Darien Community Association (DCA)

Darien Community Association (DCA) Bringing our community together through programs, private events, the Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, and the DCA Thrift Shop. Join us!

At the DCA, we enrich our community in a welcoming, historic setting for lifelong learning, philanthropy, and enjoyment. We do this in four distinct ways:

Activities: We offer a wide range of programs, classes and groups — both in-person and virtually, and attended pre-COVID by 1500 participants each month. Philanthropy: As the largest provider of college scholarships to Darien High School gradua

tes, we award at least $50,000 each year — last year to over 50 students. Our philanthropy also includes our nearly four acre DCA Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, our contribution to open space in Darien, available for the public to enjoy — and the DCA Blue Notes, our volunteer singing group that enjoys performing at senior residences and other venues. DCA Thrift Shop: We own and operate the DCA Thrift Shop on the Post Road, providing a much-needed community service. 1000 customers purchase items each month — and the shop is staffed by enthusiastic volunteers under the supervision of a paid manager. Beautiful Venue: We offer our historic home and garden to rent for your own private or corporate event — whether it is a wedding, birthday celebration, nonprofit fundraiser, or corporate meeting. Proceeds from donations and income from DCA programs, house rentals and the DCA Thrift Shop, support our philanthropy, including scholarships for Darien High School graduates. Contact us by phone (203) 655-9050 or email to [email protected], or stop by the DCA Meadowlands at 274 Middlesex Road, Darien.

Congratulations to the DCA Youth Leadership Board on an incredible inaugural year! (Anden, Kaitlyn, Maya, Sadie, Claire,...
06/09/2026

Congratulations to the DCA Youth Leadership Board on an incredible inaugural year! (Anden, Kaitlyn, Maya, Sadie, Claire, Ally, Maddie and not pictured, Addie and Will)

We are so proud of all that this remarkable group has accomplished. As the very first class, they helped create the board’s mission and thoughtfully considered the impact they wanted to have on our community. Their leadership, dedication, and vision set a strong foundation for the future.

This year, the YLB:�
✨ Raised $5,000 to establish a new scholarship for DHS students�
✨ Volunteered at the Community-Wide Volunteer Fair and at the �
✨ Supported sustainability efforts in the Bird Sanctuary & Nature Trail

Along the way, they worked collaboratively, grew as leaders, embraced service, and, most importantly, had fun. They were very proud to receive the Outstanding Volunteer Team award.

Their commitment doesn’t end with the school year. This summer, YLB members will continue volunteering through the Upcycle School Supply Drive, at the Thrift Shop, and in the Bird Sanctuary & Nature Trail.

We are grateful for everything this group has contributed and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next year.

Applications for the 2026–27 Youth Leadership Board will open in mid-August.

Thank you, YLB, for an outstanding year. We wish you a wonderful summer!

The YLB extends heartfelt thanks to the local businesses whose generosity helped make the new scholarship possible: , Bankwell, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and and

Have you ordered your flat of flowers yet? Don't miss out on ordering a burst of color for your garden.Last day to order...
05/14/2026

Have you ordered your flat of flowers yet? Don't miss out on ordering a burst of color for your garden.

Last day to order is May 19 at 12PM. And pickup is May 28 at the DCA Greenhouse.

Support the DCA by purchasing flats of impatiens, petunias, marigolds, vinca roses, alyssum, salvia, and snapdragons. There are 32 plants per flat, all sourced from a local grower. Each flat costs $26.

Visit our website to order soon!

There are so many reasons to come to the DCA's annual plant sale on Friday, May 8 from 9-12. Here are just a few!!! It's...
05/03/2026

There are so many reasons to come to the DCA's annual plant sale on Friday, May 8 from 9-12. Here are just a few!!! It's going to be so good. All plants are grown in the DCA Greenhouse or in the Greenhouse Group's personal gardens. Come shop!

Here comes the music! Join us on Sunday, May 3rd for a delightful spring duo piano concert, “Something Old, Something Ne...
04/29/2026

Here comes the music! Join us on Sunday, May 3rd for a delightful spring duo piano concert, “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue,” inspired by the joy and romance of wedding traditions.

This charming program features a selection of pieces that capture the spirit of love and celebration—including a special 8-hand arrangement of Mendelssohn’s iconic Wedding March.
The talented DCA Duo Piano Group—Yoko Araki, Elizabeth Drugge Hobbs, Kathy Edwards, Millyn Gasserud, Fiona Hallinan, and Michael Karpilow—vow to delight you with their dynamic performance across two pianos, all under the direction of Musical Director Sandra Shaw Murphy.

Light refreshments will be served. Please register on our website!

Less than two weeks until the DCA’s annual Plant Sale & Meadowlands Market on May 8 from 9-12. Grown by our talented Gre...
04/28/2026

Less than two weeks until the DCA’s annual Plant Sale & Meadowlands Market on May 8 from 9-12. Grown by our talented Greenhouse Group, you’ll find more than 2,000 perennials, annuals, and native plants outside. Pick up herbs and heirloom tomatoes for your spring garden and get some expert advice! You can also shop for garden items from the DCA Thrift Shop.

The indoor market features dozens of carefully selected local vendors offering garden-inspired goods, artisan items, home décor, and specialty foods. Come shop for Mother’s Day! 🌸

Follow us on Instagram for more details about our amazing market vendors and artisans.

04/27/2026

Please vote for the DCA Meadowlands this week!

Impatiens, petunias, marigolds, vinca roses, alyssum, salvia and snapdragons! Buy your flower flats online by May 19 and...
04/23/2026

Impatiens, petunias, marigolds, vinca roses, alyssum, salvia and snapdragons! Buy your flower flats online by May 19 and support the DCA! Each flat costs $26 and contains 32 plants. Pick up at the DCA on May 28 and add beautiful color to your garden!

🌸 Visit the DCA website to order!

04/21/2026

✨ We made it to the FINAL ROUND! ✨
Vote for DCA Meadowlands as Best Event Space in the Essentials & More category for the 2026 Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut Awards!

Help us celebrate the wonderful ways we come together! Every vote counts!

🤩 Link is in the comment section
🗳️ Final voting is open now through May 1st
📣 Winners will be featured in the July/August issue

Let’s shine a spotlight on the spaces that bring our community together—cast your vote and support DCA Meadowlands today!

Address

274 Middlesex Road
Darien, CT
06820

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+12036559050

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