Stories
<p><span style="color: inherit;">The Community Fund of Darien invites the community to celebrate Darien residents who are being recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts on Tuesday, April 30th. Since 1979, The Community Fund of Darien has annually recognized Darienites who have selflessly dedicated their time and skills to benefit others. The Community Fund of Darien invites local nonprofit organizations and the public to nominate individuals from Darien who exemplify the spirit of volunteering. This year, The Community Fund of Darien will honor 39 of Darien’s extraordinary volunteers on Tuesday, April 30th at 5:30pm at the Darien Community Association’s Garden Wing Room. All are welcome. </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">The event is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens, Cross Private Client Insurance, and the Darien Community Association. The Community Fund of Darien would like to thank Brown Harris Stevens for sponsoring the event for more than 19 years and Cross Private Client Insurance for sponsoring the event for 4 years. Thank you to the Darien Community Association for hosting the event in their Garden Wing Room. </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Honorees, who must be Darien residents, will be awarded in the following categories: Outstanding Adult Volunteer (19-64 years), Outstanding Emerging Volunteer (18 years and younger), Outstanding New Volunteer, Outstanding Senior Volunteer (65 years and older), and Outstanding Volunteer Duo. </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">This year’s volunteer award honorees: </strong></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">Outstanding Adult Volunteer</strong><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Robin Ackerman, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Community Fund of Darien</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Ximena Barrera, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Saint Joseph Parenting Center</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Reva Corrigan, </span><em style="color: inherit;">At Home In Darien</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Meredith Edwards, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Mather Homestead</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Holly Galper, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Waveny LifeCare Network</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Meaghan Hetherington, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Multiple Organizations</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Sarah Hunsberger, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Darien Foundation</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Emily Kroenlein, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">William Looney, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Family Centers</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Maria Esther Magallanes, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Building One Community</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Sharon Parr, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Tiny Miracles Foundation</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Rob Roberto, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Future 5</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Claudia Rodriguez, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Darien Book Aid Plan</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Jackie Scott, </span><em style="color: inherit;">ABC in Darien</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">K.C. Simon,</span><em style="color: inherit;"> Liberation Programs</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Liza Smith, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Darien Community Association</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Melinda Stewart, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Person to Person</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Sandi Sufrin, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Community Fund of Darien</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">Outstanding Emerging Volunteer</strong><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Kateri Daly, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Eagle Scouts</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Maria Gardner, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Pegasus Therapeutic Riding</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">David Popson, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Darien Depot</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Paige Westbrook, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Feed My Starving Children Darien Packing Event</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">Outstanding New Volunteer</strong><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Dan Guller, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Kids In Crisis</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Amber Paquette, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Family & Children’s Agency</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">Outstanding Senior Volunteer</strong><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">David Dever, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Darien TV79</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Midge Lopat, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Kathianne Robins, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Clothes To Kids of Fairfield County</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">Outstanding Volunteer Duo</strong><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Marcia Cleary and Sue Okie, </span><em style="color: inherit;">The Carver</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Tricia Bresnahan and Courtney Darby, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Darien SEPPAC</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Jamie Demark and Will Massey, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Person to Person</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Sha-li Lee and Da-Tung Chang, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Darien Senior Programs at Mather Center</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Vicki and Bob Patton, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Darien Flag Football League</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">Claire Ventker and Penny Vanovitch, </span><em style="color: inherit;">Freshman Community Group</em><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">RSVP to the event by