Darien Community Association
DCA Academic Lecture Series 2022 The Arctic: From Deep Freeze to Hot Spot

DCA Academic (and Online) Lecture Series: ‘The Arctic — From Deep Freeze to Hot Spot’ Starts Jan 6

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The Darien Community Association’s 2022 Academic Lecture Series, “The Arctic — from Deep Freeze to Hot Spot, ” will start Thursday, Jan. 6, online. The series has been presented annually, without interruption, since 1956. While the format this year will be virtual, the series will continue to feature respected foreign policy experts at four Thursday morning lectures at 10 a.m., and a final lecture in the evening of Feb. 3 (also a Thursday).

Darien Community Association

These DCA Bridge Classes and ‘Boot Camps’ Start in January

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The Darien Community Association (DCA) is offering new bridge classes and boot camps starting in January. — an announcement from the DCA
Instructors
Joan Bergen is a longtime local resident and Bridge Life Master who, after studying bridge intently for eight years, is driven to teach others. Students will benefit from her enthusiasm and love for the game that she describes as both a great way to meet people, and a wonderful activity to keep the mind sharp. Meredith Dunne is a longtime local resident and Bridge Life Master, who says it’s fun watching her students get hooked on the game of bridge. Meredith’s students enjoy continuing their instruction with her, appreciating her patient and personable teaching style.

Christmas wreath making at DCA 2021 Darien Community Association

‘Like the Wreath? I Made It Myself!’ at DCA Workshop, Thursday, Dec 2

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Members of the DCA’s Greenhouse Group will be holding a holiday greens wreath workshop to create your own wreath on Thursday, Dec. 2. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Join the Darien Community Association’s Greenhouse Group at 10 to 11:30 a.m. as they lead you in this hands-on workshop to make a festive wreath of your very own. Bring your gloves, pruners and imagination and we’ll provide the rest, including fresh greens, ribbons and a variety of embellishments. Masks required.

Holidays
Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events Christmas Tea 2021

Have Christmas Tea at the Darien Community Association (or at Home) Dec 10

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Carolyn Eddie and her Absolutely Fabulous supporting cast return for the holidays at the Darien Community Association on Friday, Dec. 10. The DCA mansion will be decorated for the season and provide a festive backdrop for a welcome catch-up with friends, amidst the hustle and bustle of this time of year. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Savor a delightful offering of tea sandwiches, assorted scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes, pastries, and sweet treats — accompanied by a special holiday cocktail. If you prefer, order a take-home package that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, with pick-up from the DCA.

Bridge Classes 2021
Cards Card Games Bridge Classes DCA

Bridge Classes Offered by Darien Community Association in September

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The Darien Community Association (DCA) is offering two bridge classes starting in September:

— an announcement from the DCA
Bridge 1 Class
This class will be beginning bridge instruction for those new to the game. No previous experience needed. Instructor: Joan Bergen

In keeping with current protocols in the bridge community, the instructor will require proof of COVID vaccination from all class enrollees. Bridge 1 classes will be held on six Thursdays: Sept. 9, 16, 30 and Oct.

Business
David Genovese

David Genovese to Talk About Future Transformation of Downtown at DCA Annual Meeting

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The Darien Community Association invites the public to the organization’s Annual Meeting at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 20, to hear David Genovese, founder of Baywater Properties, discuss “The Transformation of Downtown Darien, a Look into the Future. ”

— an announcement from the DCA

This will be a virtual event. Registrants will receive an email with an access link the day before the event. David Genovese and his partner, Penny Glassmeyer, have developed several of
Darien’s now iconic properties, including Grove Street Plaza and 1020 Boston Post
Road, among others. After nearly 16 years of effort acquiring and assembling a total of over seven acres in downtown, and working with Darien’s boards and commissions in achieving zoning approvals, Baywater’s next project, The Corbin District, is about to begin construction.

Darien Community Association
Darien Neighbors, Global Players series 2021 DCA

‘Darien Neighbors, Global Players’ Speaker Series Returns to DCA, Starting April 28

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Darien Community Association’s “Darien Neighbors, Global Players” speaker series returns for a fourth year on April 28 with three online events, in partnership with DAF Media. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association
Jad Finck

On Wednesday, April 28, at 7 p.m., Jad Finck, vice president of innovation and sustainability for Allbirds, will discuss “innovating Better Things in a Better Way” with Nate Checketts, co-founder and CEO of Rhone Apparel Inc.

Allbirds is well-known for its ultra-comfy merino wool runners. As one of their first employees, Jad Finck leads the development of the company’s major footwear and apparel innovations, including its eucalyptus fiber tree fabric and SweetFoam, a Time magaine Best Invention of the Year. A graduate of Darien High School, Stanford University and the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Jad is excited to “return home.”

Tickets for this event, or for the series, must be purchased by 3 p.m., April 28. Chase Carey and Mark Waller

On Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m., Chase Carey, chairman of Formula 1, and Mark Waller, chief commercial officer of McLaren Racing, will talk with ESPN broadcaster Jay Alter.

