Distinguished Service Committee

The NCMC Distinguished Service Committee receives nominations each February for the NCMC Distinguished Service Award (DSA) for outstanding service by a member to the Club, the town, and surrounding communities.

The program is designed to bring recognition to the recipient and to our New Canaan Men’s Club where members share thousands of hours each year, their skills, and their resources for the benefit of others.

Nominations are due February 15, a one to two page document describing long term service to the club and to the Town of New Canaan and surrounding communities. Include organizations supported, service and other contributions and benefits provided to the organizations.

Email to Ralph Hills at distinguishedservice@newcanaanmensclub.org

Please see the complete nomination process at this link: Link to slides.

Our Committee:


Brian Hollstein
Jim Lisher
Harvey Place
Nick Yanicelli
David Hunt
Jack Messert
Pete Stair
Stephen Johnson
Joel Pelzner
Roger Williams
In Memoriam Jack Murray
Vance Ward
Jim Schlumpf
Bob Witt

Chairman: Ralph Hills  rhills@acadco.com


Congratulations to – our 2023  New Canaan Men’s Club – Distinguished Service Award

The New Canaan Men’s Club has recognized Roger Williams with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award, presented annually to a club member who has provided exceptional, long-term service to the club, the Town of New Canaan, and its’ surrounding communities.

Roger is an active club member since joining in 2017 and has also been a busy community volunteer.

Roger was club president in 2020 and one of his first tasks was to lead the club through our transition to an independent 501(c)3 organization.

Roger, using his interest in technology, helped set up our remote Zoom technology so our club stayed active during the Covid years. Roger is our technology committee chairman leading our A/V and web presence and connecting our guest speakers every Friday at our meetings at 10:00 a.m. at St Mark’s Church.

In the community, Roger is active with Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit with a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Roger has worked on 16 different homes in Connecticut.

Roger, has supported Inspirica, a non-profit in Stamford, which strives to end homelessness and housing insecurity through support services and affordable housing.

Roger is active at New Canaan’s Powerhouse Theater building stage sets and assisting with physical stage productions.

At the Lapham Community Center in partnership with the men’s club, Roger has been part of our team supporting the website and A/V technology.

Club President Mickey Stayman stated “Roger’s contributions are an enduring example of how our members contribute to our community and beyond”. We are pleased to recognize Roger with this honor, his work is an inspiration to us all.”


Congratulations to – our 2022  New Canaan Men’s Club – Distinguished Service Award

The New Canaan Men’s Club has recognized Joel Pelzner with the 2022 Distinguished Service Award, presented annually to a club member who has provided exceptional, long-term service to the club, the Town of New Canaan, and its’ surrounding communities.

“Joel is one of our most active club members and supports senior living in New Canaan in several ways” said Awards Committee Chairman Ralph Hills. This honor recognizes not only one person, but also serves as an example of how the New Canaan Men’s Club’s 370 members donate their time and talents to support numerous public and civic organizations.

Joel served as club president in 2013 after having served as VP.

Joel loves to stay busy, serving on the CPR committee educating members about heart safety, on the Visiting Volunteers committee supporting members during challenging times, is Co-Chair of Amateur Chefs and New Member Orientation. Joel is also active on the Directory Committee, the Golf Committee, the Nominating Committee, and on the Humorist Committee.

Yes, Joel is often a committee chair, but for those of us who know Joel, he is as busy being a cook, a chair mover, a meeting planner, and doing any job. Joel is a leader by example.

In our community, Joel is co-president of the Board of Directors at Schoolhouse Apartments helping seniors live comfortably and safely, where before that he was treasurer. Joel is on the board of Staying Put in New Canaan, and at Lapham Community Center, supporting senior living in New Canaan. Joel is a member of the Exchange Club which serves New Canaan with multiple service projects each year.

Joel has an engineering degree and an MBA, his career includes 30 years with IBM after which he co-founded a technology company before retiring – yes, retiring to all these service and volunteer positions.

