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Darien Nature Center to Create Forest and Pond Exhibit with $50K Grant from Darien Foundation

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The Darien Nature Center will be getting a major upgrade to its Animal Exhibit Room, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Darien Foundation. The Nature Center says it will create a New England Forest and Pond Ecosystem exhibit that will showcase native turtle species in their habitat along with other pond wildlife. — an announcement from Darien Nature Center

“We are so grateful for the Darien Foundation’s endorsement of our plans to bring the fascinating world of a typical New England pond to life,” said Nature Center Executive Director Leila Wetmore. “Our turtle tanks are the most popular elements of our Animal Room and we’ve been wanting to enhance them for a while now for the benefit of both the animals and our visitors.”

Plans for the 50-square foot ecosystem project include multiple viewing angles, including a window into the underwater area of the pond where visitors will have the opportunity to see from a turtle or fish’s perspective. There will be an illuminated cascading waterfall for ambiance and natural aeration of the pond.

Darien TV79 Using Better Cameras, Equipment After $25K Gift from Darien Foundation

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Darien TV79 has a new, improved look thanks to a generous donation from the Darien Foundation. — an announcement from Darien TV79

The Darien Foundation’s $25,000 grant was used this summer to install new high-definition TV cameras and switching equipment for TV79’s airing of meetings in Room 206 of Town Hall. The grant also covered the cost of new wiring, monitors and associated gear in a project that lasted several months, though meeting coverage continued without interruption. “We are so pleased to be able to support the continuing work of Darien TV79 in bringing Town government to Darien residents,” said Darien Foundation Executive Director Sarah Woodberry. “Darien has much to be proud of in the transparency of its government thanks to Darien TV79’s efforts and The Darien Foundation is happy to contribute to the operation”.

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Darien Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser, ‘Rock the Yacht’ Coming April 2019

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The Darien Foundation has announced that its’ annual fundraiser, Rock the Yacht, will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Tokeneke Club. Similar to last year’s event, which drew nearly 400 guests, the evening will feature music inspired by Yacht Rock. “The 2018 benefit was such a great success that we are going to “Rock the Yacht” again in 2019 — it’s going to be amazing!” said Byrne Pozzi, event chair. The benefit will feature beachside cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner with gourmet food stations, and sweeping views across the sound. “We’re planning a fantastic night of fun to bring people together and spread the word about The Darien Foundation’s mission,” Pozzi said.

Pondless Waterfall DCA Bird Sanctuary

Improvements Underway at DCA’s Four-Acre Bird Sanctuary

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Darien Community Association is making improvements in its four-acre bird sanctuary on Middlesex Road, with help from a $18,500 grant from the Darien Foundation. These include a pondless waterfall for the birds and butterflies, as well as additional trees, benches and equipment. — an announcement from the Darien Foundation

This second round of grant funding will improve the sanctuary’s ability to attract birds via the availability of cascading water (now installed), and the new trees will provide additional cover and food. After planning, consultation with experts and with funding from the DCA Board of Directors, DCA volunteers launched work on the bird sanctuary in 2011: clearing invasive plants, establishing walking trails, and planting native bushes attractive to bees and butterflies. The goal was to build a successful, authentic bird sanctuary and native plant garden, with shelter, food, water and nesting sites for birds — so that the DCA could play a part in helping to restore native plant and declining bird populations, while also providing the community a beautiful open space as well as an opportunity for wildlife and conservation education.

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You Can Watch Darien’s Memorial Day Parade Live, Online, This Monday or On Demand

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DAF Media will live stream this year’s Darien Memorial Day Parade, the first time the parade has been broadcast live in its entirety. You’ll also be able to see it later, on-demand. DAF Media, a joint venture between the Darien Athletic Foundation and the Darien Foundation, will station three cameras near the end of the parade route between Nielsen’s Florist and the Darien Library, close to the official viewing stand. — an announcement from the Darien Foundation

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson will be among the guests interviewed. Four Darien high school students will operate the cameras and computer technology, overseen by Damian Andrew, a veteran TV anchor and DAF media director of video production.

Tokeneke Club from Darien Foundation 2018

The Darien Foundation Celebrates 20 Years with Yacht Rock Gala

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The Darien Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization that provides grants for technology and capital initiatives throughout Darien, will celebrate its 20th year with a gala and fundraiser at the Tokeneke Club, on Saturday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m.

“An Evening of Yacht Rock” will serve up nautically-themed cocktails and boat drinks, a gourmet dinner of food stations including a raw bar, lobster sliders, and plenty of landlubber favorites, as well as a dance party to the sounds of Three Sheets to the Wind: America’s Number One Tribute to Yacht Rock. — an announcement from the Darien Foundation

“Yacht Rock has brought back AM gold and smooth-sailing soft rock of the 70s and 80s as a genre—everything from ‘Do You Like Piña Coladas’ to the Love Boat theme song,” said Kristin Edwards, The Darien Foundation Board’s fundraising chair. “There are Yacht Rock channels now on Sirus XM and Spotify.”

The fundraiser also will host a live auction, with packages including premium floor seats at Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour stop at the Meadowlands, a private sailing cruise for 10 on an actual America’s Cup racing yacht, a tequila party at Bodega Taco Bar, and a golf and wine-tasting weekend in the Hamptons. Tickets are $200 a person ($100 is tax-deductible) and all proceeds support the Darien Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. More information and tickets are available at darienfoundation.org.

DAF Media from Youtube page

Darien Athletic Foundation and Darien Foundation to Jointly Run, Fund DAF Media

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The Darien Athletic Foundation and The Darien Foundation have announced that they have agreed to a joint venture on the leadership and funding of DAF Media, a local live-streaming high-definition video network. Sarah Woodberry, Executive Director of The Darien Foundation said, “We are excited to join forces on this venture to provide rewarding opportunities to the youth of Darien while producing a worthwhile product for our entire community”. DAF Media broadcasts are produced by a volunteer staff of local youths and adults who learn to use broadcast cameras, computers, software, microphones, mixers, and lights plus all of the less-technical aspects like logistical planning that go into producing high-quality live broadcasts. Broadcast events include arts, athletics, and community events. “We are thrilled to have The Darien Foundation joining forces with us on the DAF Media initiative” added Bruce Ferguson a Darien Athletic Foundation board member who will chair the committee that steers the joint venture.