The Museum of Darien is pleased to announce the selection of a new Assistant Director, Emily Koch. In this role, Koch will provide general support to the Executive Director in the areas of operations, management, marketing and communications, and volunteer oversight.

Koch has experience at the Royal Academy of Arts in London as Manager of Patrons and holds a Masters in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She additionally has significant experience with fundraising, leadership and management skills that has included positions at the Bowman Sculpture Gallery, The Victoria and Albert Museum and Sotheby’s Auction House in London, in addition to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville.

Koch moved from London to Darien in 2021 with her husband and three children and feels a true passion for the arts and culture, “I am excited at the prospect of becoming involved in such an important community resource that safeguards and promotes Darien’s unique history”.

The Museum of Darien (MoD) is a community resource featuring an early-American homestead, gallery barn, archives and research library, meeting rooms and colonial garden. MoD celebrates Darien’s unique story and its place in the history of New England by welcoming all ages to experience and discover the crafted objects, narratives and works of art that have shaped the local community — from its earliest beginnings to today.

“We are so happy to welcome Emily and fortunate to have someone with her skillset at the Museum. We are excited about all that she can contribute as we continue to grow as an organization and asset to the town”, commented Amy Allen, Executive Director at MoD.

The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien and is open from Tuesday through Thursday, from 11am to 4pm. For more information about visiting or sponsoring the museum, visit museumofdarien.org or call  203.655.9233.

The Town of Darien will construct drainage improvements on the North parking lot of the Noroton Heights Railroad Station located on Heights Road in Darien, CT.  Construction will include excavation and installation of an underground drainage system.  The drainage improvements will direct water runoff from the parking area, underground reducing water runoff to flood prone Heights Rd.  

Work will begin on Monday, October 2, 2023 with completion date of Friday, December 1, 2023.  Work necessarily reduce the number of available parking spaces.  Work will progress in phases to maximize the number of available parking spaces.  The parking lot will not be closed at any time, and passage through the parking lot will remain available throughout construction.  Only portions of the lot will be closed.  Please consider using the parking on south side of railroad tracks with access from Hollow Tree Ridge Road or Ledge Road.  

All available parking spaces will remain as posted (pay station or permit parking).  Parking enforcement will remain in effect.  The town will post information regarding project status by message board and postings on the town website.

 Please contact the DPW office at 203-656-7346 should you have any questions or concerns.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission will vote at its upcoming meeting to approve an allocation of $25 million that will be used to purchase new ballot-counting tabulators for use in elections and primaries statewide. The equipment will replace Connecticut’s existing voting machines, which are used at every polling place in the state to tabulate the choices that voters make on their paper ballots.

The governor, who serves as chair of the commission and sets its meeting agendas, said that he is recommending the members to approve the funding because the existing machines, which were first put into use in 2006, are beginning to show signs of aging and should be replaced for the continued functioning of accurate and timely election results. The allocation is being placed on the agenda for approval at the commission’s October 6, 2023, meeting.

“The machines we use to record votes are the backbone of our election system, and it is essential that we provide election officials with the equipment they need to tabulate results with accuracy and timeliness,” Governor Lamont said. “Although our existing machines continue to function, they are more than 17 years old and election officials tell us that they are starting to show their age. Implementing a statewide replacement of all these machines now will ensure that election workers continue to have the tools they need to conduct an Election Day that runs smooth and free of any glitches that could potentially be caused by outdated technology.”

Following the commission’s approval of the funding, it is anticipated that the Office of the Secretary of the State will solicit proposals from manufacturers to supply the state with the equipment. Once purchased, the state will provide the equipment to every municipality and the existing equipment will be retired. The state is funding the entirety of the cost to purchase the equipment. It is estimated that the allocation will enable the state to purchase several thousand traditional tabulators and dozens of high-speed tabulators used to tally absentee ballots.

This will be the first time the state is implementing a statewide replacement of all its voting machines since it eliminated the use of lever machines 17 years ago and made a switch to machines that read paper ballots as part of a nationwide requirement enacted by Congress in 2002 for states to have voting systems that keep a paper record of every vote cast in case an election is audited or recounted. Because lever voting machines cannot produce a paper ballot, they were retired from use.

The October 6, 2023, meeting of the State Bond Commission will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Additionally, video of the meeting will stream live online at ct-n.com.

