Darien Community Association
Erin Noonan DCA director announced

Darien Community Association Appoints Erin Noonan Its New Executive Director

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The Darien Community Association has appointed Erin Noonan as its new executive director. Ms. Noonan succeeds Amy Bell, who stepped down in June after 11 years of dedicated service to the organization. — an announcement from the DCA

“Noonan is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the development of business and brand strategies, digital and communication plans, and integrated campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized and most well-loved brands,” the DCA announcement said. Those brands include Nike, ESPN, American Express and Pepsi. A long-time resident of Darien, Noonan has been “a tireless community volunteer,” the announcement said.

Gardening
DCA plant sale 2023

DCA Plant Sale on Friday, May 12 Includes Annuals, Perennials, Pre-Planted Containers, Native and Vegetable Plants

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This year’s DCA Plant Sale, with a unique and unusual selection of more than 2,000 plants, takes place Friday morning, May 12 at the Darien Community Association. — an announcement from The Darien Community Association

The sale will include annuals, perennials, succulents, pre-planted outdoor containers, native plants and vegetable plants. All plants are grown in the DCA Greenhouse or in member’s gardens. Greenhouse Group members will be on site to help with any gardening questions. The sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the DCA, 274 Middlesex Road.

Books & Authors

NPR Host Mary Louise Kelly Visits Darien to Talk About Her New Book

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Barrett Bookstore and the Darien Community Association (DCA) in partnership with WSHU public radio invite you to an in-person talk at the DCA with Mary Louise Kelly, famed NPR reporter and co-host of newsmagazine All Things Considered, on Wednesday, April 12. —an announcement from the Darien Community Association and Barrett Bookstore

Kelly will discuss her new book, “It. Goes. So. Fast.

Darien Community Association
Meadowlands Darien Community Association DCA

Darien Community Association Gets $25K Grant to Modernize Office and Administration

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The Darien Community Association will use a $25,400 grant from a state fund to modernize its office and nonprofit management systems, the organization announced Friday. The CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant came from from CT Humanities (CTH). The grants are meant to help organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public. DCA Executive Director Amy Bell said the organization is “delighted” to receive the money.  “As the DCA celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are committed to investing in technological upgrades that will enable the DCA to expand our outreach, grow participation in our programming and activities, and better serve the needs of our community.”

The Darien Community Association, at 274 Middlesex Road, was one of 723 organizations in the state receiving more than $8.5 million in grants. The grants are part of a two-year, $30.7 million investment in arts, humanities, and cultural nonprofit organizations approved by the state Legislature and Gov. Ned Lamont.

Darien Community Association
DCA Duo Piano Group

DCA Duo Piano Fall Concert, ‘Two’s Company!’ Features Four Hands, Many Notes

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The Darien Community Association’s Duo Piano Group will offer a diverse selection of music for four hands in an upcoming concert, “Two’s Company!” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13. — an announcement from the DCA

The DCA Duo Piano Group is an enthusiastic set of accomplished amateur pianists who play together for fun and to continue their musical education. They perform twice-yearly concerts to help support the mission of the DCA. Performing the duo and duet piano music will be Yoko Araki, Elizabeth Drugge Hobbs, Kathy Edwards, Fiona Hallinan, Michael Karpilow, Lisa Nakamura, Yasuko Uchida, Yuan Wang and Yuki Yamaguchi.

Arts & Entertainment
Sustainable Fashion Show part of poster 2022 DCA Thrift Shop

New Date for DCA’s Sustainable Designer Fashion Show and Sale: Sept 14

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With the environmental toll of the apparel industry becoming an increasing concern as a key contributor to the rise in global warming, the hottest trend in fashion is not skirt length or the color of the season. It’s sustainability and resale, with vintage, consignment and online services like The Real Real and Poshmark booming. In Darien, the DCA Thrift Shop on the Post Road has been in on that trend for over 90 years and has become a local hub for in-the-know fashionistas to scoop up premium and contemporary designer goods at thrift shop prices. — an announcement from The Darien Community Association

To focus on the need for more eco-friendly shopping, the Darien Community Association will present a Sustainable Fashion Show on Wednesday, Sept. 14 (which is a new date) featuring designer fashions that sell at its DCA Thrift Shop.

Books & Authors

‘The Good Wife’ Actor Julianna Margulies Visits DCA May 10 to Discuss Her Memoir, Now Out in Paperback

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Actor and author Julianna Margulies will visit the Darien Community Association on Tuesday, May 10 , to celebrate the paperback release of her memoir, “Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life.” — an announcement from Darien Community Association and Barrett Bookstore

The evening will include time for Q&A from the audience. A signed copy of Sunshine Girl is included in the ticket price and additional copies will be available at the event, which is co-sponsored by Barrett Bookstore. Before the event begins at 7 p.m., there will be a wine reception, starting at 6:15 p.m., also included in the ticket price. Julianna Margulies will be in conversation with Darien’s Kristen Harnisch, internationally bestselling author of The Vintner’s Daughter and The California Wife, as well as the soon to be published sequel, The Vintner’s Legacy.

Darien Community Association
Royal Tea Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous

You Are Hereby Invited to Royal Afternoon Tea with Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events, May 20 at the DCA

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In honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, Carolyn Eddie and her fabulous supporting crew cordially invite you to a Royal Afternoon Tea on Friday, May 20 at the Darien Community Association. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

Join us (weather permitting) for a quintessential “royal” garden reception in the formal garden of the DCA Meadowlands and enjoy a Pimm’s Cocktail and amuse-bouche. Then take your seat indoors for a deliciously opulent “royal” tea replete with fluffy scones, perfectly-cut sandwiches and almost too-good-to-eat cakes. This is the classic British experience. Seating is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reserve a table with friends or buy yourself a ticket and we’ll place you at a table with others.

Darien Community Association
DCA Easter Egg Hunt 2022

Annual DCA Easter Egg Hunt Takes Place April 15

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Gather your Easter baskets and come out for an Easter egg hunt on the front lawn of the Darien Community Association Friday morning, April 15. — an announcement from the Darien Community Association

This longstanding community tradition is a fun way for children to get into the spirit of the holiday. Please come early, as the egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp and takes only a few minutes. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny makes this a wonderful morning. Due to safety and parking constraints, advance registration and prepayment is required, and limited to the first 100 registrants/vehicles.

Darien Community Association
Flower arranging class DCA

Register Early for DCA’s Flower Arranging Workshop — Maximum Enrollment is 15

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Creativity workshops continue on Wednesday, March 23 at 5 p.m. with a flower arranging workshop at the Darien Community Association. Grab a friend and enjoy arranging while we serve you a glass of wine (or other beverage). We’ll finish by dinnertime so you can make it a night out! — an announcement from the DCA

Our class will feature grapevine wreaths that are perfect for decorating with dried flowers. All materials will be provided; please bring your own hand clippers if you have them.

Darien Community Association
Linzer Tarts DCA Carol's Absolutely Fabulous

DCA Offers a Valentine’s Day Take-Home Bag With Tea, Cocktail Mix, Sandwiches, Scones and More

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You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a gift bag, complete with a hand-made tag, from The Darien Community Association. — an announcement from the DCA

Created by Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events, the DCA describes it as “A real delight for all — treat yourself, share with your family or bring as a gift to friends.” Each gift bag will hold an afternoon tea box, signature cocktail mix, sparkling water and a small posy of flowers. (The cocktail mix would also work with sparkling wine, not included.)

The afternoon tea box (perfect for one person) will contain a savory bite, tea sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes pastries and sweet treats. Orders will be available for drive-by pick up only from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Friday, Feb.

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.