What better way to recover from dealing

with the snow than to refresh with

premium Citrus and indulge with See’s Chocolate!

And all the net proceeds go to worthy

Wilton Nonprofits.

Order Deadline: February 16

The annual Kiwanis Citrus drive has been a major fundraiser for decades. While the more recent Pumpkin Patch is now the leading way Kiwanis gives back to the community, Citrus, augmented with See’s Chocolate, remains a welcome relief within Wilton during the frigid, winter months.



Why? Because the Citrus is from the same vendor that supplies the high quality citrus at the Village Market, and See’s Chocolate, which as a passionate chocolate lover I consider among the best on the planet, is mainly unavailable in the East and ordering online has a hefty shipping cost. Order from Kiwanis and you can pick it up at the Wilton Historical Society.

Generous Shoppers “Feed Wilton”

During the Holidays

The Wilton Kiwanis Club is grateful for the warm-hearted generosity of shoppers at the Village Market and Stop & Shop, who countered the freezing cold temperatures for the 21 Kiwanis greeters during the Dec. 5-7 weekend food drive to “Feed Wilton.”

The effort raised more than $14K in cash and gift cards, Kiwanis officials said. The quarterly effort contributed to the second year in a row that more than $50K was donated to the Wilton Food Pantry.

“We are deeply grateful to Kiwanis for their hard (and cold!) work supporting our Food Pantry clients,” Wilton Director of Social Services Stephanie Rowe said. “In November 2025, we reached a record of 141 households served — the highest number since our Food Pantry first opened. The need in our community is greater than ever, and thanks to Kiwanis, Wilton Social Services can continue providing year-round assistance and additional support to our clients.”

The Wilton Kiwanis Club has been contributing to the Food Pantry with food drives for more than 25 years. “Supporting those in need is at the core of what Kiwanis is all about. There is no excuse for anyone in Wilton being hungry,” Kiwanis Club President Joe Fiteni said.”

Kiwanians who greeted customers included Tom Connors, Ross Tartell, Mike Whitted, Bob Wirz, Dagny Eason, Tom Syrstad, Whitney Janeway, Barli Nugent, Jeff Turner, Jack McFadden, Mary Anne Franco, Mike Safko, David King, Den Taylor, Steve Erickson, Jerry Sprole, Peter Freyer, Suzanne Verrilli, Ken Ogasawara, Bill Brennan and Paul Ramsey.



As appeared in Good Morning Wilton

Alvaro M. Garavito, EMT-P

Executive Director,

Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps

On January 28, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton welcomed Alvaro M. Garavito, EMT-P, Executive Director of the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC), as its guest speaker, where he shared insights into WVAC’s lifesaving work and the dedicated professionals who serve the community. During the meeting, Mary Anne Franco, Chair of the Contributions Committee, presented a $25,000 donation on behalf of the Club to support the construction of WVAC’s new permanent headquarters on Route 7, with most funds raised through the 2025 Kiwanis Pumpkin Sale. Ms. Franco also reflected on Kiwanis’ long-standing partnership with WVAC, dating back to the purchase of Wilton’s first ambulance in 1954. The Club expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Garavito and the entire WVAC team for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to keeping Wilton safe, reaffirming Kiwanis’ ongoing commitment to strengthening the community.

Bob Wirz

The Passion of Baseball

The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was honored to welcome Bob Wirz, one of its newest members and featured guest speaker, who had been inducted on November 12, 2025, and quickly became a valued part of the Kiwanis family. With a distinguished career in sports broadcasting, marketing, and Major League Baseball public relations, including serving as chief spokesman for Commissioners Bowie Kuhn and Peter Ueberroth, working with the Kansas City Royals, and founding Wirz and Associates, Bob shared stories from his roots in small town Nebraska to his work on the national stage. He also spoke about his books, The Passion of Baseball and My Nebraska, offering heartfelt reflections on sports, life, and home. His presentation was engaging, meaningful, and inspiring, and the Club was proud to call Bob a Kiwanian and grateful for the opportunity to hear his remarkable story.

Victoria McCarthy

Connecticut Licensed Arborist and

Advanced Master Gardener with SavATree

The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was pleased to welcome Victoria McCarthy, Connecticut Licensed Arborist and Advanced Master Gardener with SavATree, as a guest speaker for an engaging and informative presentation on tree health, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Victoria shared her extensive expertise in arboriculture and horticulture, explaining how she provided comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care services to homeowners throughout western Fairfield County using tailored, science-based solutions. She discussed the importance of proper tree care, hazard and risk assessment, wildlife friendly landscaping, and sustainable practices that benefited both homeowners and the environment. Her presentation highlighted how thoughtful land management strengthened neighborhoods, preserved natural beauty, and supported healthy ecosystems, and was both practical and inspiring for members.

Edward Hynes

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was pleased to welcome Edward Hynes as its guest speaker for an engaging and entertaining presentation on the dramatic and surprising origins of the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. He shared fascinating history, stories, and little known details behind one of America’s most iconic songs, delivering his talk in a lively and insightful style that captured members’ interest and curiosity. The program was both educational and enjoyable, providing a memorable way to begin the new year.

Dagny Eason

Journey to Alaska and Norway 

The Kiwanis Club of Wilton welcomed Dagny Eason for a special photo filled presentation sharing highlights from her summer trip to Alaska and Norway in June. She took members on a visual journey through glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and small Alaskan towns, sharing the sights, stories, and memorable experiences that made the trip so remarkable. Dagny was accompanied by Fred Palmer throughout the adventure, and his presence helped shape many of the stories behind the photos. Her presentation was engaging, visually stunning, and inspiring, and offered members a unique and memorable look at these extraordinary destinations.

Whitney Beaman & Craig Johnson

Wilton Land Trust

The Kiwanis Club of Wilton welcomed Whitney Beaman and Craig Johnson from the Wilton Land Trust as featured guest speakers on December 3, 2025. They shared updates on the Land Trust’s conservation initiatives, community programs, and long term vision for preserving Wilton’s natural spaces for future generations. Their presentation highlighted the essential work being done to protect open space, wildlife habitats, and community access to nature, and provided members with valuable insight into the importance of environmental stewardship in the Wilton community.

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

Happenings, the Newsletter of the Kiwanis Club of Wilton CT, Inc.,

Editor-in-Chief: Jack McFadden

Managing Editor: Saul W. Goldberg

Please send your news and announcements to: 

concom@optonline.net