<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Town of Darien is excited to announce that Jennifer A. Charneski is the new Town Administrator for Darien. Jennifer was unanimously appointed by the Board of Selectmen during their meeting on Monday, December 16th. Jenn officially assumed the role on Tuesday, December 17th.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Town Administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Selectmen.&nbsp;A professional public manager, the Town Administrator provides staff assistance to the Board and the First Selectman, makes policy recommendations, acts as an advisor and informational resource, carries out Board directives and policies, and coordinates the efforts of Town departments.&nbsp;Administrative areas of responsibility include budget development, performance measurement and evaluation, grant administration, program review, insurance administration, and purchasing.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jenn has spent 22 years in local Government, beginning her career as a Budget &amp; Management Analyst for Broward County, FL. She spent the last 18 years in three CT towns – Hamden, New Canaan and Darien, with the last nine years as Finance Director in Darien.&nbsp;Jenn has a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the Indiana University School of Public &amp; Environmental Affairs in Bloomington, IN, with a concentration in Environmental Policy &amp; Natural Resource Management.&nbsp;She is also a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO). For the last 6 years she has served on the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Committee on Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Policy, representing Darien.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend December 20-22</strong></p><p>HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/polar-express-night" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Polar Express Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 20, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>All aboard for an enchanting evening! The Wilton Historical Society invites families to join them for Polar Express Night, a special event filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences. Guests will gather around for a cozy reading of this timeless children’s classic, bringing the story to life in a festive setting. After the story, craft your own keepsake “Believe” Bell Ornament to take home as a memory of this special night, and remember as you ring the bell you can keep the spirit of the holidays alive!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1940s-christmas-by-candlelight-tours-of-the-coley-house-13b9d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1940s Christmas by Candlelight Tours of the Coley House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 20, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Explore a World War II home front Christmas at the Coley House. With only holiday lights and candlelight, take a guided tour through this mid-19th century farmhouse, decorated as it would have been during the 1940s, when the last three generations of the Coley family occupied the home. View authentic 1930s and 1940s holiday decorations. Learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations in America. Taste wartime Holiday ration recipes, and listen to original radio broadcasts featuring Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, all by candlelight.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jingle-all-the-way-with-music-on-the-hill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jingle All the Way with Music on the Hill</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 21, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join Music on the Hill Holiday Handbells and Children’s Chorus for a festive singalong and jingle bell bracelet craft. Perfect for all ages!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/irving-berlin-s-white-christmas-the-musical-e34bd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of CT</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>White Christmas follows WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a successful song-and-dance duo who meet the talented Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. The men follow the sisters to their holiday show at a Vermont inn, only to discover it's owned by their former commander, General Waverley, who’s struggling to keep it afloat. To help, they plan a spectacular show with the sisters and the inn’s staff, sparking romance and holiday cheer along the way. Featuring Irving Berlin classics like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the beloved “White Christmas,” this heartwarming musical is a festive celebration of love and friendship for all ages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/let-s-celebrate-worldwide-3ae2b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Let's Celebrate! Worldwide</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A joyful exploration of holiday traditions from around the globe. Experience the warmth of Thanksgiving through giving and gathering, discover the wonder of international fables and folktales and enjoy a special countdown to 2025 as we learn how other cultures ring in the new year.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/16th-annual-greenwich-reindeer-festival-santa-s-workshop-presented-by-jenny-allen-at-compass-real-estate-07c96" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival &amp; Santa’s Workshop</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sam Bridge Nursery &amp; Greenhouses</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm</p><p>The cherished town tradition continues for the sixteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy Santa’s Workshop. Guests can enjoy the “Reindeer Coloring Station" and "Letter Writing to Santa Station" while waiting in line for their photo with Santa. A portion of all photos with Santa will be donated to Kids In Crisis, a non-profit organization based in Greenwich, but serves all of Connecticut. A Kids In Crisis Giving Tree will also be available for people to support their important mission.