Joel and his wife Carol, a realtor in town, raised two children and have four grandchildren.

Gene Dunkin, club president, says “Joel’s contributions are a wonderful and enduring example of how our many members contribute to our club and community”.


Congratulations to  – our 2021  New Canaan Men’s Club – Distinguished Service Award

The New Canaan Men’s Club has recognized Steve Johnson with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award, presented annually to a club member who has provided exceptional, long-term service to the club, the Town of New Canaan and its surrounding communities.

“Steve has been very active during this special time of the Covid crisis, and he started a lifetime of service with the Peace Corps as a young man” said Awards Committee Chairman Ralph Hills.  This honor recognizes not just one person, but serves as an example of how the New Canaan Men’s Club’s 360 members donate their time and talents to support numerous public and civic organizations, both locally and across the state.”

Steve has served as club president and for many years as committee co-chairman for the Annual and Christmas meetings.  Steve is active in supporting the New Canaan’s EMT CPR education for club members and is a member of the Humorist team.

Steve has a prominent role in two of the town’s newest initiatives, Navigating Today’s Normal, and Town of New Canaan’s Behavioral Health Program for Covid.  Steve works with both organizations and has appeared as a speaker on the Internet and Channel 79 to help our seniors deal with Covid and to promote the program beyond the New Canaan community.

And for the younger people of New Canaan Steve played a leading role in the Men’s Club production of ‘A Christmas Carol’, featured on Channel 79.  Steve and another club member, Tom Davies, produced and hosted a three-part multimedia presentation ‘Up the River’, a history of the Hudson River from New York City to upstate Troy, painting a comprehensive picture of the illustrious waterway via online meetings and internet postings.

Steve is active in his church, St. Aloysius, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, regularly supporting the Knights’ community food collections as well as helping raise the annual Christmas Creche which is a perennial town favorite. He has conducted guitar workshops at the Lapham Community Center. Steve has swung a hammer for Habitat for Humanity on several home construction jobs. Most recently, he has joined the “Lifetime Learner” program as a volunteer lecturer at Norwalk Community College (NCC).

Steve has lived a lifetime of service beginning with a two-year posting in Ethiopia as a member of the Peace Corps.  And now, in the midst of the Covid epidemic, Steve is more active than ever appearing on the internet and media outlets such as our Channel 79.

Men’s Club President Keith Richey said, “Steve’s contributions are a wonderful example of how our members contribute to our community.  We are pleased to recognize Steve with this honor, his work is an inspiration to us all.”


Congratulations to Nick Yanicelli – our 2020 New Canaan Men’s Club – Distinguished Service Award

The New Canaan Men’s Club has recognized Nicholas A. (Nick) Yanicelli with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award, presented annually to a club member who has provided exceptional, long-term service to the club, the Town of New Canaan and its surrounding communities.

“For years, Nick has been a dedicated member of the New Canaan Men’s Club, and his commitment to helping worthy causes goes well beyond the club” said Awards Committee Chairman Ralph Hills. “  This honor recognizes not just one person, but serves as an example of how the New Canaan Men’s Club’s 400 members donate their time and talents to support numerous public and civic organizations, both locally and across the state.”

At the men’s club, Yanicelli serves on the Board of Directors, and has previously served as president, vice president, Nominating Committee chair and director of Public Relations.

Nick and his wife, Carroll, and family are active in New Canaan and Connecticut civic initiatives.  Nick currently is on the Board of Governors of the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society.  At Saint Aloysius Church, he chairs the Finance Committee; is a Lector; Altar server; and participates in Driving Ms. Daisy, a ministry that women residents from the New Canaan Inn to Church.  As a Eucharistic Minister Nick participates in ecumenical services at Waveny Care Center.

Beyond New Canaan, he is on the Board of Foundation In Faith Inc. for the Diocese of Bridgeport.  He also served on the Institutional Review Board of the Norwalk Hospital Whittingham Cancer Center for 13 years as a lay representative advocating for those involved with FDA cancer protocols.

