<p>Significant 2024 milestones have given the Marchesi Team at Compass plenty of reason to celebrate. In addition to reaching their 5 year anniversary with the national brokerage ranked as number one in the United States by sales volume, 2024 solidified Compass as the top-ranked brokerage in Darien for total sales volume (according to the SMART MLS single family, condo and co-op sales in 2024).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Marchesi Team combines over 35 years of experience as local real estate experts and prides itself on being founding members of the Darien Compass office. The award-winning team, repeatedly included in the WSJ Real Trends “America’s Best List” for being in the top tier of agents in the U.S., has closed over $437 million in real estate transactions and includes local residents Maggie Marchesi, her husband Bob, long-time associate Diane Farrell and Maureen De Boisbriand. In a tough year for the real estate industry, the team increased their sales volume in 2024 by 46%, year over year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Marchesi Team achieved several significant sales in Darien, alongside numerous transactions in Stamford, New Canaan, Weston, Rowayton, and Norwalk. Noteworthy listing sales in Darien included&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/286-mansfield-avenue-darien-ct-06820/1489186264061508569/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">286 Mansfield Avenue</a>&nbsp;for $2.983M,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/5-renshaw-road-darien-ct-06820/1610836096382941137/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">5 Renshaw Road</a>&nbsp;for $1.935M,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/18-great-hill-road-darien-ct-06820/1544825355472054489/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">18 Great Hill Road</a>&nbsp;for $1.725M,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/40-relihan-road-darien-ct-06820/1587301045554521553/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">40 Relihan Road</a>&nbsp;at $1.6M,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/31-brookside-road-darien-ct-06820/1455427924683597241/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">31 Brookside Road</a>&nbsp;at $1.43M and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/15-renshaw-road-darien-ct-06820/1616218050341826249/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">15 Renshaw Road</a>&nbsp;at $1.401M. Stamford listing sales included&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/58-sky-meadow-drive-stamford-ct-06903/1500742650509501433/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">58 Skymeadow Drive</a>&nbsp;for $1.525M,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/44-mary-joy-lane-stamford-ct-06903/1621126854768704305/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">44 Mary Joy Lane</a>&nbsp;for $965K,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/91-river-view-drive-stamford-ct-06902/1544488486431421769/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">91 River View Drive</a>&nbsp;for $790K and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/35-west-broad-street-unit-428-stamford-ct-06902/1436898965281770481/?origin=listing_page&amp;origin_type=copy_url" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">35 West Broad Street, Unit 428</a>&nbsp;for $665K.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The team’s local real estate predictions for 2025 are that inventory will likely remain at historically low levels with continued strong buyer demand, perpetuating the very strong seller’s market that has existed for the past few years. With home prices increasing and only 17 homes on the market in Darien as of this writing, the opportunity for home sellers has never been better. Home buyers will continue to be challenged by multiple bids and a competitive environment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite higher mortgage rates than in recent years and the cost of homes continuing their uphill climb, the increase in home value is still outpacing inflation, keeping real estate an excellent investment.&nbsp;Compass affiliated mortgage lender, OriginPoint (NMLS #2185899), is reassuring borrowers in today’s market. Buying now, knowing that you can refinance later, can be a great option to avoid higher home prices later.​&nbsp;See the Compass 2024 Year-in-Review Fairfield County Report&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y0S2B_TT9kNQdQzQ5g08dIeX0TSxpxVS/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">here</a>. Extensive Compass National Real Estate insights can be seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/marketing-center/editor/v2/flipbook/8c2c7981-2601-43ad-83bd-ddd6706aee76" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">here</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information, or to discuss your real estate needs, contact the Marchesi Team at Compass at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marchesiteam@compass.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">marchesiteam@compass.com</a>, visit their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.compass.com/agents/marchesi-team-at-compass/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">website</a>, or call them directly: Maggie&nbsp;<a href="http://tel:203.249.1433/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">(203) 249-1433</a>; Bob&nbsp;<a href="http://tel:646.265.2846/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">(646) 265-2846</a>; Diane&nbsp;<a href="http://tel:203.984.0644/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">(203) 984-0644</a>; Maureen&nbsp;<a href="http://tel:917.975.9843/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">(917) 975-9843</a>. Compass Darien is located at 15 Corbin Drive, Darien.</p>

<p>Darien residents Julia Lucak and Brett Vrooman have been named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean's List that semester.</p><p>Roger Williams University is a comprehensive university with a liberal arts core and professional programs, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the state capital of Providence, Rhode Island.</p>

