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 of Darien 2016 Citizen Survey 
The City is in the process of surveying residents about city services and future priorities. Please take the time to complete this brief survey as your feedback is critical in continuing to move the City forward.

Please take the survey by clicking here.
City of Darien Election Packets
Packets for the April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election may be picked up at Darien City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, beginning September 20, 2016.

Available Elected Psitions include:
ALDERMAN for Ward 1, 3, 5, and 7 (4 year term)
ALDERMAN for Ward 4 (unexpired 2 year term)

Candidates are encouraged to seek advice of legal counsel before filing nomination papers, which must be in apparent conformity with the Election Code.  The first day to file is December 12, 2016 at 8:30 A.M. and the last day to file is December 19, 2016 at 5:00 P.M.

Regular business hours at City Hall are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

For more information please call 630-852-5000.
Free Fall Leaf Pickup 
The City of Darien will again be providing fall leaf pick-up FREE OF CHARGE to residents. The program will run from October 3- November 26 of this year, and will take 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.

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.
ComEd Scam Alert  
ComEd has seen an increase in reports of individuals calling ComEd customers and falsely claiming their electric service will be disconnected unless payment is made. These impersonators instruct customers to buy a prepaid credit card and call back to a different phone number with the personal identification number (PIN) or other personal information. They also use a tactic called "Caller ID spoofing" to manipulate the displayed phone number so that it appears as a ComEd number.
 
Remember: ComEd representatives will never call you to ask you for cash or request that you purchase a prepaid credit card to make a payment on your bill.

If you have concerns about the status of your account, call ComEd's Customer Service line at 800-334-7661 (800-EDISON1).
Last Branch Pickup is in October 
2016 BRANCH PICK-UP SCHEDULE
 
October 24th through 28th
 
The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept branches up to 6" in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with Advanced Disposal.
 
All branches need to be out by no later than the Sunday night prior to the designated pick up week. The chipping crew can make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.
Residents who are unable to put their branches out prior to the scheduled week can take them to the Municipal Services Facility, located at 1041 S. Frontage Road, and place them in the designated branch location. Branches will be accepted Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.   Landscape companies hired to help with your branches may also take them to Municipal Services.
 
If you have any questions regarding branch pick up, please contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.
 
Voter Registration Information   
One of the most convenient ways to register to vote is to download an application and send it in to the DuPage County Election Commission. Simply visit their Website, http://www.dupageco.org/Election/Voters/37059/ download the pdf file, and follow the instructions on filling out and sending the form! 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.

The City of Darien also offers voter registration services.  To register at City Hall you must have two forms of identification with you - one of which must be photo identification, and one must show your current address such as utility bill.
Television Recycling thru Advanced Disposal  
With free electronic recycling becoming harder to find, the City of Darien refuse hauler, Advanced Disposal, will be accepting televisions for recycling. 

You must place 5 refuse stickers on each, and call Advanced to let them know you will be placing the TV at the curb on your normal refuse collection day.  If you would like the TV collected outside of your normal refuse day, you can schedule
a special pickup for an additional $25.00 trip charge.

All televisions will be properly disposed of by Advanced Disposal.  Advanced can be reached at 708-409-9700. 
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, October 3
 7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 17
7:30 p.m.

Official Social Media Links

FACEBOOK: 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

TWITTER: The City of Darien Now "Tweets"!  Please follow us on twitter  at  Cityofdarien. 
 
NIXLE: 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.

SMART PHONE APP: 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.

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

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:

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
COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL NEWS
Lisle Electronic Recycling    
In order to assist DuPage County residents with collecting unwanted electronics and to ensure environmentally-responsible recycling of these devices, DuPage County and the Village of Lisle have partnered with eWorks Electronics Recycling Services, Inc.  to develop an electronics recycling drop-off program to collect electronics on a regular basis.

The Village of Lisle offers a site for electronic recycling the third Saturday of every month, from 8am to 12pm at 925 Burlington Avenue.  Televisions will be collected for a fee that ranges from $25 to $35..  For a complete list of accepted items visit  here. 
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.
 
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Sunny Patch Project - Self Guided Community Garden Tours - Late Summer Series
Good Worx has been working, the past 15 months, to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in our community with their Sunny Patch Garden Project. 
 
If you're looking for a fun, low-key, family outing, consider dropping by the main Sunny Patch garden space, located on the grounds of Safety Village of Darien - 7400 Cass Ave. any Saturday between now and the end of September to see what's growing!  Access to the Sunny Patch is free but donations are always welcome! 
 
Photo enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture some great shots with our butterfly patches and visiting pollinators as well as our late summer vegetable displays (changing daily)!  Pop-up Pesto and Tomato tastings will be offered.  If you want to get a jump on planning your gardens for next year, we'll have free seeds to share as well as fresh herb cuttings.
 
To learn more about our community garden project, visit: www.sunnypatchproject.org.
 
Rotary Food-For-Kids-Bag-Packing
Come join us as we assemble food bags for 2 months of food in a night.  Typically, we pack 800-1000 bags, and it takes approximately one hour with 20 to 30 volunteers!  Location is at Safety Village, and all volunteer organizations are welcome to help!

