Charity Events and Opportunities
Darien Road Race Runners

Police: Here’s Where Drivers Need to Wait or Detour Around for the Darien Road Race on Sunday

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Drivers can expect delays on the roads used by the annual Darien Road Race Sunday morning, Sept. 21, starting at around 9 a.m., Darien police say. The race, with about 500 participants, will start at Pear Tree Point Beach. Impacted roads will be Pear Tree Point Road, Long Neck Point Road, Goodwives River Road, Sunswyck Road, Tory Hole Road, Delafield Island Road, Red Coat Pass, Old Kings Highway South, Locust Hill Road and Andrews Drive. Motorists and residents of the area are advised to expect short-term delays and detours along the race route.

Talking Transportation 2025
Motor scooter two kids Denmark

Parents: New E-Bike Safety Laws Coming Oct 1 in CT (But Will They Be Enforced?)

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As if our roads weren’t dangerous enough already, there’s a new generation of “micro-mobility” silently swishing around our streets for us to worry about:  electric scooters and skateboards. The scooters (at a cost of about $1,400) can go 30 mph. The skateboards (about $700) top out at 32 mph. But following simple instructions on the web, the speed governor can be disabled allowing even faster speeds — up to 60 mph. That modification is illegal in Connecticut.

Darien Depot
Bike and Scooter Safety Course The Depot

Register Now: The Depot Offers 90-Minute Bike and Scooter Safety Course for Middle Schoolers

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The Depot youth center is offering a 90-minute safety course for middle school students. It includes both classroom learning and an outdoor obstacle course where students can practice what they’ve learned. — an announcement from The Depot

The class teaches essentials for sharing the road, including safety skills for pedestrians, bikers, e-bikers, and e-scooters, through both classroom learning and an outdoor obstacle course where students can practice what they’ve learned. If You’re Signing Up … Cost: $50 per student — includes bike helmet (for the first 100 attendees), bike reflectors, and other safety gear to keep your child visible and protected on the road.

Suicide Prevention 2025
Hands reaching for each other suicide prevention hotline 988

CT’s 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, Started in 2022, Says Statistics Reveal Its Success

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Yesterday, Sept. 8, was “988 Day,” a date when suicide prevention groups publicize their three-digit hotlines for troubled people to get help with serious emotional distress of various types, including suicidal thoughts. Since the 9-8-8 calling number was made available in the state in 2022, United Way has operated it, and on this year’s 988 Day, it’s boasting about its successes. — This article is based on a news release from United Way of Connecticut. Statistics have been put in boldface.

Environment

Last Household Hazardous Waste Event This Year Accepting Darien Waste: Saturday, Sept 27 in New Canaan

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The last Household Hazardous Waste Day of the year for towns that will accept HHW from Darien residents is three weeks away — on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in New Canaan, at that town’s Wastewater Plant, 394 Main Street. — an announcement from the New Canaan Public Works Department (with additional information from Darien, as noted)

Please have drivers license or registration readily available No commercial (business) loads accepted. What is household hazardous waste? 

Household hazardous waste can be any improperly discarded product that can be classified as toxic (poisonous), corrosive, flammable or reactive (explosive). Such products can be found in most homes, garages or workshops and when improperly disposed of can poison people and animals and pollute the home and natural environments.

Healthy Living
Medicine Healthcare Ambulance Emergency Doctor

How to Prepare for Elderly Health Problems: A Presentation Wednesday at Darien Library

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At Home in Darien invite you to join Linda Ziac, owner and founder of The Caregiver Resource Center will guide us on how to prepare for when the unexpected happens. An hourlong presentation will take place Wednesday evening at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Are you prepared if you suddenly are faced with the unexpected? You experience a medical situation that lands you in the ER. An ER doctor tells you you’re being admitted to the hospital.

Healthy Living
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Typhoid_inoculation2.jpg

MONDAY NIGHT: Movie, Followed by Discussion, at Darien Library About Latest Innovations in Promoting Patient Safety

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Darien Library is showing “The Pitch: Patient Safety’s Next Generation,” tonight, Monday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. The 60-minute movie about the latest developments in safety for patients, will be followed by an hour-long discussion. — an announcement from Darien Library

Following the film, stay for a conversation with two local leaders advancing the innovations highlighted in “The Pitch.” Dr. Suzanne J. Rose and John DeMaio of Stamford Health will discuss how simulation, research, and cutting-edge training are transforming patient safety in our community and beyond. The film and discussion are being presented in honor of Healthcare Simulation Week.

Healthy Living
Technology AI A.I. and teens SQUARE

Presentation: When Teens Turn to AI for Advice — What Parents and Other Adults Need to Know

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A therapy center in Cos Cob will host a free seminar next week on hidden risks and potential benefits of adolescents and young adults turning to AI companions and chatbots for emotional support. — an announcement from the Growth & Resilience Group

The Growth & Resilience Group seminar, “When Teens Turn to AI for Advice: What Parents Need to Know,” is an hour-long interactive session to help attendees:
• Understand why teens are drawn to AI companions and what needs these tools appear to meet. • Explore the hidden risks: misinformation, unhealthy attachments, privacy concerns, and distorted development. • Hear about the possible benefits of AI for learning, creativity, and safe exploration — and how to encourage healthy use. • Learn practical questions and conversation starters to use with your child.

