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
Welcome Police Chief Greg Thomas
We would like to welcome Greg Thomas as Darien's new Police Chief!

Chief Thomas has nearly 37 years of law enforcement experience with the City of Aurora, Illinois. The last 12 years in senior management including lieutenant, commander, deputy chief and chief. He offers comprehensive job knowledge with experience in all aspects of policing including patrol operations, investigations and administration.

Chief Thomas possesses unquestionable integrity with the highest ethical and moral conduct and we are glad to have him in Darien.
Budget Meeting Schedule 
The City budget meetings began on February 17. To review the proposed budget please visit our website
 
The schedule for the 2016 Budget Meetings are as follows:
 
Tuesday, March 8  
Tuesday March 15 (if needed)
 
Budget meetings are broadcast live on DCT cable television channel 6, and all meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
Voters Registration Information
One of the most convenient ways to register to vote is on the  DuPage County Election Commission website. Simply visit their Website, and follow the directions. The Election Commission's website also allows individuals to check their voter status, check provisional ballots, browse frequently asked questions, check their eligibility to vote, find a registration location, and more.
 
For more information please visit the DuPage County Election Commission website. 
Daylight Savings Time - Sunday, March 13
Daylight savings time begins Sunday, March 13 at 2am.  Remember to "Spring Ahead" by turning your clocks forward 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.
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, March 7
7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 21
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
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.
Tornado Siren Information 
The City of Darien tornado sirens are sounded for testing the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. for one minute.  If there is severe weather in the area, the test is cancelled to avoid the siren being mistaken for actual activation. 

In the event of a severe weather emergency, the sirens will sound for 3 to 5 minutes, which indicates:
  • A confirmed sighting of a tornado, tracking towards the community, has been reported by a trained weather spotter within Darien or the surrounding communities, or
  • The National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Community indicating that it is the path of an oncoming tornado, or
  • A confirmed sighting by a trained weather spotter of severe winds causing structural damage within the city or surrounding communities.
There will not be an all clear sounded.  If you hear a subsequent siren, that means that more severe weather has been spotted in the area.   
 
Residents should understand that outdoor warning sirens are not designed to provide effective warning inside homes or buildings. It is recommended that each residence have a N.O.A.A. weather radio to monitor severe weather conditions, and that all family members are informed of what to do in a severe weather emergency.  For users of smart phones, there are many free apps that will issue severe weather alerts. 
 
The difference between a tornado watch, and a tornado warning:   
  • A tornado watch means that hazardous weather is possible in the area
  • A tornado warning is issued when hazardous weather is occurring, imminent, or likely.  A warning means weather poses a threat to life or property.  People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.
For more information on tornadoes and emergency weather safety procedures visit  http://dupageco.org/protectdupage/  
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
IRS Scam 
The IRS encourages taxpayers to be vigilant against phone and email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or phone to request personal or financial information.  This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS also does not ask for PINs, passwords or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts. Recipients should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the message. Instead, forward the e-mail to phishing@irs.gov.

More information on how to report phishing scams involving the IRS is available on the genuine IRS website,IRS.gov. 
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.  There is also a direct link on this app to Commonwealth Edison website, which is a great source of information during power outages.

This FREE app is called Darien Connect, and is available in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
 
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
I-55 Expansion "Managed Lane" Meeting  
Please join us at the fifth Corridor Planning Group (CPG) Meeting for the I-55 Managed Lane Project. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 FROM 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM AT THE Holiday Inn, 6201 Joliet Road Countryside, IL

At the fourth CPG meeting on November 10, 2015, we discussed the managed lane alternatives evaluation, managed lane access alternatives, operational/enforcement considerations, and environmental considerations including noise impact evaluation.
At this upcoming meeting, we will discuss the following topics:
*             Summary of CPG Meeting #4
*             Recommended Preferred Alternative
*             Noise Mitigation Strategies
*             Environmental Resources
*             Next Steps

RSVP your attendance to Keith Spencer of Images, Inc. at (630) 510-3944, ext. 109 or via
e-mail at keith.spencer@imagesinc.net by Friday, March 11, 2016.
 
The "Managed Lane" project would cover the Stevenson between the Veterans Tollway (I-355) and the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94), a 25-mile stretch that handles 170,000 vehicles daily and is prone to long delays, especially during peak travel times. Under a 2011 state law, IDOT can pursue projects using public-private partnerships, as long as the General Assembly approves a resolution supporting the project.

The Illinois Tollway Authority manages a vast network of toll roads in greater Chicago, but the concept of "managed lanes" -- in which motorists have a choice of free or paid lanes -- is new to Illinois. Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn described it as "an expressway within an expressway."

Rauner's plan could include congestion pricing, in which the price in toll lanes is higher at peak times. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has championed this idea for the flexibility it offers drivers and as a more effective means of financing road maintenance.

For the full article visit here.
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/
or visit here to see when your emission test is due (VIN number required)
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 will host an indoor Flea Market on Saturday, March 5 from 9:00-1:00pm at the Darien Park District Community Center, 7301 Fairview Ave.

Over 60 sellers! Free Admission! Bargains Galore!

