Alan Despres
New York National Historic Sites

Tour Through New York National Historic Sites with Darien Library

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Darien Library is hosting a virtual tour of natural and man-made wonders in New York in the first of an eight-week online series. Each event will be accessed on Zoom. Week 1, Oct 5 — From the Seven Wonders to National Parks
Retired United States park ranger Allen J. Despres will explore the seven wonders of the world to America’s National Parks system. Even in ancient times, there were those who loved to travel to see great natural places as well as man-made ones. The growth of the middle class in the 19th century and the advances in transportation technology made our present age of easy travel possible.

Car Maintenance
Chaya Milchtein on Car repair and maintenance

A Deeper Dive Into Car Ownership and Maintenance: Boost Your Confidence

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Darien Library is pleased to welcome back Chaya Milchtein of Mechanic Shop Femme for an event that will boost car owners’ confidence in maintaining their vehicles. This virtual event will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8. You’ll need to register first. — an announcement from the library

For some drivers, car maintenance can be a daunting task. Learn how to perform tune-ups, change transmission fluid, clean your car to protect your investment, and more.

Community Mindfulness Project 2021
Emotional Support shown in Oslo Statue Pixabay pic no restrictions on use

For Caregivers, an Online Presentation About Caring For Yourself

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In a webinar Tuesday morning, Community Mindfulness Project will share simple techniques that people who care for others can use to support themselves emotionally as they do that caregiving. — an announcement from Darien Library

When we witness the struggles or pain of others, the pain centers in our brain light up as if we were experiencing that same pain. This can be very depleting. When we convert empathy (the witnessing and taking on of another’s pain) into compassion, we trigger a physiological response that actually helps us to feel more resilient and resourced. As they say on an airplane, it’s important to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.

Arts & Entertainment
Johannes Vermeer

‘Artists in the City: From Masters to Modernists,’ Online Lecture This Wednesday

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A free, online lecture by ArtScapades, “Artists in the City: From Masters to Modernists,” is being offered at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 26 by The Rowayton Arts Center. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center
ArtScapades will look at how artists portrayed cities in their works, from 17th century realistic cityscapes to 20th century abstract metropolitan views. Included in this lecture are work by Johannes Vermeer, Camille Pissarro, John Sloan, Edward Hopper, Piet Mondrian, Georgia O’Keeffe and more. Visit rowaytonarts.org to sign up and a Zoom invite will be sent out to each participant. Robin Hoffman and Jodi Stiffelman began ArtScapades in 2009 after teaching art appreciation in the New Canaan public school system in order to share their knowledge with adults who wanted to learn more about art history.

Books & Authors
Peter Bouteneff author of How to Be a Sinner Grace Farms event 5-11-21

‘How to Be a Sinner’ — Online Talk Tuesday Afternoon with a Professor of Orthodox Theology

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How can identifying as a sinner bring peace of mind, a clear conscience, and love for others? Peter Bouteneff, author and internationally recognized professor of Orthodox theology, will join Dr. Matthew Croasmun to discuss his latest work “How to Be a Sinner,” addressing topics such as  guilt, shame, and self-care through his compassionate narrative. This discussion is a free, online Zoom event hosted by Grace Farms Foundation. It takes place from 12 noon to 1 p.m., this Tuesday, May 11. Grace Farms’ “Books on Faith & Meaning” series consists of monthly presentations introducing selections from the Faith & Meaning section of the Grace Farms Library. Spanning multiple religious and philosophical traditions, both ancient and contemporary, these texts encourage us to think critically about the meaning in our lives.

Arts & Entertainment
Paul Cezanne Mont Sainte-Victoire

A Talk on Influential Artist Paul Cezanne, Whose Drawings Will Be Exhibited at the Met in June

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The life and work of Paul Cézanne, one of the most influential artists in the history of painting, will be the subject of art historian Page Knox in an hour-long talk Tuesday evening, May 18. — an announcement from Darien Library

Cézanne has inspired generations of artists. Born in 1839 and generally recognized as a Post-Impressionist, his unique method of building form with color and his analytical approach to the natural world influenced the art of Cubists, Fauves and avant-garde artists from his death in 1906 until the present day. Through an in-depth examination of his work, including the portraits of Provençal card players and his long-suffering wife, the famous apple still lifes, and the landscapes of his beloved Mt. Saint Victoire, this lecture will explore the life and art of Cézanne as he sought to attain the “essence of form.”

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.