Nick has served on the boards of State of Connecticut and Fairfield County Home Builders Associations with an emphasis on the Government Affairs Committee activities.

As President of the Malta Justice Initiative, Mr. Yanicelli advocated for criminal Justice reform and was active in educating and informing Connecticut citizens and the legislature about the issues and taxpayer costs related to the Connecticut Criminal Justice System.  Nick’s work, in collaboration with others, resulted in a book entitled, The Justice Imperative– How Hyper-Incarceration Has Hijacked the American Dream, authored by Brian Moran.  The book addresses crime, recidivism, community safety and taxpayer costs.

With his interest in criminal justice reform, Nick serves on the Board of the Prison Ministry Apostolate of North America, working with advocates across the country to distribute bibles and prayer books, and promoting initiatives on reconciliation, rehabilitation and re-entry.

Men’s Club President Roger Williams said, “Nick’s contributions are a wonderful example of how our members contribute to our town and to the overall well-being of the state. We are pleased to recognize him with this honor, his work is an inspiration to us all.”

Nick made these comments upon receiving his award.

“I would like to thank Ralph Hills and his Distinguished Service Committee for their dedication to this process of making the club’s service more visible to the community.  I am proud to be a member of this Club so dedicated to service to our community.  The committee’s new initiative of a Community Service database showing where members serve and adding agencies looking for help will make the Service part of our new logo, Fellowship and Service, visible more often than this once-a-year award.

People speak of the three “Ts” – Time, Treasure and Talent.  I feel service is all three, not a destination, but a mindset that you carry with you.

It is each and every one of you who make every committee, every group, and every activity what it is.  In many ways volunteerism is the very foundation of this club.

So I accept this Distinguished Service Award on behalf of all of you for the many hours of time that you so generously give in service to this organization and this community.”


Congratulations to Jim Lisher – our 2019 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

Jim has been a Men’s Club member for 15 years. As vice president, Jim brought us many outstanding speakers, was on the board, and was founder of the Health Club program. Jim is a wonderful asset to our club, says Steve Johnson, Club President, but even more to the citizens of New Canaan and Connecticut.

In New Canaan, Jim has served 10 years on the Town Health & Human Services Commission, being Chairman for 9 years, and before that Chaired the Aging Commission. Jim has chaired several studies for the Board of Selectmen on Senior Health Care & Housing needs for the next 20 years, which resulted in the New Canaan Optimal Livable Community Plan. As part of the plan, he helped create the iSTEP Tele-Health Program with some 300 registered senior residents. This program was recognized as a CT Livable Community Best Practice, and Jim was recognized in 2017 with the Silver Source Fairfield County Innovation Award.

In a parallel Telehealth program for Seniors, Jim was on a multi-state team to secure funding for a CT low income seniors health program called TIPS, which received a $1Mill grant, and CT is now part of a state regional program. CT-TIPS opened in Stamford in 2017, now has over 130 participants. Jim was asked to present both the New Canaan & Stamford community-based telehealth programs at a 10-state Regional Telehealth Conference in 2017 & 2019

Jim is also very active in workforce development in our surrounding communities and the state of CT Jim is Board Chairman of Career Resources, Inc.(CRI), a job training non-profit serving 30,000 low income unemployed with 8 offices across the state In 1998 he started the STRIVE job training program in CT for the hardest-to-employ, merging with CRI in 2003. CT-STRIVE now has over 6,000 graduates and operates in four CT cities. CRI/ STRIVE was recognized with “The 2017/18 CT Neighborhood Builder Award” by Bank of America.

Jim is on the Advisory Board of Staying Put, and has served on the boards of the Waveny LifeCare Network, The New Canaan Inn, World Affairs Forum and the Bridge Fund of NY. He is a member of St Mark’s church, Gridiron Club, Squash Club, NC Roundtable and Lake Club.


