Here's What New Canaan Leaders Are Thankful For This Thanksgiving

NEW CANAAN, CT — As New Canaan residents prepare to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, they may find themselves asking a simple question that often comes up each November: what am I thankful for?

In light of this, Patch reached out to various town leaders and asked them a similar question: What is one thing in New Canaan you are most thankful for?

These are the responses Patch received, shared in full below:

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."

Assistant Fire Chief Russell Kimes

"The Fire Marshal's office is thankful for the low fire rate in town, thanks to the hard work of so many people involved, from the Building Department and the Fire Marshal's office team, the firefighters of our volunteer Fire Company and career Fire Department, and the careful actions and prevention our own residents practice every day.

The Fire Department is thankful for the amazing partnership we have with our residents who have been signing up for Community Connect, better preparing our response through providing us valuable information about their home and occupants for life safety!

The Office of Emergency Management is thankful for the amazing collaboration and willingness to work together as a team in preparedness across our town leaders, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), public and private schools, non-governmental organizations and faith-based partners. We would never be successful without such forward thinking partners."

Chief of Police John DiFederico

"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."

Superintendent of Schools Bryan Luizzi

"I'm grateful for the trust this community places in our schools every single day. New Canaan is a place where families and educators work together with a shared belief in the transformational power of education. I'm thankful for our students, who bring curiosity, compassion, and promise to our classrooms, and for the educators, staff, and families who support them with such dedication, professionalism, and care. It's a privilege to serve the New Canaan community."

Assistant Director of Recreation Zack Philippas

"For the Recreation Department, we’re most thankful for the New Canaan community. Our programs, parks, facilities, and events thrive because of the families and residents who participate and support what we do. Whether it’s kids at our Summer Camp, athletes on our fields or courts, families enjoying our special events, or residents filling our programs year-round, the community’s involvement is what makes our work meaningful and rewarding."

New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Budd

"I am most thankful for the strong sense of community that defines New Canaan. Every day, I see residents, businesses, and organizations come together with genuine care and collaboration. It's this spirit of connection and shared purpose that truly makes New Canaan such a special place to live and work."

Kim Norton, Town Council Member

"The one thing in New Canaan that I most thankful for is its residents! They truly care about our town and contribute to it in so many ways, making it one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise our families! And of course the Turkey Bowl that is being held in town this year!"

Janet Leung Fonss, Town Council Member

"New Canaan is such a uniquely special community. We have amazing schools, parks and community resources such as Lapham, Waveny and our world class library. Our downtown is quintessential small town New England. Those are all wonderful things; however, the ONE thing I am most grateful for is for our citizens who live and breathe what it means to be a New Canaanite - care for our neighbors, compassion for the less fortunate, volunteering for all sorts of causes. SHOWING UP and CONNECTING with others is what makes New Canaan New Canaan. There is no place like home. Happy Thanksgiving to all!"