Thanks to Bob Smith for this video clip!
Category: Events (Page 12 of 13)
Events are unique, or annual, occurrences that provide singular opportunities for entertainment, service, or education.
[camera slideshow=”2012-christmaslights”]
Bob Smith, Jack Fitzgibbons, Taylor Strubinger, Bob Ready, George Cammann, Tony Kwedar, and Bill Ball (otherwise known as the seven elves.)
We fixed the holiday lights for Darien,
Wreaths from boxes we were a carry’en.
Replacing bulbs, fixing bows, blowing fuses
We did our job with no excuses.
So remember well the seven elves of SMA,
Working in the cold that November day,
We ask no praise, we did our task
But next year we might bring a flask!
[camera slideshow=”2012-goodspeed”]
Reported by Frank Johnson: On September 29th, we bused along fall foliage roads to Haddam to enjoy a rousing performance of the classic musical Carousel at the historic Goodspeed Opera House. We had lunch at the Victorian style Gelston House with views of the sparkling Connecticut River. There was also a little shopping and sightseeing to conclude a wonderful day.
Christmas is coming, and so is our annual luncheon at the Country Club of Darien. The date is Thursday, December 6th. Music for our dancing and enjoyment will again be provided by Joe Holmes’ Swing Band.
Sign-ups will start at our meeting on October 31st.
[camera slideshow=”yankee-stadium-triple-play”]
Our day had a bumpy start with a bus breakdown along I95, but smoothly recovered with a thrilling tour of Yankee Stadium, followed by a visit to the truly magnificent re-creation of Monet’s Giverny gardens (think Lily Pads) at the New York Botanical Garden, and concluded with an elegant (and sumptuous) late lunch at La Panetiére restaurant in Rye, NY.
At Yankee Stadium, we saw the memorabilia of several famous Yankees in their Museum, read the two dozen plaques in Monument Park, sat in the dugout and imagined that we were up at bat next, and looked into the clubhouse lockers.
At the NYBG, we walked among the colorful flowers and water lilies in the replica of Monet’s gardens at the Giverny,
Lastly, we had a superb lunch, which was topped off with a decadent dessert of vanilla ice cream and chocolate lava cake, at La Panetiere in Rye.
Our applause to Mel Klugman for putting this all together.
And Thanks to Frank Johnson for the photos!
Find out more about the NYBG Monet Garden.

Carousel has captivated audiences around the world with the powerful love story of an innocent young millworker and swaggering carousel barker. He meets a tragic end but is given one chance for redemption by delivering hope to the daughter he never knew and whispering words left unspoken to his wife. Continue reading
The first trip of the 2012/2013 season is an all-star Triple Play. We will tour the interior of the new Yankee Stadium, then to the New York Botanical Garden to see their recreation of Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and then on to lunch at LaPanetiere in Rye. Continue reading
On August 15 we picnicked together at Weed Beach. Sixty SMA’ers and their guests enjoyed a perfect afternoon. The weather was ideal-cool and bright, the food-abundant and delicious, and the fellowship-extremely congenial. Thank you to Scott Hutchason and Tom Braydon for organizing this event and to those who arrived early to move and set up the tables.
[camera slideshow=”2012-memorial-day-parade”]
Our next trip is to Belmont Park Race Track on May 24th. While enjoying a delicious buffet luncheon, you will be able to bet on and watch the races from above. You can also visit the paddock area or watch your horse win close-up at the rail. Sign up soon as this is our most popular event. The cost is $68 pp.
On April 19th the SMA journeyed to Hartford, visiting the Wadsworth Atheneum and the Connecticut Governor’s residence. In between we enjoyed a filling family style lunch at Vito’s, a fine Italian restaurant in the center of Hartford serving food in the old world taste tradition.