A Record-Setting Day on the Links: Carver’s 12th Annual Golf Classic Raises More Than $180,000 for Students

Carver CEO Novelette Peterking standing with the Presenting Sponsor, Paul, Weiss foursome. Kevin Gomez of Paul, Weiss, second from right.

Under picture-perfect skies at Shorehaven Golf Club, supporters of The Carver gathered on Monday, June 15, for the 12th Annual Carver Golf Classic—and delivered a record-setting day for local youth.

More than 100 golfers representing 27 foursomes joined us for a day of friendly competition, networking, and philanthropy, helping generate more than $180,000 to support Carver programs that serve thousands of students across Greater Norwalk and beyond.

From the opening tee shot to the evening awards celebration, participants enjoyed a memorable day that included:

Michael Gregorich Silver Sponsor foursome: L-R: David Bell, Mike Gregorich, Dom Napolitano, Scott Brooks

• 18 holes of golf at Shorehaven Golf Club

• The BackSwing Golf Events “Beat the Pro” Challenge

• A BMW of Darien-sponsored Hole-in-One Contest

• Putting Green Competition

• Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle

• Cocktails, dinner, awards, and fellowship

The event was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, led by Presenting Sponsor Paul, Weiss, Gold Sponsor Ironview Capital Management, and dozens of businesses, foundations, and individuals who contributed to the event's success. We also thank Moffly Media, our media sponsor, for helping share the story of Carver's impact throughout the community.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated Golf Classic Committee:

Novelette standing with Golf Classic committee member, Griffin Thrush

• Bill Gallagher, Co-Chair

• Drew Seath, Co-Chair

• Jonathan Adelman

• Deirdre Cavanagh

• Ryan Griswald

• Jay Hinton

• Brad Jordan

• Adam Sorensen

• Griffin Thrush

• Oscar Villalonga

• Matt Vodicka

• Jonathan Whitcomb

Their leadership, planning, and commitment helped make this year's tournament our most successful yet.

We are also grateful to Shorehaven Golf Club for hosting the event and providing a wonderful setting for a day that brought together longtime supporters, new friends of Carver, business leaders, and community advocates united around a common goal: investing in young people.

The funds raised through the Golf Classic will support Carver's year-round educational and enrichment programs serving more than 3,300 students. Carver operates before- and after-school programs in every Norwalk public elementary, middle, and high school, as well as Side by Side Charter School, the Classical Studies Magnet Academy, and five elementary schools in Bridgeport, and the Carver Community Center. Led by certified teachers and developed in partnership with schools, families, and community organizations, these programs help students improve academic achievement, strengthen social-emotional well-being, build confidence and leadership skills, and explore new interests through hands-on learning, STEAM projects, arts, recreation, wellness activities, and cultural enrichment. By removing barriers such as transportation and cost, Carver ensures that every child has access to opportunities that support success in school and in life.

The impact of this support will be felt immediately this summer as Carver welcomes more than 1,000 children and teens into a wide range of educational and recreational experiences. Programs include Kick-Off to Kindergarten serving 90 Bridgeport children across six sites; Summer Transition programs helping rising sixth and ninth graders prepare for middle and high school; full-day enrichment camps for more than 500 youth at Ruby Shaw Elementary School; After the Summer Bell serving 150 Kendall School students; Basketball Leadership and Mentorship programs reaching 120 youth through Summer Run and LOVE Unit; and Carver's Ecology School experience in Maine, where students spend a week exploring tide pools, canoeing, hiking, and learning about the natural world. Together, these experiences help young people learn, grow, build friendships, and create lasting summer memories in safe, supportive environments.

To every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, donor, auction participant, and committee member: thank you for helping make the 12th Annual Carver Golf Classic a record-breaking success.

Because of your generosity, more young people will have access to the opportunities, experiences, and support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Why So Many Schools, Museums, and Community Centers Bear George Washington Carver’s Name on Juneteenth

As communities across America celebrate Juneteenth, many gather in places that carry a familiar name: Carver.

From schools and community centers to museums, libraries, parks, and streets, countless institutions across the country are named in honor of George Washington Carver. Among them is The Carver in Norwalk, founded in 1938 (five years before his death), named for one of America's most influential educators, scientists, and champions of opportunity.

While George Washington Carver did not create Juneteenth, his life and legacy embody many of the ideals the holiday celebrates: freedom, education, resilience, innovation, and the ongoing pursuit of opportunity.

