NIELSEN’S
1405 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
Category: Blog
Darien, CT – June 14, 2025 — Nearly 100 residents gathered at Tilley Pond Park Saturday for “Stand Up for the Constitution,” a civic protest and public reading organized by the Darien Democratic Town Committee. It was both a celebration of American democracy and a pointed protest against the mounting threats posed by current administration’s anti-democratic agenda.
The morning began with rain but nonetheless had a poignant start: a local middle school student recited the preamble to the Constitution — “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union…” — capturing the spirit of the day and setting the stage for a rally in defense of the nation’s founding principles.
Pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution were distributed as community members and guest speakers read aloud from some of its most vital and timely sections. The event included speeches by Connecticut State Senators Bob Duff and Pat Billie Miller, who addressed the urgent need to resist authoritarianism and preserve the democratic values that generations of Americans have fought and died to protect.
Senator Duff invoked the memory of World War II veterans, many of whom are no longer with us, as a moral call to action. “We have to remember the sacrifices that were made for our freedom, which is why we have to double down right now — at this very moment,” he said.
Senator Miller echoed these themes, warning of the ongoing democratic backsliding seen in political violence, election denialism, and the normalization of authoritarian rhetoric by the Trump administration.
The Darien event served as a local prelude to the national “No Kings” protest, held the same day in Stamford and across the country — a coordinated grassroots effort to reject strongman rule versus rule of law and to reaffirm Americans commitment to the fundamental American principle that no one is above the law.
“This wasn’t just a reading — it was a gathering of like-minded concerned citizens,” said Rob Richards, Chair of the Darien Democratic Town Committee. “We’re not just honoring the Constitution; we’re defending it — for our veterans, for our children, and for the future of our democracy. And we welcome everyone that is committed to defending our Constitution, to join us.”
DATE
Saturday, June 7th
12:00 – 3:00 pm
Tilley Pond Park
The Darien DTC will have a table, please stop by and say hello!
Meet diversity with kindness at Darien’s Celebration of Pride! Come to Tilley Pond Park on Saturday, June 7th from 12 pm -3 pm. Music, food trucks, crafts, family fun, swag, and more. Co-hosting with The Darien Depot. Click for more information
Saturday, June 14th
10:00 – 11:30 am
Tilley Pond Park
Stand up for the Constitution of the USA!
Plan on meeting at the stone hut at Tilley Pond Park and Darien DTC will hand out copies of the Constitution of the Unites States and read parts of it out loud.
Wednesday, June 25th
5:00 – 7:00 pm
TDB
Cocktails and Conversations
Cocktails and Conversations for new to town Darien Democrats. Kids welcome. More information to follow.
Saturday, July 12th
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Darien Commons
Support our local businesses and come stop by our table at the Darien Commons and find out more about what we do and explore ways to volunteer and support our town government.
The election results may have presented a setback for our hopes, but it’s crucial that we reflect on the origins of those hopes. They were formed through the strong bonds we share and the tremendous effort we put into this election. Together with our candidates, we united to connect with our neighbors, declaring that the Darien Democrats are ready to stand and fight.
To our candidates who bravely stepped up to run for office and serve their community—Sheila Quinn, Michael Balzano, and Joanna Walsh—and to the countless volunteers who invested their time knocking on doors, making calls, delivering yard signs, and engaging with friends and neighbors—your dedication is deeply appreciated.
We have important work ahead of us here in Darien. And, after witnessing the commitment each of you displayed this year, I am more confident than ever that, together, we will continue to strengthen our core group of Darien Democrats, prepared to fight for and protect our values.
Warm regards,
Rob Richards
Chair, Darien Democratic Town Committee
Darien, CT – The Sheila Quinn for State Representative campaign announced today that Quinn has been approved for a grant under the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP), Connecticut’s campaign financing system. Quinn is running as the endorsed Democratic candidate in the 141st assembly district. The district includes portions of Darien and Norwalk.
“In these incredibly difficult times, and with so much work that goes unfinished, it’s more important than ever to elect people who bring real results to the people in our communities.” Quinn added, “I will be the voice of Darien and Norwalk in Hartford and I know I can work with leadership so our communities are getting our fair share.”
The campaign reported raising a total of $6,250 from 200 individual contributions with 165 contributors residing in both towns, far above the amounts required to qualify for public financing. To be eligible for a campaign financing grant, candidates for state representative must raise a minimum of $5,800 in amounts ranging from $5 up to $320 with a minimum of 150 contributors coming from within the district towns.