Ami-Lynn Bakshi
Ami-Lynn Bakshi

DCA Hosts Virtual Presentation with Norwalk Entrepreneur Ami-Lynn Bakshi

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Darien Community Association’s Information and Inspiration Virtual Presentations will feature “Navigating Start-Ups, Childhood Cancer and a Pandemic” with Ami-Lynn Bakshi. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Information and Inspiration presentations are virtual gatherings open to all to elevate your knowledge and broaden your intelligence, while also providing an opportunity to connect with others. The Darien Community Association has partnered with authors, business entrepreneurs, and specialists on travel, culture, and the arts. This online event takes place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 6. About Ami-Lynn Bakshi
Bakshi is co-founder, president and chief operating officer of Cafe Agave, Inc. and Partner in Sono 1420 American Craft Distillers.

Barrett Bookstore Author Visits 2021

Jeff Immelt, Former CEO of General Electric, Speaks March 9, Get Tickets Now

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Jeff Immelt, the former CEO of General Electric, will speak at an event organized by the Darien Community Association and Barrett Bookstore on Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. for an online presentation. Immelt will have a public discussion with Peter Maglathlin of Darien, the chairman and CEO of MBI Inc. in Norwalk. — an announcement from the DCA and Barrett Bookstore

Immelt was named one of the “World’s Best CEOs” three times by Barron’s, and he will share the hard-won lessons he learned from his experience leading GE immediately after 9/11, through the economic devastation of the 2008-2009 financial crisis, and into an increasingly globalized world. In his new memoir Hot Seat, Immelt offers a rigorous, candid interrogation of himself and his tenure, detailing for the first time his proudest moments and his biggest mistakes. As the business world continues to be rocked by stunning economic upheaval, Hot Seat is an urgently needed, and unusually raw, source of authoritative guidance for decisive leadership in uncertain times.

Architecture
Vanderbilt One James von Klemperer

James von Klemperer of Darien, Architect of Midtown Manhattan’s Tallest Office Building, to Speak at DCA

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Architect James von Klemperer, a longtime Darien resident who designed the recently completed Midtown Manhattan’s tallest office building, One Vanderbilt, will discuss that project as well as the 1720 Darien farmhouse where he lives. His online talk, “From Farmhouse to High Rise,” will be presented as part of Darien Community Association’s “New Information and Inspiration Virtual Presentations” at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

One Vanderbilt is the first thing encountered by many Darien commuters as they emerge from Grand Central Terminal. There, a steel frame and concrete core support a much larger structure, which rises to 1,401 feet.

Darien Community Association
Fall Tea Darien Community Association DCA

DCA Offers Fall Tea With Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events, Sept 24, 25

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It’s said that a cup of tea makes everything better. In this spirit, caterer Carolyn Eddie and her fabulous supporting cast return to the Darien Community Association, offering their unique brand of comfort and relaxation! — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Participants may choose to attend in-person at the DCA, following established safety protocols (masks, distanced tables, gathering size limits). If the weather allows, we will also offer outdoor seating in our beautiful formal garden. Or, order to-go, and DCA staff/volunteers will personally deliver a box of the same tea sandwiches, assorted scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of treats to your residence.

Darien Community Association
DCA Thrift Shop

DCA Thrift Shop Reopens Tuesday, But You’ll Have to Make an Appointment for Drop-Offs

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The DCA Thrift Shop is having a grand reopening, with a new makeover, on Tuesday, August 25. The new shop hours will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Donations at the DCA Thrift Shop will only be received if you sign up for one of the days and times using the link below starting Monday, August 24. No donations will be accepted without an appointment. Please click here to sign up for a day and time. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing during drop-off.

Books & Authors
Waiting for Eden cover book DCA virtual book discussion

DCA’s Virtual ‘Quick Reads’ Book Group Features ‘Waiting for Eden’ Discussion, July 29

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The next topic for the Darien Community Association’s virtual summer book group is a discussion on July 29 of Elliot Ackerman’s “Waiting for Eden.” From the DCA announcement:

Part mystery, part thriller, part unconventional love story, this novel explores with gravity and sensitivity the profound questions of love and fidelity, duty and honor, and how one creates a life worth living. This short book is less than 200 pages. On Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. a certified bioethicist will co-moderate with Esther Bushell, and offer her perspective about the issues raised. Bushell taught English at Greenwich High School, and when she retired in 2003, she created Literary Matters and began a second career as a book group facilitator.

Books & Authors
Richard Haass

Primer on Foreign Affairs From Expert Richard Haass Presented June 4 by DCA, Barrett Bookstore

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Council on Foreign Relations President Richard Haass discuss his new book “The World: A Brief Introduction” in an online book talk presented by Barrett Bookstore and the Darien Community Association. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Haass will talk about his new book with with fellow author and Council on Foreign Relations member Kevin Peraino. The $25 event starts at 7:30 p.m., June 4. Now more than ever, we know that many of our biggest challenges come from the world beyond our borders. Haass, a former senior Middle East advisor to President George H. W. Bush, draws from his extensive experience as a diplomat and policymaker to present a primer on international relations.

Darien Community Association
DCA Greenhouse Gardening

The DCA Annual Plant Sale Is Still On This Year — Online

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In response to current restrictions, this year’s DCA Plant Sale, run by the DCA Greenhouse Group, will be an on-line shopping experience. This year’s sale should especially appeal to many in town who are currently enjoying extended time in their gardens, allowing themselves the opportunity to take on new planting projects. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Some 2,000 hardy perennials have been nurtured and grown (many from seed) in the DCA’s historic greenhouse. The plants available this year cater to all gardening needs, such as sun-loving, shade-loving, ground cover, deer resistant and, of particular note, an expanded range of native/pollinator offerings. Annual plants complete the range of plants, with several good options for planters and containers.