MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS: DECEMBER 2023

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.

AT HOME IN DARIEN ANNUAL MEETING
Wednesday, December 6th at 11:00am at the Darien Library Community Room, 1441 Post Rd. To reserve your spot, call 203-655-2227 or email [email protected].
You are invited to join the At Home In Darien Board of Directors for refreshments and a special meeting, featuring guest speaker Terrie Wood, former State Representative of Darien and Norwalk. Ms. Wood will be speaking about voting civics and sensibility, and the voting services available to seniors. 

LIT TREE LANE EVENT AT DARIEN LIBRARY: SPECIAL TOUR FOR SENIORS
Sunday, December 3rd: Tour at 1:00pm; Acabella performance at 3:00pm. Space is limited. To reserve your spot call At Home In Darien at 203-655-2227.
Take a special 45 minute guided tour of  “Lit Tree Lane: A Literary Holiday Celebration”, a display of decorated holiday trees, each one based on a well-loved and well-known book. Each of the trees have been decorated by a local business or organization, including At Home In Darien!  Following the tour, apple cider and cookies will be served. A seat will then be reserved for you to hear a holiday musical performance by the group Acabella! For more information on Acabella, click here. 
If you are unable to make the tour, please note that the Lit Tree Lane Event will be open to view by the public through the end of December, 

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.   

HOLIDAY CLOSING
We will be closed Friday, December 22nd, Monday December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th for Christmas. 
We will be closed Monday, January 1st for New Year’s Day. 

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

MEDICARE CHOICES COUNSELING, BY APPOINTMENT
Tuesdays through December 5th by appointment. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to schedule an appointment.  
Medicare Open enrollment is coming up soon! Between October 15th and December 7th you can evaluate you current plan, review other plan options for cost-savings and make changes. Darien Residents, who have previously gone to Human Services, may make appointments with Ali Ramsteck, Director or Cynthia Hall, Assistant Director of Human Services by calling 203 656-7328. If you are new to Choices Counseling, you may make an appointment with Oliver Smith, an experienced Medicare Choices Counselor, Southwestern CT Area Agency on Aging, who will provide Tuesday office hours at the Mather Center by appointment. To schedule an appointment with Oliver please call 203 656-7490.   

KNITTED TREASURES HOLIDAY SALE
Through Friday, December 8th at Darien Senior Programs. If you are not already coming into the Mather Center for an activity or program, call 203-656-7490 to set up a time to browse. 
The DSP’s Knitting and Crocheting group has been extra busy creating works of art and heart. Many of their items sent to various community organizations to be given as holiday gifts. This year the group will once again set up a table of various hats gloves, scarves etc. for members to purchase as gifts or for yourself!  The proceeds will go toward Senior Programs activities and supplies

ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY CLASS 
Friday, December 1st from 10:00am to 11:00am, Darien Community Association. To register, click here. 
Learn classic Italic Calligraphy using a broad edge pen. Class will use custom practice pages and square cut calligraphy pens to explore the angles and shapes that make up this traditional lettering style. A just right start for beginners and fun refresher for those with some experience. Take home the pen, practice pages, and supplies for a holiday place card set.

FRIDAY MOVIE MATINEE: “OPPENHEIMER”
Friday, December 1st at 2:30 pm, Darien Library Community Room. No registration required. For more information click here.
“An epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse-pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it. The film stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Emily Blunt as his wife, biologist and botanist Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer. Oscar® winner Matt Damon portrays General Leslie Groves Jr., director of the Manhattan Project, and Robert Downey, Jr. plays Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.”– Universal Pictures

AARP CT NIGHT AT THE BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS
Saturday, December 2nd at 7:00pm. To register click: https://events.aarp.org/IslandersDec2023
It’s AARP CT Night at the Bridgeport Islanders! You are invited to register for up to two complimentary tickets while supplies last. To see the Bridgeport Islanders take the ice against the Providence Bruins, be sure to also include your guest’s contact information before completing the registration.

HOLIDAY MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: ACABELLA!
Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
A beautiful musical experience awaits!  Join us at Darien Library as we welcome back singing group, Acabella, who will sing songs of the season and more.

PULSE 4 PULSE CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS TESTING BY APPOINTMENT
Monday, December 4th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register for a 30 minute appointment.
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. The test is covered under traditional Medicare Plans. Call 203-656-7490 for your 30-minute appointment.

