December 2025 Staying In Touch Newsletter

The Staying Put office will be closed from Wednesday, December 24th thru Thursday, January 1st to celebrate the Holiday season.

December at a Glance

Tues., Dec. 2, 10am-1pm: Poinsettia Delivery

Fri., Dec. 5, 12, 19, 10am: Walk at Irwin Park

Tues., Dec. 9, 2pm: Merry & Bright - Brushes and Bites at Staying Put

Wed., Dec. 10, 10am: Men's Coffee with Paul Reinhardt at Staying Put

Thurs., Dec. 11, 12pm: Lunch at the Grupes House with Robin Bates-Mason

Tues., Dec. 16, 10am: Ladies' Coffee at Staying Put

Wed., Dec. 17, 12pm: Holiday Lunch at Restaurant 123

Thurs., Dec. 18, 1:30pm: Movie and Snacks at Staying Put

SAVE THE DATE - Tues., Jan. 13, 12-1:30pm: Staying Put Annual Birthday Party

We wish the Staying Put community a

Happy Holiday Season!

Welcome to Our New Members

Mary and Bill Indelicato, Zuhair and Jean Suidan, Ann Wolff

Holiday Delivery from Staying Put

Staying Put volunteers will be delivering holiday poinsettias to our members on Tues., Dec. 2nd, 10am- 1pm. If you are unable to accept this delivery, please call the office at 203-966-7762.

Staying Put Ride Program Guidelines

Staying Put is pleased to offer transportation for our members within New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk and Wilton. To help us serve everyone smoothly, please review the following guidelines:

1. Ride Availability

Members may schedule up to three (3) round-trip rides per week or four (4) round-trip rides for household members.

2. Advance Notice

Please request your ride at least two (2) days in advance so we have adequate time to arrange a volunteer driver for you.

Provide details of the time of appointment, name of doctor or destination point along with the full address, and the length of time for your appointment or the pick up time for the return trip.
Advise if you will be traveling with an aide, spouse, or pet.
Advise if you will have a wheelchair, walker or other items that will require storage space in the car.
Advise if you need curbside drop off and/or a volunteer to escort you.

3. Cancellations

If you need to cancel or reschedule a ride, please notify the office as soon as possible so we can inform the driver and make adjustments as needed.

4. Driver Notification

A Staying Put staff member will call you the morning of your scheduled ride to let you know who your driver will be.

5. Special Assistance

Members who use a wheelchair must be accompanied by a caregiver during the ride.

6. Volunteer Drivers

Our rides are provided by generous volunteer drivers, so we ask for your patience and understanding. Please be willing to wait until your scheduled pick-up time, even if your appointment finishes early.

Thank you for helping us make this service pleasant and efficient for all!

MEMBER EVENTS

Please call the office at 203-966-7762 to RSVP for all events. If there is a change or cancellation, we will be able to contact you!

Fri., Dec. 5, 12, 19, 10am: Walk with Kate at Irwin Park. Come enjoy a lovely walk with Kate, weather permitting. Note: Gina will be leading the walk on Dec. 5th! Please meet in the lower parking lot at Irwin Park and don't forget your sneakers and water bottle. Note - this is for those who are active, with no mobility issues. Free. RSVP by Thursday prior.

Tues., Dec. 9, 2pm: Merry & Bright - Brushes & Bites at Staying Put. Get into the holiday spirit as art teachers Peg Bull and Jeanne McDonough guide you in creating your very own seasonal masterpiece! Whether you're a first-time painter or a seasoned pro, join us for an afternoon of warm cocoa, wintery treats, festive fun—and maybe even a little paint on your canvas. Don’t miss this cheerful creative escape! Free. RSVP by Fri., Dec. 5th.

Wed., Dec. 10, 10am: Men's Coffee with Paul Reinhardt at Staying Put. Join the Staying Put gents for coffee and conversation with Paul Reinhardt, Founder of the New Canaan Support Group. He'll share insights on addiction and local recovery resources. Free. RSVP by Tues., Dec. 9th.

Thurs., Dec. 11, 12pm: Lunch with Robin Bates-Mason at the NCLT Grupes House. Enjoy a nice lunch at the New Canaan Land Trust's Grupes House and hear about the latest projects from Executive Director Robin Bates-Mason. Carpooling from Staying Put is available. Free. RSVP by Tues., Dec. 9th..

Tues., Dec. 16, 10am: Ladies' Coffee at Staying Put. Join the Staying Put ladies for warm coffee, sweet and savory snacks, and interesting conversation. Free. RSVP by Mon., Dec. 15th.

Wed., Dec. 17, 12pm: Holiday Lunch at Restaurant 123. Celebrate the holidays with your Staying Put friends and enjoy a 3-course lunch at Restaurant 123 located in Vista, NY. The menu includes:

Appetizer: Caesar Salad

Entree: Salmon, Eggplant Florentine or Chicken Marsala

Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake or Tiramisu

Coffee and Tea included. Cash Bar for other drinks.

$45 per person. Call Staying Put with your lunch choices by Fri., Dec. 12th.

Thurs., Dec. 18, 1:30pm: Movie and Snacks at Staying Put. Enjoy some laughter watching the holiday comedy, Elf, with Staying Put friends. Popcorn and treats will be served. Free. RSVP by Wed., Dec. 17th.

