Author: webmaster (Page 3 of 4)
The highlight of this day was simply who showed up! We were delighted to see one fellow who’d been absent for six months because of a balky back, none other than the group Vice Commish, Gehr Brown. And we were equally delighted to see the return of Woody Spurgeon after a tough last six weeks recovering from pneumonia. We are happy to report that both bowled well with each improving game to game throughout the morning. We hope that we’ll see soon the return of some other members of the IL: Frank G, John K and George H.
Before we report on today’s action, we must comment on Gehr’s practice round last Friday. Without even so much as one warm-up frame, he came out of the gates with seven strikes in his first game, scoring a 221. In his second game, he started with a four-bagger, then a spare, and then six more strikes in a row, ending up with a 274. Even after crashing in game three, Gehr’s series was 652. You can see the details attached. No wonder he wanted to make his return today!
Gehr had another good day today with a 539 (+38), including a 188 and a 192 in the second and third games. Woody finished with a 112 to end the morning right on his average. Linc started the day with his best game of the season of 151 and finished +6. George G started out hot with a 171 and finished +14. Bill improved game to game and ended up with a 188 for a 498 (+45). Thanks to a 205 high game in the third, Tom also had high series at 545.
Now let’s talk about our BoD, Ben Briggs. After starting out in split city in game one, Ben caught fire. He rolled his season high game in the second at 174 and did even better in game three. He started that game with three open frames but then had three strikes in a row and finished with a 182. His 471 series (+63) was his highest in three years. Even more importantly (), Ben filled his pockets with quarters as his team won two of the three games and he beat George like a drum in their head-to-head. Good thing Ted didn’t make it today, right Ted? And Ben even won a couple of poker hands.
Other fun highlights included two Ben Briggs spares, by George and Ed Sc, and a “Tamme” (recall that is two gutter balls in one frame) by Linc. We saw our first Yezzi in a long time by Bill, who made a strike without hitting the headpin. And we had a terrific split conversion by Ben, making a 3-6-7-10.
Okay, I’m exhausted. I need to rest up till next week.
Last week’s speculation turned out to be true, as Frank D did, in fact, show up to bowl today. While he didn’t roll another 600 series, he kept alive his streak of series of 500 or better with number 13 in a row today, with a 505.
Alex was not able to match his BoD performance of last week, but he did win the BDBoD award today — Best Dressed Bowler of the Day. He showed up in a personally monogrammed bowling shirt (see photo) given to him a couple of years ago, which we hadn’t seen all season. He must have been inspired to wear it after last week. 
There were some good performances today, including Ed Sc at +4, Dave at +12 and Linc at +22. Ted bounced back with a +10 and Bill with a +43. But nobody bounced back like Marty, whose 529 series was +58 — a full 183 pins better than last week! Thank goodness for the Commish, who stepped in and saved Marty from almost being assigned to the Graveyard pair for the third week in a row. You’re welcome.
Today’s BoD goes to one of our “newbies,” Ian Webb. Ian came into the morning with an average of 95 and beat that in all three games, including a 119, and finished with +43. Well done, mate. Keep it up!
Darien is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. With historic levels of new development underway, some residents are concerned about how the town’s character — and its hometown “feel” — may change.
Darien First Selectman and DMA member Jon E. Zagrodzky will discuss what these shifts could mean for Darien’s culture, day-to-day life, and infrastructure needs, and how the town is working to manage growth proactively. A key part of that effort is the new Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which will set Darien’s long-term vision for the next decade. The draft POCD is expected to be finalized by April 30, followed by a public hearing in July and Planning & Zoning Commission action later that month.
Darien has more than 400 multi-family housing units newly completed, under construction or planned, representing several hundred million dollars in investment. At the same time, the town may be affected by a new state affordable housing law that became effective on January 1, 2026: House Bill 8002, An Act Concerning Housing Growth. Jon will address the potential impacts of this new law, along with Darien’s broader housing strategy.
There will be ample time for Q&A, and Jon is happy to discuss related topics such as Great Island or town debt — nothing is off limits!
