MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS: MAY 2024

KARAOKE WITH LEIGH HENRY: BE THE STAR YOU ARE! 
Thursday, May 30th at 12:00pm lunch (free), 12:30pm entertainment (free), The Mather Center, 2 Renshaw Rd., Darien. To reserve your spot call 203-655-2227. Space is limited. There is no charge for both the lunch and entertainment. Arrive by 11:4am for seating. 
At Home In Darien is pleased to sponsor a complimentary luncheon for Darien residents in partnership with Darien Senior Programs.  Be “The Star You Are” and try karaoke at Darien Mather Senior Center. With a library of over 25,000 songs, Leigh Henry has a song for you to perform, or you can just come to be entertained! This event is great fun! 

MEET THE AUTHOR: KEVIN CALLAHAN, BROTHERS IN ARMS
Thursday, May 9th at 4:30pm at Darien Library. To register, click here.  Refreshments will be served. 
The Darien Library and At Home In Darien are excited to host author Kevin Callahan to discuss his novel, Brothers in Arms. This book features over 700 historic photographs and other original artifacts, and takes the reader on a visual and narrative journey of WWII  – told through the stories of heroic brothers. They were, as an inscription at the Epinal American Cemetery reads, “Citizens of Every Calling.” Some walked the streets of New York in patent leather shoes. Others trekked barefoot through the hillsides of Appalachia. They were, in nearly 250 cases, brothers, buried forever side by side. It is a story of war, of battles won and medals earned, but also a story of family, of the ones left behind when the brothers were gone.

Kevin M. Callahan grew up in Elgin, Illinois. He received a B.A. in History from Yale University, where he also played football. After graduation, Kevin visited the American cemetery at Normandy and was struck by both the beauty of the grounds and the sacrifice of so many. Ten years ago, Kevin visited the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Italy with his wife and three young sons. Walking among the gravestones, they came across a pair of brothers buried side by side. He found the sight of the two brothers resting together to be especially poignant. It inspired him to find and tell the stories of all brothers buried side by side in American World War II cemeteries. Kevin also has an MBA from the MIT Sloan School and a Master’s in International Affairs from the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs. He lives in Rowayton with his wife, three sons, and two dogs.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
The Town of Darien’s Monuments and Ceremonies Commission will be hosting the traditional Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27th. The Parade will commence at 10:00am sharp, starting from Goodwives Shopping Center, marching up the Post Road to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery. A Commemoration Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces will take place in Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery at 11:15am. Any organization interested in marching in the parade should email the parade committee at: [email protected].

We would like to invite you to walk or ride with At Home In Darien  in Darien’s 2024 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Please contact us if you are interested at 203-655-2227 or email [email protected]. 

MEMBERSHIP CARD OFFERS
Our Membership Card Offers have been updated for the Spring, and can be found on our website by clicking here.  Every Darien senior who is 60 years of age or older is a member of At Home In Darien at no charge, and is able to take advantage of discounts from local retailers. If you do not have a membership card, please reach out to us by calling 203-655-2227 or emailing [email protected]. 

HALF PRICE TAXI VOUCHERS FOR SALE
Darien seniors and people with disabilities are able to purchase taxi vouchers from At Home In Darien for 50% off the cost for taxi rides for whenever you want to go. Call us at 203-655-2227 for more information.   

NEED A RIDE TO ONE OF THESE GREAT EVENTS?
Call At Home In Darien at 203-655-2227. We offer transportation services for Darien seniors within Darien, Stamford, Norwalk and New Canaan. Our service hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Please give us as much advance notice as possible to book your reservation.

HOLIDAY CLOSING
Our office will be closed Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day. 

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS, DATES, AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PLEASE CONFIRM WITH THE ORGANIZATION PRIOR TO THE EVENT

WEED AND PEAR TREE BEACH PERMITS
Beach permits are now on sale. Darien senior citizens ages 65+ can obtain one free beach permit per family, which may be obtained either in-person at the Parks and Recreation Department (located in Town Hall) or on-line. Proof of residency is required in form of current Darien motor vehicle registration. Please click here for more details.  

ASK A SOCIAL WORKER
Tuesdays at 11:00am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register. 
Ali Ramsteck, Director of Darien Human Services or Cynthia Hall, Assistant Director, will be available every Tuesday at the Mather Center for your convenience. This service is for Darien residents only.

CHESS CLASS WITH SCOTT
Wednesdays at 10:00am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Scott provides instruction on basic chess strategies. Please bring a friend to play and learn with you.  