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rowayton-arts-center-holiday-gift-show-01c37" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Gift Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rowayton Arts Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>The annual Holiday Gift Show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) transforms the gallery into a shopping wonderland with original, handcrafted items and artwork from November 29 to December 24. Shop one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists: original cards, prints, paintings, ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, and knitted items galore by over 50 artists/artisans. Proceeds from the Holiday Gift Show are used to support RAC and its educational outreach.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>211ct.org</strong></a>&nbsp;to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Beginning this weekend and continuing through the first couple days of next week, Connecticut will experience the first blast of arctic air of the season with temperatures dropping into the single digits at night and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at times,”&nbsp;<strong>Governor Lamont said</strong>. “Being outdoors for extended periods in these extreme conditions is not only dangerous but it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location, or check the list of locations online at&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>211ct.org</strong></a>. Transportation to a shelter or warming center can also be provided to anyone in need. Leaving pets outdoors in these frigid conditions can also be dangerous, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CT<em>Prepares</em>&nbsp;website at&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>ct.gov/ctprepares</strong></a>.</p>

<h2>Local Law Enforcement Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy</h2><p>Darien, CT - Chief Jeremiah P. Marron Jr. and the Darien Police Commission are proud to announce Captain Alison Hudyma as a graduate of the 292nd session of the FBI National Academy. </p><p>The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on December 12, 2024. Captain Hudyma is the 17th officer and first female officer in Darien Police Department history to ever complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of all law enforcement officers are selected to attend the program, which is by nomination only and subject to a stringent vetting process. </p><p>Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced leadership, communication, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.</p><p>The 292nd session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 27 countries, eight military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.</p><p>Chief Jeremiah P. Marron Jr.: “On behalf of the Darien Police Commission and all the men and women of the Darien Police Department, we congratulate and applaud Captain Hudyma on her achievement and how she has represented our agency and the Town of Darien while attending the FBI National Academy. We welcome her back and look forward to all the professionalism, knowledge, and skill she brings to the table.” </p><p>Captain Hudyma is a 24-year veteran of the Department and graduated from the Connecticut POST-C Police Academy in 2000. After serving for 11 years as a patrol officer, she was promoted to Sergeant in 2011, Lieutenant in 2019, and Captain in 2022. Captain Hudyma has served the department with distinction in both the Field Services Division and the Training Division, as both an officer and supervisor and is currently serving as the Field Services Division Commander.</p><p>Captain Hudyma earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Wildlife Management from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science Advanced Investigation from the University of New Haven, and a Certificate in Victim’s Rights &amp; Services from the University of New Haven.</p><p>Over the course of her career, she led the Training Division, supervised the Domestic Violence Liaison Unit, has been a member of the Marine Unit, Accident Investigation Team, and also served as a Field Training Officer. She currently is a board member for the Darien Domestic Abuse Council, a non-profit group raising awareness for Domestic Violence victims in Darien and also serves on the Lethality Assessment Program Advisory Committee for the State of Connecticut. She is a member of Cops &amp; Kids and helps administer “Respectworks,” in conjunction with the Darien High School and Depot Youth Center.</p><p>Captain Hudyma’s name will now proudly be added to the Darien Police Department FBI National Academy graduation plaque commemorating the achievements of the seventeen Darien Police Department officers successfully completing the FBI National Academy dating back to Session # 27 in 1944. This plaque hangs with pride at Darien Police Headquarters. </p><p>About the FBI National Academy:</p><p>FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered. </p><p>A total of 55,797 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>BofA Announces Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center and Person to Person as 2024 Southern Connecticut Neighborhood Builders </strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Nonprofits Receive Multiyear Grants &amp; Comprehensive Leadership Training to Expand Critical Services in Southern Connecticut </em></p><p><strong>Southern Connecticut</strong> – <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bank of America today announced Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center (CSHHC) and Person to Person (P2P) </span>as its Southern Connecticut 2024 Neighborhood Builders, recognizing their work<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to provide accessible and affordable healthcare, and create economic opportunity through food access, nutrition and wraparound services, respectively. </span>Bank of America’s signature <a href="http://www.bankofamerica.com/neighborhoodbuilders" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Neighborhood Builders®</a> program provides multiyear flexible grant funding annually to two high-impact nonprofits in nearly 100 communities nationwide.