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Around Town

News from around Darien

Darien Bell Ringing Thank-You Goes from Event to Series: Scheduled for Next Five Saturdays

By David Gurliacci | April 15, 2020

This past Saturday’s bell-ringing event in Darien is being repeated, the First Selectman’s Office just announced, for the next five Saturdays, through May 16. “Ring Your Bells, Loud and Proud,” the announcement says, during the repeats of Saturday’s five-minute event, where people around town were encouraged to ring a bell, bang a pot or otherwise make a noise for several minutes to give a loud “Thank you!” to healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle. As with the event last Saturday, the noise-making is scheduled for five minutes, starting at 7 p.m. The ringing, gonging, honking and yelling takes place rain or shine, right from your own window, door or, as the announcement suggests, “your front lawn or front steps.” “From 7 to 7:05, come stand on your front lawn or front steps and ring cowbells, shake holiday bells, bang a pot and pan or simply clap hands,” the announcement says.

Stop and Shop

Goodbye Stop and Shop Noroton Heights: An Appreciation

Info Session About Darien Bicentennial Plans: 11 AM Thursday at Darien Library

Town-Wide Mailing, Community Forums Share Plans for Darien’s 200th Birthday

9/11 Memorial Darien

Darien 9/11 Ceremony Starts at 8:30 AM on Wednesday

Around Town

Water Main Cleaning Runs Thru July 19, Don’t Do Laundry If Water Is Discolored

By DARIENITE.COM | June 25, 2019

Aquarion Water Company today announced a water main cleaning project in Darien from Monday, June 24 to Friday, July 19. The project is being undertaken to ensure that customers continue to receive the highest quality water. The Darien water main cleaning project is estimated to last approximately four weeks. During that time, customers may notice some discoloration in their water. This discoloration results from the temporary disturbance of the water flow, which stirs up naturally occurring minerals that settle in water mains. Aquarion recommends customers store tap water in their refrigerators for drinking and cooking.

Around Town

Slogan contest 2019

CONTEST: Submit a Slogan for the Town of Darien, Win Glory and Gift Certificates

By DARIENITE.COM | May 22, 2019

Come up with a winning slogan for Darien, and the Darien Board of Realtors in the group’s slogan contest during the month of June and you can win both bragging rights and gift certificates for town businesses. “The winning slogan will be forever immortalized on the Darien Board of Realtors website [and] all Darien Board of Realtors social media — and the winner will have bragging rights that they created the catchphrase for our treasured town!” the board says in an announcement. The Darien Board of Realtors’s new website launched earlier this month. Whether you want to call it a slogan, a tag line or a catch phrase, your short and snappy phrase or sentence can be submitted starting June 1, with the winner selected on June 30.

Around Town

Darien Police Autism Awareness magnet

Darien Police to Observe Autism Awareness Month with Vehicle Magnet, Training Seminar, Even Goodie Bags

By DARIENITE.COM | March 22, 2019

The Darien Police Department is a proud supporter of Autism Awareness Month. Throughout the month of April, we will be joining hundreds of other agencies across the country in displaying a special Autism Awareness magnet on our police vehicles as part of the “Autism Patch Challenge.”

— an announcement from Darien Police Department
The Autism Patch Challenge began in 2017, and originated in New Rochelle, New York by New Rochelle Police Detective Chris Greco in honor of his son, Christopher, who is non-verbal. Greco has created a charitable foundation, “Christopher’s Voice,” which provides various support options for families with autism, and focuses on emergency responders. Spearheaded by Officer Rich Flood, the Darien Police Department will now be participating in the Autism Patch Challenge as well. Officer Flood has coordinated this effort and saw to it that the police car magnets and uniform shoulder patches were designed and created. With the financial assistance of the Darien Police Association, the magnets and patches have been manufactured and will be soon seen prominently displayed on our vehicles. Research shows that persons with autism and other developmental disabilities are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement than the general population.

Around Town

Wreaths Across America wreath laying fundraising

Volunteers Needed for Removing Wreaths at Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery

By DARIENITE.COM | January 16, 2019

Darien’s Wreaths Across America group and Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6933 sincerely appreciate all the help received in placing the wreaths on Dec. 15. It is now time to remove them. Volunteers are needed for Wreath Removal at 8 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the cemetery on Hecker Avenue. All interested volunteers should meet by the Karl Lang monument in the center of the veterans cemetery.

Around Town

Letter Letters Letter to the Editor Coffee Stamp

Letter: Revival of Thursday Morning Coffee Meetups at the Sugar Bowl

By DARIENITE.COM | November 14, 2018

To the Editor,

For many years the Darien Times has hosted a Thursday morning coffee. The “Coffee”in large part centered around, although not limited to, local, state, and national politics. Congressman Jim Himes made it a point to attend, engage, and take the temperature of what was going on in Darien. Thank you to all of the papers editors and staff over the years for taking the time and understanding the importance of this lively engagement. Recently as many of you are aware the Darien Times was purchased and has undergone some restructuring.

