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Monday, May 25, 2026
There is perhaps no community event more associated with Kiwanis than Wilton’s Memorial Day celebration. After a weekend of hot dogs at the Village Market, Memorial Day starts with a Kiwanis old-fashion pancake breakfast at the Wilton Congregational Church at the end of the parade route and proceeds to Hillside Cemetery where members of the Kiwanis will play a meaningful role. A visit to the American Legion Post follows. The whole day is small-town Americana at its most appealing, reflecting cherished values.
Of note especially this year is the Memorial Day Parade's honoring of Kiwanis members Doug Jones (USA) posthumously, and Don Shannehan (USMC) as this year's Grand Marshalls. In addition, Bill Brennan (USAF) will be the keynote speaker at the Hillside Cemetery Tribute following the parade.
Lastly, the following Wilton Vets with a Kiwanis connection, and deceased since last Memorial Day, will be honored with a final reading of their name by Jeff Turner and a bell toll: Gerry Carney, Tom Harrington, Doug Jones, and Charlie Lewis.
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Pancake Breakfast 2026
Join us the morning of Memorial Day for a community favorite—fresh pancakes, good company, and a great start to the day before the celebrations begin.
Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2026
8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Wilton Congregational Church
70 Ridgefield Road
Wilton, CT
Cost:
Adults $16.00
Kids 6-12 $8.00
Under 6 Free
Family Maximum $ 50.00
| | | Other "Can’t Miss" Upcoming Events | | |
87th Annual
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
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Wilton Garden Club’s 87th Annual
Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Town Center Gazebo
The Wilton Garden Club’s 87th Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale returns to the Wilton Town Green this weekend, featuring locally grown flowers, herbs, vegetables, native plants, hanging baskets, dahlias, and Mother’s Day gifts. Certified Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer tips and advice, with proceeds supporting beautification and conservation projects throughout Wilton.
Hosted by:
Wilton Garden Club
Friday, May 8 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wilton Town Green Gazebo
Wilton, CT
Rain or Shine — Fully Tented Event
Locally grown flowers, herbs, vegetables, native plants, hanging baskets, dahlias, and Mother’s Day gifts, with Certified UConn Master Gardeners on hand offering gardening tips and advice.
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Community Shred Day
Securely destroy sensitive documents and help protect your identity at this convenient community event.
Hosted in partnership with:
Wilton Go Green + Kiwanis Club of Wilton
Saturday, May 9
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
(or until the truck is full)
Wilton Historical Society
224 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT
Suggested Donation:
$20 per bag or box
(Maximum 5 per person)
No appointment needed — just drive up!
| | | Wilton Congregational Church | | 300th Anniversary Celebration | | |
Wilton Congregational Church 300th
Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate 300 years of faith, fellowship, and community as Wilton Congregational Church marks this extraordinary milestone.
Founded in 1726, the church originally known as Wilton Parish stands at the very beginning of the Wilton community. Join in a yearlong celebration honoring its rich history and vibrant future.
Key Events:
Memorial Day Parade Participation
Monday, May 25, 2026
The church joins the community in honoring veterans and celebrating shared tradition.
300th Anniversary Worship Celebration
Sunday, June 7, 2026
A joyful, large-scale service featuring special music and a community celebration to follow.
Check Out this Documentary Video:
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Test your local knowledge about Wilton’s Memorial Day traditions:
1. Where has the Wilton Memorial Day ceremony NOT taken place?
a. Zion's Hill Cemetery
b. Hillside Cemetery
c. Foot of Sharp Hill
2. How many current Kiwanis members are veterans?
a. More than 10%
b. More than 15%
c. More than 20%
3. How many years has the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast taken place?
a. 25
b. 35
c. 50
Answers:
- a, 2. c, 3. c
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Judith B. Zucker Community
Engagement Award Presentation
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The Kiwanis Club of Wilton proudly presented the inaugural 2026 Judith B. Zucker Community Engagement Award at its April luncheon.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
This year’s honoree was Virginia “Gini” Benin of Wilton, recognized for more than 50 years of impactful service, leadership, and civic engagement.
Created in partnership with the Zucker family, the $5,000 award honors individuals who reflect Judy Zucker’s legacy of kindness, generosity,
and deep commitment to the community.
It was a meaningful celebration of an extraordinary legacy and a truly deserving recipient.
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First Quarter Food Drive Recap
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton First Quarter Food Drive, held March 6–8, was a strong success, generating $11,834 in cash and gift cards to support Wilton residents facing food insecurity.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a meaningful impact in our community.
Save the Date: Our next Feed Wilton Food Drive will take place June 5, 6 & 7. We look forward to continuing this important community effort together.
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“All of us at Wilton Social Services are extremely grateful for all that Kiwanis does for the Wilton Food Pantry. By being able to provide gift cards for the Village Market and Stop & Shop, eligible shoppers are able to supplement our non-perishable offerings with fresh produce, dairy and meat. The donations from the Kiwanis club are especially important at this time given the rising cost of all basic needs and the fact that the food pantry is serving an increasing number of eligible Wilton residents every month.”