</p><p>Both nonprofits are awarded $200,000 grants over two years, <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">comprehensive leadership training for each organization’s chief executive officer and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers. To date, 29 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in </span>Southern Connecticut<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, with the bank investing $5.8 million in philanthropic capital in these </span>nonprofits<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.&nbsp;</span></p><p>“Local nonprofits are essential for creating economic opportunity and advancement in Southern Connecticut," said Bill Tommins, president, Bank of America Southern Connecticut. “Providing Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center and Person to Person with flexible funding and leadership training will help these organizations achieve long-term success and sustainability while supporting our communities through much-needed access to healthcare, food, nutrition, and wraparound services. We look forward to our continued partnership with both Neighborhood Builders as they expand their programs and impact.”</p><p>Based in the City of New Haven, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center provides comprehensive, compassionate care to more than 60,000 patients to meet the healthcare needs of underserved communities in Greater New Haven. CSHHC will use the flexible Neighborhood Builders funding to cover start-up costs for the new Recovery and Wellness Center campus located in New Haven’s Hill Neighborhood. The new center will provide integrated outpatient healthcare services, including primary care, infection and disease care, mental health and substance abuse services as well as therapeutic shelter to address housing and food insecurity for individuals in recovery. </p><p>“The funding and accompanying leadership training that is provided will help us continue to improve access to healthcare, thereby building up underserved neighborhoods across our region and beyond,” said Michael R. Taylor, CEO, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. “Providing access to quality, integrated, affordable healthcare is fundamental to pursuing economic opportunity and advancement, and our dedicated staff is unwavering in that mission. Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center is honored to be a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder.”</p><p>Based in Stamford, Person to Person supports families and individuals with healthy food, clothing, housing assistance, and a path to economic opportunity. P2P serves approximately 28,000 individuals throughout lower Fairfield County and implements a holistic, wraparound approach to fostering </p><p>economic stability and financial resilience. Neighborhood Builders funding will help support the launch of a second P2P Mobile Food Pantry in Stamford. The new Mobile Food Pantry will build upon the success of the first mobile pantry which opened in 2017 and help meet the growing need for fresh and shelf-stable grocery items. Caseworkers will accompany the mobile food pantry and allow P2P to reach and deliver healthy foods to clients in their own backyards.</p><p>“Person to Person is honored to be among the many impactful organizations that have been named Bank of America Neighborhood Builders,” said Nancy Coughlin, CEO, Person to Person. “This flexible funding and leadership training will help us expand our wraparound casework services, ensuring Stamford residents have access to healthy food alongside other essential services such as stable housing and job support. This award will accelerate opportunities for thousands of Stamford residents to build economically stable lives.”</p><p>Since 2004, Bank of America has invested over $346 million in grants to nearly 2,000 nonprofits and helped more than 4,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills in nearly 100 communities across the U.S. through Neighborhood Builders and Champions.</p><p>The Neighborhood Builders invitation-only program is highly competitive. Nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Builders awardees. Past Southern Connecticut Neighborhood Builders include New Haven Promise, Open Doors, Havenly, and The Housing Collective.</p>

<p><strong>Town-wide Chanukah Celebration on Thursday, December 26 from 6:00 pm&nbsp;-&nbsp;7:00 pm</strong></p><p>Join us in Grove Street Plaza to light our six-foot tall menorah. We’ll have songs, food, giveaways and crafts for the kids. Please consider bringing non-perishable food items to donate to our neighbors at the Open Doors Shelter in Norwalk.</p><p>The Grove Street Menorah will be lit every night of Channukah at 6:00 by a different Jewish Darien family.</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://www.darienctchamber.com/community-event/save-the-date-town-wide-channukah-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.darienctchamber.com/community-event/save-the-date-town-wide-channukah-celebration/</a></p>