September 5, 2008
12:00 p.m. at Town Hall
Join over 50 Darien community organizations and businesses to “kick-off” CARE Darien and help create a Community of Accountability and Respect for Everyone. For more information, contact Kiki Karpen at kiki.karpen@communityfunddarien.org or call 203-655-8775.
September 5, 2008
7:30 p.m. at Weed Beach (no sticker required)
The Darien Youth Commission will sponsor a showing of “To Kill a Mockingbird” at Weed Beach (no sticker required). All are welcome. In the case of inclement weather, the film will be shown at Town Hall Auditorium. For more information, visit www.darienct.gov/parkrec/yc.htm or call 203-656-7326.
September 9, 2008
12:00 p.m. at Noroton Presbyterian Church
Darien Clergy Association will hold a meeting with guest speaker Kiki Karpen, Executive Director of The Community Fund of Darien. Kiki will speak about the C.A.R.E. Darien Campaign and ways that members of the community can become involved in this town-wide initiative. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Paul Carling at paul.carling@saintlukesdarien.org or call 203-655-1456, ext. 17.
September 13, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Palmer’s Market and at Darien Stop & Shop
Person-to-Person Youth Group will be hosting a food drive. The Person-to-Person food pantry, which provides emergency food for Stamford, Darien, and New Canaan families in financial crisis, has seen a 14% increase in demand to date, over the same period last year. We expect that the demand will continue to grow, as the high cost of heating oil and other utilities have an increasing impact on the community. You may also bring your donations of both non-perishable food and gently-used, seasonal clothing directly to Person-to-Person, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.p2pdarien.org or call 203-655-0048.
September 20, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at American Red Cross Darien/Stamford Chapter
Babysitter’s Training: Learn the responsibilities of a babysitter, including child care, accident prevention, safe play and basic first aid. Participants will also gain knowledge of child development stages. Open to boys and girls ages 11 to 15. This course is recommended for teenagers with younger siblings at home as well as individuals interested in babysitting for friends, relatives, and neighbors. *Bringing a lunch or snack is recommended for any session over 4 hours in length.* Fee: $65.00. To register or for more information, contact darieninfo@dsredcross.org or call 203-363-1041.
October 6, 2008
7:00 p.m. at The Depot
The Depot, Darien Family and Youth Options of Liberation Programs, and DCAARB present “Mom & Pop Shop,” a panel discussion on parenting a teenager, featuring speakers Alicia Sillars, Director of the Youth Commission, and Gil Consolini, Director of Behavioral Health at Family. For more information, contact Janice Marzano at depotct@optonline.net or call 203-655-0672.
October 11, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at American Red Cross Darien/Stamford Chapter
Babysitter’s Training: Learn the responsibilities of a babysitter, including child care, accident prevention, safe play and basic first aid. Participants will also gain knowledge of child development stages. Open to boys and girls ages 11 to 15. This course is recommended for teenagers with younger siblings at home as well as individuals interested in babysitting for friends, relatives, and neighbors. *Bringing a lunch or snack is recommended for any session over 4 hours in length.* Fee: $65.00. To register or for more information, contact darieninfo@dsredcross.org or call 203-363-1041.
October 18, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m at various locations around Darien
11th Annual Youth Commission Halloween Window Painting Contest. This very popular community-wide activity is open to middle and high school aged students. Teams (of up to 5 members each) need to register in advance with the Youth Commission. Windows are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration information can be downloaded from: www.darienct.gov/parkrec/yc. For more information, contact asillars@darienct.gov.
October 26, 2008
5:30 p.m. at Tilley Pond
The Friends of Tilley Pond will be sponsoring a Pumpkin Walk. Calling all families, organizations, and groups! Bring your carved pumpkins and we will light up the night with creative spirit. For more information, contact Susan Young at susan@susanyoung.net or call 203-655-7635.
November 3, 2008
4:00 p.m. at Darien Playhouse
7th Grade TOPS "Afternoon at the Movies" on Monday, November 3. Feature presentation will be: "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." Doors open @ 3:45; show-time is 4:00. Students must be registered TOPS members to attend. The cost is $5.00 for pay-per-event members; free for already paid members. (Students may want to bring extra money for the snack bar.) Students are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Person-to-Person food pantry." For additional information, contact asillars@darienct.gov.
November 6 & 12, 2008
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The First Congregational Church Chapel
"Curing the Gimmies" - a workshop sponsored by The First Congregational Church Nursery School and The First Congregational Church Board of Christian Education is being offered Thursday, November 6th from 9:15 - 10:30 am and Wednesday, November 12th from 7:00 - 8:15 pm in the Chapel. Conducted by Susan Reichman O'Brien, this workshop is for all parents feeling the pressure from their children to buy the latest popular gifts. Together we will explore ways to teach children that happiness doesn't depend on possessions and to help children distinguish between wants and needs. Space is limited so please reserve a spot by calling the Nursery School at 655-3150.
