Staying

In Touch

April 2026

The Staying Put office will be closed on Friday, April 3rd in observance of Good Friday.

Members enjoyed seeing the 2026 Annual Photo Exhibit at the Carriage Barn in March.

April at a Glance

Wed., Apr. 1, 10am: Wednesday Walk with Kate at Irwin *NEW

Wed., Apr. 8, 12pm: Chat and Chew at Gates

Thurs., Apr. 9, 10am: Men's Coffee with Russ Barksdale at Staying Put

Fri., Apr. 10, 17, 24, 10am: Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Tues., Apr. 14, 12:30pm: Lunch & Learn - New Canaan Before New Canaan with Keith Simpson at Lapham Center

Wed., Apr. 15, 2:30pm: Earth Day and Ice Cream with John Kris of Planet New Canaan at Staying Put

Thurs., Apr. 16, 10am: Ladies' Coffee with Tiger Mann at Staying Put

Sun., Apr. 19, 11:30am: Staying Put Executive Director Gina Blum Speaks at 1st Presbyterian Church and Lunch

Sun., Apr. 19, 2-4pm: SLOBs Bring Out Patio Furniture

Tues., Apr. 21, 2pm: Tea with Elaine Gilner Friedman at Staying Put

Thurs., Apr. 23, 12pm: Pizza Lunch and All Things Gardening at Staying Put

Tues., Apr. 28, 12pm: SIlvermine Art Colony and Lunch at NCM&HS

Wed., Apr. 29, 12pm: Book Talk Group Lunch

Save the Date

Thurs., Jun. 4, 6pm-8:30pm: Summer Soirée at Waveny House

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Sarah Finnie & Joe Gatto, Pamela Levine, Diane Master, David & Joan O'Hayre,

Kathy Shusta

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.

Wednesday Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Wed., Apr. 1, 10am at Irwin Park

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

Chat and Chew at Gates Restaurant

Wed., Apr. 8, 12pm at Gates - 10 Forest St.

Join us for a delicious lunch and wonderful conversation with Staying Put friends. You'll pick up your tab for food and drinks. Let us know if you'd like to carpool from Staying Put. Pay with cash or credit card. RSVP by Tues., Apr. 7.

Men's Coffee with Russ Barksdale

Thurs., Apr. 9, 10am at Staying Put

Join the men of Staying Put for some hot coffee, snacks and good conversation with Wavney LifeCare Network President and CEO Russ Barksdale. Free. RSVP by Wed., Apr. 8.

Walk with Kate at Irwin Park

Fri., Apr. 10, 17, and 24 at 10am

Enjoy a walk in the park with fellow Staying Put members, weather permitting. Please meet in the lower lot. Kate will not be walking on Apr. 3 as the Staying Put office is closed. Note: This is for active members with no mobility issues. Free. RSVP by Thursday prior.

Lunch and Learn - New Canaan Before New Canaan with Keith Simpson

Tues., Apr. 14, 12:30pm at Lapham Center

Join us for lunch and a talk by Keith Simpson, a history enthusiast, who will share about the period from the early 1600’s to 1801 when the Town of New Canaan became an Incorporated Town in Connecticut. Free. RSVP to Staying Put by Fri., Apr. 10.

Earth Day and Ice Cream with John Kris of Planet New Canaan

Wed., Apr. 15, 2:30pm at Staying Put

Join us for ice cream and a conversation about sustainability in recognition of Earth Day. John Kris will share his thoughts on how we can better care for our environment and planet. Free. RSVP by Tues., Apr. 14.

Ladies' Coffee with Tiger Mann

Thurs., Apr. 16, 10am at Staying Put

Join the ladies' of Staying Put for some hot coffee, treats, and a conversation with the Director of New Canaan's Department of Public Works, Tiger Mann. You'll get up-to-date information about what is happening in and around town. This is a not-to-be-missed discussion. Free. RSVP by Wed., Apr. 15.

Gina Blum Speaks at First Presbyterian Church and Lunch

Sun., Apr. 19, 11:30am at 1st Presbyterian, 178 Oenoke Ridge

Discover how you can help make New Canaan a place where neighbors truly support one another at "There’s No Place Like Home". Join us for lunch and learn how to join, volunteer, and/or support Staying Put. Free. RSVP by Wed., Apr. 15.

