By Peter Barhydt
New Canaan residents offered a wide range of reflections on gratitude this week, highlighting service, community trust, shared history, and the quiet generosity that defines the town. The Sentinel gathered these thoughts as part of its annual Thanksgiving roundup, drawing directly from the voices of residents, faith leaders, officials, and community organizations.
What the Sentinel Is
Grateful For
The Sentinel is grateful for the character of this town, for the way New Canaan carries itself with generosity and steadiness. Falling in love with New Canaan has been made easy, wonderful.
The paper exists because of you. We are grateful for the readers who make time each week to follow the life of the town, for the neighbors who send in a photograph or a note because they want others to know something good has happened here, and for those who offer corrections or context. We are grateful for the volunteers who keep the civic engine running, for the small businesses that choose to stand with us, and for the people who gather at our coffees talk about the place we share; for every subscriber, every advertiser, every writer, every photographer.
In every corner of New Canaan, there is a quiet loyalty to community; the Sentinel is grateful to be a part of it.
Representative
Tom O’Dea
“As we gather this year in the spirit of Thanksgiving during these turbulent times, let us pause to recognize how blessed we are to live in such a wonderful community. Our town is extraordinary because of our outstanding employees and volunteers whose dedication and kindness make this place so special.
“This year, we mourn the recent loss of three amazing public servants—Keith Richey, Stuart Sawabini, and Jim Lisher. Their selfless service, compassion, and tireless commitment to New Canaan set an inspiring example for all of us.
“So this Thanksgiving, I am thanking God for my wonderful family and friends and for the honor to represent this outstanding community in Hartford.
“To all our employees and volunteers —past and present— please know how deeply we appreciate your service, compassion, and dedication.
“On behalf of our entire town, thank you!
“Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.”
Greg Reilly
I am thankful that, while working on a New Canaan Thanksgiving report years ago, I learned that expressing thanks has real, positive effects physically as well as emotionally. Since then, I give thanks to God many times a week for good health, strong family, and abilities to contribute to the public good.
Also, I remain grateful to New Canaan Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Luizzi, who shared with me The Happiness Advantage, which was part of the NCPS Emotional Intelligence program. Author Shawn Achor posits that, contrary to popular opinion, happiness is not the result of success; it is the cause of it.
Scott Hobbs
“I just had my 40th NCHS reunion with many classmates coming back to town. I was incredibly thankful to have been part of such a great group of people and for having been given the opportunity to grow up in New Canaan. My sense of gratitude was magnified by how much all of those who returned were impressed by what a simply wonderful place New Canaan was. While I know this, I experience it on a daily basis and have likely lost the perspective as to how special it is.”
First Selectman
Dionna Carlson
“This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the remarkable spirit of generosity that defines New Canaan. Every day, I’m inspired by the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, talents and energy to our schools, nonprofits, faith communities, and town programs. Their dedication strengthens the fabric of our community and adds to the vibrancy that makes New Canaan such a special place to call home. As we gather with family and friends, I extend my sincere thanks to all who contribute to the wellbeing of our town and embody the values we hold dear. Happy Thanksgiving.”
Msgr. Robert Kinnally, St. Aloysius Church
“I’m grateful for my amazing parish family in these days of giving thanks. Their faithfulness, prayerfulness, and generous spirits make it a joy to walk with them on our journey of faith. They teach me to trust in God, endure the storms of life, and celebrate blessings with great joy. They keep me humble and make me work harder to offer them consolation and peace. They are patient with me as I find the words and actions to bring them closer to God and one another. I look forward to joining them in the psalmist’s challenge: ‘Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love is everlasting!’”
Eric Thunem
“Of course, I’m thankful for the many blessings I’ve enjoyed in life – family, friends, humor, joy, kindness, peace. I’m thankful for food, a home, and freedom. I’m also thankful for the challenges life has thrown my way, because they have taught me a bit about patience. I’m thankful for people who disagree with me, because they stretch my thinking. I’m thankful for everyone who has ever said to me in times of distress, ‘breathe’. I’m thankful for all my yesterdays and all the tomorrows ahead.”
State Representative
Savet Constantine
“Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it reminds us to pause and gather with loved ones, sharing time over a meal to connect with one another. More than anything, I am grateful for the people who choose conversation, solutions, and understanding over division. This great American holiday reminds me that we can move forward together by learning, listening, and working toward a future we can all share with hope and gratitude.”
Paul Reinhardt, New Canaan Parent Support Group
“I’m amazed by the people I’ve run across in New Canaan who say, ‘let me know how I can help’, and mean it. Lately, I wanted to start a new website. My budget was miniscule. Yet magically, a person I respect, with over 25 years of tech experience, raised her hand. She believes in our mission and is offering her services for free. ‘Yes’ is the answer I get—time and time again—in our town.”
Geri Rhoades
“I’m not sure where to begin in expressing my gratitude this year. As I turn 65, I feel thankful for Medicare and grateful for the opportunity to have lived this long. I appreciate having found New Canaan and the wonderful people who live and play here. I’m also thankful for the goodness and kindness that surround me, as well as the friends and family who love me. I’ve gained wisdom in recognizing all of this, and I am truly grateful.”
Laura Budd, Executive Director, New Canaan Chamber of Commerce
“I am especially thankful for the strong partnerships that make the Chamber’s work possible, from Public Works and the Police Department to the dedicated team at Town Hall. Their collaboration and support ensure we can work together to serve our community effectively every day. I’m equally grateful for the incredible businesses I represent, whose creativity and passion truly make New Canaan such a vibrant and unique place.”
Tucker Murphy
“In New Canaan, there is so much to be grateful for. Our town is unique in the way it fosters a strong sense of pride, and in how many people truly show up each and every day. Whether through volunteering, supporting local organizations, or simply helping a neighbor, countless residents contribute to making this a community we are all proud to call home.”
Chief John DiFederico, New Canaan Police Department
One Thing in New Canaan I Am Grateful For
As Chief of Police, people often ask me what keeps me going after 30-plus years in law enforcement. My answer is always the same, and it has never been more true than it is today:
I am profoundly grateful for the trust that the people of New Canaan place in their police department — and, by extension, in every one of us who wears the badge.
That trust is not something we inherit; it is something we earn every single day. It shows up when a parent waves us down on Elm Street just to say thank you for keeping an eye on the schools. It shows up when a teenager feels comfortable enough to call a school resource officer because a friend is struggling. It shows up when residents leave their doors unlocked (please don’t, by the way) because they genuinely believe nothing bad can happen here — and then, when something does, they call us first, without hesitation.
In a time when many communities across the country are wrestling with fractured relationships between the public and the police, New Canaan stands apart. Our officers are invited to read to kindergarten classes at East School, coach youth sports, have coffee at Zumbach’s on Saturday mornings, and sit on panels at the Library discussing everything from traffic safety to mental health.
That mutual trust is the single most powerful crime-fighting and community-building tool we have. It is why our crime rate remains among the lowest in Connecticut. It is why our officers can focus on helping rather than just responding. And it is why, when I drive through Waveny or around God’s Acre on a crisp November afternoon, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the privilege of serving a town that still believes — truly believes — that we are all in this together.
So to every resident, business owner, student, and visitor who has ever offered a kind word, a plate of cookies at headquarters, or simply a nod of appreciation: thank you. Your trust is the one thing in New Canaan for which I will never stop being grateful.
Stay safe, look out for one another, and have a happy Thanksgiving.
With respect and gratitude.