visiting </strong><a href="https://www.communityfunddarien.org/volunteercelebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.communityfunddarien.org/volunteercelebration</a></p><p><span style="color: inherit;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">About The Community Fund of Darien: </span></p><p><span style="color: inherit;">The Community Fund of Darien’s (TCF) mission is to inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community. Our vision is for all community members to have the opportunity to reach their full potential as healthy, educated, and self-sufficient individuals. TCF initiates solutions, builds collaborations, and implements and supports programs to strengthen youth, adults, and families, for lasting and positive impact in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford. Established in 1951, The Community Fund of Darien invests approximately $600K annually in nonprofit health and human services organizations. Since 1951, TCF has distributed more than $27 million to charitable organizations in our local communities, positively impacting thousands of lives.</span></p>
<p>The Town of Darien’s Monuments and Ceremonies Commission will host our traditional Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27th. The Parade will commence at 10:00 AM sharp, starting from Goodwives Shopping Center, marching up the Post Road to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery.</p><p>Our Commencement Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces will take place in Spring Grove Cemetery at 11:15 AM.</p><p>Any organization interested in marching in the Parade should email the Parade Committee at: <a href="mailto:06820mayparade@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 143);">06820mayparade@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><em>Nanci Natale, Secretary</em></p><p><em>Monuments & Ceremonies Commission</em></p>
<h2>Darien House Tour “By the Bay” on May 31 at 10:00 am </h2><p>Experience the epitome of luxury living at the highly anticipated Darien House Tour, presented by The Depot, Darien’s Youth Center, on May 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. </p><p>Immerse yourself in the charm of Darien’s coastal lifestyle as you explore exquisite residences nestled in the prestigious Noroton Bay neighborhoods. Enjoy the convenience of central parking and a delightful picnic lunch at the scenic Weed Beach, courtesy of our event sponsor, Palmer’s Market.</p><p>Register early to secure a complimentary catered lunch and ensure you don’t miss a moment of this exclusive event. Join us for a day of inspiration and community spirit as we celebrate the beauty of these Darien homes.</p><p>Learn more and purchase tickets <a href="https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=housetour" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=housetour</a></p>
<p><strong>Sandwich Generation Panel on May 2 at 6:30 pm</strong></p><p>The Darien Community Association (DCA) invites to an evening of guidance for the Sandwich Generation and beyond. Learn from a panel of local senior experts and connect with others who are navigating similar responsibilities and challenges as we face complex life transitions ahead. </p><p>Join us for a reception at 6:30pm followed by the panel presentation with Q&A from 7:00-8:00pm. Admission is free. </p><p>Please register <a href="https://dariendca.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dariendca/event.jsp?event=792" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dariendca.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dariendca/event.jsp?event=792&</a></p><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><ul><li>Michael LaMagna</li></ul><p>LNHA, MPA, JD, Attorney at Law, LaMagna McKenna</p><ul><li>Anne McGuire</li></ul><p>RN, CCM, Founder, Healthcare Pathfinder</p><ul><li>Michele Ranieri</li></ul><p>Community Sales Director, Atria Darien</p><ul><li>Deirdre Robbins McGovern</li></ul><p>Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Compass</p><ul><li>Andrea Ruby</li></ul><p>Downsizing Expert, Founder & CEO, Living Forward</p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">In honor of National Audubon Day on Friday, April 26th, join local friends and neighbors for a community walk through the DCA Nature Trail and explore the Bird Sanctuary. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Darien Community Association (DCA) supports the National Audubon Society's mission of building a brighter future for birds by preserving and protecting their habitats. The 4-acre Bird Sanctuary was developed 10 years ago to provide a place where birds can thrive. Meet at the trail entrance (behind the DCA building) at 9am for the walk and stay for coffee and delicious pastries provided by NEAT afterward. This event is free to the public but please sign up to let us know you plan to attend. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Learn more and register </span><a href="https://dariendca.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dariendca/event.jsp?event=817" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congratulations to our new Chief of Police, Jeremiah P. Marron, Jr. Chief Marron has been with the Darien Police Department for 28 years, most recently serving as the Commander of the Field Services Bureau. His experience and extensive list of accomplishments include: graduating from the F.B.I. National Academy, Quantico, serving on the Southwest Regional Emergency response Team, being a member of both the SCUBA Team and the K-9 Unit. Chief Marron is a second generation Darien Police Department Officer. We welcome him to his new role serving Darien.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Darien Police Department on Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DarienPoliceDepartment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DarienPoliceDepartment</a></p><p>*Image courtesy Town of Darien </p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The annual Spring Trail Fix at Selleck’s and Dunlap Woods is Sunday, April 21st, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please join Parks and Recreation, Friends of Selleck’s Woods, and the Darien Nature Center as they work together to repair the trails and spread wood chips, preparing for spring hikers. Please bring your family, rakes and a wheelbarrow (if possible). Make sure to wear work gloves and shoes. Park at the end of Parklands Drive, just off Old Kings Highway North, and go past the new building. Hope to see you there!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more </span><a href="https://darienlandtrust.org/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://darienlandtrust.org/news/</a></p>