December Birthdays

Catherine Bane, Dave Bentley, Barbara Boccuzzi, Mary Cross, Tanis Erdman, Karen Ferguson, Tom Ferguson, Elaine Friedman, Lea Gebauer, Diane Getzler, Joan Guzzetti, Linda Harrison, Jim Hollyday, Andrea Ingalls, Carole Kaye, Sheila McMann, Ruth Rothseid, Margaret Sandstrom

Hello from Kate

Did you catch the story about the demise of the Penny? It was documented in the form of an obituary in the New York Times with the title and tagline: “The Penny Dies at 232, A long decline into irrelevance ended on Wednesday in Philadelphia”. While cheeky in nature, it felt like a bit of a sucker punch. How dare the Times treat the penny with such indignity. 232 is a solid run. And I am here to speak in defense of the penny. And of legacies. I mean, I do get it. The penny is no longer being made because it costs 3 cents just to make one (…let’s not get me started on the cost to make a nickel. I’m not ready to say farewell to two of the currencies that functioned as the building blocks of my piggy bank as a child!) But the penny still exists. It will continue to be found in the bottom of coat pockets and shoved in the corner of junk drawers for years to come. When found on the street I am confident it will still bring luck, and I don’t see “a penny for your thoughts” being adjusted for inflation anytime soon. Because, while there might be a punctuation mark on the creation of the penny, its presence and its history will persist. Worthless it is not. And to draw the obvious line: neither are we. Yes, our bodies are not long for this world. That is a fact, but the mark we leave on those that remain sustains and our stories get told across generations.

Adelaide just presented her Family History Project to her Fourth Grade class. The assignment required individual conversations with all of her grandparents (an exercise in great patience for this 8 year old) as they dusted off old memories, photographs and mementos piecing together our shared family story. Valueless old pennies we are not. Quite the opposite: on my side of the family, Adelaide’s great, great Uncle has a street named after him in downtown Manhattan (Teddy Gleason Way) and I keep my grandmother’s Italian family recipes in rotation at most family gatherings so Adelaide can see a glimpse of what a special woman she was. On Charles’s side of the family Adelaide’s great, great, great Aunt wrote the first immigrant biography published in America (The Promise Land by Mary Antin) and in the same family tree she has ancestors that connect her to the Mayflower. These are meaningful, lasting connections. The ephemeral nature of life on earth is one thing, but the enduring power of stories, and history, and our individuality remain. And they are worth their weight in gold. Or even a single precious penny.

Community News and Events

New Canaan Holiday Stroll

The Holiday Stroll was started by local merchants 21 years ago and has evolved to be one of New Canaan’s most beloved traditions. The Chamber invites you to head downtown on Friday December 5th between 5:30 – 8:30 pm to walk under the lights, browse in the stores, watch a show performed by young local talent, eat delicious food, and take a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Cardiac Wellness Program: Bone Health and Osteoporosis

Mon., Dec. 8th, 1-2pm

Stamford Health Tully Center

Strong bones are the foundation of a healthy, active life—especially as we age. In this interactive session, learn why bone health matters and what you can do to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Learn practical strategies to strengthen your bones, improve bone density, and prevent falls and breaks through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and exercise.

Please register with link: RSVP

New Canaan Swap Shop Winter Hours

Starts in December

Wednesdays 9am-1pm

Thursdays 9am-1pm

Fridays 9am-12pm

Saturdays 9am-1pm

The Swap Shop is closed during inclement weather.

No drop offs when closed.

New Canaan Library

Tues., Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2-4pm: Open Tech. If you need help with email, smartphones/tablets, social media, or accessing the digital library, stop by for one-on-one support from a tech librarian. First Come, First Serve.

Lapham Center Programs

Call 203-594-3620 for more information, appointments and to RSVP

Thurs., Dec. 4, 1pm: Gingerbread Houses. Get in the spirit of the holidays as you decorate a gingerbread house with Tricia from Clever and Crafty. Limited Space - please RSVP. Free.

Thurs., Dec. 11, 2-4pm: Ask the Attorney. An attorney from Nedder and Associates is available for free, private, 15-minute consultations on legal and financial questions. Appointment Required. Free.

Staying Put in New Canaan Services and Staff

Our Team is Here for You

We provide New Canaan seniors with a wide range of practical services and social connections - from rides to helping with errands, minor home repairs and technology, to brightening the day with a call or visit - all making it easier for seniors to live confidently at home and stay engaged in the community.

Help is a Phone Call Away: Caring professionals to turn to for help, information, referrals, counseling, support and personalized assistance.
Transportation: Door-to-door rides within New Canaan and to local towns.
Social Events: Fun and enriching gatherings, excursions, and programs to be active and connect with others.
Groceries & Errands: Grocery shopping, prescription pick up and other helpful errands.
Help at Home: Minor home repairs, changing ceiling light bulbs, moving heavy objects and more.
Technology Assistance: One-on-one assistance in the home to troubleshoot issues for computers, televisions, cell phones and other electronic devices.
Service Providers: Trustworthy list of home service and repair professionals for hire.
Communication and Visits: Keeping in touch with those who may be facing issues of loneliness and isolation.
Community Resource: Education, advice and referrals for healthy aging.
NEW Home Safety Assessments: Personalized and professional recommendations to reduce risks in the home.