Born into slavery in Missouri during the Civil War, Carver rose to become one of the nation's most respected scientists and educators. Through his work at Tuskegee Institute, he helped farmers improve depleted soil, increase crop yields, and build economic independence. More importantly, he demonstrated to a nation still struggling with racial inequality that Black excellence, scholarship, and leadership could flourish despite enormous barriers.

Carver lived during the era when Juneteenth was emerging as an annual celebration of freedom in Black communities across the South. Although there is no record of him organizing Juneteenth events himself, he witnessed the growth of these early observances and devoted his life to advancing the promise of freedom that emancipation made possible.

Today, that connection remains visible nationwide, including in Norwalk.

This Juneteenth, visitors to the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in Austin, Texas, are exploring exhibits that trace the journey from slavery to freedom and the continuing meaning of liberation. The museum's Juneteenth programming highlights both historical remembrance and contemporary celebrations of Black achievement and culture.

Similarly, the George Washington Carver National Monument and numerous schools, museums, libraries, and community organizations bearing Carver's name host Juneteenth events that honor the progress made since emancipation while recognizing the work that remains.

That is why George Washington Carver's legacy remains so relevant to Juneteenth. He represents not only what freedom means, but what people can accomplish when freedom is paired with education, opportunity, perseverance, and community support.

At The Carver, that legacy continues every day. Since 1938, The Carver has worked to ensure that young people have access to the educational opportunities, mentorship, enrichment, and support needed to reach their full potential. Today, more than 3,300 students annually participate in Carver programs that prepare them for success in school, careers, and life.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not simply a historical event. It is an ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for future generations. George Washington Carver understood that truth. His life's work was dedicated to helping others build better futures through knowledge, hard work, and service.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of a man whose name continues to inspire communities across America—and whose vision continues to guide The Carver nearly nine decades after its founding.

"We are our ancestors' wildest dreams." On Juneteenth, George Washington Carver's story reminds us that freedom's greatest promise is not only what was achieved in the past, but what is still possible for the future.

A New Tradition Begins: Norwalk Honors Jazz Legend Horace Silver with Inaugural Jazz Festival

On Sunday, June 21, Norwalk will celebrate one of its most influential native sons with the inaugural Horace Silver Jazz Festival, a free day-long event honoring the life, music, and legacy of legendary jazz pianist and composer Horace Silver.

Hosted at Factory Underground Studio and presented as part of Make Music Day Norwalk, the festival will bring together acclaimed performers, educators, students, and community members for an unforgettable celebration of jazz and local history. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Factory Underground, 16 Isaac Street in Norwalk.

For The Carver, this event carries special meaning because it is the vision of Marc Alan, a longtime friend, advocate, and supporter of Carver youth. Through his leadership at Factory Underground, Marc has repeatedly discovered, mentored, and elevated young artists from our community, helping them find audiences and opportunities to showcase their talents. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians mirrors Carver's belief that every young person deserves the chance to discover and develop their gifts.

"Horace grew up very close to the site of the festival, in the historic Wall Street neighborhood, graduating from Norwalk High School in 1947," Marc said. "I have always wanted to celebrate Horace Silver with a jazz festival named in his honor."

Silver, widely regarded as one of the architects of hard bop jazz, left an indelible mark on American music through classics such as Song for My Father, The Preacher, and Sister Sadie. Fittingly, this first festival coincides with both Make Music Day and Father's Day, creating a meaningful connection to Silver's most beloved composition.

The festival's headline performance will feature the Horace Silver Legacy Quintet, including musicians who performed and recorded with Silver during his celebrated career. Audiences will also enjoy performances by:

• The Fred Feeney Quintet

• Bela Bardos with acclaimed pianist Steve Sasloe

• Lester (Neddy) Smith and Friends

• David DeJesus and selected student musicians

• Joe Corsello and Friends

In addition to the music, attendees will witness the unveiling of an original portrait of Horace Silver created by noted Norwalk artist Robert Abriola, whose distinguished career includes work with EMI Records and numerous iconic recording artists.

The event is produced by Factory Underground Studio in partnership with JazzFC and is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission, and David's Music Room.

As Carver continues to invest in arts education, student voice, and creative expression through initiatives, we are inspired by leaders like Marc Alan who create opportunities for young people to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

We encourage our students, families, alumni, and supporters to attend this exciting new community event and help launch what promises to become a cherished Norwalk tradition.