CHRISTMAS BASKET CRAFT WITH CAITLIN
Monday, December 4th at 10:30am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Join Program Specialist Caitlin, to make a Christmas basket that you can use for gifts, potpourris, cookies, or as decoration. Craft is limited to 10 people.

MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: “FREMONT”
Monday, December 4th at 6:30pm, Darien Library Community Room. No registration required, for more information click here.
“Each morning Donya leaves her tight-knit community of Afghan immigrants in Fremont, California. She crosses the Bay to work at a family-run fortune cookie factory in San Francisco. Donya drifts through her routine, struggling to connect with the culture and people of her new, unfamiliar surroundings while processing complicated feelings about her past as a translator for the U.S. government in Afghanistan. Unable to sleep, she finagles her way into a regular slot with a therapist who grasps for prospective role models. When an unexpected promotion at work thrusts Donya into the position to write her own story, she communicates her loneliness and longing through a concise medium: the fortunes inside each cookie.”– Music Box Films

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, December 4th at 7:00pm and Wednesday, December 13th 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.

VINTAGE SANTA COLLECTION
On Exhibition on Tuesdays through Thursdays from December 5th through January 31st at the Museum of Darien, 45 Old Kings Hwy. For more information click here. 
Visit this private collection of Santas of all shapes and sizes from the 1950’s. You won’t believe your eyes! Try to find the tiniest Santa among over 300 Santas on exhibit.

WAVENY VISITNG NURSE AND HOSPICE: HEALTH SCREENING
Tuesday, December 5th from 11:00am to 12:00pm and Thursday, December 21^st 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.

PLEASURE THROUGH PLANTS, GARDEN CLUB OF DARIEN
Tuesday, December 5th at 10:30 AM. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
The Garden Club of Darien is back with their amazing Pleasure through Plants. Participants will create a one-of-a-kind project with all materials supplied. Space is limited to 12, pre-registration required. Darien residents only.  

DCA BLUE NOTES HOLIDAY CONCERT
Tuesday, December 5th. Lunch at 12:00pm ($5.00), Entertainment at 12:30pm (free). Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
The Blue Notes is a philanthropic choir comprised of women who volunteer their time to entertain the community. They will be performing holiday favorites in four-part harmonies.

TESSA WEGERT BOOK RELEASE PARTY: DEVILS AT THE DOOR
Tuesday, December 5th at 6:30pm at Barrett Bookstore, 5 Corbin Dr., Darien. To register click here.
Join Barrett Bookstore as it celebrates the release of Tessa Wegert’s new book Devils at the Door. Tessa will be in conversation with Greg Wands, one half of the blockbuster writing duo E.G. Scott. Wine and light bites will be served. 

SIP & CREATE: BOXWOOD TREE TRIMMING
Tuesday, December 5th at 7:00pm at the Museum of Darien, 45 Old Kings Hwy. Cost is $75. To register, click here. 
Join The Museum of Darien for its annual Boxwood Tree Trimming workshop as we decorate our trees and sip champagne with new friends in anticipation of the holiday season. Each ticket provides a boxwood tree, decorations and a glass of bubbly. Please RSVP to [email protected] or register at museumofdarien.org

DR. SCHUSTER, MD: “HOW TO LIVE TO BE 110 WITHOUT DISABILITIES”
Wednesday, December 6th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Dr. Edward Schuster is a Stamford cardiologist and internist with over forty years of experience. Dr. Shuster will provide tips based on his experience on how this lofty goal can be achieved.

THE PRESIDENT’S SERIES: “JUDY BLUME FOREVER”
Wednesday December 6th at 6:30 pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
“Judy Blume Forever” is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and enduring legacy of the trailblazing author, Judy Blume. Join Darien Library for an enlightening evening celebrating Judy Blume’s enduring impact, and engage in a meaningful discussion about the vital issues of intellectual freedom and free expression. Mark your calendars and be part of this enriching cinematic and intellectual experience! 

TECH HELP THURSDAY BY APPOINTMENT
Thursday, December 7th 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.

GREG VAN ANTWERP: “GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST”
Thursday, December 7th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
The Ghost of Christmas Past will be stopping by in the form of History Hunter, Greg Van Antwerp. He will be sharing stories of his latest hunts and bring greetings from holidays past.

