Take a Bow: Community Fund Salutes Darien Volunteers

The 31st annual Darien Volunteer Recognition Day on Friday saw 50 local residents receive public praise for their community work. 

Sponsored by The Community Fund of Darien, the catered luncheon at the Darien Community Association (DCA) was made possible by Halstead Property.

First Selectman David Campbell read a proclamation honoring the town's volunteers for their donations of time and talent on behalf of others.

Two Special Awards

The Obie Harrington-Howes Community Spirit Award was given to Joe Viesta, owner of Michael Joseph Catering, for his tireless support of Star Inc. - Lighting the Way. Viesta was presented the award by Harrington-Howes himself, acknowledging all of his work on behalf of those with disabilities.

The award from the Board of Selectmen went to Susan Cameron, Reese Hutchison and Dot Kelly, the trio behind the creation of the "Swap Shop" at the town dump.

Who's Who of Volunteers

MC's Martha Rhein and State Rep. Terrie Wood announced the other award winners, each nominated by a community nonprofit:

Avery Flowers, A Better Chance in Darien; Wyn Lydecker, Aging in Place in Darien; Dr. Josephine Velazquez, AmeriCares Free Clinics; David Flagg, Calvary Baptist Church; Lisa Moseley, Children's Aid; Alycia Crane, Darien Arts Center; Bill Jensen, Darien Chamber of Commerce; Susan Spain, Darien Community Association.

Debbie Coley, Darien EMS - Post 53; Connie Melvin, Darien Environmental Group; Kathleen DelCol, Darien High School; Sandy Coots, Darien High School Parents Association; Kenneth Reiss, Darien Historical Society; Den Frelinghuysen, Darien Land Trust; Karla Coe, Darien League of Women Voters.

Manny Perez, Darien Library; Nina Miller, Darien Nature Center; Laura Baere, Darien Senior Activities Center; Frank Johnson, Darien Senior Men's Association; Jennifer Lia, Darien Technology & Community Foundation; Anne Maguire and Lynnie Strother, Darien Youth Commission.

Phyllis Ryan, DCA Thrift Shop; Beth Siemers, The Depot; Jen Cippoletti, Domestic Violence Crisis Center; Jan Dilenschneider, Family Centers; John Wygal, First Congregational Church; Terrie Van de Graaf, Holmes School PTO; Michele Treacy, Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk; Janice Marzano, Kids in Crisis.

Paul Larson, Kiwanis Club of Darien; Susan McCaslin, Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation; Nicole Hornick, Ox Ridge School PTO; Tom Hagopian and Rick Nixon, Person-to-Person; Shannon Silsby , Royle Elementary School PTO; Pinky Haydock, Saint Luke's Episcopal Parish; Karly Abbott, Silver Hill Hospital.

Lisa Joyce, The Community Fund of Darien; Kelsey Harrison and Jenny Traver, The Youth Community Fund; Meghan Hannigan, Tokeneke Elementary School PTO; Barbara Cox, Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County; Katie Duker and  Abigail Sickinger , Youth Asset Team; Lisa Firmin, YWCA of Darien/Norwalk.