Greta Hoffmeister, of Darien was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Hoffmeister was initiated at University of Southern California.

[LAST_NAME] is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Darien Parks and Recreation is pleased to bring music and daytime activities to Darien Rocktoberfest on October 7th from noon to 6pm at Highland Farm.

ADDED TO THE DAY: GRIT NINJA OBSTACLE COURSE | FACE PAINTING  |  INFLATABLE CORN MAZE  |  PEDAL KARTS  |  FALL EGG HUNT

Tickets are now on sale and are on a first come, first served basis!  Recreation Program Supervisor, Cassie Schull says, “Our team has put a lot of effort into building an epic music lineup for the day featuring some of the best area talent alongside a comedy act and fun games/activities for those with young kids or without kids”.  Schull continues, “We really wanted to create an event where teens, young kids, and adults of all ages can experience a great community event,  I think we’ve done that.” If you attended any Parks and Recreation events this year (like Daddy Daughter Dance, Beach Luau, Town Fireworks, Festive Nights), Schull says, “imagine an event like those, but even bigger and more fun!”

Just added to Rocktoberfest:

• The Grit Ninja Obstacle Course will be on site 12pm-3pm for attendees to get a glimpse of one of our most popular recreation programs!
• FREE Commemorative Reflective Halloween Pumpkin Tote to the first 100 youth (ages 4-10) to arrive at Rocktoberfest on Oct. 7th!
• Fall Egg Hunt: Youth aged 4-10 will have an opportunity to participate in a fall-themed egg hunt starting at 12:15pm. We encourage families to bring a small bag to collect eggs. Eggs will have small toy prizes and coupons for vendors/concessions. For those who do not wish to take the plastic eggs home with their prizes, we will have a collection for the empty eggs to reuse for 2024.
• Inflatable Corn Maze: Attendees of all ages can get lost or find their way in our inflatable corn maze!
• Pedal Carts: Ready, set, go! Almost no-one can keep up with you on this fast go-kart! Your friends will be envious as you race around our 34 foot wide and 58 foot long track.
• Face Painting: Sweet Cheeks Face Painting will be on-site to paint faces throughout the day!
• Other great games and activities:
• Community Canvas Painting provided by the Darien Arts Center
• Pumpkin Mini Golf
• Donut Cornhole
• “You Rock” Kindness Rock Painting
• Gourd Tic-Tac-Toe
• Tug-O-War
• Hula Hoop Toss
• Chalk the Walk
• Corn Toss
• Hop Races

Craft/Business Vendors to include: Weekend Glow Candles, Dream Creations; Scents of Empowerment; Turmeric Innovations; Inspire, Train, Fit LLC.; Happy Humans; Jim E. Jive Hot Sauce; Touchstone Crystal; The Snarky Seagull, JJ Boutique by Jen; Natalie Creations; The Darien Green Team, The Grit Ninja; COMPASS, Nielsen’s Florist, First County Bank and more. Toys By Chris will also be selling small novelty toys.

Food Vendors: Crab Shack King, Taste of Grill, Makin’ Waves, Crazy Taco Mex, Viva La Vida, Kona Ice and Mister Softee - Shop our concessions or bring a picnic lunch! 

Entertainment: Obie the Comedian will emcee the event performing a small act between musicians: Hawkins French Band, Rave On Show and Hazzard County. 

Sponsor Corner: Thank you to our sponsors for making this event such a success: First County Bank, Compass and Nielsen’s Florist.

Registration information:

Purchase a Parking Pass 
$25.00/car (this allows you to park on-site no walk-in ticket required) 

Purchase an Advanced Walk-In Ticket, No Parking on-site
$5.00/person until 10/5 at 4pm or $10.00 at the gate on 10/7

We look forward to releasing more information in the coming weeks and encourage you to purchase tickets early as we do anticipate this event may sell out!

Rain Date: October 8th, 2023

NAYA Middle Eastern Counter & Grill in Darien is proud to unveil its continued collaboration with the Darien Arts Center, introducing a new fall series: Create Art & Eat Naya. This initiative offers diverse programs for both adults and children, inviting Fairfield County residents to engage in artistic pursuits while enjoying NAYA's culinary delights. These distinctive workshops will run from late September to December, providing an avenue for creative exploration alongside authentic family-approved cuisine.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the workshops, visit darienarts.org.

