Holmes School STEM 3

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

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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.

Freshmen field hockey wears pink for Allison Haupt

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

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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.

Darien Road Race Runners

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

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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.

Leone Stevenson wreath 9/11 ceremony

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

Pond Weed House Darien Picabu Wikipedia

Town Bicentennial Committee Formed, Applications for More Members Welcome

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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.

Aquarion Logo

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

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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.

Weed Beach Fest Twenty-eighteen

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

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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!

Natural Gas Eversource Leroy Avenue

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

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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.

Darien Library General 10-13-17

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

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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

Bund China Exchange DHS

Have You Heard …? DHS Students in China, Win a Vespa, Daddy/Daughter Dance, Tea Cups Wanted

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

Pictures last week from Darien High School students’ trip to China:

We don’t know who took each of the photos, but DHS Assistant Principal Kate Dimoulas posted them on Twitter. In one post, she wrote: “(Thanks, Mr. Banas, for sharing!)”

***

Darien police Lt. Jeremiah Marron Jr. recently took the “Command Training Series: Mid-Management Course,” a one-week training program for upper-level personnel. It was presented by the Justice System Training and Research Institute at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., in partnership with the New England Association of Chiefs of Police. Coursework addressed contemporary concepts of management and leadership relevant to the responsibilities of first line supervisors in a modern police agency. The program, presented March 19 to 23, discussed topics including operational leadership and management principles, problem-solving, organizational and interpersonal communications, labor relations, disciplinary issues, and ethical decision-making.

Have You Heard …? Darienites From Stage to Street to Firehouse to Restaurant to Gym to Pool to Museum to Golf Course

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

Royle School’s recent STEAM started with the third to fifth graders making spinning tops in robotics and the Kindergarten through second graders learning about both color theory and taking a Keva Engineering Building Challenge! Royle is hosting its first ever STEAM week with hands on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math classes offered after early dismissal. More than 265 children signed up for the various activities. ***

You can go bald for a good cause, or at least support others who will this Saturday, March 31. The head shaving takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Darien Fire Department, 848 Post Road; the party at Center Street Pub, 22 Center St., runs from 9 to 11 p.m.

“Support Darien Fire Department, Noroton Heights Fire Department and Noroton Fire Department in helping St.

Dante Zimmerman Holmes School talent show

Have You Heard …? Talent Show, Spring Fling, Memorial Day Prep, Music in Schools, Big Gifts

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

Holmes Elementary School held its 6th annual talent show “The H Factor” at the Darien High School auditorium on Sunday, March 4.  The show included 80 participants, 44 acts and attracted a huge audience. ***

The St. John Church Spring Fling event is on Sunday March 25th , 12:30 to 4:30 at the church, 1986 Post Road. The event is getting bigger and better. The youth group in turn pays it forward throughout the year by donating time, services, help to those in need in the local areas and they also do healthy social events for the middle school and high school kids.

Math team DHS feb twenty eighteen

Have You Heard …? In the Schools, at the Train Station, on the Rink, at the Firehouse

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

This year’s Darien Fire Firefighters St. Baldrick’s Day event will be held Saturday, March 31 at Darien Fire Department Headquarters. Anyone who wants to participate —whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate — may do so by signing up here. Last year the Darien event raised $93,994 for childhood cancer research. Organizers say they’re hoping to replicate that success this year.

Darien Depot Apres Ski Winter Fundraiser

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The Depot – Darien Youth Center is hosting its Après Ski Winter fundraiser on Saturday. Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Darien Community Association. Join us for an evening of music by DJ Grüv, live fire roasted hors d’oeuvres by Greatest Blaze, alpine inspired cuisine by Palmers, après ski cocktails and incredible one-of-a-kind live & silent auction offerings! 

Proceeds from the evening will go toward funding this exceptional organization that helps so many young people in our town and expanding educational programming for teen anxiety, depression and self-esteem.  
This fun night is made possible by our generous sponsors including Moffly Media, Palmers, Bankwell and Darien Sport Shop!