NIELSEN’S
1405 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
Category: Event
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.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them.
We are fighting back!
They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.
🚨 On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off! 🚨
📍 Where: 707 Washington Blvd
📅 When: 11 am April 5, 2025
This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Check out handsoff2025.com for more information.
Upcoming Board of Finance Budget Schedule
11
March 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
To hear all parties concerning the budget
18
March 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
Budget work session
25
March 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
Budget work session
1
April 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
Budget work session
3
April 2025
Thursday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
To hear all parties concerning the budget
8
April 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
Final budget vote; set mill rate
20
May 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
Regular monthly meeting
17
June 2025
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Room 206
Regular monthly meeting
Darien DTC SAVE DEMOCRACY!
Election 2024 Fundraiser
OCT 5, 2024
4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Darien DTC “Seamore’s Social”
The Darien DTC warmly invites you to our Seamore’s Social, where we will salute our tireless volunteers who have dedicated themselves to supporting our community’s democratic values.
Join us for a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members, enjoy delicious food, and have a fantastic time!
Thursday, July 25th
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Darien Democratic Town Committee
June 1st Campaign Kick-Off
On June 1st, the Darien Democratic Town Committee hosted a highly successful campaign kick-off event to officially launch their candidates’ campaigns for the 141st State Representative, Sheila Quinn, and Board of Education hopefuls, Joanna Walsh and Mike Balzano. The event, held at a private residence in Darien, drew an enthusiastic crowd, signaling strong community support and a promising start to the election season.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Political VIPs
The event was graced by an impressive lineup of political VIPs, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the high regard in which the Darien DTC candidates are held. Among the distinguished guests were:
- Senator Richard Blumenthal
- Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
- Congressman Jim Himes
- State Senator Ceci Maher
- State Senator Pat Billy Miller
- Former Mayor of Hartford, Luke Bronin
- State Representative Matt Blumenthal
Campaign Messages and Community Impact
Sheila Quinn, the candidate for the 141st State Representative, delivered a stirring speech in which she outlined her vision for Darien and the broader community. Quinn emphasized her commitment to education, mental health, and local economic development, promising to bring real results to our communities.
Board of Education candidates Joanna Walsh and Mike Balzano also shared their backgrounds and aspirations for Darien’s schools. Walsh, a longtime advocate for educational equity, is currently serving as Co-Chair for the Council of Darien School Parents. Balzano, a social studies teacher, will bring a teacher’s perspective to the Board of Education.
An Overwhelming Turnout
The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with over 70 community members from all walks of life coming together to show their support. The high attendance was a testament to the candidates’ strong local connections and the community’s desire for effective representation.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates, ask questions, and discuss issues important to them. The atmosphere was one of optimism and determination, with Senator Blumenthal stating, “This election year is unlike any other in our history, democracy is on the line.” Congressman Jim Himes made it clear to all of us that “This is the year we can turn the 141st blue!”
Conclusion
With strong support from prominent political figures like Blumenthal, and Himes and the local community, candidates Sheila Quinn, Joanna Walsh, and Mike Balzano are set up to win their races!
Darien DTC Campaign Kick-Off
Meet our 2024 Candidates for Cocktails & Conversation
With LT. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
(and other special guests)
141 State Representative & Board of Education
Private Darien Residence
(Location available upon RSVP)
June 1, 2024
4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
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