Congratulations to Harvey Place – our 2018 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

The New Canaan Men’s Club is pleased to announce that Harvey Place has been recognized as our 2018 Distinguished New Canaan Man. This award, noted committee chairman Ralph Hills, recognizes club members who have provided exceptional and long term service to the club, to the town of New Canaan, and to our community.

Harvey has been a resident of New Canaan since 1983. Harvey’s involvement with the New Canaan Men’s Club is well recognized, with important committee roles as Chairman of Directory, Chairman of Golf, and leading roles in Membership and Public Relations. Harvey has served on the NCMC board of directors and helped with transitions to new leadership as part of the Nominating Committee.

Nicholas Yanicelli, club president, says “Harvey works on many of our leadership teams with high energy and attention to detail, a real benefit to our club and the community”.

In 2017 Harvey completed a decade of service on the board of New Canaan’s Get About, Inc, including as Vice President, and was honored by the organization for his service. They noted that Harvey was “an inspiration to riders and his fellow board members”. He served as Co-Director of Get About Operations and was instrumental in modernizing the organization’s fleet of vans.

Harvey has volunteered his time over the past eight years providing counseling on Medicare Part D for seniors at Lapham Community Center. An annual undertaking, this service can provide valuable savings for town residents, and reflects diligent work on Harvey’s part in keeping up with current regulations and opportunities.
Harvey and his wife Chris are raising a Lab puppy as a Guiding Eyes for the Blind dog.

This is just another example of Harvey’s generous nature in support of community and not-for-profit causes.


Congratulations to Jack Murray – our 2017 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

Jack has been a member of the New Canaan Men’s Club since 1993 and served as VP and President. His other leadership activities include the Christmas Toys collection for Family Reentry, the Trailblazers Hiking Group, the SkyBlazers Flight Simulator group, and as a ember of the Couth Committee, he has organized and led a number of our travel adventures.

Jack was a key founding member of the Lapham Community Center Computer Learning Center. To meet demand for these courses Jack recruited and coordinated more than 30 volunteer instructors as the course list expanded to 35. When the digital era came upon New Canaan, Jack responded to the first selectman’s call for assistance and worked with Town Commissions to put their minutes and meetings on the town website.

In the fall of 1981, Jack contributed to our community by bringing the Emmaus Retreat Weekend for teenagers to St. Aloysius in New Canaan. Twice a year up to thirty-six teens attend the retreat, supported by 120 volunteers. After 36 years the program is going strong and Jack is now an Emeritus member of the Emmaus team.

Since 2007, Jack has been collecting books from local libraries and taking them to all sixteen Connecticut Prisons. In 2015, he delivered over 10,000 books and in 2016, 8,000 more.

At our annual meeting May 5, 2017 at the Country Club of New Canaan, Jack stated that almost everything he has accomplished as a member of New Canaan Men’s Club has been with the help of so many club members and other members of the community.

Jack Murray (June 5, 1933 – February 10, 2021)


Congratulations to Brian  Hollstein – our 2016 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

The New Canaan Men’s Club, founded in 1977, is pleased to announce that Brian  R. Hollstein has been recognized as our 2016 Distinguished New Canaan Man. This award, noted committee chairman Ralph Hills, recognizes club members who have provided exceptional and long term service to the club, to the town of New Canaan, and to our community. Brian was recognized at the club’s annual meeting held May 6th at the Country Club of New Canaan.

Brian has been an outstanding member of the New Canaan Men’s Club since 2003 and has served in many capacities including President, Vice President and Book Club chairman. Club president Les de Villiers says “Brian is a wonderful example of someone who does so much good for others without looking for publicity or praise. We are proud to have him as our Distinguished New Canaan Man for 2016”.

Brian is also our “master gardener”, providing weekly tutorials on all things flora. Club member Bill Sessions says “Brian has that rare ability to deliver a profound message and yet make it seem light and humorous”.

