Spring Newsletter 2014 - Staying Put in New Canaan

Spring 2014
Staying Put raises $7,500 in
24-hour online “Giving Day”
Staying Put was one of 275 nonprofits in Fairfield
County to participate recently in the first online
“Giving Day,” sponsored by the Fairfield County
Community Foundation and Bank of America.
Groups countywide connected with donors
online for 24 hours to “give where you live,” to
raise funds and awareness of local philanthropy.
Staying Put was on the leader board most of
the day as supporters contributed online! Board
member Patti Geanakos and Executive Director
Jane Nyce entered contributions from many
“walk-in” donors who came to the office
throughout the day.
Walk-in Giving Day donors enjoyed refreshments and fun in
the office. Above are Patti Geanakos, Cathy Fitzpatrick,
Cynnie Yates, and Laura Merrill.
PO BOX 484
58 PINE STREET
We even won a door prize of $500 as a result of
Jane Nyce attending an early morning kick-off
meeting at the FCCF offices! All proceeds will
benefit our seniors. Jane thanked all donors who
participated in the exciting day of giving.
NBC News features Staying
Put and our own Stoddards
A recent segment of Brian Williams’ NBC
Nightly News (shown on screen above)
recognized Staying Put when he interviewed his
in-laws, Pat and Hud Stoddard who are Staying
Put founders and members.
The nationally-aired piece generated
tremendous interest in Staying Put and how to
start a group like ours. More than 500 people in
30 states contacted us through office calls,
Facebook page hits, website hits, and emails.
Staying Put is recognized as a leader in the
“aging in place” movement and we continue to
spread the word! To see the NBC show, click on
the image of Brian Williams on our website.
NEW CANAAN, CT 06840
203.966.7762
www.stayingputnc.org
Let’s make a date!
Gilbertie’s Herb Garden, Westport
Tues., May 6, 1:30 - 3 pm. Carpool
Musicals, Masters and Marches
Tues., May 6, 7:30 pm
New Canaan High School Band and Jazz
Ensemble with Summer Theater of New Canaan.
At the High School. Reception following. Free
Broadway Show Tunes
Mon., May 12, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Park Street Singers. Congregational Church.
Refreshments. Free
Kitchen Bridge
Tues., May 13, 10 am
Staying Put kitchen. Bridge players at all levels
Coffee in the Kitchen
Wed., May 14, 10:30 am
Drop by Staying Put kitchen for coffee and a chat
Emily Kelting Climbs Kilimanjaro
Wed., May 28, 3-4 pm. Photos and talk.
Lapham Center. RSVP 203-594-3629. Free
How to Attract Birds to Your Feeder
Wed., June 4, 2 - 4 pm
New Canaan Nature Center Greenhouse
Arranging Flowers with Cathy Pike.
Thurs., June 5, 4 pm. New Canaan Inn.
Tips and help from a pro. Bring your own vase
Lunch at Mead Park.
Fri., June 6, 1 pm and every Friday all summer
Kitchen Bridge
Tues., June 10, 10 am. Staying Put kitchen.
Coffee in the Kitchen
Wed., June 11, 10:30 am. Staying Put kitchen.
Tour of New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance
Corps (NCVAC)
Thurs., June 12, 4 pm.
Wendy Hilboldt will host the tour
Paul Bogaev, Award-Winning Musician
Fri., May 16, 2 pm
Main Street at Waveny Village. Free
Dinner at Oak Hills Restaurant on the Green
Tues., Jun 17, 6 p.m Norwalk.
Outside dining, weather permitting. Bring
sunglasses! $30 includes tip and tax. $8 wine
Annual meeting: it’s not all business!
Sun., May 18, 2 - 4 pm. See opposite page
Men’s Coffee
Wed., June 18, 9:30 am
New Canaan Inn library
Gingerbitz on Elm Street
Mon., May 19, 2 - 3 pm
Meet owner Karen Zuckert. Treats for all!
