Holiday Travel 2024
Statue of Liberty

Number of Holiday Travelers Rising 5 Percent Over Last Independence Day Week, AAA Predicts

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AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday travel period from June 29 to July 7, a 5.2% increase over last year. In New England, AAA Northeast is projecting 3.5 million will be traveling in the days around the holiday, up more than 200,000 from last year, or about 5.1%. — Announcements combined from AAA and AAA Northeast. For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period represents a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019.

Gardening

‘Unexpected Beauty,’ a Two-Day Greenwich Garden Club Flower Show

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Unexpected Beauty, a GCA Flower Show, a free event hosted by the Greenwich Garden Club this Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, will feature exhibits in floral design, horticulture, photography and “botanical arts,” the organizers say. — an announcement from the Greenwich Garden Club

A boutique will feature unexpectedly beautiful and unique items.

Also, you can buy raffle tickets. The raffle will feature a Craig Burrows print and a pair of Campagna “Paris” outdoor garden urns. Proceeds from the flower show will go to the Greenwich Garden Club Civic Improvement Fund. Chairwomen are Jane Dunn, Nina King and Susan Schieffelin.

Books & Authors
The Tulip Garden book cover

Polly Nicholson, Author of ‘The Tulip Garden’ Speaks Tuesday Evening at Darien Library

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U.K. resident, specialist flower grower and tulip expert, Polly Nicholson will talk about her new book, The Tulip Garden: Growing and Collecting Species on Tuesday evening, June 11, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library, Barrett Bookstore, and the Garden Club of Darien

Nicholson will take us to Blacklands, her beautiful, six-acre English country garden, where we will discover a unique collection of rare and covetable tulips — the largest private collection of historic varieties in the United Kingdom. Tulips are one of the world’s most popular flowers, with over 2,500 varieties produced in Holland each year. Combining the flower’s rich cultural history with expert tips and growing advice, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to more than 70 varieties, including cultivating species tulips, historic Dutch and English Florists’ tulips, as well as the popular annual tulips that we often see in our gardens and parks. Bringing to life varieties that date back to the 16th century, Nicholson demonstrates how these treasured bulbs and more modern varieties of this enchanting flower can be grown today.

Flag Day 2024
Flag flying Old Glory Flag Day

You’re Invited to Darien’s Flag Day Ceremony on Friday

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Darien’s Monuments and Ceremonies Commission and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6933 invite you to participate in the town’s annual Flag Day Ceremony at 5 p.m., Friday, June 14, at Veterans Circle in front of Town Hall. — an announcement from the Monuments and Ceremonies Commission
Veterans and residents will recite the poem “I Am Your Flag.”
Town selectmen and the VFW Color Guard will participate as old flags are collected and retired and a new flag is presented and hung on the Town Hall flagpole. VFW members will then execute a ceremonial flag folding.

Alive at Five 2024
Alive At Five 2024 poster

Tickets on Sale Now for Alive At Five Concerts Featuring Lil’ Kim, Wyclef Jean, Sublime with Rome

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Lil’ Kim, Wyclef Jean and Sublime with Rome will be performing in separate concerts over a three week period this summer in the Alive At Five concert series, the Stamford Special Services District has announced. — an announcement from Stamford Downtown

The three-concert series starts at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, July 25 (Sublime with Rome), Aug. 1 (Lil’ Kim) and Aug. 8 (Wyclef Jean) at Mill River Park. Each concert night features DJs, opening acts, food trucks and a large variety of beer, wine and cocktails for purchase.

AAA Northeast 2024
Airport departures passenger

Booking a Plane Ticket? Morning Flights Are Less Likely To Be Delayed, Says AAA

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The Transportation Security Administration is prepared for 270 million air passengers across the country during this summer’s travel season — the highest volume the agency has seen. But what does the record number of flights mean for air travelers? An increased risk of delays and cancellations compared to the rest of the year. — an announcement from AAA Northeast

According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, across the United States, from June to August 2023, nearly 73% of flights departed on time, compared to roughly 80% throughout all of 2023. Early flights are more likely to depart as scheduled.

Darien Police Department 2024
Promotions Darien Police Swearing In

Swearing-In Ceremony for Four Promoted Darien Police Officers on Thursday at Darien Community Association

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The Darien Police Commission cordially invites you to attend the Darien Police Department swearing in ceremony for Captain Andrew Mastroianni, Lieutenant Daniel Skoumbros, Sergeant Bryan Wallman, and Sergeant James Martin. The ceremony starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 6, at the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Road. There’s no charge to attend.  

Bulk Pickup 2024
Darien DPW saw horse Department of Public Works Department

Your Last Opportunities to Schedule Bulk Pickup: Next Two Tuesdays and Wednesdays — If DPW Is Available

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This is your last chance to avoid hauling heavy junk to the town dump: Schedule a pickup of large items with the town Department of Public Works for one of the two Tuesdays or Wednesdays ending June 12. After that, you’ll have to make other arrangements — or wait till next year. — an announcement from the Darien DPW; a version of this article was published on March 28. The pickup service is free for those with homes on public streets, with the exception of refrigerators, air conditioners or dehumidifiers — for each one you’ll have to buy a $15 sticker. There are a number of rules and a list of items that won’t be picked up.

