On April 23, World Book Night, volunteers from the Indian Prairie Public Library will be part of an ambitious campaign to give away half a million free books throughout the U.S.  Volunteer book lovers will help promote reading by going out into their communities and sharing free copies of books they love. Look for volunteers from IPPL at restaurants, stores, and other businesses in Willowbrook, Burr Ridge and Darien, starting at 5:30pm April 23.

Bestselling authors Ann Patchett and James Patterson are this year’s honorary chair-people. James Patterson said: “In my experience, when people like what they are doing, they do more of it. This is the genius of World Book Night — it gets people reading by connecting them with amazing, enjoyable books. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

“I’m very proud to be a part of World Book Night,” Ann Patchett added.  “As both a writer and a bookseller, I’m all in favor of getting books into the hands of people who might not otherwise have access to them.”

The books were chosen by an independent panel of booksellers and librarians through several rounds of voting. The printing of the free books was possible due to generosity of the authors, publishers, and book manufacturing companies.

World Book Night in the U.S. is a non-profit organization and has 501(c)3 nonprofit status. World Book Night U.S. is supported by publishers, Barnes & Noble, the American Booksellers Association, the American Library Association, Ingram Content Group, FedEx, printers, and paper companies; a full list of sponsors is at our website.

For more information about World Book Night, please go to www.WorldBookNight.org or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.  For more information about the Indian Prairie Public Library, visit ippl.info.
www.facebook.com/worldbooknightusa
twitter.com/wbnamerica

The Indian Prairie Public Library, at 401 Plainfield Road in Darien, serves 43,000 residents in all of Willowbrook, most of Darien, and parts of Burr Ridge and unincorporated areas. Visit ippl.info.

From the enthusiastic greeting at the door to the warmth of snuggling on the couch– there is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet!  Some animals even perform much-needed jobs to help make the world be a better place.  From police dogs to service dogs and therapy dogs – it’s easy to see why animals “reign” in Darien…

Comfort Dogs
Shami, a golden retriever, is a Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog whose home church is St. John Lutheran Church in Darien.  She is a familiar sight in the neighborhood visiting residential care facilities, schools, businesses, and community events, such as DarienFest and the July 4th Parade.  Her service also takes her to regional K-9 Comfort Dog events such as the annual North Pole Fantasy Flight at O’Hare Airport for terminally ill children.

On December 15, however, Shami was called to put her disaster response training to use at a distant location when she and her handler, Toni Bazon, traveled 900 miles with eight other K-9 Comfort Dogs to Newtown, Connecticut after 20 children and 6 adults were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Shami and friends with the Newtown ems responders

For the better part of a week, Shami offered the mercy, compassion, and comfort of her calming presence.  It was a challenging assignment, as everyone’s heart needed mending after the tragedy. The whole town was suffering.

The dogs’ first stop was at Christ the King Lutheran Church, which would conduct funerals for two of the child victims in the days ahead. Shami and her fellow K-9’s visited with parents and children at the church after their Christmas Pageant. During the week, the dogs attended Prayer Vigil Services there and at other memorial sites throughout the town.

Some of the dogs were also stationed outside the Interfaith Memorial Service at the High School on Sunday night where President Obama eulogized the victims and offered words of solace to their families and the town.

On Monday, the K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to go to the Community Center. This is where the children and families of Newtown spent a good part of their day. Shami met hundreds of children and parents.  Despite their sadness, people warmly welcomed her.

One little girl came over to sit by Shami.  Soon the girl was petting Shami. She then hugged Shami and started talking to her and even smiled. Her mom told Shami’s handler that since Friday her daughter had refused to talk to anyone and this was the first time she had spoken since leaving her classroom at Sandy Hook where fellow students had been killed. Later that day, another little girl made all the handlers turn their heads, while she told the dogs “secrets.”  The dogs listened and loved her back.