First Official Horace Silver Jazz Festival
Sunday, June 21, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Factory Underground Studio
16 Isaac Street, Norwalk, CT

Admission is free. Capacity is limited and advance tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Thank you, Marc, for your friendship, your vision, and your ongoing commitment to helping young artists find their voice. Norwalk—and Carver's students—are better because of it.

Norwalk Art Space Launches Expanded Free Summer Arts & Music Programs for Teens

One of The Carver's valued community partners, the Norwalk Art Space, is once again opening its doors to local young people with an exciting lineup of free summer art and music classes for students ages 12–18.

Beginning in July and continuing through August, students can explore their creativity through a wide variety of engaging classes, including Out of the Box Collage, Make Your Own Manga, Illustrating Pop Art, Surface and Stitch, String Ensemble, Children's Choir, and many more. The expanded summer schedule marks the most comprehensive summer offering in the organization's history.

"In celebration of our fifth anniversary this June, we are offering students in the area the most comprehensive and robust summer session ever, with over 11 art sessions and, for the first time ever, three music classes," said Executive Director Duvian Montoya.

In addition to creative learning opportunities, the summer program will continue the Norwalk Art Space's popular Feeding Creativity Free Meal Program. Thanks to new support from Westport Farmers Market and the Art Space Cafe, free meals will be available on five Thursdays throughout July and August for students enrolled in one or more summer classes.

The Carver is proud to celebrate the work of organizations like Norwalk Art Space that expand access to high-quality educational and enrichment opportunities for young people throughout our community. Through arts education, music instruction, mentorship, and creative expression, these programs help students build confidence, discover new talents, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come.

Registration for the free summer classes is now open. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the Norwalk Art Space website and explore the full schedule of offerings.

As we continue working together to create opportunities for all learners, we applaud Norwalk Art Space for making arts and music education accessible to every student, regardless of financial circumstances.

Honoring Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom, History, and Community Across Connecticut

As communities across Connecticut prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, The Carver joins in honoring one of the most important milestones in American history and reflecting on the enduring values of freedom, education, opportunity, and community that have guided our work since 1938.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as one of 11 federal holidays and a time to celebrate Black history, culture, achievement, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

The Carver’s connection to this history is deeply rooted in our founding. Established in 1938 and named in honor of the renowned scientist, educator, and humanitarian George Washington Carver, our organization was created during a time when opportunities for many communities remained limited by racial and economic barriers. Born into slavery in Missouri during the Civil War, George Washington Carver overcame extraordinary obstacles to become one of America’s most respected educators and innovators. His life demonstrated the transformative power of education, perseverance, and service to others—principles that continue to inspire Carver’s mission today.

Throughout Connecticut, Juneteenth celebrations will bring together families, neighbors, artists, educators, and community leaders. Among the state's largest events are the 34th Annual Juneteenth Parade & Harambee Festival in Bridgeport, celebrations in Hartford and East Hartford, the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Parade and Liberation Day Festival in Middletown, citywide festivities in New Haven, community celebrations in Stamford, Milford, and Waterbury, and educational programs hosted by museums, libraries, historical societies, and cultural institutions across the state.

Closer to home, Norwalk will host a three-day Juneteenth Celebration & Carnival from June 19–21 at Veterans Memorial Park. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides, games, and community activities celebrating Black culture, freedom, and unity. Sunday's festivities will also coincide with Make Music Day, inviting musicians and community members to participate in a public jam session. Organizers have indicated that proceeds from the event will support Norwalk’s annual Black Heritage Parade scheduled for September.

These celebrations offer an opportunity not only to reflect on the past but also to reaffirm our shared commitment to creating opportunities for future generations. At Carver, that commitment is reflected every day through programs that help thousands of young people of all races and backgrounds build the academic, social-emotional, and leadership skills needed to succeed in school, careers, and life.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the resilience and contributions of those who came before us, recognize the progress made, and renew our dedication to ensuring every child has access to the opportunities they deserve.

From all of us at The Carver, we wish our students, families, staff, partners, and supporters a meaningful and inspiring Juneteenth.

A Gift of Life: Carver's Tricia Ciccone Celebrates One Year Since Transformative Kidney Donation

For most people, friendship is measured in years. For Carver's Director of Elementary School Programs, Tricia Ciccone, friendship is measured in something even more profound—the gift of life itself.

This month, Tricia and her lifelong friend, Emily Horton, celebrated the one-year anniversary of a successful kidney transplant that forever changed both of their lives. As reported by Nancy On Norwalk, the two women, surrounded by approximately 80 family members, friends, and supporters at a gathering in downtown Norwalk, marked a milestone that reflects extraordinary courage, compassion, and friendship.

