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Celebrating Excellence and Community Spirit: Highlights from The Carver's Annual Board of Directors Meeting

L-R: Mayor Rilling, Board President Phil Butterfield, CEO Novelette Peterkin, and Board Secretary Valerie Watson

The Carver, a beacon of education and community engagement, recently hosted its much-anticipated Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors. Here is a copy of the Annual Meeting Report.

The event, held yesterday evening, brought together an impressive array of attendees, including Mayor Rilling, past board members, dedicated parents, enthusiastic students, committed staff, and passionate volunteers.

One of the evening's standout moments was the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award to Maximillian “Max” Lu. Max, the youngest United States Chess Federation member to attain a master rating, has been instrumental in teaching the intricate game of chess to Carver's K-5 students through the CASPER program.

L-R: Volunteer Max Lu, CEO Novelette Peterkin, and Board Member Kenneth Shuler

The honor bestowed upon Max symbolizes The Carver's commitment to recognizing and celebrating outstanding contributions to its mission of providing quality education and fostering community engagement. Max's dedication to enriching the lives of young learners through chess exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that The Carver holds dear.

Adding a personal touch to the meeting, Carver high school student Ryan Russell delivered the Program Report, sharing his experiences at The Carver. Here is Russell’s written report from the 2023 Spring College Tour. Russell's insights provided a unique perspective on The Carver's impact on the lives of its students, emphasizing the organization's effectiveness in creating a positive and nurturing environment for learning and personal growth.

Board President Phil Butterfield

The Annual Meeting is a crucial event for The Carver, allowing the organization to reconstitute its Board of Directors. This gathering provided an opportunity to review the progress made over the past year towards achieving The Carver's mission. The event also marked the declaration of goals and progress for the current fiscal year, reinforcing The Carver's commitment to continuous improvement.

In preparation for the public meeting, The Carver meticulously reviewed various plans and policies, including those related to board of directors onboarding procedures and training, bylaws, diversity and inclusion, fundraising strategies, governance, human resources, insurance, legal compliance, record retention, safety protocols, strategic planning, technology, and volunteer management. This thorough examination underscores The Carver's dedication to maintaining high standards of operation and governance.

Carver President Emeritus Charles Burns and CEO Novelette Peterkin

Despite the formalities of the meeting, the atmosphere remained festive, with refreshments provided afterward. This allowed old and new friends of The Carver to come together, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for sharing stories and celebrating achievements.

As The Carver continues to evolve and grow, events like the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors testify to its unwavering commitment to excellence, community spirit, and the transformative power of education.

Carver's Darien Connections Party: A Night of Giving, Success, and Holiday Cheer

Introduction: The Greenhouse at Nielsen's Florist in Darien was not just a venue but a vibrant hub of philanthropy and celebration as Carver's Darien Connections party unfolded. This exclusive event yesterday evening, orchestrated by the dedicated Darien Connections Committee, illuminated the spirit of giving, raising crucial funds, and spreading awareness about Carver's transformative work.

The Darien Connections Committee: Sue Okie and Marcia Cleary, Co-Chairs of the Darien Connections Committee, spearheaded the event with a dynamic team including Kelcie Lopez, Drew and Kim Seath, Jane and Sam Marrone, Liz Bacon, Elmerina Brooks, Barbara Cox, Dr. George Tsimoyianis "Dr. T," and Diana Tsimoyianis. Their collective efforts set the stage for a memorable evening.

Event Sponsors: The success of the evening wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Special thanks to Nielsen's Florist (Bob and Jerry), Michael Joseph's Catering (Kelcie Lopez and Matt O'Brien), Leary's Liquor Cabinet (Kevin Leary), and Cove Tent Company (Lorraine Arguto) for turning the Greenhouse into a magical space that echoed the festive spirit of the upcoming holiday season.

Elected Officials in Attendance: The event garnered attention and support from distinguished elected officials, including Senator Bob Duff; Jim Frayer, District E Common Council member; Jeremy Ginsberg, Director of Land Use on the Planning & Zoning Commission; Tammy Langalis, Sixth Taxing District Commissioner; and State Representative Tracy Marra. Their presence underscored the significance of Carver's mission in the community.

