After its annual late-summer break, the Lapham Center has reopened its doors at Waveny Park, welcoming New Canaan residents back for a busy season of learning, community, and cultural events.
The Center, open to all town residents age 21 and older, has long served as a hub for classes, lectures, and social programs. With its fall 2025 calendar underway, Lapham is once again offering a wide range of activities—from music appreciation to Medicare counseling—that promise to keep the community engaged.
The season begins with a musical flourish. On Monday, September 8, pianist and lecturer David Stein will lead Beethoven: Ways of Listening, exploring one of the composer’s masterpieces through live piano illustrations and performance videos. The next morning, September 9, the Center will host an AARP Smart Driver™ course, giving residents a chance to refresh their skills and potentially reduce auto insurance costs.
Health and wellness programs are also high on the agenda. On September 10, sports medicine surgeon Dr. Carl Cirino will share pickleball injury-prevention tips in Stay Safe, Play Smart. Later in the month, Dr. Todd Miller of Stamford Health will present the latest advances in stroke and spine care. Weekly balance and posture classes, fitness programs, and fall-prevention workshops round out the Center’s commitment to keeping residents healthy and active.
Technology and timely topics will also take center stage. On September 16, New Canaan resident Peter Farnsworth will host Understanding AI: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters. That evening program includes dinner and demonstrations of AI tools in action. A few weeks later, on September 30, local students Cooper Young and George Geist return to teach tutorials on WhatsApp and Snapchat, helping residents stay connected with children and grandchildren.
Looking ahead, October brings special highlights, including New Canaan’s own filmmaker Claire Ayoub, who will join audiences for a dinner, screening, and conversation about her award-winning film Empire Waist on October 1. And for those curious about the cosmos, Sarah Bull will present The James Webb Telescope on October 18, showcasing new images from the early universe.
Practical programs remain a cornerstone at Lapham. Medicare open enrollment counseling begins October 15 and runs through December 5, following last year’s sessions that saved residents more than $380,000. A series of “lunch and learn” sessions will cover topics such as legal essentials for caregivers, home organizing and downsizing, and updates on town infrastructure projects with Public Works Director Tiger Mann.
From art classes and bridge groups to history discussions and cooking workshops, the Center’s schedule this fall is as diverse as it is full. And, of course, traditions like the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in November ensure that fellowship remains at the heart of Lapham’s mission.
Lapham Center is located in Waveny Park at 677 South Avenue, with a mailing address of 77 Main Street. For information on programs or to register, residents may call 203-594-3620 or email laphamcenter@newcanaanct.gov
