Community Organizations
Jon Zagrodzky 2025 Wave Strong luncheon

First Selectman’s Newsletter: 1. The Wave Strong Mental Health Organization, 2. Spending on Three Town Properties

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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.

George Knight
Great Island Architecture History

The History and Architecture of Great Island: Talk Tonight at Darien Library

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The history and the architecture of Darien’s Great Island will be presented in a talk tonight, May 20, by award-winning architect George Knight at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library, Museum of Darien, and the Great Island Advisory Committee
Located off the coast of Long Island Sound, the property was originally built as a summer estate by William Ziegler, a billionaire industrialist and baking powder magnate who died in 1905. The magnificent designs of many of the buildings on Great Island can be traced back to prominent and well-known architectural firms of the era. The architecture and the scenic roads throughout the island exist as lasting examples to the estate’s rich history. Town residents are invited to learn about these majestic and fascinating buildings, how they were conceptualized and built, including the Estate House, the Stables, The Carriage House, the Greenhouse and more.

Recreation
Great Island Town of Darien Visioning Plan

Third Great Island Community Engagement Meeting on Saturday, March 1; Bridle Trail Closed Till July 15

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The Great Island Advisory Committee (GIAC) invites you to our next Community Engagement Session at Town Hall. We hope to see you and your family there. — an announcement from the Great Island Advisory Committee

Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025

Location: Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road

Welcome Refreshments: 2:00–2:15 p.m.

Reed Hilderbrand Presentation: 2:15 to 3 p.m.

Engagement Activities (Town Hall Gym): 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Let’s shape the future of Great Island together! Kick things off with coffee and treats, then dive into an inspiring presentation from Reed Hilderbrand on the evolving vision for this cherished landscape. Afterward, get hands-on with interactive activities in the Town Hall Gym—explore the Futures of Great Island workshop boards, embark on a youth scavenger hunt, or let creativity flow at the kids’ coloring station and story time hosted by the Darien Library. All ages welcome to both or either session—come dream, discuss, and design the future of Great Island!