Beyond Darien

Shatterproof Hosts Rappeling Event Saturday at Beacon Harbor Point in Stamford

Talking Transportation: Take a Daytrip and Ride Connecticut’s Rail History

National Weather Service Issues Severe Thunderstorm Watch From Noon to 8 PM Monday

Aquarion Water Company Asks Customers: Please Conserve Water

Book Cruise Trips in June on the Maritime Aquarium’s New Research Vessel

Students, 50 and Over, Find Forgotten Family History in NCC Genealogy Class

Family ReEntry Gala Fundraising Event June 10 at Grace Farms in New Canaan

Does a Mountain Lion Lurk in New Canaan? Wildlife Officials Examine Paw Prints

Wine Tasting Event for Ethiopian Relief, 6 to 9 PM Saturday

Scouts in Uniform Get Discount Saturday at Maritime Aquarium

Students Can Win Prizes for Videos, Art in AAA Traffic Safety Message Contest

Coromandel Cuisine Named One of Best Indian Restaurants in CT & What Else Is on the List

Report: Frontier TV Cable Service Is Down, Possibly Till Tuesday Morning

Stamford’s Balloon Parade Steps off at Noon on Sunday

First Selectman Able to Descend Tall Building in Single Rappel

Events Calendar

Beyond Darien

By David Gurliacci | October 6, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

By Jim Cameron | August 15, 2016

Around Town

By David Gurliacci | July 18, 2016

Around Town

By David Gurliacci | July 14, 2016

Animals

By David Gurliacci | June 5, 2016

Around Town

By David Gurliacci | May 4, 2016

Beyond Darien

By David Gurliacci | April 14, 2016

Animals

By David Gurliacci | April 5, 2016

Beyond Darien

By David Gurliacci | March 11, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

By David Gurliacci | March 8, 2016

Beyond Darien

By David Gurliacci | January 19, 2016

Beyond Darien

By David Gurliacci | January 9, 2016

Around Town

By David Gurliacci | January 4, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

By David Gurliacci | November 20, 2015

Beyond Darien

By David Gurliacci | October 11, 2015

News from elsewhere that’s important to Darienites

910-6-16 rapeller http://support.shatterproof.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rappel_splash&_ga=1.101994369.1644479073.1475804626

Shatterproof, a national non-profit dedicated to reducing the devastation that addiction to prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and alcohol causes to families, will host a public rappel 22 stories off of the Beacon Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Oct. 8. The fundraiser will bring new attention to the opioid epidemic, which kills 30,000 Americans every year as overdose-related death rates continue to rise. It is part of the third annual Shatterproof Challenge Rappel, a series of rappel events across major cities with hundreds of participants. This year’s Challenge kicked off in Dallas on May 21 and has already raised over $2 million.

If you’re looking for family fun this summer, consider visiting one of Connecticut’s many living museums celebrating our rail heritage:

The Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven was founded in 1945 and now boasts more than one hundred trolley cars in its collection. It still runs excursion trolleys for a short run on tracks once used by The Connecticut Company for its “F Line” from New Haven to Branford. You can walk thru the car barns and watch volunteers painstakingly restoring the old cars. There’s also a small museum exhibit and gift shop. The Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor began in 1940, making it the oldest trolley museum in the U.S. It too was started on an existing right-of-way, the Rockville branch of the Hartford & Springfield Street Railway Company.

National Weather Service thunderstorm forecast 7-18-16

The National Weather Service says showers and a thunderstorms are likely in the area, especially after 5 p.m., and the service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 8 p.m., Monday. As of the 2:56 p.m. update, the weather service’s Darien-specific forecast for Monday and Tuesday says:

This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 95.

With a lack of significant rainfall, and as a result of the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s advisory for water conservation, Aquarion Water Company is asking its customers to conserve water and reduce non-essential outdoor water use. Connecticut is currently experiencing conditions ranging from “abnormally dry” to “moderate drought” due to an extended dry spell, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With below average rainfall and extremely high water demand compared to the same period last year, Aquarion’s reservoirs and wells are below normal capacity. __________
— an announcement Thursday from Aquarion Water Company
__________
As a result, Aquarion is requesting customers reduce outdoor water use by limiting lawn irrigation to a maximum of twice a week (customers can select any two days) if they are using an irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler. Use of a hand-held hose for watering is allowed at any time.

Venture out onto Long Island Sound in June to meet marine animals, or see lighthouses, sunsets and even fireworks, during public cruises with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. _______________

— an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

_______________

These cruises are available in June aboard The Maritime Aquarium’s R/V Spirit of the Sound, the only research vessel in the country with quiet “green” hybrid-electric propulsion:

• Marine Life Study Cruises — Examine fish, crabs, mollusks and other creatures brought up out of the Sound right before your eyes during these memorable 2.5-hour cruises. Participants also help find crabs, worms and other animals hidden in the muddy bottom, and view plankton using a videomicroscope linked to the boat’s giant-screen monitor. “Marine Life Study Cruises” will occur most Saturdays & Sundays through June 19, and then run daily June 25 through Labor Day. Most cruises depart at 1 p.m., but some outings at 10 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. will occur.