The Darien Chamber of Commerce honored local nonprofit The Darien Foundation for its 25 years of enriching Darien with grants that benefit the community. Kesti Aysseh, executive director of the Chamber, attended the Foundation’s board meeting in September to present the organization with a plaque to mark the occasion. “The Chamber takes a leadership role in our community, and we are thrilled to get this recognition from them,” said Board Chair Ward Glassmeyer.

The Darien Foundation was originally founded by local parents in 1998, who aimed to contribute technology and computers to the Darien Public Schools. The organization soon expanded to providing grants to the Mather Senior Center, the Darien Police, Darien EMS Post 53, the three volunteer fire departments, as well as other local two organizations such as the Darien Library. To date, The Darien Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to benefit the community of Darien, including $443,000 in grants awarded during their fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2023.

• DAF Media Joint Venture with the Darien Athletic Foundation — $72,500
• Darien Fire Department Jaws of Life tools — $100,000
• Darien Parks & Rec Department (Weed Beach) — $35,000
• Darien Police Department Police Boat — $124,000
• Darien Public School initiatives — $11,500
• The Tiny Miracles Foundation — $100,000

“It is an honor to recognize and celebrate the work and contributions that our Chamber members make to our community,” said Kesti Aysseh, executive director of The Darien Chamber of Commerce. “The Darien Foundation has played a crucial role in providing grants that directly benefit not only our youth, first responders, and schools, but many of our Chamber member nonprofit organizations.”

Founded in 1982, The Darien Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses and nonprofits in its 275-membership. The Chamber is committed to promoting a prosperous business environment as well as a strong sense of community in Darien. The Chamber spotlights important member milestones, including ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and special events. The Chamber also organizes community-wide events connecting the residents and businesses, including the summer Sidewalk Sales and the upcoming Chamber Jam Music and Food Festival on October 14. In addition, members benefit from a host of programs, including networking and professional development events, marketing and shop local initiatives, a town-wide gift certificate program, and more.

Photo Caption: Ward Glassmeyer, chair of The Darien Foundation Board (L front); Sarah Woodberry, executive director of The Darien Foundation (R front); and the assembled Board of Directors accept a plaque from Kesti Aysseh (C front), executive director of the Darien Chamber of Commerce, to honor the 25th Anniversary of The Darien Foundation.

Photo credit: Calderwood Photography https://calderwoodphotography.com

Sur La Table opens today at Darien Commons, with a grand opening celebration planned for Saturday, September 30!

As the ultimate culinary destination, Sur La Table aims to help local Darien residents make hosting and entertaining around food as fulfilling and successful as possible. With over 50 years in the business, Sur La Table meets customers at any level in their kitchen journey to assist in fostering their love of food and sharing meals with others by offering first-of-class, high quality culinary tools.  

The store will offer their beloved cooking classes at this location, and the community will be able to sharpen their skills in the kitchen and learn how to create delicious dishes.

Learn more https://www.surlatable.com/

The Ridgefield Playhouse will continue its senior movie series this fall, offering 6 hand-picked films FREE to the seniors in our community.

Not a senior? That’s okay. The movies are free for anyone who would like to enjoy an afternoon watching a movie on the big screen.

In an effort to provide our seniors with free daytime entertainment, the Ridgefield Playhouse launched the Senior Cinema Series earlier in 2023, and was met with countless smiling faces from patrons. “We tried something new and our senior community responded with gratitude and positivity for the series, so we decided to keep it going,” said Robin Ronai, manager of Films and Rentals at the Playhouse. The Playhouse is happy to once again partner with the Ridgefield Commission on Aging which brings much needed services and activities to our older community.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s on Tuesday, September 26th at 2pm

This 1961 classic stars Audrey Hepburn as Manhattan socialite, Holly Golightly. She heads a cast that includes George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Mickey Rooney and Buddy Ebsen.

First Monday in October on Monday October 2nd at 2pm

The U.S. Supreme Court, mired in its traditions, begins each new year on the first Monday in October. Jill Clayburg, Walter Mattheau and Barnard Hughes star in this 1981 dramatic comedy which breaks with one of the Court’s longest standing customs when the first woman is appointed to the Court.

A Star Is Born Wednesday October 18th 1pm

This 1976 classic starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson tells the story of a has-been rock star who falls in love with an up-and-coming singer. The film’s music is performed by its stars and the movie’s love theme, “Evergreen,” is a familiar song to everyone.

