Darien, CT | HamletHub

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Mar 24, 2025

Save the Date: Darien Sidewalk Sales Returns with a New Twist for Summer 2025!

Darien Sidewalk Sales Returns with a New Twist for Summer 2025!Exciting news for local businesses and shoppers alike—Darien Sidewalk Sales is back, and this year brings a brand-new way to participate!For the first time ever, vendors can opt for a one-day participation option at a special reduced rate. If committing to the full three-day event isn’t ideal, you can now join the action for just one high-energy day!Location: Darien Commons – featuring attractions & entertainmentDate: Saturday, July 12 (final day of Sidewalk Sales!)While participating stores at Darien Commons will be open for the full three-day event, Saturday, July 12, is the exclusive opportunity for one-day vendors to take part. This flexible option makes it easier than ever to showcase your products, engage with the community, and be part of one of Darien’s biggest shopping events of the summer.Don't miss out—reserve your spot today! Learn more at <a href="https://www.darienctchamber.com/sws/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darien Chamber of Commerce</a>.

Mar 24, 2025

Sip, Plant, and Create: Terrarium Workshop Returns to the Museum of Darien

Back by popular demand, the Museum of Darien is hosting a Terrarium Workshop on Tuesday, April 1, from 7 to 9 pm. All are invited to enjoy an evening of creativity with friends while crafting a miniature ecosystem.Led by Melissa Kelley, a talented florist and Darien mom, this hands-on workshop will teach participants the Victorian-era techniques of building a long-lasting, self-sustaining terrarium. Each attendee will receive a glass container and all necessary materials to design their own lush, living creation.No green thumb? No problem! Melissa will guide participants with step-by-step instruction, ensuring that their terrarium will flourish for years to come. Fee for the workshop is $65 for members and $75 for non-members.To register or find out more, visit <a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">museumofdarien.org</a>. It is recommended to register soon as spaces are limited. For questions, call (203) 655-9233 or email <a href="mailto:ekoch@museumofdarien.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">ekoch@museumofdarien.org</a>. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT.Established in 1953 as the Darien Historical Society, the Museum of Darien welcomes all ages to discover the town’s history and to experience the objects, narratives and works of art that tell Darien’s story, from its earliest beginnings as Middlesex Parish to the prosperous community it is today. To learn more about supporting the town’s history, visit <a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">museumofdarien.org</a> or call (203)655-9233For more information, visit <a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">museumofdarien.org</a>Facebook: @museumofdarienInstagram: @museumofdarien

Mar 20, 2025

Why Small Businesses Matter in Darien: GrayMatter Advisory

<h2>Local Business Champion:<a href="https://www.graymatter-advisory.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> GrayMatter Advisory</a></h2>Meet <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidlgray/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">David Gray</a>, founder of GrayMatter Advisory.GrayMatter Advisory provides expert Go-to-Market and due diligence advisory services to consumer and B2B broadband service providers and digital infrastructure private equity and M&A firms. Consulting to video platforms and wireless services, industry analysts, financial and commercial advisories, advertising agencies, and others.Why did you start your business?To provide business, consulting and advisory services to mid-market Internet service providers, and the digital infrastructure PE firms who back themBest selling service?Business advisory services.Have you used any local business to support GrayMatter Advisory's operations?I worked with Ad Edge, a digital marketing agency based in Westport to create and deploy my website,<a href="http://www.graymatter-advisory.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.graymatter-advisory.com</a>Have you reimagined GrayMatter Advisory?It’s only been in existence for about a year; it’s gone through several iterations as I refine its function and purpose.Visit GrayMatter Advisory’s website <a href="https://www.graymatter-advisory.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.graymatter-advisory.com/</a> and follow along on Instagram <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/graymatter-advisory-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/company/graymatter-advisory-llc/</a>Questions? Email <a href="mailto:David@GrayMatter-Advisory.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">David@GrayMatter-Advisory.com</a> HamletHub thanks<a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fairfield County Bank </a>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Mar 18, 2025

Meet the Author Laurie Woolever at Darien Library on March 26

Meet the Author Laurie Woolever, Care and Feeding on Wednesday, March 26th at 7 p.m.Take a dive into the fast-paced, sometimes unscrupulous restaurant world with author Laurie Woolever, the longtime assistant, collaborator, and co-author to the late Anthony Bourdain.Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore welcome Woolever, who will discuss her new book, Care and Feeding: a Memoir. Laurie will be in conversation with writer Page Berger.In this moving, sharp-witted, and insightful memoir, Woolever traces her path from a small-town childhood to working at revered restaurants and food publications, alternately bolstered and overshadowed by two of the most powerful men in the business. Woolever attempts to carve her own space as a woman in the restaurant world that is, by turns, toxic and intoxicating.Come join us for this exciting and memorable event!<a href="https://darienlibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c17339c2ea9922174f2c0428&id=3f0574c8db&e=75920aab3b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sign Me Up</a>

