The Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission invites you to the annual Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Day Dedication Ceremony in the Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 30. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Goodwives Shopping Center following the Post Road to Spring Grove Cemetery. The Memorial Day Dedication is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., however precise timing is dependent upon the parade’s progress; the ceremony is scheduled to last about 35 minutes. Darien EMS Post 53 Memorial Day Food Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tilly Pond Park. The annual event features food trucks, silent auction, arts and crafts, games for the whole family, and ambulance tours.
Aquarion 2022
Use a Sprinkler in Darien? There’s a Mandatory Regulation for That
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Aquarion Water Company on Wednesday announced the start of the 2022 mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedule. — an announcement from Aquarion Water Company
The schedule applies to customers in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Stamford, Westport and now Fairfield. That town was part of a voluntary schedule last year, and has been added to the mandatory irrigation schedule for 2022. The schedule helps to conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum two days per week schedule. The conservation program helps to ensure local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection.
Alan McIntyre
Darienite Alan McIntyre Honored for Service as Stamford Symphony Board of Trustees Chairman
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Alan McIntyre of Darien was honored Saturday at The Palace Theatre in Stamford for his service to Stamford Symphony as chairman of the Board of Trustees, and for services to people in Fairfield County. — an announcement from Stamford Symphony
McIntyre remains on the board and will continue to chair the Orchestra’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee. McIntyre joined the board in 2010, becoming chair in 2015. During his tenure, he oversaw the hiring of a new chief executive and the appointment of Music Director Michael Stern. He also made the leadership gift to the Orchestra’s Crescendo Fund for the Future of Stamford Symphony.
Darien Nature Center 2022
Darien Nature Center’s ‘Spring Into Nature Festival’ Helps You Celebrate Earth Day on April 23
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Have you ever wondered about growing microgreens? Beekeeping? Eco camping? Supporting pollinators? Raising chickens?
Classes
Registration Now Open for Arts and Theater Summer Camps, Grades 1 to 12, at Fairfield University
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With warmer days upon us, the official countdown to summer has begun. At Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts, this means preparing to open the Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Camp and Summer Camp Intensives. — an ann0uncement from Fairfield University
These day programs are an exciting way to delve into the lively world of the arts, exposing campers to a variety of creative art forms.
The arts and theatre offer kids a way to build friendships and share in a collective experience. Summer camps provide opportunities for collaboration, growth, confidence building, and some good solid fun. Celebrating the 31st season of Missoula Children’s Theatre Camps at Fairfield, we are thrilled to offer six unique sessions to choose from this summer.
City Nature Challenge
You’re Invited to Participate in ‘Global Bioblitz’ to Record Observations of Nature, April 29 to May 2
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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is encouraging residents of Fairfield and Westchester counties to make and share simple observations of plants and animals April 29-May 2 as part of a global bioblitz called City Nature Challenge. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
The Aquarium is organizing Fairfield and Westchester counties’ “team” in this four-day international event, which pits metro areas in a contest to make the most observations of nature, to find the most species and to engage the most people. “We’d love for as many families and individuals in the two counties to make as many observations as they can, even if it’s just for a brief time on one of the four days,” said Bridget Cervero, senior education manager. “Making observations for City Nature Challenge is more than a fun excuse to get out and learn about the animals and plants in your community,” Cervero said. “The data gives scientists an annual invaluable moment-in-time snapshot of our local and global species.”
Anyone can participate anywhere.
Community Organizations
YWCA Darien/Norwalk Seeks Nominations for This Year’s Women of Distinction Awards
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The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is seeking nominations for women who epitomize leadership in the areas of racial equity, social justice, and/or have worked to strengthen our community. — an announcement from the YWCA Darien/Norwalk
If you know of someone who fits this description, please consider nominating them today! After nominations are received, the Women of Distinction Nominations Committee will review the submissions and select the honorees. The women chosen will be honored at the Women of Distinction Awards this Spring. The YWCA Darien/Norwalk encourages you to nominate women who are leaders, role models, agents for change, mentors and/or an inspiration to others.