Their journey began in 2021 when Emily suffered a devastating medical crisis while traveling in Florida. Complications related to Crohn's disease led to multiple emergency surgeries, a lengthy hospitalization, and permanent kidney damage. After returning to Connecticut and spending years undergoing dialysis treatments several times each week, Emily's future depended on finding a suitable kidney donor.

Tricia Ciccone

Family members were tested, but were not compatible matches. Tricia, a close friend of more than three decades, volunteered to be tested and learned that she was a perfect match.

In June 2025, Tricia underwent surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital to donate one of her kidneys to Emily. The transplant was immediately successful.

"The minute the kidney went in her body, she started producing," Tricia recalled.

One year later, both women are healthy and thriving. Their celebration honored not only the successful transplant but also the many family members, friends, medical professionals, and community supporters who stood beside them throughout the journey.

Emily's daughter, Rebecca, reflected on the impact the experience has had on both families, noting that Tricia is no longer simply a family friend but truly family.

Live kidney donation remains relatively rare, yet it offers life-saving hope to thousands of people waiting for transplants. Tricia's selfless act serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in another's life.

At Carver, we have long known Tricia as a dedicated leader, advocate for children, and champion of educational opportunity. Her decision to become a living donor reflects the same compassion, generosity, and commitment to others that she demonstrates every day in service to Carver students and families.

We are incredibly proud of Tricia and grateful to celebrate this remarkable anniversary with her. Her story is an inspiring testament to friendship, courage, and the extraordinary impact of putting others first.

Free Year-Long Museum Memberships Available for Norwalk Families Receiving SNAP Benefits

The Carver is excited to share a valuable opportunity for Norwalk families.

Our longtime partner, Stepping Stones Museum for Children, has launched the Open Arms Neighbors Membership Program, providing free year-long museum memberships to Norwalk families who receive SNAP/EBT benefits.

Beginning June 1, 2026, eligible families can enjoy unlimited access to the museum year-round at no cost. The new pilot program reflects Stepping Stones' belief that every child deserves opportunities to explore, discover, and grow through hands-on learning experiences.

Families enrolled in the Open Arms Neighbors Membership Program will have access to the museum's interactive exhibits, STEAM workshops, special programs, and playful learning opportunities. Importantly, Stepping Stones aligns its educational programming with Norwalk Public Schools' curriculum, helping to reinforce classroom learning while inspiring creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Carver summer camp kids a few years ago at the museum

Stepping Stones has been a valued partner of The Carver for many years, welcoming Carver students during after-school programs, summer enrichment activities, and special educational experiences. Countless Carver children have benefited from the museum's engaging exhibits and innovative approach to learning.

The Open Arms Neighbors Membership Program helps ensure that more Norwalk children and families can access these opportunities year-round, regardless of financial circumstances.

Families interested in learning more about eligibility and enrollment are encouraged to visit Stepping Stones Museum for Children directly.

The Carver applauds Stepping Stones for expanding access to educational enrichment and creating more opportunities for Norwalk families to learn, play, and grow together.

From Robotics Champions to Real-World Innovation: Ponus Ridge Students Explore Conair Headquarters

For a group of Carver after-school students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, a recent visit to Conair's Stamford headquarters provided an inspiring glimpse into the world of innovation, engineering, and product development.

The visit was made possible through Conair's growing partnership with The Carver and its support of the Carver Innovators initiative, which introduces middle school students to robotics, engineering, problem-solving, and other hands-on STEM experiences. As one of the earliest corporate supporters of Carver Innovators, Conair has helped create opportunities for students to see how classroom learning can connect to exciting future careers.

The Carver Innovators winning robotics team from Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy earned the visit following its first-place finish at the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics held this spring at Norwalk Havoc Robot League (NHRL) in Norwalk.

Led by Joseph J. Giandurco, Carver's Lead Program Coordinator at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and the school's 6th-Grade Science Teacher, students toured Conair's offices, engineering workspaces, and product-testing laboratories. Along the way, they met with professionals from across the organization, participated in hands-on activities, and learned how a product moves from an idea or design concept through testing, manufacturing, marketing, and ultimately into the consumer marketplace.

"The Carver Innovators winning robotics team from Ponus had the opportunity to visit Conair headquarters in Stamford last week to meet with engineers, tour the facility, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the company's research and development," said Giandurco. "They each brought home a bag full of products they chose."

