Darien Patch Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

As I write this on Friday night, I’ve just gotten home from annual , where students get the chance to sing solo versions of popular songs. 

I can’t think of a better way to have spent the eve of the first anniversary of Darien Patch.

The Pop Show exemplifies the spirit of Darien: people coming together to support each other and celebrate their passions.

There was so much energy and excitement in that room. You could just tell this was one of those special nights those kids will always remember. They sang their hearts out.

I often think I have the best job in the world because I get to be present for so many of these special moments in Darien — the meaningful ones both large and small that together shape a community.

Last December I was there when a second-grader at named Nicholas marveled about the a eighth-grader had written specifically for him. It’s a precious tradition between the schools that lets the little kids feel like stars. 

Just weeks later I was present for the of Major Marc Provenzano, who was coming home to Darien from his second tour in Afghanistan. 

As a journalist, I’m supposed to stay on the sidelines, keenly observing but staying out of the picture. That day I couldn’t keep the tears from welling in my eyes as I watched the hundreds of children who lined the drive in front of cheer for Provenzano as his car drove by.

invited me to stand in the center of his hives over the summer.

I lasted about 15 minutes in the aboveground pool that houses the pulsing swarm. But Buckley couldn’t have been more casual as he lifted the hives’ wooden planks, heavy with honey and crawling with hundreds of bees.

Every day is an adventure as I get to know the people of Darien even better and understand even more what makes this community what it is. 

So, on this first anniversary of Darien Patch, thank you. Thank you for letting me into your lives. Thank you for letting me tell your stories. And thank you for welcoming me into your community.

It’s been a great first year, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.