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First of all, I cannot believe how long it has taken me to get around to this post: perhaps the most poignant and proud memories I have of growing up in Darien revolve around “Walter Schalk.”
My experience started with Ballroom Dancing in 5th and 6th grade, which not only armed me with the basic foxtrot and waltz steps that have enabled me to cut quite the rug at formals and weddings through the years, but also provided me with a structured way to “socialize” with the boys, and they with us girls. I vividly remember my hands sweating in my little white golves as I sat across the room from the boys wondering if the one I had a crush on was going to pick me to be his partner for that dance. When he didn’t but his friend did, it created all kinds of 5th grader drama … and was followed by hours of listening to “He’s A Pretender” over and over again on the Madonna “Like A Virgin” album . Ahh, the heartache of youth …
In 7th grade, I began taking the All Girl Musical Comedy class, and continued all the way through my junior year loving EVERY minute of it. But here’s what I want to impress upon everyone: these classes (ballroom, musical comedy, etc) are for ANYBODY. Literally, if your child can count, they can do these dances. And that’s what I think is so fabulous about the program (it’s true for all of Walter’s classes): every student, even the ones with 2 left feet, have the opportunity to learn a routine, wear a fabulous costume, and perform on stage in a broadway-quality production that is unique to Walter Schalk.
(There’s more, read on …..) Click To Read More of This Post
One of my favorite things about living in a small community is walking into my local grocery store and seeing ghosts and pumpkins painted on the glass windows by children and teens in town.
If you’ve been wondering why so many Darien store windows have hand-painted Halloween displays, wonder no more: it’s all part of the 11th Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest, co-sponsored by The Community Fund of Darien, Darien Youth Commission and the Darien Chamber of Commerce. Teams of kids get together and each paint a window, and there are actually prizes awarded for things like “Most Whimsical” and “Most Eye-Catching” designs.
Basically, it’s the Community Fund’s way of saying thanks to the businesses in town who have donated to the Fund through the year, by involving the kids of our community in something creative and fun that rewards everyone. And it makes our town feel cozy and personal, like warm apple cider after a chilly evening of trick-or-treating. I’m a fan.
In a panic because school’s almost out and you’re not sure how to keep the wee ones entertained this summer? Never fear — there is a refreshing and unexpected variety of day programs available in town offering everything from cartooning and LEGOs to ice hockey …! Click To Read More of This Post
