In his latest First Selectman’s edition of the Town of Darien Newsletter on Friday, Sept. 19, Jon Zagrodzky discusses what he heard and saw about a tragic suicide case described at the annual Wave Strong luncheon; he also discusses proposals to spend millions on three town recreational properties:
Suicide Prevention Described at Wave Strong Lunch
Yesterday, I attended, along with State Rep. Tracy Marra and Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne, the second annual Wave Strong luncheon at Country Club of Darien.
Founded in 2022 following tragic deaths by suicide of several people, including students, this organization is focused on “breaking down the stigmas of mental health for the betterment of Darien.” A worthy mission we should all support. You can learn more about Wave Strong here.
The lunch speakers included Steve and Gina Meyer, a California couple who lost their daughter, a Stanford University senior, to suicide. It was quite the experience to listen to them describe the morning they heard what had happened — the fear and panic, the frantic drive to campus, the grief and despair.
Then there was the aftermath — investigation, back stories, and a steady trickle of new information, which continues to this day. And now, a lawsuit against the university.
In this struggle, however — both to find answers and to deal with their grief — the Meyers have risen above this awful tragedy. Like the brave parents who started Wave Strong, they have found their voice in advocating for changes that might have spared their daughter.
We saw a CNN interview clip with Jake Tapper in which they described legislation they’re advocating that will “provide students with an important option to select an outside adviser to participate alongside the student during administration-initiated disciplinary actions when there is an alleged violation of the student code of conduct.”
It’s now the law in California, and the Meyers are working to see it passed in other states and at the Federal level. Check out their website here.
Photo from Town of Darien Newsletter
At the Wave Strong luncheon last week (names not given)
Proposals for Three Town Recreational Properties
There are many discussions going on now about three appropriations recommended by the Board of Selectmen, which are next up for review by the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting:
$2.3 million: The Early Access investment at Great Island, which will include parking, a modest welcome center with bathrooms, trails, and signage, and a restored meadow area, all concentrated on the west side of the island.
This amount will fund the creation of schematics, drawings and technical specifications as well as the preparation of bid documents, oversight of permitting and approvals, management of the bid process, and construction monitoring.
Once we have an accepted construction bid, around December next year, we will have the exact project costs. At that point, there will be a second appropriation request to fund construction, estimated currently to be between $10 million and $14 million.
$2.1 million: Short Lane property at Weed Beach. This investment will (finally) integrate this area with the rest of Weed Beach, extending the beach area and berms east towards Nearwater Lane, concentrating wetlands areas north by the sewer pump station, and creating an open space with walkways, picnic tables, and grills. The work will also include extensive landscaping and new trees.
$9.0 million: Pear Tree Point Beach. The project will include raising the parking lot for flood mitigation, reconstructing the boat ramp (the pitch is currently too shallow), and dredging the harbor around the Boat Club. This investment will help preserve this important park asset for years to come.
I have prepared a couple of videos with more information, in which I’ve tried to answer questions that have come our way. Feel free to check them out:
• Weed Beach and Pear Tree Point Beach
I believe these are the right investments to make in these important properties! I would welcome any inquiries about them. Feel free to call or email:
- jzagrodzky@darienct.gov
- (203) 644-7116
Enjoy the beautiful pre-fall weather this weekend! JZ