By Carol Wilder-Tamme

Twenty “Genealogy & Computers” students took part in Moving Up ceremonies on Monday, May 2, in recognition of the eight weeks of study they undertook starting in March at the non-profit Lifetime Learners Institute at Norwalk Community College. The students received certificates from the chair of the Curriculum Committee of the Lifetime Learners Institute, Richard Di Vecchio, and the facilitator for the “Genealogy & Computers” classes, Janeen Bjork. The popularity and the diversity of students in the pilot “Genealogy & Computers” course in fall 2015 convinced the LLI curriculum committee that it was time to offer both Beginner and Intermediate level classes. Beginner students were introduced to the fundamentals of Genealogy through classroom instruction and homework while also improving their computer knowledge and ability. The Intermediate students requested and received six weeks of training in advanced newspaper research techniques.

Family ReEntry will be hosting its 19th annual fundraising event on June 10, 2016 at Grace Farms in New Canaan. “We hope to expand mission awareness of Family ReEntry at our annual major fundraiser,” said A. Stephen Lanza, executive director of Family ReEntry. “With a goal of raising $200,000, we are confident that we will host a spectacular evening that even tops our events from previous years. And to be chosen by Grace Farms to host our event under their Justice Initiative is an incredible honor. ”

The event, with an expected turn-out of up to 700, will start at 6 p.m. and feature a major speaker discussing “Justice in America,” lavish food, drinks, entertainment and an auction offering exotic vacations (details to follow).

State wildlife experts are assessing photos of paw prints taken last week in New Canaan to determine whether they show clear evidence of a mountain lion, as reported by one town resident who claims to have seen the animal. _____________

— This article was originally published by NewCanaanite.com and is reprinted here by permission. _____________
Officials snapped pictures of paw prints at the scene and “our wildlife experts are assessing these photos to see if they can determine the source of them,” Dennis Schain, communications director for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, told NewCanaanite.com. At about 6:17 p.m. on March 30, a Fox Run Road resident contacted police, saying she’d seen a mountain lion slink through her neighbor’s backyard, according to Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm. (Fox Run Road is less than a mile from the New Canaan-Wilton border, about two thirds of the way toward the New York state line from the Merritt Parkway.)

Also known as ‘cougars’ or ‘pumas,’ mountain lions are reclusive creatures that feed mainly on deer, raccoons, rodents and various small mammals, experts say.

Enjoy some great wine and great food at a wine tasting event from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday for a great cause — raising funds to help Ethiopians get clean water. The fundraising event, organized by Turning Wine into Water, a nonprofit started by the owners and managers of Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines in Darien, is hosted by David’s Sound Catering. — Please click here to RSVP through the eventbrite service —

This announcement was posted on the Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines website:

The Landing, 232 Harbor Dr., Stamford
Saturday, March 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Turning Wine into Water will host its 3rd Annual (Pre) Spring Wine Tasting on Saturday, March 12. This year’s event will be held at The Landing at 232 Harbor Drive, Stamford. This event is one of their primary fundraisers of the year and sponsors a new initiative undertaken by Turning Wine Into Water in conjunction with Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Scouts are tasked with being thrifty, and, on Saturday, March 12, The Maritime Aquarium is giving them the chance to be just that — scouts in uniform get discounted admission. Specifically, on March 12, Scout Day at the Aquarium, any Girl Scout or Boy Scout wearing her or his uniform to the Aquarium that day receives discounted prices of $11 for Aquarium admission, or $15.75 for the Aquarium plus an IMAX movie. (Regular prices are: $12.95 & 17.95 for ages 3-12; and $17.95 & $22.95 for ages 13-17.)

The in-uniform discount applies to Scouts of all levels. Even adult Scout leaders in uniform pay only $11 for Aquarium admission, or $15.75 for the combination ticket. (Regular adult prices are $19.95 and $24.95.)

The discount is not available for advance online purchases.

AAA traffic safety message contest 2016 thumbnail

Calling all student artists and filmmakers! AAA Northeast’s annual Traffic Safety Message Contest is underway! Students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 have the opportunity create a traffic safety message in the form of a video or poster on specific traffic safety topics which will ultimately be judged by AAA members. Topics include: teen driver safety, distracted driving, impaired driving, passenger/occupant protection (seatbelts); car seats/booster seats; pedestrian safety/night visibility; AAA School Safety Patrol; bicycle helmet safety; drowsy driving; and speeding/aggressive driving. ____________
— an announcement from AAA Northeast
____________
“We hope students will reflect on their own behavior regarding safety while engaging the public with their creations,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast’s public affairs coordinator. The winning posters will be showcased in a 2017 calendar and videos will be displayed on AAA.com and used in AAA’s traffic safety education programs.
One grand prize winner will be chosen to receive $1,000 and three runners-up from each grade category will receive $300, $200 and $100 prizes, respectively.