POLYNESIAN WAYFINDERS
Wednesday, May 1st at 1:00pm. To register for this virtual AARP event, visit: https://events.aarp.org/wayfinders    
This “Webinar Wednesday” presentation features Brian Koehler of Mystic Seaport Museum’s Treworgy Planetarium, who will discuss the rich heritage of wayfinding by early skilled Polynesian navigators. You will explore how the wayfinders harnessed the stars and other signs of nature to guide their oceanic voyages. This program is a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the incredible maritime traditions of the Pacific.

CHANGING JOBS? KEEPING YOUR FINANCES IN CHECK WITH CAROLINE WETZEL
Wednesday, May 1st at 7:00pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
Is spring inspiring you to think differently about your job?  Professionals of all ages are changing careers, but not everyone navigates this transition strategically when it comes to personal finances. This workshop is led by private wealth advisor, Caroline Wetzel, who knows what it takes to successfully change roles; she did it herself and advises her clients how to do it, too.  During this program, she will elaborate on her five tips for professionals in transition.

WAVENY PRESENTS: GAIN YOUR FREEDOM BACK WITH MOBILITY ASSISTANCE DEVICES
Wednesday, May 1st at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Maintaining mobility allows you to lead a fulfilling independent life and socialize with friends. A physical therapist from Waveny Lifecare will give you an overview of mobility assistance devices available that can help you move around both outdoors and indoors.

TECH HELP THURSDAY BY APPOINTMENT
Thursday, May 2nd at 10:00am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Darien Library’s Mary-Beth Mason will help you with your cell phone, tablet, or computer. Bring your questions.

LEARN TO PLAY MAH JONGG!
Three Tuesday or three Thursday classes starting Thursday, May 2nd and Tuesday May 7th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, at the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Rd. Please register at dariendca.org. 
Learn to play Mah Jongg! This beginner class will introduce you to this exciting, social, competitive game that can be mastered with practice, strategy and a little bit of luck. This rummy-like game is played with a set of tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. Learn how to assemble the tiles into specific patterns and formulate a hand based on an easy-to-read Mah Jongg card. These classes include (3) 2-hour sessions with an experienced instructor (game sets provided). 

QUILLING WORKSHOP
Thursday, May 2nd at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register. $10 each person; prepayment is preferred. Space is limited.
In this program, you will learn the art of quilling, a beautiful paper crafting technique. Quilling involves rolling, shaping, and arranging paper strips to create designs. This workshop will focus on mastering the fundamentals of quilling, starting with basic shapes and progressing to crafting a stunning quilled flower. No prior experience is necessary; this workshop is perfect for beginners eager to explore the world of quilling.

SANDWICH GENERATION PANEL
Wednesday, May 2nd from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Rd. Admission is free. Please register at dariendca.org. 
The DCA invites you to an evening of guidance for the Sandwich Generation and beyond. Learn from a panel of local senior experts and connect with others who are navigating similar responsibilities and challenges as we face complex life transitions ahead. There will be a reception at 6:30pm followed by the panel presentation with Q&A from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.

AUTHOR EVENT: ALLISON PATAKI WITH LEE WOODRUFF, “FINDING MARGARET FULLER”
Thursday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore welcome acclaimed author, Allison Pataki, to discuss her new book,  Finding Margaret Fuller. Allison, in conversation with author Lee Woodward, will discuss her latest book, published in March 2024. The book is an epic reimagining of the life of Margaret Fuller – America’s forgotten leading lady and the central figure of a movement that defined a nation.  

WEEKLY PLANT CLINIC WITH UCONN MASTER GARDENERS
Fridays: May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th and May 24th from 10:00am to 12:00pm, Darien Library Courtyard. No registration required, for more information click here.
UCONN Master Gardeners are standing by to solve your garden issues! Do you need help with:
Plant identification? Insect damage & disease diagnosis? Plant suggestions? Vegetable growing advice? Tips on container gardening? Invasives management? Darien Library is thrilled to be partnering with the UCONN Master Gardener Program of Lower Fairfield to bring you the experts who will answer your questions on the spot, or do research and follow up with you.  

GREG DILLON PRESENTS: THE THIN BLUE LINE – AN HONEST COP VS. THE FBI
Monday, May 6th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Greg Dillon, Former FBI and author of The Thin Blue Lie: An Honest Cop vs. The FBI, will share his FBI misconduct whistleblower story. During his thirty-plus-year law enforcement career, the author received numerous commendations and awards before retiring as a supervisory inspector in 2009. Signed books will be available for purchase if desired. (He accepts cash, Venmo, and check).

MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: “THE IRON CLAW”
Monday, May 6th at 6:30pm, Darien Library Community Room. No registration required. For more information click here.
“The Iron Claw” is the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.”– A24

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, May 6th at 7:00pm and Wednesday, May 22nd at 11:00am. To register for these Bridges by EPOCH virtual events click here.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be an emotional roller coaster ride – one fraught with stress, frustration, guilt and uncertainty. Join other family caregivers and dementia care professionals who understand your challenges and can help make your journey a little bit easier.

DARIEN GARDEN CLUB: PLEASURE THROUGH PLANTS
Tuesday, May 7th 10:30am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register. Space is limited. Darien residents only.
This is the last Garden Club session until October. Participants will create a one-of-a-kind project with all materials supplied. 

MATHER MOVIE AND TREATS: MRS DOUBTFIRE (1993)
Tuesday, May 7th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a tale of an unconventional family!  After a bitter divorce, an actor (Robin Williams) disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.   2hrs 6 min

WAVENY-VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE BLOOD PRESSURE & HEALTH SCREENING
Tuesday, May 7th from 11:00am to 12:00pm and Thursday, May 16th from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
A nurse from Waveny Lifecare provides bimonthly blood pressure and health screenings.

CRIBBAGE INSTRUCTION
Tuesdays: May 7th, May 14th and May 21st at 12:30pm.  Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Mather Center Members Geoff Rezek and Ken Hamilton have volunteered to facilitate Cribbage Instruction. It will only take one session to learn this great game, so pick the date that works best for you. Playing Cribbage is a wonderful way to keep the brain active and socialize while having fun! For those of you who already play, the regular Cribbage Group will continue to meet on Tuesdays at 12:30pm. 

FUNERAL & LEGACY PLANNING: HONORING YOUR ESSENCE, EXPLORING BURIAL OPTIONS
Tuesdays: May 7th, May 14th and May 21st at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Conference Room.
Contemplating the end of your life can evoke various emotions. Yet, finding peace in knowing your final wishes are understood can bring reassurance and comfort to you and your loved ones. This three-part workshop series is designed to shed light on what is often considered a dark topic: Funeral & Legacy Planning.
Session 1: Honoring Your Essence: Exploring Burial Options. To register, click here. The first session, delves into the various options for your final resting place. From traditional burials to eco-friendly alternatives, you will be guided through the choices available, ensuring your preferences are honored.
Session 2: Celebrating Your Life: Planning Your Last Party. To register, click here. Your life is a story worth celebrating. This interactive session will help you envision how you’d like to be remembered. From the location and atmosphere to the music and mementos, you can craft a celebration that truly reflects your spirit.
Session 3: Preparing for the Journey: End-of-Life Planning Essentials. To register, click here.
This session tackles the practical aspects of end-of-life planning. From pre-planning considerations to navigating complex decisions, gain the knowledge and tools to ensure a smooth transition and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

FYZICAL THERAPY AND BALANCE CENTER WORKSHOP
Wednesday, May 8th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
In this 45-minute workshop led by a physical therapist, you will learn what seated chair exercises you can do at home to increase flexibility and strength, increase coordination, increase circulation, and reduce fall risk.

LEARN WITH STAMFORD HEALTH: NEW WEIGHT LOSS INNOVATIONS TO CONSIDER
Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Darien Library welcomes top doctors from Stamford Health in this informative session about weight loss.
Thinking about a weight management strategy? Dr. James Bonheur and Dr. Leo Otake from Stamford Health will discuss A to Z considerations for people seeking weight loss, including medical options before and after substantial weight loss. 

LEARNING LUDWIG
Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00pm. To register for this AARP virtual event, visit: https://events.aarp.org/LearningLudwig
In this session, Learning Ludwig, award-winning musician and educator Barry Wiesenfeld will examine the works of Ludwig van Beethoven and how he transformed the Classical era into the Romantic Era. Join us to learn about Beethoven’s tragic life and the treasures he offered the musical world.

FOCUS GROUP PART 2: THE SENIOR CENTER NEEDS YOUR INPUT!
Thursday, May 9th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
The Senior Center has collected data through its February Focus Group and survey about what programs seniors would like to have in the Center. In this focus group, they would like to gather information on what services they can provide and how they might inform other seniors about programs and services offered.

THE POWER OF TREES!
Thursday, May 9th at 7:00pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Darien Library, along with Darien Nature Center, Darien Land Trust and Darien Pollinator Pathway welcome Juliet Cain and Meaghan Hetherington for an important discussion on the “Power of Trees.” 