Around Town

Holmes School STEM 3

Have You Heard …? Christmas Wreaths Readied, Cop Honored, Pumpkins Painted, 4 Million Visits

By David Gurliacci | November 11, 2018

Here’s the lowdown on what’s up around town:

Organizers are readying the Christmas Season wreaths that go on town lampposts from Sedgwick Avenue to Noroton Avenue, in Tilley Pond and the lights in the trees on Tokeneke Road. “Last week, the wreaths were checked and put into working order by volunteers from the Men’s Association of Darien,” according to an email from the Darien Chamber of Commerce. “They replaced 389 lightbulbs! During the spruce up though, we have discovered that soon we will have to replace a good number of these wreaths.” Darien taxpayers don’t pay for those wreaths — the money is donated to the Chamber of Commerce, which is now asking its members for more.

Around Town

Freshmen field hockey wears pink for Allison Haupt

Have You Heard …? Grand Openings, Tribute in Pink, Firefighter Thanked and More

By David Gurliacci | October 24, 2018

Here’s the low-down on what’s up around town:

Darien Grille holds its grand opening at 22 Center Street, from 3:30 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, and on Thursday, Oct. 25, Hollow Tree Self Storage at 131 Hollow Tree Ridge Road holds its grand opening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both grand openings have free food, but we suspect there’ll be more at the restaurant. ***

***

NewCanaanite.com reports:

New Canaan High School senior Will Hetherington jumped into action on Sept. 25, and rescued two young girls caught in a submerged vehicle during the heavy rain storm and flash flooding that took place that day throughout the area. Hetherington, who’s been a volunteer fireman for the Darien Fire Department since he was 17, was on duty when, at approximately 4:30 p.m. that Tuesday, the DFD got a call for a car and water rescue. A Jeep Cherokee with three young girls, aged 6, 8 and 12, and their grandmother, was submerged under the Tokeneke Railroad Bridge in Darien, with flooding waters reaching half way up the car windows. Hetherington was on the rescue truck that was dispatched, and he volunteered to suit-up, donning a yellow waterproof rescue outfit, known as a “mustang suit.”

With DFD safety officer Andy Malowitz, Hetherington approached the trapped family’s vehicle.

Around Town

Darien Road Race Runners

Darien Road Race on Sunday, Sept 16: Traffic Advisory Issued, Don’t Wait to Register

By DARIENITE.COM | September 13, 2018

The 39th annual Darien Road Race, with about 500 racers, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, starting at 9 a.m.

Drivers and area residents are advised to expect short-term delays and detours along the route. Darien Police personnel will be positioned along the route to facilitate the flow of traffic and the safety of the runners. The race will start at Pear Tree Point Beach. Impacted roads will be Pear Tree Point Road, Long Neck Point Road, Goodwives River Road, Sunswyck Road, Tory Hole Road, Delafield Island Road, Red Coat Pass, Old Kings Highway S., Locust Hill Road and Andrews Drive.

Around Town

Leone Stevenson wreath 9/11 ceremony

Commemoration of 9/11: ‘May We Never Forget: September 11, 2001’

By David Gurliacci | September 11, 2018

A brief ceremony was held at Darien’s 9/11 Memorial Tuesday morning, the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and other massacre sites, resulting in the deaths of thousands, including some from Darien. About 50 people, including numerous firefighters and police officers, attended the event at the memorial site, an engraved stone flanked by two trees (symbolizing the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers). A moment of silence was observed at 8:46, the minute that the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Phil Kraft, former chairman of the town Monuments and Ceremonies Commission, was the master of ceremonies.

Around Town

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brass_water_tap.jpg

Reminder: Restrictions on Darien Lawn Watering Are Mandatory — Twice a Week, No More

By David Gurliacci | July 28, 2018

Because reservoirs are expected to remain low at certain points of every year (especially this time of year) for the foreseeable future, there are mandatory water restrictions on all Darien property. First Selectman Jayme Stevenson recently described the restrictions and reminded residents that Aquarion Water Co. will be watching for violations more vigilantly especially now, when reservoir levels tend to drop. “At this time of year, we are trending toward the drought triggers, as Aquarion and the state drinking water department have outlined them,” Stevenson said at last Tuesday’s Board of Selectman meeting. “So remember, it’s only twice a week that you’re allowed to water,” she continued.

Around Town

Pond Weed House Darien Picabu Wikipedia

Town Bicentennial Committee Formed, Applications for More Members Welcome

By David Gurliacci | July 28, 2018

With the 200th anniversary of Darien officially becoming a town in 1820, the town has established a Bicentennial committee to organize celebrations, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson announced at a Board of Selectmen meeting last week. If you have an interest, you’re welcome to volunteer. Just contact the First Selectman’s Office. “A committee has been formed, and we welcome any additional committee members to begin the planning for the town’s bicentennial, which will happen in the year 2020,” Stevenson said. The first selectman said she asked others if they would volunteer for the committee, and David Pollet and Tracey Root both joined up and are organizing the effort through the town Monuments and Ceremonies Commission.