Jon was elected First Selectman for the Town of Darien in November 2023 and re-elected in November 2025. His prior town positions include chairman of the Board of Finance, member of the Town and Police Pension Boards and member of the Public Works Garage and Ox Ridge School Building Committee Boards. He had also served as a member and president of the Darien Historical Society.
Until his December 2023 retirement, Jon served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Rhône Group L.L.C., a middle market private equity firm, where he was responsible for finance, operations, human resources, administration, information technology and business planning. Prior to Rhône, he was chief administrative officer and chief compliance officer at Oak Hill Capital Management and before that spent 16 years at McKinsey & Company.
Jon earned a B.A. in economics and romance languages from Washington and Lee University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a commercial pilot and owns a Piper Seneca III based in Bridgeport. Jon moved to Darien with his wife Sara and their two children, Maggie and Jack, in 2005.
Summary
Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky discussed the major real estate developments currently underway in the town. While referring to this as one of the most significant changes in Darien’s history, he argued that residents should not confuse new large-scale real estate development with a loss of community identity. He acknowledged that the scale of new multifamily housing, retail development and downtown construction can feel jarring, yet he urged people to see it in longer perspective; today’s controversial projects will likely become accepted and even valued parts of Darien’s landscape.
He explained that over the last 25 years, Darien has added more than 1,000 multifamily housing units, with over 300 of them affordable, bringing multifamily housing to about 15 percent of the town’s stock. In his view, this growth has been handled thoughtfully through inclusionary zoning and local design standards, allowing new housing to fit the town’s character while giving families, seniors and empty nesters more options to remain in Darien.
Jon also addressed worries about traffic, arguing that new housing is not the main cause. Using anonymized cell phone data, the town found that traffic through Darien has risen only modestly in recent years, with much of the increase coming from Stamford shoppers and drivers diverted off I-95 by navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. Registered vehicles in Darien, he noted, are actually slightly lower than they were a decade ago. Parking, meanwhile, is being expanded through projects such as the preservation of the Koons lot at the Darien Train Station and the large number of spaces being added in the Corbin District.
The heart of his talk focused on what he called Darien’s “social fabric.” He defined “social fabric” not as buildings, roads or parking lots, but rather as the relationships, volunteerism and civic spirit that make strangers act like neighbors. Longtime residents, volunteers and local organizations such as DMA are what truly preserve the town’s identity. Jon urged residents to strengthen that fabric by joining groups, welcoming newcomers, and doing one extra thing each year to contribute. Darien’s future, he said, will be shaped less by development itself than by whether its people remain engaged in one another’s lives.
Dr. Eric Byrne was appointed the new superintendent of Darien’s schools in November 2025 and will discuss the changes in public school education today, with particular focus on Darien. Most senior citizens went to school in the 1950’s–1970s, a period of minimal technology, stricter discipline and more uniform curriculum. Today’s schools are far more tech-driven, individualized, regulated and influenced by AI. Key differences from 60 years ago include:
- Technology: Chalkboards morphed into smartboards; slide rules to Chromebooks; libraries to Google and AI; today’s inescapable social media.
- Curriculum: More emphasis today on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), coding, global history, environmental science and social-emotional learning.
- College expectations: A high school diploma once sufficed; today’s students face stronger pressure to attend elite colleges. Some colleges seek to “engineer” their peer rankings, and some observers question why a liberal arts education is needed at all because many jobs are changing from being knowledge-based to skill-based.
- Fiscal Challenges: There are numerous state-imposed mandates on schools today as well as transportation challenges and requirements for Special Education, that are now big budget drivers.
- Mental Health: Schools must now grapple with the challenges of student anxiety, depression, substance-abuse and other mental health concerns.
Many senior citizens feel that civic literacy and respect for institutions are declining. Schools now struggle to balance traditional civics with polarized political climates. There used to be a strong focus on U.S. history, the Constitution and traditional narratives of patriotism; but there are now more debate-based civics lessons, polarized social media forms, communications outlets and exploration of multiple perspectives on historical events.
