Darien Soundings

Dear Darien,

The Darien Board of REALTORS fully supports and encourages their Agents, and members of the Community, to participate in the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk's 14-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge. Are you up for the Challenge?

Read more and find out how you can participate here!

FACES: Ellen Mullen of Goodfit Darien Fitness Studio

Meet Ellen Mullen, the founder of Goodfit Darien Fitness Studio. GoodFit is a fitness studio for people 50 years of age and older. Ellen has been working in the fitness industry for 30 years and opened GoodFit 8 years ago to help individuals make fitness an important part of their lives. She specializes in offering personal training services and loves seeing the people she works with improve their lifestyles. “Whether it's rehabbing from a shoulder injury or hitting the golf ball farther, it makes me feel good to help,” said Ellen.

GoodFit is able to stay open during the pandemic because of their numerous safety protocols. Ellen sees clients one at a time and spreads out client times so they do not see each other. She makes sure that everyone socially distances and wears masks, and all of the equipment is cleaned after each person. Ellen feels grateful to be able to still operate in a safe manner and would love to give anyone who is considering scheduling a training session with her, a tour of her studio.

You can find her studio at 528 Post Road in Darien or visit www.goodfitdarien.com for more information.

PLACES: Barrett Bookstore

Barrett Bookstore is the largest and oldest independent bookstore in Fairfield County. Founded by Elizabeth Barrett, the bookstore opened its doors in Stamford in 1939 and later moved to Summer Street and was purchased by David and Carol Rose. In the 1970s, the store moved several times. In 1997, current owner Sheila Daley & her late husband Thomas Daley purchased the store and twice expanded the Noroton Heights location. In 2019, Sheila and her staff landed in downtown Darien as a part of The Corbin District development.

Barrett Bookstore is thrilled to be a part of The Corbin District and strives to create an environment that is welcoming to all. Since the onset of the pandemic, Barrett has shifted to an entirely virtual platform for hosting in-person author readings and events. You can register for all events on the website, which also offers online shopping. In-town delivery is available, as is in-store pick up. Barrett also ships items across the United States.

One silver lining to the pandemic is that it is giving people more time to read! New titles arrive daily at the bookstore so keep an eye out. Puzzles are also in high demand and Barrett is working to ensure a fresh crop is always in stock! Barrett also loves working with book clubs, and is always happy to recommend titles and place local book club choices on 10 percent discount.

They are committed to the local community. Every time you choose to shop local, you help to create jobs intown, contribute to the local tax base, and help bring your favorite authors to town. Choose them over Amazon! When this pandemic is over, local businesses will still be here in Darien providing services to their customers! They are so grateful to the community with everything you have done. With their new social presence they have found new customers and they are so appreciative of them.

Barrett Bookstore can be found at 6 Corbin Drive. Call (203) 655.2712. You can also visit www.barrettbookstore.com.

HIGHLIGHTS: Darien Winter Sales

The Darien Winter Sales was this month! This season's best deals were happening in your favorite Darien stores!

Here are all the stores that participated:

Aquarius, The Authentic Athlete, Baubles, Coco & Lala, Darien Running, Darien Sport Shop, EGG New York, Everything Is Rosey, Helen Ainson, J.McLaughlin, Julia’s Salon & Co., Morley, Nielsen’s Florist, Posh Spa & Nail Darien, Salt Cave of Darien, Seasons Too, Shoes ‘N’ More, SipStirs, Sokayri Atelier & Boutique, WARM, Williams & Company.

Even though the winter sale is over, you can still shop local and support your local businesses!