KIDS CARE CLUB: BABY SUPPLIES DRIVE

Join the Kids Care Club in our latest drive for baby supplies, benefiting the Baby Basics program of OPUS beginning this Tuesday, May 23rd - Friday, June 2nd! This wonderful organization provides essential supplies to new moms in need, ensuring they have everything required to bring their precious bundles of joy home from the hospital.

We kindly request your help in donating baby supplies to support these deserving families. Currently, our greatest needs are size one diapers and wipes, as these essentials are in high demand. Additionally, receiving blankets, pacifiers, and bottles would greatly contribute to the well-being of these newborns and their mothers. Here is a link for their Amazon wishlist if you’d like to send directly to OPUS.

There will be a box for donations in the front lobby of Ox Ridge in time for drop off on Tuesday, May 23rd. Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let's shower these new families with love and support as they begin this wonderful chapter in their lives!

ORDER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR NEXT YEAR

The Ox Ridge 1st-5th grade teachers have compiled their list of necessary supplies for the next school year. Order now and school supply kits will be delivered directly to your child's classroom and will be available on the first day of school. 

To order, log on Supplies to Please and click on the blue "Log In" button in the top right corner. Username: OxRidge Password: ox2023 (case sensitive)

We are encouraging families to place their orders by the end of the school year. You will receive a confirmation email once your order is placed. If you do not receive an email, please contact Supplies to Please that day. Click Here to view the flyer. 

Please contact Dr. Forshaw for information about school supply scholarships.

When purchasing your kit(s), please consider making a donation to the Darien Human Services' Back-to-School program to help provide much-needed school supplies and other services to local families in need. This is a high need year! Please contact Jeanne Zimmer with questions.

DARIEN EMS POST 53's ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY FOOD FAIR

Post 53, Darien’s emergency medical service, is excited to announce its annual Memorial Day Food Fair at Tilly Pond. With the help of our sponsors, Compass Real Estate and The Wood Group at Morgan Stanley, this year’s event, filled with food trucks, live entertainment, games, ambulance tours, and a silent auction, will take place on Monday, May 29th, immediately following the parade from 11 am-2 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at select locations across town throughout May leading up to the event. Please visit our website Post53.org for exact times and locations. The annual celebration is Post 53’s signature fundraising event. This Town tradition raises money for patient care and equipment, continuous training of our members, and community training events such as Hands Only CPR and Stop the Bleed classes. Post 53’s annual operating budget is 100% funded by donations. It depends on the generous contributions of friends and neighbors to maintain the highest quality of pre-hospital care for the people of Darien. 

DARIEN YOUTH COMMISSION AND P2P DRIVE-THROUGH FOOD DRIVE

Our third attempt and we are oh-so-hopeful that THIS one will actually take place! Our current economic situation continues to create real difficulties for our friends and neighbors who are really struggling. Hunger and food insecurity continue to be a reality for many local families. On Saturday, June 3 from 9am-12pm in the Darien Train Station Parking Lot (Koons Lot, across from Tilley Pond Park), volunteers will remove donations directly from donors’ cars. Visit the DYC website for additional details and a list of most needed items.

BEGINNER BAND RECRUITMENT NIGHT

All current 3rd and 4th Grade students who wish to begin learning a Band instrument for the first time next school year are highly encouraged to attend an evening meeting on Wednesday, June 7th at 7:00pm in the Middlesex Middle School Cafeteria.  An explanation of our band program, instrument demonstrations and sign-ups will take place at this time. All interested students must be accompanied by a parent. If you are unable to attend the meeting, a notification with a link to the Online Registration Form will be sent out on June 8th. Please contact Colin Walters, Band Director, with any questions: cwalters@darienps.org. (5th Grade Advanced Band and 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra registration will take place in the fall.)

INTRODUCTION TO STRINGS

All second graders and their parents are invited to attend the Darien String Program's INTRODUCTION TO STRINGS on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00 P.M. at Middlesex Middle School Auditorium. This evening program will introduce the violin, viola, and cello to interested incoming third graders. Parents will receive information on the in-school lesson program and string rental procedures. The Third Grade String Program involves weekly half-hour lessons during the school day and two concerts a year. If your child is interested in playing a string instrument in the Third Grade String Program, please attend this evening information session. For more information, please contact Mr. Cruz at RCruz@darienps.org. (Orchestra registration for 4th & 5th graders will be in the fall).

FAMILY CONCERT AT WEED BEACH

Back by popular demand, the Darien Youth Commission is honored to be hosting a family concert at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 at Weed Beach. Headliners are ANNIE & SAFARI BOB OF THE NATURAL WONDER BAND!  What better way to end the school year and kick-off summer vacation than hanging at the beach with the kids and enjoying some fun, family entertainment. (The cost is $4.00 per person or $10 per vehicle…Beach stickers are not required to attend this event). Concession stand will be open. So grab a blanket, beach chair and beach toys and make an evening of it!

NEW YWCA PLAYGROUP

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is starting a new playgroup for families raising children with different support needs and abilities to provide children with an opportunity to socialize and connect through play while also creating a space for parents to engage in peer support and community building. There is an option of parents-only meet-ups as well. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested in joining or learning more, please click link to complete survey https://forms.gle/NvUehgbhnnBtbdMc7 or visit www.ywcadn.org