A note to the Comfort Dogs from a Sandy Hook student

While the K-9 Comfort Dogs have been in situations with media attention, the degree of coverage here was much greater. They had never been so exposed to so many cameras and reporters. The dogs were featured on CNN, NBC, WGN, and ABC. Fortunately, the children at the Community Center gave Shami a “Newtown” soccer ball with which to play. It became one of her favorite new toys. When Shami left work at the end of each day, Toni spent time walking her. The two played ball for several hours to de-stress.

On Tuesday, the dogs were invited to go to the High School for the students’ first day back. When they walked in, the students gave them a standing ovation! They pinned green and white ribbons on them. The dogs spent the whole day in the cafeteria and counseling area.  There were many hugs and smiles, and yes, some tears. Some students just lay on the floor and cuddled with the dogs.  One teacher said: “This is the best thing that ever could have happened to these students today.”  The dogs were invited back on Wednesday.

The reaction to the K-9 Comfort Dogs was overwhelming wherever they went. When Toni and Shami went to breakfast at the hotel on Wednesday morning, the desk clerk and hotel manager approached them. The manager said to Shami, “Hey, we saw you on TV yesterday.” As he petted her, he added, “Too bad you have no idea all the good you have been doing here.”

Jolene at Sandy Hook with Addie, another of the Comfort Dogs

Toni and all the handlers sacrificed time at work and with their families to serve the people in Newtown.  The dog and handler work as a team. The dog helps create a relaxed atmosphere so that people grow comfortable enough to talk to the handler about their pain and fears.  The handler listens to and prays with those in need of emotional support. Toni’s two daughter are also very involved with the K-9 Comfort dogs.  Daughter Jolene spent time in Newton with another special dog names Addie.  When at home, Jolene takes Shami to several schools and visits with special needs and autistic students.  Daughter Lucy is instrumental in caring for Shami and works as her handler as well.
The community of Newtown will be going through the healing process for a very long time. Shami returned in early January for 12 days in order to greet all the Sandy Hook Elementary children on their first day of school in the new facility being prepared for them.

Cats make wonderful pets
According to the most recent National Pet Owners Survey done by the American Pet Products Association, approximately 33% of U.S. households own at least one cat, with 52% of cat owners having more than one.  Cheryl Maibusch, owner of The Cat Groomer, is an incredible resource on cats.  She shares that, “cats can make marvelous companion animals and their personalities vary as much from cat to cat as any other classification of pet.  Some are cuddlers, some are talkers, and some are more aloof.  But all have their endearing qualities that make them one-of-a-kind to their pet parents.  Cats have been known as low maintenance pets.”  She highlighted that “they don’t need to be walked outside to do their business.  Just put out their food and water, and interact and play with them daily and you’re pretty much good.  But “low maintenance” does not mean “no maintenance”.  Cats need to be seen at least annually by their veterinarian to keep them at their healthiest for a long, fulfilling life.  Cheryl pointed out that “cats age differently than dogs or people do so regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to stay on top of any health issues that may arise.  In its first year of life a cat ages 16 human years.  In its second year, a cat adds another 5-7 human years.  Every year thereafter adds 4 more human years to their age.  So a 3-year old cat would be equivalent to a 26-year old human.  Keep in mind that cats can live well into their teens and 20+-year-old cats are not unheard of.  A 15 year old cat, using the above guidelines, would be equivalent to a 74-year old human.”

Another aspect of cat parenting to keep on top of is grooming.  For many cats, a visit with a cat groomer is essential to its healthy skin and coat.  Oily, greasy coats, dandruff, tangles & mats, even in shorthair cats, can be prevented with routine maintenance by a qualified cat groomer.   Keeping a cat’s coat clean and groomed will help ensure that kitty will stay fresh as a daisy, without anywhere near as much hair being left around the house.

Cats are available from your local shelter or humane society in all different sizes, colors, hair lengths, and temperaments.  When choosing a new furry friend to share your home with, don’t overlook the adults.  Adopting an adult animal will give you a better chance of knowing just what their personality is. The litterbox training is already done, their full size and temperament is already known, and they will be eternally grateful to you for choosing them and giving them their very own lap to curl up in!

