Eric Byrnes Superintendent of Schools Square cropped

‘Interim’ No More: Darien Board of Education Selects Eric Byrne as Superintendent of Schools

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Eric Byrne has been picked by the Darien Board of Education as the new, non-interim Darien superintendent schools. Byrne has been serving as interim superintendent for the past four months. In a news release Tuesday evening from the Board of Education, Byrne said he is honored to have been picked: “In my time here, I have been inspired by the dedication of our educators, the curiosity and talent of our students, and the steadfast support of our families and community,”

Jill McCammon, chair of the Darien board, said:

“Dr. Byrne has been an exceptional interim superintendent. His four months of active leadership made it abundantly clear that he is the ideal person for this role: a visionary collaborator who has already built strong relationships with our educators and families. He is the clear choice to maintain Darien’s excellence and champion continuous innovation.

Darien Commons near main entrance

Eyelash, Nails & Spa, Physical Therapy Shops Coming to Darien Commons

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Federal Realty today announced that three new retail leases have been signed with local and regional businesses and entrepreneurs at Darien Commons — The Usual Lash, GlowUp Nails & Spa and Spear Physical Therapy. — an announcement from Federal Realty

Only two retail spaces remain at Darien Commons, and 97% of its apartments are now leased. Here’s more about each shop:

The Usual Lash (1,034 square feet) offers expert lash and brow services to bring out your natural beauty. The welcoming salon aims to provide a personalized, confidence-boosting experience. GlowUp Nails & Spa (1,708 square feet) offers a variety of services, including regular manicures, gel manicures, powder manicures, and UV gel services.

9 Patton Lane

Darien and Rowayton Real Estate Report: January 2 to 9

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Here’s Realtor Deirdre McGovern’s report on Darien and Rowayton-area real estate from January 2 to 9, 2025:

New Listings
89 Buttonwood Lane, Darien — $1,550,000
Price Changes
Address — current price / previous price

None found
Pending Sales
15 Norman Lane, Darien — $950,000
25 Wakemore St., Darien — $1,150,000
14 Wakeman Road, Darien — $1,825,000

8 Oakleigh Court, Norwalk — $2,795,000
Sold
Address — original listing price / final listing price / selling price

16 Wistar Court, Darien — $689,000 / $689,000 / $700,500
9 Patton Drive, Darien — $925,000 / $925,000 / $915,000  [PICTURED]
9 Littlebrook Road, Darien — $1,150,000 / $999,000 / $950,000
185 Hoyt St., Darien — $1,695,000 / $1,695,000 / $1,751,000
8 Prospect Ave., Darien — $2,000,000 / $2,000,000 / $2,350,000
Open Houses
Address — last price listed — day, date and time

None found. ______________________

Deirdre McGovern is a real estate agent with Compass who loves sharing all the best Darien has to offer. She can be reached at 203-554-0897 or deirdremcgovernteam@gmail.com. More information here.

Demolishing Fairfield Ave Bridge after fire

Work Started on ‘Goal’ to Reopen I-95 in Norwalk by Monday A.M. Rush Hour; Trains to Get More Rail Cars

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Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto on Friday provided an update on the ongoing demolition of the Fairfield Avenue Bridge over Interstate 95 in Norwalk, a day after an explosion closed the highway. — an announcement from the governor and the state transportation department, followed by an announcements from U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority

After the major motor vehicle collision which rendered the bridge unusable early morning on Thursday, work to remove the damaged structure began at 8:30 a.m., Friday. Crews will continue working on this around the clock through the weekend. Once the bridge is removed, sections of I-95 will be milled and paved in both directions in the area. All lanes of I-95 northbound and southbound in Norwalk will remain closed until further notice.

215 Brookside Road real estate

Darien and Rowayton Real Estate Report: May 18 to 25

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Here’s Realtor Deirdre McGovern’s report on Darien, Rowayton and Wilson Point real estate from May 18 to 25, 2023:

New Listings
18 William St., Darien — $750,000
55 Hale Lane, Darien — $995,000
30 Kensett Lane, Unit 30, Darien — $2,200,000

215 Brookside Road, Darien — $2,999,000
42 St Nicholas Road, Darien — $4,295,000
194 Long Neck Point Road, Darien — $5,500,000
98 Pear Tree Point Road, Darien — $7,250,000
67 Salem Straits, Darien — $7,400,000