Healthy Living

The Art of Living Well: A Free, Online Conference to Improve Anybody’s Mental Health and Spirits

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It’s time you start making time for yourself! Take a break from your busy schedule and endless to-do lists and join Mountainside Treatment Centers Saturday, May 22 for three hours of wellness, fun, and community. This free event, while created for individuals in recovery, is appropriate and open to everyone. — an announcement from Mountainside Treatment Centers

Mountainside addiction treatment centers, which has an office in Wilton, rounded up a team of experts to help you discover new passions, let go of whatever is holding you back, and gain practical and tangible ways to change your life. The series of workshops from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. are designed to help you learn how to save money to make that dream vacation happen or find new ways to manage stress.

Darien Library
Speakers Divorce Now What

‘Divorce, Now What?’ An Online Presentation May 12

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Starting the divorce process brings up a number of questions: what are the steps that you will need to take? Should you choose litigation, mediation, or collaboration? What professionals will best serve you in this process? Darien Library presents an online event Wednesday, May 12, with experts who will share their knowledge on navigating these questions and more. — an announcement from Darien Library

“Divorce, Now What?” will delve into the common mistakes and misconceptions that parties have about divorce.

Arzhang Fallahi
Doctor Health Medicine Darien Library

Doctors Answer Darien’s COVID-19 Qs Online; Town Health Dept Has Advice If You Took J&J Vaccine

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Darien Health Department issued advice Tuesday morning to anyone who took the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, after reports of rare blood-clotting from others who have taken it. “People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.” In another COVID-19 related announcement, three Stamford Hospital physicians will answer questions from the public about the coronavirus in an online event Wednesday evening sponsored by Darien Library. Federal officials have suggested a pause in using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Darien Health Department does not use it, the department said in the announcement (full text, below).

Darien History
Ken Reiss Darien History

Darien Historian Ken Reiss Talks About Town’s History in Online Event, Thursday

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Ken Reiss, a Museum of Darien historian, will discuss how Darien sought its independence, the forces blocking its path, and the hero who persisted to give the town its name in an online lecture Thursday evening. — an announcement from Darien Library

Discover what life was like 200 years ago in “History Close to Home with Ken Reiss,” a Museum of Darien Historian and the author of Darien, 1820: New Town, New Times. This event will take place virtually on Wednesday, April 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. You can register here on Darien Library’s website. About Ken Reiss
Ken Reiss’ lifelong pursuit of history has in recent years been sharply focused on the story of Darien, Connecticut, where he has made his home for the past 32 years. In addition to his most recent work to commemorate the town’s bicentennial, Darien 1820: New Town, New Times, Ken is the author of The Story of Darien, Connecticut, a definitive history of the town.

Government & Politics
LWV LVW Darien League of Women Voters

Several Darien League of Women Voters Public Events Coming This Month

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The League of Women Voters of Darien has scheduled several programs of interest to the community this Spring:

A further discussion about the future of Darien within Fairfield County; a discussion about voter access and the security of the voting system with the secretary of the state; and a discussion with leaders of several town government boards. — an announcement from the League of Women Voters of Darien

All will be held online and are free and open to the public. In addition to these three programs, the Darien League’s annual meeting at 7 p.m., June 2 will feature as its keynote speaker Patti Russo, executive director of the Campaign School at Yale University. The League doesn’t have much information yet on the discussion with leaders of various town boards. The date and time will be announced later.

Theater
Red Curtain

Tween and Teen ONLINE Theatre Workshop: The Wizard of Oz

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Aspiring actors and actresses will love this theatre workshop! In a playful environment, tweens and teens will create fantastic improvisations under the guidance of drama teacher Ingrid Schaeffer. Together, the theatre group will perform an inspired version of “The Wizard of Oz” after reading through the script. All you need to participate is an active imagination! This free workshop, meant for teens and tweens from ages 11 to 18, takes place from 1 to 2:15 p.m., Saturday, April 10.

Footer Featured Widget

Learn How to Best Honor Your Loved One With A Great Obituary

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Learn the basics of how best to honor your loved one with an obituary in this hour-long class with Jamie Passaro, who runs dear person obits based in Eugene, Oregon. — an announcement from Darien Library

Writing an obituary is an important task. Obituaries are history, journalism, and poetry. They are often the last word. All participants will receive Jamie’s 25-page booklet “Writing an Obituary in Four Easy Steps.”

Business
Digital Computer Laptop Keyboard Phone Desk

SCORE Presents 5-Part Webinar on Managing Technology In and Outside Your Office

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Need to upgrade your technology skills? The Darien Library and SCORE present a 5-part webinar series to bring you up to speed on the tools you need to succeed both in and outside your office. Is technology taking control of your life and home? In this webinar, parents will learn tips, tricks, resources and strategies for managing technology in your family. — an announcement from Darien Library

Register for the ‘The Tech Workshop Your Kids Don’t Want You To Attend.’