Police dogs
Darien has been fortunate to have an extra set of paws patrolling the streets and in previous years. Many residents fondly remember Quanto and Rolf.

The dogs were hired in 2003.  Both have passed away in the last 2 years.  Officer Rich Stutte was Rolf’s handler.  and Sgt. Steve Liss was Quanto’s handler.  Darien hopes to get a new police dog in the near future.

Police dogs offer a vitally important role in helping to keep communities safe.  They often perform jobs that humans cannot do as well.  The common phrase used in a lot of training is, ‘a dog’s nose knows’ meaning there are things that your canine can do and seek out that a human can’t.

Dogs are able to pick up scents, whether it is narcotics or a human being, which can help officers do their jobs more efficiently. Dogs have been instrumental in helping to find people, whether they are lost or on the run.

From an apprehension standpoint, police dogs are able to aid in a situation differently than humans. In addition, a police dog can sometimes change the entire mood of a dangerous circumstance.

Training dogs and providing therapy for others
Otis is truly one of a kind! He was only 3 months old when his owners gave him up because they couldn’t handle him anymore.  They described him as “Otis the Beast”, “Demon Dog” and “aggressive.”

While Otis clearly was an adorable pup, he required patience and consistent training that his family was not able to provide.  Liz Huskey helped to foster Otis and it didn’t take long at all to receive tons of applications on this adorable face.  Hoping they found a family who would commit to this little guy, he was soon adopted.  Alas, he was returned within three weeks.

Otis came back to Liz so she could continue to foster him.  With over 10 years of experience handling thousands of dogs of all breeds and temperaments, Liz was determined to work her magic on Otis.  She specializes in obedience and behavior issues through utilizing various techniques with proven results.  Since Liz focuses on the family dog, her training style of using a positive-based approach enhances the bond and enjoyment inside and outside of the family.  No harsh corrections or chains of any kind are needed to attain a well-mannered family pet.  Recognizing the needs of every dog for proper socialization and training, Liz can help dogs of any age.

Huskey has numerous accolades and certifications.  She conducts classes of varying levels at the Darien Park District. She is a Full Member of the, is an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and has been training and evaluating puppies and dogs for ACK STAR Puppy and CGC certification for over 8 years.  Liz received her Certified Dog Trainer status through Animal Behavior College and currently is a Mentor Trainer for students attending the program. Otis received his AKC Canine Good Citizen and TDI certification at the age of 2.   Otis is certified for therapy work through Therapy Dogs International and acts as a demonstration dog in her classes for displaying the obedience commands and behaviors expected through training.

Liz assists in the rescue of dogs by helping to foster and train dogs that are up for adoption through A Caring Place rescue group.   One of Liz’s goals is to ensure that puppies and dogs find their forever homes and are happy and loved for a lifetime.

In their new role as therapy dog and handler, Liz and Otis work with EAGLES II, a community-based program that incorporates therapeutic recreation to help adults with developmental disabilities “Enhance Adult Growth through Lifestyle Education and Service.” Through the Darien Park District she shares her knowledge and training tips in group classes in a variety of levels.  S.T.A.R. Puppy Class and Family Dog Training is key for a happy dog and happy owner!

Finding your perfect pet
The West Suburban Humane Society (WSHS) in Downers Grove is a volunteer based, animal welfare organization that was founded in 1972 as a lost and found referral service. They provide housing for up to 25 dogs and 60 cats at a time. They continue to reunite lost animals and their owners by maintaining a database with information on over 33,000 pets and their owners, and by providing free pet identification tags to all pet owners.

Saving one dog or cat will not change the world, but for that one animal the world will be forever changed.  I can make that statement with pure conviction having rescued a 4-year old mixed breed last fall.  Piper has brought pure joy and unconditional love into my home.  Our family has welcomed her on many different levels, but this writer embraces the companionship and affection only a pet can bring!

Tell us your story
Do you have a pet story that is amazing?  Neighbors Magazines wants to hear from you!  Submit your amazing animal stories to marys@emeraldmarketing.com and we may share your story on our web site!

