<p>DELAWARE, OH (04/30/2025)-- Fiona Minton of Darien presented original academic work April 17 at Ohio Wesleyan University's 2025 Spring Student Symposium.</p><p>Matthew Leibold and Fiona Minton presented "Otterly Amusing: A Comparative Study of Play Behavior Across Three Common Otter Species," mentored by faculty member Shala Hankison, and Minton also presented with Ariana Brown, Brooklyn Upp, and post-baccalaureate researcher Dellen Roush "Red-Backed (Salamander) Relationships: It's Complicated," mentored by faculty member Eric Gangloff.</p><p>The annual symposium is designed to highlight the breadth, depth, and quality of work produced by Ohio Wesleyan students in their classes and through mentored research, performances, and other projects.</p><p>Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan's Spring Student Symposium at&nbsp;<a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.b29uH5VZ6IuVf7RsxefL2C4GxPO7aO_n9ivWd-l6cdsBtbJuyscHMZS21RAgJz9R/4g3/dBUmgXxaS_60PXnKAJbZeQ/h0/h001._-_HMslOq3qY4YV_qn5bhJBRubaxu65IwC9jVsE9ZG4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.owu.edu/studentsymposium</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.2MAbPpABZpoNwpazzwdE_uxA9hVwJkKj2ZRpGQ-nHemsSKzoI2pdzhWCLh899v84dntJ8Dg5E0BErNUhIZmkD36bS6cC-nR5EPWQLQT8NOIVRcF2IqMBRQFA5Wq3qSJH/4g3/dBUmgXxaS_60PXnKAJbZeQ/h1/h001.Q4x4H44e6KJx6UJWaFXBJOFvUwlyJnf2xq5v8KRoKp0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">read project synopses</a>.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This spring, the Golf Performance Center (GPC) in Ridgefield unveiled&nbsp;</span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The National</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, a premier 9-hole short course designed to offer a world-class short game experience - just $20 to play 9 holes!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We asked Edward Murphy, the Director of Operations at GPC to share&nbsp;<u>10 Fun Facts about The National.&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1) It's an Executive Short Course</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2) You only need a couple of wedges and a putter to play</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3) It can be played at night</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4) The record for 9 holes is 7 under par</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5) Men, women and children all play from the same tee's</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6) The Greens are as challenging as any private country club</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">7) The Norwalk River runs through it</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">8.) Professional golfers play a tournament on it every year</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">9) Can be played with various routings</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">10) The National was designed by King &amp; Collins renowned golf course architects.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tee times can be booked online through the GPC website or by calling the Pro Shop at 203-790-4653. Non-members are welcome and can reserve tee times up to 48 hours in advance, whereas course members can book 1 week in advance.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information about The National Short Course, membership options, and to book your tee time, visit</span><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/the-national" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/the-national/.</a></p>

<h3 class="ql-align-center">Farm &amp; Forest All-Terrain 5K &amp; Kids Fun Run on Sunday, April 6th, 2025</h3><p><span style="color: rgb(67, 76, 94); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250);">The course starts at the Fedele Family Plaza outside the Knobloch Family Farmhouse at the Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center (SM&amp;NC). It winds through Heckscher Farm, passing various animals like cows, horses, llamas, goats, and donkeys. The route loops around Bendel Pond and heads up to Bendel Mansion, showcasing Henri Bendel's original vision, including lion statues and an Italian Renaissance fountain. The course then enters the SM&amp;NC's hiking trails, crosses Otter Bridge, and reenters Heckscher Farm, passing pigs, Guinea Hogs, and a Scottish Highland Cow before returning to the Farmhouse. The course is a two-loop design to ensure participants can enjoy the experience twice.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(67, 76, 94); background-color: rgb(250, 250, 250);">Register </span><a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Stamford/FarmForestAllTerrain5K" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Stamford/FarmForestAllTerrain5K</a></p>

<p>The Darien Arts Center has appointed Wendy Mitchell as its new Executive Director. A Connecticut native, Mitchell previously led the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids - a nonprofit she co-founded with fellow Newtown High School alumni following the 2012 school shooting. The center became a healing space for families, offering arts-based programs through partnerships with local organizations and national charities.</p><p>Mitchell brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience in administration, programming, fundraising, and grant writing. She has served on both the Bethel and Ridgefield Arts Councils and is deeply committed to promoting the arts within the community. Mitchell has written, produced, and directed children’s musical theater, using each production as a platform for community service. In recognition of her volunteer work, the Danbury Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians named her “Lady Hibernian of the Year” in 2022. An accomplished writer, musician, and marketing professional, Mitchell holds a B.S. in Child Studies from Post University and a Connecticut Head Teacher certification in early childhood education.