Sneakers Wednesday October 25th 1pm

This 1992 thriller is a story about security experts who find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that involves cryptology and espionage. Robert Redford leads the all-star team that includes Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, River Phoenix and Dan Aykroyd.

The Four Seasons Thursday November 2nd 1pm

Four seasons, three couple, one interloper and a whole lot of laughs and drama in this heart felt comedy that centers around the relationships between friends who vacation together every new season. Alan Alda, Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Jack Weston, Sandy Dennis, Bess Armstrong and Len Cariou star.

The Graduate Tuesday November 2nd 2pm

In this 1967 movie about a May-December romance, Mrs. Robinson (Ann Bancroft) a bored housewife, seduces Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) a recent college graduate. Their tryst is complicated when Benjamin falls for Mrs. Robinson’s daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross).

The Darien Board of Education is looking to fill one opening on Board of Education, which results from the resignation of former Board member Tara Wurm, a Republican. 

Darien Chamber of Commerce presents Chamber Jam on Saturday, October 14 at Gardener's Center

Brought to you by The Darien Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Jam, Darien's Music & Food Festival, presents headlining musical guests, Black Rock Funk All-Stars (feat. Deep Banana Blackout), Residual Groove, Brian Charette & The Mighty Grinders and Darien's favorite local food vendors... together we celebrate our community!

 View the musical lineup here.

Located at The Gardener’s Center in Darien there is over 6,000 square feet for hundreds of people to enjoy the medley of live music, food and dance the night away. We will clear the lot and set the stage for an amazing, all-inclusive event! Gates open at 6pm, 21+ only.

Tickets start at $175. Get yours here.

From America’s Got Talent to Darien, Becca Winter brings her amazing shadow dancing talent to a show created for the whole family at the Darien Arts Center on September 23rd and 24th. 

Woof Woof the Shadow Pup debuts in Darien with performances at 4pm on Saturday and 11am and 1pm on Sunday in the DAC Weatherstone Studio. Tickets are available at darienarts.org.

As one of the finalists on America’s Got Talent in 2013, Winter showcased her talent in a fascinating shadow dance performance with the dance troupe, Catapult. The AGT performance, which aired live at Radio City Music Hall, received unanimous accolades from judges Heidi Klum, Howard Stern and Howie Mandel in front of millions of viewers. A Fairfield County mom of three with a life-long passion for dance, Winter now has funneled her energy and creative abilities, along with the talent of accomplished entertainment professionals into a mesmerizing show for all ages.

In addition to contributing as a choreographer for Woof Woof, Winter joins her cast of professional dancers in these special Darien performances that include original music by the Emmy-winning composer of Blue’s Clues and Peg + Cat, J. Walter Hawkes and voice narration created by American Idol star Kat Edmonson. Choreography is also produced by Hamilton Tour Dance Supervisor, Alessandra Marconi. Projection design is created by multimedia artist Katherine Freer and illuminating puppetry design is crafted by the Puppet Kitchen.
Shadow dancing, which creates images with the human body to resemble objects and people, allows dancers to create endless images of nearly anything one can imagine. Using shadow dancing, captivating puppetry and creative storytelling, Woof Woof’s story, written along with Winter’s mother-in-law Nancy Close, tells of Little Lucy, who with the help of her Dad and a flashlight, discovers Woof Woof the Shadow Pup. In a colorful and interactive performance, Lucy finds action-packed adventure in magical worlds filled with enchanted castles, rocket ships, and zany zoo animals.

Winter commented, “We love that the kids have so much fun calling out to Woof Woof in the show and watching him appear through the dancers’ magical shadow transformations. It’s so gratifying to produce a show that brings together amazing visuals, delightful music and storytelling, entertaining children, parents, and grandparents alike.”
Purchase tickets for Woof Woof the Shadow Pup at darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683 with questions. The Darien Arts Center is located at 2 Renshaw Road in Darien, behind the Town Hall.

Congratulations to the Darien residents Chase Gulick and Morgan Hampton for being named to the Dean's List for the spring semester at Ithaca College.

Founded in 1892, Ithaca College is a residential college dedicated to building knowledge and confidence through a continuous cycle of theory, practice and performance. Home to some 5,200 students, the college offers more than 90 degree programs in its schools of Business; Communications; Humanities and Sciences; Health Sciences and Human Performance; and Music, Theatre, and Dance.