New Canaan Rotary Club

06/03/2026

Guest speaker Rich Townsend highlighted how Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County builds more than homes—they build opportunity. 🏡💙

Since 1985, Habitat has completed 300+ homes across Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford & Stamford. Families partner through sweat equity, financial training, and zero‑interest mortgages—keeping housing affordable for the long term.

From Energy Star homes to the Stratford ReStore, the impact is real—and they need YOU!

🙌 Volunteers of all kinds are welcome: construction, admin, legal, design, and more. Join in and make a difference!
.habitat.restore

06/03/2026

05/18/2026

A glimpse into the future of The Glass House!

Carolyn Corcoran introduced Kirsten Reoch, Executive Director of The Glass House, who shared exciting updates on restoring the iconic lower landscape.

Originally established in 1945, the 49-acre site—designed by Philip Johnson and David Whitney—now includes 14 buildings and a dynamic mix of art, performance, and cultural programming.  The current restoration will revive the pond, Pavilion, and Lincoln Kirstein Tower—repairing aging concrete, restoring lost design elements, dredging the pond, and bringing back its dramatic fountain. Beyond preservation, The Glass House continues to thrive with exhibitions, tours, and events—including collaborations, lectures, and the much-anticipated Summer Party on June 6. A project with a vision for long-term preservation—honoring the past while reimagining the future!

05/17/2026

2026 Rotary Day of Service!
Rotary Clubs and members around the world came together to inspire hope through meaningful community projects. In partnership with the New Canaan Land Trust, New Canaan Rotarians and families rolled up their sleeves to tackle invasive plant species, helping restore and protect the local ecosystem while promoting a healthier environment for all!

05/05/2026

Keith Simpson introduced Sarah Carey, New Canaan Town Planner, who shared how zoning has evolved—from the town’s first 1932 zoning map to today’s reforms.

With the 10‑year Plan of Conservation and Development guiding the way, New Canaan is responding to new state requirements (HB 8002) around middle housing, mixed‑use development, and parking. Planning & Zoning is also working to modernize and streamline regulations to better support a vibrant, evolving town.

04/28/2026

2026 Clean Your Mile! ✨🌱

Each year, the Rotary Club of New Canaan proudly rolls up its sleeves to help keep our town clean, beautiful, and welcoming for all. We’re excited to once again take part in Clean Your Mile, a town-wide initiative brought together by New Canaan Chamber of Commerce and Planet New Canaan. 

04/28/2026

An inspiring update on the future of Waveny LifeCare 💙

Leo Karl reflected on Waveny’s long‑standing connection with Rotary and the deep community impact it continues to have—highlighted by the fact that three of the last four Waveny Board Chairs have been Rotarians. When asked who in the room knew someone served by Waveny, nearly every hand went up—a powerful reminder of its reach.

Post‑pandemic, Waveny took a hard look at evolving healthcare needs. Three challenges stood out: a shortage of short‑term rehab space, a critical nursing workforce gap, and a growing need for charity care as patients outlive their financial resources. While Waveny’s main campus includes 76 nursing care beds and 44 memory care beds, its impact extends far beyond—serving 900+ patients across Fairfield County through hospice and visiting nurse services, and operating Waveny Inn with additional residential care.

To meet rising demand, Waveny is building a 38,000‑square‑foot expansion dedicated to short‑term care and rehabilitation. The project will add 30 private rehab rooms, doubling capacity and enabling care for ~400 patients annually.

This transformative effort is powered by the Build. Care. Protect. campaign

04/23/2026

Frank Lyon, here with President Tom Ferguson, gave us a report on his commitment to his work with and his trip with them to Gaza and Jerusalem, a powerful story.

04/13/2026

Tom introduced our speaker, Dr. Roger Silva of Live Well Physical Therapy, an in‑home physical therapy practice. With 24+ years of experience, a Doctorate in PT, and as a faculty member at Sacred Heart University, Roger shared why movement matters.

He highlighted how PT helps maintain strength, flexibility, reduce pain, manage arthritis, prevent falls, and even avoid surgery. Regular activity improves balance, bone health, and quality of life—and many “reasons” to avoid exercise are really just excuses.

His key reminder: movement supports independence and prevents injury. Strength, balance, and awareness of fall risks make all the difference as we age!