NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters. Email letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.
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Dear Editor,
Since 1998, our community has been recognizing “unsung heroes” in our community – individuals who volunteer to serve our community and are rarely rewarded for their selfless efforts. These outstanding volunteers devote their most valuable resource, time, for the benefit of the New Canaan community and deserve appreciation and recognition for their impact. The New Canaan Community Foundation is proud to lead this vital community program through the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards.
Earlier this month, the Volunteer Recognition Committee reviewed all the many nominations submitted in order to select this year’s extraordinary volunteers – including youth volunteers; adult volunteers; Board members; “hands on” volunteers, who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get to work; and volunteer groups – within our community. We are proud to announce this year’s awardees:
- Hands-On Hall of Fame – Tom Davies, Lapham Community Center
- Board Leadership – Mark Markiewicz, New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
- Hands-On, MVP Award – Linda Wolfgruber, New Canaan Mounted Troop
- Hands-On, MVP Award – Jim Fox, Future Five
- Hands-On, MVP Award – Ty Tan, New Canaan Beautification League
- Hands-On, Rookie of the Year Award – Silvana Cardona, New Canaan Fire Company No. 1
- Outstanding Group, Community Heroes – New Canaan EMS Volunteers
- Outstanding Group, Community Impact – Swap Shop Volunteers
- Youth MVP Award – Ryan Boulanger, Person to Person
- Youth MVP Award – Adelaide Tuff, Open Doors
- Youth Community Leadership – Leo Mikkola-Patel, NCHS
- Youth Initiative – Grace Baker, Waveny Lifecare Network
- Community Foundation Award – Meghan Gould, NCCF
- Jim Cole Inspiration Award – Barbara Johansen, Staying Put in New Canaan
These volunteers will be recognized at the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards at the New Canaan Town Hall Meeting Room on Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00pm. A celebratory reception will follow at Pesca.
Our community is very fortunate to have many caring volunteers who go above and beyond, and we are proud and honored to have the opportunity to recognize their efforts.
Sincerely,
Tracey Karl and Marley Thackray
Volunteer Recognition Committee Co-Chairs
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At this time of year as we think about all that we are grateful for, the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels of New Canaan would like to thank the hundreds of New Canaan residents, community groups and local businesses that make it possible for us to provide nutritious meals to New Canaan residents.
In the past year, Meals on Wheels of New Canaan has provided over 18,000 nutritious meals to town residents who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. Each weekday, including holidays and in all weather, our volunteer drivers deliver meals directly into the homes of our New Canaan clients. These meals are often enhanced with flowers or homemade cards from local community groups to cheer our clients’ days.
While all of the meals we deliver are at least partially subsidized, 69% of our clients are fully subsidized by Meals on Wheels receiving meals at no cost. Our generous donors ensure that in New Canaan no one goes without healthy and hot food because of financial need.
The Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels of New Canaan would like to thank each and every one of our delivery drivers and donors for your time, kindness and unwavering support. We would especially like to thank:
Bankwell, First County Bank, First Presbyterian Church, Gates Restaurant + Bar, Jim and Dede Bartlett Foundation, Newcomers of New Canaan, New Canaan Artisans, New Canaan Community Foundation, Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events, Stewart’s Wine and Spirits, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, The Congregational Church of New Canaan, The Exchange Club of New Canaan, The Rotary Club of New Canaan, Town of New Canaan,
United Methodist Church, and Walter Stewart’s Market.
In addition, our annual fundraising drive is going on now. Please check your mailboxes for our Annual Fund letter or visit us online at www.mowofnc.org to make a donation. You can also support us through our wine fundraiser by stocking up for your holiday needs at Walter Stewart’s Wine and Spirits on November 20th between the hours of 1 and 6 pm. If you are interested in delivering Meals on Wheels, visit us at www.mowofnc.org.
With sincere thanks,
The Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels of New Canaan
Michele Murray Sloan, President
Meghan Cioffi, Lauren Corbett, Leslie Crowley, Erica Evans, Maryalice Gelhaus, Ann Gervase, Shona Goldenberg, Meg Mehos, Elizabeth Stuart, Jennifer Van de Graaf, Steve Van de Graaf