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
Social Media Links for Surrounding Communities 
Below are the Social Media Links for surrounding communities.  You can sign up for alerts from these communities, which can be helpful when a safety warning is issued that could potentially affect Darien Residents.  
 
Downers Grove Police Department 
Link to their web site below. At the bottom of their website are the icons for all of their social media connections Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Flickr, Google +
Simply click on the icons and follow or connect
 
Hinsdale Police Department
Link to their website is given below they have icons for Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc. on the top right side of their website. Simply click on the icons to follow or connect
 
They also list a Code Red Alert Notification system that you can sign up for, it is listed below.
 
Oak Brook Police Department
Link to their website is given below they have icons for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+ listed.
 
Westmont Police Department 
Link to their website is given below they have icons for Share, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ YouTube on the bottom of their web page which you can click on and follow their department.
 
Woodridge Police Department
Link to their web site is given below at the bottom of their website are the icons for all of their social media connections Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, RSS Feeds, email
Simply click on the icons and set up account to follow or connect
http://www.vil.woodridge.il.us/index.aspx?NID=140
 
Willowbrook Police Department
Their web site shows only an RSS and email icon that you can connect to. I don't see any other social media links.
 
Bolingbrook Police Department
Their website shows Facebook and Twitter icons which you can click on to join the link to their website is given below.
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 currently 3523 subscribers to Direct Connect. The City's goal to have 5000 subscribers by the end of 2016 was not met. We ask all subscribers to 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!  
2017 50/50 Parkway Tree Program  
The deadline to order trees is September 22. 
 
The City of Darien is now taking orders for the 2017 Parkway Tree Planting Program. The program is a 50/50 cost share program between the City and the resident. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees.
 
Please contact Regina at the City of Darien for the 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program at 630-353-8105 or e-mail rkokkinis@darienil.gov for additional information or to place your order. 
 
The following trees are available for the parkways:
DIAMETER
SPECIES
PLANTED PRICE PER TREE
CITY COST
RESIDENT COST
2.5"
American Linden
$280.00
$140.00
$140.00
2.5"
Norway Maple
$280.00
$140.00
$140.00
2.5"
Honeylocust Skyline
$280.00
$140.00
$140.00
2.5"
Red Maple
$285.00
$142.50
$142.50
2.5"
Chanticleer Pear
$285.00
$142.50
$142.50
2.5"
Freeman Maple
$280.00
$140.00
$140.00
2.5"
Sugar Maple
$270.00
$135.00
$135.00
 *4inch diameter available - please call 630-353-8105 for pricing  
2017 Private Property Tree Program   
The deadline to order private property trees is September 22. 
 
The City of Darien is offering residents to take advantage of pricing for planting trees on their private property. The City has selected Acres Group to be the vendor for the 2017 Tree Planting Program and has included contract pricing of various private property tress. The cost includes the purchase, planting, mulching and one (1) year guarantee of the trees.
 
Please contact Acres Group for private property tree planting at 815-609-2434.
 
For more information and a list of trees available and pricing visit our website
 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, September 18
7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 2
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 "Tweets"!  Please follow us on twitter  @ Cityofdarien and the Police Dept. @DarienPolice
 
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
Provide Your Input on the DuPage County Forest Preserve District's Plan
The DuPage County Forest Preserve District is developing a Plan for the Future and wants to hear from county residents. The District's comprehensive master-plan process will help guide their projects and initiatives over the next five years. Their planning process depends on community input, and as a result, they are hosting public meetings at locations throughout the county. More details, including public meeting dates and a printable flyer, can be found at www.dupageforest.org/master-plan
Illinois Secretary of State Warns About Flood-Damaged Vehicles 
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is warning used-car shoppers to beware of automobiles damaged by Hurricane Harvey flooding. From the Illinois Secretary of State website, "We are taking every step possible to ensure that flood damaged vehicles from the recent hurricanes do not receive clean titles in Illinois. In addition to the extra scrutiny these vehicles receive from my office, we are providing a link to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's database of known hurricane damaged vehicles that consumers may check themselves."  
 
Last Branch Pickup October 23-27   
BRANCH PICK-UP SCHEDULE

October                              23 through 27
 
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.
No Overnight Parking on City Streets        
It is unlawful to park any vehicle on public streets or rights-of-way in the City between the hours of 2:00am and 6:00am of any day, with the following exceptions:

1.             Overnight guest and no room in driveway.
2.             Driveway under repair.
3.             Vehicle broke down.

You must register your car for overnight street parking. You can do this on our website.
Mosquito Abatement
The City of Darien has a comprehensive mosquito abatement program run through Clarke Mosquito Control that includes ongoing monitoring of standing bodies of water and catch basin treatments. The program focus is on larviciding activities to kill larvae before they become adults, including applications in standing bodies of water and stocking retention ponds with mosquito eating fish. However, as temperatures rise and with heavy rainfall, you may see an increase in the mosquito population.  We ask that you assist the City of Darien and your neighbors to reduce the mosquito population by:
  • Reporting standing water areas on public property, especially backyard catchbasins, to Clarke Mosquito at 800-942-2555.  The City of Darien treats storm inlets on streets, ditches, retention and detention basins, and areas that generally hold stormwater areas, but if you identify a new spot we would like to get it included on our lists.
  • Getting rid of old tires, buckets, bottles or any items in your yard that may hold water
  • Changing the water in birdbaths, watering cans, plant pots and drip trays no less frequently than once per week
  • Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there
Even with all these steps, there still may be mosquitoes in the area, as they have the ability to fly many miles.  When you are out in your yard, we would recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants to cover skin when possible or using a mosquito repellent.Running a fan in your outdoor area is also know to help, as mosquitoes cannot fly in strong wind.  
 