Carver's Manager of Middle and High School Programs, Mary Martini, joined Giandurco in chaperoning the visit.

The Carver extends its sincere appreciation to the Conair team members who coordinated and hosted the experience, including Jenna Moss, Human Resources Specialist; Rafael Soliven, Project Engineer; Robin Krulikowski, Product Certification Coordinator; and Elena Rebimbas, whose enthusiasm for STEM education and commitment to engaging students helped strengthen the partnership between Conair and The Carver. Their willingness to share their expertise, answer students' questions, and create meaningful hands-on learning opportunities transformed the visit into an unforgettable educational experience.

For students who recently spent weeks designing, building, programming, and refining robots, the visit provided a powerful real-world extension of their STEM learning. They were able to see firsthand how engineers collaborate, how products are tested and improved, and how creativity and problem-solving drive innovation.

The trip built upon the success of the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics, which brought together teams from Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and West Rocks Middle School. During the competition, students tackled challenges requiring precision, teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking while demonstrating their growing knowledge of engineering and robotics.

While Ponus Ridge captured the championship trophy, the true victory was the opportunity for students to deepen their curiosity and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Most importantly, the experience highlighted the value of partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and industry leaders. By opening its doors to students and investing in their growth, Conair demonstrated how businesses can play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers.

Joseph J. Giandurco, Carver's Lead Program Coordinator at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, 6th-Grade Science Teacher, standing with his winning students

The visit reflects a growing partnership between Conair and The Carver that extends beyond a single field trip. From serving as an early sponsor of the Carver Innovators initiative to welcoming students into its headquarters, Conair has demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping young people explore pathways in engineering, technology, product development, and innovation. The Carver is grateful for Conair's continued investment in local students and looks forward to building upon this relationship in the years ahead.

For the Carver students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, the journey from building robots in an after-school program to exploring a world-class innovation company may be just the beginning.

Young Philanthropists Invest in The Carver's Mission

The Carver is honored to announce that it has been selected as a 2026 grant recipient by the Young Philanthropists Program (YPP) of the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF).

Following a thoughtful review process that included interviews with nonprofit leaders and careful evaluation of community impact, the student members of NCCF's Young Philanthropists Program selected The Carver as one of the organizations to receive funding this year. The grant was formally presented during the Young Philanthropists Grant Awards Ceremony held on June 2 at the New Canaan Library's Bartlett Auditorium. Carver Senior Development Manager Emily Berliet attended the event on behalf of the organization.

"We are deeply grateful to the students of the Young Philanthropists Program for their confidence in The Carver and the young people we serve," Emily said. "This grant represents more than financial support—it reflects a thoughtful investment by the next generation of community leaders."

The Carver extends special thanks to Meg Soffen, Program Officer at the New Canaan Community Foundation, for her years of support, partnership, and leadership in helping connect local philanthropy with organizations making a difference throughout Fairfield County.

The interview process left a lasting impression on Carver's leadership team. Chandler Wagner, NCCF's Young Philanthropists Program student representative, asked remarkably thoughtful and probing questions about The Carver, its students, and the measurable impact of its programs.

"It was inspiring to see such genuine curiosity, intelligence, and commitment to understanding community impact," said Carver representatives following the interview. "Chandler's questions demonstrated the kind of thoughtful leadership that gives us great confidence in the future of philanthropy."

The Young Philanthropists Program offers New Canaan High School students a unique opportunity to learn about the nonprofit sector and the role philanthropy plays in addressing community needs. Participants meet throughout the school year to learn from community leaders, explore local challenges, raise funds, conduct nonprofit interviews and site visits, and ultimately make competitive grant decisions that support organizations serving the region.

The program culminates each spring with a grant awards celebration that recognizes both the student philanthropists and the nonprofit organizations they choose to support.

Founded in 1977, the New Canaan Community Foundation has spent nearly five decades bringing together donors, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to create meaningful and lasting change. Through grantmaking, scholarships, donor-advised funds, community leadership initiatives, and programs like Young Philanthropists, NCCF continues to foster a healthier, more vibrant, and more connected community.

The Carver is proud to be among the organizations selected by this year's Young Philanthropists cohort and applauds these students for their commitment to learning, service, and thoughtful philanthropy. Their work demonstrates that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow—they are already making a meaningful difference today.

Carver Summer Transition Programs Help Students Start Middle School and High School with Confidence, Connections, and Fun