“The Citizens’ Election Program is an important program that provides candidates with the resources to run their campaign without spending all their time fundraising,” Quinn said. “It really levels the playing field and allows me as a candidate to focus on knocking on doors, talking with voters, and listening to their concerns. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to my campaign, especially to the people of Darien and Norwalk for their support.”
Quinn, a graduate of New York University, is a 16 year Darien resident, businesswoman, and proud mother of two.
For more information about Sheila Quinn’s campaign, visit www.quinnforct.com.
Quinn For CT
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Next week, on March 26, early voting opens in Connecticut! For the first time ever, you will have the freedom to cast your ballot EARLY in the Presidential Preference Primary.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Darien, CT – March 13, 2024
New Leadership Announced for 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee
The 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee is proud to introduce its newly elected leadership team, bringing renewed energy and commitment to local engagement as we face new opportunities and challenges. The committee’s leadership for the upcoming term includes:
- Chair: Rob Richards
- Vice Chair: Goody Gray
- Treasurer: Dan Noble
- Secretary: Sheila Quinn
In addition to the executive team, the committee welcomes an esteemed group of members who reflect a diverse range of perspectives and experiences:
- Adam Balgach
- Michael Balzano
- Katherine Gray Bunoski
- Krista Carnes
- Marcia Cleary
- Lenore Douglas
- Kristin Edwards
- Susie Flaherty
- Corey Frate
- Susan Gray
- Ric Grefé
- Abigail Hornstein
- Alicia Johnson
- Kathy Piro
- Erika Procaccini
- Sherry Ramsay
- Jennifer Leahy Slotkin
- Maureen Early Vlak
- Alison von Klemperer
“2024 marks a pivotal election year, and it has never been more important for the Darien community to actively participate at the National, State, and LOCAL levels,” stated Rob Richards, a former Selectman and the newly appointed Chair. “We urge individuals to contribute as volunteers or consider becoming candidates themselves. Your involvement is crucial to developing policy and pursuing strategies that protect our children’s health, safety, and education and continue to develop Darien with respect for people, place, and planet.”
Goody Gray, Vice Chair and head of Nominating emphasized a commitment to developing winning local strategies and called for widespread participation. “We are actively seeking individuals to engage with us as we shape effective local approaches,” Gray stated.
As part of their efforts to enhance local representation, the committee seeks candidates to run for the 141st State Representative position. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Goody Gray at vicechair@dariendemocrats.com for further information.
The 2024 Democratic Town Slate, poised for election this year, includes:
- 141st State Representative
- Board of Education – Julie Best
- Registrar of Voters – Susan Gray
The 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee looks forward to an enthusiastic and engaged community as they work towards a prosperous future for Darien.
For media inquiries, please contact Ric Grefé at press@dariendemocrats.com.
Connecticut Ranked the 7th Fastest Growing Economy in the Country
Did you know Connecticut was ranked the 7th fastest growing economy in the country and that Gen Z is choosing to move here more than any other state? Millennials are not far behind, moving to our state at the fourth-highest rate.
The contrast between red states and blue states could not be clearer.
States that have restricted reproductive choice since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade have seen a 10% drop in the number of applications for OB-GYN residencies. Meanwhile, the assault on higher education in Southern states is causing faculty to leave. Universities are reporting declines in applications for open positions, with many reporting declined job offers. Reactionary social policies forced upon K-12 schools have caused increasing teacher resignations and classrooms unable to fill vacancies. America’s 10 worst states in which to live and work, according to CNBC, are all led by the GOP.
In Connecticut, we will continue our work on strengthening our home care system by protecting worker safety through transparency and protective technology. We will further the effort to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs by identifying drugs facing potential supply shortages before those shortages occur and allowing Canadian pharmaceutical imports. We will provide more access to paid sick days for up to 1.6 million more workers by expanding access, provide more protections for victims of domestic violence through expanding existing programs and resources available through our legal system, develop vital safety measures for users of artificial intelligence, and cut junk fees for broadband and streaming service consumers.
To safeguard our precious freedoms, this year we are proposing an amendment to the Connecticut constitution. It will address and enshrine personal freedoms – such as reproductive rights, marriage equality, interracial marriage, and the use of contraception – that had been considered settled Constitutional law until a Trump-appointed U.S. Supreme Court decided to upend decades of common sense precedent and potentially undermine the “right to privacy” first articulated as a Constitutional principle in 1965 in Griswold v. Connecticut.
Read more of the op-ed by Senate President Martin Looney and me here:
On January 10, 2024, Darien Democrats voted to endorse 22 members to the Democratic Town Committee for the two-year term starting in March 2024.