Darien Library
Garden Walk Buffalo: Join America’s Largest Garden Tour, Online, This Thursday Night, March 17
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This St. Patrick’s Day, get in the green spirit with a virtual walkthrough of America’s largest garden tour. Garden Walk Buffalo is a tour that occurs each July, showcasing more than 400 ultra-creative and tantalizing gardens. — an announcement from Darien Library
This vast array of landscapes created by artists and gardeners alike have ultimately transformed urban neighborhoods in Buffalo, New York into a mecca of blooms. From a few square feet to entire backyards, the diversity and uniqueness of each garden is what makes this tour like no other. If You’re Attending …
Darien Community Association
Annual DCA Easter Egg Hunt Takes Place April 15
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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.
AAA Northeast 2022
AAA: Average Gas Price Statewide at $4.28 on Monday, Up 6 Cents From Sunday, 56 Cents Since Last Week
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Global crude oil prices have bubbled over the $119-a-barrel mark, pushing average gas prices in the nation and in Connecticut over $4 a gallon this past weekend, making it the 8th most expensive state in the country. — an announcement from AAA Northeast
Today, Connecticut’s statewide average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $4.28, reflecting a 6-cent jump since yesterday and a 56-cent increase since last week. The state average hasn’t been this high since May 2012
Today’s National average of $4.07 is also 6 cents higher than yesterday and 46 cents higher than last week. The national average hasn’t been this high since July 2008. SEE ALSO Jim Cameron’s column on Monday: “Simple Ways of Saving on Gas”
“As long as crude prices continue to surge, drivers can expect the current trend of higher pump prices to continue” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
Arts & Entertainment
Darien Girl one of 16 Competing in MasterChef Junior Show on Fox Network
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Darien Fifth Grader Ivy Childs will showcase her cooking skills on Fox television’s MasterChef Junior, broadcast nationwide on Fox starting March 17. — an announcement from Fox, with additional information
11-year-old Ivy is one of a select group of 16 young chefs from across the country vying to be named the next “MasterChef Junior.” The competition show was actually filmed when Ivy was 8 years old and in Grade 2. MasterChef Junior gives talented kids between the ages of 8 and 13 the chance to showcase their culinary abilities and passion for food through a series of delicious challenges. On the Season Eight premiere, 16 junior chefs, between the ages of 8 and 13, receive a coveted white apron and must prove that they deserve to stay in the game by completing their first mystery challenge of the season.
Darienites
Two DHS Seniors To Receive Arts Awards From Connecticut Association of Schools
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Darien High School seniors Cosmo Amatruda and Thomas Cleary will be honored with Arts Awards from the Connecticut Association of Schools in April, the high school announced. Amatruda will receive an award in the music/performing arts category; Cleary, in the visual arts category. The awards will be given at the 27th annual High School Arts Awards banquet in April.
Churches
Noroton Presbyterian Church Member Chris Mead Named the Church’s Executive Director
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Longtime Darien resident and Noroton Presbyterian Church member Chris Mead has been named NPC’s executive director, a newly created position to oversee and manage finance, administration, and human resources duties of the church. Mead was recently the head of global finance for data and analytics operations of the London Stock Exchange. He had worked for Refinitiv, partly owned by Thompson Reuters until Refinitiv was sold to the London Stock Exchange in January 2021. Since 1991, Mead had worked for Thompson Reuters in various jobs related to finance. Reporting to the chief financial officer, he had responsibilities in finance, management, strategic planning, and operations. “Chris is an immensely talented and personable individual.
Darienites
Four DHS Seniors Are Candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
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Four Darien High School seniors have been selected as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. Anastasia Carey, Tam-Hao Nguyen, Katherine Wolters and Preston Yao have been recognized based on broad academic achievement and having scored exceptionally well on the SAT or ACT. — an announcement from Darien High School
The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our Nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s highest honors for high school students. Those selected Presidential Scholars don’t get scholarship money.
Darienites
Six Students Recognized Monday in Darien DAR’s Fifth Grade American History Contest
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Ox Ridge student Elizabeth Abelson has won the Fifth Grade American History Essay Contest sponsored by Darien’s Good Wife’s River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was one of six Darien students who won recognition in the essay contest. — an announcement from the DAR Good Wife’s River Chapter
Seren Samy also an Ox Ridge student won second place, and Pavana Attonito, a Hindley student placed third. The runners-up are Cole Coghlin from Tokeneke; Tory Brupbacher from Hindley and Simona Sordoni from Ox Ridge. This year’s topic, “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” celebrated the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. on Nov.
Darien Community Association
DCA Offers a Valentine’s Day Take-Home Bag With Tea, Cocktail Mix, Sandwiches, Scones and More
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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.