Inspiring Success Stories: The evening featured CEO Novelette Peterkin, Board President Phil Butterfield, committee members, other leaders, and Carver students and staff sharing inspiring stories with our guests. Their narratives vividly depicted Carver's impact on young lives, emphasizing the importance of continued support for the organization.

A Testament to Success: Luis Guaillas, a Carver alumnus and UConn senior studying Civil Engineering, took the microphone to share his journey. As the recipient of Carver's DeAndre Parks Scholarship (awarded to the student with the highest GPA), Luis expressed gratitude for the mentors who guided him and spoke passionately about Carver's profound impact on his life.

Kelcie Lopez standing with her daughter, Zoey, a member of Carver’s after-school 5th Grade Scholars Program at Fox Run Elementary School

Special Recognition: Kelcie Lopez, the Heart of the Event: A particular round of applause goes to Carver's Mom, Kelcie Lopez, the driving force behind the event's success. Kelcie's unwavering dedication made the entire evening possible. From securing food sponsorships from her employer, Michael Joseph's Catering, to leveraging her network for support, Kelcie's commitment to Carver shone through, making the night a triumph for the organization. Kelcie will receive the Darien Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year Award this evening!

Conclusion: Carver's Darien Connections party raised crucial funds and fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility. As the holiday season approaches, the warmth of this event will undoubtedly resonate, reminding us all of the power of collective efforts in creating positive change.

Generosity Beyond Boundaries: M.F. DiScala & Company's CEO, Michael DiScala, Donates 80 Turkeys to Carver's Thanksgiving Food Drive

Mr. Michael DiScala, President and Chief Executive Officer of M.F. DiScala & Company, Inc., Real Estate Investment Bankers

In the spirit of gratitude and community, The Carver extends heartfelt appreciation to a local hero whose generosity significantly impacts this year's Thanksgiving festivities. Mr. Michael DiScala, President and Chief Executive Officer of M.F. DiScala & Company, Inc., Real Estate Investment Bankers, headquartered in Norwalk, has stepped up to the plate, quite literally, by donating a whopping 80 turkeys to Carver's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive!

Established in 1923, M.F. DiScala & Company boasts a rich portfolio, encompassing over 60 properties in 11 states and 23 cities. However, not just the numbers define Mr. DiScala; it's the heart behind his actions. A lifelong Norwalk resident, he has woven a tapestry of philanthropy and community engagement throughout the fabric of his life.

Mr. DiScala's commitment to community welfare is evident in his diverse affiliations. A former Trustee for the Norwalk YMCA, he is also a founding member of the SONO Cares Coalition, a group with a mission to end homelessness by providing crucial resources to those in need within the City of Norwalk. His involvement in the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Norwalk Historical Society underscores a dedication to the growth and preservation of his local community.

Beyond the borders of Norwalk, Mr. DiScala's philanthropic footprint extends globally. He is a longtime supporter of CACLD, a contributing member of St. Matthew's Church, and a generous supporter of the Mercy and Sharing Orphanage in Haiti. Additionally, he lends his support to the Silver Lining Foundation in Aspen, Colorado, a camp specifically designed for children battling cancer.

A family man at heart, Mr. DiScala, along with his wife Donna, resides in Norwalk and is the proud parent of five children and grandparent to six. His commitment to family values is mirrored in his dedication to positively impacting the lives of those less fortunate.

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this year, let's take a moment to reflect on the selfless acts of individuals like Mr. Michael DiScala, whose compassion knows no bounds. His generous donation of 80 turkeys is not just a contribution to our food drive; it's a reminder of the power we each hold to make a difference in the lives of those around us. The Carver is grateful for the support, and the community is more prosperous for individuals like Mr. DiScala, who lead by example.

From Carver to Nursing: Alumna Finds Success through Real-World Experiences

Doulsina Sandoval, a recent Carver alumna, is now pursuing her nursing degree at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. Doulsina credits the real-world experiences she gained at Carver for preparing her for college and her future career.

Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin awarding Doulsina her scholarship award this past June at Carver’s 51st Annual Testimonial Dinner

Doulsina received the inaugural Richard Baudouin Scholarship this past June.

