Weekend Events
The Norwalk Art Space interior 2021

A New Museum, The Norwalk Art Space, Opens With a Celebration This Weekend

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The Norwalk Art Space, the area’s newest museum, will open its doors to the public with a weekend-long celebration featuring a group exhibition, an outdoor live music festival, and the opening of the Art Space Cafe by celebrated Chef Bill Taibe. — an announcement from The Norwalk Art Space

The museum, just north of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in central Norwalk (off Exit 14), features a gallery, resident artists, classes, a sculpture garden and cafe, and musical performances. Live music will be presented in our sculpture garden by a wide variety of musicians. SEE ALSO: A New Museum, Norwalk Art Space, Opens June 5 With Exhibit Tours, Outdoor Music, Sculpture Garden, Cafe (May 9)
On Opening Weekend
The opening weekend will feature:

A group exhibition by our Resident Artists and Korry Fellows, curated by Artistic Director Duvian Montoya, and Curatorial and Policy Advisor Nicole Sansone Ruiz, PhD. The opening of our Sculpture Garden, curated by sculptural curator Yvonne Shortt.

Community Organizations
Patricia Russo

‘Lessons Learned: Tales From the Campaign Trail’ Topic of Darien League of Women Voters Online Talk

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The League of Women Voters of Darien invites the community to its Annual Meeting to be held online on June 2 at 7 p.m.

Patricia Russo , executive director of the Campaign School at Yale will address the topic “Lessons Learned: Tales from the Campaign Trail.” — an announcement from the Darien League of Women Voters

The program will be hosted by the Darien Library and is free and open to the public. You can register here through the Darien Library website. Russo is a nationally respected leader focused on achieving political parity in the United States and the world. For over 30 years she has held numerous leadership positions in the public, private and not for profit organizations centered on gender equality.

Community Organizations
Allegra Erickson and Christina Passaretti Thriving Youth Task Force TYTF

Two New Members Named to Community Fund of Darien’s Thriving Youth Task Force

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The Thriving Youth Task Force announced Monday that Allegra Erickson and Christina Passaretti will join its executive board for the 2021/22 school year. — an announcement from The Community Fund of Darien
Erickson will assume the role of Executive Board co-chair.  She will succeed Shelly Skoglund, who will complete her term as co-chair this year. Christina Passaretti will serve as vice chair, succeeding Susan Marks, who will also complete her term this year. Erickson brings a wealth of experience to the Thriving Youth Task Force. She has served our community on the PTO executive boards of Hindley Elementary, Middlesex Middle School and Darien High School and was a board member, Youth Asset Team adult advisor, and Community Investment executive board member for The Community Fund of Darien.

CAC volunteer and kid

Six Darien Residents Honored for ‘Outstanding Volunteer Advocacy’ for Children

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Six Darienites who have taken on the task of advocating for vulnerable children have been honored for their services by Child Advocates of Southwest Connecticut, the organization announced. — an announcement from Child Advocates of SW Connecticut

The Darien residents recognized for “outstanding volunteer advocacy” are Amy Harned, Robert Noonan, Megan Pryor, Maureen Roach, Ruthie Strother and Jody Truwit. Child Advocates of SW Connecticut (CAC) is a Fairfield County-based non-profit organization that trains and supervises volunteer advocates for vulnerable children. “CAC is thrilled to honor our incredible volunteers,” said Stacey Sobel, executive director of CAC. “Vulnerable children have suffered disproportionately during the COVID pandemic, and our volunteers have done a tremendous job ensuring needs are being met.”

CAC volunteers are a consistent, caring presence in a child’s life and advocate for the child’s best interests in the community, school and courtroom.

