaven.  There will be a cash raffle & live auction for items including a Blackhawks Banner signed by Kane & Toews.  Tickets are $65 each, and include a buffet dinner. 
 
For more information call the Concert Hotline at 331-201-6002 or visit http://www.darienvfw2838.org/donate
Darien Gardening Club presents "Spring Gardening Inspiration"   
On Saturday, April 16, Darien Garden Club will present its second annual "Spring Gardening Inspiration." From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Junior High School, 1410 75th Street. The event offers workshops and speaker choices that will inspire your best garden ever. It includes a continental breakfast, box lunch, goodie bags, vendors and raffles. Advance $40 registration is required. For detailed workshop and speaker information and reservation form, see www.dariengardenclub.com or contact dariengardenclub@gmail.com or phone 630-253-2125. 

Please register by April 11. "Early Birds" who register before March 1 will receive a Free Raffle Ticket
Lions Club Food Basket Distribution   
Over the holidays 250 families in need received groceries and presents for their children. Accumulation of food and presents was done by the Darien Lions and the Darien Park District, through donations received throughout the year. Distribution was accomplished by the Darien Lions Club members, their families and other volunteers. This compassionate event began in 1976, and is the largest community event the Darien Lions undertake. The Darien Lions and The Darien Park District would like to thank the community for their continued support.

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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