Stories
<h3>Election Day News and Sample Ballots</h3><p>Absentee Ballot voting has started in Darien, and on Monday, October 21st, ALL electors are eligible to vote early! Early Voting is held at Town Hall in Room 119 on:</p><p>Tuesday, October 29th and Thursday, October 31st 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.</p><p>Wednesday, October 30th, Friday, November 1 – Sunday, November 3rd 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.</p><p>Check out the same ballot <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/town_ballots/2024/nov-2024/ready-to-post/darien.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(21, 100, 139);">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Darien Book Aid Marks 75 Years of Literacy and Education Impact with Celebration at The Museum of Darien</strong></p><p>Darien Book Aid is thrilled to announce a special event in honor of its 75th anniversary, commemorating decades of commitment to improving education and literacy worldwide. This free event will take place on Thursday, November 14th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Museum of Darien, located at 45 Old Kings Highway North, Darien, CT.</p><p>Guests will enjoy light refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to bid on items in a silent auction, all while celebrating Darien Book Aid’s mission and achievements over the past 75 years. Special attendees include State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Tracy Marra, and Darien's First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky, who will speak to Darien Book Aid’s long-lasting contributions to the community and beyond.</p><p>This gathering not only highlights the organization’s commitment to literacy but also recognizes the many volunteers, donors, and supporters who have helped extend the gift of reading around the globe.</p><p><strong>Event Details:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, November 14th</li><li><strong>Time:</strong> 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> The Museum of Darien, 45 Old Kings Highway North, Darien, CT</li></ul><p>Please RSVP to attend this celebratory evening and be a part of Darien Book Aid’s legacy of literacy and education. For more information, visit Darien Book Aid on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/darienbookaid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook and Instagram @darienbookaid</a>.</p><p>RSVP: <a href="https://www.addevent.com/event/aX23552522" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.addevent.com/event/aX23552522</a></p>
<p>Local country western band, Gunsmoke, in partnership with the Piedmont Club of Darien, are presenting the annual Music for Hope charity concert and dinner on Saturday, November 9<sup>th</sup> at 6pm. Gunsmoke, along with local band Wingmen, will be performing and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.</p><p>Award-winning Nashville recording group Gunsmoke performs regularly at Broadway’s Opry City Stage and has recorded six albums, performed for two sitting Presidents of the United States, and has been enshrined in the Connecticut country music hall of fame. The band was formed by brothers Jeff and Nick DeMaio Jr. of Darien, and has been performing classic country, western, swing and rockabilly music for over 25 years. In addition to Jeff and Nick, Gunsmoke includes band members Christina Mae, Van Manakas, <span style="color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Guy "Fooch" Fischetti</span> and Nick DeMaio III.</p><p>The Wingmen, composed of locals Robert McMullan, Tom Travaglini, Charlie Howe, Chip Carmody and Ray Bartone, perform 60s-80s rock and pop tunes mixed with an improvisational style that promises to get audiences moving and up on their feet.</p><p>Gunsmoke established Music for Hope in 2010 and has raised thousands of dollars to fight cancer on both the local and national level through concerts, dinner dances and recordings. Founded by Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude Children’s Hospital is at the cutting edge of research for pediatric cancer. All costs are covered by donations, as no family ever receives a bill from the hospital.</p><p>The Piedmont, Darien’s Italian American Club established in 1916, serves as the meeting place for many town groups and civic organizations. It also hosts blood drives, sponsors youth sports, gives scholarships and hosts a monthly Men’s Dinner. The Piedmont has partnered with Music for Hope and Gunsmoke in past years for their benefit concerts. </p><p>Admission for the Music for Hope benefit concert is $25. Reservations or donations may be made in advance at <a href="tel:203.554.1507" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">(203) 554-1507</a>. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the show, which begins at 7 p.m. The Piedmont Club is located at 152 Hecker Avenue in Darien. For more information about the Piedmont Club, go to <a href="http://www.piedmontclub.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">piedmontclub.org. </a> To find out more about Gunsmoke, visit <a href="http://www.gunsmokeband.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">gunsmokeband.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Halloween Fun for Teens at the Library!</strong></p><p>The Darien Library is hosting exciting Halloween programs for teens this October. If you're ready to get into the spooky spirit, check out these fun events:</p><p><strong>Mini Pumpkin Painting</strong></p><p><em>Tuesday, October 22nd at 4 p.m.</em></p><p>Kick off the Halloween season by painting your own mini pumpkin! Whether you prefer creepy or creative, this fun craft lets your personality shine. All painting supplies and fall-themed snacks will be provided. It’s the perfect way to get in the Halloween mood!</p><p><strong>HallowTeen Party</strong></p><p><em>Wednesday, October 30th at 4 p.m.</em></p><p>What better way to celebrate Halloween than a party at the Library? Come dressed in your best costume, enjoy some Halloween-themed snacks, and belt out your favorite karaoke tunes. Plus, there’s a costume contest with prizes, so make sure to bring your A-game!</p><p>Register for both events by visiting: <a href="https://www.darienlibrary.org/events/upcoming?keywords=teen%20tech&age_groups%5B93%5D=93" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darien Library Events</a>.</p>
<p>The Community Fund of Darien is hosting another popular 'Welcome to Darien’ gathering on Wednesday, November 13th from 6:00-8:00 pm at The Meadowlands at the DCA, 274 Middlesex Road, Darien.</p><p>This fun, casual event, hosted seasonally at different locations in town as a service of The Community Fund of Darien, is free for residents who recently moved to Darien. The evening provides opportunities to meet fellow Darien newcomers as well as current residents who eagerly share their favorite things and insiders’ knowledge about our unique town that we call home. Attendees will enjoy delectable lite bites courtesy of Palmers Market catering and refreshments courtesy of Sipsters and Mary Taylor Wines.</p><p>The Community Fund of Darien is proud to host this fall event and partner with the Darien Community Association at their newly-redesigned historical mansion. Prior events have attracted 60-80 guests who commented, “We felt a warm welcome to Darien and left with a list of new friends with whom we plan to connect. We enjoyed the restaurant suggestions, shopping tips, and even information about kids sports and activities.” </p><p>Due to the popularity and space limitations of this free event, early registration is encouraged.</p><p>To RSVP and find out more information about the event, visit <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.communityfunddarien.org_newtotown%26d%3DDwMF-g%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3D6MU4b72siBtuH1dVzAkgU0EmxDacJxbYCv_U5nXc6OI%26m%3DTfIFHX37F73LPa4JDA3iTGUqdxmm3D2_WsqRmJC8SiRdeNZo1oGITKT3Pv-IsQND%26s%3DuFR8lccZsynW3UQTHdZx6TmIPleq7CMlcu66-hKnKG8%26e%3D&data=05%7C02%7Camy.clarke%40communityfunddarien.org%7C5ad6674151c8464acead08dcedf13fa7%7C8576e34109814d6983376ab625cccca0%7C0%7C0%7C638646867667450516%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ovUxDdw9RqVP%2FM6c2epCu7aVS7W%2F3EAzQYjxTCVKHqY%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.communityfunddarien.org/newtotown</a> or call (203) 655-8775 .</p><p>For more information about The Community Fund of Darien and their mission please visit <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.communityfunddarien.org_%26d%3DDwMF-g%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3D6MU4b72siBtuH1dVzAkgU0EmxDacJxbYCv_U5nXc6OI%26m%3DTfIFHX37F73LPa4JDA3iTGUqdxmm3D2_WsqRmJC8SiRdeNZo1oGITKT3Pv-IsQND%26s%3D5kY8_I3ZmGlj29D1Ef7_nTpMlWh9aBPXIcmk4fUpD1E%26e%3D&data=05%7C02%7Camy.clarke%40communityfunddarien.org%7C5ad6674151c8464acead08dcedf13fa7%7C8576e34109814d6983376ab625cccca0%7C0%7C0%7C638646867667473314%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7td0m0VMfDgstNu2E1EfIdKM5NckIIwltkoOZAyFfXI%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.communityfunddarien.org</a> . </p><p><em>About The Community Fund of Darien</em></p><p>Since 1951, The Community Fund of Darien, thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, has granted over $28,000,000 to local nonprofits and community initiatives, impacting thousands of lives in our community. The Community Fund’s local investments target basic needs, community health, youth success and workforce development. Community initiatives include the Thriving Youth Task Force, The Human Service Planning Council (HSPC) and the Touch-a-Life program, Youth Community Fund, and TeenTalk Counselors in Darien High School and Middlesex Middle School.