Outdoors
Darien Land Trust 65th Anniversary

Darien Land Trust Invites You to a ‘Trails Challenge’ by Going on Three Walking Trails This Summer

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The Darien Land Trust is inviting the town to come participate in two challenges to mark the trust’s 65th anniversary year — walks in three of the trust’s preserves, now through the end of July and a running event in October. — an announcement from the Darien Land Trust
Trails Challenge
First, the Trails Challenge takes visitors to three of its preserves with walking trails: Olson Woods, (at 31-1 Heather Lane) the Trails at Cherry Lawn (at 120 Brookside Ave.) and Dunlap Woods (near the end of Parklands Drive). (This Web page shows where each of the land trust’s preserves are located, although it doesn’t give addresses of the entrances.)

The Trails Challenge, which started this weekend and runs to July 31, is to visit all three sites. Participants must register through a QR code posted at each property to be entered into a prize drawing. Winners will be announced on our website and social media on Aug.

Business
David Genovese

David Genovese to Talk About Future Transformation of Downtown at DCA Annual Meeting

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The Darien Community Association invites the public to the organization’s Annual Meeting at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 20, to hear David Genovese, founder of Baywater Properties, discuss “The Transformation of Downtown Darien, a Look into the Future. ”

— an announcement from the DCA

This will be a virtual event. Registrants will receive an email with an access link the day before the event. David Genovese and his partner, Penny Glassmeyer, have developed several of
Darien’s now iconic properties, including Grove Street Plaza and 1020 Boston Post
Road, among others. After nearly 16 years of effort acquiring and assembling a total of over seven acres in downtown, and working with Darien’s boards and commissions in achieving zoning approvals, Baywater’s next project, The Corbin District, is about to begin construction.

Art Exhibits
The Norwalk Art Space interior 2021

A New Museum, Norwalk Art Space, Opens June 5 With Exhibit Tours, Outdoor Music, Sculpture Garden, Cafe

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A new art museum is opening Saturday, June 5 in central Norwalk with a free weekend celebratory party. The museum will include an exhibition gallery, a sculpture garden with regular live music on weekends, a cafe, studios for artists, a classroom and workspaces for students. — an announcement from The Norwalk Art Space

The Norwalk Art Space is located at 455 West Ave., next to Mathews Park (the location of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum). The museum building is the former Norwalk First Church of Christ Scientist. “Our goals are to promote local artists, offer free art classes to high school students, and provide the public a welcoming space to enjoy art and music,” the museum says on its website.

Healthy Living
Sibshops Abilis

Event May 19 for Kids 10 to 14 With a Sibling Who Has a Disability

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Kids from 10-to-14 years old who are brothers and sisters of someone who has a disability are invited to attend an online “Sibshops” workshop from 5 to 6:30 Wednesday, May 19. Sibshops are high-spirited and fun workshops combining recreation, discussion and information. Note that registration fills up fast, according to the organizer. — an announcement from Abilis

The event is organized by Greenwich-based Abilis, which serves those with disabilities in Darien and other towns, primarily in southwest Fairfield County. It will take place on Zoom.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Most needed food items Person to Person May 2021

Food Needed Now, Says Person-to-Person: Food Drive Saturday Morning, May 8 at P2P HQ

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A food drive is taking place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, May 8 at the headquarters of Person-to-Person. During the pandemic, the organization has had a 71% increase in its food assistance programs for the people it helps in Darien and the surrounding area, and it hasn’t been able to use one of its biggest food donation programs, the Postal Food Drive, the organization said. “We need your help to fill our pantries,” P2P said in an announcement. “Please contribute to our Spring Food Drive this Saturday, start a virtual food drive, or donate to our food program. Thank you!”

Charity Events and Opportunities
Safenite photo by Donna Ferrato

Domestic Violence Crisis Center Hosts Online Spring Luncheon on May 20

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Donna Ferrato, an award-winning photojournalist, author, domestic violence prevention activist, and feminist will be the keynote speaker at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center Spring Luncheon on Thursday, May 20. — an announcement from the Domestic Violence Crisis Center

Donna’s work was selected as one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential Images of All Time.” Her powerful images and the stories behind them have helped to bring domestic violence out of the shadows and into the light. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a special “Voices of Courage” boxed lunch from Aux Delice, available for pick up at the Darien or Westport locations on the day of the event. Aux Delice will donate a percentage of the sales from the lunch to DVCC. The fundraising event will also feature an online silent auction which opens May 14.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Agile buyers wanted for fragile items Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction.

