The office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28th

and Friday, Nov. 29th for Thanksgiving

November at a Glance

Fri., Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 10am - Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Tues., Nov. 5, 9am - 4pm - Rides to the Polls

Thurs., Nov. 7, 12pm - Let's Talk About It with Kathy Blance and Lunch

Sun., Nov. 10, 1-3pm - Bring in Your Patio Furniture with NC SLOBs

Tues., Nov. 12, 11am - Edward Keating Exhibition at The Carriage Barn

Wed., Nov. 13, 12pm - Lunch at La Vista, South Salem, NY

Thurs., Nov. 14, 10am - Men's Coffee at Staying Put

Tues. Nov. 19, 10am - New Members Ladies' Coffee at Staying Put

Wed., Nov. 20, 10am - Coffee with Officer Vartuli at Staying Put

Thurs., Nov. 21, 10am - Ladies' Coffee at Staying Put

SAVE THE DATE

Wed., Dec. 18, 12pm - Holiday Lunch at One-Twenty-Three Restaurant

Welcome New Members!

Angie & Roland Brenninkmeyer, Darlene Filler, Richard Garcia & Alice Beers, Maury Hartigan, Judy & Paul Pureka, Maureen & Frank Walsh

Registration Required for all events.

Call the office at 203-966-7762 to RSVP

MEMBER EVENTS

Fri., Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 10am: Walk with Kate at Irwin Park. Come enjoy a lovely walk with Kate. 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., Nov. 5, 9am-4pm: Ride to the Polls. Rides available to Staying Put members on Election Day. Please call the office to make arrangements. If you are unsure of your voting district, please contact the Registrar of Voters in advance of Election Day at

203- 594-3060. Free. RSVP by Mon., Nov. 4th.

Thurs., Nov. 7, 12pm: Let's Talk About... Bad Days in History: Epic Fails, Historic Blunders and Plain Human Error with Kathy Blance.

One thing that can be noted throughout history is the existence of human failure. We've all experienced it on a personal level, but it's interesting (and maybe comforting!) to note that some of history's most epic moments involved an aspect of human error - whether mechanical or judgment - and often by some of the best and brightest in history. History also tends to repeat itself: some bad judgment calls of the modern day are not unlike those of antiquity.  Let’s talk about some of history's "less than stellar" moments, and the often-surprising outcomes. Lunch will be served. Free. RSVP by Mon., Nov. 4th.

Sun, Nov. 10, 1pm - 3pm: Take in Your Patio Furniture with New Canaan Service League of Boys (SLOBs). Sign up to have the SLOBs bring in your patio furniture for the season. The time window is 1pm to 3pm and Staying Put members will need to be home. Free. RSVP by Mon., Nov. 4th.

Tues., Nov. 12, 11am: Edward Keating: A Fearless Legacy at New Canaan Carriage Barn.

The Carriage Barn Arts Center presents the first retrospective exhibition highlighting the late Pulitzer-prize winning photographer’s 40-year career, as well as his connection to New Canaan.  Curated with members of the photographer’s family, the exhibition features 80 photographs and additional archival materials that offer insight into Keating’s career and life as a photographer. Free. RSVP by Mon. Nov. 11th.

Wed., Nov. 13, 12pm: Lunch at La Vista. Join Staying Put members for lunch at La Vista Ristorante, 355 Smith Ridge, South Salem, NY. Lunch includes appetizer, entree and coffee. $25. Cash or Check made out to Staying Put. RSVP by Mon, Nov. 11th.

Thurs., Nov. 14, 10am: Men's Coffee at Staying Put. Join Staying Put friends for coffee, treats and good conversation. Free. RSVP by Wed., Nov. 13th.

Tues., Nov. 19, 10am: New Members Ladies' Coffee at Staying Put. Join Staying Put's newest members for coffee, treats and learn more about Staying Put. Free. RSVP by Mon., Nov. 18th.

Wed., Nov. 20, 10am: Coffee with Community Impact Officer Nicole Vartuli at Staying Put. Learn about the latest scams affecting New Canaan residents and what's happening around town. Bring your concerns and questions as Officer Vartuli will be happy to answer questions. Coffee and treats will be served. Open to all members. Free. RSVP by Mon., Nov. 18th.

Thurs., Nov. 21, 10am: Ladies' Coffee at Staying Put. Join Staying Put friends for coffee, treats and good conversation. Free. RSVP by Wed., Nov. 20th.



November

Member Birthdays

Erica Bergmans, Jack Brophy, Beecher Chivvis, Sheila Fitilis, Ed Fleischli, Gaile Gottlieb, Ruth Lewis, Natalie MacDonald, Helen O'Neill, Ellie O'Neill, Carol Schofield,

Walter Secord, Crosby Smith, Marjorie Stein, Ellen Stewart, Ann Thurber, Milan Turk, Frank Walsh, Barbara Wilson, Craig Wright

Hello from Kate

How was everyone’s Halloween? Were there more tricks than treats? Are you staring longingly at lingering candy you know should probably get rid of? More importantly, what time was it when you knew you needed to shut out the lights and not let anymore trick-or-treaters come a knockin’? Because after a certain time of night, nothing good can happen, right? The thing is, we tend to know when to be suspicious and protective; or what we call in our house, using our “Spidey Senses”. If something feels even a little bit out of joint we instinctively take a more cautious, discerning approach before showing any of our cards. And here’s the kicker, scammers know this too. They are as human as we are and know how people are going to react in different contexts. They know better than to be the late-night trick-or-treater because your guard is already up. They don’t dress up like Freddy Kreuger. No, instead, they take an approach that is artfully deceiving. They arrive as the “Super Hero” offering help, reassurance and rescuing from some fabricated “evil villain”. Ok, ok, I promise I am done with the Halloween analogy, but please continue to indulge me anyway.

The most common scams around these days are called “Support Scams” They come in the form of trying to offer help, resolve an urgent problem, or offer helpful information. None of these are what they seem and if you walk away with only one tip from this (apart from my amazing ability to exhaust an analogy), please know: Nothing is urgent. Truly. Nothing needs to be acted upon immediately. Nothing needs to be done in the moment. Take a beat. These top three support scams that are targeting our senior population right now:

“Medicare Assistance”: There is a scam circulating now under the guise of Medicare offering free Covid test kits if you give them your personal information. If they are pursuing you, do not pursue them. You can proactively get your own free test kits through safe, direct, government channels (see the rest of the newsletter for more details).

“Your computer’s security has been compromised, we can help you”: A blaring pop up may surface on your computer saying your security has been compromised and say, “follow this link” or “call tech support number and we’ll help you.” It is a scam. Do not call a number provided to you claiming to be tech support. Your computer will still function just fine. Safely power your computer down and walk away from it. It is not an immediate situation.

“Funeral Announcement” links: Emails being sent claiming that there is a link to an obituary for someone you may know. This is perhaps the saddest of the bunch. Call a friend or family to verify, check the newspaper. Don’t click any links.

We can share all of this information with one another as often as we need and it will absolutely help but please do not ever feel embarrassed should you click that link, or call that number. We are human and since Halloween only comes but once a year, we are not built to be on high alert all the time. And that’s ok because it’s not really about being suspicious of everyone and everything all the time. It’s about knowing that in this electronic space, nothing is urgent. Take a beat. Call a friend, call a family member, call us. 

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

Trained fraud specialists and volunteers are just a phone call away to help if you think you have been scammed or concerned that something might be a scam. Fraud specialists do not investigate fraud and can't help in getting lost assets back, but can direct callers to resources and referrals to help. AARP's toll-free service is available Monday through Friday, 8am to 8pm. This service is open to members and nonmembers alike.

AARP.org/fraud

Keep yourself updated on the latest scams.

The AARP.org/fraud website has great information about the latest scams, how to protect yourself and what to do if you have been scammed. Check out the Scam Map which shows scams reported by zip code as well as the weekly podcast "The Perfect Scam".

Free Covid Tests

Each household is eligible to request four tests at COVIDtests.gov that will be shipped directly to their residence. For those having difficulty ordering online, you can also order by calling 1-800-232-0233.

Member and Volunteer Testimonials

Lila Coleman

I have been a member since the start, and now instead of giving and helping as I did 20 years ago, I am more needing Staying Put to help me out. I want to be able to stay in my own home, and Staying Put is there for me. It’s a second family, they’ve got your back. At our age, some of us are fading, and it’s a lovely thing to know that Staying Put is there for you with friendship and support.

Nobody thinks they’re ready for it, nobody thinks they’re going to age, nobody thinks they’re going to be needing anything. It’s wonderful to know that you have someone backing you up. They’re there. Staying Put is there for you. I have used them from lightbulbs to disasters. I had a little operation not too long ago and Staying Put was able to get my mail and my paper in the morning and had I needed more, they were there. You do need more as you age. It’s a great feeling of comfort to know that help is available. But it’s not just disasters, it’s just living, being able to live in your own home, and live in your community with comfort.



Betsy Afragola

I love Staying Put – it’s the best thing ever. I have been on the Board, and I’ve also been an active volunteer. I’ve loved getting to know all the seniors I have driven. I try to get them engaged and talk about where they come from, how long they’ve been in New Canaan, and their families - we enjoy the conversation, and I think that really makes it nice for them. It’s very gratifying and such a good feeling to be able to take people who aren’t driving any more to places they love and need to go to - it’s like you’ve given them a gift. I think the best thing about volunteering for Staying Put is there is flexibility, you don’t have to sign up for every Monday at noon, or even every week, you can pick out what your schedule allows and where you can fit in some volunteer work.

Lapham Center Programs

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

Nov. through Dec. 6: Medicare Part D Annual Open Enrollment Period. In 2025, Medicare Part D will cap out-of-pocket costs at $2,000, shifting cost liabilities onto plans and drug manufacturers. These and other changes may increase costs for plans. The plan that was best for you this year might not be best for you next year. The only way to know is to use Medicare's Prescription Drug Plan Finder located at Medicare.gov on the internet. Volunteer counselors will be happy to run this program for you free of charge. Lapham will offer both remote and in-person appointments. By appointment only. Free.

Wed., Nov. 6, 13, 20, 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Blood Pressure and

Blood Sugar Screenings. Call to schedule an appointment. Free. 

Thurs., Nov. 7, 10am: Navigating Breast Health from Screen to Self-Care. Madhavi Raghu, MD will present on breast health, screening guidelines, and the latest advancements in breast imaging technology. Breakfast will be served. Free.

Mon., Nov. 11, 11am: Commemorating Veteran’s Day through Music, Stories and Games. In collaboration with the Waveny LifeCare Network Navigator Program, there will be a Memory Café to gather family, caregivers, and their loved one’s with Alzheimer’s or dementia for socialization and activity. Celebrate and honor Veteran’s Day through music, stories and games that will highlight the history and traditions of this special holiday. There will be coffee and light pastries at 10:30am. Free.

Fri., Nov. 8, 11am: Health Talks with Shannon and Ellen. Meet with Shannon and Ellen from the Health Department for coffee and snacks. Free.

Wed., Nov. 13: Thanksgiving Lunch at Lapham. Enjoy a delicious meal with traditional favorites from Walter Stewart's, followed by some great music and entertainment from Tommy and Cuz. Reservations by Nov. 8th required. Free.

Thurs., Nov. 14, 2pm - 4pm, by appointment: Ask the Attorney

with Nedder and Associates. Private, 15-minute consultations to answer your legal or financial questions. Call to schedule an appointment. 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.

Gina Z. Blum, Executive Director

director@stayingputnc.org

Kate Brambilla, Manager of Member Services

members@stayingputnc.org

Robin Bates-Mason, Manager of Events & Volunteers

events@stayingputnc.org

Iryna Radiuk, Office Administrator

admin@stayingputnc.org

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday, 9am to 5pm

Friday, 9am to 1pm

Please call us anytime

at 203-966-7762

Gina, Kate, Robin & Iryna