Mar 18, 2025

Why Small Businesses Matter in Darien: TeamHolland

<h2>Local Business Champion: <a href="https://www.teamholland.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">TeamHolland LLC</a></h2>Meet Tom Holland, founder of <a href="https://www.teamholland.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">TeamHolland</a>.Tom walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to fitness and nutrition. He is the author of six books, including The 12 Week Triathlete (two editions), The Marathon Method, Beat the Gym, Swim, Bike, Run - Eat and The Micro-Workout Plan. Tom co-founded and coached the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's "Team for Cures" program for ten years, coaching hundreds of athletes for various events and helping raise over 30 million dollars for the top-rated cancer charity. Here, we learn more about this athlete, author, and health guru.Q: Why did you start TeamHolland?A: I founded TeamHolland LLC driven by my deep passion for health and wellness and a genuine desire to help others transform their lives. The profound impact that fitness and proper nutrition can have on both physical and mental well-being has always inspired me. Whether through one-on-one coaching, writing books, hosting a podcast, creating fitness videos, or working with teams and organizations, I love helping people look better, feel better, and live longer. I’m dedicated to debunking common myths around exercise and nutrition, offering empirically-backed guidance that empowers individuals to make informed choices. My ultimate mission is to help people live their best lives, adopting a holistic, sustainable approach to health that is both effective and rooted in science.Q: Best selling product or service?A: While I offer numerous products and services, my best selling will be a new home fitness device I invented and recently received a patent.Q: Have you reimagined your small business?A: I have expanded my revenue streams into numerous new areas, such as serving as a fitness expert in multiple lawsuits, appearing as a TV presenter for fitness products on QVC & HSN, being an advisor to fitness companies and more.Questions? Email <a href="mailto:TH@TeamHolland.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">TH@TeamHolland.com</a> and visit TeamHolland’s website <a href="https://www.teamholland.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.teamholland.com/</a> and follow along on social media:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomhfit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a> and Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomhfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">tomhfit</a>HamletHub thanks<a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fairfield County Bank </a>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Mar 16, 2025

Museum of Darien Hosts Open House, A Day of History, Discovery, and Fun

The Museum of Darien (MoD) invites the community to explore local history at an Open House on Sunday, March 23, from 11am to 2pm. This free, family-friendly event offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Darien’s rich heritage through exclusive archival materials, expert-led tours, and the current captivating exhibition. All are welcome.Visitors will have the chance to view a selection of objects from the museum’s archives, including the unseen “Darien Review” bound-books dating back to 1924. Talented Museum educators will lead guided tours of the historic Homestead, offering insights into life in early Darien. Visitors can also explore the Museum’s current exhibition, "Darien Dresses Up!", alongside curators Lynn Sheppard and Cynthia Stamm, as they showcase the evolution of style and fashion in the community.Whether a history buff, a curious learner, or simply looking for a great way to spend the day with family and friends, the MoD Open House is a perfect way to connect with the past.To find out more, visit <a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">museumofdarien.org</a>, call (203) 655-9233 or email <a href="mailto:ekoch@museumofdarien.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">ekoch@museumofdarien.org</a>. The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT.