Brian&’s New Canaan community service includes creating the Gospel Garden at St Mark&’s Church in support of the New Canaan Food Pantry, chairing committees for the St Mark’s May Fair, chairing the St Mark’s Outreach Commission’s funding of local charitable efforts and as a member of the church vestry and clerk of the vestry. He serves as an Eagle project adviser for Troops 70 and 31, Boy Scouts of America and as a Gold project adviser for the Girl Scouts of America. In 2011 he received the YMCA Top Asset Builder Award for services to youth as well as the STAR Humanitarian Award in 2012.

Brian has served for several years as a member of the Risks Management Board of AmeriCares and is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He aided with the funding proposal evaluation for New Canaan Community Foundation. Brian was a member of the New Canaan Town Computer Security Committee and served on the New Canaan Bird Influenza Committee.

Brian says “New Canaan is a town with an enviable reputation for the work of its’ volunteers. I am very proud to receive this award because I am joining a group of men who have made a difference in New Canaan. I encourage others to get involved.”


Congratulations to R. Vance Ward – our 2015 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

The Senior Men’s Club of New Canaan, founded in 1977, is pleased to announce that R. Vance Ward has been recognized as our 2015 Distinguished Senior New Canaan Man.

This award, noted committee chairman Ralph Hills, recognizes club members who have provided exceptional and long term service to the club, to the town of New Canaan  and to our community, Vance was recognized at the club’s annual meeting held May 8th at the Country Club of New Canaan.

Vance has been an outstanding member of SMC since 1990. He has been a Director, and was President for the fiscal year 1996/1997. For a number of years he was Chairman of the Couth Committee, the SMC group that organizes educational trips and excursions for members.  While President he set up the committee for new member orientation where he initiated professional programs to help new members integrate into the Club and learn of all the SMC activities.  In addition Vance also started the fourth Friday lunch program.

Vance joined the Exchange Club of New Canaan in 2000 and was the Club’s 63rd President in 2011. The mission of Exchange is to raise funds for the prevention of child abuse.  Over the years he has served on the Donation’s Committee and for a time was Chairman.  The committee is responsible for the allocation of donated funds to many charities and organizations supported by Exchange.  The major fundraiser is Christmas tree sales at Kiwanis Park in December of each year.  Currently Vance is the head Santa Claus and holds fort at the Merrie Bee at Christmas time.

A key part of Vance’s life since 1994 has been with SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives.  The organization provides free one on one mentoring as well as many free workshops to help small businesses and not for profit organizations in the USA. There are over 400 chapters and more than 10,000 mentors.  The Fairfield County Chapter has over 100 mentors and is consistently recognized in the top three chapters in the country. Vance has held a number of officer positions including Chapter Chair for two years starting in 2003. He is on the Executive Committee. He currently mentors 12 successful small businesses in Fairfield County on an ongoing basis.  Bob Witt, a former President of SMC and currently President of GetAbout commented how Vance volunteered to use his skills for the GetAbout program.  “I have some free time that I can look at your organization from a SCORE perspective.  I think I might be able to add some ideas that will be helpful.”

R. Vance Ward (June 19, 1929 – January 18, 2017)


Congratulations to Henry H. “Pete” Stair – our 2014 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

The Senior Men’s Club of New Canaan, founded in 1977, is pleased to announce that Henry H. “Pete” Stair, Pete, has been recognized as our 2014 Distinguished New Canaan Senior Man.

This award, noted committee chairman Ralph Hills, recognizes club members who have provided exceptional and long term service to the club, to the town of New Canaan, and to our community.

Pete was recognized at the club’s annual meeting held May 9th at the Country Club of New Canaan.

Pete has been an outstanding active member of SMC for 19 years and has served in many capacities including Vice President of Programming, speaker on topics including the Future of the Internet and New Orleans – Post Katrina.  Pete manages the SMC Website and provides internet and A/V technical support.