For more information please call 630.968.6400
Boy Scout Troop 101 Pancake Breakfast      
Boy Scout Troop 101 is hosting their 43rd Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at the Eisenhower Junior High Commons located at 1410 W. 75th Street

Pancakes, sausage, and eggs are on the menu. It's all you can eat including beverages. It's a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Tickets are $6.00 at the door and children under 6 are free!
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:             

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
St. John Lutheran Early Learning Center parenting Workshop 
St. John Lutheran Early Learning Center (ELC) located at 7214 South Cass Avenue will present a FREE Parenting Workshop open to the community on Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be "Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Children." The featured speaker will be Mrs. Dawn Lantero, preschool teacher, author of S.P.L.A.S.H. Parenting Principles, and parenting workshop facilitator, columnist, consultant, and blogger.

Dawn has been helping parents gain new insights for 15 years by combining her experience as a teacher and practical knowledge as a mother of four to offer real life solutions to parents who are looking for inspiration and support. She believes that parents who take the time to learn even just a little about child development and positive discipline can dramatically alter their total family experience. Once put into place, her practices have long-lasting benefits.
 
For more information, call 630-324-6582, email elc@sjlcdarien.org, or visit the ELC's website at http://www.sjlcdarien.org/preschool/home.html.
Sustainable Saturday Recycling Event  
The Village of Lisle, Republic Services, Benedictine University, DuPage County and SCARCE encourages you to bring electronics, SLA, rechargeable and household batteries, bicycles, scrap metal, building / hardware supplies, textiles and more to the annual Sustainable Saturday in Lisle on March 19 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. 
 
The drop-off event takes place in the Dan and Ada Rice Center parking lot located on the campus of Benedictine University, which is located at 5700 College Road.
Please note: Vehicles must enter campus at the traffic light off College Road (south of Maple Avenue) and exit to College Road north and east of the Rice Center parking lot.

For a list of items accepted please visit here.  Please note only flat screen TVs will be accepted; no cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors will be accepted during the event.
School District 66 Community Connection
SAVE THE DATE ~ You're Invited... Center Cass Community Connection.  Success for all with strong community partnerships! The Board of Education is hosting a community engagement event on Monday, March 21 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Prairieview Elementary School. All District 66 parents and residents are encouraged to attend.

Childcare for K-5 students will be provided at Lakeview Jr. High

5:30-6:30 p.m. Elizabeth Ide, Prairieview, and Lakeview Jr. High will be open to the community for self-guided tours.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Community Connection Event at Prairieview Elementary School 699 Plainfield Rd., Downers Grove

Please RSVP at www.ccsd66.org
St. John Lutheran Church Easter Eggstravaganza  
St. John Lutheran Church & Early Learning Center located at 7214 South Cass Avenue will host an Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with an Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. The church's Comfort Dog Shami will be on hand to personally greet everyone. This annual community outreach event is open to the public free of charge.
 
In addition to looking for treat-filled plastic eggs, children and their families will have the opportunity to participate in games and to make crafts throughout the event.   There will be puppet shows at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. It promises to be a joy-filled morning.
 
If you would like more information, visit the St. John web site at www.sjlcdarien.org,      e-mail them at info@sjlcdarien.org, or call 630-969-7987.
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
Indian Prairie Library News & Events      
WANTED: Employers for Teen Job Fair
Does your business hire teen employees or interns? The Indian Prairie Public Library is hosting its 2nd annual Teen Job Fair this spring, and they are looking for local employers interested in participating. The fair, for teens seeking employment, internships, and/or volunteer opportunities, will take place Saturday, April 9, 1-3:30 p.m. at the library. If your business would like to participate, please fill out the online form at www.jobfair.ippl.info by Tuesday, April 5. Businesses that apply by Monday, Feb. 29 will be included in all event promotions. There is no fee to participate, but space is limited so tables are first come, first served. The event is co-hosted by the Darien Chamber of Commerce and Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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 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 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.
Darien Lions Club Big Raffle 
The Darien Lions Club is holding their Big Raffle on June 2. Only 400 hundred tickets being sold
 
First Prize............$10,000
Second Prize.......$5,000
Third prize............$2,000
10 prizes of $200 each
 
Ticket price $100 each, Winners need not be present to win. Winners is responsible for any applicable taxes. Tickets can be purchased through Lion John at johnpearsonii@gmail.com.  For more information please call Steve at 708-287-7333

Your Donation make all we do possible. 
Sunny Patch Project   
Sunny Patch Project - Get in and grow here this summer!
 
We've officially opened our volunteer registration for our upcoming growing season.
 
Last year we started, Darien's first-ever container community garden patch, to help raise awareness about the fact that many of our neighbors are struggling to access nutritious food choices on a regular basis. We worked to introduce many families to growing their own food, most for the first time! We distributed over 400 pounds of garden fresh vegetables to our qualifying families and shared our excess produce with local partner pantries.
 
There are countless ways to get involved with our project and no prior gardening experience is needed for much of what we do.
 
Love gardening in your own yard? Perhaps you'd consider sharing any excess veggies with us and sign-up as a Home Patch member? Simply follow our link  HOME PATCH SIGN-UP SHEET.
 
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! If you care to volunteer for our second season you can follow this link to our VOLUNTEER HERE page and learn more about the many opportunities that we have for you to be part of our growing team of volunteers.
 
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! Luncheon Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. at Home Run Inn Pizza.

For more information contact Clare Bongiovanni at 630-968-0004 and/or Mary Carlson at randmcarlson@comcast.net or 630-308-0805. 

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