Pertinent questions will be discussed, including which changes have strengthened education, which changes feel like losses and how Darien students experience school differently than seniors citizens did. Dr. Byrne will also discuss how should we teach young people about democracy today, and whether they know enough about American history and government.
Dr. Byrne previously served as superintendent of the Rye City Schools District from 2017 until starting in Darien. He holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership and administration from Fordham University. He is a product of New York City public schools, beginning his career in education in New York City before transitioning to Westchester County and Fairfield County. Prior to his superintendency, Dr. Byrne served as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, elementary school principal, assistant principal and high school science teacher. He believes that schools must work to develop critical thinkers, effective communicators, collaborators, creative problem solvers, and caring individuals
Summary of Presentation by Dr. Eric Byrne on Feb. 25, 2026
Dr. Eric Byrne, newly appointed Superintendent of Darien Public Schools, introduced himself by reflecting on how dramatically education has evolved since the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Drawing on his own upbringing in New York City public schools and his career spanning being a teacher, a principal, and a superintendent, he framed modern education as a system navigating profound technological, societal and economic change.
Dr. Byrne described how schools once mirrored the industrial era — rows of desks, chalkboards, minimal technology and standardized expectations. Today’s classrooms are collaborative, flexible spaces equipped with laptops, interactive flat panels and AI-driven tools. Students now carry devices more powerful than any computer available a generation ago. Yet with these advancements come challenges: screen-time concerns, social media impacts and the need to regulate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He emphasized that academic pressure has intensified, particularly in affluent communities like Darien. College admissions have become increasingly competitive due to online applications, test-optional policies and national ranking systems. Students now apply to many more schools, competing for limited seats at elite institutions. This has heightened stress and anxiety, which in turn contributes to growing mental health concerns among adolescents.
Financial pressures on school systems have also grown. Rising healthcare costs, extensive state mandates, increasing special education expenses and mental health support strain local budgets, especially in towns that receive limited state funding. Meanwhile, schools must address evolving safety realities, including active shooter drills — an unimaginable circumstance during earlier generations’ education.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Byrne underscored the enduring mission of public education: preparing students not only for careers and college but also for citizenship in a democratic society. He affirmed the continued importance of civics, humanities and leadership development alongside STEM and career pathways.
In closing, he acknowledged uncertainty about whether the traditional “American Dream” formula — education plus hard work equals stability — feels as attainable for today’s students. Schools, he suggested, must continue adapting to ensure opportunity, resilience and thoughtful citizenship in an increasingly complex world.
For the bowlers who braved the cold temperatures and snowy roads, today was a story of “the good, the bad, and the ugly”. That there were 14 of us is a testimony to what we’ve put together as a group.
Let’s start with the good. Once again, Frank D was on fire, rolling many strikes all day, having two games of 211, and ending with another 600 series that was even better than last week – 617 vs. 602. He is scheduled to return to Florida later in the week, though there is speculation he may cancel his flight reservation in order to bowl again next week 
. What should worry us all is that the pattern of recent times is that whenever Frank takes a break from bowling, he comes back and bowls even better than when he left – so watch out. Tom had a rough start, struggling with the oily lane conditions. In game two, he began to find a better line, and by game three, he managed the day’s high game of 214 for a 552 series. John also got off to a rough start, including six splits in game one (see 
photo) but finished with two strong games and his season high series of 360 (+57). Also, Dave Smith had a nice series of +16.
. What should worry us all is that the pattern of recent times is that whenever Frank takes a break from bowling, he comes back and bowls even better than when he left – so watch out. Tom had a rough start, struggling with the oily lane conditions. In game two, he began to find a better line, and by game three, he managed the day’s high game of 214 for a 552 series. John also got off to a rough start, including six splits in game one (see photo) but finished with two strong games and his season high series of 360 (+57). Also, Dave Smith had a nice series of +16.Next, there was Alex. Two weeks ago, he had a five-year low series of 376. Last week wasn’t much better, leaving him despondent about the state of his game. But with his usual smile and “never say die” attitude, he reeled off three consistently good games for a 518 series, which was +77. That deserves a “Yeah, baby!” and BoD honors for sure. Let’s hope the turnaround continues.