For the July mosquito report visit  here. 
Darien Police Notifications now on Twitter 
Advisory: The Darien Police Department will no longer release information on Nixle. Please follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/DarienPolice

After much research it was determined that Twitter will help us to better inform our residents of active incidents in a quicker and more efficient manner.  The city will also continue to post notifications on Facebook, and via Direct Connect.

The Twitter App is available for free for both Android and IOS. A quick search using the words Darien Police on Twitter will help you connect with us. Note: We are not the only Darien Police department in the country so please choose the icon of the police patch with the eagle on it.

The Darien Police Department is always looking for ways to stay connected with our residents. We believe this change will help us accomplish that goal and we look forward to keeping each of you better informed of what is occurring in your City.
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. 
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.
 
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.
Burr Ridge Electronics Recycling Center  
Burr Ride is now a designated Electronics Recycling Collection center.  This collection center is located at the Public Works building at 451 Commerce Street and is sponsored by eWorks ESI, the Village of Burr Ridge, and DuPage County. 

The center is staffed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. There is a fee for all televisions and monitors, which can be paid in advance at http://recycle.eworksesi.org or you may pay the fee onsite.

For a complete list of acceptable items, click here.  "Fly dumping" is NOT permitted.
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

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
 Wash Away Hunger Car Wash to Benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims 
Wash Away Hunger Car Wash sponsored by Darien Woodridge Fire District will be held on Saturday, September 16, from 9 am - 3 pm at Station 89, 7550 Lyman Avenue

The Darien-Woodridge FPD is fighting hunger, one car wash at a time! Please come out and join us for this incredible cause.

100% of donations will go to Feeding America for those who were tragically affected by Hurricane Harvey.
 Darien Community Blood Drive Hosted by Darien Woman's Club
The Darien Community Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, September 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Jr. High Commons Area - 1410 W. 75th Street. Walk-ins Welcome! Prepare for your donation: Eat Well - Stay Hydrated - Bring I.D. For more information please call 877-543-3768.
Indian Prairie Library News and Events
Job Prep Week at Indian Prairie Public Library September 18 - 24
 
Job Hunting Drop-In
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Learn about the many resources and services available through the Goodwill Workforce Connection Center. No registration required.
 
Job Hunting with Brainfuse JobNow
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.
Learn how to use this database for resume creation and review, live interview prep, searching job postings, and more. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.  
 
Overcoming Job Hunting Obstacles and Fears
Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
A rep from WorkNet DuPage will address job search obstacles including applying online, resumes, and networking. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
 
Preparing for the Job Interview
Saturday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m.
A rep from the Community Career Center will help you prepare for your next interview. Register at www.calendar.ippl.info.
St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Walk
St. John Lutheran Church Trustees and the Darien Historical Society will jointly sponsor a tour of the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery located at Clarendon Hills Road and 67th Street in Darien on Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be held the following Saturday on September 23.)
 
Twelve grave sites will be visited with first person narrators in period costume. Three individuals laid to rest in Cass Cemetery will also be highlighted. You will learn about the life of early church members, their families, and their many contributions to local history. To acknowledge the nine Civil War veterans buried in the cemetery, there will be a Civil War re-enactment and memorabilia from that conflict on display.  An old-fashioned pie sale will also be held.
 
St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery was established in 1859 on three acres of prairie. The cemetery still contains original, untilled land and is a registered Illinois Natural Heritage Landmark.
 
There is no charge for this family-friendly event, but freewill donations will be graciously received to further the work of the Darien Historical Society and to assist with cemetery preservation. For more information, visit here.
Darien Community Blood Drive Hosted by the Darien Woman's Club
The Darien Community Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, September 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Jr. High, Commons Area - 1410 W. 75th Street. Walk-ins Welcome! Prepare for your donation: Eat Well - Stay Hydrated - Bring I.D.

For more information please call 877-543-3768

Restaurant  Wars - Eisenhower Jr. High Choir Boosters 
Restaurant Wars Sponsored by the Eisenhower Jr. High Choir Boosters will be hold on Thursday, September 21, from 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. at  Eisenhower Jr. High, 1410 75th Street.
 
Come and enjoy appetizer portions of signature dishes from your favorite restaurants!
Pre-Sale Prices (prior to 9/19)
$6, for students $12 for adults
$35 for a family of 5, $2 for each additional person (immediate family only)
 
At the Door Prices
$8, for students, $14 for Adults, $40 for family of 5 or more
CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD - FREE
Sunny Patch - Focus on Fall Planting Weekend
Good Worx/Sunny Patch invites you to their host site, located on the grounds of Safety Village of Darien (7400 Cass Ave.), this Saturday from 9:00 to 1:00 as we focus on fall.
 
Come see how our small growing community is working to assist local families. We've shared over 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables with our neighbors since June and nearly 3,500 pounds since May of 2015!
 
Help us as we go about getting our fall crops seeded - there's so much more to fall than cider and pumpkin patches. Come help seed radishes, beets, squash and kale. Learn how you can get involved in helping us maintain our growing spaces around the community.  
 
To learn more about our community growing project, visit here. Interested in scheduling a tour or group volunteer day for your troop, organization, team or class? Contact us: 630-272-0915.