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.

Consumer and Finances
Seniors and their children

How to Plan for Getting Long-Term Care: A Presentation Thursday Evening at Darien Library

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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.

Healthy Living

Tips for Families When Talking With Older Drivers About Safe Driving

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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.

WIDE logo At Home In Darien

Free Lunch and Karaoke at Mather Center for Darien Seniors on Thursday, May 30

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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.

Consumer and Finances
Connecticut Death Collective 2024

Planning Your Funeral and Legacy, a Three-Part Workshop Series at Darien Library, Starts Tuesday, May 7

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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.

Consumer and Finances
Elderly couple beach Seniors Senior Citizens

Panel to Discuss Helping Elderly Parents with Wills, Healthcare, Home Selling, Retirement Homes

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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.

Seniors
Sandwich Generation panel discussion

Panel to Discuss Helping Elderly Parents with Wills, Healthcare, Selling a Home and More on Thursday Night

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The DCA invites to an evening of guidance for the Sandwich Generation —those caring for parents while caring for children — and beyond. The discussion, which is free, takes place 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.

Seniors
Seniors free admissiion to DHS Football

Darien Seniors Invited to Attend DHS Football Home Games for Free

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Darien High School’s football team has extended a special invitation to Darien’s seniors, aged 65 and older, to attend all Blue Wave home games with free admission. — an announcement from At Home In Darien

Handicapped accessible parking spaces are available. For more information, call At Home In Darien at 203-655-2227. 2023 Home Games
Friday, Sept. 15 — vs.

Seniors
Chess at Darien Senior Center

Chess Club and Beginner French Class Added to Darien Senior Center Programs

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The Darien Senior Center is adding Chess, “the game of Kings” to its offering this fall. Meeting every Wednesday at 10 am, the new program is open to players of all ages and abilities, from beginners to “grand masters.”

— an announcement from Darien Senior Center

“Chess is such a great game,” said Senior Programs Director Beth Paris. “It really gets you thinking about strategy and is a lot of fun! And playing in person is a great social opportunity — much more fun than playing online.”

The newly formed Chess Club joins such other Senior Center programs as Painting (acrylic, water color and oils), Knitting and Crocheting, Cribbage, Table Tennis, Mahjong, Woodworking and Stained Glass. The center also offers daily exercise classes at various levels as well as Ballet, Aerobics and Cardio Drumming.

Community Organizations
Chris Jones Executive Director At Home In Darien

At Home In Darien Announces New Executive Director

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At Home In Darien, an organization set up to help seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible, has a new executive director:  Chris Jones. — an announcement from At Home In Darien

Jones brings to the job his experience in organizational leadership and management, and he says he now looks forward to entering the nonprofit sector and focusing his attention on the needs of seniors within our community. “I feel that there is no better mission than to support our seniors and provide the critical services that will help them age in-place for as long as possible, and I am tremendously excited to join such a caring and trusted organization,” Jones said. As executive director, Jones will assume overall strategic and operational responsibility for staff, programs, services, fundraising, marketing, public relations and the execution of the mission. “There has been an increasing need for transportation in the past month and we assume it will continue,” Board President Susan Bhirud said.

Cameron on Buses 2022
AAA Mature Driving Course AAA Northeast

Talking Transportation: The Effort to Keep Seniors Mobile When They Stop Driving

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When you think of the AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, you probably conjure up thoughts of senior discounts, health insurance and retirement. So it might surprise you to learn that they’re also actively engaged in driver safety and promoting access to mass transit. The statistics on these issues they shared with me are quite interesting. By 2025 a quarter of all drivers in the U.S. will be over age 65. And while seniors are involved in more accidents per capita than younger adults, they are far safer than teens.

Seniors
Denise Cesareo ElderHouse in Norwalk

ElderHouse Norwalk Executive Director Retires After 30 Years

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ElderHouse Executive Director Denise Cesareo has announced that she will retire at the end of the year. Ms. Cesareo has led the Norwalk-based nonprofit organization which provides services to older adults and their family caregivers since 1992. “Denise brought a unique combination of vision, charisma and tenacity to her work from which ElderHouse has benefited greatly over the years. She will be greatly missed by staff, clients, the Board of Directors and community partners,” said Charles Carroll, Board President. ElderHouse is an adult day center that provides older adults with full days of social engagement, enjoyable activities and personal attention to enhance health and wellbeing.

Elderly Tax Benefits 2022
Town Hall

Town Assessor: Real Estate Tax Credits Available for Elderly Homeowners

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Town Tax Assessor Anthony J. Homicki advises all senior homeowners over the age of 65 may be eligible for tax credits on their real estate property tax under the Circuit Breaker (state program), town program, or Elderly Tax Deferral, that applications are being accepted now and must be filed before Monday May 16, 2022. — an announcement from Darien Assessor Anthony Homicki

Any homeowner reaching the age of 65 on or before Dec. 31, 2020 and qualifies within the income limits, should come into the Assessor’s Office and apply by May 16, 2022. To be eligible for credit, income must not exceed $55,400 for married couples or $47,100 for single persons.  All income, including Social Security must be reported. Documentation of proof such as a copy of your 2021 Social Security 1099 form and a copy of your 2021 Income Tax Return is needed.

At Home In Darien 2021
At Home In Darien leaf raking volunteers

Darien Seniors Invited to Apply for Free Leaf-Raking and Snow-Shoveling Services

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Fall leaf-raking and winter snow-shoveling services are available for Darien seniors again this year, At Home In Darien announced. — an announcement from At Home In Darien

The program matches seniors who are in need of assistance with volunteers. Please note volunteers can only shovel public sidewalks. While both outdoor chores can be good exercise, they can be tiring and sometimes hazardous chores for seniors. Leaf raking, show shoveling and other volunteer services can help seniors remain in their homes in town without worrying about simple things like household chores and maintenance.

Darien Senior Activities Center sign

Here’s How Darien Senior Center Is Shifting to More Indoor, In-Person Programs

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Darien Senior Center members are being welcomed back to more in-person programs indoors at the Mather Community Center on Monday, June 7. But the return to in-person programs has already begun and is gradual. The lunch pickup program, for instance, is continuing into the foreseeable future — and seniors picking up lunches today (Friday) can park and hear an outdoor concert from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the parking lot. Starting Monday, the center’s Woodshop and its Computer Room will both be open (but only if you’ve reserved a spot). Participation in indoor programs is strictly limited in order to allow for safe distancing of seniors, said Beth Paris, director of the center.