November 7 & 14, 2008
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at American Red Cross Darien/Stamford Chapter
Friday Night Babysitter’s Training: Eat pizza and make new friends while you learn the responsibilities of a babysitter, including child care, accident prevention, safe play and basic first aid. Participants will also gain knowledge of child development stages. Open to boys and girls ages 11 to 15. This course is recommended for teenagers with younger siblings at home as well as individuals interested in babysitting for friends, relatives, and neighbors. Each class is taught over the course of two Friday nights. Pizza and soda/juice will be served each night. Please notify the chapter of any allergies. Fee: $75.00. To register or for more information, contact darieninfo@dsredcross.org or call 203-363-1041.
November 19, 2008
9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Tokeneke School
YWCA Parent Awareness host the seminar Effective Parenting – How to REALLY change your kid’s behavior with Alan E. Kazdin, American Psychological Association President and author of The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child. For more information, contact parentawareness@ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.
November 20, 2008
7:00 p.m. at Darien United Methodist Church
Join the Darien United Methodist Church and the Cavalry Baptist Church of Darien in honoring our police and fire departments for their service to our community. For more information, call Ann Bracket at 203-655-1469.
November 21, 2008
4:30 p.m. at the Darien Playhouse
A Community-wide movie benefitting the Social Services Holiday Gift Drive, which will feature the newly released BOLT! Sponsored by Darien Social Services, the Darien Board of Selectmen, the Darien Youth Commission, the Depot and the Darien Playhouse, this event is not only fun, but critically helpful as well! The movie is "free," however in lieu of admission, movie-goers are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy, game, gift-card, or hat/mitten/scarf set to benefit Social Services Department's Holiday Gift Closet. To attend this event, free tickets may be picked up at the Darien Youth Commission on Friday, 11/21 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Each attendee needs to bring their tickets and gifts to the Darien Playhouse to attend this event. (Doors open at 3:45; show-time is 4:30 p.m.) This event is not a drop-off event. An adult must accompany every four children. (Adults are asked to donate gifts as well.) Patrons may want to bring extra $$ for the movie concession stand. For additional information, contact asillars@darienct.gov.
November 26
12:00 p.m. at Darien Senior Center
Come to the Darien Senior Center for a community Thanksgiving lunch, where a guest speaker will talk about the power of CARING. For more information, contact Nancy Zengo at 203-655-1705
Coming in November
Darien Social Services will send holiday greetings to all of their constituents with a special message about the importance of caring for ourselves and our neighbors.
December 9, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Middlesex Middle School Auditorium
YWCA Parent Awareness host the seminar Avoiding Bullying, Cliques & Exclusion with Meg Domino, MPH, CHES. For more information, contact parentawareness@ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.
December 13, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at American Red Cross Darien/Stamford Chapter
Babysitter’s Training: Learn the responsibilities of a babysitter, including child care, accident prevention, safe play and basic first aid. Participants will also gain knowledge of child development stages. Open to boys and girls ages 11 to 15. This course is recommended for teenagers with younger siblings at home as well as individuals interested in babysitting for friends, relatives, and neighbors. *Bringing a lunch or snack is recommended for any session over 4 hours in length.* Fee: $65.00. To register or for more information, contact darieninfo@dsredcross.org or call 203-363-1041.
January 30, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Darien High School Gymnasium
Come to the Darien High School Volunteer Fair! Over 40 organizations will be present to talk about opportunities to volunteer at their agencies. Students and adults are welcome. The Volunteer Fair is the perfect venue to highlight the core mission of Darien High School to "nurture the mind, body and spirit of every member of the school community." For more information, contact Lisa Stout atlisa@communityfunddarien.org.
January 30, 2009
12:00 p.m. at Wee Burn Country Club
Stephen G. Post, author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People, will be the Keynote Speaker at the Darien High School Volunteer Fair and will be addressing attendees at a luncheon at Wee Burn Country Club hosted by The Community Fund of Darien. Why Good Things Happen to Good People is available for purchase at Barrett Bookstore, and the author will autograph copies at the luncheon. For more details about Dr. Stephen G. Post, visit www.stephengpost.com and www.whygoodthingshappen.com. Reservations will be held with payment. For more information, contact Lisa Stout at lisa@communityfunddarien.org.
February 5, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Middlesex Middle School Auditorium
YWCA Parent Awareness host the seminar Cyberbullying, a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session. For more information, contact parentawareness@ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.