Call Staying Put to make a reservation
Fun and Fundraiser Annual Picnic
Sun., June 22, 5 pm
See page 4.
New Canaan Inn Tech Time
Tues., May 20, 2-4 pm
Answers to computer and iPad questions. Make
an appointment with our own Sue Scannell
Dinner at rustic Red Barn, Westport
Tues, May 20, 6 pm. $30 includes tax and tip
Men’s Coffee
Wed., May 21, 9:30 am. New Canaan Inn library
Memorial Day Parade
Mon., May 26, 9:15 am
Come march with us or join along the way. Meet
at St. Mark’s
Staying in Touch
Annie MacDougall, (above) niece of member Gloria MajorBrown, recently presented pieces from her private collection of
Aboriginal art and culture from Australia and New Guinea and
told the stories behind them.
Coffee klatch!
Our new Coffee in the Kitchen is off to a great start! Here are
(front left) Lois Sandberg, Pat Stoddard, Larry Brown (back)
Margot Turk and Lyn Chivvis volunteer chair.
Coffee clutch!
Fabulous Farewell in the works
for our Fantastic Jane!
With hugs and tears and cherished memories,
we’ll say goodbye to our beloved Executive
Director Jane Nyce who has been our guiding
light from our very beginning seven years ago.
There is no question that without Jane’s love and
leadership Staying Put could not have become
the superb organization it is today.
A special farewell is in the planning so
everyone can thank Jane for all she has done
and wish her well. A date and details will follow.
“Meanwhile,” said President Tom Ferguson,
“the search for a new executive director is well
underway and we are optimistic about finding the
right person soon to carry on Jane's good work.”
Staying Put still a great deal
Our membership dues remain among the lowest
in the country, even with an increase of about 5%
coming in July. (Only our second in seven years.)
Individual memberships will be $400 and
households $525.
While we continue our strong commitment to
affordability, the slightly higher dues are needed
to cover rising operating costs.
Volunteer drivers swap helpful hints at their regular Drivers’
Coffee. From left: Some of our 50 volunteer drivers Mike
Rodell, Lyn Chivvis and Joel Pelzner. New drivers are
always needed and very welcome. Spread the word!
Our May 18 annual business
meeting isn’t really all business
Whenever we get together we always have fun!
Join us Sunday, May 18, 2 - 4 pm at St. Mark’s.
Our guest speaker will be Jim Cole, a founder of
our Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) and newest board member. He will talk
about Emergency Preparation: Personal and
Public with four exciting, interactive workstations.
Volunteer Sue Scannell (right) helps member Rosie Lynch
retrieve the password for her new iPad. Sue often helps Rosie
with her computer, even going to the Stamford Apple Store
when needed. Rosie’s so appreciative and says she’s in awe
of Sue’s extensive computer knowledge and endless energy.
Spring 2014
Fun and fundraiser: annual
picnic June 22, 5 pm
Enjoy a picnic dinner in the lovely yard of board
member Lila Coleman on Oenoke Lane.
Getabout will provide transportation from St.
Mark’s parking lot. There are rumors of the return
of the Super Duper Weenie. Come and find out
and bring friends! Invitations will be mailed soon.
Jim Cole joins Board
Jim Cole has an impressive record of community
service: a founder of the Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT), Director Office of
Emergency Management, chair of both Fire and
Police Commissions, American Red Cross
Advisory Board for CT and RI, certified ARC
shelter manager, and associate member of the
town Fire Company No. 1.
Jim is active in the Congregational
Church. He and his wife, Nancy Upton, have
Thanks to
contributors for
this issue:
Gloria Major-Brown,
Patti Geanakos,
and Donna Simone.
lived here since 1995.
Staying in Touch is published by Staying Put in New Canaan, a
private, nonprofit corporation to help New Canaan residents live full
lives in their own homes as they grow older. Editor Lois Sandberg.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
Living lives to the
fullest at home
in New Canaan
Staying in Touch
PO Box 484
New Canaan
Connecticut 06840
STAMFORD, CT
PERMIT NO. 4010