It was a relatively quiet week at Town Hall, but beyond the boardroom, Darienites were busy decking the halls. Here's a recap of the past week's headlines:
Monday, Nov. 30
Sunday evening brought hundreds of residents to downtown Darien for the town tree lighting. Less spirited Christmas tree news in Monday's police blotter: Person to Person reported two spruces stolen. The Board of Selectmen did not meet this week, but at their last meeting, in addition to furthering discussion on their 2010 priorities, Health Director David Knauf gave his beach water report, solving one murky water mystery, and uncovering another.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
More news from the Health Department: a restricted H1N1 vaccine clinic has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8. Tuesday evening saw the Planning & Zoning Commission approve two applications that will bring a new wine bar and a new confectioner to Darien; the commission also discussed the Garden Homes application and the consequences of the proposed amendment to Darien Zoning Regulations. The Board of Education did not meet this week, but they covered a lot at their last meeting: major capital projects for the coming year, full day kindergarten, the potential for five new courses and a restructured lunch program at the Darien High School.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
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The Darien Farmers Market came to town for one of the last times this year. We filled our basket with potatoes and headed back to the kitchen to roast, steam, mash and savor every morsel. It was a disappointing afternoon at the Darien Playhouse. We coughed up $12 to see Old Dogs and sorely regretted it; but Wednesday evening's rehearsal with the Tudor Singers was thoroughly entertaining.
Thursday, Dec. 3
With only 140 homes on the market, Darien real estate agents are reporting a new low for inventory-or is it a new normal? The Blue Wave Girls Varsity Basketball began scrimmages this week, with high hopes for a winning season. News of DHS teacher Douglas Paulsen's recent charge of public indecency swept local media headlines, but Superintendent of Schools Donald Fiftal said the mood remains "low key" at the high school, where Paulsen continues to teach.
Friday, Dec. 4
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Darien mom and handbag designer Jennifer St. Jean has seen big success with her Itty Bitty Bag Company; St. Jean held a holiday trunk show Friday morning. In the evening, the Tudor Singers presented A Candlelight Concert at the Middlesex Middle School: a madrigal music delight for all in attendance.
Weekend, Dec. 5—6
Looking for inspiration for holiday hors d'oeuvres and gift ideas, we indulged in a selection of cheeses and charcuterie items at Darien Cheese & Fine Foods. Decking the halls can be dreary on a budget, but Darien florists are here to help. The Darien Library book sale began on Saturday. While we were there, we stopped by the library café for some gourmet goodies. And Darien made headlines in Sunday's New York Times (and on NYTimes.com), with a story of one couple's hunt for a home in a safe community with a stellar school system.
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