Pete is the Leader of the Sidewalks of New York club Trips to venues such as the Tenement’s Museum, 5 Pointz in Queens, Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and a tour of the Subway Museum in Brooklyn.   Pete is a licensed Sightseeing Guide in New York City.  These trips have been extended to the Lapham Community Center and Staying Put In New Canaan membership.

Pete’s volunteerism of support, skills, and services have benefitted many in the New Canaan Community.  Pete was a co-developer of the original town website and maintained it for many years.  He leads the Lapham Webmasters, has taught several classes on computer and internet usage and is an active member of the Lapham PC Doctors helping members of the community resolve PC issues.   Pete has been a technical support advisor to the town’s Election Systems and helped in the implementation of the most recent ballot scanning systems.  Pete is the main information technology advisor for the historical society including their A/V system and their website.

Pete is a founding member of Staying Put in New Canaan, Inc.  He has enhanced the web site, designed, installed and maintains their electronic communications equipment and serves as a consultant to SPNC members who need help with their computer systems.

Pete is a member of the New Canaan Gridiron Club, which annually roasts a Town resident while benefitting a local charity. He has managed the real-time prompting system for the cast of the show for several years and also worked with the stage settings.

Pete is active on the New Canaan Library technical committee and provides website design guidance and has helped resolve problems with the Town’s fiber optic systems and the library’s outside vendors’ web sites.


Congratulations to Bob Witt – our New Canaan Men’s Club 2013 Distinguished Man.

Bob joined the Men’s Club in 1998.  He led the paddle tennis group from 1998 – 2002 and the refreshments program during this same time. Then in 2000 Bob was elected a Vice President in charge of speaker programs. In 2002 he was elected President. This was followed by chairing the Couth activities from 2004 to 2008. Bob spent many years in club activities including delivering the nibbles for the refreshments of our members..

Bob was President of Getabout, Inc for many years. Getabout’s mission is to provide rides within New Canaan to seniors and those with special needs. He has helped build the organization to a significant asset for the community with a fleet of five vehicles.

Bob brought this same enthusiasm to the newly formed Staying Put Board of Directors. Staying Put is an organization to give New Canaan senior residents both the practical means and the confidence to live their lives to the fullest in their own homes.

Bob Witt (September 15, 1933 – September 10, 2015).


Congratulations to Dave Hunt – our 2012 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.


Congratulations to Jack Messert – our 2011 New Canaan Men’s Club Distinguished Man.

Jack Messert, a community volunteer who serves on the board for the Schoolhouse Apartments, receives the Distinguished Man Award from Nick Zaccagnino, now former president of the Senior Men’s Club of New Canaan.

New Canaanite and Senior Men’s Club member Jack Messert is a distinguished man in more ways than one. According to the Senior Men’s Club, the Distinguished Man Award recognizes members who volunteer in the community and can be viewed as an example of some of the civic contributions made by members. This year, Messert was given the title.

Before retiring in 2003, Messert had a career at IBM in marketing and product development. He joined the club in 2000, where he immediately got involved with club activities. He has served as the club’s president, vice president, jester and served as chair of the Photography Club.

“I joined the Senior Men’s Club while I was still working in 2000,” Messert said. “I was just starting golf and a neighbor said the club played at different courses, so I joined. I started to attend the meetings on a regular basis and enjoyed the quality and the array of speakers, the diversity of activities, and spousal events from hiking trips across the Brooklyn Bridge to Broadway shows.”

Having a background working at IBM, Messert became involved with many Lapham activities and taught several computer courses. He continues to support about 75 New Canaan seniors with their home computing issues and needs. Messert is also a state certified moderator and works all of New Canaan’s elections.

In 2006, Messert became involved in serving the residents of the Schoolhouse Apartments, which houses low income seniors in a handicapped-accessible housing complex, and began working with their management company to update the facilities and develop a safe environment.
“A few months after I joined, a request for a volunteer to write a monthly newsletter for the Schoolhouse apartments came from the Senior Men’s Club president who was also chairman of the Elder Services Commission,” he said. “I volunteered, two years later I was asked to join the board and became treasurer, and became deeply involved with the facility and the residents.”

