Lou and Jessica Pelletier, advisors at Pelletier Senior Planning will host an educational workshop on long-term care planning. addressing the growing need for care among seniors and baby boomers. The two will give an hour-long presentation Thursday evening, May 23, at Darien Library. It’s never too early to plan for the future. — an announcement from Darien Library
This session is vital for understanding available options as the demand for care rises.
The late John J. Droney will be honored with a new wartime street sign thanks to the Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission. — an announcement from the Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission
The sign will be unveiled at 12 noon, Sunday, May 26, at Miller Road, off Hoyt Street (Route 106). The public is invited to attend. Jack received his draft notice on Sept. 8, 1950. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to the 508th Military Police Battalion with the rank of corporal.
May is Older Americans Month—the perfect opportunity for families with older drivers to talk about safe driving and help ensure loved ones can stay active and mobile as they age. — an announcement from AAA Northeast
The United States population is increasingly getting older: between 2013 and 2023, the number of adults aged 65 and older increased by 34 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, in 2022, there were more than 51 million licensed drivers aged 65 and up—an increase of 20 million since 2000, according to the latest statistics from the Federal Highway Administration. In Connecticut, there were 590,000 licensed drivers age 65+, including 124,000 drivers age 80+. While AAA research shows that older drivers are less likely to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding or driving while impaired, seniors — particularly those over 80 years old — are more frail and more vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries in crashes.
Fun rides and the Long Island Sound’s tides are right around the corner at Playland, in Rye, New York, as the historic amusement park and premier waterfront destination will host a special ribbon cutting opening ceremony at 12 noon, Saturday, May 18, to celebrate the start of the summer season. — an announcement from Playland Park
Guests can enjoy a full season of entertainment, rides, beach going and more with the 2024 All Access Season Pass.The award-winning amusement park features over 50 rides and attractions including the iconic Dragon Coaster, which will turn 95-years-old this year, and the debut of Playland’s newest ride, Jack the Puppeteer. Other opening weekend festivities include a celebratory drum roll line up by the Lighting Drumline from the Barack Obama School for Social Justice in Yonkers, a special performance by an electric violinist, strolling entertainers, face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, and more. “Through our diverse offerings ranging from recreation to leisure, and thrilling entertainment, coupled with our new and robust arts and community programming this year, Playland is committed to not only growing and revitalizing the historic park but to introduce Playland to a new generation of visitors to create lasting memories and traditions for the next 100 years,” said Evonne Keeler, CEO of Playland. On Sunday, a Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Playland Park will also host a 2nd Annual Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk event by Soul Ryeders, a nonprofit cancer support organization based in Rye.
Darien Library, along with Darien Nature Center and Darien Pollinator Pathway, welcomes landscape designer and lecturer, Kathy Connolly, who will address your house’s foundation plants, those plants you put around the house, close to the walls, under the windows, and beside the doors for the perfect blend of house and property. — an announcement from Darien Library
Do you want to change the plantings around your house? Would you like to incorporate native plants that, for the most part, are less problematic and need little maintenance? In this one-hour presentation, Kathy will first consider the design problems posed by the foundation area around homes and other buildings. Then she will look at native plants that fit into that highly visible setting.
Landscape design is an investment. The right selection and balance of plants can enhance our enjoyment of our homes and neighborhoods, increase property values, and build resilience during erratic weather like floods and drought. — an announcement from New Canaan Library
On Sunday, May 19, at New Canaan Library, landscape designer Pennington Grey will share images and interventions from distinctive landscapes in our area to show interesting, innovative solutions that are as practical as they are refined and beautiful. Pennington Grey’s firm does business in the Northeast. He is on the board of the Ecological Landscape Alliance, and is known for the judicious use of native plantings and minimal chemical inputs for maximum visual and environmental benefit.
The Darien Community Association Greenhouse Group invites you to the post-Plant Sale Tuesday morning, May 14, from 9 to 11 a.m.