</p><p><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p>DARIEN, C.T., Oct 17, 2024 – Election season is upon us, and Darien voters now have 3 voting methods from which to choose to cast their vote: Absentee Ballot Voting, Early Voting, and Election Day Voting. On the ballot this year are candidates for U.S. President and Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, State Senator, State Representative, Registrar of Voters, Board of Education and Representative Town Meeting. There is also a Constitutional Question asking voters if they want to allow the state General Assembly to expand the use of Absentee Ballot voting. The sample ballot in the respective Darien voting districts, is available <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/town_ballots/2024/nov-2024/ready-to-post/darien.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here on the Town of Darien website</a>.</p><p><strong>ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING</strong></p><p>Absentee ballot voting began on October 4th, and has existed in Connecticut going back to the Civil War. The state constitution provides for multiple reasons for electors to cast their vote via this method: illness, physical disability, military service, being away from town on Election Day, religious beliefs or working at a poll site other than your own. Applications to receive a ballot are available on-line or in the Town Clerk’s office. Ballots are secured in envelopes and held until Election Day to be counted. Absentee Ballot applications and more information are <a href="https://darienct.gov/321/Applying-for-an-Absentee-Ballot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">available via this link</a>.</p><p><strong>EARLY VOTING</strong></p><p>New for 2024, Early Voting begins on Monday, October 21st. ALL electors across Darien can vote in-person in Room 119 at Town Hall from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21st until Sunday, November 3rd and extended hours are offered on Tuesday, October 29th and Thursday, October 31st from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. This method is most similar to Election Day voting, and no application or reason is needed to vote via this option. Voting is available on both Saturdays and Sundays, even though Town Hall will be otherwise closed. Ballots are secured in envelopes and held until Election Day to be counted. More information on Early Voting is available on the <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/education/early-voting/2024_digital_brochures/english/early_voting_2024_general_election_digital_brochure_english_color.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CT Secretary of State website</a>. </p><p><strong>ELECTION DAY VOTING</strong></p><p>Poll sites across Darien will be open from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5th. Electors </p><p>TOWN HALL, 2 RENSHAW ROAD, DARIEN, CONNECTICUT 06820 must appear at their designated voting location based upon the 6 voting districts across Darien. Electors will check in and be verified as an eligible voter before casting their votes. For more information on Election Day and voting district locations is <a href="https://darienct.gov/303/Registrars-of-Voters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">available on the Registrars of Voters page</a> of the Town of Darien website.</p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>College Admissions Workshop for Parents with Kate Stone on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:30 p.m.</strong></p><p>Join Kate Stone, an NYU graduate and Princeton Teaching Fellow with over a decade of experience guiding students to elite college admissions.</p><p>Kate and her team specialize in college prep, admissions, and post-graduate job placement. Her innovative approach helps students develop a standout profile for top-tier admissions.</p><p>With a proven 93% acceptance rate to students' top-choice schools, Kate’s data-driven strategies and expertise in crafting compelling, authentic college essays make all the difference.</p><p><em>Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:30 p.m.</em></p><p><em>Darien Library Conference Room</em></p><p><a href="https://www.darienlibrary.org/event/college-coaching-workshop-parents-63437" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register Here!</a></p>