“LITTLE WOMEN” OUT LOUD, THE CHRISTMAS CHAPTER: A SHORT PLAY
Thursday, December 7th at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Come and enjoy a wonderful holiday gift to yourself: the re-enactment of Louisa May Alcott’s, Little Women by storytellers Carol Birch and Megan Wells. The play revolves around the “Christmas” chapter and presents the 4 March sisters moving from feelings of self-pity to actions of loving kindness. All the stories evoke a spirit of togetherness and holiday love. 

MUSEUM OF DARIEN HOLIDAY PARTY FOR MEMBERS, DONORS, VOLUNTEERS, AND FRIENDS
Thursday, December 7th at 7:00pm at the Museum of Darien, 45 Old Kings Hwy. To RSVP for this free event, email [email protected]
Don your holiday finest as the Museum of Darien celebrates the holiday spirit and toast the upcoming new year. 

CHRISTMAS BINGO WITH COMPASSION HOME CARE
Friday, December 8th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Join Compassion Home Care’s Thomas Kosturko as you play Christmas Bingo! Small prizes will be given out in this hour-long game. 2-cards per game. Bingo is limited to 20 people. Sign up for Darien residents begins immediately; nonresident sign up begins December 1st. 

HOLIDAY BINGO
Sunday, December 10th at 3:00pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
Bingo…everyone’s favorite old-fashioned game…holiday style! 
Do you have a spare hour? Join us again this year at Darien Library for a few rounds of Bingo. Gather up friends and family and enjoy this fast-paced game of chance. We cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

ACCESS INDEPENDENCE COMPUTER-SAFETY PROGRAM
Monday, December 11th at 10:00am. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Using the Internet comes with risks, and it can be intimidating. Alina Lisowitch of Access Independence will be teaching this class on how to avoid scams and fraud on the Internet.

MONTHLY MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
Monday, December 11th 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: “CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT”
Monday, December 11th at 6:30pm, Darien Library Community Room. No registration required, for more information click here.
“Barbara Stanwyck stars as a famous expert on marriage, cooking and homemaking who is asked by her publisher to host a national hero for Christmas dinner at her famous Connecticut home. It should be simple, but she must scramble to keep the secret that she’s single, can’t cook and doesn’t own a home. With a lot of help, meticulous planning and split-second timing, the urban sophisticate may succeed . . . but the unforeseen happens when she falls in love with her guest in this classic romantic comedy.”– Warner Bros. Entertainment  

ART GOTTLIEB PRESENTS “ROCKEFELLER CENTER”
Tuesday, December 12th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Rockefeller Center has been NYC’s must-see Christmas attraction since the 1930’s! Art Gottlieb will disclose interesting facts about this landmark to get you in the holiday spirit.

CIRCLE OF LIGHT PROGRAM WITH STEVE AVITABILE
Wednesday, December 13th. Lunch at 12:00pm ($5.00); Circle of Light at 12:30pm (Free). Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Share thoughts and reflections in regards to this special time of year. Musician Steve Avitabile will perform favorite holiday music! Please wear festive garb. Chef Judi will be making a special holiday meal.

CLEAN COOKING DEMONSTRATION: THE WINTER PALATE
Wednesday, December 13th at 1:00pm. To register for this AARP event visit : https://events.aarp.org/CleanDec13
AARP is wrapping up the year with award winning cookbook author, Terry Walters, as she shares three of her favorite winter recipes – appropriate for the holidays and every day! Delicata Squash with Fennel, Orange, and Pomegranate; Basmati Rice with Wild Mushrooms, Kale, and Thyme; and Peanut Butter Cookie Tart with Chocolate Drizzle.

CENTERPIECE WORKSHOP 
Wednesday, December 13th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Darien Community Association. To register, visit dariendca.org.
The DCA Greenhouse Group invites you to join us for a fun evening of merry making. The DCA will provide all the materials needed to create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table and its talented Greenhouse Group members will help guide you in the process. Light refreshments provided.

WRAP AND YAP 2023: MORNING EDITION
Thursday, December 14th at 10:00am, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
This season, Darien Library is here to help you get your presents wrapped and ready! Get into the holiday spirit and wrap your gifts in the shared company of others. The library will provide the supplies; all you need to bring is a pile of unwrapped presents and some friendly chatter. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, a birthday, or anything in between, all are welcome.