As a high school student, Doulsina participated in paid internships at Norwalk Hospital and Kendall Elementary School through Carver. "These internships helped me become independent in the workplace," Doulsina explained. "In college, you need to be independent because there is no one to hold your hand through the process."

The internship at Norwalk Hospital gave Doulsina invaluable exposure to the healthcare field. It also provided a professional connection to leverage if she chooses to work at the hospital.

Doulsina also made meaningful connections at Kendall Elementary and gained experience working with children. "It's something I always look back on and appreciate," she said.

Doulsina with a high school friend helping out during the pandemic with our annual holiday toy drive

In offering encouragement to Carver kids today, Doulsina emphasized the importance of taking advantage of Carver's opportunities. "Volunteer, join clubs, do internships. All of these things allow you to gain new experiences and skills that you will need throughout your college career and adult life," she advised.

Doulsina credits Carver for helping launch her nursing career through real-world learning. She encourages students to make the most of Carver's resources to prepare for their own bright futures.

Pictured: Brien McMahon High School Volunteers and Future Readiness Coordinator, Rayshonda Mitchell. Left to right: Doulsina Sandoval, Darlah Lapommeray, Ashley Fernandez, Rayshonda Mitchell, Isabel Muñoz, Cynthia Sainrilus.

Screenagers Take on Teen Substance Use on Monday, 11/20, 6:30PM, at NHS: Delaney Ruston Examines Decision-Making in the Digital Age

Screenagers is an award-winning film series that explores the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world.

Positive Directions is proud to host the TurningPointCT.org project: online resources & support for mental wellness, created by young people in CT for their peers. They also serve as fiduciary & coordinator for The Norwalk Partnership and the Westport Prevention Coalition, local coalitions dedicated to preventing substance misuse in their community. Like & follow us! @positivedirections @turningpointct @thenorwalkpartnership @westporttogether

NHRL Robot Combat League Donates to STEM Charities at World Championships, including to Carver!

The National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) has announced it will donate to STEM-focused charities, including Carver, for its upcoming World Championships tournament this Saturday, November 11th. The renowned robot combat league, based in Norwalk, CT, will allocate funds between six organizations, including our Carver STEM Initiative!

Watch the event on the YouTube livestream! It will be available here (and right now, you can see the tournament’s trailer).

You can find NHRL on social media below:

The NHRL World Championships will feature 72 robot-battling teams competing in a live-streamed event from the NHRL's House of Havoc arena in Norwalk. Each team has been granted $1,000 to donate to a STEM charity from the selected group as part of the tournament. With Carver named one of the six beneficiaries, we are honored to receive contributions from multiple competing teams at the event.

This charitable initiative aligns with the NHRL's mission to make STEM and robotics more accessible. The donated funds will help organizations like ours break down barriers to STEM participation, providing opportunities for underserved youth and communities. The NHRL has been pioneering innovative approaches to engage young people in engineering and robots for years through its unique combat events.

The NHRL World Championships will be livestreamed globally on November 11th at 9 am EST. We are thrilled to be part of this momentous tournament and thank the NHRL for its generous support of our work to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators! Tune in on Saturday to catch the teams battling it out in the robot arena!

Celebrating STEAM Education on National STEAM Day

Today, November 8th, is National STEAM Day! STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. This day recognizes the importance of STEAM education at all levels, from elementary school through college.

STEAM subjects play a vital role in shaping young minds and preparing students for the jobs of the future. With the world becoming increasingly tech-driven, it's more important than ever that we provide quality STEAM education. Strong STEAM skills help develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

On National STEAM Day, we celebrate our dedicated educators who make STEAM subjects come alive. From science experiments to coding classes and art projects, talented teachers find ways to engage students' natural curiosity. Their passion and commitment to STEAM education inspire the next generation of innovators, inventors, and visionaries.

We also celebrate our students diving into these subjects with enthusiasm and determination. With each design they prototype, the equation they solve, and the work of art they create, students gain confidence and skills. Collaborating on STEAM projects teaches teamwork and communication abilities that will serve them well in future careers.

The future belongs to those who understand STEAM. That’s why it’s so important to emphasize these subjects in both schools and extracurriculars, before and after school, and in summer! On National STEAM Day, let’s thank the educators and students working together to create our next generation of STEAM specialists! Their efforts ensure a bright future powered by science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.