Around Town

Expect Some Discolored Water As Aquarion Cleans Water Mains Around Town for Next Six Weeks

By David Gurliacci | June 9, 2018

Aquarion Water Company today announced a water main cleaning project in Darien starting Sunday, June 10 and continuing for six weeks between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The water main cleaning project is being undertaken to ensure that customers continue to receive the highest quality water. — an announcement from Aquarion
The Darien water main cleaning project is estimated to last until Friday, July 20. During that time, customers may notice some discoloration in their water. This discoloration results from the temporary disturbance of the water flow, which stirs up naturally occurring minerals that settle in water mains. Aquarion recommends customers store water in their refrigerators for drinking and cooking. Customers should also refrain from washing laundry if water is discolored. Before resuming use, customers should run their cold-water faucets until the water appears clear.

Around Town

Weed Beach Fest Twenty-eighteen

Weed Beach Fest Coming June 2: Must Buy Tix for Clam Bake, But Admission and Puns Are Free

By David Gurliacci | June 1, 2018

On Saturday, June 2 Darien Parks & Recreation Department will once again be SHELLABRATING with live music, food and games everyone is SHORE to enjoy! The event runs from 2 to 8 p.m.

__________

— This is an announcement from the Darien Parks and Recreation Department, with additional details from the department’s Web pages. Darienite.com takes no responsibility for the puns — this time. Direct your groans to Park & Rec. __________

Three bands will take the stage through most of the event, providing awesome TUNAS from 3 to 8 p.m.

New this year, Capt’n John’s will be providing a mouthWATERing fresh clam bake right on the beach that will leave you feeling GILLTY if you don’t partake!

Around Town

Natural Gas Eversource Leroy Avenue

Gas Line Installation Starts Next Week on Hoyt St, 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Weekdays

By David Gurliacci | April 26, 2018

As part of its project to expand the natural gas distribution system in Darien and New Canaan, Eversource will be working along state Route 106 in both towns and Route 124 in New Canaan beginning the week of (Monday) April 30, the utility announced. Weather permitting, work will continue Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Work is expected to be complete by late October. _________

— an announcement from Eversource

_________

Drivers may experience delays due to alternating one-way traffic as well as occasional lane closures. To ensure the safe completion of this work, police and signs will be deployed approaching these locations to help manage the flow of traffic. The work will take place from the intersection of Hoyt Street with Greenwood Avenue north on Hoyt Street into New Canaan, where the street becomes Old Stamford Road and continues in New Canaan to Farm Road, then north on Route 124 (South Avenue) to Oak Street.

Around Town

Darien Library General 10-13-17

What’s Up at Darien Library: Saturday to Friday, April 21 to 27

By David Gurliacci | April 21, 2018

Two events on keeping your family healthy, a poet visits, the librarian of the year honored, register for the teen talent show, acting auditions, stuff for kids and stuff for teens — here’s what’s going on at Darien Library for the week starting today, Saturday, April 21:
Registered Events
Make sure to register by clicking the titles! Family Techsplorers
Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m.
Caregivers and children ages 3-6

Last chance to perform in Saturday’s Teen Talent Show
Register
Ages 12 to 18

Give Peas a Chance:
How to Get Picky Eaters to Eat
Wednesday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Nutmeg Book Club: Ratscalibur
Wednesday, April 25 at 6 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Adults
No registration required for these programs. Just walk in! The Poet’s Voice: Stephan Haven
Sunday, 4/22 at 2 p.m.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Family From Toxins
Tuesday, 4/24 at 7 p.m.

The Outstanding Librarian Reception: Blanche Parker
Wednesday, April 25 at 2 p.m.

An Insider’s Guide to Restoring a House in Tuscany — Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.

Knit One, Crochet Too
Thursday, April 26 at 2 p.m.

Film Screening: “An Inconvenient Sequel”
Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Acting Auditions
Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Friday Night Feature:
“The Shape of Water”
Friday, April 27 at 6:30 or 8:45 p.m.
For Children and Teens
No registration required for these programs. Just walk in! The Blossom Shoppe Storytime
Saturday, April 21 at 11 a.m.
Ages 3 and up

LEGO Club
Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages 5 and up

Teen Talent Show
Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
All ages are invited to cheer

Messy Monday
Monday, April 23 at 4 p.m.
Ages 3 and up

Veggie Bonanza Storytime at Darien Whole Foods
Tuesday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Ages 3 and up

Toddler Tales
Wednesday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m.
Walkers up to 36 months

Baby Laptime
Thursday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Pre-walking babies with caregiver

Game On! Video Games
Friday, April 27 at 3:30 p.m.
Ages 12 to 18

Events Calendar