Darien High School Class Of 1971 Holds 55-Year Reunion

The Darien High School Class of 1971 celebrated its 55th reunion Sept. 26-27 despite rain and predictions of coastal flooding from a nor’easter.

A planned Saturday walk on Great Island was canceled because of rain, but several classmates met for coffee at The Octagon and Caffe Nero. Five classmates also attended batting practice at McGuane Field, hosted by Doug Lawrence.

The Saturday evening gathering at Riko’s Pizza in downtown Darien drew 61 people. The restaurant provided food and a cash bar as attendees recalled past experiences and shared updates about their lives.

On Sunday afternoon, 50 classmates, including some who had not attended the previous evening, gathered at the Paddle Hut at Weed Beach to share memories. Food included 5-foot hoagies and wraps from Mama Carmella’s. When the gathering ended at 5 p.m., 25 attendees helped clean up.

At both gatherings, attendees acknowledged a sign honoring classmates who had died.

Some attendees expressed interest in holding a 57.5-year reunion rather than waiting five more years.

The longtime, 12-member reunion committee includes Sue Reichart Allen of Old Greenwich, Jeff Castle of Fairfield, Hayes Clark of Westport, Sandra Cunningham Volin of Darien, Liz Hough Harden of Greenwich, Doug Lawrence of Darien, Bruce Manchon of Boulder, Colorado, Gail Mardfin of Santa Rosa, California, Mary Ellen Quirk of Darien, Peter Rogers of Darien, Carley Tankoos of Bluffton, South Carolina, and Sally Wurtzell Wright of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.