NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com.
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To the Editor:
On behalf of The Glass House, I want to thank the New Canaan community for making our 2026 Summer Party, held on June 6, such a tremendous success.
It was a perfect early-summer day — sunny, warm, and made for being outdoors — and it was wonderful to see so many neighbors and friends turn out to enjoy the site. We were honored to welcome guests for an afternoon of art, conversation, and discovery across the property, including performances curated by Solange Knowles and her team at Saint Heron, featuring choreographer Kyle Abraham and dancers performed by Alysia Johnson and Catherine Kirk with music by Standing On The Corner, vocalist Malcolm Merriweather and Voices of Harlem: Marlaina Owens, Lucia Bradford, and Angelo Johnson, and pianist Artina McCain. It was a rare and moving combination of historic architecture and contemporary artistry.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and partners. Our sincere thanks to Knoll, Design Within Reach, MaxMara, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and Land Rover Darien for their support, as well as to artist Dozie Kanu and the more than 70 artists who contributed to our benefit auction.
We’d also like to give special recognition to Luke and his team at Elm Restaurant, whose beautiful catering was a highlight of the day for so many guests. Special thanks to Byredo, Elm Côte de Provence Rosé, Govino, Litchfield Distillery, Loonen, Modern Houseplant, and New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton Magazine.
Finally, thank you to the many local residents and businesses whose support, patience, and enthusiasm make events like this possible. We are deeply grateful to be part of this community, and we look forward to welcoming you back to The Glass House soon.
With gratitude,
Kirsten Reoch
Executive Director, The Glass House
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Dear Editor,
On Thursday, June 4, Staying Put in New Canaan hosted its annual Summer Soirée at Serafresca at the IC, bringing together members, volunteers, sponsors, and friends for an evening of celebration and community. The Summer Soirée is Staying Put’s signature fundraising event, helping to support our mission of enabling older adults to live confidently and independently in their own homes while remaining active and connected in the community.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this year’s event. Thank you to Serafresca at the IC and its staff for the lovely setting and outstanding hospitality. Thank you also to our guitarist and singer Nick Depuy for his beautiful music.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors whose support helps make Staying Put’s transportation services, volunteer assistance, educational programs, and social opportunities possible.
Benefactor Sponsors
• Anderson Fund
• Cindy and Paul Bamatter
• Dr. Sherman M. Bull and Peggy Risom Bull
• Jo and Peter Ziesing
Champion Sponsors
• Betsy and Fred Afragola
• Christine and Tom Ayoub
• Bankwell
• The Country Club of New Canaan
• CrossBay Capital Partners
• Hutchinson Tree Care Specialists, Inc.
• Karp Associates Inc.
• New Canaan Pharmacy
• Walter Stewart’s Market
• Waveny LifeCare Network
Supporter Sponsors
• C&H Automotive
• DEANE, Inc.
• Karen and Tom Ferguson
• Hobbs, Inc.
• Susan and Ned Leeming
• New Canaan Board of Realtors
Friend Sponsors
• Cassie Domino, KRK Team at Compass
• Denise Gannalo, New Canaan Realtor
• Hoyt Funeral Home
• Karp & Langerman P.C.
• Lions Club of New Canaan
• Michele Murray Sloan Real Estate
• New Canaan Dentistry, Paul Harbottle, DDS
• New Canaan Foreign Car Service
• Oasis Senior Advisors
• Privatus Care
• Donna & Joe Simone
Media Sponsor
• The New Canaanite
We also thank the many local businesses and organizations that donated items and services in support of the event. Their generosity contributed greatly to the evening’s success and reflects the remarkable spirit of giving that makes New Canaan such a special community.
Thank you to:
- Blow & Glow Blow Dry Bar
- Canaan Nails
- Cherry Street Cheese & Provisions
- Cherry Street East
- Cherry Street Salon
- Ciel Eau Day Spa
- Craftbottlz
- Debonair Cleaners & Tailors
- Elm Street Books
- Found
- Gates
- Grace Farms
- Italian Center of Stamford
- Joe’s Pizza=
- Jul Salon
- Julia Balentine Fine Jewelry
- Locali
- Lombardi’s Ristorante & Bar
- Lyn Chivvis, Massage Therapist
- Mayflower Home Organizing
- Me & U Cookie, Co.
- Nantucket Monogram
- New Canaan Car Spa
- New Canaan Chamber Music
- New Canaan Healthfare
- New Canaan Playhouse
- New Canaan Racquet Club
- Northeast Building & Home
- On the Fly Travel
- One Twenty Three Restaurant
- PennyWeights
- Portraits, Inc.
- Rosie
- Sanda’s Cleaners
- Spiga
- Summer Theatre of New Canaan
- Taylors Luggage
- The Waveny Tavern
- The White Buffalo
- The Whitney Shop
- Tony’s Deli
- Wegmans
Finally, we would like to recognize the dedicated Staying Put staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers whose hard work and commitment make our mission possible every day. Their efforts ensure that older adults in our community have access to the support, resources, and connections they need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Staying Put Summer Soirée such a memorable and fun evening.
For more information about Staying Put in New Canaan, to donate, or to get involved, please visit https://stayingputnc.org/.
Sincerely,
Peter Ziesing— President, Board of Directors
Gina Blum — Executive Director, Staying Put in New Canaan