A local nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to honoring New Canaan athletes and sports figures from the past is holding its major annual fundraiser this month. The New Canaan Old Timers Association’s golf outing will be held Tuesday, June 25 at Fairchild Wheeler in Fairfield (tickets here). We put some questions to the organization’s vice president and historian, Terry Dinan.
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: For those who are unfamiliar with the organization, tell us about the New Canaan Old Timers Association’s origins.
New Canaan Old Timers Association
Terry Dinan: The New Canaan Old Timers was founded in 1982 by a dedicated group of longtime New Canaan residents who were very knowledgeable and passionate about this town’s long and storied athletic history. The original members from what I have been told included Vinny Socci, Johnny “Rabbit” Lapolla, George Paglialungo, Walt Ruscoe, Ad Tomaselli and some others. The group was modeled after some other similar organizations in Stamford and Norwalk with the idea of honoring athletes and sports figures from the past. It started with a casual clambake up at St Luke’s – it was an all-day event with breakfast and lunch and some bocci mixed in there. It has evolved a bit. Even so, the fundamentals are still the same, as is the motto – “Keeping the Past Alive.” It’s kind of cyclical. We honor past New Canaan athletes, coaches and other sports figures with the goal of raising proceeds that go toward scholarships for present NCHS athletes and donations to other charitable sports-related causes.
What are the main activities of the Old Timers today?
There are three main events the Old Timers host under the leadership of our new President, the great Bill Brown who took over from our former President, the equally great Lenny Paglialunga this past year. One is the honoree ceremony at Waveny in the fall. Another is the Homecoming Pancake Breakfast done in conjunction with the football team. The third is the golf event that is happening this year at Fairchild Wheeler on June 25th. The golf event used to be hosted by the New Canaan Fire Company. The Old Timers were asked to take it over back in 2015 so we are almost at a decade of hosting this.
How is the organization funded?
We are a 501c3 non-profit and rely 100% on individual donations and support through those three aforementioned events. For the golf event specifically, there are many different levels of sponsorships, from a regular donation to individual golfers and foursomes on up to tee sponsors and corporate sponsors. Along with Bill and myself we have a great group that includes Lauren Cerretani, Scott Overbeck, Darcy Smith, Matt Ready, Katey Twombly Ryan and Tad Keating. Former longtime members Lenny and Liza Paglialunga and Rick Ericson are still available for guidance and help wherever we might need it. And we are always looking for new members to join.
Tell us about what happens on June 25.
New Canaan Old Timers Association golf outing
It begins at noon up at Fairchild Wheeler in Fairfield with lunch. Foursomes then head out and play in a shotgun scramble format in which each foursome starts at a different hole. Everyone tees off then they drop their balls next to the best shot and hit again until they sink it. So as opposed to regular golf which is an individual sport, you’re playing as a team. It moves fast and is a lot of fun. When everyone is done the day concludes with a catered dinner and open bar. Prizes are awarded to the best scores, closest to the pin and longest drive. There are door prizes as well. Anyone interested can register today at ncoldtimers.com or contact Matt Ready at (203) 984-6499 or Scott Overbeck at (203) 820-0270 for more info. Scott, Matt and Tad specifically have done an amazing job along with Darcy Smith to take the event to the next level. We have gotten a good response so far but have plenty of room for more participants.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about participating in the golf outing at Fairchild Wheeler?
Please join us. All are very welcome. It is a great time and it all goes to a great cause. This year especially we are really pushing to make a connection with the next generation of New Canaanites so that we can keep this thing going. It’s so important that we continue to celebrate and honor New Canaan’s athletic history so that we can continue to help build its athletic future.