Due to the traditionally large turnout for the Thanksgiving Day football game between Darien and New Canaan High Schools, the Darien Police Department advises that the following traffic regulations are being put into effect for the area surrounding Darien High School on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24, 2022. — an announcement from Darien Police
Those attending should plan for traffic delays and needing extra time to arrive at this event. All vehicle traffic will enter the DHS campus via Noroton Avenue. High School Ln. and Nutmeg Lane will be closed to incoming vehicle traffic at 7 a.m. Those walking to the event will be permitted to enter at these locations.
Vietnam veteran John Wolcott will be the Grand Marshal in this year’s Darien Memorial Day Parade, the town Monuments and Ceremonies Commission announced.— an announcement from the commissionBorn in Berkeley, California in 1943, John lived in northern California, Peru and Trinidad before attending the University of California, Davis, then Berkeley, collecting bachelor’s and advanced degrees.John entered the army in 1967, achieved the rank of captain, served one year at Fort Carson, Colorado before shipping out to Vietnam, where he served a year and a day at Pleiku in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star.John’s career as a CPA began with Price Waterhouse in the Bay Area for six years. John and his wife, Jane moved to Darien when he was asked to “temporarily” relocate to the New York office.When asked to resume his career in San Francisco, John and Jane demurred, choosing to remain in Darien, believing Darien was the perfect place to raise their two beautiful daughters, Dana and Kristine, a decision they’ve never regretted.John joined a NYC boutique investment firm as SVP/CFO for a decade, before devoting the remainder of his career to private wealth management.Locally, John has served as treasurer and on the boards of both the Middlesex Club and Country Club of Darien, and is a former president of the Darien Mens Association.John was recently elected to the Town Board of Finance.John and Jane love watching their four grandchildren grow up (and their daughters and sons-in-law managing that effort,) travel, theatre, museums, music, reading, suffer as faithful Cal and 49er fans, and play duplicate bridge.John will ride at the head of the Parade, which will commence at 10:00AM, starting from Goodwives Shopping Center, marching up the Post Road to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery, where our traditional Commemoration Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces will take place at 11:15.Any organization looking for information regarding the parade should email the parade committee at: 06820mayparade@gmail.com
Gather your Easter baskets and come out for an Easter egg hunt on the front lawn of the Darien Community Association Friday morning, April 15. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association
This longstanding community tradition is a fun way for children to get into the spirit of the holiday. Please come early, as the egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp and takes only a few minutes. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny makes this a wonderful morning. Due to safety and parking constraints, advance registration and prepayment is required, and limited to the first 100 registrants/vehicles.
You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a gift bag, complete with a hand-made tag, from The Darien Community Association. — an announcement from the DCA
Created by Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events, the DCA describes it as “A real delight for all — treat yourself, share with your family or bring as a gift to friends.” Each gift bag will hold an afternoon tea box, signature cocktail mix, sparkling water and a small posy of flowers. (The cocktail mix would also work with sparkling wine, not included.)
The afternoon tea box (perfect for one person) will contain a savory bite, tea sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes pastries and sweet treats. Orders will be available for drive-by pick up only from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Friday, Feb.
Metro-North once again will have extra trains traveling to New York City for New Year’s Eve revelers, the railroad announced. Rules to Remember
Two rules to especially remember, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announcement:
—”Masks covering your nose and mouth are required on all Metro-North trains, in all stations and at Grand Central Terminal.” —”Alcohol is not permitted on Metro-North trains from 12 p.m. [noon] Friday, Dec 31 through 12 p.m. [noon] Saturday, Jan. 1.” “We strongly suggest you skip the ticket machine line by using MTA eTix on your iPhone or Android,” the announcement said.
Want to celebrate the start of 2022? Darien Library invites you and your kids (ages 3 and up) to host your own “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration at home during this holiday season! — an announcement from Darien Library [with a bit more info from Darienite.com within brackets]
Though Darien Library won’t be offering an in-person program [or an online program, it appears], you can sign up [there were six spots available as of early Sunday evening] to receive one of our NYE kits that you can use to enjoy your own stellar celebration with your family. Caregivers, please note confetti will be included in these joyous kits. Participants can pick up their activity kit from the Children’s Library starting on Wednesday, Dec.
Each child in the STAR Rubino Family Center, an early intervention pediatric therapy program in Norwalk, will receive a handmade card with a cheerful holiday note along with a book to enjoy during the holidays, thanks to a project spearheaded by Amanda King Heavey and her son, Will. — an announcement from STAR Inc., Lighting the Way
Heavey, a STAR board member and New Canaan resident, and Will, a student at East School in New Canaan, were joined by students in Grades K-4, the Community Service committee of volunteer parents, the PTC board, and Principal Mrs.Woleck came together to give the holiday gifts. Along with the gifts to individual children, the project is also providing a specially curated selection of books that address age appropriate understanding of unique abilities, inclusion, diversity, and kindness will be shared at the school and donated to STAR Rubino Family Center lending library. Through STAR Rubino Family Center, STAR provides a multi-lingual program for children experiencing, or at risk of, developmental delays. This program, generously supported in part by The New Canaan Community Foundation and The Community Fund of Darien and other generous grants, offers services from birth through age eight.