291 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk — $1,200,000
188 Highland Ave., Norwalk — $1,895,000
3 Pond St., Norwalk — $1,900,000
69 Roton Ave., Norwalk — $3,295,000
1 Nylked Terrace, Norwalk — $7,595,000
Price Reductions
None listed this week. Accepted Offers
496 Hoyt St, Darien — $959,000
31 Lynn Court, Darien — $975,000
121 Holmes Ave., Darien — $1,250,000
317 Noroton Ave., Darien — $1,399,000
1 Fairmead Road, Darien — $1,580,000
541 Hoyt St., Darien — $1,875,000
55 Relihan Road, $1,995,000
7 Red Mill Lane, Darien — $2,095,000
2 Chasmars Pond Road, Darien — $2,250,000
5 Miller Road, Darien — $2,395,000
9 Haskell Lane, Darien — $2,450,000
69 Relihan Road, Darien — $2,545,000
721 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, Darien — $3,700,000

1 Nearwater Road, Norwalk — $2,795,000
25 Meridian Road, Norwalk — $3,050,000
Title Passed / Sold
Address — original price / final price / selling price

46 Hillside Ave., Darien — $1,195,000 / $1,195,000 / $1,195,000
33 Fairview Ave., Darien — $1,699,000 / $1,699,000 / $1,850,000
37 Point O’ Woods Road South, Darien — $1,950,000 / $1,950,000 / $2,051,000
2 Seagate Road, Darien — $2,825,000 / $2,825,000 / $2,950,000

23 Ridgewood Road, Norwalk — $785,000 $785,000 $925,000
Open Houses
1 Waring Lane, Darien — $1,225,000 — Sunday, May 28, 1 to 3 p.m.
6 Mayflower Road, Darien — $2,600,000 — Saturday, May 27, 1 to 3 p.m.
98 Pear Tree Point Road, Darien — $7,250,000 — Saturday, May 27, 12 noon to 3 p.m.

______________________

Deirdre McGovern is a real estate agent with Compass who loves sharing all the best Darien has to offer. She can be reached at 203-554-0897 or deirdremcgovernteam@gmail.com. More information here.

DHS graduation march

DHS Graduates Celebrate Culmination of High School and Commencement of the Rest of Life

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Darien High School’s 2021 graduation ceremony combined congratulations on getting through high school during the COVID-19 pandemic with the regular high school graduation themes — life advice, thankful appreciation and assurance that the graduates have what it takes to succeed in the future. The 321 graduating seniors had a sunny late spring day and blue sky to accompany speeches filled with hope and optimism. In a speech that focused on gratitude, Valedictorian Eleanor Chase offered the audience a cookbook-like “list of ingredients you’ll need to make a high school graduate,” including “one awkward fourteen year old,” 30 teachers, two bus drivers and a supportive family. “Put the 14-year-old in a brick building for four years at approximately 70 degrees: decorate with cap and gown.” She added: “But, between all the congratulations and cords and handshakes of today, I hope we all remember everything else on that ingredient list.”

Our Darien Book Group For All She Knows

This Book Club Hits Close to Home: With New Canaan Author’s Novel on Parents,Teens, Drinking

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The “Our Darien” book club says its second virtual book group title: For All She Knows, a novel involving a teen party, drinking, parents and a community that “explodes.” It’s by New Canaan author Jamie Beck. — an announcement from the Our Darien campaign of the Community Fund of Darien

With the book club, which has online discussions on Facebook, the “Our Darien” campaign continues its conversation about youth mental health, the dangers of substance use and how parents can best support their teens. A former Darien police youth officer and a knowledgeable social worker will participate in an online book club discussion. Participants are invited to read at their own pace, and thought-provoking questions will be posted each week on the Our Darien Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OurDarien, click “Groups”) to enhance the reader’s experience.

Bicycles Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction.

Darien Scouts Still Seek Donations for Online Mega-Auction: Clutter for You, Treasures for Others

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As you are doing your Spring cleaning this year, please consider donating items to the Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction. — an announcement from Darien Scouts

Seeking new or gently-used, clean, “auction-ready” items including indoor and outdoor furniture, bicycles, sporting goods, artwork, jewelry, vintage and antique collectibles, toys, lawn and garden items, tools, lawnmowers, snowblowers, electronics, and musical instruments. Darien Scouts also takes cars, boats, and motorcycles in any condition throughout the year. So please sort through your clutter and Send It to the Scouts! Items can be dropped off at the Scout Cabin at 140 West Ave.