Tips to prepare your pets for warm weather
by Dr. Brian Rooney, Burr Ridge Veterinary Clinic

• Make sure your pet is on a heartworm preventative.  Pets can become infected with heartworms, a potentially deadly parasite, through a mosquito bite. It is essential that all dogs, even those who live mainly indoors, be on a preventative.  Many of those preventatives also protects against intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms, which pets can pick up through the soil or from other dogs.  These parasites can also be spread to humans, so it is important to keep your pet protected.
• Start a flea and tick preventative before the warm weather begins.  Fleas are always a concern for any pet that goes outside or is around other animals.  They can transmit other parasites such as tapeworms and in many pets, cause a lot of itching and discomfort.  Ticks have been a growing issue for pets in our area and come out anytime the temperature is above freezing.  Any pet that goes outside is at risk, NOT just those who go to forested areas.  Ticks can spread a wide variety of diseases to pets, including Lyme Disease.  There are numerous products available, but your veterinarian is your best resource for the latest and safest preventatives.  Many products available over the counter at pet stores or on the Internet are not as effective anymore for fleas or take longer to kill ticks.  This means your pet could still become infected with a disease.
•  Double check that fertilizers or lawn treatments are pet safe and keep pets off treated lawns until the product is dry.  Most products used by large lawn companies are safe for pets, but we do recommend limiting their exposure during the first 24 hours if possible as they can sometimes cause minor skin irritation.
•  Keep pets ears clean and dry.  Spring and summer is a great time for pets to enjoy the water, but that can cause problems if water gets into their ears.  This is especially true for dogs with floppy ears such as Labs and Golden Retrievers.  Clean ears using a pet formulated ear cleaner after pets participate in any water activity or have a bath.  These ear cleaners contain drying agents, which help dry out the areas that we can’t reach and reduce the development of ear infections.
• DO NOT LEAVE PETS IN CARS!!  We hear this so often, but still see it time and again.  Even if it is not hot outside, the inside temperature of cars rises very quickly especially if its sunny.  Pets can easily become dehydrated and overheated.  Heat stroke can be deadly and is very preventable.
•  It is very tempting to let your pet go crazy and run around the first day the weather allows, but for pets that have been less active during the winter months, this can cause injuries.  Gradually acclimate them to physical activity again.

To learn more about K-9 Comfort Dogs:
Lutheranchurchcharities.org.

The Cat Groomer- Cheryl Maibusch
Thecatgroomer.com

Family K9 Dog Training – Liz Huskey
familyK9dogs.com

Darien Park District
darienparks.com

West Suburban Humane Society
wshs-dg.org

PetSmart
Petsmart.com

Burr Ridge Veterinary Clinic
burrridgevet.com

April 26, 10:30am at Smart Oaks

There is no other natural beauty that can transform a yard, a neighborhood or a town, than the majesty and grace of a mature tree.
Its beauty is unparalleled; its value in nature is unmatched. We need trees for clean air, for shade and for solace. Rainwater is aerated and purified when it slowly cascades down a tree, into our soil and streams. Energy is saved when trees are planted to block sun and wind from our homes, increasing home values. Squirrels and songbirds take up residence in trees for food and shelter. Children and families play and relax under shade trees. Memories are created with the planting of a tree.

Arbor Day is celebrated on April 26, at 10:30am, in Smart Oaks (Bailey and Frontage Rds., next to Cass Jr. High). Lace School and Cass Jr. High students are scheduled to attend, grow butterflies and then release them. Five memorial trees will be planted to honor and to remember those who are no longer here. All are invited! Do join us and get inspired!

Darien’s Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by the Darien Park District, the City of Darien (awarded “Tree City USA” in 2012) and funded by The Gift of Carl Foundation (giftofcarl.org) an organization founded by Rob and Char Vuillaume, Darien Citizens of the Year 2012. Donations, please, are needed to continue the great work of this non-profit, which provides needed services to local schools and for educational events like Darien’s Arbor Day Celebration.