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor Battle of Braddock's Field

Many of Darien’s Holiday Events, Including Memorial Day Observances, Are Organized by This Town Commission

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To the editor:
What is it about a parade that brings out the hometown feeling in residents? The flags waving from every hand, small and large? Crowds on the sidewalk straining to see the parade’s eclectic group of marchers? Even on a gray day threatening rain, the crowds in Darien attend the Memorial Day parade. We often forget that veterans, during war, did not falter or stop on the whims of the weather!   Memorial Day is an observance of all those who fought!

Real Estate
Part of a larger illustration of 6 types of accessory dwelling units

If You Want to Get an Accessory Dwelling Unit on Your Property, Here’s Where to Get Started

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Starting on June 30, Darien will allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in town after the Planning & Zoning Commission found that the development of Accessory Dwelling Units offer benefits for both homeowners and the broader community. — adapted from an article in the May 24 Town of Darien Newsletter and a May 7 resolution from the commission

The commission spent over a year considering and discussing the potential rules and regulations surrounding ADUs and their impact in Darien. The deliberations concluded with a public hearing on March 12. Why Allow ADUs? Some of the benefits discussed by the commission include

Diverse Housing Options.

Darien’s 2024 Memorial Day: Parade, Ceremony, Address, Food Fair

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The Darien Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 27, 2024, kicking off at 10 a.m. Traffic detours and restrictions will be in effect at some locations beginning at 8 a.m. (see below). Marchers will gather in the parking lot of Goodwives Shopping Center, 25 Old Kings Highway North, turn right and follow Old Kings, turning left onto Brookside Road and then left onto the Post Road, through downtown, and end up at the corner of Post Road and Hecker Avenue. Right after the parade (usually at about 11:15 a.m.), the towns’ Memorial Day observance will take place at Spring Grove Veterans Cemetary, across the street from Police Headquarters. Traditionally, wreaths are placed at the monument during the ceremony. The names of those from Darien fallen in war are read and a gun salute is fired off.

Community Organizations
Elizabeth Malthus executive director of Darien Land Trust

Darien Land Trust Appoints Elizabeth Mathus New Executive Director

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After an extensive search, the Darien Land Trust announced the appointment of Elizabeth Mathus as its new executive director. A resident of Darien for nine years, Mathus brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the land trust’s mission. — an announcement from the Darien Land Trust

Having served on the Board of Trustees since 2018 and as president since 2022, Mathus has consistently provided thoughtful guidance and dedication to the organization’s goals. “Elizabeth’s passion for conservation and proven leadership skills set her apart during our selection process,” said Amy Sarbinowski, newly appointed president of the organization and member of the Search Committee. Mathus holds a Bachelor of Science degree in design and environmental analysis from Cornell University.

Graduation hats in the air

Darien Community Association Grants 2024 Scholarships to 11 DHS Seniors

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The Darien Community Association has announced that it’s awarding scholarships to 11 Darien High School seniors graduating this year. — information from a Darien Community Association announcement

This is the 83rd year that the DCA has granted scholarships, and the organization is the largest provider of scholarships to DHS graduates — with funding for both new and returning college students. The scholarship program is also the only one in Darien offering recipients the opportunity to reapply for all four years of college, the announcement said. “The DCA is proud to support Darien High School graduates and is grateful to our generous donors,” the announcement said. “We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!”

Darien Memorial Day 2024
Robert H. Patton

Memorial Day Speaker Announced: Robert Patton, Son of a Major General, Grandson of WWII General George S. Patton

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Darien’s Memorial Day keynote speaker this year will be author Robert H. Patton, grandson of General George S. Patton Jr., of World War II fame, and son of Major Gen. George S. Patton IV. The Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission, which organizes the Memorial Day parade and observances, announced Patton’s role as keynote speaker. Patton will deliver the keynote address at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 27 during the town’s Memorial Day observance in Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery. The observance will take place right after the Memorial Day Parade. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, it will be held in the Community Room of Darien Library.

Holiday Travel 2024

AAA: Expect Congested Highways and Crowded Airports on Memorial Day Weekend, Starting Thursday

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Summer travel is soaring this Memorial Day weekend: AAA projects 43.8 million travelers — including nearly 2 million New Englanders — will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period, May 23 to 27. This year’s total number of travelers constitutes a 4% increase over last year and exceeds pre-pandemic levels for the first time. — an announcement from the AAA and AAA Northeast

“We’re expecting to see plenty of traffic on the roads and in the skies this Memorial Day weekend,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast. “We’re projecting an additional 1 million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means that we’re moving beyond pandemic-era lulls but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Road trips are expected to set a record this year. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for the holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000.