Coming in February 2009
YMCA Parent Awareness host the seminar Teen & Risky Behaviors: A Night of Discussion & Strategies, a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session. For more information, contact parentawareness@ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.
February 2009
The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, Inc, will be sponsoring ACTIVE PARENTING, a six-week, interactive program for parents of adolescents. ACTIVE PARENTING includes video examples, as well as opportunities for discussion and feedback about the most current thinking regarding adolescence. Our goal is to help you help your teens navigate this important time of transition. For more information, dates, and times of the program, visit www.childguidancect.org or call 203-662-9380.
February 23, 2009
All Day at Darien Library
Join Darien Library as it kicks off its very first One Book, One Community program to support the mission of C.A.R.E. Darien! One Book, One Community encourages everyone in town to read the same book and then come together to explore its themes through discussions, seminars, and workshops. Our selection is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, a New York Times bestseller and award-winning novel. Check out your copy of The Book Thief and enjoy some homemade confections. Experience the "domino effect," one of the themes of the book, with dominoes and other contemplative games scattered throughout the Library. And experience Reader's Theater on Main Street from 3 to 6 p.m., when passages from the book will be performed by students from Darien High School's Theatre 308. Also, continue to visit www.darienlibrary.org for more information on the programs we have planned during March and April for this first-ever town-wide reading event.
March 16, 2009
at Saint Luke's Church.
Art Brown: You Are the Brand
Saint Luke’s parishioner and Spencer Stuart consultant Art Brown, with years of corporate experience including Executive Search, will offer his perspective on key strategies for moving back into the workforce: crafting a personal vision; developing a resume and a plan; marketing your plan; and interview guidance. The session starts at 7:00 pm in the Taylor Room at Saint Luke’s, 1864 Post Road, Darien. No charge. For more information, contact Art at artbrown99@aol.com.
March 4 – March 17, 2009
Ongoing at Darien Library
Children’s Book Drive: The Library will hold a book drive in conjunction with Darien Book Aid and Person to Person. We will be accepting donations of new or nearly new children’s books, which will then be distributed to the local community, Peace Corps volunteers, libraries, and schools all over the world. This book drive is part of the One Book, One Community program.
March 11, 2009
For a list of related career resources, click here.
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Road
Career Management Seminar, presented by John Bassler, recently retired General Manager of Korn/Ferry Internat'l, Douglas Campbell, CEO of The Success Coach, Harry Geller, former VP of Right Management Consultant. Topics to be discussed include: Self-knowledge and Self Awareness; Finding a New Job; Developing a Resume; Networking Strategies; Interviewing Techniques; Following Up and Changing One's Career.
March 18, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Darien Library
Recession Proofing Your Family Seminar, presented by experts from Darien community organizations. Topics to be discussed include: Parenting in Tough Times (by Susan Jasko LCSW, Child Guidance Center); Keeping Relationships Strong (by Elisabeth Tullis Schneider LMFT, Family Centers/Center for Hope); Getting Your Need Met (by Moira Rizzo LMFT, Darien Family & Youth Options); Resources in the Community (by Marina Thomas, Person-to-Person and Olive Hauser, Director Darien Social Services).
March 18 – March 31, 2009
Ongoing at Darien Library
Food Drive - Feeding our Neighbors in Need with Person-to-Person: The Food Pantry at Person-to-Person provides enough groceries for clients to prepare three meals a day for four days. We will be collecting Food Pantry donations on Main Street. Donations should be non-perishable items (please check expiration dates). This food drive is part of the One Book, One Community program.
March 22, 2009
2:30 p.m. at Darien Library
Book Discussion of The Book Thief with professor Jordon Pecile. With three-dimensional characters that are forced to make difficult choices, The Book Thief is rich with important themes and conflicts and raises many questions and issues that stimulate discussion. Light refreshments will be served. This book discussion is part of the One Book, One Community program.
March 25, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Middlesex Middle School Auditorium
YWCA Parent Awareness host the seminar Middle School Stress & Anxiety with Christopher Bogard, PhD. For more information, contact parentawareness@ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.
March 25, 2009
2:00 p.m. at Darien Library
Book Discussion of The Book Thief with Darien Library’s Reader Advisors. With three-dimensional characters that are forced to make difficult choices, The Book Thief is rich with important themes and conflicts and raises many questions and issues that stimulate discussion. Light refreshments will be served. This book discussion is part of the One Book, One Community program.
March 26, 2009
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Middlesex Middle School Auditorium
YWCA Parent Awareness host the seminar Adolescents & Risky Behaviors: A Night of Discussion & Strategies, a panel discussion moderated by Debi Boccanfuso and followed by a Q&A session. For more information, contact parentawareness@ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.
