Jim Cameron Darien TV79

Darien TV79 Upgrade Now Allows More Programming Each Day — Got an Idea for a New Show?

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Darien TV79, the town government television station, has expanded its program offerings thanks to a $50,000 grant for new technology from the Darien Foundation. The TV station has also announced that it is looking for programming from the community — so if you’d like to create a show, get in touch. — an announcement from Darien TV79 and the Darien Foundation

The station’s new CASTUS server system will allow scores of programs to run each day, bringing the Darien community a fresh look at all aspects of the town. In addition, the grant allowed TV79 to buy new cameras and video production gear. “Our old system allowed us to only air six shows a week,” said TV79 Program Director Jim Cameron.

Corbin Cares Initiative for Food-Insecure Families and Seniors Extended to July 3

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When Corbin Cares and the Darien Foundation partnered back in March to provide meals for Darien senior citizens and families impacted by the shelter-in-place order, the program was projected to wind down by Friday, May 22. However, the ongoing needs related to the pandemic have warranted the program’s extension to Friday, July 3. — an announcement from Corbin Cares and the Darien Foundation

“We conceived these meals to replace the lunches that were being served by the now closed Mather Senior Center and to support families who had relied on the school lunch program” said Sarah Woodberry, executive director of the Darien Foundation. “We are proud that as of May 22, this collaboration has provided 4,140 meals to those in need.”

Corbin Cares enlisted six local restaurants, including Bodega Taco Bar, Ten Twenty Post, Baldanza Bistro, Four Forks, Jake’s Place and UCBC, to provide healthy, boxed meals that are then distributed to the seniors and families. “It’s inspiring to be involved in a public private partnership like this,” said Ward Glassmeyer, chairman of The Darien Foundation.

Whaleboat Middlesex rechristening

Darien Historical Society Unveils Restored Revolutionary War Replica Whaleboat ‘Middlesex’

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After a long and tempest-tossed journey, the 24-foot whaleboat Middlesex has returned to safe harbor, giving the Darien Historical Society a unique opportunity to help make the town’s Revolutionary history come to life. — an announcement from the Darien Historical Society

“After a nearly 40-year odyssey, I am happy to report that the Middlesex is back home and in shipshape,” said Robert J. Pascal Jr., president of the society’s Board of Directors. The newly refurbished whaleboat was returned Saturday to the Darien Historical Society, after several decades away and a nearly year-long restoration project. Three senior officers of the Darien Historical Society were there, as well as two representatives from The Darien Foundation, which funded the restoration. All gathered at a safe distance from each other for the unveiling of the boat.

Katharine Calderwood of Calderwood Digital Corbin Cares distribution

Darien Foundation Postpones ‘Yacht Rock On’ Fundraiser a Year, Gets Behind Corbin Cares Food Distributions

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The Darien Foundation has canceled its annual fundraiser, ‘Yacht Rock On,’ originally scheduled for April 25, 2020. The event will now take place on April 24, 2021. The foundation also announced that it is actively supporting the Corbin Cares initiative to provide food to Darien seniors and others in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, and described what other projects it’s funding in town. — an announcement from the Darien Foundation
“We had a great team working on Yacht Rock On and we had significant momentum,” said Byrne Pozzi, benefit co-chair and board member of the Darien Foundation, “However, once this crisis hit, we quickly shifted our focus to helping the community.”
Added Alison Muench, also a co-chair of the benefit, said the founcation is offering ticket holders a full refund or the opportunity to donate some or all of the ticket purchase price. “Many of our corporate and individual sponsors have been incredibly generous in light of the cancelation and have offered to convert their sponsorship dollars to outright donations,” said Executive Director Sarah Woodberry.

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Senior Center’s Food Pickups End, New Program Replaces Them With Deliveries to Seniors and Those in Need

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With Darien Senior Center having ended its food pickup service in the Town Hall parking lot on Monday, a new, expanded program called “Corbin Cares” has been launched in town to have deliveries of breakfasts, boxed lunches and dinners to seniors and others in need during the COVID-19 epidemic. The effort, expected to begin this week, is a collaboration between nonprofits, local businesses and town government departments. Darien seniors and others identified by the town Human Services Department will be eligible for it as well as others in need in surrounding communities. The project is funded privately and is seeking donations from the public. The project, which has the support of Darien’s Department of Public Health and the First Selectman’s Office, is expected to begin this week.

Darien Foundation gives P2P $65K for tech

Darien Foundation Gives $65K to Person-to-Person for Technology Improvements

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The Darien Foundation has awarded Person-to-Person a $65,000 grant for a technology initiative to improve P2P’s client services and to manage its many volunteers, including some 700 from Darien. — an announcement from Person-to-Person

The aim of this project is to optimize data and relationship management, ensuring increased efficiencies in the ways Person-to-Person delivers on its mission. This project will build P2P’s capacity to meet the increased demand for assistance and support the overall growth in P2P’s services. The new infrastructure will enhance the ways in which P2P collects and reviews data and will help the organization use its volunteers more efficiently.. P2P is a community-supported agency that provides food, clothing and financial assistance through three sites in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford.

Yacht Rock On Darien Foundation benefit 2020 square thumbnail

Tickets on Sale Now for Darien Foundation’s April 25 ‘Yacht Rock On’ Benefit

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Tickets are now available for purchase for this year’s Darien Foundation benefit, Yacht Rock On, to be held on Saturday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. at The Tokeneke Club. The event will feature a live performance by the high-energy, award-winning, six-piece band Three Sheets to the Wind: America’s Number One Tribute to Yacht Rock. — an announcement from the Darien Foundation

Last year, tickets sold out over two weeks in advance, so The Darien Foundation encourages those interested in attending to purchase tickets early. Tickets are available at the Darien Foundation website. “We continue to be amazed by the tremendous support for our annual flagship event,” said Byrne Pozzi, Darien Foundation board member, fundraising chair and event co-chair.