Healthy Living
Teenage driver

When Your Kid Takes a Car to College: Tips for Parents and Students

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With college move-in day around the corner, many students are packing all the clothes, personal items and dorm supplies they need. But what about a car? AAA Northeast is reminding parents that a vehicle safety check should also be top-of-mind if their college student is bringing a car to campus. — an announcement from AAA Northeast
“While college is an exciting time for many students, being away from home, making new friends and studying for exams may also bring stress. Ensuring their cars are in tip-top shape should give students one less thing to worry about,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast.

Education
Measles vaccination shot 2433

Back-to-School Health and Safety Checklist from Darien Health Department

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As students across our community prepare to return to school, the Darien Health Department would like to share these important health and safety reminders to help ensure a smooth and healthy start to the school year:

— an announcement (slightly edited) from Darien Health Department (in the latest Town of Darien newsletter)
Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
Routine immunizations protect children from serious but preventable diseases. Please check with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure all required vaccines are current before the first day of school. Schedule Health Checkups
Annual physicals, vision, and hearing screenings are all key components of a child’s overall well-being and academic success. Don’t forget dental visits — oral health plays a major role in overall health. Practice Healthy Habits
Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick, help reduce the spread of illness in schools
Support Mental and Emotional Wellness
Back-to-school transitions can bring anxiety or stress for some students.

Healthy Living
Darien Farmers Market

Darien Farmer’s Market Returns This Wednesday, June 11, from 10 AM to 2 PM

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The Darien Farmers Market will return to Old Kings Highway Market, 25 Old Kings Hwy. North on Wednesday, June 11, and the Wednesdays after that from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.•

The announcement in Friday’s Town of Darien Newsletter didn’t say when the farmer’s market will end this year, but it usually ends just before Thanksgiving. Vendors:
• Badass Bagels (Westport): sourdough bagels

• Cano Coffee: fresh coffee and coffee beans for brewing

• Doc Pickle: assorted pickled vegetables

• Fifth State Distillery (Bridgeport) will attend on the last Wednesday of every month. Handcrafted small batch spirits

• Gazy Brothers Farm (Oxford): vegetables, herbs, flowers, and plants

• Newgate Farm (Windsor): small fruits and berries, greenhouse, cut flowers, and baked goods

• Grumpy Dumpling Company (Norwalk) organic meat and veggie dumplings

• Ox Hollow Farm (Roxbury): hormone and antibiotic-free, pasture-raised Angus beef, pork, and poultry

• Riverbank Farm (Roxbury): certified organic vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers, vegetarian prepared foods, and seedlings

• Smith’s Acres (Niantic)

• Wave Hill Bread (Norwalk): Artisanal breads and pastries, made with organic and whole grain ingredients

• Woodland Farm (South Glastonbury): Apples, pears, berries, and other seasonal fruit

Darien Police Autism Awareness patch 2025

Patches on Police Shoulders and Cars This April Honor Autism Awareness Day, Month

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The multicolored patches you can see sported on Darien police officers’ shoulders and on their vehicles are there to again honor World Autism Day and Month. “We are committed to raising awareness and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum,” a post on the department’s Facebook page announced. on Wednesday, April 2, World Autism day. “Let’s spread kindness and understanding in our community.”  

Talks-Panel Discussions-Presentations-Workshops
Boxes Moving Decluttering

Upgrade Your Spring Cleaning With These Three Talks at Darien Library, All Related to Downsizing

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Darien Library is offering three talks related to downsizing on the first three Tuesday evenings in April, the library says, “from tips and tricks for decluttering, to getting the right prize for your property, to deciding where to go next.” — an announcement from Darien Library

Each talk is free, each requires registration and takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. There’s no guarantee you’ll save money, time or your sanity from the advice being offered, but your chances may improve. While on the same general subject, the talks are independent of each other, so you won’t miss anything in the talk or talks you’re attending if you just go to one or two,
Downsizing: What’s My Stuff Worth? Have you ever wondered what your antiques, collectibles, or household items are really worth? In this engaging presentation, a professional auctioneer will demystify the valuation process, explain what determines an item’s value, and share tips on identifying hidden treasures.

Churches
Noroton Presbyterian Therapy Center

Noroton Presbyterian Church Opens a Mental Health Therapy Center for Religious and Nonreligious Clients

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Noroton Presbyterian Church (NPC) has officially opened the Noroton Presbyterian Therapy Center (NPTC) in Darien, with two full-time therapists to serve the community and provide accessible clinical care. — an announcement from Noroton Presbyterian Church
Noroton Presbyterian Therapy Center was born after the pandemic when rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide surged in our community and the world at large, and many were unable to access mental health services due to the increased demand. Recognizing the critical need for additional, accessible mental health resources in our community and surrounding communities, some generous NPC members felt compelled to respond and turn their vision into reality; thus, NPTC was born. NPTC is committed to serving individuals at any stage of their faith journey, from those who may not believe to those with a strong faith foundation. Our therapists offer a flexible approach to treatment, working with clients to provide care that aligns with their preferences — whether from a secular perspective or one that incorporates faith-based principles.

Healthy Living
Rachel Dorset yoga instructor

Yoga Classes Now Offered at United Church of Rowayton, Twice a Month, Tuesdays at Noon

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The United Church of Rowayton will soon start offering yoga classes, accessible for all levels and “donation-based” instead of a fee. Registration is not required — just show up. — an announcement from the United Church of Rowayton

The focus will be on breathing, balance, and gentle full-body exercises. Participants will learn standing poses for strength, using a chair for balance. Classes will begin and end with a time for meditation and centering.