Stephanie JB Rowe MS LMSW
Director of Social Services
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Guest Speaker Spotlight:
Patrick Carroll of Gopher Ice Cream
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was excited to welcome Patrick Carroll for an engaging and enjoyable lunch presentation featuring Gopher Ice Cream. Patrick shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including building Electric Symphony Media from the ground up and expanding into the franchise world with Gopher Ice Cream. Members learned about the importance of local entrepreneurship, community engagement, and potential partnership opportunities within the Wilton community. The presentation concluded with a fun surprise as the Gopher Ice Cream truck arrived, treating attendees to complimentary ice cream and adding a sweet finish to a memorable afternoon.
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Guest Speaker Spotlight:
Michael Bellacosa
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was honored to welcome Michael Bellacosa for a fascinating presentation on The Brubeck Collection at the Wilton Library. Michael shared insights into one of the world’s most significant single-artist jazz archives, home to more than 22,000 cataloged items preserving the legacy of legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck. He also highlighted the launch of the Brubeck Collection’s digital archive, which expanded global access to rare recordings, historic memorabilia, and stories showcasing Brubeck’s influence on jazz, civil rights, and American cultural history, further placing Wilton on the international cultural map.
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Kiwanis Supported Wilton’s Annual
Townwide Cleanup Day
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was honored to present a check in support of Wilton’s 26th Annual Townwide Cleanup Day, hosted by the Wilton Conservation Commission on April 6, 2024. Community volunteers of all ages gathered at the Town Green to help beautify Wilton by removing litter from local roadways and the banks of the Norwalk River. The event also featured raffle prizes donated by Wilton Kiwanis and Wilton Hardware, along with complimentary pizza coupons from Pinocchio Pizza for participating volunteers.
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Kiwanis Club Check Presentation to Woodcock Nature Center
On April 1, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton proudly presented a $3,300 check to Woodcock Nature Center to support electrical infrastructure improvements at the Hillside Tent and enhancements to the Natural Playground. Accepted by Executive Director Lenore Herbst, the donation will help maintain and strengthen the Nature Center’s hands-on educational programs and outdoor spaces, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for children, families, and the entire Wilton community.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service:
Greg Perry Honored by Kiwanis
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton recently surprised longtime member Greg Perry with a heartfelt celebration honoring his extraordinary 50 years of service and remarkable 100% attendance record. Organized by Kevin Craw and featuring a special slideshow created by Michael Franco and Mary Anne Franco, the event brought together family, friends, past members, and fellow Kiwanians to recognize Greg’s decades of leadership, dedication, and community impact. Greg was presented with a commemorative certificate and official 50-year Kiwanis pin during an evening filled with gratitude, celebration, and appreciation for his lasting contributions to both the club and the Wilton community.
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Kiwanis Club Welcomed Trackside
Teen Center Leadership
On March 18, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton welcomed Lori Fields and John Priest as featured guest speakers. Their presentation highlighted the important role Trackside Teen Center played in providing Wilton teens and pre-teens with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they built friendships, confidence, leadership skills, and positive life experiences. Members learned more about Trackside’s after-school programs, weekend activities, and community-driven mission to create a welcoming space where local youth connected, grew, and thrived.
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Guest Speaker Spotlight:
Toni Boucher
On March 11, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton welcomed Toni Boucher as a featured guest speaker for a compelling presentation on her memoir, Stone Doll: An Immigrant’s Memoir from War-Torn Italy to The American Dream. Toni shared the inspiring story of her family’s journey from wartime hardship and poverty in rural Italy to building a new life in Connecticut, reflecting on resilience, education, leadership, and the immigrant experience. Members and guests heard powerful insights on public service, overcoming adversity, Holocaust education, combating antisemitism, and the enduring promise of the American dream during a thoughtful and inspiring discussion.
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Guest Speaker Spotlight:
Tom Shimko
On February 18, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Wilton welcomed Tom Shimko as a featured guest speaker for his presentation, “Strengthening Wilton’s Roots: A SCORE & The Wilton Economic Development Commission Overview.” Tom shared insights from his extensive career as a senior marketing executive and discussed the important work of SCORE Western Connecticut in mentoring small businesses and entrepreneurs. He also highlighted the efforts of the Wilton Economic Development Commission to support local business growth, strengthen the community’s economic foundation, and sustain a vibrant local economy in Wilton.
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Michael Crystal
Special Valentine’s Program
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was delighted to welcome back Michael Crystal for another memorable Valentine’s Day program, “The Soundtrack of Love.” Michael delivered a warm, engaging, and uplifting presentation that brought members together through humor, connection, and interactive movie trivia that was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Drawing from his extensive experience as an organizational psychologist and leadership coach, Michael once again created a fun and meaningful afternoon that celebrated community, positivity, and the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
| | | Four Climate Change Groaners |
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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
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