After a year’s wait and several postponements, Stay at Home in Wilton celebrated its 10th anniversary on Sunday, June 13, with 100 members, volunteers, and special friends in attendance at the Shore and Country Club in Norwalk.
It was clear from the energy in the room and the laughter and smiles shared by all that everyone was excited to connect with friends they hadn’t seen in over a year.
Stay at Home in Wilton president Sally Kirmser Maraventano kicked off the presentation with remarks: “Having to delay the gala was disappointing, to say the least, but Wilton’s seniors are resilient, positive, and cheerful.”
One member observed that Stay at Home in Wilton is really about connections, and that reconnecting with friends was the spark that ignited the evening.
To commemorate the hard work and devotion to the organization by founders Phil and Anne Richards, original board members Ann Newton and Dick King presented the couple with a special citation from First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice that read, “On behalf of the Town of Wilton, we honor you for your outstanding commitment to the Wilton Community.”
When asked if he ever imagined a celebration like this 10 years ago, Phil Richards responded, “Not in a million years!”
Doug Jones, keynote speaker and one of the original 10 members of Stay at Home in Wilton, reflected on living in Wilton for over 62 years, the first meeting at Trackside, and the importance the organization held for him and his beloved wife, Betty.
Over the course of the evening, special recognition was given to 10 of the original founding members.
Stay at Home in Wilton looks forward to the next 10 years of serving the seniors in Wilton.