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.

Music
The Kerry Boys Irish band

Celebrate For This Upcoming St Patrick’s Day with an Irish Music Concert, Saturday at Darien Library

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Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a lively performance of Irish ballads and sea songs by The Kerry Boys band, starting at 4 p.m., Saturday at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library
Expect soul-stirring melodies of traditional Irish tunes that will have you singing and clapping along in joyous celebration! The Kerry Boys have dazzled fans of all ages from Maine to Pennsylvania with their humorous high-energy performances and engaging style of Irish ballads and sea songs. Come and experience the magic as The Kerry Boys transport you to the enchanting world of Irish music.

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.

Recreation
Great Island Town of Darien Visioning Plan

Third Great Island Community Engagement Meeting on Saturday, March 1; Bridle Trail Closed Till July 15

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The Great Island Advisory Committee (GIAC) invites you to our next Community Engagement Session at Town Hall. We hope to see you and your family there. — an announcement from the Great Island Advisory Committee

Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025

Location: Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road

Welcome Refreshments: 2:00–2:15 p.m.

Reed Hilderbrand Presentation: 2:15 to 3 p.m.

Engagement Activities (Town Hall Gym): 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Let’s shape the future of Great Island together! Kick things off with coffee and treats, then dive into an inspiring presentation from Reed Hilderbrand on the evolving vision for this cherished landscape. Afterward, get hands-on with interactive activities in the Town Hall Gym—explore the Futures of Great Island workshop boards, embark on a youth scavenger hunt, or let creativity flow at the kids’ coloring station and story time hosted by the Darien Library. All ages welcome to both or either session—come dream, discuss, and design the future of Great Island!

Seniors

Documentary and Discussion About Seniors Thriving in Their Later Years Coming Thursday at Library

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The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness, and At Home in Darien invite you to a screening of “In Life,” a documentary celebrating individuals thriving in their later years through creativity and positive age beliefs. The film will be shown Thursday night. — an announcement from Darien Library

The event will feature a post-screening discussion moderated by Steven Law, president of the Law Stroud Foundation, with filmmakers Meghan Shea and Mike Rogers, and Drs. Ashley Duggan and Bernard Ewigman, co-directors of BRANCH, an initiative dedicated to restoring trust and compassion in doctor-patient relationships. “In Life” showcases the artistic journeys of writer Betsy Cox, painter Goh Beng Kwan, and pianist Leeanne Rees, offering inspiring perspectives on aging and creativity.

Churches
Lisa Cooper singing bowls

Singing Bowl Meditation Hour Offered Jan 27 at United Church of Rowayton

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The United Church of Rowayton will host a free, one-hour Singing Bowl Meditation on Monday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m.

The ancient, healing sounds of singing bowls have been practiced for centuries and are designed to calm the mind, heal the body, and nurture the soul. — an announcement from the United Church of Rowayton

Holistic health practitioner Lisa Cooper, will gently guide participants through this peaceful and restorative “Sound Bath” meditation. Cooper is a certified sound healer and health and recovery coach. She is also a practitioner of Reiki, a Japanese technique of healing and relaxation.

News
Jan 3 2025 Town of Darien Newsletter image

Christmas Tree Pickup Schedule, Daddy Daughter Dance, Mental Health First Aid Training, Free Radon Test Kits

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The latest town government newsletter features Darien news you may want to use. Here’s a selection of what the Town of Darien Newsletter posted:
DPW’s Christmas Tree Pickups Have Started

Happy Daughter, Happy Daddy:
Tickets go on sale on the Parks and Recreation webpage on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m.

2024 Parking Permits Expired: Display 2025 Ones
“It is time to replace 2024 parking permits with 2025 permits. 2025 parking permits need to be displayed in cars effective Thursday, Jan. 2.

Holidays

Police Announce Turkey Bowl Parking and Traffic Regulations

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Darien police on Tuesday described traffic and parking regulations that will be in effect for the Thanksgiving morning Turkey Bowl:

Here’s the police announcement:

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, November 28, 2024. 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 Lane 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. Parking on
campus is limited and will be available only to those who have the issued event parking
passes.

