Category: Event

Darien Democrats Celebrate Record-Breaking Attendance at UNITE! 2025 Fundraiser

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Darien, CT — October 9, 2025— The Darien Democratic Town Committee (DTC) hosted its annual UNITE! 2025 Fundraiser last week at the stunning Nielsen’s Greenhouse, drawing a record-breaking turnout of local Democrats, elected officials, and community leaders for an evening of inspiration, connection, and civic engagement.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz led the program, opening with remarks and engaging attendees with a discussion on the state’s priorities and the importance of grassroots engagement. Governor Ned Lamont also addressed the gathering, contributing to a lively and meaningful evening.

Guests enjoyed a social and refreshment break amid the greenhouse’s vibrant setting, providing opportunities to connect with fellow Democrats, local partners, and supporters. The Speaker Series featured influential voices in Connecticut politics and activism, including:

  • Jimmy Tickey, Vice Chair, Democratic State Party, Head of CT Dems Training Program
  • Josh Elliott, State Representative & Candidate for Governor
  • Senator Ceci Maher, representing parts of Darien and Stamford
  • Senator Bob Duff, CT Senate Majority Leader, representing parts of Darien and Norwalk
  • Peter Orphanos, discussing the role of the RTM and local governance
  • ReSisters CT, a local activist group championing national, state, and local causes 

The program also recognized the invaluable contributions of local suppliers, volunteers, and organizers, highlighting the essential role of community in sustaining vibrant civic life.

“UNITE! Darien 2025 set a new standard for turnout and energy,” said Rob Richards, Chair of the Darien DTC. “Hosting it inside Nielsen’s Greenhouse made it even more special—a beautiful backdrop for an evening that reminded us all why local engagement matters.”

Darien Democrats Rally to “Stand Up for the Constitution” in Powerful Rebuke of Authoritarianism

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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.”

Darien Democrats Town Committee – Summer of Activism

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Summer of Activism

Darien Democratic Town Committee sponsored events.

Full Schedule

DATE

Saturday, June 7th

12:00 – 3:00 pm

  Tilley Pond Park

Celebration of Pride

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

Sidewalk Sale

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.

Hands Off our Schools

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Hands Off our Schools: Linda McMahon WWE HQ!

Saturday, April 5th 11am — 1pm EDT

Learn More

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.

 

 

Important Dates

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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

Seamore’s Social

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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!

 

View invite

 

Thursday, July 25th

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Darien Democratic Town Committee June 1st Campaign Kick-Off: A Resounding Success!

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Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Himes, State Rep Matt Blumenthal, with 141st candidate Sheila Quinn

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: 

141st State Rep Candidate, Sheila Quinn with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
141st State Rep Candidate, Sheila Quinn with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
  • 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.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Joanna Walsh, Mike Balzano, Sheila Quinn, and Senator Ceci Maher.

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!

 

Campaign Kick-Off!

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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)

Purchase Tickets

 

June 1, 2024

4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Meet our 2024 candidates for cocktails & conversation

With LT. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (and other special guests) along with our 141 State rep and Board of Education