Dear Editor:
Over the past few weeks, I have been in a privileged position to witness the incredible generosity and community spirit of the members of our town toward our senior population. From volunteers who have been keeping seniors safe by doing their grocery shopping, to Grace Farms donating delicious soup to some of our members every week, to other volunteers making friendly calls, the outpouring of caring has been heartwarming to see. Someone once told me that events like this pandemic happen to remind all of us how to be human. If that is true, then that humanity was on full display this past Easter weekend.
Janeen Socci, a town resident, along with her entire family and a number of friends, delivered beautiful flowering plants to all of Staying Put’s 150 families on Sunday. This was no small undertaking. Janeen raised money from other caring members of the community, purchased the flowers, loaded them onto a trailer, wrote notes to each family, included chocolate kisses, and then organized a group of volunteers to deliver the Easter surprises to everyone’s home.
When Janeen approached Staying Put with this idea, she shared with me that her own mother lives in Florida, and she knows how it feels to be separated from loved ones during this time. This led her to think about the older adults in New Canaan and how COVID-19 has limited their interaction with family, friends, and the community. She wanted to make sure each of our member families received a special token of the community’s appreciation of them.
From all of Staying Put’s members to the Socci family and friends, we thank you. Your kindness has brought smiles, laughter, and even tears, to us all. I am reminded, once again, of what a very special place New Canaan is.
With gratitude,
Nicola Holzberger
Director, Member Services
Staying Put in New Canaan
Beautiful! So thoughtful and caring to think of the seniors especially during these challenging times. Love love the Socci family!