Maritime Aquarium
Avalon Bunge Marine Life Encounter Cruises

Get to Know Long Island Sound: Maritime Aquarium’s ‘Marine Life Encounter’ Cruises Start in May

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Get a deeper new appreciation for Long Island Sound when you meet some of its resident fish, crabs and other creatures, brought up wriggling and wet right out of the water right before your eyes, during a Marine Life Encounter Cruise offered by The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. — an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

These fun and memorable outings will be offered on most Saturdays and Sundays in May and June, with departures at 1:15 p.m. (There is no cruise on May 11.) Beginning June 25, 2019 they’ll run daily Tuesdays through Sundays through the summer. The 2.5-hour cruises give participants close-up, often hands-on introductions to a variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other animals brought up onto the Aquarium’s research vessel. “Any boat ride is fun, but the Aquarium’s cruises offer the exciting bonus of giving participants an amazing window into what’s below the waves,” said Aquarium spokesman Dave Sigworth. The Marine Life Encounter Cruises bring up animals from different levels of the Sound’s depths.

Beyond Darien

Do Something Crazy and Fun This Weekend: Drive to 17 Indie Bookstores Around This Beautiful State

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The first thing you should know is that (1) this is more fun than a written description can relay. If you do this, you will remember for the rest of your life just how beautiful Connecticut is, especially when you leave the highway. Prepare to be charmed. The second, third and fourth things you should know are that if you participate in the Passport event for Independent Bookstore “Day” this weekend, April 27 and 28, (2) you’d better not mind being in a car for most of the day Saturday and Sunday, because you’ll be traveling to 17 bookstores around the state; (3) you’ll find it more fun if you love books, because 20%-off coupons at these bookstores are the direct reward; and

(4) plan your trip beforehand and expect to arrive at your first bookstore of each day when it opens, because you’re going to be tempted to linger in a charming store and then in its beautiful neighborhood — and find yourself racing to complete the trip late on Sunday afternoon, before your last bookstore closes. (Lucky you: Your Darienite.com editor took this trek last year, and we’ve got tips for you.)

You don’t actually have time to shop at these bookstores — just visit them, get a gander at the place and leave for your next stop.

Community Organizations
Darien Nature Center Down on the Farm raffle 2019

Darien Nature Center Raffle Features Cool Prizes for Kids or Adults

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The Darien Nature Center is selling raffle tickets in advance of its annual “Down on the Farm” celebration. Participants have the opportunity to choose which of the following four prizes they would like to win: a night out in Darien, a custom lemonade stand, a marble sculpture, and a Nature Center birthday party! — an announcement from Darien Nature Center

Night out in Darien is for eight people and begins with a private tasting at Sipstirs followed by a four-course dinner at The Charles, the Darien Butcher Shop’s pop-up restaurant. The Shop says it is “Darien’s most unique dining experience,” with a menu crafted by Chef Peter Crawford using the highest quality meat, poultry, fish and in-season vegetables. The evening is valued at $1,500.

Parents & Kids
Tilley Pond Model Boat Regatta announcement 2019

Tilley Pond Model Boat Regatta Sails in on Saturday, May 4

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The Darien Youth Commission invites you to its 27th Annual Tilley Pond Model Boat Regatta on Saturday, May 4.  (There is no rain date scheduled for this activity). — an announcement from the Darien Youth Commission

Registration is scheduled to start at noon, non-racing judging will take place from 12:30 – 1:00, and the races will begin shortly after 1:00. (Again this year, there will be two races:  Heat #1, for all home-made models; Heat #2, for all of the Youth Commission Pinewood Boat kit entries will take place immediately following Heat #1.)

There will be ample opportunity for EVERYONE in the family to enjoy the event.  We are again including the support and involvement of the Darien Sail & Power Squadron. In addition, refreshments will be available from the famed Uncle’s Deli Hot Dog Cart; the Depot will be doing face painting & tattooing; the Kiwanis Club is again sponsoring the musical entertainment, and Georgie the Clown will be on hand passing out balloons thanks to the generous support of the Darien Parks & Recreation Department! (REMINDER:  BALLOONS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BE ATTACHED TO ANY BOAT RACING.)

There is a $4 boat entry fee and all are welcome to participate!  Kids are encouraged to bring their own homemade vessels.