Holidays
Thanksgiving football

What’s Open, What’s Closed and What’s Happening in Darien From Thanksgiving Thru Cyber Monday

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Here’s what’s open and closed from Thanksgiving Day through the weekend (with information about the Turkey Bowl, Small Business Saturday, and other Thanksgiving-related events. Links below are to web pages with holiday closing information. Day Before Turkey Day (Wednesday, Nov. 28)
SUPERMARKETS, ETC.:

Costco: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Flour Water Salt Bread: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. — and no bagels this day

Palmer’s Market: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sono Baking Co. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick up Thanksgiving orders ONLY after 10 a.m. 

Stop & Shop:  7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Whole Foods Market: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

PHARMACIES:

CVS: Store:  7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Pharmacy: OPEN 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed 1:30 to 2 p.m.)

Grieb’s: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Darienite.com called them.)

Walgreens: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Pharmacy: OPEN 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (normal hours)

OTHER:

Darien Library will CLOSE EARLY at 5 p.m. (It will reopen at 12 noon on Friday.)

Darien Public Schools will be CLOSED; schools will reopen Monday, Dec.

AAA 2024

AAA: Thanksgiving Is the Biggest Holiday for Travel — Best Times to Avoid Traffic, Lines, Crowds

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AAA projects a record 79.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. For the first time, AAA’s forecast includes the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving Day to better capture the flow of holiday travelers. This year’s projection of nearly 80 million travelers is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year and 2 million more than in 2019. “Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and AAA continues to see demand soar post-pandemic as Americans reconnect with family and friends and seek memorable trips to new destinations,” said Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast. Best and Worst Times to Drive
The worst times to travel by car over Thanksgiving are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights.

Community Organizations
Maggie Domont executive Director The Community Fund of Darien

Maggie Domont Named New Executive Director of The Community Fund of Darien, Succeeding Janet King

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The Community Fund of Darien welcomes Darien resident, Maggie Domont, as the new executive director, beginning Nov. 18. — an announcement from The Community Fund of Darien

Born and raised in Darien, Maggie has a deep connection to the community and a strong commitment to humanitarian work, both of which align with the mission of The Community Fund of Darien. Maggie attended Deerfield Academy in Western Massachusetts before earning her Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University. She brings experience to The Community Fund of Darien from her previous roles at St.

Holidays
Veterans Day wreath

Darien Veterans Day Ceremony Starts at 10:45 AM, Monday in Front of Town Hall

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The Monuments and Ceremonies Commission of the Town of Darien invites you to participate in our annual Veterans Day observation at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will be held at Veterans’ Circle, located immediately in front of Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road. — an announcement from the town Monuments and Ceremonies Commission

The ceremony itself will begin at 10:45 a.m., and last 20 minutes. Members of VFW Post 6933 will raise the flag, then lower it to half-staff.

Transportation
e-Bike electric bicycle electric bike

The E-Bike: Eco-Friendly or a Safety Menace?

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E-Bike ownership and usage took off during the Covid pandemic as commuters became concerned about close contact and so stopped using public transportation. Yet E-bike sales have not stopped since Covid slowed. Ed Mantaring, the long-time manager of Danny’s Cycles in Noroton Heights, says, “Before Covid, we sold two or three E-bikes per year. Now, we sell 30-40 per year.”

There are many positives to E-bikes, yet one negative threatens to destroy their popularity just as they are gaining traction in the marketplace. In order to help educate the public about E-bikes, Danny’s Cycles is offered an E-Bike Tech Day on Sunday, Sept.

9/11 Monument 2024
9/11 Monument

September 11 Memorial Ceremony Starts at 8:25 AM, Wednesday

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The Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission invites you to participate in the annual September 11th Memorial Observation Ceremony. The Ceremony will begin at 8:25 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the town’s 9/11 Monument, located in the courtyard behind Middlesex Middle School on Hollow Tree Ridge Road. School will be in session, so please park in the rear lot. The ceremony is expected to last 35 minutes.

Community Organizations
Jennifer Buchholz CEO YWCA Darien/Norwalk

YWCA Darien/Norwalk Names Jennifer Buchholz New CEO, Announces Upcoming Programs

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The YWCA Darien/Norwalk Board of Directors announced on Wednesday the appointment of Jennifer Buchholz as the organization’s chief executive officer. The organization also announced the launch of its new season of programming. — an announcement from the YWCA Darien/Norwalk

Buchholz had been serving as interim CEO since the beginning of 2024, and assumed the role permanently this summer. Before stepping into the CEO role, she served on the board of directors for four years. She has lived in Darien for eight years while raising her son, now 15.