Have You Heard? … Recent (and Some Not-So-Recent), Nov 15

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

On Monday, Nov. 13, six of Darien High School Band students performed at the annual ASBDA (American School band Directors Association) Connecticut High School Honors Band Festival held at Maloney High School in Meriden.

The festival featured students from 15 high schools from throughout the state in both a Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble conducted by guest conductors Michael Breaux from NYU and Gerald Dolan of Gordon College.

 

Oboist Alex Wang performed in the Wind Ensemble and performing in the Symphonic Band from Darien High School were Audrey Hagen (bass clarinet); Veronica Mejias and Brooke Laird (both on trumpet); Madison Pomeroy (trombone); and Jacob Won (clarinet). Darien High School Band Director Jonathan Grauer is an ASBDA member.

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The Darien YMCA is offering discounts on their personal training and therapeutic massage packages on Black Friday, Nov. 24, as well as Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26.

Non-members will receive discounts of 15 percent off on packages of 10-20 private or semi-private (two-person) personal training sessions while members receive 20 percent off these packages.

Discounts on massage packages will also be 15 percent for non-members and 20 percent for members.

For more information, visit the Darien Y’s website at www.darien-ymca.org or call the Wellness Desk at the Y at 203-655-8228 ext. 1322.

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Local country  & western band Gunsmoke recently raised $2,000 for hurricane relief in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico through its “Music for Hope Hurricane Relief Concert” held on Oct. 20 at the Piedmont Club of Darien.

 

Half the money will be donated to the American Red Cross and the other $1,000 will go to the charity Samaritan’s Purse. To find out more about Gunsmoke, visit GunsmokeBand.Com.

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The New York Transit Museum’s Annual Holiday Train Show returns to Grand Central Terminal from Thursday, Nov, 16 to Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.

Located next to the Stationmaster’s Office, the show features a 34-foot-long, “O gauge” layout with Lionel’s model Metro-North M7s, New York Central, and vintage subway trains running on eight separate loops of track. Admission is free!

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Spencer Segura, 11, of Darien played in a Net Generation Kids Clinic at the U.S. Open on Sept. 9. He was one of 400-plus kids from the area getting to play on the same courts the pros play on during the U.S. Open.

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Homes For The Brave recently hosted its 3^rd Annual Step Up For The Brave Stadium Stair Climb Challenge.

Held at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, it was attended by nearly 200 veterans, fitness enthusiasts and generous supporters.

They laced up their sneakers and climbed stadium stairs to raise almost $37,000 to date for the nonprofit organization.

Collective Soul Frontman and Lead Vocalist Ed Roland was present at the Sept. 23 event to sign autographs and take photos with fans.

“It’s all about giving back to the military, that’s the ultimate goal,” Roland said. “Giving back to them for giving us our freedom.”

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Pics from the Holmes School Picnic (we know, we’re late with these, but no way are we going to ignore these cute photos forever — no way):

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At the annual Family Day Dinner at the Darien Y, sponsored by the Community Fund of Darien, Thriving Youth Task Force, The Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council, Darien YMCA and the Darien Youth Commission on Sept. 22, families enjoyed dinner, crafts, pool time and gym time during this event that was free to the public.

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Scott Laughinghouse, a 30 year community banking veteran, has joined Stamford-based Patriot Ban, to serve in the senior capacity of executive vice president and chief lending officer.

He will manage the bank’s loan portfolio, supervise the lending teams and work to ensure the community bank’s long term profit growth. Laughinghouse will report to and work directly with the bank’s President, Richard A. Muskus Jr.

Laughinghouse previously served as chief lending officer and senior vice president of the First American International Bank in Brooklyn, N.Y. Before that, he worked as a bank official at two banks in New Hampshire.

“Scott’s depth and range of experience in lending will bring incredible value to Patriot Bank and our banking teams. His addition will support the continued expansion of Patriot’s market and footprint,” Muskus said. “His experience adds even more value to an already strong banking team.”

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A record $160,000 was raised by 96 area business professionals during The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s 7th annual Maritime Golf Classic on Sept. 11 at Wee Burn Country Club. Naturally, Darien golfers were among the participants.

Proceeds from the event will support the Aquarium’s environmental-education programming.