Top kudos to the Darien Library and staff for long hours and extra patience as they became every resident's "second home" and recharging station this week.

Kudo's to the Darien PD for their updates and advisories.

A field-promotion and oak leaf cluster to David Bayne as Acting First Selectman.

And biggest kudo's of all to Cecelia and the Darien Patch for the best coverage ever of a breaking news event!

Cecelia went above and beyond and has been the most informative source in town during our town's emergency...the google map was invaluable and the updates so timely..I also appreciate that it was not about blame but about positive news

Need a drink? You're not alone. Nicholas Roberts Fine Wine is pulling out all the stops this Friday at their weekly Friday Night Wine Down with a special "Power Restoration Party." See details below:

To quote my favorite new local reporter, "Darien has been through Hell." All forecasts point to full power restoration by the end this week. Come down to Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines this Friday and celebrate.

Champagne, anyone?
Andre Clout Brut Grande Reserve
Laurent Perrier Brut L-P

Need some inexpensive red quaffing wine? We've got just the thing!

Parrillada Classic Malbec 2008
Vinos Sin Ley "Afinus G2" 2007

Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines is located at 1053 Post Road.

Nancy Haddad thanks the Sugar Bowl:

A BIG thank you to Bob and the Sugar Bowl Crew! Our family spent a few nights at the DoubleTree in Norwalk. We checked out and decided to brave the crowd at the Sugar Bowl in Darien. Much to our surprise and delight, there were four spaces at the counter (our favorite spot) when we walked in the door! I turned around to say hello to a neighbor and when I looked back a cup of coffee was on the counter and all three of my children had a hot breakfast in front of them. When my teenage son finished in record time, Bob came by with a couple more pancakes—just like home! Our thanks go out to Bob for his awesome service and to the entire Sugar Bowl crew for keeping us fed!

The Haddad Family
Christie Hill Road (no power March 13—18)

Once we get through this mess, I hope everyone will remember that the library that was there to support all of us during this crisis needs our support to exist.

"Donations buy all the books, magazines, audio books, DVDs, compact discs, programs, and information resources that Library patrons enjoy. Town tax dollars pay salaries and operating expenses only."

You can donate online at:
http://www.darienlibrary.org/support

All of the above mentioned deserve our heart felt thanks -- as do the scores of volunteers in all three fire departments and Post 53 for yeoman duty above and beyond, the police, as noted for keeping everyone able to navigate the town's roads and a special thanks to Cecelia for her omnipresent coverage!

Speaking on behalf of herself, her family and friends, Mary Lou Cleary of the Representative Town Meeting took to the podium last night to give a "warm thank you to town employees and volunteers in face of unprecedented disaster."

Cleary also thanked Selectman David Bayne who served as Acting First Selectman, Sunday through Thursday.

"Your dedication to the community is greatly appreciated. Thank you," she said.

Do you think the Darien Library was integral in disaster relief? The Board of Selectmen is taking note! Go on the record here: http://patch.com/bdtCP