For several others who shall remain nameless, there was some below average bowling that was “bad,” but for the four guys on lanes 11/12 (the “Graveyard”?), their bowling could only be called “uggggly”! Here were four guys who each were averaging 150+, and not a single one bowled a 400 series. The good news is that across the four bowlers and 12 games they each managed to break 100 in all three games (though not without some effort, as three of the 12 games were 101 ). Their bowling was so ugly that their first poker hand turned out to be a game of “four card stud” (see photo 
)! 
). Their bowling was so ugly that their first poker hand turned out to be a game of “four card stud” (see photo )! What was not ugly was the great photo of these four chaps smiling like they all just won the lottery…isn’t that what our group is all about.
What a milestone day it was today at Nutmeg! First of all, we set a record for attendance with 15 bowlers. WOW! Next, for the second week in a row we welcomed a new bowler to the group: Steve Gruppo. I’ve known Steve for years as a fellow member of The Country Club of Darien. He’s thrashed me on the paddle courts more than a few times and is an avid golfer, especially now that he’s retired. Now we hope he’ll become an avid bowler 
. Third we had a lot of excellent bowling, including some individual milestones.
. Third we had a lot of excellent bowling, including some individual milestones.Our Bowler of the Day had both high game and high series, and he wasn’t even supposed to be with us. When I strolled into Nutmeg, who did I see but none other than Frank DeLeo. Frank told us he’d be in Florida until late February, but he was needed up north this week, and we were glad he could be a surprise show. As is always the case with Frank, a little absence seems to help his game, and so it was in spades today. His first game looked like it was headed for a 200+ until a slight hiccup made it “only” a 197. Game two saw him get even better, as he had a 234 even with an open frame! In game three, he continued to have a few strikes but did miss a few spares. That said, he came through with a clutch 10th frame spare and nine fill to get his first-ever DMA 600 series at 602. As if high game and high series weren’t enough, his +77 was best plus of the day. Way to go Frank!!
Another milestone today was John B’s personal best game of 140, helping him to a series that was +56. Ed Smith was “Mr. Consistency” with games of 183/182/179 for 544 (+49). Ben had his sixth 400 series in his last seven outings. His 441 was +33. Of note, Ben’s Last 21 average is up to 140! On November 1, his Last 21 was 123talk about HOT. George G started out strong with a 186 and finished at +6. Ted had two strong games in the 170s for a +23. Dave had a game three 122 and ended at +12. Bill’s 181 middle game helped overcome a slow start and get him to +3. We should report that again the “new kid”, this time Steve, improved game to game during his series, finishing with a game of 153 and a three-game average of 129 (+36). He even had a Ben Briggs Spare (BBS)! Steve’s ball speed of 15 mph and his smooth delivery have us all expecting a bright future as a DMA bowler. Finally, the Commish had two more 200 games (203/215) after the two he had last week. His 591 series was only 11 behind Frank’s.
Lots of split conversions to report today. Let’s start with The Professor, who converted three 3-10 splits in one game! John, Bill and Tom also made 3-10s. Frank and Tom each made a 5-7 within 60 seconds of one another. Also, Alex also had a BBS today .
.I don’t know about you readers, but I’m exhausted after writing this 
. That said, let’s hope we have similar excitement next week.
. That said, let’s hope we have similar excitement next week.I also want to include a couple of health updates. One is that Linc joined us this morning for the first time since his hip surgery last fall. While he was shaking off the cobwebs of his bowling much of the session, Linc seemed none the worse for wear after three games and we are delighted to have him back! The other is to say that I spoke with Woody last evening. He reports that he is making progress in his recuperation from a bout of pneumonia at Christmastime. He sounded in great spirits (as he always does!) and looks forward to being back with us soon.