The Darien Department of Public Works will conduct its annual Christmas tree pick-up program according to the following schedule:
[Not sure where your street is on this table? Here’s a Google map (just zoom in with the plus sign).]
THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
· Christmas Trees must be at the curb by the first morning of the scheduled pick-up. · Christmas Tree pick-up is conducted on public streets only. · Residents are asked to refer to a Town map to determine their designated area for schedule. · The schedule has been rotated from last year.
Darien native Dan Micciche, current musical director for Wicked on Broadway, is bringing Broadway to Darien on Dec. 19 with a concert at Noroton Presbyterian Church. Broadway performers from The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hamilton, and Disney’s Frozen, alongside members of the NPC Chamber Choir and Orchestra, will perform holiday favorites. The free concert, performed with COVID-19 safety protocols, will be open to the public and livestreamed on the homepage of Noroton Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m., on Sunday, Dec, 19. — an announcement from Noroton Presbyterian Church
“We could all use some joy this Christmas season and this concert will certainly do just that,” Micciche said.
Start off the winter holiday season with an online tour of magnificently decorated conservatories and mansions. Garden designer Jana Milbocker returns to lead a tour of the beautifully lit scenery at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania; Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Delaware; Blithewold in Rhode Island; Heritage Museums and Gardens in Massachusetts; and more. — an announcement from Darien Library
No scarves or mittens required — enjoy these sights from the comfort of your own home. This virtual event will start at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 7.
The Corbin District is teaming up with The Darien Chamber of Commerce to spread the joy of the holiday season again this year to support our local retailers. 2021 continues to be a difficult time for our local businesses and it is important to support our local shops. — an announcement from the Darien Chamber of Commerce and The Corbin District
We have so many amazing businesses here in Darien, many of which are locally owned and operated, with incredible service and high quality and unique offerings. This Instagram/social media initiative between The Corbin District and The Darien Chamber of Commerce will enable us to support our community businesses and at the same time thank residents and visitors who choose to shop locally. Welcome back, #Darientogether!
Ready to start your holiday shopping? The Rowayton Gardeners is online now with their second “Virtually Yours” online store. More than 175 items will be offered for sale, including festive gifts and unique ornaments, fresh bundled greens and our designer-quality wreaths are ready for purchase online now and through Sunday, Nov. 28. — an announcement from The Rowayton Gardeners club
YWCA of Darien/Norwalk’s annual Dazzling December shopping event, a fun and festive evening celebrating the upcoming holiday season, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9 at Everything is Rosey in Darien. — an announcement from the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk
Everything is Rosey at 1072 Post Road in Darien offers a wide array of colorful apparel, resort wear and unique holiday gifts. Light hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine tastings will be served by local Scout & Cellar representative Sally Betz. Several gift baskets will be raffled off throughout the evening.
Some advice on keeping your Thanksgiving food healthy — information passed on by Mindy Chambrelli, a registered sanitarian at Darien Health Department:
Last year, more than 46 million turkeys were carved and eaten at Thanksgiving. Turkey is typically accompanied by a host of side dishes and desserts, making the Thanksgiving meal by far one of the largest meals most people will cook all year. Please do so safely and remember NO need to wash the bird, place it directly into the roasting pan! Fresh or Frozen? Fresh Turkeys
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person. Buy your turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it.
A record-breaking 300 canned and dry goods were collected for Person-to-Person’s pantry at the recent “Thanksgiving Sing” at the Methodist Family Center Preschool. — an announcement from the Methodist Family Center Preschool
On a bright and unseasonably warm November morning, the MFCP welcomed the school’s families to the Thanksgiving Sing, a cherished annual tradition that had been canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The ‘Sing’ as it is affectionately called, concluded a month-long food drive in partnership with Person to Person’s Darien Pantry and their mobile food pantry, P2P On Wheels. Children ages 3 to 5 began the Sing by bringing their food donations and placing them in a basket. “Listening to the children sing reminds us of how blessed we are to come together on a gorgeous day with the sole purpose of being thankful,” said MFCP Director Laurie Anderson.
Celebrate the holidays by bringing joy to a struggling family or senior. You can do it through the Darien Human Services Department’s holiday gift-giving program. — an announcement from the Darien Human Services Department
Families range in size from two to six people. Due to COVID-19, we are asking for donations of gift cards (you will receive suggestions to make things more personalized). Drop off the gift cards in our office and your “adopted” family or senior will pick them up from us.
