Darien Patch: Latest Announcements

Storm Cleanup Update

2010-03-19T11:45:15-04:00

Noroton Fire Department to Host Brunch Fundraiser

2010-03-19T11:27:23-04:00

The Norton Fire Department prepares to serve up steak and eggs – and more – at its fundraising brunch Sunday, April 11, from 10am to 2pm at Chuck's Steak House.

Join your firefighting crew for steak and eggs, hash browns, sausage and muffins at the steak house, 1340 Post Rd., Darien. The cost for brunch is $40 per person; kids 12 and under are $10. The price includes the unlimited breakfast buffet, Bloody Mary's, mimosas, coffee, soda, juice and a $10 gift certificate to Chuck's Steak House.

For tickets, email Bob Buch at BBuch@snet.net.

Cablevision Will Refund Days Without Power

2010-03-19T10:57:03-04:00

Why pay for a service you cannot use? According to a customer service representative (and a few happy Darien customers), Cablevision will credit customers for any days spent without power. To shave a few dollars off your bill, call Cablevision at 203-847-6666.

Superintendent Search Schedules Focus Group

2010-03-19T10:50:50-04:00

The Darien Board of Education has chosen School Leadership, LLC, to help guide the search for Darien's next superintendent of schools. It is very important to the board of education that the community be involved in the search process. This participation will help determine the profile for Darien's next superintendent.

Residents can be involved in two ways:

Visit the District website www.darienps.org to complete a brief survey on the qualities they would like to see in Darien's next superintendent (the survey deadline is Thursday, March 25);
Attend one of the focus groups to be conducted by School Leadership on the dates and times listed below. These groups will take place in the Board of Education Meeting Room at Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road, ground floor.

Parents meet Tuesday, March 30, 11:15am to noon or 6:30 to 7:15pm. The Darien community meets Tuesday, March 30, 7:15-8pm or Wednesday, March 31, 5-6pm. All are welcome.

For more information about the search and School Leadership, see the press release at www.darienps.org.

Revised Spring Clean up Schedule

2010-03-19T10:45:48-04:00

Spring Clean up will start for all residents North of the railroad tracks on Monday, April 12 at 7 a.m. and end on Friday April 16.

Spring Clean up will start for all residents South of the railroad tracks on Monday, April 19 at 7 a.m. and end on Friday April 23.

Note that no debris will be picked up on the weekend. Click here for details.

DWR Consignment to Host Benefit for Local First

2010-03-19T10:07:40-04:00

Comic impersonator and singing impressionist Tom LaGravinese will be appearing in a free show on Wednesday, March 31, at 4 p.m. at DWR Consignment at 33 East Ave in New Canaan. Free refreshments and children's entertainment will be available starting at 2 p.m.

Tom's is also a Graduate Gemologist, and will be purchasing your old and unwanted gold during the event. A percentage of proceeds from the gold purchased will be donated to the Local First Ib.l.a.s.t. Fund.

The fund, managed by the New Canaan Community Foundation, supports local charities in New Canaan through fundraising and card sales donations. The purpose of the Fund is to make grants to non-profit organizations that initiate programs to attract visitors and retail prospects, as well as make New Canaan an enjoyable place to live.

Tom will be purchasing gold at DWR Consignment Tuesday, March 30, 12-5 p.m.

For more information and hours call Denise or Nicole at 203-594-7376.

Governor's Statement Continues Pushing for Storm Recovery

2010-03-18T20:36:48-04:00

By early evening today – five days after the storm – more than 7,700 CL&P customers remained without power. To speed the recovery, Governor Rell is once again sending Department of Transportation crews to the area to help with debris clearance. At the governor's request, the state Department of Public Utility Control has also asked United Illuminating Co. (UI) to loan some of its crews to CL&P to assist in restoring power to the remaining customers.

"I spoke today with CL&P President Jeff Butler, and told him that, frankly, it has already taken too long to restore power for everyone," Governor Rell said. "People are angry and frustrated – and I share their frustration. Families and businesses have been living in limbo for almost a week. This was clearly a major storm, and a proportionately massive response was in order. What I have seen to date does not meet that description.

"CL&P officials assured me that all primary distribution lines will be restored by today – and that every crew will be staying on the job until that happens," Rell said. "Jeff Butler also told me that CL&P has installed 500 new utility poles since the storm. And he said that the utility has now placed one of its employees in every town's emergency operations center to make sure there are no more communications breakdowns.

The governor added that she is "committed to making sure the residents and businesses of Connecticut get through this period and back on their feet."

Darien Police: Progress, Hotline, Bus Stop Patrol

2010-03-18T16:58:57-04:00

Sgt. Jeremiah Marron of the Darien Police Department issued the following advisory via Nixle:

Progress:

Conditions continue to improve throughout Darien as Connecticut Light and Power has deployed 35 "line" crews and twenty-one 21 "tree" crews as of 3 p.m. today.

In the last 24 hrs, 3000 Darien customers had their power restored. Currently there are 800 customers without power and CL & P estimates that number to drop to 100 by midnight tonight.

Hotline:

A hotline has been established for Darien, Greenwich and Stamford residents who would like to speak with a representative in person: 1-800-286-2000. At the voice prompt say the word "representative" and you will be connected to a customer service operator.

If your power has not been restored by 6:00am on Friday, you are advised to call the hotline.

Roads:

CL&P crews continue to focus efforts on the following main roads and respective side roads:

—Brookside Road
—Mansfield Ave.
—Leeuwarden Road
—Pembroke Road
—Five Mile River Road

School Bus Stops:

Police say CL&P have designated specific "patrols" to ensure safety at bus stop locations where residents have reported down power lines.

Darien Public Schools will again be open tomorrow.

Home Improvement Scams:

The Darien Police Department would again like to caution residents about the possibility of scam artists targeting the area. If you have a question or are unsure about a particular contractor, please call the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6050 or the Darien Police at 203-662-5300.

Arts Fair Participants Score 'How to Train Your Dragon' Movie Screening

2010-03-18T15:21:00-04:00

Congratulations, Patch fans!

Of all the Patch sites to host a promotional How To Train Your Dragon craft day, Darien Patch saw the most participants. All volunteers who helped out last Saturday will receive free tickets to the DreamWorks movie, and all participants are invited to a big-time, 3D movie screening!

We'll forward details on the upcoming event to the email address you provided, so watch your inbox and remember to RSVP. If you didn't provide an email address, a representative will contact you via telephone.

How To Train Your Dragon hits theatres March 26.

Stephen Mather Road Closed Thursday Afternoon

2010-03-18T14:11:18-04:00

Stephen Mather Road will be closed to thru traffic until about 4 p.m. on Thursday, as CL&P crews work to move a large tree.