MONTHLY MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
Monday, May 13th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Darien’s Monica Keady, registered Yoga Teacher, will apply the principles and practices of yogic meditation, Western Psychology, Buddhist teachings, and Mindfulness based stress reduction. This class is for everyone — no prior experience needed! You will leave with renewed energy and tools to practice at home. 

MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: “THE ZONE OF INTEREST”
Monday, May 13th at 6:30pm, Darien Library Community Room. No registration required, for more information click here.
During this awards season, “The Zone of Interest” has had 55 wins and 155 nominations. The film won an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound. “The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.”– A24

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TICKS
Tuesday, May 14th at 11:00 am, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
The Darien Health Department and the Connecticut State Department of Agriculture will present information about ticks, including how to keep you, your family, and your pets safe this coming season. 
Tick-borne diseases are a major public health concern for Connecticut residents. Learn from Goudarz Molaei, Ph.D., a scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), who conducts research and directs the Tick and Tick-borne Disease Surveillance Program (aka Tick Testing Laboratory). He will discuss native and invasive tick biology, infection status, the risk associated with tick bites, and what actions you can take to prevent illness for you and your family, including pets! Dr. Molaei is a Research Scientist and Director of Passive Tick Surveillance and Testing Program at the CAES. He has conducted research on the role of ticks and mosquitoes in transmission of human disease-causing pathogens in collaboration with CDC and WHO (World Health Organization). He has published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed journals, and his research on the role of mosquitoes and birds in transmission and amplification of West Nile virus was recognized among the top 100 discoveries in 2005.

ART GOTTLIEB, LCSW, CSA PRESENTS: MIANUS RIVER BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Tuesday, May 14th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Fairfield County residents remember the catastrophic failure of the 1-95 Bridge in Greenwich Connecticut on June 28, 1983. Spanning the Mianus River in Cos Cob, a 100-foot section of the northbound roadway fell seventy feet, taking the lives of three motorists and seriously injuring three others. This program will outline the causes of this failure and the remedial actions taken following this tragic event.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
Wednesday, May 15th and Thursday, May 16th from 8:30am to 1:00pm (must attend both days), at EMS Post 53: 0 Ledge Rd., Darien. For more information or to register email Ali Ramsteck at [email protected]
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour certification course that helps individuals and communities better understand mental health issues and respond accordingly to othes who may be experiencing distress. Mental Health First Aid is an interactive course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Like CPR training helps a non-medical professional assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps an individual who doesn’t have clinical training assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Mental Health First Aiders learn the following:

• The prevalence of mental illnesses in the U.S.
• The potential warning signs of the most common mental health disorders.
• A 5 step action plan to assist an individual in crisis.
• Resources available to help someone with a mental health problem.

KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ABOUT MEDICARE INITIAL ENROLLMENT
Wednesday, May 15th at 11:00am. To register for this AARP virtual event, visit: https://events.aarp.org/vL3QEx
Looking for clarity when it comes to Medicare? This is where AARP can help. Medicare initial enrollment is complicated, but understanding your personal needs and priorities can help you make informed decisions. Join this free virtual seminar in your area for real-time information, tools, and resources to help you find the right plan.

SEDGWICK SISTERS:  SIZZLING & SENTIMENTAL 70’S
Wednesday, May 15th:  Lunch at 12:00pm ($5.00), Entertainment at 12:30pm (free). Arrive at 11:45am for seating. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
The Sedgwick Singers hail from Stratford, CT and have been singing since they could talk… but professionally they have been sharing their voices since June of 2008. They will be performing the Golden Era of songs including Donny & Marie Osmond, Elton John, Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Queen, Captain & Tennille, 3 Dog Night, Gloria Gaynor, etc.

FLOWER POWER GIVE AWAY
Wednesday, May 15th at 1:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register. Decorations are available for the first 50 Darien residents to sign up.
The Darien Youth Commission is creating “Flower Power” gifts. Middlesex Middle School students will be decorating Flower Power door decorations. Pickup will be between 1:30pm and 2:30pm. *For members attending Sedgwick Sisters “Sizzling & Sentimental 70’s” decorations will be distributed following the performance.

MINDFULNESS TO BOOST RESILIENCE, REDUCE STRESS & STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND-BODY CONNECTION
Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
Boost your resilience and mental health in this mindfulness course provided by Gale Presents: Udemy. Attendees will meet in-person as a group to view and participate in this online video course.  

