Darien Soundings

Dear Darien,

I hope this newsletter finds you with your loved ones and in good health. None of us will soon forget April 2020. With all of the heartbreaking news that we see on a daily basis, I’d like to focus on some of the positive stories that have come out of this crisis. As a community and as a nation, we’ve been through a lot in the last 20 years; 9/11, the financial crisis of 2008, hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and now the coronavirus. The people, organizations and the Town of Darien have rallied like never before and it is not a shock to us that every time our community is in need, residents turn without second thought to help their neighbors, businesses and those suffering most.

Please continue supporting our small businesses, whether it’s ordering takeout or purchasing a gift certificate. They need our help now to ensure our community stays strong. If you're thinking of moving to our area, the Darien Board of Realtors is your greatest resource. Join our wonderful community right from our homepage! Visit darienrealtors.com for all things Darien. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

-Julie Peters, 2020 President Darien Board of REALTORS, Inc.

FACES: Julia Ambrosi

Julia Ambrosi, Connecticut native and Darien small business owner, began her career 18 years ago after graduating from Fairfield University. She began as a temporary employee at Williams & Company, an award-winning body and skincare clinic known for their focus on self-care and overall health and wellness. Julia slowly gained more and more responsibility throughout the years from founder Marylou Williams, who Julia says taught her how to run a business with fair ethics, moral and strength. When it came time for Marylou to retire, Julia was prepared. 18 years later, and she found herself ready to take on a new chapter.

Williams & Company has always had a strong interest in the Darien community and has had a seat on the Executive Board at the Chamber of Commerce for about 12 years. Julia currently serves as secretary and tries to volunteer as much as possible through Chamber events. She actively supports and donates to non-profit organizations, sports and schools with gift certificate donations and fundraisers throughout the year.

With the onset of small businesses struggling all over the country due to COVID-19, Julia is taking on a new challenge. While currently closed, she and the entire staff at Williams & Company are working tirelessly to provide the Darien community and beyond with products that will help them relieve stress, focus on their self-care and feel beautiful. Products are available at williamsandcompany.md/shop/, by calling and leaving a message at (203) 656-2363, or by emailing at info@williamsandcompany.md. Gift cards are also available online to help support the business during these difficult times.

“We all really miss our clients and cannot wait to be back open when it is safe. We have always practiced above standard cleaning and disinfecting protocol and are now learning new techniques through online classes many of our suppliers are providing specifically for this pandemic”, says Julia. “At this time, I am promoting “Keep it Simple” cleanser, toner, serum, eye treatment, and moisturizer AM and PM.” In addition to the Keep it Simple line, Julia recommends other products to help promote a beautiful and natural look: Revive LED Light Therapy Wrinkle Reduction & Prevention and Acne Treatment, Grande Lash-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, Grande Brow Enhancing Serum, Qtica Overnight Intensive Hand, Foot, Lip, and Cuticle Repair and more!

Julia says she is most looking forward to getting back on schedule. Some events to look forward to are Kimara Ahnert’s new spring makeup line, haircuts by Kenneth Tepper, and manicures and pedicures using their Dazzle Dry polish-- quick drying, hard-set, high-gloss nails in just 5 minutes without the use of UV light!

“Williams & Company has been in business in Darien for 20 years. Darien is such a special town and we really appreciate all the support during these unsettling times.” -Julia Ambrosi.

PLACES: Darien COVID-19 Testing Site

On behalf of the Darien Board of Realtors and the Town of Darien, we would like to extend a thank you to all medical personnel, volunteers and other leaders in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community and across the nation.

On March 23rd, Darien opened its first COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site at Darien High School. The site is managed by Murphy Medical Associates and will continue to offer testing each Monday from 1pm to 4pm by appointment and doctor’s order only.

Want to join the fight? Darien’s more delicate residents (frail, advanced age, housebound or quarantined) need our help. Through the Darien Health and Human Services Department as well as At Home in Darien, our neighbors are able to place an order at Palmer’s Market for groceries. Palmer’s is looking for volunteers to help to “shop” for our residents. All items are paid for, Palmer’s simply needs help putting the orders together. They will provide the list of items and a pair of gloves to use while you are shopping.

Volunteers will be needed Monday through Friday from 11am to 1pm and from 1pm to 3pm. You must be 18 years of age or older. If you have any questions, please reach out to Marcy Rand with the Senior Programs at Darien Town Hall. She can be reached at mrand@darienct.gov.

Please fill out a quick form, and Marcy will be in touch soon! Thank you for volunteering and making our community a better place to live!

 

BITES: Post Corner Pizza

A great way to make self-quarantine a bit more bearable is to enjoy your favorite foods while supporting local businesses. Curbside pickup and delivery is available at Post Corner Pizza! Order now by calling 203-655-7721.

HIGHLIGHTS: Darien Sidewalk Sales

Save the date! The Sidewalk Sales are returning to Darien on July 9th, 10th and 11th (pending COVID-19 updates). We can’t wait to take in the beautiful summer weather as we walk the town center to enjoy sales at all of our favorite shops, live music, contests, face-painting and more. Don’t miss out!

BLISS: Darien Book Aid

Darien Book Aid, founded in 1949, is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that promotes literacy and education worldwide! Volunteers hand-select books to fulfill detailed book requests from around the world.

Students at Tokeneke School held a book drive for Darien Book Aid Plan and collected a record-number 5,836 books that the organization is sending to Peace Corps volunteers and literacy programs in the U.S. and worldwide - a wonderful gesture and accomplishment!

While Darien Book Aid relies on receiving gently-used books from the community, particularly children’s books, it is currently not accepting book donations due to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The non-profit requests that book donors hold onto their books for now and donate them once it reopens later this spring.

 

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    Darien Board of Realtors, Inc.

    25 Old Kings Hwy N., Suite 13

    Darien, CT 06820

    (203) 655-3700 info@darienboard.com