<p>Bucknell University has released the Dean's List for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. </p><p>Congratulations to Darien residents Emmie Alexander, Annelise Enters, Lauren Grandon, Kendall Luecke, Mac McGahren, Cat Naidich, Mimi Novak, Elizabeth Olson, Katie Pombar, Hayden Puff, Kat Reynolds, Whitney Scallon, Ned Smith, Gabby Stamnes, Presley Sutter, Brad Trager, and Anna Wayland, who were named to the Dean's List.</p><p>A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale to receive Dean's List recognition.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YWCA Darien/Norwalk today announced the opening of nominations for the 16th annual </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Women of Distinction Awards</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, a celebration honoring women whose leadership, dedication, and contributions to the Darien and Norwalk communities reflect YWCA’s work to create a more unified, connected and empowered community.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The awards will honor women who demonstrate exceptional leadership in community service and/or their careers. Additionally, YWCA will recognize a </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Young Woman of Distinction. </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;An individual under 21 years old, who exemplifies a strong commitment to service and leadership within her community.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Each year, we are inspired by the incredible impact so many women have on our community,” said </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);"><em>Jennifer Buchholz, CEO of YWCA Darien/Norwalk.</em></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> “Over the years, we’ve honored dozens of remarkable women who have shaped our neighborhoods, uplifted others, and created meaningful change. We are looking forward to celebrating another outstanding cohort of women who continue to exemplify the very best of our community.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Who Should You Nominate?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The YWCA encourages the community to nominate women who exemplify the very best of our community, serving as leaders, role models, and mentors - oftentimes going above and beyond to make a difference. Past honorees have included leaders like </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Dr. Katie Takayasu, Connecticut State Senator Ceci Maher, Dr. Amanda Craig, Allegra Erikson, Susan Daly</strong><span style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">, </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Armel Jacobs</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and many others whose commitment to service and excellence have shaped our community for the better.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How to Submit a Nomination:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Nominations are being accepted through </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Friday, February 14, 2025</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. To nominate someone, complete the online nomination form </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FMvioAwO1FGtBBbAWalU4-os78HR904TJyUTBHK2bDs/edit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Selection Process and Event Details:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All nominations will be reviewed by the YWCA Women of Distinction Nominating Committee, and the honorees will be announced in early March. This year's event will be a luncheon on </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Friday, June 6, 2025</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> at</span><span style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);"> </span><strong style="color: rgb(250, 70, 22);">Shorehaven Country Club</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in Norwalk.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About YWCA Darien/Norwalk</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For 50 years, YWCA Darien/Norwalk has provided education, programs, and experiences that empower individuals and create a more unified community. We are a cornerstone of the community, fostering a vibrant, values-driven organization aligned with our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For more information about YWCA Darien/Norwalk, visit our </span><a href="https://ywcadn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or follow us on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ywcadn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Instagram</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">/</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ywcadn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. </span></p>

<p>More than 585 students were named to the Dean's List at Bates College for Fall 2024. This honor is earned by students with 1 3.92 grade point average or higher.</p><p>Congratulations to Darien residents Will Olson and Morgan Ruppenstein for being named to the Dean's List at Bates College!</p><p>Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates is internationally recognized as a leading liberal arts college, attracting 2,000 students from across the U.S. and around the world. Since 1855, Bates has been dedicated to educating the whole person through creative and rigorous scholarship in a collaborative residential community. Committed to opportunity and excellence, Bates has always admitted students without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin. Cultivating intellectual discovery and informed civic action, Bates prepares leaders sustained by a love of learning and zeal for responsible stewardship of the wider world.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last year, Harris Cavanna, currently a senior at Darien High School, reached out to Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky with an idea to redesign the Town Flag, which has remained unchanged for many years. The existing flag, a white banner featuring the Town logo in the center, is a familiar sight at Town Hall and other locations.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Harris developed several design concepts and discussed them in detail with First Selectman Zagrodzky. He then collaborated with a graphic artist to transform these ideas into several potential flag designs. In November, Harris presented these designs to the Board of Selectmen, who encouraged him to gather broader community input.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To assist in selecting the best design, a </span><a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001drIVx4TkWt9s0I3-HRSrK_3QffHsOS-ztzTXliNVDEodeQBSBzyrkPq8D4F1qBUUcHepL66LDNrgqnJ1RrnmydvYuJ-OowGTgFK0nC2ONrNJui0boHf8T85uaO8Q3fVfXRF7oqaHa4Bajucv_v1LdDAgWNfVptNAeW9GjmviQYIlSJlZba3JuNjNeJbHQXEkjfnIV0ibt0JEJ_QGyRXJifZAcP9qBC0PhspPNcVSzWvv6eAI5ZsEg6L-nbScBQD_PeZ2vCtQP1Yfn4l03UAq9Q==&amp;c=eNVzvXx6POml5AEBgHO3jwwWQawpL-MVCsLASOC_qTiqb7LzlslR2A==&amp;ch=_N8RZWCz31jwnCvuk4ZUB3hVY35E8wYZH4bDM6S-KUaLz4cBo9yvuQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">survey</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp; has been created, featuring each flag option, including the current design. Town residents are encouraged to participate by rating each of the nine designs on a scale of 1 (awful) to 10 (love it). The survey will remain open until the end of the day on Friday, January 31st. Once the survey closes, Harris will compile the results and share the findings with the community.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Residents with questions or suggestions regarding the flag designs are encouraged to contact Harris directly at </span><a href="mailto:hcavanna@darienct.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">hcavanna@darienct.gov.</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Additional input beyond the survey is greatly appreciated.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">VOTE </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vl8AvOVTpY5GN3J5I3cO-rBS0OnKYM0WgPH3OfnN62o/viewform?edit_requested=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</h2><p><br></p><p><br></p>