By Peter Barhydt
The Carriage Barn Arts Center was filled last week with applause, gratitude, and more than a few laughs as the Town of New Canaan gathered to honor its latest class of dedicated public servants at the Town Service Recognition event.
With Selectman Steve Karl acting as the master of ceremonies, the evening celebrated what he called the “Class of 2025” — residents who, through years and in many cases decades of volunteer service, have helped form “the foundation that holds this community together.”
“Volunteerism is the bedrock of New Canaan,” Karl said in opening remarks. “Whether elected, appointed, or coerced into public service, these individuals answered the call and dedicated years of their lives to moving this community forward.”
Honoring Leadership and Integrity
Among those recognized was Tom Butterworth, who served on the Town Council from 2017 to 2025. Former council colleague Hilary Ormond described Butterworth as a mentor and a model of integrity, praising his ability to work across party lines and his willingness to step aside to spend more time with family.
“He always reached across the aisle,” Ormond said. “In divisive times, that’s almost heroic.”
Butterworth received an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly recognizing his civic service, which also included leadership roles with the New Canaan Chamber Music organization, the Town Players, youth football, and First Presbyterian Church.
Service With Substance — and Humor
Rich Townsend, another former Town Council member and chair of the Utilities Commission, was recognized for his steady judgment and diligence. First Selectman Dionna Carlson highlighted his long-term approach to decision-making, and his behind-the-scenes influence on town governance.
“Rich ensured that every question was examined and every conversation grounded,” Carlson said, adding a lighter note by recalling his memorable appearance at a Gridiron Dinner roast.
Townsend echoed a theme repeated throughout the night: the irreplaceable value of volunteers. “This town can’t afford the volunteers it has,” he said. “You couldn’t put a team like this together.”
A Champion for Schools
One of the evening’s most heartfelt tributes was reserved for Penny Rashin, who concluded 18 years on the Board of Education. Board of Selectmen member Amy Murphy Carroll estimated that Rashin devoted more than 6,000 volunteer hours to town service, including leadership on major building projects such as Saxe Middle School, New Canaan High School, and the police department renovation.
“Schools don’t just happen,” Carroll said. “It’s the people in the seats doing the work.”
Rashin, who continued her service long after her own children graduated, emphasized resilience and community collaboration in her remarks. “The best thing I ever did was serve,” she said. “I’ve gotten so much joy from it.”
Financial Stewardship and Quiet Leadership
Tom Schulte, who served 11 years on the Board of Finance, was praised by Chairman Todd Lavieri for asking “the best questions,” working tirelessly behind the scenes, and approaching every issue with respect and collaboration.
“He worked nights and weekends on behalf of residents and taxpayers,” Lavieri said. “If there were a volunteer Hall of Fame, he’d be in it.”
A Lifetime of Community Service
The evening also honored Beth Jones, a lifelong New Canaan resident whose service spans local government, nonprofits, and civic groups. Town Administrator Tucker Murphy called Jones “the kind of person who makes New Canaan, New Canaan,” highlighting her warmth, pragmatism, and trailblazing role as the first woman to serve on the Fire Commission.
Jones thanked the town for “the honor and privilege and joy” of serving across generations.
Guiding the Town Through Crisis
One of the most moving recognitions went to Dr. David Reed, who served as New Canaan’s Town Medical and Health Director from 2004 to 2024. Superintendent of Schools Bryan Luizzi detailed Reed’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when daily 8 a.m. calls helped guide the town through unprecedented challenges.
“He runs toward the crisis,” Luizzi said. “Always with compassion, intelligence, and calm.”
Reed reflected on the town’s long-standing support of its health department and the foresight that allowed New Canaan to respond swiftly during the pandemic. “It’s a great town,” he said. “I miss it — but I’m two miles from my granddaughters.”
Remembering Those Lost
The ceremony also paused to remember several volunteers who passed away over the past year, including George Maranis, Keith Richey, Jim Lisher, Linda Androse, and Stewart Sawabini, each remembered for decades of service spanning finance, public safety, conservation, aging services, and emergency preparedness.
“These individuals leave a legacy of compassion, dedication, and unwavering community spirit,” Carlson said.
A Community Effort
Karl closed the evening by thanking local organizations, businesses, and families who support town volunteers, emphasizing that behind every public servant is a network of spouses, children, and neighbors who make that service possible.
“They’re the unsung heroes,” he said. “Without them, this town wouldn’t be what it is.”
As attendees lingered over donated food and wine, the message of the night was clear: New Canaan’s strength lies not only in its institutions, but in the people who quietly, consistently give their time to serve others.
