Darien Soundings

Dear Darien,

The Darien Board of REALTORS, Inc. has unanimously awarded Janine Tienken, Houlihan Lawrence, “2022 REALTOR OF THE YEAR”. A special Committee convened and reviewed numerous submissions from members of the Darien Board and chose Janine based on her dedication, both past and present, to the Darien Board and the Community of Darien. According to Julie Peters, Coldwell Banker Realty, “Janine is a consummate professional and dedicated to the town of Darien and the betterment of all as REALTORS.”

Janine grew up in New Canaan and has lived in Darien with her husband and two children for 27 years, making her an invaluable asset to clients considering either community. As a role model and mentor for new agents in the Houlihan Lawrence Darien office, Janine’s Daughter, Morgan Tienken, also became a REALTOR in early 2022, following proudly in Mom’s footsteps.

Janine has been a dedicated member of the Darien Board of REALTORS since 2004. She was nominated and served as Vice President to the Darien Board of REALTORS in 2012, served as its President in 2013 and as a Director in 2014. Janine has also served as Director of CT REALTORS in 2013. In her Leadership role at the Darien Board, Janine was instrumental in the Board’s annual give-back to The Community Fund and other local charities, ensuring 100% of all Darien Board donations are made to local, charitable organizations. She is the current Chair of the Darien Board’s Nominating Committee and has been at the helm of said Committee for the past five years.

Her past philanthropic work includes being a Parent Leader for Person to Person's Youth Group. She recently became involved with the Darien Community Association sponsoring their popular Speaker series.

Janine’s dedication to unparalleled customer service and delivering results has earned her the trust and confidence of her peers, her many clients, and status as a top real estate broker for the past 18 years. She has been recognized among the top 125 producers company-wide for Houlihan Lawrence 2014-2022. Janine is a member of Connecticut REALTORS and National Association of REALTORS, the Darien Board of REALTORS, Darien Multiple Listing Service and the New Canaan Board of REALTORS.

Outside of real estate, Janine enjoys spending time with her two Labs, “Barkley” and “Miles” and boating on Long Island Sound with her family and friends.

Congratulate Janine here.

FACES

Tim Labant is an Executive Chef who opened Parlor Pizza here in Darien last year. Tim is an experienced chef who owns a number of restaurants around Connecticut. It all started when Tim decided to leave the corporate world to attend culinary school in Denver. After graduating, he worked at numerous four-star restaurants on the east coast until he decided to start a restaurant of his own, The Schoolhouse at Cannondale. While he has been expanding, he decided to open a second Parlor Pizza and Wines in Darien in 2021. They offer a variety of pizzas, appetizers, and wines. 

Visit Parlor Pizza today and try your favorite pizza or try a new wine. You can order online or visit them in store at 1020 Boston Post Road.

PLACES

It is officially fall. This means it is time for fall decor, pumpkins, mums, and more. The Gardener's Center & Florist's fall seasonal shop is filled to the brim with mums of all colors, pumpkins of every shape and variety, hay bales, corn stalks, ornamental corn, and fall décor to make your home and business a true celebration of autumn. The Gardener’s Center is your year-round garden center offering a selection of unique and sought-after outdoor and indoor plants, designer pottery, gardening supplies, floristry services, container design services, gifts, and more.

Let the good times grow when you visit their website. The Gardener's Center is located at 1396 Boston Post Road.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Darien Youth Commission and Person to Person will partner for another drive-through food drive on October 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. This will take place in the Darien Train Station parking lot (Koons Lot, across West Ave. from Tilley Pond Park), volunteers will remove donations directly from donors’ cars. Our current economic situation is creating real difficulties for our friends and neighbors. Darien has proven in the past to be extraordinarily generous in supporting these drives. We hope to see you come out and support!

Visit the Darien Youth Commission website for additional details and a list of the most needed items.