New Canaan There & Then: John & Carolyn Kennedy, the New Canaan Couple That Might Have Been

By Nick Williams, Board Governor, New Canaan Museum and Historical Society | May 28, 2026

‘New Canaan There & Then’ is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens Realtors Bettina Hegel, Joanne Santulli and Dawn Sterner.

Within days of the tragedy that summer of 1999, the New York Post carried the intriguing story that the beautiful young couple were under contract to purchase property in New Canaan.

The story, titled in the Post’s inimitable way, “Estate Would Have Been Great for Kids,” was uncharacteristically fact specific:

Waveny LifeCare Network ‘Breaks Ground’ on New Rehab Center

Waveny LifeCare Network—a venerable nonprofit that provides a continuum of care for seniors—this week “broke ground” on a widely anticipated new facility in New Canaan.
Did You Hear … ?

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‘Preserving This Treasure’: Merritt Parkway Exhibition on at New Canaan Library

A new exhibition based on a historic local roadway has opened at New Canaan Library.
‘We’ve All Endured Four Years of Agony’: P&Z Gives Formal Approval for 102-Unit Affordable Structure at Weed and Elm

Bemoaning what the Planning & Zoning Commission’s chair characterized as the failure of a local developer and legal “intervenors” to negotiate an alternative project, the appointed body this week voted to approve a 102-unit affordable housing complex at Weed and Elm Streets, as required by a state Superior Court judge.
Letter to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter.
‘My Favorite Time’: The Glass House ‘Summer Party’ Set for June 6

A world-famous architectural wonder in New Canaan- the primary National Trust for Historic Preservation Site in Connecticut- is preparing to hold its sole annual fundraiser.
Town Council Votes 8-4 To Pass Summertime Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in New Canaan

Following years of stop-and-go community efforts, New Canaan’s legislative body last week passed a summertime ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. (more…)
DUI Charge for Man, 69

Police late Monday arrested a 69-year-old Darien man and charged him with driving under the influence.
‘No Plans To Displace’ Teams: YMCA Responds to Community’s Concerns About Future of Valles Pool

Though an aging pool at the New Canaan YMCA needs “extensive repairs,” the organization says, there “are no plans to displace” the Caimans or New Canaan High School teams that use it.
New Canaan Man, 50, Charged with Unlawful Restraint

Police last week arrested a 50-year-old New Canaan man and charged him with second-degree unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct.
Dogwood Lane Colonial Sells for $3,750,000

The following property transfer(s) were recorded recently in the Town Clerk’s office.
New Canaan There & Then: Slavery in Connecticut, Venture Smith and the 200th Anniversary of Tom Peterson

‘New Canaan There & Then’ is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens Realtors Bettina Hegel, Joanne Santulli and Dawn Sterner. The upcoming Independence Day is, of course, the sesquicentennial of our country. For history lovers this Fourth of July will also be remembered as the 200th anniversary of the deaths of both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in 1826 (in that order, despite Adams’ plaintive last words, “Jefferson lives”), in what surely is the most extraordinary coincidence in American history. (more…)
A Race for All Kids Fighting Cancer: The Gracie Fund’s ‘Soap Box Derby’

A New Canaan family will host an event in town this fall to support children and families facing pediatric cancer.
Letter to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter.
NCLT: ‘Firefly Sanctuary’ Closed for Restoration in 2026; Alternative Tour Set for July 1 at Waveny

A hugely popular spot to watch fireflies during the height of their summer season will be closed this year for habitat and trail restoration purposes.
Man, 46, Arrested After Using Fake ID To Try Withdrawing Bank Funds

Police last week arrested a 46-year-old Bronx, N.Y. man after he tried to use a fake ID to withdraw money from a local bank.