This annual event is made possible with educational support from the Morton Arboretum (mortonarb.org) and local Fire and Police departments. For additional information contact Kathy Minardi, kathyminardi@comcast.net, or visit Darien Arbor Day on Facebook.

by Angelo Imbrogno

U.S. equity markets have been rising over the last year. Between Jan. 31, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013, the Standard & Poor’s 500 has risen nearly 15%. Gains of that magnitude are certainly noteworthy, but how much longer can it last?

The market has been reaching multi-year highs. In fact, as I write this article the Dow Jones Industrial Average has topped 14,000, levels we haven’t seen since 2007. As you review your investment statements, you may feel a sense of comfort that equities are the place to be. Unfortunately, now may not be the time to simply buy equities and leave your portfolio on auto-pilot. A few of the indicators we follow are showing a market that is becoming overextended and may be due for a correction.

As we examine previously released economic data, we know that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for Q4 of 2012 revealed a contraction of (-0.1%). That may not seem like a significant decline, but considering GDP for Q3 came in at a positive 3.1% one can see why some economists are concerned. The decline has been attributed mainly to fiscal cliff concerns late in 2012, a decrease in government spending and slower inventory growth.

Technical indicators, such as a 10-week and 30-week bullish percent of the New York Stock Exchange, have given us cause for concern as well. These indicators reflect the percent of stocks that are trading above their 10-week and 30-week moving average. The current level for both indicators has reached higher levels where markets have historically reversed and started moving lower. These examples are not guarantees the market will begin to move lower, but they are useful in helping investors evaluate investment decisions and manage their portfolios. It may be time to reduce equities and adopt a more conservative allocation in case we do see a market correction.

Angelo Imbrogno is President of
Blue Diamond Wealth Management.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Securities offered through LPL Financial.
Member FINRA/SIPC.

Cathy Marchese is Darien’s Citizen of the Year.

The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held on March 16 at Alpine Banquets. Tickets are $30 each, and can be purchased at Darien City Hall.  For more information please call Mary at 630-353-8102.

The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRUSH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries.  To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the brush neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup week. The chipper can accept brush up to 6″ in diameter.  Please do not tie the brush or put it in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with Veolia Environmental.

All brush needs 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 brush out prior to the scheduled week can take it to the Municipal Services Facility, located at 1041 S. Frontage Road, and place it in the brush dumpster. Brush will be accepted Monday through Friday from 7am–2:30pm. No landscape companies are allowed to dump in the brush dumpsters.

If you have any questions regarding brush pick up, please contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.

2013 Brush Collection Schedule:

April 22 through 26
June 24 through 28
August 26 through 30
October 21 through 25

April, 2013–March, 2014
Refuse Sticker price—32 gallon    $3.17
Optional Cart 64 gallon—Monthly fee    $19.49
Optional Cart 96 gallon—Monthly fee    $23.86

The City of Darien is entering into its third year with Veolia/Advanced Disposal as its refuse hauler.  Each year on April 1 the rates go up according to the contract. Although the rates have changed, the pickup procedures remain the same for 2013–2014. Below is a summary of our garbage services for the coming year:

Waste Hauling/Recycling
Darien uses a sticker system in which residents affix one sticker for each 32/33 gallon garbage can or on a garbage bag and it is picked up on a regularly scheduled garbage day. The weight limit for the garbage is 50 pounds per container. Yard waste can be put in a brown paper bag or put in a garbage can with a permanent “YARD WASTE ONLY” tag affixed to the side. The stickers and tags can be picked up at City Hall.

Garbage Holidays
Our garbage collectors have six holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. On the weeks that the holidays occur, garbage collection will be pushed back one day from the holiday.

Bulk Items
Bulk items are large items that are not included in normal garbage pick-up. Examples of bulk items are sofas, love seats, chairs, and tables. Two stickers must be affixed to each bulk item for it to be removed on your normal garbage pick-up day.

White Goods
White goods include refrigerators, ranges, stoves, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters, another other domestic large appliances. Because these need to be disassembled by hand because of environmentally harmful materials, five stickers are required to be affixed before they will be removed on your regular garbage pick-up day.