The sale offers s a selection of annual, perennial and native plants at reduced prices. If You’re Going … The sale will take place in the DCA back parking lot by the greenhouse. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association
Free outdoor fitness classes, open to all will be offered weekly on weeknights, starting at 6:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 9 a.m. in two downtown Stamford parks. The first class, Bollyfitness, will be offered this Tuesday evening, May 14. — an announcement from the Stamford Downtown Special Services District
Classes are open to all and will include Bollyfitness, Yoga, Zumba and Power Workout. A schedule page for the classes states: “No prior registration is needed. All classes are on a first come, first served basis and subject to weather conditions.
Darien seniors: Mark your calendar and register: You’re invited to a free lunch where you can try karaoke at Darien Senior Center on Thursday, May 30. Space is limited, so call early to reserve your spot. — an announcement from At Home In Darien
At Home In Darien is pleased to sponsor the complimentary luncheon in partnership with Darien Senior Programs.
The emcee for the event is Leigh Henry, who has a library of over 25,000 songs with at least one for you to perform, or you can just come to be entertained and have fun! If You’re Going … The event takes place on Thursday, May 30, 2024, and will include a delicious (and free for Darien seniors) lunch prepared by Chef Judi.
The Gorham’s Pond Tide Gates will be opened again this Spring for repairs, the Darien Department of Public Works announced. The gates will be opened on Monday, May 20, 2024 and closed again on Friday, May 24. The opening or closing of gates may be delayed due to weather. The gates cannot be operated following extensive rain events or a series of very high tides because of the large volume of water flowing over the dam. Tide gates will be closed before Memorial Day (Monday, May 27).
Sharing a scam experience with someone you know takes courage. If someone trusts you enough to share their scam story, especially if the scammer is still in touch with them, here’s some advice to help guide you. — — This article by Jennifer Leach of the FTC Division of Consumer and Business Education, appeareed in the FTC website on April 29. Lead with empathy. Respond with kindness and concern instead of criticizing or expressing disappointment. Scams can happen to anyone.
Household Hazardous Waste Day is this Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Island Beach Parking lot on Arch Street. Residents of Darien and other nearby towns are invited. You can also wait for Darien’s Household Hazardous Waste Day on June 1 (or see this year’s schedule of HHWDs below, which allows you to procrastinate longer). No commercial loads accepted. For information call the Greenwich Department of Health at 203-622-7838 or Greenwich Departmentt of Public Works at 203-618-3001.
If you’re paying a medical, utility, or other bill online, you probably expect to wind up on the company’s website. What might you not expect? An impersonator tricking you into paying them instead. But that’s what the FTC says a company called Doxo did. Here’s what you need to know.
A three-part workshop series on planning for your funeral and legacy starts May 7 at Darien Library and runs for two more Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m.
— from three announcements from Darien Library
Contemplating the end of your life can evoke various emotions. Yet, finding peace in knowing your final wishes are understood can bring reassurance and comfort to you and your loved ones. Session 1 — May 7
Honoring Your Essence: Exploring Burial Options
In our first session, we delve into the various options for your final resting place. From traditional burials to eco-friendly alternatives, we’ll guide you through the choices available, ensuring your preferences are honored. Key discussion points:
Burial options: embalming, natural burial, cremation (fire or water), natural organic reduction
Setting preferences: viewing arrangements, dressing and styling choices
Final resting place: cemetery, scattering, urn, memorial tree or plant
Join us for these workshops as we explore the profound journey of funeral and legacy planning.
The DCA invites to an evening of guidance for the Sandwich Generation — those caring for parents while caring for children — and beyond, in a free panel discussion, Thursday evening, May 2, at the Darien Community Association. Learn from a panel of local senior experts and connect with others who are navigating similar responsibilities and challenges as we face complex life transitions ahead. On the discussion panel will be:
• Michael LaMagna — LNHA, MPA, JD, Attorney at Law with LaMagna McKenna
• Anne McGuire — RN, CCM, founder, Healthcare Pathfinder
• Michele Ranieri — community sales director, Atria Darien
• Deirdre Robbins McGovern — seniors real estate specialist (SRES) with Compass
• Andrea Ruby — downsizing expert, founder & CEO, Living Forward Move Management
If You’re Going … The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the panel presentation with Q&A from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Meadowland headquarters of the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Road. Admission is free.
