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CITY NEWS
Darien 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.
Update on Darien Pointe Plaza  

The City has received a great deal of positive feedback from residents pleased with the construction of the Darien Pointe Plaza and the clock tower- water fountain park. The feedback is now starting to focus on new businesses to the development.

The Darien Pointe owners advised the City that the development is drawing a lot of interest from potential tenants and lease proposals are out for review. They have had interest from national, regional, and local businesses alike and anticipate a nice mix of tenants. The specific information is confidential between the owners and potential businesses. We are happy to see the Sprint store open as Darien Pointe's first business. The owners have also told us they are finalizing lease negotiations with several other tenants and hope to announce those new businesses in the near future.
 
While we are all anxious for the center to fill with tenants, one point to keep in mind is that the City required the developer to construct the building within an expedited period of time after the sale of the property from the City. Many developments will not start construction until a certain amount of space is leased. However, when the City sold the property the priority was to ensure reconstruction of the site as soon as possible. The City was pleased that the developer agreed to the City's construction schedule,  even prior to leasing space.

For a brochure on Darien Pointe Plaza leasing, click  here.  
Manning Road Traffic Advisory  
The construction of Rolling Knolls Subdivision on Manning Road will cause some traffic disturbances on Monday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 9.  Manning Road at Brunswick will be reduced to one lane.  The City advises you to take an alternate route if possible. 
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
 
Tuesday, February 16
7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 7
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
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. 
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.  
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
License Plate Renewal & Emissions Notices No Longer Mailed by State! 
The Illinois Secretary of State's office is no longer sending out Annual License Plate Renewal Notifications, or Emission Testing Notices. This means drivers are on their own to remember when their license plates renew and when their emission test is due!. Most people do not typically think about renewing their license plates / driver's licenses / emission test 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! 
Darien Park District Indoor Flea Market 
Darien Park District Flea Market will be held on Saturday, Februry 6 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Darien Community Center, 7301 Fairview Ave.

The will be over 60 sellers with Bargain Galore! For more information call 630-968-6400
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
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. 
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 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
Eisenhower Jr High Spaghetti Dinner      
The Eisenhower Jr High Band Annual Family Spaghetti Dinner will be on Sunday, February 28, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Eisenhower Jr High located at 1410 75th Street in Darien. 
 
Bring the whole family to enjoy pasta, salad, bread, cake, raffles, split the pot and live music performed by the EJH Jazz Band and musical ensembles!
 
Please email  ejhbandboosters@gmail.com for advanced tickets. Advanced ticket prices are Adults $6, 1-8th grades and alumni are $3.  Tickets at the door are $7 and $4.  Kindergarten and younger are FREE!
Darien Woman's Club Scholarships     
The Darien Woman's Club offers four scholarships to students in the Darien and neighboring areas:  Two $1000 Community Service Scholarships to high school seniors attending college in the fall of 2016, and two $350 Fine Arts Scholarships to area students entering the 7th through 12th grades in the fall of 2016, to be used for a class or camp during the summer of 2016.

Applications must be postmarked by March 28, 2016.  Download the application forms from our website, www.darienwomansclub.org, or call Valerie at 630-852-4097.
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
Darien Chamber of Commerce Brew & Chew Fundraiser  
On Saturday, April 23, The Darien Chamber of Commerce will host it's First Annual Indoor Alefest "Brew & Chew" at Chucks Cafe, 8025 South Cass Avenue.  The event will be from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. VIP admission limited to the first 50 people registered will be $50.00, and general admission will be $40.00.  You must be 21 or older to attend.  For more information and to register please visit the Chamber website at www.darienchamber.com.  Registration deadline is April 13th.
Darien Dash Information
The Darien Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 16th Annual Darien Dash Fundraiser at Darien Community Park on Sunday, May 15.
 
New this year, $2000 will be awarded to one Darien school and one Darien 501c3 charitable organization with the most race participants.
 
To qualify for this cash award, your school or organization must meet the following criteria:
  • Have a minimum of 35 participants from your school or organization for the 1 mile, 5k, 10k race.
  • A participant is considered to be any individual who registers for the race and names the school or organization they represent.
Due to popular demand, the Darien Chamber of Commerce is offering an Extra Early Bird Discount.  Now is the time to register!
 
1 mile run - $25.00 in advance / $30.00 on race day ~ Extra Early Bird by April 1 $20.00
5K run - $30.00 in advance / $35.00 on race day ~ Extra Early Bird by April 1 $25.00
10K run - $40.00 in advance / $45.00 on race day ~ Extra Early Bird by April 1 $35.00
There will also be a free Fun Run for children ages 5 and under.

Visit www.dariendash.com to register. If you have any questions, please contact Patty at patty@darienchamber.com or call (630)968-0004.
Sunny Patch Project   
WANTED - Your Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Zucchinis
 
Good Worx Inc. kicked off their Home Patch Gardeners Registration this week to coincide with Groundhog Day. And if you can believe a groundhog, forecast is for an early spring and we're not wasting any time.
 
Last year we started a conversation with our community about food insecurity and the fact that many of our neighbors are struggling to access food on a regular basis, especially healthy, garden fresh foods. We figured if we could get our neighbors growing food together that we'd have a chance to possibly start some very meaningful conversations about how we can all work together to find solutions to the troubling food gaps in our community and empower those struggling to access garden fresh foods.
 
We started our Sunny Patch Project, Darien's first-ever container community garden patch, located on the grounds of Safety Village of Darien. We distributed over 400 pounds of garden fresh vegetables to some very deserving and grateful at-risk families in our community. Much of our success was due in large part to our Home Patch members. We recruited dozens of home gardeners to not only volunteer at the Sunny Patch by watering or harvesting but also offer some of their own garden yields, to share with some of our at-risk families.
 
IF YOU'D BE WILLING TO SHARE SOME OF YOUR HOME GARDEN YIELDS WITH US FOR OUR UPCOMING SEASON, WE'D ASK THAT YOU SIMPLY FOLLOW THIS LINK TO OUR HOME PATCH SIGN-UP SHEET.
 
There are many other ways to get involved with our project and no prior gardening experience is needed for much of what we do. We're in need of many committed volunteers (young and old) to keep things growing at the Sunny Patch - this is a great way to earn service hours, meet new friends, reconnect with your family and just get outside and dig in the dirt as much as you want!
 
If you care to get involved, please contact us 630-272-0915. To learn more about our Sunny Patch Project, visit: www.sunnypatchproject.org 

Darien Woman's Club Celebrates 45th Anniversary   
The Darien Woman's Club celebrated its 45th Anniversary this past December. The club was started in 1970 by a group of women who wanted to help establish a community library. Through much hard work, their efforts were realized in 1987 when the Indian Prairie Public Library was opened.
 
Today the club has many service projects to help the community. They also have fundraisers in order to donate to the many philanthropic endeavors. Over the years, the club has donated thousands of dollars to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Food Pantry, Our Lady of Peace Food Pantry, West Suburban Community Pantry, Darien Historical Society, Family Shelter Services, Sharing Connections, Indian Prairie Library Foundation, Safety Village of Darien, and other deserving organizations.
 
Darien Woman's Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month, at Carriage Greens Country Club, for a meeting and a program September through April, with a banquet in May. Anyone interested in learning more about the Darien Woman's Club, or becoming a member, can go to darienwomansclub.org
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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