Members and the public will be sure to find something of interest at the Darien Community Association (DCA) Open House on Thursday, September 12th. Starting at 9am, all are welcome to explore the large variety of classes, workshops and cultural lectures, gather flyers and speak directly to instructors and organizers; tour ‘Meadowlands’, the historic home and gardens of the DCA; speak to Marcia Selden Catering & Events professionals about functions from cocktails to weddings; see first hand the fun of volunteering at the DCA Thrift Shop; and understand how dollars spent in DCA activities help us to be the largest provider of scholarships to Darien High School students.
All lectures, activities and classes available from the fall will be showcased. Our highly anticipated Art Lecture Series – entitled The Rite of Modernism: Sensation and Shock in New York/Paris 1913 - will celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Armory Show of 1913; Gardening enthusiasts will hear of upcoming lectures and activities, as well as the Greenhouse program; Writer’s Workshops, Pageturners book group, and Women’s Group members will be on hand to explain their upcoming activities, to include a Brooks Brothers Fashion Show in October. Stop by the new “Explore! Programs for Women” table to hear what this new program is all about.
Classes available include Supervised Bridge - Advanced Beginning, Supervised Bridge – Intermediate, and Duplicate Bridge; Beginning Mah Jongg is offered, as well as Learn & Play Canasta for students who may or may not know the game, and a new Jewelry-making class where you can make your own “jump ring” bracelet. Beginning and intermediate French language courses, Spanish classes, and our engaging French Literature workshops will also continue. Painting classes for beginner to advanced, Needlepoint workshops, and “Cooking Essentials” series classes led by Certified Home Chef Paula Nusslein start in September; new Financial Workshops focus on great budgeting tips, how to help your children be financially responsible, and more.
For the younger set there is the Mom’s Morning In Program for tots and their parents or caregivers. Those with musical talents can look into joining the Blue Notes singing group, and keen Theatergoers can gain first hand details of upcoming Theater Bus and Encore plans for Broadway.
Highlighting opportunities to volunteer, staff from the DCA’s Thrift Shop will be on hand to discuss the practical and social side of volunteering at the shop; they’ll also offer some unique items for sale. Other DCA groups will offer volunteering opportunities as well.
Tours of our Meadowlands house and property – listed in the National Register of Historic Places – will be offered, to include the prestigious Ellen Biddle Shipman formal garden and Greenhouse. Come meet Michele from Marcia Selden Catering & Events - the exclusive caterer for the DCA - to discuss their full range of catering and rental capabilities, for those exploring upcoming wedding or event venues.
Since DCA dollars – donations, membership dues, event and activity fees, DCA Thrift Shop revenue – help support the DCA mission, to include scholarships for Darien High School graduates, you can also find out how the program works, and the application process for Darien youth. With all these programs to explore, you may just want to grab a friend and join our Afternoon Tea, conveniently offered from 11am to 3pm (separate charge for tea; more here).
All are welcome! No charge to attend. The Open House runs from 9-11:30am on Thursday, September 12th, at 274 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT. View further details on our website at dariendca.org, or contact us at 203-655-9050 or info@dariendca.org.