COMPUTER BASICS FOR BEGINNERS CLASS
Thursday, May 16th 10:00am to 11:00am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
This class is for beginners; mouse and keyboard skills are not required! Mary Beth Mason, knowledge & learning services librarian, Darien Public Library will help students learn basic skills such as browsing the internet safely, opening applications and setting up email.

HOMECARE CONNECTORS PRESENTS: EAT THIS, NOT THAT
Thursday, May 16th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Stephanie Riggio is a skilled medical and educational professional from Homecare Connectors. She will be teaching you healthy swaps you can make for your favorite less nutritious foods.

CAREGIVER EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Thursday, May 16th at 1:00pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Facilitated by Beth Paris, gerontologist and Director of DSP, this group is open to anyone who cares for a family member or friend with needs, especially related to cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. This group will explore your concerns in a supportive and safe environment. Beth has over 30 years of experience helping caregivers navigate caregiving.

ANASTASIA RUBIS’ ORIANA: A NOVEL OF ORIANA FALLACI
Thursday, May 16th at 6:30pm at Barrett Bookstore, 5 Corbin Dr., Darien.  To register, click here. 
Barrett Bookstore welcomes Anastasia Rubis to the store to celebrate and discuss her book Oriana: A Novel Of Oriana Fallaci. This is the first historical novel about Oriana Fallaci, the brilliant and glamorous Italian journalist who blazed a trail for women in the 60s and 70s with her provocative interviews of world leaders and celebrities, but struggled in her personal life to find love and happiness. Oriana is placed in the same category as Barbara Walters and Mike Wallace when naming the greatest interviewers of all time, but the story of her career and her great love is little-known in America — until now. Ms. Rubis will be in conversation with artist and architect Yanni Fotiadis.

FOUNDATION GARDENS THAT SAY ‘WELCOME HOME’ TO NATIVE PLANTS WITH LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, KATHY CONNOLLY
Friday, May 17th at 10:00am, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Do you want to change the plantings around your house?  Would you like to incorporate native plants that, for the most part, are less problematic and need little maintenance? Darien Library, along with Darien Nature Center, welcomes landscape designer and lecturer, Kathy Connolly, who will address your house’s foundation plants, those plants you put around the house, close to the walls, under the windows, and beside the doors for the perfect blend of house and property.

DISCOVER LIVE: BELFAST, IRELAND, LIVE VIRTUAL WALKING TOUR IN CENTER
Monday, May 20th at 1:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland situated on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast of the island of Ireland. This 60 minute, live virtual tour will trace the history of Belfast from the early 17th century when Belfast was a small town along the banks of the river Lagan. The visit finishes at Belfast City Hall.

AUTHOR EVENT: A TASTE OF THE WORLD WITH ROWENA SCHERER
Tuesday, May 21st at 10:00am, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
Did you know that every cuisine tells a story? From the spicy curries of India to the rich pastas of Italy, every dish is a window into a culture’s soul. Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore welcome author Rowena Scherer, as she talks about her debut cookbook, A Taste of the World, a wonderful collection of international recipes, perfect for adults and families alike. This new cookbook takes families around the world in 60 dishes!

MOVEMENT & MEDITATION FOR EMBODIED RESILIENCE WITH MONICA KEADY (AT DARIEN LIBRARY)
Six week series, beginning Tuesday, May 21st at 12:00pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register for the first session, click here. You must register for each session individually. 
In this six-week series, you will learn about the proven benefits of meditation. During each 45-minute session the instructor will introduce you to different techniques, and introductory practices of mindfulness of the breath and body. Gentle, slow-paced movements will help to release joints, stretch and tone muscles; breath practices will begin to release stress and deepen awareness; and meditation techniques will put it all together so that you can tap into inner joy and resilience throughout the day. This class is for everyone — no prior experience needed.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: HEALTHY LIVING FOR YOUR BRAIN AND BODY; TIPS FROM THE LATEST RESEARCH
Tuesday, May 21st from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

KIOSK TRAINING
Tuesday, May 21st and Thursday, May 23rd from 9:00am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 2:00pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 for more information. 
Starting in June, the Senior Center will be utilizing a new kiosk system for check – in. Keytags will be available to pick up starting May 1st. Stop in any time during the dates and hours listed above to learn how to check in with your keytag. 

OVER EASY COVER BAND
Wednesday, May 22nd: Lunch at 12:00pm ($5.00) and Entertainment (free). Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register. Arrive by 11:45am for seating.
Come celebrate Memorial Day with patriotic tunes by the fabulous cover band, Over Easy, founded by bass-player Steve Cinque. 