For more information and a schedule visit www.rotarybackpack.org 
Indian Prairie Library News & Events
One Author, One Community
Twelve area libraries are partnering to host Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout on Saturday,Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. at Ashton Place, 341 75th St. in Willowbrook. She is the author of popular titles Olive Kitteridge and Amy and Isabelle, and her newest book, My Name Is Lucy Barton, was released in early 2016. Enjoy a moderated discussion, a Q&A with the audience, and a book signing. Register at oneauthor.eventbrite.com. 

Dont Pay the College Sticker Price
Joe Orsolini from College Aid Planners will share tips to make college education more affordable at the Indian Prairie Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7-8:30 p.m. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
 
Home Bound Delivery
Did you know that the Indian Prairie Public Library can deliver materials at no charge to those who are permanently homebound due to age or disability, or temporarily disabled for at least one month due to illness or surgery? Books, including large print and audio, movies, music, and magazines can be provided. Call 630/887-8760 ext. 265 or email homebound@ippl.info to learn more.

Chess Club
Do you play chess? The Indian Prairie Public Library's Adult Chess Players group meets on the first three Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. and new members are always welcome! (Please note that the group will meet on the second, third, and fourth Mondays in September due to the library being closed on Labor Day.) 
Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents: Hairspray the Musical
Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents: Hairspray the Musical
 
Place:              Hinsdale South Auditorium
 
Dates:             Thursday, September 29th at 7:00pm
                        Friday, September 30th at 7:00pm
                        Saturday, October 1st at 7:00pm
                        Sunday, October 2nd at 2:00pm
 
Cost:               $10 per ticket available at the door
Darien Park District Hoe Down
Darien Park District will host a Hoe Down on Sunday, September 25, from 12:00-5:00pm at Darien Community Park, 7100 Clarendon Hills Rd.

There will be pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, games, inflatable fun, crafts, food & lots of fun!

12:00-1:00 Chicago White Sox Mascot Southpaw
12:00-5:00 "DJ" Jim
1:00 Miss Jamie's "Down on the Farm" Show
2:00 Momo the Clown Magic Show
3:00 Miss Jamie's "Down on the Farm" Show
4:00 Momo the Clown Magic Show

Tickets sold at the event. For more info: 630.968.6400
Darien School District #61 Regular Board of Education Meeting
Darien Public Schools, District #61 Regular Board of Education Meeting, Public Hearing - FY17 Budget Approval, and Possible Closed Session, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 7:00 P.M at Lace School, 7414 S. Cass Avenue Darien, IL 60561
Darien Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Lighting Ceremony
The Darien Chamber of Commerce will host thier 3rd Annual Paint the Town Pink Ribbon Lighting Ceremony on Friday, September 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Darien Pointe Plaza on Cass Avenue between 75th Street and Plainfield Road. (Rain date id October 4)

Businesses ans residences are encouraged to decorate thier homes ans store fronts in PINK during October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Darien Historical Society Open House
Darien Historical  Society's October 2 OPEN HOUSE from 1-3 P.M. invites you to a tribute to WWll Veteran Ralph Andermann, which begins at 1:00 o'clock. Participating will be members of the VFW. Ralph, a local resident and direct descendant of the pioneer Andermann family, was chosen by the U.S. Army to help develop radar technology. Following his story will be a question/answer opportunity as well as viewing time at Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum. Public most welcome.
Darien Youth Club Basketball and Vollyball Restration
Darien Youth Club Basketball and Vollyball Restration is Now Open!

Basketball is offered for K - through High School - Volleyball is offered for 3rd to 8th grade.

For full information please visit www.darienyouthclub.org
VFW Nationwide Student Essay COMPETITIONS
Patriot's Pen (Middle School) - "THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN"

Voice of Democracy (High School) - "MY RESPONSIBILITY TO AMERICA"

Patriot's Pen Essay Competition (6th through 8th grade) Grand Prize $5,000
The Patriot's Pen is open to 6th through 8th grade students. See entry form details. Students submit a self-written essay of 300 - 400 typewritten words in English and based on this year's theme: "THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN." Deadline is November 1st for submittal to the Darien VFW. Monetary awards are provided. The first-place national award is $5,000 plus an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Competition (high school)
Grand Prize $30,000 Scholarship
The program is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12. See entry form details. Students submit a self-written and recorded three to five minute audio essay, in English, expressing their views on this year's theme: "MY RESPONSIBILITY TO AMERICA." Deadline is November 1 to submit your recorded essay on CD or thumb drive to the Darien VFW. Monetary awards are provided. Qualifying winners receive expense-paid trips to State and National selection banquets.

Entry forms for Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy are available at Darien City Hall, at your school, or by email by contacting the appropriate chairperson listed below.
Entry deadline is November 1.

Patriot's Pen Chair: John at  630-910-3177, email: trvlfshman@sbcglobal.net
Voice of Democracy Chair: Nick at 630-910-8552, email: ndarien@comcast.net,
Lions Club Candy Days
Darien Lions Club members and friends will be out in the community, in an effort to raise funds for the vision and hearing impaired on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15. People can show their support by giving generously during the 14th and 15th weekend by writing a check, underwriting the cost of a box of candy, or volunteering during the Candy Day weekend! Darien Lions, Thank You in advance for your Support! 
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! 

Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.