SLOBs Bring Out the Patio Furniture

Sun., Apr. 19, 2-4pm at your home

Sign up to have the SLOBs stop by your home and get your patio furniture out of storage and ready for the beautiful Spring weather. You must be home between 2-4pm. Free. RSVP by Tues., Apr. 14.

A Conversation with Elaine G. Friedman

Tues., Apr. 21, 2pm at Staying Put

Join Elaine G. Friedman as she shares her insights from her newest book, Accepting Our Interdependence: The Key to Growing Older with Grace. Her book explores the many challenges and issues elders are likely to face. By increasing our awareness and understanding of these realities, we become better prepared to navigate the aging process with resilience and compassion. You'll receive a copy of her book. You are encouraged to send specific questions or areas of interest to Staying Put prior to the gathering. There will be tea and snacks following the conversation. RSVP by Wed., Mar. 18.

Pizza Lunch and All Things Gardening with Chris Reid

Thurs., Apr. 23, 12pm at Staying Put

Join us for a pizza lunch and Q&A with Chris Reid, Owner and Head Gardener of Bespoke Gardening. Please submit your biggest garden conundrums when you RSVP and Chris will address how to get unstuck from your specific chronic garden challenges. Free. RSVP by Mon., Apr. 20.

Lunch and Talk on the Silvermine Art Colony with Ed Vollmer and Susan Gunn Bromley

Tues., Apr. 28, 12pm at New Canaan Museum and Historical Society

Join us at the NCM&HS for a talk by Ed Vollmer and Susan Gunn Bromley on the story and history of this art colony and the beautiful works of art created right here in New Canaan. Lunch will be served. Free. RSVP by Fri., Apr. 24.

Book Talk Group Lunch

Wed., Apr. 29, 12pm at Staying Put

Share a delicious lunch and enjoyable time together with other Staying Put members who love to read. You'll hear about the latest books that are recommended as well as those that just didn't make the mark. Free. RSVP by Tues., Apr. 28.

Annual Summer Soirée

Thursday, June 4, 6-8:30

Waveny House

Mark your calendars for a beautiful summer evening with members, donors, sponsors, and friends of Staying Put at the stunning Waveny House.

Enjoy Chef Jeff’s down-home BBQ feast, complete with all the classic sides and homemade peach cobbler. We’ll also be treated to live music by guitarist and singer Nick Depuy, creating the perfect backdrop for great food, conversation, and community.

An evening not to be missed, it is a wonderful opportunity to gather, celebrate, and support Staying Put together.

Tickets can be purchased at Purchase Tickets and invitations will be mailed in May.

NOTE: Special price for Staying Put members - $75 per person

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact Gina at director@stayingputnc.org for more information.

Birthdays This Month

Pat Dobbs, Jack Foster, Martha Hutter, Meera Kapur, Carol MacKimm, Bill Malone, Geraldine Michalik, Laszlo Papp, Chris Place, Rita Schaeffer, Sandra Smith, Susan Socci, Barbara Stewart, Barbara Wentzel, Barbara Whitcomb, Denise Widen

Hello from Kate

When my family first moved to New Canaan in December of 2020 we were in a slump. No furniture, no friends, and no shovel to dig us out of what felt like an immeasurable amount of snow. I talk a lot about isolation and the importance of preventing it; but it can feel like an impossible, insurmountable task. That first winter here was one of those periods that handicapped us completely. It wasn’t until I woke up one sunny morning to see the very tips of our old elm trees starting to swell with life that I felt like I had made it through. We all cycle through our own personal winters and springs. It takes time, patience, some steps forward, and possibly some backwards, but we move through our seasons, hopefully circling towards a spring emergence time and time again. This most recent winter was a markedly different one for my family. Yes, the same layers of snow blanketed our property but our home is now our sanctuary, the town is our family, AND we invested in a professional snow plow. And one other thing remains the same – I still love the morning that happens only once a year when I open my eyes and see, for the first time, that the tops of our elms are standing a little taller, a little more eager, and preparing to bloom, letting me know that if I can allow myself to see it, there is more to come for all of us.

So now that the last piles of plowed snow have receded (hopefully!), the snowbells have bloomed, and the daffodils are pushing through the earth in the sunniest parts of town, I offer an invitation. You may know that I lead a walk on Friday mornings with our members. This time of year, Irwin is particularly wonderful because every week we are able to track the incremental changes that amount to a completely new season. At the urging of some of our members I am offering an additional walk the first Wednesday of the month starting April 1. No, it is no April Fool’s Day joke! I will be at Irwin at 10am in the parking lot just off Weed Street. I hope you will join me so we can connect with each other, with the beautiful landscape and tap into our own spring awakening.