Arts & Entertainment
William McCarthy's Morning Sunrise painting

‘Atmospheric Landscapes’ Painting Class — 12 Hours Long, Over Two Days at Rowayton Arts Center

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Will McCarthy will be teaching a workshop, “Atmospheric Landscapes” at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) during the weekend of April 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center

Back by popular demand, this workshop will inspire your imagination and loosen up your flow. William McCarthy engages the artist by sharing the techniques that enable him to paint from his imagination and achieve an atmospheric style that captures, in essence, the beauty and the emotion of the landscape. The day will begin with a lecture and demonstration and launches into a full day of painting and interaction. The second day will consist of starting new works as well as finishing up the previous day’s work, adjusting tone and adding detail bringing out the best in each image. Both oil and acrylic painters are welcome.  The concepts taught are applicable to all.  However, if you paint in acrylics, be sure to bring your own paints.

Dance
Belle's Adventures ballet DAC

Childrens Ballet, ‘Belle’s Adventures’ at Darien Arts Center, April 6 and 7

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Darien Arts Center students and members of the DAC performance company will present Belle’s Adventures, a new original children’s ballet, on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Performances take place at 12 noon and 3 p.m. in the DAC Weatherstone Studio at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Belle’s Adventures is geared toward a younger audience. It is an ideal way for those interested in learning how to dance, to see one of many DAC performance opportunities provided for dance students. All ages are welcome to attend, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $15 for the show, which runs for approximately one hour.

Darien Library
Darien Library teen talent competition

Talent Competition for Teens April 6 at Darien Library

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Teens are invited to participate in an after-hours talent competition at Darien Library. Friends and family members of performers are welcome to attend the event from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 6. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

— an announcement from Darien Library

A $200 first place prize, $100 second place prize, and $50 third place prize will be offered to the best acts, chosen by a panel of guest judges. Rehearsals will begin at 5:30 p.m. the day of the event. Be in the Show
If you are interested in being an act register online or contact Teen Services Librarian Mia Orobona at MOrobona@DarienLibrary.org.

Maritime Aquarium
Iron Man Marvel Comics

On a Break from Saving the Planet, Marvel Comics Heroes Visit Aquarium Saturday, March 9

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On the day after the nationwide release of the “Captain Marvel” movie, meet Marvel Comics characters Iron Man, Spider-Man, Black Panther and Captain America in special live appearances on Saturday, March 9 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. “What a thrill to welcome four of the greatest superheroes, all in one place, all at one time,” said Aquarium spokesman Dave Sigworth. “The Maritime Aquarium will be the safest place in America on March 9!”

— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

The visiting superheroes will be the officially licensed costume characters of Marvel Comics. There’s no show or presentation, just the chance for Aquarium guests to pose for photos with these popular legends between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., save for occasional staggered breaks. (Even superheroes like to sit down sometimes.)

The appearances are free with Aquarium admission.

Arts & Entertainment
Arts and Sciences Festival 2019 Square image thumbnail

Darien Youth Commission’s Community Festival of Arts and Sciences Coming Saturday, March 2

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Darien’s Community Festival of the Arts has expanded into a festival of the arts and sciences, this year — and it’s coming (at the speed of light from a far corner of the galaxy, but you knew that) Saturday, March 2. The festival includes professional face painters, caricaturists, science experiments, dance presentations, crafts and more. — an announcement from the Darien Youth Commission

The  annual even takes place from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 2 in the Gymnasium at Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road. The long-standing, fun, free community event is organized by the Darien Youth Commission. For families hoping to make a full day of the fun and entertainment, join us for the BUBBLEMANIA show (featuring Casey Carle) in the Town Hall Auditorium at 12:15 p.m. (Admission to this show is $4 per person, payable at the door; doors open at 12 noon.)

Event participants include Darien Dance Center; STEM Venture Unit of Darien; Pie in the Sky; The Depot; Mad Science; Darien Visual Arts Center; Pollinator Pathways; Darien Advisory Committee on Sustainability; the Darien Youth Commission

For additional information regarding all Youth Commission activities, email asillars@darienct.gov or call 203-656-7388.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Kids in Crisis

Country Band, Southern Barbecue, Wine Auction Featured at Kids in Crisis Spring Fundraiser March 1

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One of New York City’s premeir country bands, CC & the Boys, will perform at the annual Kids In Crisis Spring Fling, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, on Friday, March 1 at Greenwich Country Club. The shindig, Spring Fling: Back to our Boots, Commemorating 40 Years also features a wine auction, boot stompin’ entertainment and a unique Southern barbecue menu designed especially for the event by Chef Phil Iannuccilli. All proceeds raised will help fund the award-winning shelter, counseling and community-based programs provided by Kids In Crisis. The theme for year’s fundraiser, Back to Our Boots, commemorates 40 years of helping more than 148,000 children and families throughout Fairfield County to confront crisis and have brighter tomorrows. “This year’s incredible committee chose a theme with a familiar ring, bringing us back to our roots and back to our boots,” said Shari Shapiro, executive director of Kids In Crisis.