</p><p>“Wendy brings an inspiring blend of creativity, compassion, and community spirit - we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Darien Arts Center,” said Aly Sturm, Co-President of the Board of Directors.&nbsp;</p><p>“Wendy is a natural ambassador for the arts - her ability to connect with the community will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” added Cristina Boudo, Co-President of the Board of Directors.</p><p>“I am honored to join the Darien Arts Center as they celebrate their 50th&nbsp;year in the community,” Mitchell shared. “I look forward to collaborating with our incredibly talented directors, dedicated teachers and knowledgeable staff, as well as our committed Board of Directors, to build on the Center’s incredible legacy as we shape an exciting new chapter together.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p>Local wellness leader Amanda Nova is making waves across Connecticut and beyond with her unique approach to holistic healing and spiritual growth. As an intuitive channel and holistic health practitioner, Amanda blends ancient healing traditions with modern practices to help people feel their best—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.</p><p>Her journey started with personal health struggles, including Lyme Disease, tick-borne illness, and chronic pain. Determined to take control of her healing, Amanda spent years studying nutrition, herbal medicine, and energy work. She became certified in multiple healing methods, including Herbalism, Ayurveda, Breathwork, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Iridology, Somatic Healing, and Kundalini Activation. In 2021, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition.</p><p>As she began to heal, Amanda felt called to share her experience online. Her honest, inspiring content quickly resonated, and she now reaches over 300,000 people on social media, with millions of views across platforms.</p><p>Amanda went on to launch her own wellness product line, Olive + Grayce, and publish her first cookbook, The Nourished Spoon, in 2021. After becoming a mom in 2023, her work expanded to include energy healing, channeled meditations, and kundalini activations—creating a full-body, mind, and soul approach to healing.</p><p>Today, Amanda works with clients locally in Connecticut and virtually around the world. Through private sessions, group ceremonies, and community events, she helps people clear blocks, raise their energy, and reconnect with their true selves.</p><p>In addition to her healing work, Amanda co-hosts the podcast Conversations In Between the Realms with fellow spiritual guide Beth Renov. Together, they explore the journey of spiritual awakening and the deeper meaning behind everyday life.Amanda is also the founder of House of Amria, a jewelry line featuring handmade malas and meaningful custom pieces that are energetically infused and designed to support healing and intention.</p><p>Amanda’s work is a reflection of her own healing journey—and she’s passionate about guiding others to feel more alive, empowered, and connected. Whether you’re struggling with your health, going through a life change, or simply looking for more alignment, Amanda’s offerings provide grounded, heart-centered support.</p><p>To learn more, book a session, or explore upcoming events in Connecticut, visit<a href="http://www.amandanovawellness.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(37, 107, 201);">&nbsp;www.amandanovawellness.com</a>&nbsp;or follow @amandanovawellness on Instagram</p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Darien High School Hosts 'Out of the Darkness' Walk to Support Suicide Prevention</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This Sunday, April 27, 2025, Darien High School will host the 'Out of the Darkness' Campus Walk, a community event organized in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The walk aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, engaging students, families, and community members in a collective effort to bring hope and support to those affected by suicide.​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The event will take place at Darien High School, located at 80 High School Lane in Darien, CT. Check-in begins at 11:00 a.m., and the walk will commence at 11:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register in advance and consider fundraising to support AFSP's mission. Those who raise $100 or more by the day of the event will receive an official Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt. ​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The walk will be held rain or shine, and attendees can look forward to various on-site activities, including visiting vendor booths, picking up honor beads to signify their personal connection to the cause, and sharing messages of hope and remembrance.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information, to register, or to donate, please visit the official event page:</span><a href="https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&amp;eventID=10625" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&amp;eventID=10625" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Darien High School Campus Walk</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.​</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>