Scammers Target Everyone

But Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable

Adapted and condensed from a New York Times article by Max Eddy

February 20, 2026

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, especially with new AI tools that help criminals mimic voices and craft convincing messages. Experts warn that while anyone can be targeted, older adults are often singled out because they may have more savings and less opportunity to recover lost money.

Common Signs of a Scam

Most scams share a few warning signs:

Urgency: Pressure to act immediately.
Secrecy: Requests not to tell family or friends.
Unusual payment methods: Demands for gift cards, cash pickups, cryptocurrency, or crypto ATM transfers.

If something feels rushed or unusual, pause and verify the request through a trusted contact.

Common Scams

Impostor scams: Someone pretends to be from your bank, the government, tech support, or another authority to get money or personal information.
Grandparent scams: A caller claims a grandchild is in trouble and urgently needs money.
Romance or investment scams: A scammer builds a relationship over weeks or months before asking for money or promoting fake investments.

Simple Ways to Protect Yourself

Pause and verify. If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and contact the organization directly using a known number.
Limit unknown calls and texts. Use phone features that filter unknown contacts.
Protect financial accounts. Set limits on transfers and consider monitoring credit reports or freezing credit.
Reduce personal information online. Limiting details on social media makes it harder for scammers to target you.
Create a family password. Families can agree on a shared password to confirm identity in emergencies.

If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Act quickly:

Contact your bank or credit card company to report the transaction.
Report the incident to authorities.
Seek help from the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360, which is free and open to everyone.

Most importantly, don’t be embarrassed to speak up. Scammers rely on silence and shame—sharing what happened can help stop them and protect others.

Staying Put Library's Newest Edition

MUV - The Story of the Mitford Girls' Mother

by Rachel Trethewey

A fascinating biography that shines a light on Lady Sydney Redesdale, the often-overlooked mother of the famous Mitford sisters. Trethewey combines careful research with engaging storytelling to reveal how “Muv” shaped the personalities and conflicts of her extraordinary daughters. The book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known family, making it an insightful and compelling read for anyone interested in British history and biography.

Stop by the Staying Put Library to borrow this or another of our great reads!

Community News and Events

Town of New Canaan

Shred Day

Transfer Station

Saturday, April 25, 2026

8am-1pm

Drive through service. No 3 ring Binders, metal clips, computer media or plastic covers.

Lapham Community Center

Wed., Apr. 1, 15, 12:30pm - Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Clinic. Free.

Thurs., Apr. 2, 16, Call for Appontment - Medicare Counseling. By appointment. Free. Please Register!

Wed., Apr. 8, 1pm - Hearing Aids: More Than Just Hearing. Hearing loss is highly treatable and addressing it early is essential. Free.

Fri., Apr. 10, 11am - Health Talks with Shannon and Ellen. Coffee, conversation and snacks. Free. Please Register!

New Canaan Library

Mon., Apr. 6, 13, 11am-5pm - VITA Free Tax Preparation. Please contact SimplifyCT with any questions or to register at 860-590-8910 or visit www.SimplifyCT.org.

Tues., Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2pm-4pm - Open Tech. Help with email, smartphones/tablets, social media, etc. Drop In. Free. No Registration Required.

Tues., Apr. 14, 1pm - Apple IPhone Basics. Free. Register Required.

Thurs., Apr. 30, 1pm - Navigating the New Landscape of Long-Term Care. Learn about the expanded options for long-term care that are available as the demand for care rises. Free. Registration Required.

New Canaan Carriage Barn

Mar. 19 - Apr. 3, 10am-3pm - Through Our Eyes - Annual New Canaan High School Art Exhibit.

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.

Gina Z. Blum

Executive DIrector

director@stayingputnc.org

Kate Brambilla

Manager of Member Services

members@stayingputnc.org

Kim Herr

Manager of Operations

operations@stayingputnc.org

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm

Friday: 9am-1pm

Please call us anytime

203-966-7762

Gina, Kate, & Kim

Staying Put In New Canaan

58 Pine Street

info@stayingputnc.org

Phone: 203-966-7762

Send Us A Message

Keep in Touch!