March 28, 2009
2:30 p.m. at Darien Library (ages 6 and up)
Family Book Discussion: Children and parents, join us for a special reading of Henry’s Freedom Box, written by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. We will discuss the relationship between Henry’s journey and the themes from The Book Thief. This book discussion is part of the One Book, One Community program.
Now through April 13, 2009
Ongoing at Darien Library
One Book Encouraging Banner: Darien Library invites families to create banners with caring messages for family, friends, and Darien. Take a photo of your banner and email it to the Children’s Library: crstaff@darienlibrary.org to share in the online project. You are also welcome to bring the picture by in person! Check out the “Learning to Love You More” website for banner ideas at www.learningtoloveyoumore.com/reports/63/63/php.
March 18 – March 31, 2009
Ongoing at Darien Library
Food Drive - Feeding our Neighbors in Need with Person-to-Person: The Food Pantry at Person-to-Person provides enough groceries for clients to prepare three meals a day for four days. We will be collecting Food Pantry donations on Main Street. Donations should be non-perishable items (please check expiration dates). This food drive is part of the One Book, One Community program.
April 9, 2009
7:00 p.m. at Darien Library
Book Discussion of The Book Thief with Darien Library’s Teen and Knowledge & Learning Services Librarians. With three-dimensional characters that are forced to make difficult choices, The Book Thief is rich with important themes and conflicts and raises many questions and issues that stimulate discussion. Light refreshments will be served. This book discussion is part of the One Book, One Community program.
April 15, 2009
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Darien Library (ages 3 - 6)
Family Storytime at Darien Library. Join us for stories and songs about family, community, and caring.
April 21, 2009
7:00 p.m. at Darien Library
Sportsmanship - It's How You Play the Game: Darien Director of Athletics John Keleher, DHS Boys Lacrosse coach Jeff Brameier, DHS Girls Swimming Coach Marj Trifone, DHS Football coach Rob Trifone, and additional Darien coaches will discuss the importance of good sportsmanship. They will talk about how the life lessons that children learn on the field can be applied to other areas of their lives as they grow up and will offer helpful tips for parents to encourage respectful behavior on the playing field.
April 24, 2009
8:00 p.m. at Darien Arts Center
The Darien Arts Center’s Cabaret presents the world premier of a new family musical called Family. Music and lyrics by Cici Hunt and Wes Caswell, and book by Cici Hunt and Carole Claps. Musical selections include: “Hands of Time,” “The Essence of Pubescence,” The Birth-Day Letter from Dad,” “Can I Find a Hug Today?,” Supermom,” and “Young.” Perhaps you will hear your story or song since much of the content comes from right here in Darien. Produced in conjunction with C.A.R.E. Darien, a groundbreaking community-wide campaign that encourages all who live, work, and play in our community to be accountable for personal actions and respectful of one another so that kindness prevails over selfishness and “we” becomes more important than “me.” Reserve early! Call the box office at: 203-655-5414 or order tickets online at arts.darien.org. (Some of the material may be too mature for children under the age of seven.)
April 25, 2009
7:30 p.m. at Darien Library
Film Screening of Slumdog Millionaire:The story of how impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik became a contestant on the Hindi version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” – an endeavor made without prize money in mind, rather, an effort to prove his love for his friend Latika, who is an ardent fan of the show. The film was selected based on its underlying themes of stereotypes, persecution, struggle, tolerance, and friendship - the same themes examined in The Book Thief. Films will be screened in the Community Room. This film screening is part of the One Book, One Community program.
April 28, 2009
11:00 a.m. at Darien Library
March 25, 2009
2:00 p.m. at Darien Library
Book Discussion of The Book Thief with Darien Library’s Reader Advisors. With three-dimensional characters that are forced to make difficult choices, The Book Thief is rich with important themes and conflicts and raises many questions and issues that stimulate discussion. Light refreshments will be served. This book discussion is part of the One Book, One Community program.
May 6, 2008
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Beadz Boutique (37 Tokeneke Road)
Spring into Color! Enjoy an evening of color and creativity at Beadz Boutique to celebrate Mothers Day! Explore color palettes with Personal Fashion Colorist, Pat DeMaio of Color Me Beautiful. Surprise yourself with the ways color & creativity help round out your own personal style. Cocktails and hors d’oeurves. Fun Door Prizes. Gift Bags. In cooperation with Friends with Flair, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the CARE Darien Campaign. For more information, call 203-656-3735.
To include your C.A.R.E. events on the calendar, email ebess@darienlibrary.org.