WILTON MEADOWS CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH CRAFT
Thursday, December 14th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Join Wilton Meadows’ Mary Sourivanh, LPN, to make Christmas at the Beach ornaments! Craft is limited to 20 people. Sign up for Darien residents begins immediately; nonresident sign up begins December 8th. 

REMINISCE WITH ROSIE
Thursday, December 14th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Geri Genovese and her dog, Rosie, are back, and they are here to share stories and reminisce about your past.

THE MUSIC OF VINCE GUARALDI WITH GIL HAREL
Thursday, December 14th at 7:00 pm, Darien Library Community Room. To register, click here.
Join Professor Gil Harel to consider the legacy of this remarkable composer whose music influenced so many, and who remains a perennial favorite around the holiday season. 

CHRISTMAS TRIVIA
Friday, December 15th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Join Director Beth and Program Specialist Caitlin for Christmas-themed trivia. First 20 signed up get a gift bag. Sign up for Darien residents begins immediately; nonresident sign up begins December 8th.  

OASIS SENIOR ADVISORS CRAFT
Monday, December 18th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Create a holiday craft with Oasis Seniors’ Kerry Bock. Sign up for Darien residents begins immediately; nonresident sign up begins December 8th.  

MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: “DIE HARD”
Monday, December 18th at 6:30 pm, Darien Library Community Room. No registration required. For more information click here.
“A New York City cop faces overwhelming odds when his Christmas visit to California is interrupted by a terrorist invasion of his estranged wife’s office building.”– 20^th Century Studios

HEALTHY AGING GERIATRIC ASSESMENT PROGRAM
Tuesday, December 19th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Healthy aging assessments can detect signs of disease and disability that can be easy to miss. Dr. Alan Radin of Nuvance Health® will explain what this assessment is and whether it’s right for you.

DSP BOOK GROUP: THE DIAMOND EYE
Tuesday, December 19th at 1:00pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
The Diamond Eye is a work of historical fiction published in 2022 by Kate Quinn. The novel’s main subject is the World War II experiences of Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko and her turn from soldier to cultural representative as she journeyed to the United States and befriended First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

WRAP AND YAP 2023: EVENING EDITION
Tuesday, December 19th at 6:00 pm, Darien Library Conference Room. To register, click here.
This season, Darien Library is here to help you get your presents wrapped and ready! Get into the holiday spirit and wrap your gifts in the shared company of others. The library will provide the supplies; all you need to bring is a pile of unwrapped presents and some friendly chatter. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, a birthday, or anything in between, all are welcome.

MARK ALBERTSON PRESENTS: 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONORE DOCTRINE  
Wednesday, December 20th at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
This year marks 200 years since the United States effectively declared all of Latin America and the Caribbean within its sphere of influence.

HOLIDAY AUTHOR EVENT: EVERY COCKTAIL HAS A TWIST!
Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00pm, via Zoom. To register for this Darien Library virtual event, click here.
Husband and wife team of Carey Jones and John McCarthy will walk you through a holiday classic: eggnog. Join them as they make this classic drink and talk about their newly released book, Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations. Registrants will receive the recipe prior to the program.

COMPUTER BASICS FOR BEGINNERS CLASS
Thursday, December 21st from 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, KLS librarian at Darien Public Library will help students learn basic skills such as browsing the internet safely, opening applications and setting up email.

CAREGIVER EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, December 21st 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.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE & TREAT: “CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT” (1945)
Thursday, December 21st at 12:30pm. Call Darien Senior Programs at 203-656-7490 to register.
Starring, Barbara Stanwyck, Denis Morgan, and Sydney Greenstreet, a famous food writer (Barba Stanwyck) lies about living on a farm, raising her children and being a good cook. In reality, she is an unmarried New Yorker who can’t boil an egg. When her publisher announces that she will host Christmas for a heroic sailor (and for him), her job is on the line. 1h 42m

DEMENTIA EDUCATION SERIES: LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION’S INTERSECTION WITH COGNITIVE AGING AND DEMENTIA
Wednesday, December 30th at 7:00pm. To register for this Bridges by EPOCH virtual event, click here.
This virtual education session will provide tips and strategies to help you care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss.

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