Recycling
Recycling is free when put in any receptacle under 35 gallons and marked “Recycling” so the driver can identify it. Bins may be purchased at City Hall for $8 (medium) or $17 (large). Please help keep our neighborhoods clean by placing heavy recyclables on top, which keeps the lighter items from blowing out of the bins and into our yards.  The following are examples of acceptable and unacceptable recycling items:

Electronics Recycling
Illinois law makes it illegal for you to throw your electronics in the garbage. This law seeks to prevent dangerous substances contained in electronics from infiltrating our water supply and soil when they end up in landfills. For places you may recycle electronics in DuPage County please visit: dupageco.org/EDP/Waste_Recycling_and_Energy/1549/ or call City Hall at 630-852-5000

Items Acceptable for recycling
Newspapers
Steel Cans & Tins
Glass Bottles and Jars
Detergent and Fabric Softener Containers
Plastic Buckets
Milk and Juice Jugs
Aluminum Cans

Items not accepted for recycling
Styrofoam
Motor Oil
Insecticide
Items contaminated with food
Pizza Boxes
Tarps
*Plastic Grocery Bags

*Plastic grocery bags can be recycled in many grocery stores. Jewel will accept these grocery bags back for recycling.

The City of Darien requires all contractors performing permitted work within the city become licensed with us. When a contractor becomes licensed with the city they are required to provide contact information, liability insurance and a construction bond. These items are in place to insure that the construction is completed in accordance with our building codes.

Registration allows the City of Darien to better regulate construction activity and contractors working in the city. It also gives the resident an avenue of recourse should the construction not be up to code.

Please call the Building Department at 630-353-8115 when considering construction to determine if the contractor is currently licensed with the City of Darien.

The following information is provided to help guide the residential homeowner on various interior and exterior home remodeling projects.  For more detailed information please contact the building department at 630-353-8115, e-mail mwintermute@darienil.gov, or visit our website at darien.il.us.

Always consult with the building department regarding local building setback requirements, and any items not addressed on this sheet. Please note that all contractors must be licensed with the City of Darien before beginning any work. Please contact the building department to determine if your contractor is licensed.

Permits required:
(Common Examples)

1. New dwelling structures
2. Room additions
3. Garages, attached and detached
4. Alterations where structural elements are affected, i.e.; new openings in foundations, walls, ceilings, roofs, enlarged door and window openings.
5. Re-roofing—tearing off old shingles
6. All new electrical and plumbing installations (in wall work)
7. Fireplaces and solid fuel burning stoves
8. New air conditioning units
9. Sheds
10. Swimming pools—in ground and above ground
11. Patios, including paver brick
12. Decks and porches
13. Fences
14. Driveways—including paver brick
15. New water service
16. Sewer work (in public right of way)
17. Concrete work over 100 sq. ft.
18. Landscaping ponds
19. Landscaping that alters the grade of the property
20. Retaining walls
21. Underground sprinkler systems
22. Wheelchair lifts/Elevators

Permits not required:
(Common Examples)

1. Normal repair and maintenance
2. Roof overlay—limited to a total of two layers of roofing material.
3. Replacement of deteriorated materials.
4. Siding, soffit and fascia
5. Windows and doors—replacing with same size.
6. Superficial remodeling which does not affect structural elements, such as drywall and plaster work.
7. Replacing fixtures
8. Exterior concrete flatwork under 100 sq. ft., such as stoops and service walks.
9. Driveway overlay or sealcoating
10. Simple landscaping that DOES NOT change the grading of the property.

Is your concrete driveway in need of repair?

The City of Darien will be conducting our annual sidewalk, curb and gutter replacement program this summer. In conjunction with this program, we will again be offering homeowners the opportunity to replace their driveway, driveway apron, and depress their driveway curb, at a competitive bid price. If you would be interested in receiving more information on this program please call Mary at 630-353-8102

If you identify a sidewalk in need of repair, please call us at the above telephone number