Holidays
Elves Holiday Magic 2018

REMINDER: Santa Comes to Grove Street Plaza at ‘Holiday Magic’ Event TONIGHT, Dec 1

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On Saturday, Dec. 1, Santa will arrive at Grove Street Plaza and come down the chimney to visit with children. Families can be entertained while waiting for his arrival with Rides on the Giant Animals — Lucy the Polar Bear and Rudy the Reindeer, Carolers from Darien High School will entertain all and there will be hot cocoa. — an announcement from the Darien Chamber of Commerce

Rides on the animals begin at 4 p.m., carolers start at 4:15, Santa arrives at about 4:45 p.m. depending on the wind currents in the air. Remember to bring your camera!

Darien Library
Puzzle movie poster

Darien Library Friday Night Feature: ‘Puzzle’ at 6:30 and 8:30 PM

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Darien Library’s Friday Night Feature is “Puzzle,” a 2018 drama much praised by critics. The library will have two showings: 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. and from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m.

From Darien Library’s announcement:

“After years of concerning herself exclusively with the needs and wants of her husband and sons, Agnes has found something that she wants to do: puzzling. “Stepping out of her domestic bubble to pursue her new hobby, Agnes meets Robert, a wealthy, reclusive inventor who recruits her as his partner for an upcoming world jigsaw tournament. “Each day she spends out in the world takes Agnes further along on the road to a new understanding of herself. “(2018) Kelly Macdonald, Austin Abrams, Mandela Bellamy, Myrna Cabello Rated R for language ; 103 minutes; Presented with captions for the hearing impaired.”

Healthy Living
Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle in New Canaan Nature Center 2018

Join the Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle on Saturday Morning at the New Canaan Nature Center

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Grab the entire family (and any lingering holiday visitors too!) and head on down to the New Canaan Nature Center to join the NCNC naturalists for a healthy, invigorating trail trek to work off that holiday meal. As an extra Thanksgiving bonus, after our hike, you’ll also get to enjoy a FREE behind the scenes tour of our animal care facilities and Birds of Prey Exhibit — our way of saying “thank you” to the community. See also — another walk in the woods:

Take a Walk on Saturday Through Selleck’s and Dunlap Nature Preserve with Darien Land Trust Members

If You’re Going … Naturalist-led Trail Treks depart the Sugar Shack at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Holidays
Stamford Downtown Parade poster top part

Giant Balloons and More on Sunday at the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

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A bicycle stunt team, dance troupes, floats, 11 award-winning bands and, of course, 14 colossal helium ballonsPlease join us at the 2o18 Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular starting at 12 noon on Sunday, Nov. 18. The festivities start the day before, from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Giant Balloon Inflation Party at the intersection of Hoyt and Summer Streets in Stamford where you can watch the drama of giant helium balloons coming to life. The party will have live music, clowns, cartoon characters and a meet-and-greet with Santa. 

The following is part of the announcement from the Stamford Downtown Special Services District: 

The parade promises to be the highlight of the holiday season starring Perfection on Wheels – Bicycle Stunt Team! The Master of Ceremonies for the parade will be Television Personality Alan Kalter.

Education
Theatre 308 2018 Our Town third pic

Theatre 308’s ‘Our Town’ Thursday Performance Postponed to 2 PM Saturday

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Due to the weather and the school district decision to cancel after-school and evening activities, the Thursday evening Theatre 308 performance of Our Town has been rescheduled for this Saturday, Nov.17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets purchased for Thursday will be honored for the 2 p.m. Saturday show. Separately, the play is being performed Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

— an announcement from Darien High School

There are a limited number of additional seats available for this performance.  They can be purchased on SeatYourself.com/theatre308. As a reminder,  please note that late seating is not possible due to the onstage seating arrangement for this production. About Theatre 308’s Show
Republished (with new photos and updates on show times) from Darienite on Nov. 6:

Darien High School Theatre 308 would like to invite you to their production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder.