Staying

In Touch

September 2026

The Staying Put office will be closed for Labor Day on Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7.

Staying Put members enjoyed a beautiful evening by the water at the annual summer BBQ at Woodway Beach Club.

Staying Put Open House

65 Locust Avenue, Suite 103

We invite you to come see our new home and celebrate this exciting new chapter with us at one of our Open House events:

Wednesday, September 2

Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 10

Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Parking is available behind and beneath the building, as well as on the nearby streets.

Let us know if you'll be stopping by so we can plan for refreshments.

September at a Glance

Wed., Sept 2, 9:15am: Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Wed., Sept 2, 10am-12pm, 2-4pm: Open House at Staying Put

Wed., Sept 9, 10am: Men's Coffee at Staying Put

Thurs., Sept 10, 10am-12pm, 2-4pm: Open House at Staying Put

Tues., Sept 15, 12:30pm: Lunch & Learn with Physical Therapist Nick Rutigliano, "Maintaining Muscle After 60" - Part 1 of Aging Well Series, at Lapham Center

Wed., Sept 16, 1:30pm: Writing to Heal, Remember & Grow with Elaine Friedman, a 4-Part Series at Staying Put

Thurs., Sept 17, 2pm: Movie and Snacks at Staying Put

Fri., Sept 18, 25, 10am: Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Tues., Sept 22, 10am: Men's Coffee with Leo Karl at Staying Put

Wed., Sept 23, 12pm: Book Talk Group Lunch

Thurs., Sept 24, 10am: Ladies' Coffee with Hilary Wittmam from The Carriage Barn at Staying Put

Tues., Sept 29, 12pm: Let's Talk About American Symbols at Staying Put

Wed., Sept 30, 11am: Keeler Tavern Museum and Lunch

SAVE THE DATE

Thurs., Oct. 22, 4:30pm - Staying Put Annual Meeting at Lapham Center

Member Events

IMPORTANT

Please RSVP by the date listed for each event so we can plan properly and have enough supplies and treats for everyone. Thank you.

Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Wed., Sept. 2, 9:15am at Irwin Park

Fri., Sept. 18, 25, 10am at Irwin Park

Enjoy a walk in the park with fellow Staying Put members, weather permitting. Please meet in the lower lot. Kate will send out reminder emails. Note: This is for active members with no mobility issues. Free. RSVP by the day prior.

Men's Coffee

Wed., Sept. 9, 10am at Staying Put

Join the gents for a conversation of your choice. Hot coffee and breakfast treats provided. Free. RSVP by the day prior.

Lunch & Learn - Maintaining Muscle After 60

Tues., Sept. 15, 12:30pm at Lapham Center

First of a 4-Part Fall series entitled Aging Well (more information follows). Nick Rutigliano, DPT, ATC, will talk about the role of protein and strength training to age well. Lunch Provided. Free. RSVP by calling Lapham Center at 203-594-3620 or Staying Put by Wed., Sept. 9.

Writing Workshop with Elaine Gilner Friedman

Wed., Sept. 16, 1:30pm at Staying Put

Writing reduces stress, helps process emotions, and rekindles memories. "Writing to Heal, Remember and Grow" is a monthly writing workshop that requires no prior writing experience. Bring a notebook and explore your thoughts, guided by author, poet and Staying Put member, Elaine Gilner Friedman. Come to only one or as many as you wish. Free. RSVP by Mon., Sept. 14.

Movie and Snacks

Thurs., Sept. 17, 2pm at Staying Put

Enjoy watching with your Staying Put friends the highly acclaimed film "Remarkably Bright Creatures" starring Sally Field. We have a new large screen TV for great viewing and some tasty snacks! Free. RSVP by Tues., Sept. 15.

Men's Coffee with Leo Karl

Tues., Sept. 22, 10am at Staying Put

Strap on your seatbelt and join the Staying Put gents for an interesting conversation about Electric Vehicles and all things car related. Hot coffee and treats. Free. RSVP by Mon., Sept. 21.

Book Talk Group Lunch

Wed., Sept. 23, 12pm at Staying Put

Join fellow book lovers for a delicious lunch and conversation about the latest books everyone is talking about. Swap recommendations and check out a new book to read from the Staying Put Library. Free. RSVP by Tues., Sept. 22.

Ladies' Coffee with Hilary Wittman

Thurs., Sept. 24, 10am at Staying Put

Join the Staying Put Ladies for coffee, treats, and an informative conversation with Hilary Wittman, Executive Director of the Carriage Barn Arts Center. Learn about the history of this nonprofit and plans for celebrating its 50th anniversary. Free. RSVP by Wed., Sept. 23.

Let's Talk About American Symbols

Tues., Sept. 29, 12pm at Staying Put

Join Staying Put friends and Reference Librarian Flannery to learn about the stories behind many well-known American symbols like bald eagles, apple pie, and the Liberty Bell. We'll have another American favorite, pizza, for lunch. This is a redo of the event that was flooded out in July! Free. RSVP by Mon., Sept. 28.

Keeler Tavern Museum and Lunch

Wed., Sept. 30, 11am at Keeler Tavern in Ridgefield

Tour this historic Inn and Tavern, followed by a picnic lunch in the garden. Please let us know if you wish to carpool! $12 per person. RSVP by Mon., Sept. 28.

Welcome to Our Newest Members

Bill and Susan Brock, David Burns, Gulnor Dinova, Bernadette Fernando, Tony Giannitti, Ron Kennedy, Zofia Landers, Ben Milone, Cynthia Montesi, Audrey Peterson, Christina Rombouts, Cynthia Shines, Jay Walker

Birthdays This Month

Fred Afragola, Angie Brenninkmeyer, Tony Giannitti, Parry Grogan, Yolanda Gruzeke, Elise Henning, Ralph Hills, Peggy Hooker, Carolyn Johnson, Susan Leeming, Doris Munger, Susan Ponte, Weezie Stoops, Liz Taggart, Pat Thompson, Mara Thorpe, Margot Turk, Peggy Wallace, Trudi Yeager

Aging Well: Four Keys to Living Stronger, Healthier and More Confidently

A 4-part series provided by Staying Put in partnership with New Canaan Library and Lapham Center.

Aging well isn't just about adding years to your life. It's about adding life to your years by maintaining your independence, confidence and quality of life. Staying Put, in partnership with the New Canaan Library and the Lapham Center are offering this 4-part series featuring local experts who will share practical strategies and resources for aging well. Whether you are planning for yourself or helping a loved one, you'll leave with useful information.

Maintaining Muscle After 60

Tuesday, September 15, 12:30pm at the Lapham Community Center

Nicholas Rutigliano, DPT, ATC, with Greenwich Hospital, will talk about the role of protein, strength training, and daily activity to stay strong and fit. This is a Lunch & Learn at Lapham Center. RSVP to Lapham at 203-594-3620 or call Staying Put at 203-966-7762.

Maintaining Your Health as You Age

Friday, October 9, 10am at New Canaan Library's Tate Room

Dr. Alison McElhone, MD, Geriatric Medicine with Stamford Hospital, will provide a geriatrician's guide to healthy aging. RSVP by calling the New Canaan Library at 203-594-5000.

Improving Your Sleep For Better Health - Staying Put Annual Mtg

Thursday, October 22, 4:30pm at Lapham Community Center

Dr. Dominic Roca, MD, Center for Sleep Medicine at Stamford Hospital, will talk about how aging affects sleep, common disorders, and how to get a better night's sleep. RSVP to Staying Put at 203-966-7762.

Staying Prepared for Your Future

Thursday, November 12, 11am at New Canaan Library's Tate Room

Paul and Susan Doyle, Senior Oasis Advisors, will talk about the various options and resources available as we age and our needs change. RSVP by calling the New Canaan Library at 203-594-5000.

Hello from Kate

Adelaide is starting 5th grade! This means new shoes, a new backpack, and an entirely new school. Saxe is upon us and Adelaide is like Dorothy with Charles, Duke and I beside her as the Tin Man, Toto and Scarecrow…all of us embodying a bit of the Cowardly Lion, standing trembling before the great and powerful Middle School…I mean Oz! To summarize the range of emotions: It’s a lot of new. New routines, new friends, new feelings. So it makes leaning on the routines we have established even more important. Carving out the time to clean out old ill-fitting clothes and getting some fun new outfits, cooking some of our tried-and-true favorite family dinners (chicken cutlets anyone!?), and keeping our evening reading habits in tact are small but sacred rituals that help make the newness of 5th grade feel a little less stressful. The emotional rollercoaster becomes more of a kiddie ride rather than the one you have to measure your height against before climbing on.

It also offers me the chance to settle down from summer travels and travails and it made me think about how this is also a good time of year for all of us to check in. We don’t have the weight of holidays upon us (yet), nor the obligation to feel like we should be doing something because the sun is out. We can take this time of year as a chance to literally and emotionally refresh and recharge. Do we need to change batteries in remotes, devices, fire alarms (we can help with that!)? Do we need to take in outdoor furniture (we can also help with that!)? Do we need to have a fresh pair of eyes come and see if we are living safely and responsibly (yup, we do that too!)? Or do we just need a new sensible pair of shoes?...Adelaide will help you with that!

Community News and Events

Waveny Summer Concert Series

Waveny Park (Back Lawn)

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

The Short Bus Band - 70's to Today's Hits

10th Annual Addiction Awareness Vigil

Community, Addiction, Recovery

New Canaan Support Group and NCCF

Tuesday, September 1, 7pm

Downtown New Canaan

Rotary Club of New Canaan LobsterFest

Venue: Waveny House

Dates:‍ Fri., Sept. 25, 4-8pm

Sat., Sept. 26, 4-8pm

Dine In, Take Away or Home Delivery

Order with link: Order Your Meal

Shred Day

Bring documents and files to the transfer station for quick, easy shredding.

New Canaan Transfer Station

Sat., Sept. 19, 8am-1pm

New Canaan Artisans

Handmade knitted sweaters, hats, kid's toys and other great gifts for birthdays and the Holidays.

Sat., Sept. 26, 10am-2pm

New Canaan Farmers Market

Adjusting to life with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia can feel overwhelming. Journey Together is a small-group support program for people adjusting to life with memory or cognitive changes, offering space to share experiences, gain insight and find comfort in community.

Program Details:

10 weekly, 60 minute sessions
Small Group of 6-8 people
In-Person
Personal Interview required

Schedule:

September 8, 15, 22, 29

October 6, 13, 20, 27

November 3, 10

Location: Lapham Center

Lapham Community Center

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

Wed., Sept. 2, 16, 12:30pm - Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure Clinic. Free.

Wed., Sept. 2, 30, and Tues. Sept. 8, 2pm - Tech Connections with Cooper Young and George Geist. Get help with your tech issues. Free.

Thurs., Sept. 3, 17, scheduled appt. - Medicare Counseling. Free. By Appt

Only.

Tues., Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, 11:45 - Caregiver Spouse Support Group. Free.

Tues., Sept. 22, 12:30pm - Emergency Preparedness Panel. Stay safe during an emergency. Free.

New Canaan Library

Tues., Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2pm-4pm - Open Tech. Help with email, smartphones/tablets, social media, etc. Drop In. Free. No Registration Required.

Wed., Sept 23, 1-3pm - Cooking Instruction: Simple Meals with Pantry Staples. Registration Required. Call 203-594-5000

Wed., Sept 30, 1:30-3pm - Memory Cafe: Journey to Blue Bayou. A Memory Café is more than a gathering, it’s a warm, supportive space designed especially for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Connect over coffee and music. Registration Required. Call 203-594-5000

The Staying Put 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.
Home Safety Assessments: Personalized and professional recommendations to reduce risks in the home.

Gina Z. Blum

Executive Director

director@stayingputnc.org

Kim Herr

Manager of Operations

operations@stayingputnc.org

Kate Brambilla

Manager of Member Services

members@stayingputnc.org

Kristin Barnard

Office Assistant

assistant@stayingputnc.org

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: 9am-1pm

Please call us anytime

203-966-7762

Gina, Kate, Kim & Kristin

Staying Put In New Canaan