Coromandel Cuisine, a chain of six restaurants with a location in Darien, has been named one of the best restaurants in the state by Connecticut Magazine, and here’s what else nearby is on the list. The magazine just came out with its list of best restaurants in the state, and in addition to Coromandel (in the category of “Best Indian” restaurants), located in the Goodwives Shopping Center at 25 Old Kings Hwy. N., quite a few are close to Darien. Here are the restaurants on the list from Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Norwalk and Westport, all within a pretty short drive from Darien, as long as it’s not rush hour (in parentheses, we’ve included what category they’re in — each link goes to that restaurant’s website; for restaurants in Ridgefield, Redding, Fairfield and elsewhere in the state, see the Connecticut Magazine article):
Stamford

Brasitas (Best Mexican/Latin American — there’s also a location in Norwalk)
The Capital Grille (Best Steak)
Cask Republic (Best Craft Beer Haven — there’s also a location in Norwalk)
Coalhouse Pizza (Best Craft Beer Haven)
Casa Villa (Best Mexican/Latin American — there’s also a location in Norwalk)
Coromandel Cuisine (Best Indian)
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Best Barbecue)
F.I.S.H. (Best Seafood)
Fortina (Best for Families)

Norwalk

Barcelona (Best Tapas — locations also include Stamford and Greenwich)
Brasitas (Best Mexican/Latin American — there’s also a location in Stamford)
Barcelona (Best Tapas — locations also include Norwalk and Greenwich)
Bar Sugo (Best Italian)
Blind Rhino (Best Pub)
Cask Republic (Best Craft Beer Haven — there’s also a location in Stamford)
Fat Cat Pie Co. (Best for Families)
Harlan Publick (Best Outdoor Dining)
Kotobuki (Best Sushi)
Local (Best Craft Beer Haven)
Mama’s Boy (Best Brunch)
Match (Best American; Best Cocktails)
Paloma (Best Outdoor Dining)
The Spread (Best American)
Valencia Luncheria (Best Mexican/Latin American)
Washington Prime (Best Steak)

New Canaan

South End (Overall Excellence; Best American)
Tequila Mockingbird (Best Mexican/Latin American)

Greenwich

Barcelona (Best Tapas — locations also include Stamford and Norwalk)
L’escale (Best Desserts; Best Outdoor Dining; Best Hotel Dining)
Little Pub (Best Pub — there’s also a location in Wilton)
Mill Street Bar & Table (Best New Restaurant category)
Thomas Henkelmann (Overall Excellence; Best French)

Westport

Acqua (Best Seafood)
Bartaco (Best Outdoor Dining)
Bobby Q’s (Best Barbecue)
Da Pietro (Best French)
Kawa Ni (Best Asian; Best Cocktails)
Little Barn (Best Pub)
Luxe (Best Cocktails)
Pink Sumo (Best Sushi)
Rizzuto’s (Best for Families)
Rothbard Ale + Larder (Best New Restaurant category)
Vespa (Best Desserts)
Organic Market (Best Vegetarian/Vegan)
The Whelk (Overall Excellence; Best Seafood)

Wilton

Little Pub (Best Pub — there’s also a location in Greenwich)
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale (Best American; Most Romantic; Best Desserts)

Update 1:04 p.m., Tuesday:

Frontier Communications’ “outage” problem with television channels has been resolved, NBC Connecticut reported. “The outage was caused by issues with Frontier’s coding for data transfer, according to a representative from the company,” according to the NBC Connecticut report. (No explanation for the outage could be found in a search of Frontier’s website or Facebook account.)

On Tuesday morning, Frontier was advising Connecticut customers not to try to reset their top boxes, but by early Tuesday afternoon, the company said in an announcement on its Facebook page:

“Connecticut Customers: Frontier TV customers who are still experiencing an issue with your service please proceed with resetting your set top box.” Any customers with additional television problems can call Frontier technical support at 800-219-6877. The number for the internet help desk is 800-293-4430.

Stamford’s big-balloon parade starts at noon on Sunday, and you can watch the big balloons get inflated from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Officially named the “2015 UBS Parade Spectacular,” the parade can get crowded in downtown Stamford (last year, 100,000 people showed up, according to organizers), so you may want to get there early. Here’s the announcement from the Stamford Downtown Special Services District website:

Something gigantic is coming to Stamford Downtown. The UBS Parade Spectacular, Presented by Stamford Town Center and The Advocate, comes to Stamford on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 12 noon.

Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, very likely the first first selectman ever to do such a thing, rappeled down a skyscraper on Saturday. How did you spend your weekend? Stevenson was one of 100 people participating in a recurring rappelling event called the “Shatterproof Challenge” and organized as a fundraiser for Shatterproof, a national organization headquartered in Norwalk and dedicated to “protect[ing] our children from addiction to alcohol or other drugs and end the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease.” The organization tries to lessen the stigma of drug and alcohol addiction, support research and innovation to combat addiction and advocate for more resources devoted to research. The “Shatterproof Challenge” is one way the organization tries to lessen the stigma.

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