Darien Scouts’ Rolling Auctions Fundraiser Continues, With Some Closing Thursday, Friday

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Darien Scouts has taken its annual tag sale online this year, with a series of auctions running in April and May. New auctions are online now. All auctions feature a mix of furniture, art, décor, antiques, bikes, sporting equipment, toys, and more, with bidding starting as low as $1. — an announcement from Darien Scouts

Visit soon and visit often! Next auctions close Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30, and more will be added regularly until at least May 6.

Community Organizations
Ribbon Cutting for Parkview North run by Pacific House

Pacific House Homeless Shelter Opens Renovated Norwalk Home to House 12

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Pacific House, a homeless shelter that provides services to homeless men, including any from Darien, held a ribbon-cutting event on Friday, April 16 for its latest residence, a newly  renovated home in Norwalk that will house 12 formerly homeless individuals. — an announcement from Pacific House
Named ‘Parkview North,’ the property expands the Pacific House portfolio to a total of 14 homes that the organization owns and operates, providing a total of 140 units of permanent supportive housing across Stamford and Norwalk. Each resident contributes one-third of their monthly income, and in return, receives a safe place to live and case management services to help keep them on track. “We’re committed to our mission, and we take a lot of pride in basically two things,” said Rafael Pagan, executive director of Pacific House. “One is our emergency shelter services, which we’ve been involved with for over 35 years.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Spring for Abilis 2021 wide for social media

Packed With Entertainers, ‘Spring for Abilis’ Online Gala on May 1 Is Free to Attend

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The “Spring for Abilis” virtual gala, organizers promise, will be packed with comedy, entertainment, singing, dancing, the Abilis’ Giving Garden and a live auction appeal. Special guests at the May 1 gala include: actors Brendan and Afton Fraser, musician Rob Mathes, singers Loren Allred and Sharon Catherine Brown, and dancers/choreographers Billy Blanks Jr. and Michael Dameski. — an announcement from Abilis

While the Spring for Abilis gala is free to attend, registration is required at SpringForAbilis.GiveSmart.com. Hosted by entertainer and comedian Brett Walkow, the event is meant to be fun for the whole family. Spring for Abilis is a major fundraiser for the Fairfield County-based nonprofit, which is celebrating its 70th year.

Community Organizations
Voices Annual Golf Outing 2021

Annual Golf Outing June 14 to Support Voices Center for Resilience

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Voices Center for Resilience (formerly Voices of September 11th) will host its 7th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York. — an announcement from Voices Center for Resilience, headquartered in New Canaan
All proceeds will benefit Voices’ work to assist communities preparing for and recovering from tragedy, and to provide long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness for victims’ families, survivors and responders. Frank Fetchet, Voices vice president of business development, said, “This is our second year at Quaker, and we’re thrilled to be welcomed back. As many golfers know, Quaker Ridge is one of the world’s premier golf courses, and its recent redesign by architect Gil Hanse makes a golf experience at QR second to none.” This year marks the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 – a milestone that also recognizes Voices for its work in advocacy and social services.

Abilis 2021
Abilis

Abilis, Which Serves People With Special Needs, Holds a Job Fair May 1

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Abilis is hiring! On Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Abilis is holding a job fair for prospective employees. The job fair is open for drop-ins, and no registrations are required. — an announcement from Abilis

Those interested in working for Abilis are encouraged to review open positions in advance on the Abilis website. Interviews will be conducted on-site, outdoors with COVID safety precautions in place at the Abilis headquarters, 50 Glenville St., Greenwich.