Now We're Talking Darien

In an age of increased focus on both health and social engagement, non-alcoholic beer may just have become cool.  Listen to Bill Shufelt, Darien native, Co-Founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Company, a rapidly growing beverage company talk about his product, inspiration and how he built such a successful business.

After sitting dormant for several years, it's exciting to sit down with the two men finally making this important Darien commercial real estate project a reality.  Meet Jon and Joe Vaccaro, a local father-son duo known professionally as the V20 Group (www.v20group.com). 

In this hour-long conversation we cover the size and scope of the Heights Crossing project, located on the former site of the Noroton Heights Shopping Center.  We discuss their plans for the retail, residential and green spaces, parking, a new preschool, the projected impact to the local student population, community response, traffic, the V20 Group's other projects and much more.

Applying to college feels more complicated, more competitive and more stressful than ever before.  But is the competition for the “perfect” application real or only perceived? What do colleges really look for, and are we providing it here in Darien? How are Darien kids stacking up against others across America?  And, what can (or should) we be doing to keep our kids in contention?

Independent college consultants Deena Maerowitz and Kristin White have over 30 years of combined experience helping our kids apply to colleges, universities and alternate post-graduate programs that yield the best fit and opportunity for each child. Their depth of knowledge and experience helps us understand today’s college application process and how to best navigate it in an increasingly competitive world.  Learn more about Deena and Kristin by visiting their webpages at www.thebertramgroup.com/deena-maerowitz-jd-msw and www.darienacademicadvisors.com

Also referenced in this episode is our local Facebook page “Darien/New Canaan College Admissions” started by our guest, Kristin White.

In the final episode of this series, Dr. Danielle Douglas talks about the role of nutrition in supporting our teens' mental health.

Two local clergy members (and one via email) address the role of faith in our teens' mental health.

Two local mental health professionals discuss the interviews heard in the first episode in this series, and the stresses placed on our teens in Darien today.

Three Darien teens bravely share their stories.

Listen to SE Cupp; TV personality, journalist, author and neighbor share her experiences (and challenges) with mental health, fame and identity in the media world.

Our first LIVE podcast... from the Darien Sidewalk Sales!  We covered it all - Great Island, October’s “Chamber Jam,” Darien real estate, the local business landscape, politics and the Aug 9 primary, a new youth buddy program and more. Don’t miss this one!

The script gets flipped... listen to Liz and Taylor get interviewed by CNN's SE Cupp at the Darien Community Association's Annual Meeting.