Also in 2006, Messert retained a $400,000 grant from the state of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development to replace a badly leaking schoolhouse slate roof. Because of Messert’s planning and attention to detail, the roof came in under budget and $15,000 was returned to the state.

In 2009, Messert worked with the Schoolhouse management company and outside consultants and received a Green Retrofit Grant for $426,000. Because of the grant, the Schoolhouse apartments gained new boilers, air conditioners, stoves, toilets and ceiling fans, as well as other upgrades in order to provide a significant amount of savings along with environmental benefits. Messert also secured the donation of five new lap top computers for the residents of the apartments. Messert said receiving the award means a lot to him.

“I was honored to receive the award since so many of the Senior Men’s Club members are involved in volunteering in activities ranging from New Canaan Governmental Commissions to mentoring students to managing activities like the Getabout,” he said. “New Canaan is unique and I felt that I accepted the award on behalf of all of the volunteers.”


Congratulations to Jim Schlumpf – our first New Canaan Men’s Club 2011 Distinguished Man.

James D. Schlumpf was recently elected as a “Distinguished Senior Man of New Canaan” by the Senior Men’s Club.

“Most members of the Senior Men’s Club give many hours of volunteer service at local non-profit and government organizations in order to make things better for the community,” Paul Stein, club President, said. “While it is typical of our members to work hard in volunteer jobs to make New Canaan a better place to live, Jim has gone far above and beyond the average both as a worker and in leadership positions. His contributions of time and effort over the years are notable.”

The honor of being “distinguished” is done periodically by the Senior Men’s Club after reviewing the candidate’s contributions and a vote by the entire organization. Stein said Schlumpf deserves the award for the “thousands of hours of unpaid volunteer service to the community over many years.”

“It was surprising for starters,” Schlumpf said.  He believes that the Senior Men’s Club has countless individuals doing so many different things and said it was very humbling to be recognized from that group. “I think there are so many wonderful men that have made so many contributions to this town that should be recognized,” he said. “So, needless to say, I was very honored to be singled out amongst such an extraordinary group of men.”

Schlumpf enjoyed a fruitful career in IBM as director of manufacturing planning. He came to New Canaan in 1973, his family’s fifth move for IBM. Since then he and his wife, Susie, have raised four children in New Canaan and now have seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He said he did not have a chance to volunteer as much as he would have liked until after retirement.

“Like many, I came to town in the midst of my career when I was working long hours seemingly every day. Along with many others, I lived here, went to work from here but didn’t really get to know the community or a lot of people in it. When I retired, I finally had time to work with others here and found I enjoyed it,” Schlumpf said. “I would say to men and women in similar situations `Get involved!’ Find an organization, introduce yourself, volunteer and get involved. It’s rewarding and fun.”

His specific volunteer work spans more than two decades with organizations like the police commission, where he was chairman for 10 years and the Poinsettia and Gridiron Clubs of New Canaan.

“As examples of what he has done, Jim was a trustee and later chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Congregational Church. He also gave time to many community projects of the Exchange Club starting in 1986, and was its president in 1990 and 1991,” Stein said about Schlumpf’s work. “For four years starting in 1987 he served on the New Canaan Commission on Aging and in 1992 joined the board of the New Canaan Inn. In 1994 he began a two-year term as president of that board.”

Schlumpf said the thing that appeals to him most about volunteering in New Canaan is the ownership residents take of the town.
“People in New Canaan care about New Canaan and they take it upon themselves to make it a better place. Think about all the things in this town where people have championed ideas and they have fought for those ideas to make it happen. For example, Staying Put in New Canaad and the Lapham Community Center before that. Think about how many people were initially against those initiatives. And now they are the jewels in the crown so to speak,” he said fondly. “It’s that sort of spirit of making this town the best it can be that appeals to me.”

James Schlumpf (Oct. 11, 1930 – Oct. 27, 2015)