Mar 14, 2025

Darien News: Budget, Bulk Pickup, Town Flag Survey, Sidewalks on Leroy Ave

TOWN BUDGET UPDATEOn Tuesday, March 11th, the Board of Finance held a Public Hearing to receive feedback regarding the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education budgets. The meeting can be viewed on <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CKf-_7uh2j_QrD31KQJmdMG9fzjWW5KaQGL_1FZDW2nS400tYUrYzrTOim4i3UDCVE7WCQlPsg46ZTfe2eFmVzounveHCvbZnM_46Wq84DG3&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">Darien’s TV79</a>. Over the next three weeks, the Board of Finance will review both budgets and is expected to vote and finalize the budget and mill rate at its meeting on April 8th.BULK PICKUP PROGRAM 2025 The Town of Darien offers free bulk pickup to residents once a year each spring. Pickup is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from April 1, 2025, to June 11, 2025, for residences on public streets. Items are limited to those too large for transport by passenger car or SUV. An appointment for pickup must be scheduled in advance. Each residence is restricted to a single pickup per calendar year. Debris must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on the day of the scheduled pickup.Residents are urged to utilize the <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CP_uq1R1YQITIxdCrfsv0ZL0aAsLdeQvpzACQVqmp7pX7LLiM2ztxApFfHu5ITvnR1DltvoYOgkH33qPgM8UCKccH9knEk2EXICcoZepsM0ZOE6RsNj1kR4=&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">Town’s website</a> and customer service software system to schedule pickup appointments. Detailed scheduling and pickup information can be found under <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CP_uq1R1YQITULhgk5epV9iR2JfD4MTp3XzBlP-hEB2RJ3KpP3Aiiid0WCM-iQ0s3LRzWAwm13jPjkmcXqwUrK8Xzc6Q731f3l30-XJWL3SjfdyxwdmVzKBpanPOISZ2LhCByrJ9KOBW&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">"How Do I" and then “Spring Bulk Pickup</a>” on the main page.<h3>TOWN FLAG SURVEY</h3>The process of considering a new Town flag design is still underway. The new survey, which incorporates feedback from the initial survey, is open for responses through Sunday, March 16th. This <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CNUEm64KoJGZH6UfPYuASe5-owKnBbyHsPAac0b9So-rsJlWmYzByUtPMMXzWUbNp9-HQ-w9vG5AcXTZ24jPGYQBwEoT8lzCGpYcWCn1SECOCF4UjXfLxYFVB_YhDdFphC0N8ZVl8FaGAE49fauSQg0mZ34gQnxDyADgJOXin0hFAdIvCOlpxT0pj5sqWLqzKl8DK_ktmr6WiZe_hfBSwIhz9thuypZlgw==&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">new survey</a> serves to further gauge the level of support for change, introduce new designs based on the emails and comments of citizens, and re-test support for the most popular designs, including the original flag. Resident input is welcome and can be provided either by <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CNUEm64KoJGZH6UfPYuASe5-owKnBbyHsPAac0b9So-rsJlWmYzByUtPMMXzWUbNp9-HQ-w9vG5AcXTZ24jPGYQBwEoT8lzCGpYcWCn1SECOCF4UjXfLxYFVB_YhDdFphC0N8ZVl8FaGAE49fauSQg0mZ34gQnxDyADgJOXin0hFAdIvCOlpxT0pj5sqWLqzKl8DK_ktmr6WiZe_hfBSwIibO0p_k4UlIw==&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">completing the survey</a> or by emailing Harris Cavanna.  <h3>SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT ON LEROY AVENUE</h3>The Town of Darien will begin sidewalk replacement on West Avenue between the intersections of Herman Avenue and Leroy Avenue, on or about Monday, March 24, 2025. Work will begin at Leroy Avenue and progress towards Herman Avenue and is expected to take approximately 6 months. The sidewalk will be constructed of concrete and will include handicap ramps at intersections. The area will remain open to traffic. Darien Police or other traffic personnel will be on-site during construction. Please feel free to contact the Town of Darien Department of Public Works at 203-656-7346 or on our website at <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CBl28qJ9GEoHJCqhD55wecRtxF99kYRwC-p4BX7CW_i5EuTxTFdVd_zNlfzC_umGvUhFvgAembNroW7jMpqhG5ppUcySyEC67Cqyq15i2v9kj7eI5kswBqzPSD_C14ksgg==&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">darienct.gov</a>. The blue line in the aerial photo below represents the location of the planned sidewalk replacement on the North side of West Avenue. <h3>QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER</h3>Email Ali Ramsteck to register.<h3>BEACH STICKERS</h3>The sale of 2025 beach stickersis underway through <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CBfxINQiHDjUls0bpKOXWFyW5UgnYulRAT_qKEuOFCJgyjWFK5jWZ-xHwugargpZVD9BwWeFv5LiZdHPjDcnXkKjwVxCKtEa1MLSkKMCfL1u25JkVjfavl7hITnusYx6BH3gNPErQkrg&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">the Parks and Recreation page</a> on the Town website. Stickers can also be purchased in the Parks and Recreation office, Room 110 at Town Hall, or via the mail. Beach stickers are required at Weed Beach starting April 15th and Pear Tree Point Beach on May 23rd. As a reminder, 2024 stickers are valid through May 31, 2025.<h3>LOTTERY FOR KAYAK/PADDLEBOARD STORAGE</h3>Results from the Kayak/Paddleboard lottery will be available on Monday, March 17th. Selected residents have 10 business days to submit the $200.00 payment in full. If no payment is received, the space will be assigned to the next person on the waiting list as selected during the lottery. If a payment is not received, registrants will be ineligible to register again the following season.Please visit the <a href="https://5f8zhpebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XbhjyDWJuIpC3OlGDZUIBsQv57HPgdSoq_wbhg4B6fZn2ZmwqQC3CBfxINQiHDjUls0bpKOXWFyW5UgnYulRAT_qKEuOFCJgyjWFK5jWZ-xHwugargpZVD9BwWeFv5LiZdHPjDcnXkKjwVxCKtEa1MLSkKMCfL1u25JkVjfavl65cjHghoU8coK7oVmLINJU&c=l9zWU7UkFpx_Qmu_Up_QisYi7zFatLEejUlQyzMCH_k5BQONy8WFJA==&ch=olVCp6VA5iNjVHUYXC8n8SaEH6yFo9U5IY_kLOQtFJAtYA_4CsMSng==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(44, 116, 255);">Parks and Recreation Department</a> webpage with questions.