Darien Answerbook

Can anyone help me look up my family history?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:01:23 +0000

The Middlesex Genealogical Society provides guidance to people researching their family history. The society has also established a genealogy section at the Darien Library. There are meetings and talks throughout the year. For details, visit the Web site at mgs.darien.org or write to the society at P.O. Box 1111, Darien CT 06820.

What veterans organizations are in town?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:58:30 +0000

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6933 (203-655-8552) is at 205 Noroton Avenue, Noroton Heights. There is also a ladies auxiliary.

Is there a gardening club?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:56:54 +0000

The Darien Community Association sponsors The Garden Club. Programs include lectures, panel discussions, trips, hands-on design sessions, and bench shows. All Garden Club members must first be members of the Darien Community Association. For information, call 203-655-9050.

The Garden Club of Darien is part of the Garden Clubs of America. For information, call Joan Barksdale at 203-655-7507.

Cherry Lawn Community Gardens at Cherry Lawn Park offers gardeners of all levels the opportunity to cultivate and harvest organic herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Membership is available through Darien Parks and Recreation. For details, visit online at garden.darien.org or call Sonia Smith at 203-656-1767.

YWCA Darien/Nowalk offers gardening classes in the spring; taught by Darien landscaper Sara McCool. Web site: ywcadariennorwalk.org. Phone: 203-655-2535.

Are there any environmental groups?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:54:25 +0000

The Darien Environmental Group educates people about ways they can change their consumer and lifestyle habits to benefit the environment. For information, visit darienenvironmentalgroup.org or e-mail DEG06820@optonline.net.

What is the Darien Land Trust?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:52:22 +0000

The primary goal of the Darien Land Trust (darienlandtrust.org) is to preserve and protect open space in town. The land trust owns more than 160 acres, with conservation easements on another 26. For information, call the executive director, Shirley Nichols, at 203-655-4148 or email shirleynichols@darienlandtrust.org.

Is there a group for parents?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:50:29 +0000

YWCA Parent Awareness hosts speakers, panel discussions and experts in the field of chikd rearing. Topics cover children in preschool through high school. All programs are free and are held in the public schools. Visit ywcadariennorwalk.org.

Mom’s Morning In is an activity program for parents/caregivers and preschool children. The group meets Fridays at 10 at the Darien Community Association. Call 203-655-9050 or visit dariendca.org or call 203-655-2535.

Is there a men’s club?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:48:27 +0000

The Senior Men’s Association of Darien is dedicated to good fellowship, education, recreation and community service. Its membership is open to men in the Darien area aged 55 or over. Meetings are every Wednesday, September through mid-June, at Meadowlands. Call 203-655-9050 for information or visit online at dariendca.org and click on Groups.

What does the League of Women Voters do?

JoeF — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:40:03 +0000

The league is a nonpartisan organization that helps each citizen have a voice in government. The league publishes information about local government, distributes nonpartisan information on candidates and issues at election time, assists with voter registration, and sponsors candidates’ forums. Membership is open to men and women of voting age. Check online at lwv.darien.org or write the league at P.O. Box 103, Darien CT 06820.

How can I contact the governor?

ChrisB — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:46:01 +0000

Gov. Dannel Malloy, a Democrat and former Stamford mayor, was elected to his first term last fall. He may be reached at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, 06106, 800-406-1527, 866-712-6998 or 860-566-4840. Website: ct.gov/malloy.

Who are Connecticut’s senators?

ChrisB — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:43:35 +0000

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, may be reached at 30 Lewis Street, Suite 101, Hartford, CT 06103, 860-258-6940, or G55 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; blumenthal@.senate.gov/contact. Web site: blumethal.senate.gov.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041. His Hartford office is at One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-225-5605, fax: 860-549-8478; Senator_Lieberman@Lieberman.senate.gov. Web site: lieberman.senate.gov. He announced that he will not seek re-election in 2012.