AUTHOR EVENT: HELEN SIMONSON, THE HAZELBOURNE LADIES MOTORCYCLE AND FLYING CLUB
Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Calling all fans of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand!  Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore welcome author Helen Simonson to talk about her latest book, The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club.
A timeless comedy of manners — refreshing as a summer breeze and bracing as the British seaside — about a generation of young women facing the seismic changes brought on by war and dreaming of the boundless possibilities of their future.

COOKING DEMO: KIMCHI AND YOUR HEALTHY GUT
Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:00pm. To register for this AARP virutal event, visit: https://events.aarp.org/CleanMay22
Learn how to make your own delicious and probiotic-rich kimchi, plus learn why fermented foods are so  important, and how to use kimchi to make a variety of other dishes, including dips, dressings, tacos, and drinks! Feeding your microbiome has never been this easy and delicious. A shopping list and instructions will be sent to registrants in advance. 

LONG TERM CARE: AN EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
It’s never too early to plan for the future. Join Lou and Jessica Pelletier, advisors at Pelletier Senior Planning who will host an educational workshop on long-term care planning, addressing the growing need for care among seniors and baby boomers. This session is vital for understanding available options as the demand for care rises. Key topics covered include grasping long-term care needs, evaluating financial strategies, the benefits of early planning, and discussions on legal documents and financial planning. It’s essential knowledge for ensuring a secure and informed future in an era where seniors and baby boomers require more care than ever before.

ART GOTTLIEB, LCSW, CSA PRESENTS: FINDING PEACE WITH YOURSELF
Tuesday, May 28th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, this program will explore why some people seem more at peace with themselves naturally, while others find this to be an elusive goal – perhaps even an impossible goal to achieve. A person’s individual history, religious background, gender differences, societal, cultural, and generational expectations are all important factors. Whether a person may feel unworthy of happiness, and what might cause a person to feel that way, will also be considered.

MEMORY CARE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, May 28th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at The Residence at Selleck’s Woods, 1 Parklands Drive, Darien. To register call Michele Lefer at 475-328-1234 or email [email protected]. This group meets the last Tuesday of the month. 
This group is for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Connect and share stories with people who understand the challenges you face, in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. Educational presentations may also be provided and participants can help choose the discussion topics. 

MARK ALBERTSON PRESENTS: JIM THORPE
Wednesday, May 29th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Celebrate National Health and Fitness Month with a lecture about one of the greatest athletes of all time, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was the first Native American to win a gold medal in the Olympics, but lost his medals for violating amateur rules.

BEGINNER ZUMBA: GROOVE AND GROW
Wednesday, May 29th at 1:00pm.  To register for this AARP virtual event, visit: https://events.aarp.org/Zumba1
“Groove & Grow” is a Zumba class for those looking to build confidence, improve coordination, and most of all, have a blast! The session features moderate paced routines, clear and detailed instructions, and low-impact movements.

AARP: WORK @ AGE 50+: STRATEGIES FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH
Wednesday, May 29th at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
During this program, you will gain invaluable insights into revitalizing your career journey. This survey-level course is designed to equip you with broad yet impactful strategies, covering essential topics to empower your job search. Get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to take charge of your career path!

PULSE 4 PULSE CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS TESTING BY APPOINTMENT
Wednesday, June 12th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register for your 30 minute appointment. Space is limited. Please read below for cost and insurance information.
Pulse 4 Pulse provides quick, on-site diagnostic services that can identify various illnesses such as cardiovascular abnormalities. A registered nurse will provide real time results and recommendations. Loose fitting clothes are recommended. The following insurances will be accepted: Connecticare, Anthem, BCBS (SOME PLANS), Wellcare, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, UMR, Cigna, Stirling Benefits, CT Medicaid (Husky), & Government Medicare (Part B). Kindly be aware that a Cash Price of $50.00 is available for individuals whose insurance is not included in the list above, yet still wish to undergo the test.

AARP SAFE DRIVING 
Thursday, June 13th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register. The cost is $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-AARP members. Space is limited.
AARP Smart Driver™ Course is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older.  It has given millions of drivers the skills and tools they need to drive safely on today’s roads, allowing them to remain independent for many years to come. Auto insurance companies in most states provide a multi-year discount to course graduates. 

At Home In Darien
2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT  06820
Tel:  203.655.2227  Fax: 1.866.224.4210
www.athomeindarien.org
Connecting Seniors to Community